Compare laminate and PVC tiles

Laminate and PVC tiles are two common flooring materials. Our experts in the field of construction and repair made a comparative analysis of these types of flooring, sorted out their advantages and disadvantages, which will help you choose the most suitable one.

Laminate

Laminate is a piece material, which is produced in the form of individual boards or panels with a multilayer structure. The laminate panel consists of the following layers: high density fibreboard backing; the lower stabilizing layer, which serves to protect against deformation during changes in humidity and temperature; a decorative layer that gives a certain color and texture, in most cases — wood, but can also imitate, for example, natural stone; top, front layer of synthetic acrylate resin, protecting against mechanical damage, exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, etc.

It is classified according to wear resistance into 6 categories:

1. class 21 — intended for use in residential areas with low traffic;

2. class 22 — for rooms with medium traffic;

3. class 23 — for rooms with high traffic;

4. classes 31, 32, 33 — for public spaces.

PVC tiles

PVC tiles are piece products similar in composition to PVC linoleum. Are issued in the form of a tile from 300х300 mm in size. PVC tile consists of several layers: a base made of polyvinyl chloride modified with polymer resin, a decorative polymer layer that gives color and pattern, and a top protective layer made of PVC or polyurethane. The total thickness of the tiles is 2-3 mm.

Table of advantages and disadvantages

The main differences between materials

The main differences between laminate and PVC tiles are as follows:

1. are made from completely different components;

2. have different shapes and sizes;

3. differ in the nature of the design;

4. differ in the thickness of the coating, the tile is much thinner than the laminate and does not hide the height of the premises;

5. the tile can be laid directly on the prepared base, while the laminate is laid on a special substrate;

6. the tile is not afraid of moisture, unlike the laminate, therefore it has a wider scope;

7. tiles, unlike laminate, do not form an electric charge, which does not cause accelerated accumulation of dust on the surface.

How are the materials similar?

The similarity is as follows:

1. both materials are piece materials, which gives some advantages over roll materials, for example, ease of transportation and good maintainability;

2. both types of flooring can be used in rooms of the same functional purpose;

3. tiles and laminate are easy to install.

Conclusions: It is impossible to give an unambiguous conclusion that one material is better or worse than another. Both tile and laminate flooring can be used for flooring in rooms of the same purpose, the choice depends on personal taste and preferences of the consumer, although the laminate has some limitations in use for rooms with high humidity.