Why Vinyl Planks Are Out And Laminate is Back

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Watch My Next LVP Video Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpSnfHtqqtCmqMU

[@russthompson4296]

18 year old self-installed laminate here, no issues, not even a wear pattern, and this is after 3 kids, 19 foster kids, and 5 dogs.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Awesome to hear this…thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@caseyberry6959]

If anyone argues with a guy with 19 foster kids..... You lose

[@terrystewart2070]

Retired flooring contractor here, in the trade since 1969. Right on video. Laminate was just not water resistant enough to begin with. But, the saving grace of laminate was/is the ability to bridge sub floor imperfections. Sub floor prep is the key to a great job, and also can be the most challenging part of your flooring project. Any product that will save you on prep, but still come out as a good looking, acceptable floor is going to be the choice. And now that laminate is water resistant, the choice is easy. The LVP is just too thin, telegraphs all subfloor imperfections.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing your experience - that's great advice. I appreciate you. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@Trumplicksballs]

@@terrystewart2070 apparently you're not using the right vinyl floor. Aquatec flooring is one of the best on the market.

[@nizukan]

I recently had vinyl installed, so far so good. The installers I used recommended using glue not click in. This allows easy replacement if one plank gets defective without having to redo a whole portion of the floor

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@johndough1966]

Best answer. Non-click true vinyl plank glued

[@JOELTILSON]

My basement vinyl plank floors are over 6 years old still look new without any problems. My brother's premium laminate floors are over ten years old and still looking great.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

That’s great news for sure. I love positive stories like that. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@lauriebutler9032]

I just did a kitchen Reno and selected an LVF floor because all I heard was the negativity about the poor water resistance of laminate. I did have my LVF professionally installed and I don't think there are any problems with our sub floor so hopefully I won't have any problems.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@ it sounds like you’ll be fine 👍🏼😊

[@minovskyecm3596]

I've been using glue down luxury vinyl... love it, no clicky lock in hassles, slap some glue down, slap the vinyl down, off you go.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

That’s sounds smart. A few other viewers mentioned similar that glue down vinyl is a great option that people are returning to.

[@minovskyecm3596]

@@HomeRapidRepair Not sure if it is smart... but this is what I have been doing. Our house is on a raised t-foundation with crawlspace. I laid down a 1/4"x4'x6' sheets of concrete hardiboard first. Left those floating and then glued the luxury vinyl down to that. This way removal should be easy regarding the glue mess. Subfloar is unharmed in any way. Cost was more of course for the extra concrete board and install took longer... so far a good 10 years has gone by and looking good.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@@minovskyecm3596 Good job, that's a lot of extra work, but it sounds like it's holding up very well.

[@drakeforte5]

@@minovskyecm3596 You just gave a very good idea. Question if you don't mind, won't the backer shift underfoot? Did you have to glue or screw the corners to the subfloor so it's fixed before laying the LVP? Tx.

[@minovskyecm3596]

@@drakeforte5 No, as you glue down the vinyl pieces it basically creates one large floating floor. we haven't seen any issues of separation... none of the backboard is secured to the subfloor and we did the whole house in one giant floating piece, no separation joints anywhere with trim pieces. and that one large floating floor becomes so big and heavy, it hasn't shifted. the backerboards are quite heavy. but, not sure if we have exceeded weight limits on the house... like you can a roof though?

[@mikestevens2053]

I chose luxury vinyl plank for a large basement application. The material is thick and very heavy, seems bulletproof, and has held up very well. During installation it eats up saw blades, and the packages are hard to handle d/t weight. I think the middle section is ground stone mixed with vinyl for stability. When I think of laminate, I still think of the old MDF core crap, but perhaps it has improved?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing!Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@alanbuck9237]

I had a top-of-the-line Pergo laminate floor put in a condo in 2013. The thing was popping and snapping when you walked on it within six months of installation. I now live in a home that was built in 2017 and used as a model for one year. They used luxury vinyl plank on the floors. I’ve never had such a good floor. It’s absolutely 100% perfect. Nothing is popping loose, there’s no noises. It’s just been Perfect. For me the luxury vinyl plank is a no-brainer over laminate.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏼😊 I agree with everything you shared. All the snap lock floors in the early 2000’s were bad.

[@lastmanlost]

Vinyl with built in padding. The padding takes care of slightly uneven underlayment if of good quality, also vinyl is repairable if you know what you are doing without pulling planks unless it is really ripped apart.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@spacemanspiff8837]

Repairable? Please tell us how

[@lastmanlost]

@@spacemanspiff8837 Yes by a couple of ways, did a seam on a relay by caulking it with caulk that was colored to match with acrylic pain mixed in, for like holes and stuff there are furniture sticks that you can melt and blend, they are made of resin. I didn't say it was an easy amateur job.

