Are Laminate & Luxury Vinyl Planks the same?
No! Laminate is made with a fiberwood core, whereas Luxury Vinyl is made with either a stone or wood polymer core. This alone enhances the durability. That fiberboard core reacts poorly to water, which partially explains why most laminate flooring only offers water resistance. Properly installed, laminate can handle a puddle or two but not for long, and only if its planks have tight seams. Expose laminate to water, and the core softens, swells and won’t regain its shape after it dries.
If the MM is the thickness, what does MIL mean?
The Mil layer is the top wear layer of the flooring which adds durability to the plank, making it water and scratch resistant. We are dedicated to offering the best quality of products for our customers. For this reason, we suggest to go with a 12Mil layer or higher as we have found that to be best for both moderate and high traffic homes.
What are the benefits of engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is more versatile and stable than solid hardwood; more resistant to moisture and humidity than solid hardwood; better for below-grade installations – basements, where dampness is common; able to be installed over radiant heating systems, which tend to dry out solid hardwood causing the boards to shrink, cup and buckle. Engineered hardwood flooring overcomes these problems by constructing a multiple-ply plank which counteracts twisting and remains flat and intact.