Comparison of tiles and laminate – which is better to choose?

Selecting the ideal flooring for your house can be difficult, particularly when attempting to decide between laminate and tiles. Both choices have special advantages as well as advantages and disadvantages of their own. Whether you’re building a new space or taking on a renovation project, knowing the distinctions between laminate and tiles will help you choose what best suits your needs and aesthetic.

Tiles are renowned for being long-lasting and stylish. They are available in a variety of materials, each with unique benefits, such as stone, porcelain, and ceramic. Because tiles are stain- and water-resistant, they are especially ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Conversely, laminate flooring has grown in popularity because it is inexpensive and simple to install. It is a cost-effective alternative for many homeowners since it can replicate the appearance of stone, wood, or other materials.

Think about things like comfort, upkeep, and how each material fits into your lifestyle when comparing the two. Although they can be colder underfoot and require more maintenance, tiles can add a touch of elegance and last a very long time. Even though laminate is typically warmer and easier to maintain, it might not be as durable as tiles, particularly in high-traffic areas.

The decision between laminate and tiles will ultimately come down to your personal requirements and tastes. You can find the flooring that best fits your needs and complements your space by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each type. To assist you in making an informed choice, let’s examine how these options compare to one another in more detail.

Advantages and disadvantages

Analyzing the materials’ advantages and disadvantages is the first step in any comparison. Let’s stick to the formula and carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of PVC and laminate flooring.

Tile

Two types of PVC tiles are available for production:

• from processed polyvinyl chloride (we have one of the types of linoleum without a backing, cut into squares or rectangles);
• in combination with quartz sand (60-80% sand, 20-40% polyvinyl chloride). Such material is called quartz vinyl tile.

The materials’ properties naturally differ from one another. As a result, we shall address the benefits and drawbacks of each material separately.

Quartz vinyl tile

Quartz sand was added to vinyl to create a material that had a number of significant advantages:

• high strength – achieved due to the sand inside the tile and the laminating film on the front side. As a result, traces of furniture legs are not visible;
• long service life. Manufacturers give a guarantee of about 20 years. Therefore, the actual service life will be longer;
• moisture resistance – not afraid of direct contact with water;
• anti-slip surface – on a wet surface the risk of falling is minimal;
• high level of noise protection – absorbs up to 19 dB of indoor noise;
• low thermal conductivity coefficient;
• easy care – easy to clean with a damp cloth;
• the ability to install it yourself – no special knowledge or experience required;
• large selection of texture and color – imitates wood, stone, leather, pebbles;
• compatibility with “warm floor”;
• convenient transportation;
• presence of antistatic properties.

About quartz vinyl, we have already written a detailed post here.

The most important drawback is the price. Additional drawbacks

• harmful substances are released during combustion;
• cheap tiles, found in Chinese products, additives may contain lead and cadmium. Such products simply will not pass certification from European manufacturers;
• hot objects, an iron or a cigarette butt, burn through the protective film;
• black rubber on shoes leaves marks that are difficult to wash off (remove with acetone).

Vinyl tiles

Different component combinations result in different material strengths and weaknesses. Among the benefits

• high strength;
• simple gluing technology;
• minimum waste during installation;
• easy to cut with a construction knife;
• good heat and sound insulation;
• convenient transportation;
• water resistance – no worse than tiles;
• the ability to replace damaged tiles without dismantling the floor;
• easy care;
• stability of linear dimensions when changing temperature and humidity – there is no need to use damper tape for the technological gap;
• large range of products;
• beautiful design – not inferior to laminate and quartz vinyl.

IN RELATION TO weaknesses:

• high price – surprising but true;
• strict requirements for the screed – it can only be laid on a perfectly flat surface;
• short service life – about 10 years;
• emission of harmful substances when heated to 25 o C.

Laminate

Laminate comes in two varieties from manufacturers: SPC and MDF-based. Given the low level of popularity (production has only recently started) and the dearth of unbiased customer evaluations, the first kind of flooring has been moved outside the purview of the project.

