Vinyl floors or laminate - which is better? Which flooring is better: laminate or pvc tiles? What is cheaper: laminate or pvc.

Today, many buyers are looking to purchase vinyl laminate flooring. What is the reason for the popularity of this material? The flooring made from it is very durable and is not afraid of the harmful effects of furniture legs or the fall of heavy objects. This flooring is highly resistant to moisture. In addition, it can be combined with a “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 above, it becomes clear that in its structure, vinyl laminate is significantly different from traditional samples.

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

The outer layer is aluminum oxide (or polyurethane), onto which a pattern is applied that imitates valuable species wood 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 high level wear resistance, as well as “immunity” to various types of mechanical damage.

Thanks to their increased water resistance, such slats can be easily installed not only in living rooms, but also in the bathroom and kitchen. All components are environmentally friendly, although in fact they are of artificial origin.

Material advantages

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

• 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 slats guarantee reliable coverage in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway. You don't have to worry about them becoming deformed or wearing out very quickly. Vinyl interlocking laminate It is assembled according to the principle of a puzzle, and therefore does not require the use of complex (and sometimes expensive) adhesives for fastening the structure.

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

It is necessary to note the chemical resistance that vinyl laminate is characterized by. 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 completely suitable for further recycling.

Panels of this laminate are fire-resistant. 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, hanging and suspended ceilings, windows.

Vinyl laminate: disadvantages

Like anyone else finishing material, vinyl, in addition to its obvious advantages, has some disadvantages. There are much fewer of them, but at the same time they exist. Today, vinyl laminate (customer reviews suggest 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 made from other materials.

There is one more detail that is not known to all users. Although stain resistant, the floor will lose its color upon contact with rubber. A special chemical reaction, which can permanently change the color of the coating. Rubber mats are absolutely contraindicated for this type of floor. As well as heels and rubber shoe soles, which will cause him the same damage.

As already mentioned, the service life of this coating is much higher 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 fading of the material, 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 premises. And its environmental friendliness allows it to be used even in children's rooms.

Vinyl laminate: reviews from professionals

Vinyl laminate - flooring universal. In any case, that's what experts say. It is flexible, moisture-resistant, durable, environmentally friendly and very durable. Its huge advantage, of course, is its ease of installation.

It does not leave dents from furniture, it is difficult to scratch, which means it will not show marks from the claws of pets or from the wheels of a computer chair.

Using laminate

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

This material is perfect for pet owners, as it does not absorb odors or moisture.

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

No additional materials (for example, glue) are required during installation. Along the perimeter of each plank there is a smart special tape, with the help of 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.

It can be said that the fastest growing segment of the flooring market is vinyl laminate. Reviews from professionals indicate that it is rapidly conquering the market. This is understandable: vinyl floors are practical and nice solution, suitable for a wide variety of spaces.

Types of vinyl laminate

When we talk about waterproof vinyl laminate flooring, it is important to note that it is available in several options. Today, many popular manufacturers are developing various imitations that create the effect natural wood, stone, tile, marble and marble chips. Thanks to this, the slats can be easily combined 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 traditional options It is not recommended to install a laminate floor. These are baths and bathrooms, basements.

The most durable laminate

A super-durable option is considered to be quartz vinyl laminate, which contains especially durable vinyl, as well as finely crushed porcelain stoneware. In the production of this 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 coating in maternity hospitals, hospitals and clinics. And not only for covering the floor, but also when decorating the walls.

Self-adhesive laminate

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

His top part It is made as strong and thick as possible, making it resistant to mechanical stress and force. Laminate with a self-adhesive backing is used even in rooms with significant humidity: saunas, bathrooms and shower rooms.

Installation of self-adhesive panels

Laying such a coating is not particularly difficult and is carried out by following simple instructions.

The slabs must be removed from the packaging and left alone for a while, which will give them the opportunity 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 from which the adhesive tape is cut is located near the wall. Its opposite side goes to the next row. A new row must be laid with tiles whose length is one third less than the previous one. The next rows are laid overlapping.

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

Laying laminate

Now let's discuss traditional vinyl laminate flooring. How to lay it? It’s worth saying 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 special tool and accuracy. Laminated boards can be easily cut if necessary. They can be placed on any surface.

After purchasing vinyl laminate, it should be kept in the room where installation is planned for 24 hours. It should not be installed in a room where the temperature is below 15 °C. Before starting work, make sure that the base of the future floor is dry, level and clean. If particles of debris or dirt get under the material, deformation cannot be avoided.

