Which is better: PVC tiles or laminate? Vinyl or laminate flooring - which is better? Coating care.

Which is better - laminate or PVC tiles? Of the budget flooring, it is these types that dominate the market, displacing rolled linoleum. The fundamental difference is the middle layer: laminate flooring is made on HDF fibreboard, while quartz-vinyl tiles - lock or adhesive type - are flexible (except for manufacturers who use WPC, SPC or other mineral composite bases).

For the purity of the experiment, in the article we will consider the castle PVC tile. The adhesive type differs only in that it requires more thorough preparation and professional installation, but it costs less.

Description of quartz vinyl

Quartz vinyl tile is a multi-layer floor covering, which is dominated (up to 70%) by quartz sand or other minerals. The top layer of polyurethane (some manufacturers - with ceramic particles) ensures the wear resistance of PVC tiles. In addition, it is on the protective layer that the texture is embossed, repeating the decor (photo printing is an imitation of wood or natural stone).

The middle layer of quartz serves as a stabilizer, ensures the strength and stability of the floor covering, it is on it that click locks are cut. The vinyl PVC backing also stabilizes and prevents the quartz from falling out.

Advantages and disadvantages

Detailed extended description. Briefly about the benefits:

1. Maximum wear resistance.
2. Moisture resistance.
3. Water resistance (quartz vinyl tiles endure any flooding and contact with water for 48 hours or more).
4. Color fastness.
5. Easy installation.
6. Simple care.
7. Stability.
8. No additional underlay required.
9. Withstands mechanical or point damage.
10. Strength.
11. Fire safety.

Briefly about the cons:

• artificial origin.
• Lots of fakes.
• Blackens under rubber mats.

Quartz vinyl tiles have no restrictions on the use: commercial, public, residential premises; unheated objects (dacha, basement, garage); production facilities - in any operating conditions, quartz vinyl will last 15-20 years!

Description

The laminate also has a multi-layer structure with a middle layer - HDF high density fibreboard. It is the quality of the slab that determines the strength and durability, as well as the degree of moisture resistance of the flooring. The HDF sanded on both sides with hot melt glue is fixed on a stabilization base. A decorative textured film impregnated with melamine resin is glued on top. Wear resistance is provided by the top acrylic layer with mineral additives.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Wear resistance (depends on class AC3, AC4, AC5, AC6).
• Low price.
• Easy installation.
• Minimal preparation of the base for laying.
• No finishing required.
• Strength.
• Color fastness.

Briefly about the disadvantages:

1. Intolerance to humidity and contact with water: HDF plate swells, delaminates - the bar swells, becomes unusable.
2. The need to use an underlay: without it, it is very uncomfortable to walk on the floor covering.
3. Point loads leave marks on the surface.
4. There are scratches from abrasive particles (dirt, sand from the street).
5. When burned, laminate releases toxic fumes.

✔ When choosing a laminate, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the humidity of the room: even spilled water when watering flowers can harm the floor.

✔ In addition, pay attention to wear resistance. Not an application class, but wear resistance: AC marking (the class determines only the permissible loads onHDFstove, and they can be huge even for class 32). The minimum allowable value for residential premises is AC4, preferably AC5 or AC6. It is on this that unscrupulous sellers often deceive: laminate class 34 (maximum), and in small letters - AC3 wear resistance (minimum). For 1-2 years, the protective layer is completely erased even in the bedroom.

✔ When laying, it is necessary to leave a compensation gap of 1 cm at the joints with the walls, so that when the planks expand, they do not become a “house” (below are photo examples). But even with thermal seams, there is a risk of bloating: if you use too heavy furniture that will press the planks, it will not allow you to expand to the walls.

To summarize, let's say that laminate flooring is very capricious and demanding coverage with intolerance to moisture and contact with water. In addition, there is a big risk of choosing the wrong wear resistance (again: choose by marker AC - AC4, AC5 or AC6). Be careful!

Photo: examples of laminate swelling

Crash test: water resistance of laminate and PVC tiles

In the salons of "Polov" branded and. Choose floor coverings at manufacturer prices with delivery in Moscow!

