(0)1622 589 999
info@allfloorstradecenter.co.uk
When choosing new flooring, two popular synthetic options are luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and laminate due to their durability, realistic looks, and affordability compared to natural stone, wood, or tile.
This article will compare and contrast LVT and laminate flooring across factors like cost, maintenance, installation difficulty, and pros and cons to help homeowners and contractors determine which is better suited for their space and needs.
Key considerations like LVT’s waterproof capabilities versus laminate’s DIY-friendly assembly will be analysed, along with alternative floorings beyond these two.
Continue reading for an in-depth exploration of similarities, differences, and everything in between with LVT versus laminate flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring is a type of resilient flooring that mimics the look of natural materials like wood or stone. It offers a balance of affordability, durability, and style, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring made of multiple layers fused together to mimic wood or stone. It has a photographic paper layer under a clear, protective wear layer bonded to a high-density fiberboard core for stability.
LVT and laminate flooring are popular options, offering a wood or stone look at an affordable price. This section will discuss and compare the pros and cons, benefits and drawbacks, and similarities and differences between LVT and laminate flooring products.
LVT's water resistance, durability, and style options make it a good choice for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and basements. However, it can be more expensive than laminate and may require professional installation for certain types.
While LVT offers various benefits, its cost and potential for chemical emissions are key considerations. Choosing LVT with low-emission certifications and proper ventilation can mitigate these concerns.
Choosing between LVT and laminate often involves cost considerations. This section examines and contrasts the pricing, expenditure, rates, and overall installation budgets for both options.
Luxury vinyl tile flooring ranges in total installed cost from £20 to £40 per square metre.
The floor tiles themselves can vary greatly in price, from £5 to £30 per square metre, depending on the quality, complexity of the pattern, and realism of the visual design.
Thicker wear layers and stone-look designs that mimic real slate, limestone or wood textures accurately tend to sit at the higher end of the product price range.
Other factors that impact the total project cost include professional installation fees versus DIY savings, ensuring proper underlayment to smooth out the subfloor, and additional transition strips or wall trim pieces.
The laminate flooring installation price range is between £10 to £30 per square metre.
The plank floorboards range from £5 to £15 per square metre based largely on the thickness and durability rating the quality of photographic layer detailing wood grain or stone.
Other benefits like attached underlayment or water-resistant capabilities seen in some premium products also increase the price.
Having a professional installer with the proper tools and knowledge to securely install the planks, as well as installing appropriate underlayment to reduce noise, can potentially double the cost.
The installation processes for LVT and laminate flooring differ, impacting your decision on DIY or professional installation.
No, LVT installation can vary in difficulty depending on the type.
The click-lock type is more suitable if you don’t want to bother with installation costs. The tiles feature an interlocking design that clicks precisely together without any need for nails, glue, or heavy lifting.
Properly preparing the subfloor to be perfectly smooth is the most vital and potentially tricky step. Using builder's paper and planning a layout strategy can be helpful. The tiles allow adjustments if mistakes occur.
Yes, laminate flooring is generally considered easier to install than LVT, especially for DIY beginners.
Laminate flooring is straightforward to install with some handyman skills. The tongue-and-groove planks interlock tightly together to "float" over the subfloor rather than direct adhesion.
This floating method avoids glue or nail guns. Howev, patience and carefully planning the plank layout are important, as misaligned joins can ruin the look permanently.
Overall, laminate flooring is DIY-friendly, but first-timers should consider hiring a contractor to ensure there are no costly issues with an uneven floor down the line.
Both LVT and laminate flooring boast relatively easy maintenance routines. This section examines the required upkeep, cleaning needs, and overall preservation of both LVT and laminate flooring after installation.
Yes, LVT is fairly easy to maintain and preserve long-term. The durable vinyl wear layer resists scratches, stains, and dents under heavy use and traffic.
Little beyond sweeping and damp mopping is needed for routine care. The waterproof construction allows worry-free cleaning of spills or messes.
Polished concrete-look LVT requires a finish reapplication every few years. Proactive protection of floor edges preserves quality.
Yes, but with more precautions than LVT. The photographic paper layer scratches easily from dragging furniture or debris under the feet, and pills warp planks if not quickly cleaned.