The main advantages of the laminate we are used to are:

• high strength;
• long operational period – up to 20 years. True, products with low wear resistance may require replacement after 10 years. It all depends on the manufacturer;
• installation technology accessible to the “home craftsman”;
• huge selection of designs. The lamellas may differ in color, texture, size;
• resistance to fading – the surface is covered with an ultraviolet-resistant film;
• easy care that does not require sanding or varnishing;
• affordable price;
• convenient transportation.

A couple more benefits—the existence of heat and noise-reducing qualities, which are untrue—are mentioned for advertising purposes.

First off, the material is ideal for conducting heat, so it can be installed over a "warm floor" system without causing any issues. Secondly, the flooring resonates, enhancing sounds.

Manufacturers strive to eschew flaws. Indeed, they are. Cons include:

• low moisture resistance – constant water vapor can destroy laminated panels within a few days;
• formaldehyde emission when heated to +28 o C;
• high requirements for the screed: it must be strong, even and dry;
• accumulation of static electricity by a protective film – it is unpleasant to walk barefoot, the floor quickly becomes dirty – attracts dust;
• slipperiness of the floor after wet cleaning;
• non-compliance with the installation technology may require replacing the floor – it will swell, breaking all the locking connections;
• insufficient strength when simultaneously installing two legs of heavy furniture on one lamella;
• Spilled grease, coffee and oil paint are difficult to remove.

The provided advantages and disadvantages of laminate and tiles create an initial impression of the materials. A comparison of the key operational and technical indicators yields more comprehensive information.

Comparison of characteristics

In order to determine which is superior, laminate or quartz vinyl tiles, we will perform a comparative analysis based on the following standards:

• cost m 2 of material;
• installation costs;
• complexity of the flooring;
• requirements for the subfloor (screed);
• possibility of dismantling;
• durability;
• fire safety;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to fading;
• strength;
• waterproof;
• level of thermal conductivity;
• soundproof;
• environmental cleanliness;
• ease of care;
• rapidity of pollution;
• design;
• Possibility of laying on a “warm floor”.

Which is cheaper?

Price is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a material. When comparing affordable material options, PVC tiles start at 714 rubles per square meter (the Soviet-era tiles that most people remember are almost nonexistent, so prices between 120 and 250 rubles per meter are nonexistent), laminate starts at 360 rubles per square meter, and quartz vinyl tiles start at 1250 rubles per square meter.

The disparity is even more pronounced in the premium class:

• PVC tiles – 1500-3500 rub./m 2 ;
• laminate — 1200-2450 rub./m 2 ;
• quartzvinyl – 3000-5400 rub./m 2 .

In conclusion, quartz vinyl tiles are the most expensive material; laminate is less expensive.

Which is cheaper to lay?

If a hired team is doing the work, the cost of laying the floor is the second most important factor. She varies a lot. For instance, you can see a stark disparity in cost for the same job on the websites of construction teams: from 100 to 800 rubles for 1 m 2. We will use the lowest values that were discovered for analysis.

Therefore, when laying, you will need to pay for 1 m2 of floor:

• PVC tiles – 200 rub. for glue and 100 rubles. lock;
• laminate — 160 rub., plus 40 rub. for the substrate;
• quartz vinyl tiles – 220 rub.

In conclusion, installing quartz vinyl is the most costly; installing laminate costs roughly the same; installing PVC tiles requires a manageable labor cost.

Which installation technology is more difficult?

Laying the materials in question shouldn’t be too difficult in theory; you can do the work yourself. Nevertheless, interlocking connections make installing laminate difficult; you’ll need technological know-how, focus, and tool proficiency. The process for installing tiles with locks is essentially the same. simpler to put in flooring.

In conclusion, gluing is simpler and faster with materials without a lock.

Requirements for the screed

Uneven floor bases are acceptable for laminate and lockable tiles up to 3 mm; the substrate will level the tiles. But the screed’s surface needs to be level in order to glue tiles together. The floor covering will be raised by even 1 mm of bumps, which will slightly push the tile’s body upward. The outcome in this instance is known: the floor surface will eventually be removed from this location.

In conclusion, materials with locks have an advantage.

Which is easier to dismantle?

The floor covering with locks is difficult to disassemble because they are glued together tightly while in use. This is not tile glue, so it will be a little bit easier to rip the glued PVC tiles off the floor. The ability to be reassembled after disassembly is an additional benefit of the laminate and quartz-vinille tiles with locks (although they should really be disassembled to prevent damage to any fantasy castles). However, it won’t work at all to keep the material after removing it from the glue.