[@EJBert]

Went with laminate, it just looks so much better!

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@chasehawes7770]

I installed 79 cent per SF laminate by BHK in my house 15 years ago. Including the kitchen and front entry. They're still in near perfect condition.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

That’s amazing! 👍🏼 Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@wd8786]

I’ve had both types of floors. The laminate swelled because of moisture by the doorways. The vinyl planks the ends and sides cracked off, especially the ends in high traffic areas as he said. The floor has been down for three years now, and it will need to be replaced cracking in many places. Next floor will not be planks. I’ve been in several model homes and they are using vinyl sheet flooring and it looks great.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

You are making really great points of the problems with this snap together “easy” flooring.

[@BurtBowers]

Had a company few years back that just used glue on vinyl planks no locking on sides just glue on the concrete & hold well, only thing is surface has to not have any small chips in concrete or will show bubble but for most part looks good.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing your experience with vinyl flooring 👍🏼😊

[@drwisdom1]

My wife had me put in laminate flooring in the bedroom. It worked out good and I already have the nailer so if I had to do more I would go that route. I wouldn't make my flooring decision based on avoidance of cutting boards, that is one of the easier parts of the job.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Glad it’s working out for you. 👍🏼😊

[@dwayneh1022]

Had LVP installed 4 years ago in bathroom. After a while, began to notice musty smell. Pulled some up and found mold. Anyplace the lvp was, there was mold. Its waterproof but doesn’t breathe. If there are any small imperfections in the subfloor where there may be an air pocket, it will condensate. Never again will I use it. Replaced with tile. Have had carpet, wood and old school linoleum without issues, just the lvp a d I know others who have had similar issues.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

You bring up some very interesting points. Thank you for sharing this. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@Dano-MX5]

Using quality LVP like CoreTec and you will have ZERO issues. Ours is 6 years old in a home with 4 Boxer dogs and it still looks brand new.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

That’s awesome. Glad to hear you can still find quality materials. Thanks for watching 😊👍🏼

[@jmb-cm7mr]

We also have CoreTec some of it is 8 years old. no problems.

[@artlac808]

Over 9 yr old Coretec on unlevel concrete slab. Replaced old laminate. Laminate seams were separating at low spots. LVP no separation. Looks new.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@ LVP is thin…can you see the wavy areas?

[@jmb-cm7mr]

@@HomeRapidRepair Nope i bought an expensive LVP

[@michaellatta]

We did laminate in a house 20 yrs ago that was water resistant and polyurethane top coat, almost indestructable.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Awesome to hear. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@awarriorinside5814]

Installed Lexington Oak vinyl flooring 6 years ago in all my rooms. Still looks like new and I have not encountered any of the problems mentioned in the video.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thank you for sharing your experience 👍🏼😊

[@MZRaider1]

I had Lifeproof LVP from home depot installed like 8 years ago throughout my whole house and haven't had one issue with it. I even had my big pit bull dog who had the zoomies and would run crazy all through my house and he would even start digging in one spot like scratching repeatedly over and over and not one mark or scratch on my floors. I also have it installed in both bathroom and zero issues. I am going to be moving soon and the house Im buying has wood flooring and im thinking of putting LVP over all the wood flooring because I have a dog and OCD and It would bother me to see scratches all over my floors from my dogs nails .

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thank you for sharing the success story with me. I love to hear it. LVP performs really good with dogs. You do point out something you spent good money and got quality. Don’t buy the cheap $.99 per square foot cheap LVP stuff it will not hold up. I’m glad it’s working good for you and yeah, if you stick to the name brand stuff, you will be very happy.

[@jamescunningham4180]

I've had vinyl planks in my last two residents. You should buy and look at vinyl floors that are stamped and colored all the way through not a veneer. Like anything else you get what you pay for.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@bvrod]

I have installed both without issue but waterproof is usually my main concern. I do like the rigidity of laminate - if they can actually get to “waterproof”. And the “luxury” in LVP is only a marketing term - reflected in the price. If installed properly, with proper substrate, no one would tell the difference.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

All great points. Thank you. Many of the laminate flooring manufacturers are now using the term waterproof…is it just marketing? Time will tell.

