Which covering is better: PVC tiles or laminate. Laminate or tile: pros and cons The most durable laminate

Laminate is still one of the most popular floor coverings. Comfortable in use and outwardly beautiful material - a worthy alternative to expensive parquet made from natural wood. But now consumers are increasingly preferring practical, strong and durable PVC tiles. Is this correct, what kind of coating is more profitable - you can get rid of doubts and get answers to your questions if you compare the basic 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. Such processing protects the "filling" 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, in order to ensure a healthy indoor climate, it is necessary to purchase certified goods from a serious manufacturer.

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

Operational reliability

Manufacturers guarantee that the laminate flooring, with proper care and careful handling, will last 10 years. The service life will decrease if you move heavy furniture across the floor, use office chairs on wheels, and intensively exploit the premises. In such conditions, scratches, dents, abrasions are formed on the top layer. If water gets in, the laminate can deteriorate completely, without recovery.

PVC tile is a durable, wear-resistant material that is not afraid of moisture, mechanical stress, and 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 of laying quartz-vinyl material is simple, an inexperienced person in repair work will cope with the matter. PVC tiles are glued to the base or assembled as a constructor, if equipped with locks, easily cut out. It is also necessary to level the base before installation.

Maintainability

The damaged 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 piece of quartz vinyl covering, glued to the screed, is independent of the adjacent tiles. There is no need to dismantle the entire floor to replace it. For repairs, you will need a building hair dryer to warm up the damaged fragment. After hot air blasting, the area to be replaced is separated from the base with a spatula. After cleaning the surface and applying the glue, a new PVC tile is laid. The coverage 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 manufacturer's representative will tell you. Often useful information can be found on the official website of the brand.

Sound absorption level

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

On the contrary, PVC tiles are sound absorbing. Quartz vinyl flooring reduces noise 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. Material suitable for the cost can be found both in laminate collections and in the assortment of PVC tiles. But in any case, an option that combines practicality and comfort is preferable: it is then that the quality of life will correspond to the desired standard.

Renovation of an apartment or rooms of a house zealous owners begin with a preliminary acquaintance with the types of building materials, assessing the cost and the possibility of long-term use in everyday life. Particular attention is paid to structural elements experiencing constant increased loads. Floor coverings fall into this category. Often, many ask the question: what to use when decorating rooms with special operating conditions - PVC or laminated flooring? An acquaintance with the characteristics of materials and their comparison will help to resolve the issue.

Laminate: description of properties

It is distinguished from other floor coverings by its production technology and multilayer construction. The main layer, which imparts rigidity, excluding fractures, is made of internal combustion engine or fiberboard, and in some samples, thin steel is used. The film or foil located above gives the product color and texture, while melamine resin is responsible for its preservation, which creates a top layer that protects the surface from mechanical damage. Cardboard or compressed paper (sometimes plastic), treated with special compounds, represents the bottom layer of the product. The ends are subject to mandatory treatment with wax-based water-repellent compounds.

The advantages of the material include:

1. Simple assembly and the possibility of subsequent disassembly. The panel locking device provides fastening without the use of special tools and special knowledge. If necessary, you can disassemble the flooring. But it is not recommended to use this property - mechanical intervention has consequences.
2. The composition of the top layer of the tile laminate ensures the durability of the product when exposed to shoe heels, animal claws, and the consequences of installing household furniture. But in relation to the latter, it is recommended to use lining materials, since the load is static.
3. Resistant to fire. There is no danger of fire when using laminate flooring.
4. Ease of maintenance is ensured by the repelling properties of the top layer. To bring it into proper form, it is enough to use a damp cloth.

Room with laminate flooring

Along with the advantages, laminate panels have a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account when deciding whether to use in a particular room and they are mainly associated with moisture:

• water-repellent properties provoke long drying after wet cleaning of the surface;
• pay special attention to drying the seams - a poor-quality fit will provoke moisture penetration under the material, which will provoke peeling of the lower layer of the product;
• the use of a washing vacuum cleaner involves the supply of water under pressure in a directional manner, while the collection of moisture is conditional - the fact is negative for the panels and may be accompanied by deformation;
• individual top coatings of the panels have electrostatic properties, and this leads to attracting dust from the room, as a result, there is a need for frequent sanitary measures.

Important! During installation, special attention should be paid to the material, placement and laying of the substrate under the laminate panels, the opposite can provoke the appearance of a "drum" effect when walking on the surface, and elimination will require repeated work.