In conclusion, there is no question that the floor covering on glue has an advantage based on the criterion under consideration.

What material will last longer

Numerous factors determine how long flooring will last, including the material’s density and strength as well as how practical it is in the face of adversity. As a result, you must assess standard operating conditions. Here, quartz vinyl leads the pack because the manufacturers offer a guarantee ranging from 10 to 25 years. The laminate is in second place, with the vinyl trailing slightly.

In conclusion, buy quartz vinyl tiles if you want to put off replacing the floor for a very long time.

Which material is more fireproof?

The tile’s chemical components burn cleanly. This generates a great deal of smoke and toxic materials. That being said, there is no denying that quartz vinyl flooring has a significantly lower PVC content. Laminate is a characteristic of MDF that, despite being in the second class of flammability, smolders more than burns. Small amounts of harmful substances are also released.

In conclusion, laminate ranks first, quartz vinyl ranks second, and PVC tiles ranks third when it comes to the fire safety criterion.

Which material has higher wear resistance?

This criterion states that all materials are equal because they cannot be wiped down while walking through an apartment or house. Tiles and laminate deteriorate and become totally unusable at about the same rate when subjected to abrasives. However, the tiles will probably hold up better than the laminate, which will undoubtedly break under the wheels of a computer chair.

In conclusion, because of the same wear resistance, the indicator can be disregarded; however, if a chair is present, this is not the case.

Which material burns less?

All across the world, manufacturers started applying a unique UV-blocking film to their products. Because of this, laminates and tiles maintain their original color for the duration of their useful lives.

In conclusion, there is no benefit to either material.

Which is stronger

Three indicators are used to compare tiles and laminate in this instance: resistance to mechanical damage, static loads, and dynamic loads. Quartz vinyl tiles are without a doubt the best option in this situation because they leave no trace of furniture, are impervious to scratches from pets, and do not get damaged by falling objects on the protective film.

The locking connection on laminate panels will quickly collapse if two heavy furniture legs are placed on them at the same time, making laminate a slightly inferior material. Despite being glued to the floor, PVC tiles still have furniture marks on them. Nevertheless, compared to laminate, it is more difficult to mechanically damage.

In summary, PVC tiles and laminate are roughly equal in terms of strength; quartz-vinyl leads in this category.

Which material has higher moisture resistance?

Laminate has a water phobia. Manufacturers, however, discovered a workaround and started creating a product that is resistant to moisture for use in the kitchen and bathroom. This indicates that the floor covering has a certain amount of moisture resistance. Not anymore. As the laminate passes from the "moisture resistant" category to the standard products group and starts to absorb moisture from the air, the protection on the locks becomes damaged.

Waterproof materials are used to make both kinds of tiles. Its quality remains unaffected even after being submerged in water for multiple days.

In conclusion, experts advise installing tiles rather than laminate in the kitchen because spilled drinks or water won’t harm the flooring.

Which is warmer

Here, quartz vinyl is superior, despite what is commonly believed. PVC tiles come in second; their thin chemical composition makes them less effective heat conductors than a thicker laminate made of wood fibers. The floor beneath the slats’ thermal insulation levels the playing field.

In conclusion, quartz-vinyl tiles are better at holding onto heat, but they feel colder to the touch, based on reviews posted on forums.

What is quieter

Laid laminate is an excellent resonator; neighbors can hear any fall of a large object in addition to apartment occupants. The owners are likewise bothered by this floor since noise permeates the rooms quite effectively. Eighty to ninety percent of the problem is solved by soundproofing the floor (you can’t even muffle the clicking of thin heels). However, this is extra cash for supplies and labor.

In addition to being an excellent absorber of all outside noise, tiles also keep structural noise from passing through the walls.

Conclusion: Compared to laminate boards, both types of tiles are better at absorbing background noise.

What is more harmful

The examined materials are environmentally friendly when used in the right settings and can be utilized in living rooms, bedrooms, kid’s rooms, and other spaces. However, dangerous material emissions start as soon as the temperature reaches +28 o C and above.

