As you explore the many flooring options available for your home, you may be focused on finding a beautiful material that enhances the décor. Real hardwood flooring is a popular option because of its undeniable charm and wide range of available styles. Many people love the texture of the grain of the wood as well as its richness and sheen. From the sophisticate of deep cherry wood with a smooth sheen to the deep striations and character of oak floors with a textured finish, there is a wood flooring style that is seemingly perfect for most homes. However, wood flooring as its drawbacks. For example, it may easily be scratched, and it should not be exposed to moisture. In addition, it may be one of the more expensive flooring options available. If you are looking for a great alternative to real hardwood flooring without the drawbacks, embossed vinyl flooring or laminate flooring mimics the grain of the wood and may be a more suitable option for your home.
The Many Benefits of Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
Before you learn about embossed vinyl and laminate flooring, it makes sense to understand how vinyl floors and laminate planks are different than hardwood flooring. These are both synthetic flooring materials that are known for their affordability and durability. Vinyl is usually comprised of a PVC material, and it can be texturized and dyed to mimic the look of many other types of floors. Regardless of whether you choose embossed vinyl planks or tiles, floating vinyl or glue installation methods are available.
Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is comprised of multiple layers of a wood material compressed tightly together. This material is usually fiber board or a type of melamine resin. It is covered with a printed layer that can mimic the look of wood flooring. Laminate also has a wear layer, which could have a textured finish or a smooth finish. It is most commonly available in laminate planks, but you can find tiles as well. The same installation methods that are available for vinyl flooring are available for laminate flooring.
Understanding What Embossed Vinyl and Laminate Are
Embossed laminate and embossed vinyl have a unique property, and this property is a textured finish. As you explore flooring options, you may love the texture on real wood flooring, and embossing can give this to you. Embossed vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are made using the same process as non-embossed materials. However, during the heating process, the manufacturer uses a special plate to give the embossed laminate or embossed vinyl a textured finish. The texturing on embossed laminate flooring and embossed vinyl flooring has the grooves and ridges that many people love about real hardwood flooring. Because this is integrated into the wear layer, you can feel that the textured finish is akin to the grain of the wood on a real wood floor. More than that, it may be difficult for anyone to tell that your home has embossed laminate or embossed vinyl floors rather than authentic wood floors because of this textured finish. Embossing can also be used to mimic the look of other materials, such as natural stone.
A Closer Look at the Embossed Flooring Options Available
The ability to bring the look of authentic wood floors into your home without the high price tag or other downsides may be difficult to pass upon. Before you select the type of embossed laminate or embossed vinyl floors that are right for your home, be aware that there are numerous variations to choose from. For example, small embossed laminate flooring features fine striations and details whereas large embossed laminate floors have deep, wide striations. There is also a mid-range level in between these two options. Likewise, similar options are available for embossed vinyl flooring.
Many people are increasingly look for EIR flooring, which means embossed in register. Embossed in register is a relatively new technology that matches the grain featured in the picture layer with the textured finish in the embossing. Through the embossed in register process, you can enjoy a more natural, authentic look.
What to Look for When Buying Laminate or Vinyl Flooring
Regardless of whether you decide to purchase embossed laminate or embossed vinyl floors, you should focus on a few important factors in order to make the best decision for your home. The first factor to pay attention to is the thickness of the flooring material. Thicker flooring may be more durable and can create a quieter ambiance in some cases. The length and width of the laminate or vinyl planks also vary and may affect the time and cost of installation. This factor also affects the finished look of the flooring once it has been installed.
Both embossed laminate and embossed vinyl materials have an AC rating between one and five. The AC rating, or abrasion criteria rating, indicates the floor’s durability. A higher rating indicates superior durability. AC 3 and AC 4 are practical for residential areas. AC 5 is most commonly used in commercial buildings.
In addition to these factors, you should pay attention to the style, texture, cost and installation requirements as you make your selection. We make it easy for you to select embossed laminate and embossed vinyl flooring material for your home by providing you with an extensive range of options to compare and choose from.
