What are the primary differences between a cheaper floor and a more expensive floor? We get asked this question all the time and the answer is actually quite simple. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. You spend your life savings on a house, when you go to change your floors, they should last as long as 20 years, but will only do so if you buy a quality product.
The primary differences are :
- Surface Wear Layer – the higher the quality product the higher the quality of the surface layer. This means less scratching and denting than other lower quality urethane coatings. Also, the particle size of the aluminum oxide is a factor; cheaper urethanes use larger particles which increases the cloudiness of this layer. Greater cloudiness lessens the clarity of the image layer just below.
- Locking Systems are better on higher quality products. Period. There isn't a cheap locking system on the market that goes together flawlessly. The stronger the locking system the less likely the planks will separate due to foot traffic and heavy objects being placed on top.
- Image Layer (for everything other than hardwood) – higher quality products use high resolution images to project the pattern and sometimes texture. Clarity, sharpness and realism are all enhanced with higher quality products.
- Inner Core Stability (on products other than hardwood) - The denser the inner core, the more stable and harder the product will wear. There are a variety of different materials used to make the core board of laminate floors but they all basically break down into two categories; particle board vs. high density fiberboard (HDF). HDF is denser than particle board. The denser the board the less movement you will see in the floor from expansion and contraction. Excessive movement in the floor leads to both buckling and/or plank separation issues.
Before you decide to try to save money on your floors, think about how you want your floors to perform. How long do you want them to last, what type of lifestyle do you have. Pets, kids and activity level should all be taken into consideration. The less expensive your floors, they less they will perform for you, and the faster you will be replacing them. It's better to spend a little bit more initially to get a product that will perform for you, than to replace floors only a couple years after purchasing them.
Give us a call at 604-942-4109 or come in and talk to one of our Experts® today!
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