PVC tiles: description of properties

The heterogeneous coated polyvinyl chloride product is represented by vinyl tiles. A relatively recently developed technological material is gaining popularity due to its properties, which include:

1. Resistant to moisture. Practice has shown that a change in the properties and appearance of the laminate does not occur even with prolonged flooding of the room.
2. The material from which the tiles are made does not support the combustion process, and with the participation in it, the release of volatile chemicals harmful to health was not observed.
3. Environmental Safety. The components of the laminate are chemically inactive and safe. The use is allowed in rooms for children, people with disabilities, medical institutions.
4. Resistant to shock and mechanical stress. The material is durable. Possesses elasticity properties, which allows to withstand high shock loads.
5. Tiles are classified as materials, the use of which is recommended in rooms with high traffic, sound-absorbing properties can significantly reduce the level of noise.
6. Unpretentiousness to preliminary preparation for installation and quick installation characterize the material as convenient for self-installation. The need to replace a separate element does not cause difficulties.
7. Decorative design. The owner can choose a material suitable for the interior of the room, presented in any color and texture.
8. The tiles are distinguished by resistance to the passage of electric current, the rate of accumulation of static electricity is low.

Floor tiles

The disadvantage is the use of artificial components in the manufacture of vinyl tiles, but given the environmental properties, resistance to temperature extremes, the consumer properties of the material are competitively high.

Important! The above characteristics indicate that vinyl tiles are one of the materials recommended for flooring when organizing "warm floor" heating of both water and electric type.

Comparison of characteristics

Comparison of the consumer characteristics of laminate and vinyl tile panels will simplify the task of choosing a floor covering for different rooms.

1. Exposure to moisture. Laminated panels are not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity and in conditions of direct ingress of water, and the properties of the tile allow it to be used in such rooms without the risk of changing the appearance and consumer properties.
2. The influence of an aggressive environment. PVC tiles are not affected by acidic environments, alkaline and saline solutions. Withstands temperature drops from deep negative to high positive indicators. At the same time, the strength of the product allows its use in conditions of high intensity of use. Laminate panels with a strength class of at least 33 have similar properties. The cost of such a product is at a high level. For the rest of the samples of laminate panels, the characteristics do not reach the specified properties.

Laminated panels

1. With one flooring representative and the other, manufacturers have made every effort to bring their extensive product collections onto the market. Color solutions, textured compositions amaze with their variety. Comparing individual compositions, we can conclude that both options claim to be highly appreciated. But the universally different bevels, even in inexpensive models of laminated coverings, are inherent only in expensive samples of PVC tiles.
2. Manufacturers of both flooring options ensure that the products are environmentally friendly. But both have a synthetic base. In this case, the melting of the tiles is accompanied by the release of carcinogenic substances, and they differ in that they are supplemented with a resin content in the laminate.
3. Installation. Tiles and panels have different mounting options. At the same time, the self-adhesive version of the vinyl tile allows it to be moved to other locations, as well as the laminate locking system allows multiple installation. The approach to the need for such actions is different.

Installation of vinyl tiles

Important! One of the parameters of the difference should be considered the complexity of the daily maintenance of the floor surface. The peculiarity of the laminate is the undesirable influence of the aquatic environment, while this limitation does not apply to PVC tiles.

The information provided on the properties and features of the materials under discussion will make it possible to determine what is preferable to use for rooms with special operating characteristics. Make an informed choice in favor of one or the other product, taking into account personal preferences in terms of practical value, the use of aesthetic qualities, color and texture solutions. If you have minimal skills in construction work, carry out the installation yourself, without involving construction organizations and save money at the same time.

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, which are of interlocking or adhesive type, are flexible (except for manufacturers who use WPC, SPC or other mineral composite substrates).

For the purity of the experiment, in the article we will consider a PVC lock tile. The glue type differs only in that it requires more thorough preparation and professional installation, but it is cheaper.

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 upper polyurethane layer (with some manufacturers - with ceramic particles) ensures the durability of PVC tiles. In addition, it is on the protective layer that the texture is embossed, repeating the decor (photo printing - imitation of wood or natural stone).

The middle quartz layer 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 quartz from spilling out.

Pros and cons

Detailed extended description. Benefits at a glance:

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. Simple installation.
6. Easy maintenance.
7. Stability.
8. No additional backing required.
9. Withstands mechanical or point damage.
10. Strength.
11. Fire safety.

Briefly about the cons:

• Artificial origin.
• Many fakes.
• Turns black under rubber mats.

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

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 floor covering. HDF sanded on both sides with hot melt glue is fixed to the 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.

Pros and cons

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

Briefly about the disadvantages:

1. Intolerance to moisture and contact with water: HDF board swells, delaminates - the bar swells, becomes unusable.
2. The need to use a backing: It is very uncomfortable to walk on the floor without it.
3. Point loads leave marks on the surface.
4. Scratches from abrasive particles (dirt, sand from the street) remain.
5. When burning, laminate flooring releases toxic substances.