Sweeping with soft bristles and gentle cleansers preserves the visual layer, but harsh chemicals can dull the realistic wood look.
Protective rugs in high-traffic zones are also wise. Overall, laminate needs more careful maintenance habits than ultra-durable vinyl alternatives like LVT provide out of the box.
Yes, there are several alternative flooring options beyond LVT and laminate:
There are many factors to weigh while choosing between luxury vinyl tile (LVT) vs. laminate flooring. Such factors include cost, durability, maintenance and installation.
As a leading flooring supplier working with contractors and homeowners with a combined experience of over 100 years, we understand how overwhelming flooring decisions can be.
Our knowledgeable staff is always available to offer personalised advice tailored to your project requirements. We carry a wide inventory of quality LVT and laminate flooring brands and styles to suit any decor, space, and budget.
If you still feel unsure whether easy-clean LVT or budget-friendly laminate is the right choice after reading this guide, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Call us at 01622589999 or email info@allfloorstradecentre.co.uk. We'll schedule you for a showroom visit or in-home consultation to experience product samples first-hand while addressing any outstanding questions.
Investing in new resilient flooring is a big commitment. Let the experts at All Floors Trade Centre help guide you to the perfect floor for your needs and lifestyle. Contact us today to get started transforming your home with beautiful new floors built to last.
Choosing the perfect flooring for your property can be a daunting task, with many decisions to make. From material to style, finish to colour, the options seemingly never end. However, one flooring option that continuously proves to be versatile and stylish is luxury vinyl tiles (LVT).
In this guide, we'll delve into the world of LVT flooring colours, helping you choose the ideal style for your property. Whether you're renovating an old property or designing a modern space, this guide includes everything you need to know to make an informed choice. So grab your colour wheel, and let's dive in!
Choosing the right colour for your luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is more than just about aesthetics. It's a decision that influences the whole atmosphere of your room.
The colour of your LVT floor can impact the perceived size and lighting of the space, set the tone for your room's décor, and even affect your mood. So, taking the time to choose a shade that matches your style, complements your existing décor, and suits the functionality of the room is absolutely essential.
Here's a list of LVT flooring colours that can complement any room.
Grey LVT flooring is a contemporary choice that provides a sleek, modern twist to your décor. Its neutral tone is versatile, fitting seamlessly into a wide variety of interior design styles. Whether you're aiming for a minimalistic appeal or a sleek loft-style ambience, grey LVT can meet your needs.
Good for: Open plan living spaces, modern kitchens, and commercial offices where a sleek, clean aesthetic is desired.
Brown LVT flooring is all about warmth and nature. It creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere that's perfect for spaces where you want to relax or entertain. Whether it's a rich, dark chocolate or a lighter caramel shade, brown LVT flooring can bring a touch of timeless elegance to your home.
Good for: Cosy living rooms, traditional dining areas, and bedrooms where a warm, restful ambience is desired.
Beige is a classic, neutral option that never goes out of style. This colour can seamlessly blend into your decor, providing a backdrop that allows your furnishings and accents to take centre stage. Beige LVT flooring is synonymous with elegance and can lighten a room without taking it to the extreme of pure white.
Good for: Apartments, small houses, and rooms where you want the furniture and accents to be the focal point.
Light LVT flooring, such as white or cream, can significantly open up a space. It's an excellent choice for small rooms or spaces with limited natural light because it can make these areas appear larger by reflecting light.
Good for: Small apartments, basements, and rooms needing added brightness and an open feel.
Dark LVT flooring, including colours like ebony or dark walnut, adds a dramatic richness to a room. It's a bold choice that brings depth and warmth to your space, making it feel more intimate. Dark flooring is an excellent choice for larger rooms or spaces where you want to create a sophisticated, layered look.
Good for: Large open spaces, grand bedrooms, and commercial spaces with high ceilings where a sense of sophistication is desired.
Here’s a list of rooms and environments, along with the best LVT colours for them.
As a high-traffic area often prone to spills, your kitchen could benefit from warm beige or cool grey. These shades are forgiving when it comes to stains and complement most cabinet colours.
Good colours: Warm beige, cool grey, and light oak.