PVC tiles cause the most health damage under force majeure conditions, while laminate causes the least.

In conclusion, there is no health risk associated with the materials’ chemical composition.

Which is easier to wash?

Laminate flooring and tiles are easily maintained. Use of non-abrasive detergents is an option in cases of severe contamination. The only drawback is that a wrung-out cloth must be used to wipe the slats.

In conclusion, we see material equality.

Which gets dirty faster?

Unlike tiles, laminate gathers static electricity. It gets dirty more quickly as a result. There is a twist to this, though: less dust ends up on the walls, living room and kitchen sets, other furniture, lampshades, and other items that are much harder to clean.

In conclusion, experts prefer laminate flooring even though it gets dirty more quickly.

What kind of flooring can be laid on a “warm floor”

As manufacturers advise in operating guidelines, "warm floors," which are becoming more and more popular, can be used with laminate and tiles. One small benefit of tiles is that they are completely customizable. Warm floor laminates are made with unique lamellas that are resistant to temperature changes.

In summary, tiles possess a minor edge in this metric.

What"s more beautiful

A wide range of tile and laminate designs are achievable thanks to modern technologies. Because of this, it is frequently challenging to identify the type of flooring visually. While designing the interior of a room or apartment as a whole, different colors, textures, and patterns let you use the most inventive flooring solutions (like laminate beneath stone or ceramic tiles and quartz vinyl coating).

In conclusion, designers do not encounter any issues with the aforementioned materials.

Comparison summary table

To ensure clarity, we have included an evaluation of each criterion in points in a table that summarizes the comparative analysis.

Table 1 presents an evaluation of the primary performance attributes of tiles and laminate.

Types of flooring / Criteria	Score, in points
	Quartz vinyl	PVC tiles	Laminate
Material price, 1 m2	3.5	4	5
Cost of work	4.5	5	4.5
Difficulty of installation	4.5	5	4
Requirements for the screed	3	2.5	4
Difficulty in dismantling	3.5	3	3.5
Durability	5	3.5	4
Fire safety	3.5	3	4.5
Wear resistance	4.5	4.5	4
UV resistance	5	5	5
Strength	5	4.5	4.5
Moisture resistance	5	5	3
Thermal conductivity	4.5	5	3.5
Sound insulation properties	4.5	5	2.5
Environmental Safety	4.5	4.5	4.5
Difficulty of care	4.5	4.5	4.5
Pollution rate	4.5	4.5	5
Compatibility with heated floors	4.5	4	4.5
Design	5	5	5
average rating	4.4	4.3	4.2

Aspect	Tiles	Laminate
Durability	Very durable, resistant to scratches and dents	Durable but can be scratched or dented more easily
Water Resistance	Highly water-resistant, suitable for wet areas	Less water-resistant, can be damaged by moisture
Installation	Requires professional installation, more complex	Can be installed by DIYers, easier to handle
Cost	Generally more expensive	More affordable, budget-friendly
Maintenance	Easy to clean, low maintenance	Easy to clean, but may need replacement if damaged

What best fits your needs and lifestyle will determine whether you choose laminate or tiles. Tiles are perfect for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms because they are long-lasting, water-resistant, and available in a variety of designs. Additionally, they are reasonably simple to clean, which is a huge benefit if you’re searching for flooring that requires little upkeep.

Conversely, laminate flooring presents a more cost-effective choice and can effectively replicate the appearance of stone or wood. It can be a good option for areas where you want a fast and easy upgrade because it is typically easier to install. Laminate isn’t as water-resistant as tiles, though, so it might not be the greatest option in damp rooms.

Your final choice should be determined by your spending limit, the use of the space, and the level of wear and tear you anticipate. Both choices have advantages and disadvantages, so think about what features are most crucial for your room and make your decision accordingly. Whichever option you choose, both laminate and tiles can improve the appearance and usability of your house while providing excellent value.

To determine which type of flooring is best for your space, compare the advantages and disadvantages of tiles and laminate. Tiles are perfect for high-traffic or damp areas because they are long-lasting and simple to maintain. Conversely, laminate offers an elegant, reasonably priced, and simpler to install and maintain alternative. You can make an informed decision that fits your needs and preferences by using the guidance in this article to help you navigate these options.

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