It is better to remove the panels from the packaging before starting work - while they are sealed, they are reliably protected from dirt and are ready for installation. If you are going to lay them on concrete, then first seal all the cracks and crevices. Really universal material- 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.

Any renovation in your house or apartment begins with the problem of choice. What materials and technologies today are capable of unnecessary expenses and the hassle of making your home more comfortable and modern. Replacing the floor is considered a particularly time-consuming and costly part of the renovation. Here the question immediately arises: what is better to choose – laminate or PVC tiles? It is resolved through a detailed acquaintance with the characteristics of each of these materials and the conditions under which they will be used.

Properties and features of 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 there is a special film or foil that determines the pattern and texture.
• Below is the middle layer of the laminate - wood fiber or wood chips. It maintains temperature and provides 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 edges of the board are treated with a wax-based insulating compound.

Before installing such a floor, the laminate must remain in this room for some time to equalize its temperature and humidity with the installation site. It also requires special leveling of the surface and laying a specialized substrate. Special attention requires choosing a direction for laying depending on the light source 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 hope for its long-term moisture resistance. Even if we are talking about particularly high-quality brands of laminate. For example, about class 31 boards, which are durable and in demand. Or about laminate-33, which can better withstand 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 protection from cold and noise. But if sharp or heavy objects are dropped on them, noticeable damage will remain. This means that in everyday life such floors need increased attention and accuracy.

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

Advantages of laminate flooring:

• This is a durable floor covering. It leaves no traces from furniture legs or women's heels.
• You don't have to worry about it catching fire. Not a burning match, not a cigarette, not heating device cannot lead to a fire.
• Does not fade in the sun. You don't have to worry about stains. Any of them can be easily removed with acetone or gasoline.
• It is better to disguise 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 removed immediately, delamination and deformation of the boards may begin. Where they connect, moisture can remain for a long time. Therefore, to avoid gaps, a highly qualified specialist will be required. And this usually doesn't come cheap.
• A washing vacuum cleaner is not suitable for it.
• when washing such a floor you need special means so that there are no traces left on it.
• it has the ability to electrify and collect dust.
• laminate is a echoing material that can be smoothed out with a special underlay.

PVC tiles - properties and features

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

Linoleum, like laminate, is made in multilayers from:

• the vinyl itself
• protective material
• pattern applied to 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 turns these components into a modern, convenient and practical material.

PVC tiles today are made not only in different shades of colors, but also with different options surfaces: glossy, matte and rough. Laying tiles without obvious joints or gaps allows you to create interesting and varied 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 designs. Before installing PVC tiles, it is better to keep them warm for some time.

Advantages of PVC tile floors

• The tiles are based on proven, safe, chemically and environmentally friendly pure composition, which allows it to line floors in children's and medical institutions.
• The floor can easily withstand strong and sharp, even targeted impacts and loads.
• Not afraid of moisture. Can be used in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Does not change its qualities even after flooding.
• It has good warmth and sound insulation.
• Does not wear out for a long time even in in public places with a lot of people.
• Spots and abrasions with deformation of joints rarely appear on the floor.
• If necessary, individual tiles can be replaced at any time, without dismantling the entire floor.
• PVC tiles can be laid easily and simply 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 temperatures. With this material you can use the “Warm Floor” system.

Main negative quality PVC tiles are usually called its production 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 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 shouldn’t make a laminate floor in a bathroom. There is constant humidity and its swelling will not take long to occur.

But it’s worth thinking about the kitchen:

• This 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 dishes.
• here the stove is often turned on and the floor is heated.
• other areas of the kitchen may be significantly colder.

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

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

But it is known that laminate is much less slippery. At the same time, the thickness of the laminated board reaches 8 millimeters. He needs 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.

Of the entire residential interior, the floor is subject to the maximum load. Furniture is moved on it, adults walk, children run. The flooring must meet the needs and age characteristics of all family members. A beautiful, inexpensive, durable and safe floor is the dream of any housewife. IN last years artificial materials dominate in this area. Comparing their parameters allows you to determine what is better to choose for your apartment: PVC tiles or laminate.

What is laminate

Laminate is a multilayer construction based on high-density wood fiber board (HDF). Its structure is represented by four layers:

1. The lower stabilizing layer is necessary to increase rigidity and protect the fiberboard from deformation and moisture penetration from below. Sometimes contains a backing to improve soundproofing properties.
2. The main one is a board made of wood components and has superior strength characteristics to wood. Here is the connection lock components between themselves.
3. Decorative - paper with melamine impregnation and a photo pattern to resemble wood, stone or ceramics. Covered with a film to protect against moisture from the floor surface.
4. The upper one contains corundum particles and is designed to protect against mechanical and chemical influences. Its strength and size determine the resistance of the floor structure to wear and its service life. The effect of a natural substance is created by embossing.