Any repair in your house or apartment begins with a problem of choice. What materials and technologies today are capable of making housing more comfortable and modern without unnecessary expenses and hassle. Particularly time-consuming and costly part of the repair is the replacement of the floor. Here the question immediately arises: what is better to choose - laminate or PVC tiles? It is resolved with the help of a detailed acquaintance with the characteristics of each of these materials and the conditions in which they will be used.

Properties and features of the laminate

In these neat standard boards, each layer has its own purpose:

• The first one is the top one. It consists of several types of artificial resin: melamine or acrylic. The quality and durability of the coating depends on its thickness. Under the resin is a special film or foil that defines the pattern and texture.
• Below is the middle layer of the laminate - wood fiber or wood chip. It keeps the temperature and gives protection from moisture and noise. Sometimes there may be another layer that enhances sound insulation.
• The last one is the bottom layer. It protects the board from deformation and increases reliability. The board along the edges is treated with a wax-based insulating compound.

Prior to the installation of such a floor, the laminate should be in this room for some time to equalize its temperature and humidity with the installation site. It also requires specially leveling the surface and laying a specialized substrate. Particular attention should be paid to the choice of laying direction depending on the light source, so that the joints between the panels are not visible.

Laminate. Advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest threat to laminate flooring is water. It is not necessary to hope for its long-term moisture resistance. Even if we are talking about especially high-quality brands of laminate. For example, about class 31 boards, which are durable and in demand. Or about laminate-33, which better withstands any load. With high and constant humidity, this material still swells and swells. His seams are coming apart. The floor has to be replaced. Or at least, after thorough moistening, the floor will have to be disassembled to dry and maintain its shape.

Laminate floors provide better insulation against cold and noise. But if you drop sharp or heavy things on them, noticeable damage will remain. So, in ordinary life, such floors need increased attention and accuracy.

Among the advantages of the laminate is also called the simplicity of its installation, which provides the best connection strength with the locking method. If necessary, it can be easily and quickly disassembled. Laying laminate on glue, although more laborious, provides better moisture resistance, since the joints between the boards are reliably insulated.

Benefits of laminate flooring:

• This is a durable flooring. It does not leave traces of furniture legs and women's heels.
• You can not be afraid of its fire. Neither a burning match, nor a cigarette, nor a heater can cause a fire.
• Does not fade in the sun. You don't have to worry about stains. Any of them are easily removed with acetone or gasoline.
• It is better to mask a careless scratch on it with a repair pencil or putty.

The disadvantages of laminate include:

• its ability to dry out too long after wet cleaning.
• if the moisture is not immediately removed, then delamination and deformation of the boards may begin. Where they connect, moisture can be stored for a long time. Therefore, to avoid gaps, a highly qualified specialist will be required. And it usually doesn't come cheap.
• the washing vacuum cleaner is not suitable for it.
• when washing such a floor, special means are needed so that no traces remain on it.
• it has the ability to electrify and collect dust.
• Laminate is a resonant material that can be smoothed out with a special substrate.

PVC tile - properties and features

PVC tiles are called ordinary linoleum, cut into rectangles. These rectangles are laid on glue or mounted with each other with locks on a completely flat surface.

Linoleum, like laminate, is made multi-layered from:

• the vinyl itself
• protective material
• drawing on the material

The middle of the tile is reinforced with stone chips or a special stabilizer substrate. This combination of stone and PVC is created by hot pressing. He turns these components into a modern, comfortable and practical material.

PVC tiles today are made not only in different shades of colors, but also with different surface options: glossy, matte and rough. Laying tiles without obvious joints and gaps allows you to create interesting and diverse geometric patterns that decorate any room. It looks better in large public spaces and in children's institutions, where you can create many unusual ornaments and patterns. Before the process of installing PVC tiles, it is better to keep it warm for some time.

