Which is better: vinyl flooring or laminate (laminated parquet)? Vinyl floor video. Which is better: PVC tiles or laminate? Laminate or pvc tile what to choose

Laminate is a multi-layered floor covering, which includes cardboard and paper, with a plastic film with a pattern or sometimes furniture foil applied on the outside. Thanks to this top layer, the laminate can imitate many natural surfaces, mainly different types of wood or also ceramic tiles.

Laminate slabs have a tongue-and-groove locking connection or are simply driven into each other, so mounting this coating is very simple. The top protective and decorative layer provides good resistance to mechanical stress and damage, some types of laminate are waterproof. Unlike wood flooring, laminate flooring is fireproof and won't stain wine or coffee. The dense structure and the protective top layer do not allow bacteria to penetrate and multiply in this material.

The disadvantages include the joints, which are the weakest point of this coating and can pass moisture. In addition to special types, the laminate is very susceptible to water and can be deformed if a large amount of liquid gets on it. The top layer is electrostatic and attracts dust particles to the surface. To reduce the effect of the drum and muffle the sound of footsteps, it is necessary to lay a special porous film-substrate under the laminate.

The thickness of the laminate coating can be about 10 mm, the thickness of PVC boards is 2 mm.

Pros and cons of PVC tiles

This is the same linoleum, only cut into slabs, which are laid on glue or mounted together using a locking connection. This is a heterogeneous coating consisting of several layers of polyvinyl chloride.

The advantages of PVC tiles include ease of installation and installation, safety, allowing the use of tiles for flooring in children's rooms, and the absence of harmful chemicals. The tile is also distinguished by high moisture resistance and fire safety, long service life and wide decorative possibilities. It is shockproof and has anti-static, sound-proof and noise-absorbing properties, it is convenient to repair and replace it in local places.

Under the PVC tiles, you can install the "Warm floor" system.

The only significant disadvantage of PVC tiles are synthetic artificial materials from which it is made. Therefore, you must make a choice taking into account the properties and advantages of these materials, as well as the functional use of a particular room.

Many buyers, choosing a floor covering, cannot decide: PVC tiles or laminate - which is better? These materials are approximately equivalent in cost, easy to install, and look almost the same. However, which of these options is more practical, more durable and better in terms of performance? This review is a comparative analysis of these options in various ways, which will help you make your final decision.

Price

The cost factor for many people is decisive, so you need to start with it:

• The price range for PVC tiles per square meter ranges between 15 and 45 USD. e.
• The cost range for a laminated coating is much wider - 10-55 USD. e.

Important! In general, both options are approximately equal in cost. At the same time, austerity advocates who are looking for the lowest prices for materials, it is advisable to give preference to an inexpensive laminate.

moisture resistance

Vinyl laminate or linoleum - which is better?

• In this regard, laminate flooring is a clear loser. Prolonged contact with water causes the material to swell. Therefore, the laminate has a limited scope. It is not suitable for damp areas such as bathrooms.
• PVC is completely neutral with respect to water, so it can be used for rooms with a high level of humidity.

Resistance to aggressive environments:

• Polyvinyl chloride, which is the basis of PVC tiles, is resistant to aggressive environments, including acids and alkalis. The outer layer of polyurethane has similar properties. In addition, the material withstands temperature fluctuations from -60 to +80 degrees. This makes it possible to use flooring not only in residential buildings and public institutions, but also in industrial enterprises.
• As for the laminate, most of its varieties do not have such properties. There are materials that are resistant to temperature extremes and chemical environments, but they are quite expensive. Therefore, in terms of stability, the absolute palm belongs to the PVC coating.

Ease of installation

Both laminate flooring and PVC tiles can be mounted using a special adhesive or using a locking joint. However, there are self-adhesive varieties of PVC tiles, which greatly simplifies installation. Therefore, the bill is in question, PVC tile or laminate - which is better, again in favor of PVC.