[@jerseyjim9092]

Our 1st generation Pergo, the kind with glued edges, has held up great for over 20 years in living and dining areas. The only reason we're replacing it is because we're remodeling. Not sure what we'll replace it with. I'm not comfortable putting any wood, lvp or laminate in kitchen or bath so those areas will likely get tile or sheet vinyl. The only downside I can think of with laminate in dry areas is it's harder to install and more noisy. Any low areas in your subfloor can be fixed with flash patch so I don't think that should rule out LVP.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching…I agree with everything you say. You know what’s going on 👏🏼😊🏠

[@CrankyGrandma]

Good old sheet vinyl! It’s getting harder to find but I’ll take a high quality sheet vinyl over LVP or Laminate

[@earthoid]

I'm picking old fashioned sheet vinyl for the kitchen floor and will have it installed by a pro. I have water resistant (up to 24 hours) Pergo laminate in about half the house.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Sounds great! Hey good old-fashioned sheet vinyl will never steer you wrong. I have a video coming out next week about installing peel and stick 12” x 24“ vinyl tiles that are back in trend 👍🏼😊

[@JT_70]

I was in a large medical facility last week that was previously an enclosed shopping mall. I was surprised at how badly the vinyl flooring looked. It was not the quality but the “professional” installation that stood out. I could see every unevenness, bump, depression and flaw in the concrete slab over which the LVT had been laid. It looked bad!

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing this with me. I am surprised that more people don’t talk about LVP floor quality and installation problems…

[@mikestevens2053]

LVP requires a very flat substrate

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@@mikestevens2053 I 100% agree with you. However, I worry the thousands of people that are purchasing every year don’t realize this fact 👍🏼

[@jackt6112]

1. Today, as opposed to not long ago, laminate had issues with moisture, that did not require a spill to effect, thus, you could look across the floor and see every joint. Look for waterproof, not water resistant. 2. To demonstrate a wavy floor with LVP, you use pictures of the glue-down or loose-lay. If you want to see the install requirements for both, go to the Mohawk site where they sell both. The laminate requires a flatter floor than their LVP. It also requires a greater expansion gap. Laminates expand and contract more than SPC LVP. 3. With regard to the fragile locking system shown, you get that with cheap, thin planking, and/or with a poor core. You will never find laminate at thin as LVP because its core is nowhere near as strong as LVP which is heavy, strong, and made of rock bound together with resin, like a quartz countertop, and why it is so heavy and can span nicked up subfloor. That's like comparing wood and steel with the wood being much thicker. 4. The thickness required for laminate is a problem all by itself, and by the tie you add the pad that is normally incorporated with LVP, you are crowding 1/2" instead of less than 1/4". That makes for some ugly transitions and irreversible changes to the position of wall registers that typically go down to the floor level where you can often skate in the registers with no major changes. 5. Both laminates and LVP have a protective layer. LVP has a wear layer. A good laminate is very good at protecting its wood photograph because it has to be. They use an AC rating to reflect its abrasion resistance. 6. Laminate's market share has always been based on price. It got buried by LVP because due to better performance and installed price. The money to invest in changing the composition of laminates' core and install costs came from the increased price of LVP. 7. Both floating products compete in the same market space. Any improvement in laminate market share will be at the cost of LVP market share. 8. Laminate tends to look more like real wood with more variations, which is why I'm sturggling with making laminate fit on the next large-scale project. The detractors are installation costs, raising wall registers with no going back, and the size of transitions.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I think you’ve got a lot of good points in your comments here. You crushed it with one great point after another. I assume you’re in the flooring industry?.? As you know the average homeowner isn’t going to research or read anything, will just shop based on price. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼😊

[@stanleymcomber4844]

The draw back for either is the stairs. Both fail significantly for the solutions for stairs.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Oh no. Crap I bet you’re right. Stairs complicate everything 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ChristopherKerns-n6r]

You are installing on top of carpet ? please explain. Thanks.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Yes, sometimes homeowners don’t want to pull up old carpeting or they’re in a rental situation. It’s just a demonstration video to show it can be done if the floor is firm enough. This is thin commercial Grade carpet and glued down over concrete, so it’s hard as a rock.

[@kings17court]

Hmmm. I just had a house built, and put LVP in every square inch of the interior floor. We have not moved in yet, but the only complaint I have is that it shows the imperfections in the cement underneath. When you open the front door, there is a sliding glass door right across the house, and the reflection of the light magnifies the wavy imperfections in the subfloor, which makes it look cheap --- kinda like linolium. That waviness was a surprise to me, and I don't like it. But at this point it is what it is. It's only visible and an issue in the center of the family room visible from the entrance, because of the light coming in from the sliding glass doors. Should be less noticeable once we furnish the home. If they truly have made laminate waterproof, that might be the preferred choice, because of the extra rigidity.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

LVP is so stinking thin, of course it shows all the imperfections. Remember this is the product the Realtors told us would add tons of value to our houses. You won’t notice it as much after furniture and area rugs…

[@Tony-eb5kh]

I have lvp in my home in Thailand. 2y so far and only issue is some peaking at the butt join in the hallway. Am very happy with it. I don’t see any imperfections from the concrete floor, just feel when walking.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

All fair points. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@TheConstructionchick]

@@Tony-eb5kh peaking means pressure, and will eventually cause the thinner locking mechanism to crack. Right now removing quarter round could solve the situation. Good luck.