All layers are compressed into a monolith under the influence of high pressure and temperature.

What is PVC tile

PVC tiles are a type of modern artificial flooring. Currently, products with several layers are popular:

1. The base provides strength and stability and contains polyvinyl chloride foam. Its roughness contributes to reliable adhesion to the screed.
2. Balanced - fiberglass reinforcing mesh resists deformation and provides the necessary rigidity.
3. The main one consists of PVC, vinyl, filler with plasticizers. In quartz vinyl products it contains sand with the addition of vinyl. This increases moisture resistance, soundproofing, strength, shock absorption and creates walking comfort.
4. A pattern or texture is applied to the decorative one.
5. A protective film made of polyurethane or aluminum oxide with an anti-slip effect and embossing increases the service life of the floor.

What is the difference between vinyl laminate and PVC tiles?

The structure of vinylam is identical to a product made of polyvinyl chloride:

• the base, base with fiberglass and a layer with additives in the form of mineral chips or quartz contain vinyl or PVC;
• decorative pattern imitates wooden parquet, marble or stone in appearance and feel when walking;
• the protective film consists of polyurethane, ceramic filler and a component to neutralize the effect sun rays.

The difference between vinyl laminate and PVC tiles is the installation method:

1. The elements have a locking connection and can be laid quickly and efficiently. If necessary, they can be disassembled or a damaged panel can be replaced. Vinyl tiles are placed on a flat, non-hygroscopic substrate: cement-sand screed, plywood. Her optimal thickness- 1-2 mm, at higher value the load on the locking connections will increase.
2. PVC tiles are produced self-adhesive: you only need to remove the film and press the element to the floor.
3. Another type involves applying glue to a horizontal plane and then laying parts on it. The surface in both cases will be smooth, waterproof and durable, but the possibility of replacing a separate section is labor-intensive and is done with the help of a construction hair dryer.

In further comparison of parameters, we will consider both types of products collectively as a vinyl product.

Comparison of material characteristics

The choice between HDF and vinyl flooring can be made after comparing their basic properties.

Moisture resistance

The indicator depends on the density of the panel: the higher it is, the less moisture the substance absorbs.

Polyvinyl chloride is a water-resistant material and can withstand prolonged contact with water, does not absorb it and does not deform at the joints of parts. The indicator is 100%.

Products based on fiberboard are characterized by low moisture resistance. The swelling coefficient upon contact with water for 24 hours should not exceed 18%. Slats with plastic instead of fiberboard practically do not absorb water, but their price is too high.

Wear resistance

Depends on the quality and thickness of the protective layer and is determined by one of the classes. This relative concept, experts advise focusing on the manufacturer.

• low - 31 (AC3);
• average - 32 (AC4);
• high - 33 (AC5-AC-6).

PVC tiles more resistant to scratches, depressions, and cracks. Not damaged by alkalis, acids, mineral oils.

Afraid of acetone-based solvents, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and contact with rubber. 5th generation products are protected from UV rays.

HDF board can be damaged by water, alkali, acids, and abrasive materials. Paint stains are removed with white spirit.

Noise insulation

The use of vinyl flooring is characterized by acoustic comfort in the room. The polymer structure contributes to the attenuation of sound waves and reduces the noise level by 19 dB.

Laminate conducts sound well and amplifies it several times. To eliminate this effect, sound insulation is placed under the screed: polystyrene foam, expanded clay, fiberglass.

Thermal insulation

Vinyl and fiberboard have low thermal conductivity (0.33 and 0.29 W/m*°C), they are perceived as cool. If desired, you can lay PVC on a warm floor. Water or electrical system heating

Laminate boards with a thickness of at least 8 mm are mounted on a thermally conductive foil substrate. Heating should not exceed 25-27, otherwise formaldehyde vapor will be released.

Operating temperature

Vinylam retains its qualities in the range from -15 to +40 °C. Optimal temperature indoors 28-30 degrees. At higher levels, phthalates and vinyl chloride are released.

Laminate parquet flooring should be used at 15-30°C and humidity 40-75%. It can withstand strong cooling, but loses its qualities when heated quickly.