Floor thickness

This indicator determines the strength of the floor, its durability, as well as heat and sound insulation. The thickness of the laminated coating is 7-12 cm, while the same indicator for PVC tiles is nothing more than the thickness of the tile itself. With regard to thermal insulation characteristics and sound insulation, the laminated material wins.

Warranty period

Some manufacturing companies give a lifetime term for laminate flooring. The same cannot be said about PVC tiles. Of course, a lifetime warranty is given for an expensive laminated coating of classes 33 and 34, but highly resistant tiles (43 load class) cannot boast of anything like that, so the laminate breaks out into champions.

Color variations, design

Both floor coverings boast a wealth of color options. In both cases, you can choose the coating of the desired shade and texture. This can be a realistic imitation of natural wood, concrete, ornamental stone, etc. In this respect, both types of coatings have approximately equivalent capabilities.

Important! The laminate has another advantage, moreover, it is found even in budget varieties. As for PVC tiles, the chamfer is available only in expensive premium collections.

The degree of complexity of care

Another very important factor if you are considering PVC tiles or laminate - which is better for a high traffic room:

• It cannot be said that the laminate was too capricious in terms of care. However, to maintain a presentable appearance of the coating, you need to use special detergents. Laminate does not tolerate excess moisture.
• Vinyl flooring is completely water resistant, so it is much easier to care for it.

Environmental Safety

In the manufacture of both coatings, one way or another, chemicals are used. When ignited, PVC tiles release harmful, including carcinogenic substances. In the manufacture of laminate, synthetic resin is used as a binder. However, products of both types from respectable companies have an E1 safety class, which is synonymous with environmental safety.

maintainability

In truth, both materials are, by and large, non-repairable. It is necessary to replace the damaged elements completely. But it is more difficult to dismantle the tile, especially if it is set on glue.

Important! Laminate flooring has the slight advantage of being able to make minor repairs (such as painting over scratches) using wax crayons and markers designed for this purpose.

Summing up

If we analyze the review, the laminate has more positive qualities. Such important points as resistance to sunlight, mechanical stress can be found in both types of products.

However, the “victory” of the laminate in the review is a relative matter. The specific choice depends on many factors specific to a particular situation. For example, laminate in the living room and PVC in the bathroom and/or kitchen are perfectly acceptable choices. The laminated coating is close in structure to natural wood, but PVC is much more resistant to moisture.

Choosing an inexpensive, but modern and beautiful flooring, the buyer often does not know which is better - laminate or vinyl flooring. In the article we will present a comparison of these materials, recommendations that will help you understand which floor to buy.

What are floor coverings made of?

This coating is in the form of tiles or rectangular dies. There are also tiles of an unusual shape.

In the composition of the vinyl floor and (PVC) the main component isPVC, obtained by polymerization of vinyl chloride. Vinyl chloride is toxic, can lead to poisoning of the body, cancer, asthma, neuropsychological disorders. However, in polyvinyl chloride it is in molecular bonds, and manufacturers claim that under normal operating conditions, PVC does not emit harmful substances into the air. Believe it or not - it's up to the buyer. After all, no one can be sure that there will be no overheating of the coating, damage to the protective layer, in which toxic substances will begin to enter the atmosphere.

To give the vinyl tile performance properties, plasticizers, stabilizers and various additives are added to the composition. Some manufacturers use safe additives, others use cheaper, but dangerous ones - lead, cadmium, phthalic acid salts.

Phthalates able to be released into the air of the room, tk. contained in the upper layer and are not bound by molecular bonds with polymers. The chemical smell after installation is evidence of diffusible phthalates. Unfortunately, the fumes do not stop after two weeks, but continue to poison the room air in small doses.

was invented as a cheap analogue of parquet. At the same time, its appearance is realistically stylized as different types of wood. It is made in the form of dies from several layers with a lock connection.

The upper laminating layer contains melamine or acrylic resins. Acrylic-based overlay is considered safe, but increases the cost of the laminate.