[@Tony-eb5kh]

@@TheConstructionchick thanks for the feedback. Am not from America but am assuming quarter round is some sort of moulding around the edges. I layed the floor with a gap of 10mm from the wall and then fixed a baseboard on top allowing for movement. Maybe Thailand’s temperature and humidity varies dramatically compared to America and my country. Regardless, not worried. Thanks anyway 👍

[@TheConstructionchick]

@@Tony-eb5kh I meant removing the quarter round (trim molding) to find the pressure and trim for the expansion. no problem. I truly love lvp and such a good product.

[@classicrockonly]

I self installed vinyl planks in my home. It wasn’t too bad of a job. But I have a funky subfloor and you can tell in places. I have a couple spots giving out but it has been good 4 years now.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching. That’s interesting! I’ve seen that too.

[@classicrockonly]

@ you definitely have me considering laminate for the next floor job :) I found it most interesting that you say it stays more straight overtop the subfloor

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@ yes absolutely 👍🏼

[@scottguitar8168]

I had laminate in my old home and the main issue was water damage due to not catching liquid on the floor quick enough. We have vinyl now, but it has only been a year. It does show subfloor imperfections.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I've heard that a lot of people are having subfloor issues with vinyl. But I think you’ll be OK. Thank you for watching and commenting on my video. I appreciate it.

[@elgringoec]

If you're going with manufactured flooring planks, the PVC ones work okay in bathrooms. But it needs a good base.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I agree with you. Thanks for watching 👍🏼😊

[@madjackgamingandfitness498]

I’ve never had problems installing the planks. And breaking it gripped in your hand is not proving a point. I can take a piece of tile which is hands down the toughest water resistant flooring you could gave, and snap an edge off by tapping it. I’ve never damaged one vinyl plank on install either it’s not the best material, but it’s an easy solution at cost for a decent looking floor, the perks are being able to just replace sections too.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I appreciate your comments here. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@OleensEmbroidery]

Just the information I needed. Thanks.

[@davidcardinal9900]

Lvp all the way. The newer, well made flooring is bombproof. I installed in my rental, awsome. I do a lot of multifamily consutling and everyone is using it as a standard. I have discussed with architects, comtractors, propery managers and maintenance personnel. The only place I could see using is sheet vinyl in a rental in a bathroom as I think you get better protection.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I agree with your sentiments here. As long as you’re buying the quality stuff. Don’t buy the cheap vinyl and expected it to perform… 👍🏼😊

[@rogergodin6443]

Have to redo basement laminate , had an older dog with bladder issues ,water damaged and not guaranteed below grade here in canada

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Are you going to replace with LVP? Vinyl planks actually perform very well with dogs and pets.

[@endstay]

The three vinyl problems you describe are all solved with a level floor.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

You are correct. Thanks. Although most average home owners aren’t going to do all that extra work.

[@steven12908]

I put pergo in my new house wall to wall over 20 years ago, it still looks great. I have family members that put in lvp and it always just looked cheap. And after a few years it looks terrible and needs replaced.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Oh wow! 100% agree with your observations and sentiments. Thanks for sharing this with me 😊

[@slohmann1572]

I bought a home that was renovated to be sold. Big mistake. They laid LPP on an uneven and sagging floor. In six months, it was all ruined. I had to rip it all off, fix the sagging places, install a 1/4 inch underlayment and then install the flooring again. If now there’s waterproof laminate, I’m using that next time.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Sorry you had that problem & experience. But yeah you’re smart. You know what’s going on. I was talking to a flooring expert today and he was basically saying vinyl planks are trash unless the subfloor is perfectly flat… Laminate is a lot stronger and more forgiving.

