High End Resilient Flooring and Laminate Flooring. Which is Better?

The demand of high end resilient flooring (HERF) has increased gradually since its introduction 3 years ago into the Singapore market. Where high humidity and constant rainy season is commonplace in the tropical country, a need for a cost efficient and highly water efficient flooring product become one of the top priorities among the younger generation home owners in Singapore. 

This phenomenon explains the increase in market demand of HERF as a better substitute to traditional laminate flooring due to its waterproof feature. 

Similarities

Between good quality laminate flooring and HERF, both share some similarities such as: having highly slip resistance to enhance safety at home. Do not feel cold when stepped on with naked feet; both these qualities especially give family with elderly occupants an added advantage. 

In terms of health concerns, home owners need to select good quality HERF and laminate flooring that has low in formaldehyde emission, does not contain any substance of very high concern, and also low in volatile organic compounds. Responsible manufacturers usually will conduct sufficient product test and experiments on their HERF and laminate flooring before they are allowed to be marketed and sold to the consumers.

Differences

One main difference is that high end resilient flooring (HERF) is waterproof while laminate flooring could only withstand water damages to a certain level. While the high moist living climate in countries such as Singapore clearly explains the rapid popularity of HERF.

In terms of installation, HERF does not require any skirting or underlay but laminate do need both of them. And when one step on HERF in the middle of the night, the effect is silent while on laminate flooring, there will be an obvious hollow sound.

Although both share some level of scratch resistance. Good quality laminate flooring will be slightly more resistant to scratches compared to HERF.

However, cost saving in the longer term will be an advantage for HERF as it (more than 60%) can be re-used over and over again when the home owner move house. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is also possible but it will be quite troublesome as installation equipment may be needed and skirting and underlay may need to be changed. This may incur extra costs when re-using the laminate flooring unlike HERF which can be installed easily in a D.I.Y method.

Last but not least, HERF is also termite proof while laminate flooring is termite resistant. Hence, HERF is suitable especially for landed homes in forested areas as well as basements. This give home owners a peace of mind, without worrying about any possible impact of termite attacks.

In conclusion, whether to choose laminate flooring or high end resilient flooring for one's home, will be solely up to the decision of the home owners. The best advice here, is that no matter what kind of flooring they choose, so long home owners maintain their flooring properly, everything will be smooth and fine.

[Photo Credits: Icon Interior Design Pte Ltd]