For your living room, you'll want to create a relaxing environment. Soft shades like light brown or beige can provide a calming, neutral backdrop for your furnishings.
Good colours: Light brown, beige, and grey.
Hallways are high-traffic areas that often bring in dirt from outside. Consider a darker shade like charcoal or dark brown, which can help conceal footprints and add depth.
Good colours: Charcoal, dark brown, and deep oak.
In your bathroom, light colours like white or sandy beige can create a clean, serene atmosphere. They also reflect light well, which is beneficial in a room that typically lacks natural light.
Good colours: White, sandy beige, and light blue.
For bedrooms, soothing colours like light grey or soft brown can help create a relaxing, sleep-friendly environment. These shades are both warm and neutral, making them a safe choice for most decor styles.
Good colours: Light grey, soft brown, and beige.
In large properties, darker shades can add depth and prevent the space from feeling too vast or cold. Consider options like dark walnut or rich mahogany.
Good colours: Dark walnut, rich mahogany, and deep grey.
In smaller properties, light colours can give an illusion of larger, more open spaces. Try shades like white, light grey, or pale beige.
Good colours: White, light grey, and pale beige.
In older properties with a lot of character, traditional colours like warm browns or rustic reds can enhance the period's charm.
Good colours: Warm brown, rustic red, and dark oak.
In modern properties, cool tones like grey or white can enhance the contemporary aesthetic, delivering a sleek, chic appearance.
Good colours: Cool grey, white, and silver.
Consider the colour of your countertops when choosing your LVT flooring. For dark countertops, contrast with lighter flooring, and vice versa.
Good colours: Vary depending on the countertop colour.
Similarly, coordinate your cabinets and flooring to achieve a cohesive, well-balanced design. Contrast is key to preventing your decor from looking too monotonous.
Good colours: Contrasting shades to your cabinet colour.
Lastly, remember to consider your wall colours. Your flooring should complement your walls, not clash—choose colours in the same family or contrasting shades for a more modern look.
Good colours: Complementary or contrasting shades to your wall colour.
When choosing LVT flooring colours, keep these tips in mind for the best possible outcome:
Yes, it does. The finish of LVT flooring can indeed affect how colours appear. The reflection of light from the floor's surface is the main reason for this.
A high-gloss finish will reflect more light and can make colours seem lighter or even alter their hue slightly. Meanwhile, a matte finish absorbs more light, which can make colours appear a tad darker. Furthermore, a textured finish can add depth to the flooring colour, creating a dynamic look that changes depending on your perspective and the lighting conditions.
While LVT flooring is a popular choice for many reasons, like design versatility and durability, it's not the only option. Here are some alternatives and their advantages:
Each flooring type has its pros and cons, so the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you're transforming your kitchen with a modern grey, warming up your living room with a cosy brown, or brightening up a small space with light hues, there's an LVT flooring colour for every space and style. It's all about choosing a colour that not only looks great but also stands up to the demands of your daily life.
But remember: while advice is useful, nothing beats seeing the options in person to truly envision what they'd look like on your property. So why not explore the extensive range of LVT flooring colours at All Floors Trade Centre?
Our team of experts can help guide you through the selection process, ensuring you make a choice that you'll be happy with for years to come!
From the traditionality of wood-like planks to the intricacy and uniqueness of mosaic and herringbone floors, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring comes in all the patterns you can think of. It satisfies all tastes, ranging from classic to modern. But how do you choose the perfect patterned LVT flooring?
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the different LVT flooring patterns and help you choose the right style for your property. And before you scroll down, learn about the LVT services we offer!
Herringbone is a traditional geometric pattern, most commonly associated with wooden floors or LVTs that resemble natural wood. It’s installed by laying down small rectangular planks in a zig-zag pattern, with each two planks forming a 90-degree angle.
Herringbone floors are more famous in classic settings than modern ones, and their patterns are beautifully highlighted when placed in large areas. Ideally, if you choose to install them, you should stick to:
Mosaic is an eye-catching flooring pattern formed by laying down small colourful tiles to make up a specific shape only seen from above. It’s mostly done using ceramic or porcelain tiles, but recently, LVTs have gained traction because of their wide range of colours and designs.
