Which is better: laminate or PVC tiles?

Selecting the ideal flooring for your house can be difficult. Finding a material that complements your style, price range, and way of life is crucial given the abundance of options available. PVC and laminate tiles are two common options. Knowing that each has benefits and drawbacks will enable you to make an informed choice.

Laminate flooring is renowned for being realistic-looking and long-lasting like wood. It is constructed with several layers of synthetic materials and a photographic layer on top that simulates the appearance of genuine wood. Easy to install and maintain, laminate is an affordable option. But it can be easily damaged by moisture, which makes it less suitable for places like kitchens and bathrooms.

Vinyl tiles, sometimes referred to as PVC tiles, are yet another adaptable flooring choice. They are available in a range of designs and patterns and are composed of polyvinyl chloride. Because PVC tiles are waterproof, they are ideal for areas with high levels of moisture. In addition, they are easy to replace in the event of damage and comfortable underfoot. The drawback is that they might not have the same visual appeal as premium hardwood or laminate flooring.

Think about your individual requirements and tastes when choosing between laminate and PVC flooring. Consider the amount of foot traffic in the area, your overall design concept, and the room where the flooring will be installed. You can choose the ideal flooring option for your house by assessing the benefits and drawbacks of each material.

It’s important to weigh important aspects like cost, style, durability, and upkeep when choosing between laminate and PVC flooring tiles. Although laminate is typically less expensive and gives the appearance of more natural wood, it is less water resistant and is more prone to scratches. Conversely, PVC tiles are perfect for high-traffic areas and damp rooms because they are extremely resilient, water-resistant, and low-maintenance. The ideal option will ultimately rely on your unique requirements, your financial situation, and the space where the flooring will be installed.

Why materials are often compared?

Incompetent customers frequently mistake vinyl PVC tiles for laminate, thinking that these materials are interchangeable and that, at first glance, they may even have similar looks:

• they effectively demonstrate maximum similarity to natural materials;
• have the form of modular strips;
• the interlocking connection completely confuses the consumer, who no longer sees any difference between these materials.

The unique composition of modern PVC tile models sets them apart from traditional laminate, providing vinyl with superior technical properties.

PVC tiles come in a variety of forms with different compositions.

In contrast to laminate, PVC coating is available in both adhesive and interlocking installation types.

Key Features

You must first become familiar with the fundamentally different compositions and other properties of PVC tiles and laminate in order to comprehend their differences.

Compound

Laminate

Laminate is a very aesthetically pleasing floor covering that is made in the shape of planks and installed using a locking mechanism. These days, laminate designs are incredibly varied, mimicking not only noble wood from different wood species but also stone, leather, and metal. Laminate is made up of multiple layers:

• lower stabilizing layer – gives the plank additional rigidity, hardness and protects from damage and deformation;
• the main or supporting layer is made of HDF (High Density Flag) fiberboard of high density or MDF (Middle Density Flag) of medium density – it is responsible for the strength and durability of the structure;
• decorative layer – with imitation of natural wood (usually) or stone, etc. materials;
• protective top layer – protects against dirt, moisture, fading and abrasion.

Synthetic resins are used to create the protective layer, which covers the laminate’s surface in a wear-resistant film that can be up to 1 mm thick. A thin layer of wood and paper with a designer pattern applied in a specific color make up the decorative layer. Wood shavings or dust are used by manufacturers to create the middle supporting layer. It is compressed and combined with resins during the manufacturing process, giving the planks their strength and hardness.

Depending on the brand (particle board or fiber board), the laminate’s thickness can range from 6 to 8 to 10 mm or more. The bottom layer resembles extremely thin plastic or tarred paper.

Additional proprietary layers (made of polystyrene, cork, or isolon) that provide sound insulation may also be present in some models. Density of laminate: 840–980 kg/m^3.