[@johndough1966]

There is a cheaper click together Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), as shown & discussed here, and then there is a true "lay flat" vinyl plank that can be glued down. Please don't confuse the two very different products as you have done here. The aforementioned "click-together" product is exactly as described, and is typically more 'affordable'. The better option is a true solid and flixible vinyl plank that get glued down without the click-lock system and is a superior product. The only "laminate" that compares is ENGINEERED flooring which is unsurpassable.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@jmgerber9957]

Have installed many laminate floors in the past. Recently installed LVP in my own house as I wanted the waterproof ability of the LVP. The one thing I will tell you is the LVP scratches so easily. Laminate was almost indestructible but I had to remove all the plastic glides on all my furniture and change them out to felt as the slightest grain of sand gets between them and the next thing you know you have a 4 ft. scratch across your new floor. Both look great but the perfect floor would be a water proof laminate and the options are limited.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

You make great points here. Thanks 👍🏼😊

[@bent1208]

Sorry that happened to you. Looks like you got either ripped off or bought a cheap product. All cheap floors will do that.

[@Geronimo2Fly]

There are many different qualities of LVP floors. I was deciding on a floor for a remodel and wanted LVP so I could have the same flooring throughout (including kitchen and bathrooms). I got about 10 samples of different brands of LVP and did a "fork test" where I ran the tines of a fork against the material. With some of them, the finish scratched off very easily. Others took a little more force, and for a couple I couldn't get it to scratch no matter how hard I tried. I ended up getting GemCore, which has proved bulletproof so far. It sounds like unfortunately your LVP was the kind that scratched easily.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@ sounds very smart to me. Thanks for sharing your experience with us all. I appreciate it 👍🏼

[@oldguysrock2170]

I have had both floors. I prefer the vinyl floors. Laminate flooring swelled and planks became compromised. Vinyl is easier to replace, more affordable and just as easy to install. I would use heavier laminate in larger rooms, but vinyl in mud rooms, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and any room that has wet foot traffic.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I’ve heard that about laminate flooring, some brands swell, thanks for the advice! I do see laminate is much better now than years ago 👍🏼

[@dalekrasnow7663]

My LVP failed within 2 years for exactly why you said !! 2000 sq feet failed

[@HomeRapidRepair]

It’s so crazy right? Sorry to hear this. Thanks for watching.

[@dalekrasnow7663]

@ a floating floor with a poorly designed lock is terrible. Around heavy furniture, in kitchen around heavy appliances around heavy traffic: all areas that LVP failed. $6500 material, 7500 Labor wasted ! Not to mention the major inconvenience and expense to replace. No one warned me , not my general contractor, not my installer, not my flooring supplier. They all just point fingers and I am just planning to rip it all out. I wish I had seen your video as it’s rare to find out how poor LVP is. Hopefully others will learn before buying! Thank you for the honest assessment!

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@ wow. I’m sorry to read that story but now I’m seeing more and more of these examples. Thank you for sharing. People will learn from your example 👍🏼😊

[@dominicm2175]

In my experience, sales are driven by salespeople and they will ‘push’ what they’re instructed to or what gives them the biggest commission….so if anything is ‘in’ or ‘out’ , it has almost nothing to do with then end consumer

[@HomeRapidRepair]

100% right on target with your comments 👍🏼😊

[@Chirita008]

I've had both and I have to say, I'd prefer laminate. Held up for the 15 yrs. I lived in my house. Very sturdy, however, I did experience the water issues, so when I moved I decided to go with LVP. However, just 6 yrs. later, while I don't have the water issues, I do feel the dip when walking in a couple of spots where the floor isn't completed level. I've already had a piece break along an edge where the floor dipped, created a gap underneath, so I'm assuming that's why a piece of the material actually broke. I tried filling in the spot with a crayon type material, but just not the same. I'm thankful it's not in an obvious area of my home. Also, during temperature changes (fall to winter), when I step in a few places, it sounds like it's cracking, however, I don't see anything on the surface, but it's still concerning. I live on the coast, so I thought the LVP was a better choice for humidity reasons, but if I had to do it all over again, I'd choose laminate, especially now that they have improved the water issues part of the material. Thanks for the video!

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@kyleb2044]

Laminate I've seen always looked cheaper to me, my eye always notices it instantly. Vinyl plank always seemed to mimic wood flooring better. The interlocking 2'x1' tile LVP in my kitchen also mimicks ceramic tile insanely well. The downside to vinyl is the good stuff is pricey(almost defeating the purpose) and so thick you can no longer simply score and snap. I used compound miter saw for the kitchen tile LVP. I've done LVP 3 times in my home and refinished the original oak flooring for one project.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Great points all. You have a lot of experience 👍🏼😊

[@ameliasandoval8663]

I think getting beveled edge LVP is the only way to prevent the unevenness

[@HomeRapidRepair]

You may be right. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@davidmengle8269]

My vinyl laminate was submerged in water. We tore it out, dried it out and reinstalled it. I'm sticking with vinyl.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Ok thanks for sharing your experience with me 👍🏼😊

[@djofulll]

The problem I had with laminate is it wasn't rated for toekick heaters. If I remember correctly laminate was rated at like 90° and vinyl was rated at around 170°

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Interesting point… I would never have thought about that issue. My guess is that won’t affect too many homeowners though…

[@djofulll]

@HomeRapidRepair you're right still liked the video!

