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Man Made Flooring

Expectations During Dustless Refinishing

Sometimes the flooring choices available to us in today’s market, can be a bit overwhelming. Not only we have Real Hardwood Flooring in thousands of styles and species to choose from, we also have the man made flooring that is just as beautiful and as hard to choose as the real kind.

Man-made flooring includes any type of flooring that was created from variety of natural products, but is no longer in the state that is naturally found in nature. There are also wood flooring products that contain combination of natural and man-made elements.

Man-made flooring includes any type of engineered flooring, laminate or laminated flooring, vinyl or resilient flooring, cork flooring, carpet flooring and ceramic tile flooring.

Types of Man Made Flooring

1. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is composed of multiple layers, including a durable wear layer, a photographic layer that mimics wood or tile, a core made from high-density fiberboard, and a backing layer for stability. It's a budget-friendly option that provides the look of hardwood or stone without the cost or upkeep.

Pros:

Affordable
Scratch and moisture resistant
Easy installation with click-lock systems

Cons:

Not ideal for areas with high moisture
Cannot be refinished if damaged

2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is a type of resilient flooring designed to replicate the appearance of hardwood planks. It consists of several layers, including a wear layer, decorative layer, vinyl core, and sometimes a rigid backing. LVP is waterproof and highly durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas and spaces prone to spills, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Pros:

Waterproof and durable
Comfortable underfoot
Wide variety of designs and textures

Cons:

May fade with prolonged sunlight exposure
Requires a smooth subfloor for best results

3. Engineered Hardwood

Though made partially from natural materials, engineered hardwood is considered man made due to its layered construction. It features a thin veneer of real hardwood on top of a plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard) core, combining the look of hardwood with improved stability.

Pros:

Real wood appearance
Less prone to expansion and contraction
Can be installed over radiant heating systems

Cons:

More expensive than laminate or vinyl
Limited refinishing capability

4. Vinyl Sheet Flooring

This continuous sheet of vinyl is easy to install and ideal for covering large areas with minimal seams. It is typically made from a combination of PVC resin, plasticizers, and stabilizers, and comes in a wide variety of patterns, including wood, stone, and tile effects.

Pros:

Seamless and water-resistant
Cost-effective
Comfortable and quiet underfoot

Cons:

Can be difficult to repair if damaged
Less realistic texture compared to planks or tiles

5. Tile-Look Composite Flooring

These flooring options are designed to resemble ceramic or porcelain tiles but are made from composite materials such as vinyl or resin. They're lighter and easier to install, often with grout-free designs.

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to install
Warmer and softer than traditional tile
Good moisture resistance

Cons:

May not have the same longevity as real tile
Some products may feel less solid underfoot

Benefits of Man Made Flooring

Man made flooring offers several compelling benefits that make it a top choice for both residential and commercial applications:

Affordability: Typically more budget-friendly than natural materials
Durability: Engineered to withstand wear, moisture, and heavy use
Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, with no need for refinishing or sealing
Design Versatility: Wide range of styles, colors, and textures to match any interior
Ease of Installation: Many products are designed for DIY installation

Choosing the Right Man Made Flooring

When selecting the best man made flooring for your space, consider the following factors:

Location: Areas with high moisture (like bathrooms) may benefit from waterproof options like LVP or vinyl sheet flooring.
Traffic Level: High-traffic areas need durable surfaces—laminate and LVP are great for these.
Aesthetic Preference: Engineered hardwood offers the most authentic wood look, while vinyl provides more versatility in style.
Budget: Laminate and vinyl are generally the most affordable.
Installation Method: If you’re planning a DIY project, look for click-lock systems or peel-and-stick varieties.

Caring for Man Made Flooring

Maintenance varies slightly depending on the material, but general care tips include:

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove debris
Clean with a damp mop and manufacturer-approved cleaner
Avoid excessive water and harsh chemicals
Use felt pads on furniture to prevent scratching

Real Wood Flooring

Man made flooring gives us a greater flexibility on installation options. Real Wood Floor should not be installed in the bathroom or in the in the basement. And yet, you still can have the great look of real hardwood floor in your bathroom, without real wood... Engineered Hardwood Flooring will feel right at home there!

For budget conscious folk, the Laminate or Laminated Flooring will also give the illusion of hardwood flooring, at the fraction of the cost. Of course, it feels different, it sounds different when you walk on it and with closer inspection you can tell it is not real hardwood, but it's quite easy to maintain, and it looks great! And it's man made.

Things to consider

Man made flooring is an innovative and practical solution for modern living spaces. Whether you're looking to renovate a single room or upgrade your entire home, these engineered products offer the look you love with the performance you need. From the affordability of laminate to the resilience of luxury vinyl, there’s a man made flooring option to suit every taste and budget. With proper selection and care, your new floors will provide comfort, style, and value for years to come.

At Gerber Hardwood Flooring, we specialize in expert installation of high-quality man made flooring products. Contact us today to learn more about your options and schedule a consultation.

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