Vinyl covering

There are various types of vinyl PVC tiles, such as WPC, Rigid Vinyl, LVT, and SPC. Each subtype has a different primary ingredient, and while PVC is present in all of them, it is in varying amounts.

WPC

Magnificent modular covering Wood-polymer composites are known as WPCs, or Wood Polymer Composites. Given that the material combines elements of both wood and polymer, it is also known as WPC+ LVT tiles. WPC tiles are a multi-component, modernized modular flooring option. Most of the material is composed of wood-polymer composite material. WPC components for planks:

• wood flour – up to 50-55%;
• calcium carbonate – no more than 15%;
• PVC – 20-22%;
• foaming component 8-15%.

The ratios of ingredients used can differ amongst manufacturers.

Manufacturers provide WPC tiles as stiff planks. They come in a variety of sizes, but they are always installed with a locking mechanism. The plank has a density of 950–1,100 kg/m3. WPC coating requires no substrate during installation, unlike SPC tiles (allowed in certain models). In comparison to comparable SPC modules, it is also substantially lighter and thicker.

The process of foaming-extrusion is used to create WPC boards. The coating is meant to be used for residential apartments and houses, as well as heated premises.

Furthermore multilayer are WPC tiles:

• the bottom layer is made of thin cork – at the same time creates protection against noise and ensures a tight fit to the base of the floor;
• WPC layer – providing density and rigidity;
• PVC – creates a harmonious “adhesion” to the decorative layer, giving elasticity to the structure;
• decorative layer – in the form of a thin film with a design similar to natural material;
• protective layers – create high resistance to external influences.

The composition and number of layers may change according to proprietary adjustments made by different brands.

Rigid Vinyl

She is not afraid to push because PVC tiles in the form of Rigid Vinyl (Hard Vinyl) have a hard and rigid structure. The properties of rigid modular vinyl are a middle ground between those of SPC and LVT vinyl.

900–1,000 kg/m3 is the density of Rigid Vinyl, which is less than theirs. The fiberglass layers in the Rigid composition increase the rigidity of the planks. It keeps the planks’ shape and offers the necessary density and durability. Pliable Vinyl is composed of multiple layers:

• a thin backing-plate that protects the plank from destruction and provides better adhesion to the subfloor;
• the Rigid layer itself – in the form of the main rigid and strong core;
• decorative layer – with imitation of natural materials with aesthetic, natural shades;
• protective layer – providing wear resistance and resistance to fading.

The tiles can tolerate some minor subfloor unevenness thanks to the strength and layering of rigid vinyl. Manufacturers create materials with five to twelve layers, depending on the number of layers.

LVT

Luxury vinyl tiles, also known as Luxury vinyl tiles or LVT, are among the most well-liked and superior varieties of PVC tiles.They are classified as premium class tiles. The material has structural characteristics; it is composed of 60–80% fine fraction quartz sand and 1/3 PVC. Because of this, the tile is strong, long-lasting, completely resistant to moisture, and environmentally friendly. Both lock and adhesive installation techniques are available for quartz-vinyl LVT tiles. LVT multilayer tiles:

• bottom base PVC layer – provides better laying on the surface of a flat base;
• layer of reinforced fiberglass – provides density and shape retention;
• a layer of quartz-vinyl – creates a solid, durable structure of the plank;
• decorative layer – highly aesthetic with the most accurate improvisation of the texture of natural materials;
• protective polyurethane coating – increases wear resistance, durability, resistance to UV rays, etc.

The manufacturer is able to include up to nine or more layers. Depending on the brand and wear resistance class, quartz vinyl’s density can range from 800-860 kg/m3 to 1,000–2,000 kg/m3 or higher.

SPC

Up to 80% of a stone base composed of crushed marble chips or calcium carbonate is found in stone-polymer composite, or SPC for short. This comprises primary PVC up to 20% and different connecting elements less than 1%.