Fire safety

Vinyl products are classified as fireproof due to the content of mineral additives: class KM1. Polyvinyl chloride ignites when exposed to open flame and self-extinguishes when it disappears; if it ignites, it is toxic.

Laminated parquet practically does not burn, but when exposed to high temperatures produces a large amount of smoke. The safety class is lower: KM2-KM4.

Environmental friendliness

Products based on polyvinyl chloride consist for the most part made from natural ingredients and does not contain phenol-formaldehyde resins. It does not harm the environment and can be reused.

Laminate panels, subject to operating conditions, do not emit harmful substances in dangerous concentrations. For flooring in residential premises, you should choose products of safe category E1.

Dimensions (mm)

Vinyl panels:

• length: 250, 300, 500,900;
• width: 250, 300, 700;
• thickness: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5;
• density 1300-1400 kg/m 3 ;
• the mass of 1 m 2 (0.003 m) will be 4.2 kg.

Laminate panels:

• length: 300, 1260-1380, 1845;
• width: 90, 185-195, 330;
• thickness: 6, 8 (optimal), 12;
• density 844-979 kg/m3;
• the mass of 1 sq.m (0.008 m) is equal to 6.8 kg.

Design

Both types of coating correspond to the design goal: maximum imitation of natural or expensive materials. The indicator is the repeatability of the pattern on different floor elements. The best value is 1:6.

A variety of shapes and sizes allow you to give free rein to your imagination and create an original design solution.

Slip resistance

PVC boards have a good coefficient of friction: they remain non-slip even when wet.

Moisture on the surface of the laminate panel reduces friction and makes it slippery. The problem can be solved by choosing a material with a corrugated surface.

Easy to install

Any laminate is laid on a substrate. Connection in progress using the lock method simple and fast. The height difference should not exceed 2 mm per 2 m length, the technological gap from the walls and doorways- from 7 to 10 mm. For an inexperienced worker, the floor installation speed is 1.5 hours/m2.

PVC slabs are easy to lay if the surface is well marked. Vinyl is easier to cut, so fitting parts is faster.

Life time

According to theoretical calculations, laminate class. 31 serves 10-12 years; 33-34 - 10-20 years. The warranty period is 10-15 years, for high-quality lamellas - at least 25 years.

Vinyl flooring warranty famous manufacturers- more than 25 years. At correct installation and compliance with operating conditions can function longer. According to theoretical calculations by some manufacturers - up to 30-40 years.

Easy to care for coating

Any type has a pronounced antistatic effect and makes it easier to keep clean. For laminate floors, vacuuming 2-3 times a week and very light damp wiping and drying with a cloth are preferred.

For convenience, we will combine all the data into a short comparative table:

Quality indicators	Laminate board	Vinyl tiles
Moisture resistance	Swelling coefficient 8-18%	Water absorption is almost 0
Wear resistance class	Up to 34, for residential premises 31-34	Up to 43. For residential premises 31-34
Scratch resistance	Low	Average
Impact resistance	Low	high
Chemical resistance	Damaged by water, alkali, acid. abrasives. White spirit does not harm	Not afraid of acids and alkalis. mineral oils. Dangerous are acetone-based solvents, rubber, and sunlight.
Noise insulation	Low	high
Thermal conductivity coefficient, W/m*°С	0,29	0,33
Possibility of floor heating	Only with foil backing, except for IR modules	In addition to IR heating
Operating temperature, °C	15-30	Changes -20+40, 15-30
Fire safety	KM2-KM4	KM1
Environmental friendliness	E1 - quite environmentally friendly	Does not emit harmful substances
Dimensions, mm:
length	300, 1260, 1380	250, 300, 500,900
width	90, 185, 330	250, 300, 700
thickness	6, 8, 12	1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5
Density, kg/m 3	844-879	1300-1400
Weight, kg/m2	6,8	4,2
Design	Large selection of shades and textures; presence of chamfers	Any color of wood or stone, chamfers only in expensive collections
Slip resistance	Low, increases with a corrugated surface	Average
Easy to install	Easy to do it yourself	Easy enough
Warranty service life, years	10-25 (for quality)	15-25
Ease of care	Wipe with a damp cloth and wipe dry	Wet cleaning with mild detergents
Maintainability	Scratches are masked with a wax pencil. A damaged element can be easily replaced.	Replacing glued parts is labor-intensive, but for vinyl it’s not difficult

What is better to choose for an apartment

The choice depends on the room parameters:

• cross-country ability;
• potential for contamination;
• humidity level.