[@halfglassfull]

put down two rooms of LVP over concrete slab. wanted the waterproof properties. Spent a lot of time to level the floor using all the materials techniques and tools but still got uneveness so spots where you feel it move.Very hard to get perfectly flat concrete slab. Still don't trust laminate for downstairs but likely will use for upstairs living and bedrooms.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thank you for sharing your story. I like to hear real world examples. Vinyl planks are a good product, I just wish they weren’t so thin. About 50% of the manufactures of laminate flooring now claiming their waterproof formulation… Look at the good quality stuff and you will be very pleased.

[@selvindeleon3186]

I put vinyl planks like the ones you show and it has the same problems. What about glued down vinyl?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Glue down vinyl will perform very well for you. Many viewers have talked about how good quality it is.

[@billpoche5279]

I believe I have vinyl flooring. My vinyl planks are buckling up at ends in certain areas due to the radiant heat. Is this common with vinyl flooring? Is laminate flooring better for radiant heat systems?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I believe none of these snap lock type floors will be rated for radiant, heated flooring directly underneath. I think the planks will expand & contract too much. That’s a good question and I don’t know the answer. But yeah, vinyl is known to expand and contract dramatically… with heated floors right underneath they won’t perform. They won’t hold up long-term.

[@vamike5566]

I'm having a hell of an time with vinal plank locking system because floor isn't perfectly flat. We acrewd up i think

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Locking LVP floor planks can be frustrating because they are so stinking thin. I prefer laminate floor planks. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@mikeo8890]

Your installing over carpet?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Not the super plush carpet. Glued down carpet over concrete that is very difficult to remove and already as hard as a rock.

[@mikeo8890]

@HomeRapidRepair One thing I've learned about vinyl plank, it holds up better on a hard solid surface, I would be curious to see how that holds up.

[@JamesComeaux-n1d]

None of this floating floor will last unless you really baby it. Usually being cheap cost more in the long run than doing something right, and this is a prime example. Just get wood plank tile and it will actually last and won't have to worry about damaging your new floor

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@twstvan93]

Good quality vinyl, but I'll investigate the newer version of plank. I had plank and it dinted and broke up on the surface, vinyl never does.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Yes that’s something worth pointing out…no matter which type people choose, paying up for quality is huge. The cheapest $0.79 sq foot stuff won’t last

[@mikev4755]

Why would you install anything over carpet?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Not the super plush carpet. Glued down carpet over concrete that is very difficult to remove and already as hard as a rock.

[@crimsonguard2268]

If you want durability in wet areas install tile. Otherwise plan to change the floor in 5-10years

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I think you’re right on track here 👍🏼

[@julianlin3883]

Thanks for your video! How about a third option, the "Stone composite LVP with 9.5mm thickness". Can you share your thoughts (pro and con) on Stone composite LVPs thanks

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I’ll look into it. Thanks for the idea. LVP is a very good product, I just wish they weren’t so stinking thin. Sounds like the one you’re talking about is higher quality for sure.

[@lawyer1165]

Being old and old-fashioned, I like wood floors in living areas and porcelain tile floors in wet areas. Of course, a lot of homeowners can’t afford to hire a professional contractor to install a proper floor, but these big box solutions (e.g., LVP, laminate) can reduce the value of a house by turning off potential buyers who know the difference between a proper floor and a cheaper alternative. Skip the granite countertop and put that money into the floor. Your opinion might differ.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I think you sound wise and I appreciate your experience 👍🏼😊🏠

[@melikebatgirl8312]

I've twice installed engineered (laminated) genuine wood floors, including a whole residence. Easy DIY project, about the same as the plastic stuff. You just have to make sure the top wood layer is thick enough to hold up over time (at least one of these floors could actually be sanded/refinished, but these are hard to find these days). Some are basically just furniture-grade plywood and definitely won't stand the test of time.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@ great points. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@mguerramd]

When the guys installed LVP in my Pool house, they spent an inordinate amount of time leveling the floor. Now I know why. At the time I just thought they were trying to run up the billable hours.😅

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing this story 👍🏼😊 Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@EastRiverHomestead]

I used Pergo back in the day and it held up well. I have used Lifeproof and it has held up well. So, I will have to investigate the new flooring to obtain an opinion. Lifeproof has held up well in rentals, no doubt. Pergo as well. Jury is out on those two. Thanks for the video, Larry.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience with those brands 👍🏼😊

[@bi2stayharris23]

I am serious considering Lifeproof to go over my ceramic tile floors. The tile is hard and cold.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

@@bi2stayharris23 yes it will be a much more comfortable floor for you. Good luck 😊

[@lastmanlost]

used to work in a big box store, we tested Pergo at the entrance to the breakroom, it failed.