The material’s stone base ensures longevity, complete resistance to moisture, fire safety, environmental friendliness, and the best density of up to 2,000–2,200 kg/m3 or more. Vinyl with compound SPC:

• high-strength calcium-polymer base – provides rigidity and strength to the planks;
• decorative layer – imitates wood or stone with high realism;
• wear-resistant layer and UV protection – provide maximum service life and resistance to abrasion, fading, staining, etc.

SPC tiles should be installed on a thin, dense substrate because they are made for interlocking installations. Additionally, the coating is high-quality.

Environmental friendliness

Laminate

Recycled forestry materials (sawdust, wood waste, and clippings) are used to make laminate flooring; these materials are safe and do not harm the environment. No hazardous pesticides, heavy metals, or chlorine compounds were covered.

Relevant certification documents attest to the high quality products from well-known brands being environmentally friendly. You should decline to buy the product if it lacks these documents as it might not be a high-quality fake.

The models produced by European manufacturers who are members of the EPFL association are thought to be the most environmentally friendly laminates.

Laminate and other wood floor coverings are classified as environmentally friendly with an E (emission) rating. The coating is more environmentally friendly if the number next to E is smaller. E-0 is the safest, and E1–E2 are conditionally safe. The use of E3 marking is forbidden.

Formaldehyde-containing inexpensive Chinese laminate can be harmful. Resins, which function as a natural glue in laminates, contain it.

PVC

Cutting-edge PVC vinyl tile models have minimal binders and dye additions and are constructed from virgin PVC and natural materials. Every product from reputable manufacturers is certified appropriately and poses no risks to human health or the environment.

The most environmentally friendly are SPC and LVT. They cannot burn and are made almost entirely of natural materials, specifically quartz sand and stone-polymer composite. Furthermore, in terms of environmental friendliness, they are not significantly worse than WPC and Rigid.

Heat, sound and waterproofing

• Laminate maintains the temperature of the room, you can walk on it barefoot, it also creates additional thermal insulation (small) due to its solidity and rather thick thickness (from 7 mm). But the coating remains noisy, the steps on it are quite loud, but it suppresses the noise from the neighbors. The laminate is not the best waterproofing. Wet cleaning of the coating is allowed with subsequent wiping with a rag of dry. But if the coating was filled, and moisture remained for a while, then the laminate strips will lose shape, deform and become unusable. Laminate is not recommended to be laid in rooms with high humidity.
• PVC Vinyl tiles of modern production differs from the laminate with excellent water resistance. SPC and LVT luxury models guarantee 100% moisture resistance, WPC and Rigid are less stable compared to SPC and LVT, but significantly exceed the laminate. Coatings can be laid in rooms with high humidity. PVC tiles also guarantees heat and sound insulation, especially the model of the castle method of laying with the maximum thickness and additional substrate. Footsteps on the surface are almost inaudible. All vinyl tiles maintain room temperature and are not cold like natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tiles. It"s nice to walk on PVC barefoot. Vinyl tiles have minimal thermal conductivity and are recommended for combination with heated floors.

If the coating has the proper markings, laminate and PVC tiles can be used in conjunction with the installation of a heated floor system, but the heating must be strictly regulated to a maximum of +25+28 0 C.

Strength, density, durability and service life

These materials’ densities and strengths look like this:

• laminate 840-980 kg/m3 – the minimum;
• WPC tiles 950-1 100 kg/m3 – medium;
• Rigid Vinyl 900-1,000 kg/m3 – average, but slightly lower than WPC;
• quartz-vinyl LVT 800-2,000 kg/m3 (depending on wear resistance class and manufacturer);
• SPC tiles 2,000-2,200 kg/m3 and more – the highest strength and density.

Durability and resistance to wear are ensured by the slats’ density. A long service life of up to 20–25 years is guaranteed by SPC coating when used carefully. The quartz-vinyl model, which has a high class of wear resistance, will also last up to 25 years (castle), and the adhesive slightly less than 15-20 years.