More often, manufacturers use a mixture of melamine with components containing formaldehyde, i.e. melamine resins.

Formaldehyde is acutely toxic and, at high concentrations in the air, is hazardous to the human body. Intensive evaporation of formaldehyde from a laminated coating can begin when it is overheated, caused by a fire or other strong heating factor.

Performance characteristics of laminate and vinyl tiles

What to choose: laminate or vinyl flooring?

Based on the analyzed characteristics, we can draw conclusions about which flooring is suitable in each case.

Choosing a vinyl floor, if:

1. Moisture resistance of the coating is important (application in the kitchen, bathroom, bathroom, balcony and other rooms with high humidity).

2. Need the ability to withstand heavy furniture, wheelchairs, heels, pet claws. We take into account the application class:

• 23-31 - residential premises with a low degree of exploitation.
• 32-42 - home premises with high traffic - corridors, kitchens, bathrooms. Commercial premises with an average level of load.
• 43 - commercial premises with a high load, industrial premises.

3. You need a floor with good wear resistance in a commercial space, it will last longer here, it will not open at the seams, the vinyl floor will not start to creak.

If the influence of moisture and water, increased loads are excluded, and in the room you want to lay it laminate, then you can choose this coating based on the application class:

• 21-23 classes - home premises with a small load - bedrooms, offices.
• 31-34 classes - residential premises with high traffic (corridor, living room), commercial premises.

Having studied the composition of laminate and vinyl flooring, we know that these are completely synthetic materials. Therefore, you can not limit yourself when choosing only the characteristics of the product. The premises where we live or work must be renovated not only beautifully and cheaply, but also safely. Therefore, as experts, we advise:

1. Do not use laminate and vinyl flooring in the children's room, bedroom. Artificial additives can provoke allergies not only in children, but also in adults.

2. Choose a laminate with E0 emission marking - does not contain harmful additives, E1 - the minimum amount of formaldehyde. Laminate classes for formaldehyde emission E2 and E3 are 3 and 6 times higher, respectively, than the level of harmful substances in laminate E1, and therefore pose a threat and are not recommended for use in residential premises. In Europe, E2 and E3 laminate is prohibited. That is why we recommend coverings from European manufacturers, for example, the Norwegian Alloc laminate.

Laminate of 21-23 application classes also contains less formaldehyde resins, but its service life does not exceed 6 years.

Laminate is still one of the most popular floor coverings. Comfortable in operation and outwardly beautiful material is a worthy alternative to expensive parquet made of natural wood. But now consumers increasingly prefer practical, strong and durable PVC tiles. Is this correct, which coating is more profitable to lay - it will be possible to get rid of doubts and get answers to your questions if you compare the main properties of both materials.

laminate or pvc

The laminate consists of a layer of compressed wood fibers. The base is protected from the outside with special paper impregnated with acrylic or melamine resin. This treatment protects the "stuffing" of natural material from the negative effects of moisture and microorganisms, mechanical damage. On the side facing the subfloor, the lamellas are also covered with a paper layer with melamine resin. In addition, phenol-formaldehyde, a substance harmful to the human body, is used in the production of laminate.

Both components, used in small quantities, are slightly toxic. But only in high-quality products manufactured in compliance with the established standards. Therefore, to ensure a healthy indoor climate, it is necessary to purchase a certified product from a serious manufacturer.

Quartz-vinyl tile consists of chemically neutral components, which means that the floor covering does not emit harmful impurities into the atmosphere. PVC tiles do not have a porous structure that favors the development of microorganisms. Quartz is a natural mineral, chemically inert, like vinyl. The latter is used in the manufacture of dishes, toys, medical products, which indicates its environmental safety.

Reliability in operation

Manufacturers guarantee that laminate flooring, with proper care and careful handling, will last 10 years. The service life will decrease if heavy furniture is moved along the floor, office chairs on wheels are used, and the premises are intensively exploited. Under such conditions, scratches, dents, abrasions form on the top layer. If water gets into the laminate, it can deteriorate completely, without restoration.