[@KTPurdy]

Very informational

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@maxab7e63s5]

I’m using laminate that is now waterproof. My old laminate floor did not handle wetness very well. And the biggest mistake I did with my old laminate was use wax based cleaning products. I can see all kind of scratches from my dogs walking around. Will not make that mistake this time around.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thank you for sharing your experience 👍🏼😊

[@kharma1283]

Thick engineered plywood hardwood is my favorite. It seems to have fallen out of favor, but I hope it makes a comeback.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Nice. I have installed that before 👍🏼😊

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

Laminate delaminates near any outside door. Edges also swell from any moisture.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I agree that’s the problem with laminate flooring. However have you seen all the new waterproof varieties of laminate flooring now available?

[@MikeJones-rk1un]

@@HomeRapidRepair Tearing up the 90% of my floor to fix the 10% isn't a good idea.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Vinyl is much better never broke an edge with any installation.

[@goodcitizen573]

All I can say is, I have installed around 8 laminate floors all have failed within 5 years. I followed spec but still had callbacks. Started using vinyl and have done around 20 or so and 0 callbacks. All failure was water related, not always at the seams. Just scratching laminate then water over time soaked in and ruined the floor. Just my personal preference but vinyl is simple and lasts

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I appreciate the insight! 👍🏼😊

[@chrismedeiros3201]

We heard the horror stories of laminate vs. water, so we went with LVP and after 4 years, we regret it. The vinyl has split in the middle of two of the planks. Probably due to some imperfection beneath. Worse yet, in the high traffic areas, the ends of the planks, where they butt up against each other, now curve up slightly. I'm thinking that's due to the stress on the paper thin vinyl layer when they're compressed against each other with traffic. No "luxury" vinyl next time!

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Oh no. Ha… you are 100% right. I agree with everything you said. They made the product too stinking cheap and thin. It could be a great product but now they are cutting quality

[@anthonybarker6314]

Do you still have to use a saw to cut the newer waterproof laminate?

[@paulzapol9840]

@@anthonybarker6314 Yes

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Yes, you do. It’s very similar to cutting wood.

[@spacemanspiff8837]

Correct, LVP is a bad choice because the thin snap together tab break and seperate

[@ericgeorgetruckgrilling]

Great video. I find there is no perfect product in any situation whether its flooring or any thing else. Personal preference plays a major factor in our decisions. I prefer the warmth of hardwood floors. Unfortunately the previous owners of my 80 year old house practiced sanding the floors in the kitchen and scuffed it up pretty bad so I had LVP installed there. The rest of the house has its original hardwood floors. In the basement I had good 1 side 3/4 plywood with 8 coats of urethane ("quasi engineered flooring") pegged down in the rec room and ceramic tile in the bathroom and kitchen for its durability. I notice a big difference in the tile and wood in the way of warmth

[@HomeRapidRepair]

That’s great. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jacobmarley2417]

I’m just going to say it,Whats with the vest?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I’m getting way more views with it. I guess it’s human physiology? Go figure… Thanks for watching 😊👍🏼

[@christophercharles3169]

I prefer wood but my son visits quite often with his dog who goes crazy for the first 3 minutes or so. All you can hear are his nail destroying the wood finish. Therefore we are going with vinyl for the scratch resistance of the product.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Yes, you make some good points there. Laminate also performs well with dog scratches… But yes, so does vinyl. I have somebody in my extended family with this exact same situation where the dog is crazy for a few minutes until it settles down 😂

[@rapierce99]

Would NEVER use laminate again. Did several floors with laminate over the years and they all swelled at the seams. I installed vinyl planking when we bought our house thru out our main living and 10yrs later still no issues.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@Mrs.Neves3523]

I just purchased waterproof laminate planks for my entire house except for the bathrooms. My contractor brother called me an idiot

[@TheConstructionchick]

Because there is no such thing as waterproof laminate

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I think you’ll be happy with it…it’s the current trend 👍🏼😊🏠

[@Mrs.Neves3523]

@@TheConstructionchick well the manufacturer calls it that and gives it a lifetime residential warranty. So that’s on them

[@donaldhollingsworth3875]

There are 2 major concerns when installing Vinyl Plank or LVP flooring in a Kitchen. 1. Almost all of these flooring's are not rated for the weight of a full size 36" wide refrigerator. 2. No matter how tight the seams are if there is a water leak the flooring will be ruined.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Very smart comment here and something to consider when choosing flooring options. Thanks 👍🏼

[@davecable3104]

Have two different LVT floors both are failing after less than 2 years on one and 4 on the other

[@HomeRapidRepair]

So Crazy right? Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@tcgarrett100]

What brand of laminate do you like?