In commercial settings, WPC and Rigid Vinyl can last up to 10 years and provide 20–25 years of service, respectively. Premium laminate can last up to 20 years when installed in areas without excessive humidity.

Features of installation

The coating needs to be applied correctly to last for a long time.

Laminate

There is a flooring option with a castle-style design. The draft floor must first have its base cleaned and leveled before installation can begin. Errors in the difference as small as 1-2 mm are permitted. on one sign.m. The base is primed and the wooden floor is treated with antiseptics prior to laying.

Work in phases:

1. A special substrate is laid that will level out defects, roughness and remove friction, and provide heat and sound insulation.
2. The panels begin to be laid (according to the chosen pattern) from the middle or from the longest wall.
3. The first straight row of laminate is carefully snapped together on the end sides.
4. The next row is fixed to the first, with horizontal locks, then with each other on the end.
5. Do not forget to leave gaps of 8-15 mm around the perimeter of the walls.
6. Laying is carried out by inserting the planks into one another at a slight angle and clicking until the end. All coating is collected using this technology.

The laminate may or may not be disassembled and reassembled, depending on the type of lock (Lock: not possible, Click: possible). Install the thresholds and plinth last.

Vinyl covering

The installation techniques for PVC vinyl tile models featuring interlocking systems are the same for all models. For coverage, a level subfloor is necessary. If there is a chamfer on the slats, then adjustments are permitted up to 3–4 mm per 2 m.Errors in flaws are limited to 1-2 mm per 2 m.

How to put together interlocking vinyl tiles:

1. If specified in the instructions (as with SPC), then first lay an ultra-thin substrate up to 1-1.5 mm thick.
2. Then the tiles are laid out on the floor, estimating the pattern and excluding the presence of defects in the tiles.
3. According to one of the selected schemes, the installation of interlocking PVC tiles begins.
4. The first row is laid in an even layer against the wall, securing the planks together with locks at the ends.
5. The next row is laid, joining with the previous one on horizontal locks, inserting at an angle, and snapping to the end, then among themselves in a row at the ends.
6. The floor is assembled completely using this technique.

Allow 5–10 mm of temperature gaps at the walls. Limited pieces in the corners close to the communications should be installed last, followed by the plinth and thresholds. Set up the furniture and mop the floor.

There are differences when using adhesive quartz-vinyl tiles for laying:

1. The surface of the floor base must be perfectly flat, since the vinyl modules have a minimum thickness and will completely follow the contour of the slightest imperfections on the surface.
2. For the work, buy special glue and a wide notched trowel.
3. The glue is evenly applied to the base of the floor in a small area so that it does not have time to dry.
4. The tiles are laid evenly on the area coated with glue and pressed firmly, excess glue is removed with a rag. Additionally, iron the bar with a soft roller to remove possible air bubbles.
5. Next, glue the next element, tightly joining it to the first one according to the same pattern.
6. Lay the flooring completely, leaving minimal gaps under the skirting boards at the walls of 3-5 mm.

Baseboards and thresholds are put in last. After the glue has completely dried, you can arrange the equipment and furniture.

Here is all the information you need to install PVC tiles.

Care

WPC, Rigid Vinyl, LVT, SPC

Vinyl flooring has excellent resistance to stains, dirt, and outside chemical influences because of its protective resistant layers and maximum moisture resistance. Using soft brushes, mops, or vacuum cleaners, small debris and dust are removed from WPC, Rigid Vinyl, LVT, and SPC. Using detergents, wet cleaning is done every five to seven days.

Wet cleaning must be done right away if a bright liquid—such as wine, juice, sauce, etc.—is spilled on the coating. Oil stains on PVC can be eliminated by rinsing after using a soap solution containing a small quantity of soda. A hot pan or iron cannot be placed on the coating. The coating needs to be handled with caution.

Laminate

Additionally, the laminate uses a soft broom to vacuum or sweep up the trash. We perform wet cleaning once every seven days. Whereas wet stains on the floor will harm the coating, it is best to wipe the floor dry.