PVC tile is a durable, wear-resistant material that is not afraid of moisture, mechanical stress, and is fireproof. The service life of a quartz-vinyl floor will last at least 25 years; at home, the service time is not limited.

Care

The technology for laying quartz-vinyl material is simple; an inexperienced person in repair work can handle the matter. PVC tiles are glued to the base or assembled as a constructor, if equipped with locks, they can be easily cut. It is also necessary to level the base before installation.

maintainability

The board needs to be replaced. To do this, you have to disassemble part of the coating in order to get to the desired bar.

One element of the quartz-vinyl coating, glued to the screed, does not depend on the adjacent tiles. To replace it, there is no need to dismantle the entire floor. For repairs, you will need a building hair dryer to heat the damaged fragment. After treatment with hot air, the area to be replaced is separated from the substrate with a spatula. After cleaning the surface and applying the adhesive, a new PVC tile is laid. The cover is being restored.

pvc laying

With the locking method of fastening, it is also possible to replace a damaged element without dismantling the entire floor. How to do this correctly, the representative of the manufacturer will tell you. Often useful information is contained on the official website of the brand.

Sound absorption level

When using a laminate floor, no movement will go unnoticed. Moreover, the sounds emitted by the parquet can be heard even from neighbors. When laying laminate flooring, you will have to forget about acoustic comfort.

On the contrary, PVC tiles have a sound-absorbing ability. Quartz-vinyl floor levels noise levels up to 19 dB. For understanding: the maximum allowable value in the daytime, which will not adversely affect health, is up to 55 dB.

Both types of flooring have excellent decorative properties. A material suitable for the cost can be found both in the collections of laminate and in the assortment of PVC tiles. But in any case, the option that combines practicality and comfort is preferable: it is then that the quality of life will meet the desired standard.

When repairing, many people ask which material is better: laminate or PVC tiles. Here the question arises, what is PVC panels.

Turns out, that this is an ordinary linoleum that fits indoors. At the same time, the material is sold in cut pieces of a certain size.

Therefore, the comparison is made only between laminate and linoleum, which has a standard size.

Everyone is concerned about the question of what will last longer, laminate or PVC panels. It is worth noting that linoleum is not as slippery as laminate. Here the thickness of the laminate reaches 8 millimeters. Therefore, you have to raise the doors and thresholds.

PVC panels - only 2 millimeters. This does not affect the height of the floor covering in any way.

When the PVC panel is glued, it can be mounted directly on the prepared surface. For laminate, you need to use a special substrate. Therefore, each individual must draw a conclusion about which material is better.

In this article, however, we will try to determine the positive and negative sides of both materials.

Laminate. What it is

Laminate is a coating that consists of several layers. In the manufacture of laminate used paper, cardboard. Sometimes even steel is used in the production of flooring.

The outer part of the material is lined with a special plastic film. Often it is replaced with foil. It is the foil and film that are responsible for creating the desired color for the laminate. You can create a material that will imitate wood, tiles and other types of materials.

There is a large number of laminate, which is divided by the quality and density of the coating.

Melamine resin creates the top most dense protective layer of the laminate. The carrier layer is made of fiberboard or ICE. This layer is responsible for the strength, moisture resistance and durability of the material.

The bottom layer is paper, cardboard, which are impregnated with special resins. The edges of the laminate are treated with a water-repellent layer.

Advantages

1. Laminate panels are fairly easy to install. According to the tenon-groove system, laminate slabs are folded on the floor. When you need to disassemble the coating, you can always quickly dismantle it. Laminate panels can be padded or simply snapped locks into one another. The lock is considered the most practical way to attach the laminate. This system minimizes panel damage.
2. The coating is highly durable. Any mechanical load is transferred by the laminate. Heels, furniture legs or animal claws are not afraid of the coating. However, it is worth noting that for greater safety of the top layer of the coating, it is worth using special linings under the legs of the furniture, which will protect the laminate from sagging.
3. Excellent resistance to high temperatures. If a burning match or cigarette butt falls on the laminate, the material will not catch fire like normal wood.
4. Stains are not terrible for laminate. No stains remain after spilling wine, coffee or tea on the laminate.
5. Hygiene. The material is not prone to the penetration of bacteria and dirt into it. Easy to clean, any stains can be easily removed with a damp cloth.