Advantages of PVC floor tiles

• The tile is based on a proven, safe, chemically and environmentally friendly composition, which allows it to be used on floors in children's and medical institutions.
• The floor calmly endures strong and sharp, even point impacts and loads.
• Not afraid of moisture. Can be used in bathrooms and laundries. Does not change its qualities even after flooding.
• It has good heat and sound insulation.
• Does not wear out for a long time even in public places with a large number of people.
• Spots and scuffs with deformation of the joints rarely appear on the floor.
• If necessary, individual tiles are replaced at any time, without dismantling the entire floor.
• PVC tiles are easy and simple to install even by non-professionals.
• The floor made of PVC tiles is not electrified and does not contribute to the accumulation of dust.
• Does not deform at high temperature. With this material, you can use the "Warm floor" system.

The main negative quality of PVC tiles is usually called its manufacture not from natural materials. Although it has been proven that this does not affect the outside world in any way.

How is the choice made?

In your own home or in a large city apartment, the choice of material for the floor of any room can take into account many arguments. For example, in the bathroom, laminate flooring is not worth doing. There is constant humidity and its swelling will not take long.

But about the kitchen is worth thinking about:

• this is the busiest place in the apartment.
• it often serves as a dining room and a gathering place for the whole family, and sometimes guests.
• heavy loads on the floor.
• in the kitchen they prepare food and wash dishes.
• here the stove is often turned on and the floor is heated.
• other places in the kitchen can be much colder.

It turns out that in one place the properties of the floor inherent in the laminate (for example, heat resistance) are required. It cannot be used elsewhere due to high humidity.

It is also important for the kitchen that the dropped dishes do not turn into a pile of fragments. And on soft floor coverings, the dishes do not beat. In such cases, after consulting with a specialist, it is necessary to create a complex floor with special marked places for laying laminate or PVC tiles. There is considerable debate as to which of these floorings, laminate or PVC tile, is more durable. Here opinions differ.

But it is known that the laminate is much less slippery. At the same time, the thickness of the laminated board reaches 8 millimeters. It needs a special substrate. Therefore, it is often necessary to raise the door sills. While PVC tiles are not higher than 2 millimeters. This will not affect the noticeable increase in floor height. For some, such a detail may also be important when choosing between these building materials.

(laminated parquet)? Vinyl floor video.

Laminate is very popular today. This coating is considered easy to install and not whimsical to operate. Laminate installation performed by masters in a matter of hours, even in rooms with a large area. Visit our online library: articles about laminate

Vinyl parquet.

Initially, floor coverings made only from natural wood were considered parquet. Caring for such a coating was quite difficult and problematic. It quickly lost its attractive appearance. Thanks to the development of modern innovative technologies, laminate production It is represented by a wide choice of materials that have higher performance characteristics and are unpretentious in cleaning, unlike natural wood.

Among the many varieties of replacement floor coverings made of 100% wood, a separate place is occupied by: vinyl floor(vinyl tiles) and laminated parquet.

What is the difference between the two floorings: vinyl flooring and laminate flooring, and which one should you choose?

Let's try to understand this issue. To begin with, it is worth knowing: what are the individual characteristics of the first and second options.

As for vinyl parquet (vinyl tiles, vinyl floor), it resembles a classic one in its appearance, however, it is made of homogeneous polyvinyl chloride (vinyl, quartz). Thanks to this composition, the vinyl floor (vinyl floor, vinyl tile) has absolute moisture resistance, resistance to aggressive substances, elasticity and resistance to mechanical damage and can be easily used in bathrooms, swimming pools, commercial premises.

In addition, these vinyl floors (quartz vinyl tiles) are slip resistant, won't stick underfoot, are easy to clean, anti-static, and don't require underlayment. This material is easy to install: in some cases there is no need to prepare the base. Less adhesive is required, which saves installation time and cost per installation. Vinyl flooring can be laid on tiled or concrete surfaces, wood floors or parquet. Installation of vinyl with an adhesive lock is carried out even on a surface with height differences and other irregularities. In addition, vinyl floor coverings have high aesthetic characteristics: the material is exquisitely beautiful, has embossing over its entire surface. Due to certain linear characteristics and dimensions, a coating such as quartz vinyl tiles (vinyl floor) eliminates the formation of cracks.

Laminate

Domestic class

with a high load.

Great choice

Mounting with adhesive tape on a sheet of vinyl (Allure Floor);

Bonding a vinyl sheet to the base with a special quick-drying adhesive (LG DECOTILE flooring).