Pollution with detergents is immediately eliminated when bright liquids, such as coffee, juice, and wine, are spilled at random. The humidity level in the space where the laminate will be installed should be low to moderate. If tiny flaws such as chips or cracks appear, use wax or specially colored grout.

Rubber (rugs, rubberized furniture legs) should not come into contact with either vinyl or laminate as this will leave surface marks. Avoid dropping anything sharp or heavy on the floor as this could harm the coating. It is essential to attach soft pads (made of felt, etc.) to every leg before setting furniture on these coverings.

Color fastness

The technology used to create PVC vinyl and laminate ensures excellent preservation of the pattern, color, and texture by applying an extra protective layer (or layers) to the decorative layer.

For the duration of its useful life, imitation natural stone or wood remains in its original, presentable state. However, compared to other options (0.3 mm), premium PVC models have a thicker protective layer (0.5-0.55 mm), which also ensures better color retention.

In terms of longevity and color retention, vinyl coating outperforms laminate flooring. Manufacturers advise shielding laminate floors from prolonged and continuous exposure to UV light; for instance, they advise hanging curtains in rooms with large or panoramic windows that face south.

Average price of material in the Russian Federation

These coatings come in a wide range of prices. A class 43 model, which is the most wear-resistant, will cost more than a class 33 model. The price is dependent on the wear resistance class. Adhesive options are less expensive than locking ones, and premium-class coating is more expensive than budget models. As an illustration:

• WPC tiles class 43 with interlocking connection – from RUB 4,500. m 2;
• Rigid Vinyl tiles class 43 with locking connection – from RUB 2,750.m 2;
• LVT vinyl adhesive type – RUB 1,700-1,800. m 2 or more;
• quartz-vinyl LVT interlocking – from 2,300 – 3,100 rubles. m 2 or more;
• SPC interlocking tiles – from 2,500 – 4,100 rubles. m 2 or more;
• Laminate – from RUB 1,100. m 2 to 2 2,300 rub. m 2 .

The price is affected by brand awareness.

Goodway Laminate – England Coventry Oak: 1,150 RUB/m^

Rigid FineFloor Gear FF-1808 Misano RUB 2,750./m 2 quartz vinyl laminate

WPC Aquafloor RealWood AF8023XXL vinyl laminate with RUB 4,550/m 2 backing

SPC Aspenfloor Smart Choice Oak Gray Laminate, class 43 RUB 2,100./m 2, 1220x184x3.5 mm

Chocolate Oak Laminate SPC Alpine Floor Premium XL ECO 7-18, RUB 3,600 m 2

PVC flooring, bright DLC00082 RUB 5,900/m 2 quartz vinyl laminate Wineo 800 Wood, Castle Pine Riga

The Alpine Floor Waimea ECO-15-3 RUB 1,600./m 2 quartz-vinyl adhesive tile

comparison table

You can see all the variations between these coatings in greater detail in the table:

Name	Laminate	WPC	LVT	SPC coating	Rigid
Density	+ +	+ + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + +
Environmental friendliness	+ + +	+ + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + +
Moisture resistance	+ +	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + +
Noise isolation	+ +	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + +
Thermal insulation	+ + + +	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + +
Combination with underfloor heating systems	+ + + +	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + +
Installation process	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +
Designs	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +
Color solution	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +
Texture	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	&+ + + + +
Repair	+ + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	&+ + + + +
Wear resistance and durability	+ + + +	+ + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +	+ + + + +
Price	+ + + + +	+ + +	+ + + + +	+ + +	+ + + +

The high cost of coatings is a direct reflection of their superior quality, resilience to wear, and stunning, lifelike designs.

What to choose?