[@HomeRapidRepair]

People love any of the Pergo lines such as Timbercraft and Pergo Defense 👍🏼😊

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Both of these are rated as waterproof laminate floors.

[@bohmoon2413]

Trying to make a decision, think I'll stick with hardwood.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@SeeItBelieveIt-n6m]

I am selling my rental and need to replace 10yo laminate that is toast. I will go with laminate again(upgraded version), as the LVP flooring it too expensive...

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@griffinreitz7041]

Vinyl in all the rentals. The water was the big deal. Cheap easy to install, and replace. And good old industrial carpet. They can overhaul a motor on it and the cleaner can still get it decent. LOL

[@HomeRapidRepair]

All good points…you know what’s going on 👍🏼😊

[@bsm2001yt]

Stick with porcelain tile or 3/4" solid wood flooring. Skip the plank stuff.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I have installed those too. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@mrcryptozoic817]

Thanks! I have seen no better explanation. (not that there aren't any)

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@just42tube]

wooden full plank or design parquet flooring.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Planks…

[@weekendhomeprojects]

Great video.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your time. 👍🏼🛠️🛠️

[@mgfroglegs]

Vinyl every day in wet areas especially basements, regardless of the reformulation of the new laminate flooring core. The vinyl flooring industry should work on a better/stronger interlocking system.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

You make great points here, thank you for watching 👍🏼😊

[@ryanmuir6338]

Neither, tile for kitchen and bathroom, and solid wood planks elsewhere that can be sanded and refinished

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Fair enough! Thank you for watching

[@michaelcavanaugh5852]

I use engineering flooring now. So much better.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

That’s a great idea. 👍🏼😊

[@h2s-i9o]

Almost no manufacturers allow you to install these flooring systems over carpet. You will break the interlock.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@Smittyschainsaws]

I’ve had both types and I went back to linoleum. If there is a crack it will allow moisture. linoleum is far easier and faster to install and is a good solution until you get a good tile or hardwood floor.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I've heard that too from a lot of people 👍🏼 They are returning to glue down vinyl

[@beseatoo]

You show the waviness of a lvp floor, waviness due to the lack of stifnessin the lvp when laid over an uneven subfloor, and say that laminate is stiff enough not to show the waviness. So then the laminate would bridge the low spots to result in an even surface. Seems there would be unsupported air gaps under the low spots resulting in movement when walking on them, resulting in failure of the connections in the areas of movement for the laminate. Confusing. Ensuring an even subfloor makes the flexibility of the lvp not an issue, and laminate whould have no advantage.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I agree with some of your points. Thank you for watching.

[@RobertH-qb5it]

The problem is one has to sort through the types of laminate to assure it is not a wood fibre core. Good luck doing that at Home Depot.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@tommooe4524]

Both are good choices for schitt - built breeder boxes

[@Starship007]

I owned aquariums on laminate, not good

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for sharing this with me, I’m sure that destroyed the flooring for sure. I believe you 👍🏼

[@minhlu3518]

I changed my floor from laminate to vinyl and they cracked at the joints just after 6 months.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Vinyl planks are too thin and poorly made in my humble opinion

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Good quality vinyl planks are scratch resistant, water proof and fade resistant. Laminate is selling more because of the economy, they are cheaper.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@TaketheL-qr9kw]

Disagree. I’ve used both, in my experience the rigidity of the laminate is what flexes/stresses the joints to begin with in the case of an uneven subfloor. The LVP somewhat contours to the floor and is waterproof and durable. Wouldn’t go back to laminate.

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I appreciate your input. Thank you. Thanks for watching and taking time out of your day for responding to my video. I appreciate it.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Your sub floor should be level. Laminate will not stay level on a bad subfloor..

[@HomeRapidRepair]

I00% agree with you. I just don’t think the average home owner understands…DON’T buy vinyl planks if your sub floor isn’t really flat…or prepare it with self leveling compound. 👍🏼

[@Nonyabusiness911]

This making without waterproof glue was on purpose. Shortened life.