We have answered your question: Which is better: vinyl flooring or laminate (laminated parquet)?

Conclusion: Vinyl flooring is better than laminate flooring. When buying laminate flooring or buy vinyl laminate (with a lock) (laminate, parquet board, vinyl laminate) in the stores "Laminat-parket.net/Laminat-Parquet.net" and "

Today, many buyers tend to purchase vinyl laminate. What is the popularity of this material? The flooring from it is very durable, it is not afraid of the harmful effects of furniture legs, the fall of heavy objects. This floor is highly resistant to moisture. In addition, it can be combined with the "warm floor" system. These, as well as many other advantages that we will discuss today, make it very popular.

How to choose a laminate

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that the structure of the vinyl laminate is significantly different from traditional samples.

The panel of this material has two layers, as opposed to four or five in the classic version. They are combined into a solid plank, which is later used to create a floor.

The outer layer is aluminum oxide (or polyurethane) with a pattern imitating precious woods or other natural surfaces. The second layer, which serves as the base of the panel, is vinyl, a material that is resistant to moisture. It significantly increases the strength and rigidity of the structure, extending its service life.

The main advantage of this type of flooring is a high level of wear resistance, as well as "immunity" to various kinds of mechanical damage.

Due to the increased water resistance, such lamellas can be safely laid not only in living rooms, but also in the bathroom and in the kitchen. All components are environmentally friendly, although in fact they are of artificial origin.

Material Advantages

Vinyl laminate, reviews of experts confirm this, has a number of important advantages. This is:

• originality of design;
• increased wear resistance;
• excellent thermal insulation;
• ease of care;
• ease of installation;
• reliable sound insulation;
• long service life;
• compatibility with warm floors.

It is worth noting the moisture resistance of this material: such lamellas guarantee reliable coverage in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway. You do not need to be afraid of their deformation or very rapid wear. Vinyl lock laminate is assembled according to the puzzle principle, and therefore does not require the use of complex (and sometimes expensive) adhesives for fastening the structure.

It is not at all necessary to seek the help of professionals to carry out high-quality installation. The undoubted advantage of the material is the ease of preparation of the subfloor. It can be laid on a concrete screed, on a wooden floor, on linoleum or parquet.

It should be noted the chemical resistance that distinguishes vinyl laminate. This coating can be easily cleaned. It is not afraid of exposure to active chemicals. Various stains are removed from it easily and quickly, the floor retains its original appearance for 25 years.

Environmental friendliness

This is a question that interests absolutely all buyers. In the manufacture of material elements, only environmentally friendly materials are used that do not contain formaldehyde or other solvents. Vinyl laminate (you can see the photo in our article) is environmentally friendly and fully recyclable.

The panels of such a laminate are slow-burning. They do not support combustion and do not emit toxic impurities. The main component included in their composition is polyvinyl chloride. Today it is successfully used in wall panels, suspended and stretch ceilings, windows.

Vinyl laminate: disadvantages

Like any other finishing material, vinyl, in addition to obvious advantages, has some disadvantages. They are much smaller, but at the same time they exist. To date, vinyl laminate (customer reviews allow us to talk about this) has established itself as a high-quality and reliable coating. Its shortcomings are quite difficult to identify. Most often, buyers mention its high cost. It is several times higher than the price of conventional laminate and coatings from other materials.

There is one more detail that is not known to all users. Although resistant to stains, when in contact with rubber, the floor loses its color. There is a special chemical reaction that can permanently change the color of the coating. Rubber mats are absolutely contraindicated for such a floor. As well as the heels and soles of rubber shoes, which would do the same damage to him.

As already mentioned, the service life of this coating is much longer than any other and can be more than 25 years. Despite this, it should be borne in mind that any thing wears out. The floor can be exposed to direct sunlight, which will inevitably lead to material fading, its significant lightening, so yellowness will inevitably appear on it after a long time. As you can see, vinyl laminate, the disadvantages of which are insignificant, is quite suitable for use in residential areas. And its environmental friendliness allows it to be used even in children's rooms.