The following primary criteria serve as a guide when choosing flooring:

• what are the dimensions of the room/room;
• purpose and wear resistance class – domestic, commercial or semi-commercial premises;
• harmonious combination with the overall interior, style, color;
• financial opportunities;
• location of the room according to the cardinal directions (north, south, etc.);
• humidity level;
• availability of certification for the product from the manufacturer;
• environmental friendliness of the material.

Purchasing models from reputable, well-known brands is advised. Floor coverings are marked by manufacturers based on their resistance to wear. Three primary purpose groups exist:

For residential premises

Coatings numbered 21, 22, and 23 indicate that they are intended for residential use, with the home being the first value (2). Wear resistance is defined by the second digit, where the maximum load is (3) and the minimum load is (1).

Bedrooms, living rooms, and offices are among the rooms in class 21 that see little traffic. Children’s rooms, hallways, and home libraries are all included in class 22.

PVC and laminate will be your best options. Kitchens, restrooms, hallways, and other spaces with heavy traffic, loads, and high humidity are included in wear resistance class 23. Since laminate is not as moisture-resistant as vinyl flooring, it should not be installed in these spaces.

For semi-commercial premises

The material is advised for use in public spaces according to the markings for coatings 31, 32, and 33. The first digit (3) denotes a semi-commercial coating, and the second is wear resistance, which is the same as the one mentioned above.

Cafes and tea houses, as well as small offices, should be arranged in Class 31, which has low traffic. It will also be important for setting up every home space. Class 32 denotes that the coating is suitable for installation in hotels, schools, and hospitals and can sustain medium loads. These categories accept laminate and vinyl tiles bearing this label.

Class 33 denotes that the coating is appropriate for use in areas where people move around and very heavy loads are present, such as movie theaters, train stations, retail stores, and entertainment complexes. This is too much for laminate to handle because it requires frequent, continuous wet cleaning, which is inappropriate for laminate. However, vinyl tile—especially quartz or SPC vinyl—would be acceptable.

For commercial

The coating for industrial premises is marked with 41, 42, and 43. The first digit (4) denotes commercial objects, and the second degree of wear resistance is the same as in the preceding categories.

Class 41 is advised for both public areas with maximum load and industrial premises with minimum load (small workshops, warehouses). The markings indicate that PVC tiles would be suitable in this situation; laminate is not recommended. Classes 42 and 43 correspond to objects with medium and extremely high traffic, respectively (garages, large warehouses or workshops, industrial premises). Select the most resilient SPC or quartz-vinyl for them, making sure to mark it appropriately, but avoid using laminate.

Useful video

In the video, a comparison of coatings:

Aspect	Laminate	PVC Tiles
Durability	Prone to scratches and water damage	Highly resistant to water and scratches
Maintenance	Requires regular cleaning and care	Easy to clean and maintain
Installation	Click-lock system, needs underlayment	Self-adhesive or click-lock, easy to install
Comfort	Feels warmer underfoot	Can be colder but softer with underlayment
Cost	Generally cheaper	Can be more expensive
Appearance	Looks like wood	Wide variety of styles and designs

Your unique requirements and tastes should be taken into account when choosing between laminate and PVC flooring tiles. Each approach has advantages and can be appropriate in certain circumstances.

With its natural, wood-like appearance, laminate flooring is well-known for being easy to install and long-lasting. When you want a warm, inviting look without having to pay the high price of hardwood, this is a great option. But it can be easily damaged by moisture, which makes it less suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

PVC tiles, on the other hand, are ideal for high-moisture areas because of their exceptional durability and water resistance. They give you design flexibility because they are available in a range of styles, some of which even imitate the appearance of stone or wood. They may not be as warm as laminate, but they are still a sensible option because of their durability and ease of upkeep.

The ideal choice will ultimately rely on your lifestyle and the area where you want to install the flooring. Laminate may be your best option if you are installing in a dry area and want a warm, genuine look. PVC tiles might be the best option if you need something durable and water-resistant for your kitchen or bathroom.

Video on the topic

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