For children's room It is better to choose vinyl products class 31-32. This will make it possible to frequently wet cleaning and not be afraid of moisture. Ecologically

Dining room, living room, living room- laminate class 31-32 is also suitable.

To the bedroom to create a quiet atmosphere, it is better to choose vinyl class 31: the load level is low.

Hallway, kitchen- any of the materials k. 32-33: waterproof laminate or PVC as more preferable.

Bathroom, toilet- quartz vinyl, silver ions in the protective part act as an antiseptic.

Apartment with active animals- class 34.

Selecting floor coverings from a wide range of products is not easy. In the article we will compare PVC tiles and laminate - materials that are often chosen by consumers.

Comparative analysis of laminate and quartz-vinyl tiles

1. Composition of materials

Quartz Vinyl Tile- a more durable analogue of vinyl floors, in which quartz sand predominates - 60-80%, the remaining components are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and impurities that improve the properties of the material. The tile itself has a layered structure, but the layers are securely glued together.

Base layer made of quartz-vinyl provides strength, flexibility, dimensional stability of the tiles, decorative layer with a printed image can imitate wood, stone, ceramic tiles and other textures. Upper layer - protects against damage and fading.

Laminate represents dies with a locking connection, at the core which HDF board.

bottom layer- stabilizing, applied to the base layer of paper impregnated with melamine resin. It is on this paper layer that a printed image is applied, which performs a decorative function. Any design can be applied to it, usually it is an imitation of wood of various species in a wide range of colors, stylized as parquet or aged wood, but there are also designs imitating stone, graphite, sand, etc.

Top layer - laminating - transparencies made of melamine or acrylic resins, also called overlay. Protects the coating from abrasion, scratches, chips, and fading in the sun.

2. Characteristics

3. Scope of application

Laminate classes:

21-23 - residential premises with a small degree of traffic - bedrooms and other rooms. HDF board is used with lower density and lower formaldehyde resin content.

31-34 - intended for places with intensive use in home premises (corridor, living room, etc.), offices, hotels, offices, boutiques, etc. commercial premises.

Wear resistance classes of PVC tiles:

23-31 class - premises in houses, apartments with no high degree operation.

Grades 32-42 - high-traffic home areas - corridors, kitchens, bathrooms. Commercial premises, offices with medium intensity of use.

Class 43 - commercial premises with a high degree of use, industrial premises. Withstands the movement of forklifts and other vehicles.

4. Security

Both laminate and quartz vinyl flooring are synthetic materials, therefore, pose a danger as allergens. In addition, both coatings contain additives, which in themselves are hazardous substances and can diffuse into the indoor air.

PVC tiles contain:

• Plasticizers, the dangers of which are phthalates. Their presence in the composition of the material means inevitable evaporation in environment. Phthalates, according to scientists, inhibit the reproductive system, disrupt the functioning of the liver and kidneys, and can cause asthma, cancer, and metabolic disorders. Children are the most vulnerable; there is a possibility of central nervous system disorders and suppression of sexual characteristics, especially in boys.

• Stabilizers. Zinc and calcium are safe (they are used by European brands). Cadmium and lead are dangerous - heavy metals.

Laminate contains:

Melamine (less often acrylic) resins in the protective layer.

• Acrylic resin is considered harmless. Its use makes laminated panels safe, but expensive.

• Melamine resin is a mixture of melamine with components containing formaldehyde- carcinogenic substance, mutagen category 2 (acute toxicity) according to the European Chemicals Agency. Hazardous to health at elevated levels in the air. Exceeding the maximum permissible concentration in a room with laminate flooring can be caused by a significant increase in temperature, for example, in the event of a fire.

Formaldehyde vapor poisoning can be accompanied by acute respiratory distress, chemical pneumonia, and can cause bronchial asthma. With prolonged exposure, the occurrence of cancer of the throat and nasopharynx is possible. Skin exposure may result in skin reactions.

Laminate flooring is also divided into classes based on formaldehyde emissions:

• E0 - does not contain harmful impurities;
• E1 - minimal amount formaldehyde resins, allowed in Europe like E0 for home use;
• E2 - the content of toxic additives is 3 times higher than that of E1;
• E3 - the content of harmful impurities is 6 times higher than that of E1.

Laminate or PVC tiles - which coating is better?

1. When choosing flooring for an apartment or house, you should first of all think about safety. From this point of view it would be suitable:

• Quartz-vinyl tiles without phthalates are a European-made coating, presented on the market by only a couple of brands (for example, CERAMIN from Classen) and have a high cost.