Flaws

1. The main disadvantage of laminate flooring is its sensitivity to damp environments. When cleaning is carried out, do not use a washing vacuum cleaner. When water gets on the laminate, its surface begins to deform.
2. The weakest point of a laminate floor is the seams. If the material was laid incorrectly, then water gets into the seams and damage to the laminate begins. First of all, the top layer is exfoliated. Another drawback is the top layer, which is represented by a water-repellent film. Even if the cleaning took place with a damp cloth, the floor still dries for a long time.

Oddly enough, but the top layer of the laminate has electrostatic properties, which in turn leads to the attraction of dust. Modern types of laminate do not have such flaws. However, their price is almost the same as parquet.

Useful information! Be sure to lay a lining under the laminate, which eliminates the noise that is generated when walking on the floor.

PVC tile - what is it

PVC is a vinyl tile. PVC panels consist of several layers of polyvinyl chloride. The top layer represents an image, a picture, and the second layer is a protective layer. The material is quite easy to install and operate.

The floor covering can be made in one piece. This allows the material itself. Do not use any additional devices for laying the material. The service life of the material is quite high. PVC panels are not subject to deformation.

However, for laying PVC panels, one must take into account the fact that the surface must be perfectly flat. You can make a good screed or stuff plywood.

Advantages

1. Cleanliness and hygiene of the material. PVC panels can be used in institutions, children's rooms for flooring. The material does not pose a danger to people and the environment.
2. High degree of moisture resistance. Vinyl tile does not break down when exposed to water. Therefore, you can safely use PVC panels in the most humid areas. Even if the room is flooded, the PVC tile will not suffer.
3. The material is not dangerous from a fire point of view. PVC tile does not burn, even when it is heated, it does not emit toxic substances that are harmful to health.
4. Long service life. The material itself is very durable. Therefore, PVC panels can be used even in production, where there is a large flow of people.
5. PVC panels withstand mechanical shocks. When hitting the material, splits and cracks do not appear.
6. PVC panels isolate noise well. The knock from heels, from the running of children will not be heard on the floor of such material.
7. Convenient material for local repair. If one panel fails, then there is no need to change the entire coating. You only need to change one panel.
8. Installation of PVC panels does not take much effort and time.
9. There is no static electricity on the tiles. This creates certain advantages over the laminate.
10. PVC panels are perfectly combined with heated floors. The tile can withstand high temperatures, so its qualities do not change, the material does not deform.

Flaws

PVC panels have only one drawback. The fact is that the material is made from artificial components. It is necessary to carefully consider its installation in individual cases.

Results

Each person individually chooses for himself what to install on the floor in his house: laminate or PVC panels. The choice is based on individual needs. In the presented video lessons, there are all the nuances that are associated with the installation of materials on the floor.

Nowadays, it is not difficult to contact any construction hypermarket where you can buy laminate or PVC panels. The range of these products is more than convincing. There are a large number of materials that have different quality and prices. The higher the price, the higher the quality. Don't skimp on flooring.

If you are not sure that you can do all the flooring installation work yourself, then you can always seek help from specialists who have the necessary set of tools for a quality job. Professionals will help calculate the required amount of materials that will be used to complete the work.

But worth noting that you can do all the work yourself. For this, you do not need to have certain skills. The main thing is to follow the instructions that are intended for laying a particular material.

For the price, laying laminate can take much more money than PVC panels. But it's worth it, because the appearance of the flooring is much more beautiful where the laminate is laid. In this situation, there will be a little more work.