Mosaic patterns are often colourful and loud, so they aren’t ideal for bedrooms and living rooms because they can make the area look more crowded. Instead, you can use them for:
A staggered pattern is achieved by laying down long wood-like planks of different lengths next to each other. From above, it should look like each row has its unique plank arrangement, and no two immediate rows should have the same pattern.
This pattern has a timeless charm that goes with both classic and modern settings. You can place it virtually anywhere, but it’s mostly used for:
A brick pattern consists of equally sized small rectangles laid on the floor in a horizontal, vertical, or staggered pattern. Brick-patterned LVTs resemble the natural building material, and they make for a rustic, aesthetically appealing look.
While elegant, they aren’t the most durable because they have a lot of seams, and water can seep through. That’s why they’re usually used for:
Chevron is a classic pattern that highly resembles herringbone, with only a slight difference. Instead of laying each two tiles at a 90-degree angle, they’re laid at a 45 or 60-degree angle. From above, this pattern looks more uniform than herringbone but is equally elegant.
Chevron patterns make rooms look larger, so they’re perfect for narrow and small areas. You can put them in:
Basketweave patterns are famously associated with wood-like LVTs. They’re made by laying down planks or tiles in groups to form multiple squares across the floor, which resemble woven baskets.
Basketweave floors have a widening effect and can add character to any interior, whether classic or modern. They’re best suited for the following places:
Moroccan patterned floors consist of multiple small tiles with different designs and complementary colours. When placed on the floor, they make for elegant, crowded patterns that add charisma to any interior.
Moroccan-style LVTs resemble ceramic and porcelain floors, so they’re ideal for use in:
Parquet is an old-fashioned and sophisticated pattern used with natural wooden floors and wood-like LVTs. They take the shape of a geometric mosaic, and the floor can be laid down in many patterns, including herringbone and chevron.
Parquet floors have a classical charm that fits everywhere, but they’re most used in:
Hexagon patterns are formed by laying down equally sized hexagon-shaped tiles across the floor. They have a widening effect, and the tiles often come in different shades of the same colour to give the floor more depth.
Hexagon patterns highly resemble ceramic and porcelain floors, so they aren’t suitable for classic interiors. However, they’re ideal for:
After its name, a mixed-width pattern consists of long planks with different widths. From above, the pattern looks irregular with an attractive stagger, which gives character to various settings.
Since mixed-width patterns are often achieved using wood-like floors, they’re ideal for a myriad of rooms and settings, including:
Yes, the type of LVT flooring affects the pattern because each comes in a specific shape that’s only suitable for specific arrangements.
For instance, long planks are suitable for staggered and mixed-width patterns, but you can’t use them for mosaic or hexagon patterns. Square tiles are perfect for Moroccan and mosaic patterns, but they can’t create basketweave or parquet patterns.
Below, we’ll list the different types of LVT flooring and tell you which patterns are suitable for them.
Click LVT flooring comes in planks that are designed to interlock without the need for adhesive, making them easy to install. The patterns that can be achieved using click planks are:
Glued LVT flooring needs adhesive to stick to the subfloor. Some floors come with glue applied on their backs, while some need separate adhesives. Since glued floors are available in both tiles and planks, they’re suitable for:
Luxury vinyl tiles come in equally sized squares that either click together or need to be glued. They mostly resemble marble, stone, and ceramic, not wood. Accordingly, they’re only suitable for patterns that require squares, not planks, including:
Luxury vinyl planks are a variation of LVTs, as they come in long rectangles rather than squares. They resemble natural wood floors and are suitable for multiple patterns, including:
LVT floors come in endless patterns that suit every interior, but there’s no denying that some are best suited for specific rooms more than others.
Here’s a list of some residential rooms and what patterns are perfect for them.
LVTs are ideal for bathrooms because they’re water-resistant, easy to clean, and highly durable. Also, they come in many patterns that resemble ceramic and porcelain, which are common in bathrooms.
If you decide to install LVTs in your bathroom, the best patterns to go with are:
Kitchens are chaotic environments highly susceptible to moisture, stains, and temperature variations, so they require durable and water-resistant floors.
LVTs provide that, and as a bonus, they’re stylish and come in many attractive designs. The most famous LVT patterns used in kitchens are:
Bedrooms require elegant floors that are easy on the eye and can stay for years without requiring replacement, like LVTs.