• Laminate with E0 or E1 emission. There are also no formaldehydes in the products of only a couple of brands (CBM, Pergo). European-made laminate should not have emissions higher than E1 (for example, Alloc made in Norway - class E1). However, the cost of such a laminate starts from 2000 rubles. per sq. m.

2. Financial side assumes that both PVC tiles and laminate are economy class coatings. But this applies to Chinese, Korean and other manufacturers whose products contain harmful substances. It is also necessary to remember: the higher the coverage class, the higher the cost.

3. On your own operational characteristics quartz-vinyl flooring beats laminate because... It is moisture resistant, can withstand heavy loads, has great wear resistance, and does not come apart at the seams. Therefore, for commercial premises it is better to choose quartz vinyl; this floor will last longer.

Which is better: laminate or PVC tiles

Which is better: laminate or PVC tiles

Major renovation in an apartment or private house necessarily includes changing the flooring. The most common materials for laying floors are laminate and PVC tiles. Both options are different at an affordable price and practicality. But which one is better?

Price

For many owners of their own real estate, especially in new buildings, the issue of price arises. Repairs require large investments, and therefore you want the costs of materials to be as low as possible. For comparison: average cost laminate is 650-3500 rubles per square meter. At the same time, the cost vinyl tiles varies in the range from 950 to 2900 rubles. If you are looking for the cheapest type of flooring, then you should choose PVC tiles.

Installation

Great importance has an installation issue. Both materials that we are talking about in this review can have both lock and adhesive joining. But in stores you can find tiles with reusable adhesive layer, which is much easier to install even without special skills. If you do not plan to contact professional craftsmen, then feel free to purchase PVC tiles.

Design

Manufacturers of both materials offer a wide selection of collections of different textures and color solutions. Particularly popular are options that imitate natural wood, stone, brick, granite and other natural elements.

Often the consumer is looking for a material with a chamfer that is popular today. It can also be found in laminate and tiles. But the chamfers themselves in the first case are found with a U- and V-shaped bevel. They can be two-sided or four-sided. In comparison, tile bevels are limited to only the 4V version. For this reason, laminate clearly wins in this aspect.

Safety and environmental friendliness

Considering the issue of environmental friendliness and safety, it is worth noting that both types of flooring contain dioxins and synthetic resins. This means that during combustion, harmful substances and carcinogens will be released. But material manufacturers provide guarantees for their products, creating them according to the E1 emission class. This suggests that in the event of a fire, harmful substances will actually begin to be released and released into the atmosphere, but in extremely small quantities, absolutely safe for human life and health.

Difficulty of care

Laminate flooring requires careful and careful handling. It should not be wetted frequently, as the coating is resistant to moisture. In turn, PVC tiles perfectly resist water exposure and are not afraid of it. You can wash it as much as needed. At the same time, the material will retain its original external and operational properties.

Resistance to moisture and aggressive environments

The issue of the behavior of both materials in contact with water has already been discussed above. PVC tiles are not afraid of water, but laminate does not like to intersect with it. Therefore, it is not recommended to install laminate flooring in the bathroom or kitchen. It will quickly swell and become unusable.

As for aggressive environments, PVC tiles are not afraid of them at all. It can come into contact with salts, alkalis, fats, alcohols and acids. It is perfect not only for finishing apartments and private houses, but also for repairs in the garage or production workshop. Laminate does not have such properties.

Quality guarantees

When purchasing flooring, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer's warranty period. On the road and quality laminate Class 33 and 34 usually come with a lifetime warranty (subject to correct operation and installation only in residential premises). For PVC tiles, even from the most expensive segment, such deadlines do not exist. Therefore, when it comes to service life, laminate becomes the undisputed leader.

Suitability for repair

One more important criterion the choice is maintainability. Thanks to the locking connections, the laminate can always be reassembled by removing damaged elements and replacing them with new ones. For local repairs you can use special wax crayons and markers. If PVC tiles are damaged, it will be much more difficult to correct the situation, especially if the material has an adhesive connection. In most of these situations, complete removal of the floor and installation of new flooring will be required.

What should I buy?

It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. By comparative characteristics both materials are almost equal. When purchasing, you need to take into account the circumstances. So, for example, if design and ease of installation are important to you for flooring in your living room or office, then feel free to purchase laminate flooring. It is scratch resistant, looks great and is inexpensive. If we are talking about renovating a room in which there will be high humidity air, it is better to prefer PVC tiles.