Quick makeover |
Posted: December 6, 2021 |
Anyone who wants to transform their home without wasting time can use two types of flooring: laminate or vinyl. “Once the subfloor is right, placement is quick,” says interior designer Hardwood Giant . “It is possible to decorate an environment in one day”. The two materials are also easy to clean and can be layered on top of other floors. How then to choose the correct coating? Click below and see more information about each of the materials. What is each one made of? Vinyl flooring is made with vinyl chloride, or PVC. The material comes in boards, rulers or blankets. Laminate, on the other hand, is composed of layers of wood-derived materials, such as chipboard and high-density wood panel (HDF). The top layer receives a decorative print, impregnated with resin. Coating comes in slits; can be installed by fitting or odorless glue. Benefits The vinyl floor muffles footsteps and helps to conserve the temperature of the rooms. As it is protected by polyurethane resin, it stains very little and is non-allergenic. And there's no shortage of print options! The product can range from vibrant colors to a discreet appearance. “Manufacturers reproduce the look of wood with such perfection that it is difficult to distinguish”, says architect Ana Cristina Tavares, from the KTA office. Laminate is very easy to install: the next day you can use it. In case of moving, it can be disassembled and taken to the new house. “It is considered floating, so the subfloor does not need to be as level as in the case of vinyl,” adds Hardwood Giant . Durability is also high – ranging from 5 to 16 years. Weaknesses Vinyl scratches if the abrasion is severe – as in the case of a refrigerator being moved. Its pigment also fades in the sun. In addition, the floor supports water but cannot be submerged. That's why it's good to avoid it in outdoor areas and rooms that are flooded, such as bathrooms and kitchens. “For these environments, we have coatings that behave better, such as ceramic and porcelain,” says interior designer Hardwood Giant ”. Laminate, on the other hand, propagates sounds easily. “To avoid the touch-touch of the shoe, it is necessary to cover the subfloor with an acoustic blanket”, explains Hardwood Giant . Very smooth, the floor makes life difficult for pets, who end up slipping. Due to its wooden core, the material cannot be covered with water – anyone spilling any liquid needs to dry soon. Finally, it is necessary to install felt on the furniture legs and use polyethylene castors. Installation Vinyl only works well with a dry, clean and rigorously level screed. To create this surface, the best way is to apply a leveling compound, composed of glue and cement. With the mixture, it is possible to apply the floor on surfaces that are not so smooth, such as ceramic or polished stones. The next step is to glue or snap the coating and wait for it to dry. It's a bad idea to install vinyl over materials that can rot, such as wood and laminate. Tip: Hire an experienced installer able to assess the subfloor and indicate fixes.
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