Are you asking about laminate flooring or vinyl plank flooring? Both install in similar fashion and have a variety of true wood-look finishes, and you will want to do an underlayment with both - to protect against water intrusion and help absorb sound.

I would caution against true laminate flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. Wood laminate does not hold up well in high-moisture areas. Vinyl plank flooring is much better suited. In addition, vinyl plank will wear better, resist scratches and is MUCH easier for the resident to care for (cleaning, etc).

Is this to replace a damaged vinyl plank? 1 hour to repair? So vinyl is now better than laminated flooring?

Hi, We have used Laminate flooring/plank flooring and have had a good experience with it. The residents love it. It also make the apartments look nicer, more modern etc. We really like using it.

Oh yes big seller the laminate flooring. Saw a lot of great replies for advice. Going to throw something else in, make sure you get a good underlayment, even one that's waterproof. This can make a huge difference for the downstairs neighbors, with the spills and that echo effect. You could even use cork. If you're an HD customer, you can order rolls of cork through them. (Be sure to look up instructions on installing the cork) Also, something to take into consideration is the thickness. 8mm or above is going to be more costly, however 2mm is cheap cheap and will break/chip/wear very easily.

I just bought a 6 unit building with laminet click flooring throughout. In my opinion from using it myself, it would be the hardest fix when a section gets scratched or water damaged. You have to takle up all the flooring to the point of the damage and reinstall again. I will be going with glued down vinyl plank when I replace flooring. Replacement of damaged pieces is about an hour job. Heat it to soften the glue pull it up reglue and replace.

The apartment block that I currently live in has laminate flooring in the hallways. I personally think that it looks really modern and clean (If well maintained) as appose to a carpet which can get dirty very quickly with people walking in and out of the place.

As for actually in my apartment I am always a number one fan of carpet. Laminate floors unless you have under floor heating (or live above someone else: P) can make the room feel cold. I also feel a carpet makes the room feel cosy and snug. However saying that if you have a pet such as a dog or cat then I would prefer a laminate floor. There’s also the point about allergies - carpets are like virtual magnet for allergens like dust mites and mould that can cause some people to cough a lot and have trouble breathing.