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Laminate Flooring
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Solid Wood
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Vinyl
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Ceramic Tile
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Carpet
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Fading
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will not fade, UV resistant
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Can fade in direct sunlight, leaving outlines of rugs and furniture
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Yellows, can fade in direct sunlight,
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Fading resistance
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Can fade in direct sunlight
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Wear
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will not wear-through
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Can show wear in high traffic areas
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Less expensive types wear easily, show extensive wear in high traffic areas
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Will not wear through
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Shows wear in high traffic areas
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Stains
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will not stain, chemical resistant- use acetone to remove hard to remove spots
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Stains easily
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Stains easily
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Grout stains easily
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Stains very easily
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Burn resistance
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Yes
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No
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no
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Yes
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no
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Dent/Scratch Resistance
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Dent, scratch and chip resistant
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Dents common with high heels and heavy furniture, can scratch easily.
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Dents common with heavy furniture and appliances, tears easily
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Dent, scratch resistant. Can chip and crack.
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Flattening under furniture
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Moisture
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Moisture resistant if cared properly
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Can wrap from excessive moisture exposure
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Moisture resistant
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Moisture resistant
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Sensitive to moisture. Moisture can be trapped underneath. Impractical to use in kitchen and bathroom.
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Care
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Easy care, low maintenance, surface does not hold dirt and no polish or refinish is needed.
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Requires sporadic polishing, sanding and refinishing.
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Easy care, must be replaced often
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Easy. Hard to clean grout.
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Cleaning is not removing all the dust and allergens. Sporadic professional cleaning service.
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Health factor
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Allergen free
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Allergen free
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Chemical ingredients can trigger allergy reactions. Not recommended for people with allergies
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Allergen free
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Traps dirt and dust – not recommended for people with allergies
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Installation
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Easy, DIY friendly and not special sub-floor preparation needed
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Complicated , in most cases is done by experienced hardwood installer. Very expensive.
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Self stick are DIY friendly. Sheet vinyl in most cases is installed by experienced floor installer.
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Professional installation. When installing over wood sub-floor, special preparation is needed. Very Expensive.
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Professional installation
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Cost
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$-$$$
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$$$-$$$$
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$-$$$
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$$-$$$$
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$-$$$
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