There are several elegant patterns among LVT floors, and these ones are ideal for any bedroom, whether it’s classic or modern:
Living rooms are where kids and pets spend most of their days, so they require stylish and durable floors that resist wear and tear.
That’s why LVTs are a perfect choice for them, and they come in multiple patterns that can satisfy every taste. Here’s a list of the most famous LVT patterns used in living rooms:
Hallways are narrow areas with high foot traffic, so they need durable floors, preferably with a widening effect. The LVT patterns that feature these qualities are:
Similar to hallways, stairways get a lot of foot traffic throughout the way, so they need to be resistant to signs of wear and tear.
They should also have calm designs with minimal patterns and colours to avoid making them look narrower. The patterns that fit this description are:
LVTs are an ideal choice for commercial places, like stores and offices, because they’re affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Luckily, many LVT patterns are suitable for these areas, most famously:
Yes, different patterns can cost more or less depending on the installation methods, manufacturing costs, and purchasing costs.
Parquet patterns are usually more expensive because they’re intricate and require close attention to detail, which translates to more demanding physical work. Meanwhile, staggered patterns are easy to lay down and need minimal effort, so they cost less.
Here’s a list of the most famous colours that you can get LVT flooring in:
LVT flooring comes in various styles, suitable for every setting. Here are some top picks that can fit into any interior:
Choosing the right LVT pattern for your rooms can be challenging, especially considering the endless choices. However, you can say goodbye to this dilemma with the help of our guide.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or living room, you’ll find a suitable pattern above that tends to your flooring needs and boosts your interior.
If you need a design consultation or extra help choosing your floors, contact us today, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Researched numerous flooring types, finally settled on LVT flooring, and now wondering what’s next. If this scenario strikes a chord with you, you’ll certainly want to keep reading.
We created this guide to give you an in-depth understanding of the diverse effects of LVT flooring, how each variety complements different rooms, and much more.
Don’t worry about having a limited selection of LVT flooring effects compared to other countries. All effects are generally available in regions that sell this type of flooring. They mainly involve styles resembling natural flooring materials like wood and stone.
Some people believe that because each LVT effect mimics a different material, they were all produced using different components.
That’s not entirely true; the materials used to create various LVT flooring effects are quite similar (though quality varies from one supplier to another). You’ll get why once you understand how this flooring is manufactured, so allow us to explain.
LVT is made by combining multiple durable, synthetic layers, with the top one being a high-resolution image of the desired effect. This means that whether you get an LVT wood effect or a ceramic one, the key distinction will be in the picture added on top.
Do various LVT flooring effects age differently? A question we get asked a lot, and the short answer to it is no. All varieties of this flooring have a lifespan of up to 25 years.
That said, certain aspects may show signs of wear and tear faster than others. Light shades, for example, aren’t as forgiving as darker ones when it comes to concealing damage.
Each effect of LVT flooring is available in a huge selection of colours and shades. So, if you’re going for a warm wooden effect, you’ll have a variety of brown hues, ranging from pastels to darks, to choose from.
LVT flooring, regardless of the effect, typically comes in two types of finishes: “no-wax” and “wax.” In a nutshell, the no-wax variety gives the surface a shine without needing to wax it, whereas the wax finish, as the name suggests, relies on waxing.
It’s worth mentioning that over time, the no-wax finish may lose its lustre, but you can easily restore it by adding another no-wax layer.
Aside from these standard LVT finishes, you might find different manufacturers adding special treatments to the surface. That’s mainly to enhance durability or add extra features, such as making the flooring slip-resistant.
The diverse patterns and layouts that LVT effects offer are one of the main selling points of this flooring. While most patterns work well with a variety of effects, some of them are better suited to specific ones.
For example, herringbone is a classic pattern for wood flooring, which is why we use it for LVT with wood effect. The Flemish bond pattern, on the other hand, has a brickwork layout that perfectly complements stone and ceramic LVT effects.