✔ 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.

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

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

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

Photo: examples of laminate swelling

Crash test: water resistance of laminate and PVC tiles

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

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

Properties and features of laminate

In these neat standard planks, each layer has a different purpose:

• The first 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. There is a special film or foil under the resin that defines the pattern and texture.
• Below is the middle layer of the laminate - wood fiber or wood chip. It retains temperature and provides protection from moisture and noise. Sometimes there may be another layer that enhances the sound insulation.
• The last one is the bottom layer. It protects the board from deformation and increases reliability. The edges of the board are treated with a wax-based insulating compound.

Before starting the installation of such a floor, the laminate must be in this room for some time to equalize its temperature and humidity with the place of installation. It also requires a special leveling of the surface and a specialized underlay. The choice of direction for installation, depending on the light source, requires special attention, so that the joints between the panels are not noticeable.

Laminate. Advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest threat to laminate flooring is water. There is no reason to hope for its long-term moisture resistance. Even if we are talking about especially high-quality brands of laminate. For example, about 31 grade boards that are durable and in demand. Or about laminate-33, which better withstands any load. With high and constant humidity, this material will still swell and swell. Its seams are parting. The floor has to be replaced. Or at least, after thoroughly moistening, the floor will have to be disassembled to dry and maintain its shape.

Laminate floors provide better protection against cold and noise. But if sharp or heavy things are dropped on them, noticeable damage will remain. This means that in ordinary life, such floors need increased attention and accuracy.

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

Advantages of a laminate floor:

• It is a durable floor covering. There are no traces of furniture legs and women's heels on it.
• 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. Don't worry about dirt stains. Any of them can be 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 flooring include:

• its ability to dry for too long after damp cleaning.
• if moisture is not immediately removed, delamination and deformation of the boards may begin. Where they join, moisture can persist for a long time. Therefore, in order to avoid gaps, a highly qualified specialist is required. And that usually comes at a cost.
• a washing vacuum cleaner is not suitable for him.
• 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 an echoing material that can be smoothed out with a special backing.

PVC tiles - properties and features

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

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

• the vinyl itself
• protective material
• printed on the material

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

Today PVC tiles are manufactured 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 varied geometric patterns that decorate any room. It looks better in large public spaces and in childcare facilities, where you can create many unusual ornaments and patterns. Before the installation of PVC tiles, it is better to keep it warm for a while.

Advantages of PVC tile flooring

• The tile is based on a proven, safe, chemically and environmentally friendly composition, which allows it to lining floors in children's and medical institutions.
• The floor calmly transfers strong and sharp, even point-like impacts and loads.
• Not afraid of moisture. Can be used in bathrooms and laundries. Does not change its qualities even after flooding.
• Has good heat and sound insulation.
• Does not wear out for a long time even in public places with a large number of people.
• Stains and scuffs with deformation of the joints rarely appear on the floor.
• If necessary, single tiles are replaced at any time, without dismantling the entire floor.
• PVC tiles can be laid easily and simply even by non-professionals.
• PVC tile flooring is non-electrifying and does not contribute to the accumulation of dust.
• Does not deform at high temperatures. 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, you should not make a laminate floor in the bathroom. There is constant humidity and swelling will not take long.

But the kitchen is worth pondering:

• it is the busiest place in the apartment.
• it often serves as a dining room and gathering place for the whole family, and sometimes guests.
• heavy loads on the flooring.
• in the kitchen they prepare food and wash the dishes.
• here they often turn on the stove, and the floor heats up.
• elsewhere in the kitchen it 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 dropped dishes do not turn into a pile of shards. And on soft flooring, the dishes do not break. In such cases, after consulting with a specialist, it is necessary to create a complex-compiled floor with special marked places for laying the laminate or PVC tiles. There is serious debate over which of these flooring, laminate or PVC tile, is more durable. Opinions differ here.

But it is known that the laminate is much less slippery. In this case, the thickness of the laminated board reaches 8 millimeters. It needs a special backing. Therefore, it is often necessary to raise the door sills. While PVC tiles are not higher than 2 millimeters. This will not result in a noticeable increase in floor height. For some, a similar detail may also matter when choosing between these building materials.

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

Laminate slabs have a tongue-and-groove locking connection or are simply driven into each other, so it is very easy to install this coating. The upper 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 does not leave wine or coffee stains. The dense structure and protective top layer prevent bacteria from penetrating and multiplying in this material.

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

The thickness of the laminate coating can be about 10 mm, the thickness of the 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 lock connection. It 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, 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 shock-resistant and has antistatic, sound-insulating 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 is the synthetic artificial materials from which they are made. Therefore, you must make the choice taking into account the properties and merits of these materials, as well as the functional use of a particular room.