Ask a friend what the best HDB flooring material is and compare their answers to that of a flooring contractor – there is a high chance that their answers will vary. That is not to say that one is lying or trying to scam you into installing a more expensive option. The fact of the matter is that since there are so many choices in the market today, engineered to cater to varying needs and serve different functions, it comes as no surprise that questions like “what is the best flooring for my home?” are met with inconsistent replies. We get it, this might make your decision-making process even more confusing, but this article will cover the common misconceptions of popular flooring types available at Floorrich to help you better navigate the vast world of flooring.
Myths and Facts About Vinyl flooring
Possibly one of the most common HDB flooring types, vinyl flooring is a finish that is even offered in the Optional Component Scheme (OCS) for new BTO homeowners. Despite being non-toxic, water-resistant, and affordable, it is still a victim of scrutiny. Here are some of the myths associated with vinyl flooring.
Myth 1: Vinyl and laminate flooring are the same thing
Laminate and vinyl flooring are both standouts when it comes to new and economical flooring choices. Even from a distance, both these options look similar. But what is laminate flooring, and how is it different from its vinyl alternative? Firstly, their composition varies. LVT has a 100% synthetic vinyl core, which offers more flexibility compared to the stiff plywood core of laminate flooring. Because of this composition variation, vinyl floors can be installed in more areas like the kitchen, powder room, and mudroom where laminate floors cannot.
Myth 2: Vinyl flooring is not durable
From being accident-prone to its top layer fading within a few years, there are many “rumours” about vinyl flooring. Many think that vinyl is slippery when in reality, it has higher resistance than other flooring types like tiles. Made of 100% polymer materials, the high dimensional stability of vinyl floors remains unrivalled.
Myth 3: There are limited options and they look fake
Many assume that since vinyl is a manufactured product, it looks fake and monotonous. However, with technological advancement, the newer iterations of LVT look like natural material such as wood since deeper embossing is possible.
Myths and Facts About Solid Wood Flooring
Known as the material that never goes out of style, solid wood flooring is famed for the opulence it exudes. So, what could one possibly misunderstand about this flooring type?
Myth 1: Timber flooring is hard to maintain
Sure, timber flooring cannot be exposed to too much moisture as it can cause the flooring to warp. But other than that, being a product of nature, solid wood flooring is extremely robust and can be easily maintained with regular sweeping. Extremely dense and sturdy, its dimensional stability can prove this myth otherwise.
Myth 2: It is too expensive
Now, this is a myth that cannot be countered easily. However, taking on a different perspective is highly encouraged. This is because timber flooring is often seen as an investment. Also, when you purchase flooring from reliable flooring companies like Floorrich, you can be certain that you’ll not only get a quality product but also get it at an affordable price. Throw in the fact that customers will be given a 10-year residential warranty, and the cost of solid wood flooring might not seem that exorbitant.
Myths and Facts About SPC Flooring
Relatively new to the market, SPC flooring makes use of advanced technology, claiming its spot as an ideal flooring choice for HDBs. However, due to its novelty, there are a few misunderstandings about it.
Myth 1: SPC flooring can only be installed in dry areas
This cannot be further from the truth. Being 100% water-resistant and slip-resistant, SPC flooring can be installed in several areas of an HDB, even spaces exposed to high levels of moisture. For example, just like vinyl flooring, you can use them in the kitchen and powder room.
Myth 2: SPC flooring looks boring
Many think that SPC flooring will look like cement flooring because of its name – Stone Polymer Composite. However, like vinyl flooring, it has a realistic look and might even have texture, amplifying its appeal. Its denser feel also makes it more realistic, mimicking that of harder materials like stone.
Myths and Facts About Engineered Wood Flooring
Beyond solid wood, another economical option is engineered wood flooring. Closely related to the famed hardwood floors, there is bound to be confusion.
Myth 1: It’s just a cheaper version of timber flooring
This might be true, but it engineered wood flooring is more than just a “cheaper version”. It is the closest thing to solid wood flooring compared to other flooring types that only look like wood. As a matter of fact, it lasts for years too. This translates to its capability of increasing your property value just like the hardwoods!
Myth 2: It cannot be refinished
Although engineered wood flooring cannot be refinished as many times as solid timber, it still can be sanded down at least once or twice throughout its lifetime. So, if you’re all for maintaining your wood flooring and revamping it every few years, note that you can do the same with engineered woods, just not as frequently.