Each room in your house should have specific design elements that elevate its unique aesthetic. When it comes to flooring, this primarily depends on mastering the art of matching suitable LVT flooring effects with different areas of your home. Here’s how:
Bathroom styles vary greatly depending on personal preference; some prefer minimalism, while others favour opulence. There are three LVT effects that, with the right fixtures and accessories, can complement any taste:
We should warn you that if your LVT bathroom flooring isn’t properly installed, excess water can easily damage it, so make sure to have it installed by a professional.
The flooring style you select for your kitchen can transform it from a boring space to a focal point. However, before we reveal our favourite effects, you should know that the secret to a true transformation is the colour, and we’re about to spill the beans.
If you want to draw attention to your kitchen cabinets, paint them dark and choose light-coloured flooring. When you want to add a dramatic touch, do the exact opposite (light cabinets and dark flooring). Most importantly, never, ever have all your kitchen elements in the same colour.
Now, here are the best LVT effects for kitchens:
Aside from offering plenty of designs that round out any bedroom’s decor, LVT is an excellent choice for this area of your home. It provides great insulation, is soft underfoot, and muffles the sound of footsteps.
You can achieve the cosy and warm vibe that most homeowners seek in their bedrooms through any of the following LVT effects:
When we explain to our clients that the LVT flooring they choose can affect the size and lighting of their living rooms, they’re always astonished.
Simply, if you want to make the space appear larger, go for dark LVT shades and light-toned furniture. However, if your living room isn’t receiving enough sunlight, you can brighten it by choosing light LVT shades.
Here are a few LVT effects that offer a wide range of hues and give the room a welcoming atmosphere:
Hallways are the busiest areas of a home, and the level of LVT flooring durability is ideal for them.
Since hallways connect multiple spaces, they’re one of the most seen areas by guests. So, making them look nice is never a bad idea, and these LVT effects can help with that:
Many people want to create a seamless transition between their floors and staircases. If you’re one of them, we recommend you use the same flooring effect on both, as that’ll achieve the harmonious look you want.
However, if you don’t want that, choosing stairs that are lighter or darker than the floor won’t ruin its appeal. In fact, if you live in a busy household, we suggest using dark LVT colours for your stairs. Since this area sees a lot of foot traffic, it’ll be practical to have a hue that hides damage.
The following are great effects of LVT for stairs:
Shopping for LVT effects for commercial properties differs significantly based on the general ambience you want to develop.
For example, when it comes to offices, most people want to create a more formal yet inviting environment, in which case the following LVT effects make the ideal choices:
For hospitals, however, it’s usually preferable to stick with calming, bright, and practical effects, such as:
You’ve probably wondered if the different types of LVT flooring impact the effects that you can choose from; let’s take a look:
All LVT effects are available in the click variety, and these are:
That’s great because it’s one of the easiest types to install and closely resembles the appearance and patterns of natural flooring.
The term “click” actually refers to the installation method in which tiles are locked together by tapping or clicking down on each one to secure it to the floor underneath.
Just like click LVT flooring, the glued variety comes in all effects and is also named after its installation technique. This type requires the use of adhesive to secure it in place, which makes the process more complex. It is, however, cheaper to purchase.
LVT is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that’s manufactured in the shape of square or rectangular tiles. Due to its style, the following are the most common effects of this variety:
LVP is another type of luxury vinyl flooring named after the shape it’s manufactured in, which is long narrow planks.
This type is primarily available in a wood effect. That’s because its shape makes it perfect for replicating traditional natural wood flooring patterns, such as parquet and herringbone.
Yes, some LVT effects may be more expensive than others. But that has less to do with the material that LVT is mimicking and more to do with the quality and method of installation.
LVT, like any other flooring type, is manufactured in varying qualities to suit a wide range of budgets.
So, for instance, you’ll find that an LVT effect of highly realistic and textured wood will be more expensive than a similar LVT effect with simpler colour and texture schemes. That’s because more advanced technologies and materials were used to achieve that level of precision.
Besides, there are several LVT installation techniques with varying costs, and we already mentioned two of them. If you get an LVT effect in a click form, you’ll pay more than if you get it in the glued one.
By now, you possess all the information you need to choose the best LVT flooring effect for the various spaces on your property; the ball is in your court.
If you’re still unsure about how different effects will fit in with your home’s decor, you could always seek the advice of a professional. Contact All Floors Trade Centre today and one of our experts will be happy to step in to help you make an informed decision!