Vinyl laminate: reviews of professionals

Vinyl laminate flooring is universal. At least that's what the experts say. It is flexible, moisture resistant, durable, environmentally friendly and very durable. A huge plus of it, of course, is the ease of installation.

It does not leave dents from furniture, it is difficult to scratch it, which means that traces from the claws of pets and from the wheels of a computer chair will not appear on it.

Use of laminate

Today we are talking about the use of vinyl laminate in residential premises, and professionals are sure that it will also be appropriate and reliable in cafes, shops, offices.

Such material is perfect for pet owners, because it does not absorb any odors or moisture.

Since vinyl laminate is made from environmentally friendly materials, it can be used in medical and children's institutions. This fact is confirmed by the necessary certificates.

Additional materials (for example, glue) are not required when laying. Along the perimeter of each plank there is a smart - a special tape with which the sections are connected to each other, and as a result a single surface is obtained.

This coating can be laid on any surface - the difference is allowed up to five millimeters per meter of length. In this case, it is not at all necessary to dismantle the old floor.

We can say that the fastest growing segment of the flooring market is vinyl laminate. Feedback from professionals suggests that he is rapidly conquering the market. This is understandable: vinyl flooring is a practical and beautiful solution suitable for a variety of spaces.

Types of vinyl laminate

When we talk about waterproof vinyl laminate, it should be noted that it is available in several varieties. Today, many popular manufacturers are developing various imitations that create the effect of natural wood, stone, tile, marble and marble chips. Thanks to this, the lamellas are easy to combine with other finishing materials.

More recently, self-adhesive panels have appeared on the domestic market and have already earned popularity, which are ideal for those rooms where it is not recommended to install traditional laminate flooring options. These are baths and bathrooms, basements.

The most durable laminate

A super-strong option is considered to be a quartz vinyl laminate, which contains especially durable vinyl, as well as finely crushed porcelain stoneware. In the production of such a coating, Nano Silver technology is used, which combines the valuable qualities of silver and nanotechnology.

This type of coating is characterized by an antibacterial effect, which is achieved through the interaction of silver ions and the finest fabric fibers. The result is maximum sterilization. This helps prevent bad odors. That is why it is advisable to use such a coating in maternity hospitals, hospitals and hospitals. And not only for flooring, but also for decorating walls.

Self-adhesive laminate

Today, the industry produces many types of vinyl-based material with different characteristics. But the most popular is self-adhesive vinyl laminate.

Its upper part is made as strong and thick as possible, thanks to which it becomes resistant to mechanical loads and to force influences. Laminate with a self-adhesive base is used even in rooms with significant humidity: saunas, bathrooms and shower rooms.

Installation of self-adhesive panels

Laying such a coating is not difficult and is carried out subject to simple instructions.

The slabs must be removed from the packaging and left for a while to allow them to straighten out completely. The first lamellas are laid in the corner of the room, retreating from the wall by six millimeters. The side of the material with which the adhesive tape is cut off is located against the wall. The opposite side of it goes to the next row. A new row must be started with a tile, the length of which is one third less than the previous one. Laying the next rows is overlapped.

After you have completed this process, press the tape firmly with a special roller. If the work is carried out in a cold room, then the adhesive tape should be heated with a building hair dryer.

Laying laminate

Now let's talk about traditional vinyl laminate. How to lay it? It should be said right away that this work can be done independently. Moreover, even a person who does not have a construction specialty can do it. This will require a special tool and accuracy. Laminated boards can be easily cut if necessary. They can be placed on any surface.

After purchasing a vinyl laminate, it should be kept in the room where installation is planned for a day. It should not be mounted in a room where the temperature is below 15 ° C. Before starting work, make sure that the base of the future floor is dry, even and clean. If particles of debris or dirt get under the material, then deformation cannot be avoided.

It is better to take the panels out of the package before starting work - while they are sealed, they are reliably protected from dirt and ready for installation. If you are going to lay them on concrete, then pre-seal all cracks and crevices. A truly versatile material is vinyl laminate. Laying it on ceramic tiles will only require you to check that the surface does not have reliefs. In this case, the seams should be covered with putty.

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, 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 laminate flooring 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, soundproof 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.