PVC tile or laminate - which is better?

Many buyers, choosing a floor covering, can not decide: PVC tile or laminate - which is better? These materials are approximately equivalent in cost, easy to install, look almost the same. However, which of these options is more practical, more durable and better in terms of performance? This review is a comparative analysis of these options for various parameters, which will help you make the final decision.

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Cost

The cost factor for many people is crucial, so you need to start with it:

• The price range for PVC tiles in terms of square meter varies between 15 and 45 at. e.
• The cost range for a laminated coating is much wider - 10-55 at. e.

Important! In general, the cost of both options is approximately equivalent. At the same time, it is advisable for proponents of austerity who are looking for minimum prices for materials to prefer an inexpensive laminate.

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Moisture resistance

Vinyl laminate or linoleum - which is better?

• In this regard, the laminate flooring is a clear loser. Prolonged contact with water causes the material to swell. Therefore, the laminate has a limited scope. It is not suitable for damp rooms, for example, for bathrooms.
• PVC is completely neutral with respect to water, so it can be used for rooms with a high level of humidity.

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Resistance to aggressive environments:

• Polyvinyl chloride, which forms the basis of PVC tiles, is resistant to aggressive environments, including acids and alkalis. Similar properties have the outer layer of polyurethane. In addition, the material withstands temperature extremes from -60 to +80 degrees. This makes it possible to use flooring not only in residential buildings and public institutions, but also in industrial enterprises.
• As for the laminate, most of its varieties do not have such properties. There are materials that are resistant to temperature extremes and to the effects of chemical media, but they are quite expensive. Therefore, in terms of stability, the unconditional palm belongs to the PVC coating.

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Easy installation

Both the laminated coating and the PVC tile can be mounted using a special adhesive or using a lock joint. However, there are self-adhesive varieties of PVC tiles, which greatly simplifies installation. Therefore, the bill in question, PVC tile or laminate - which is better, again in favor of polyvinyl chloride.

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Flooring thickness

This indicator determines the strength of the floor, its durability, as well as heat and sound insulation. The thickness of the laminated coating is 7-12 cm, while the same indicator for PVC-tile is nothing other than the thickness of the tile itself. In terms of thermal insulation and sound insulation, the laminated material wins.

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Warranty period

Separate manufacturing companies give a lifetime for the laminate. This can not be said about PVC tiles.Of course, a lifetime guarantee is given for the expensive laminated flooring of classes 33 and 34, but highly resistant tiles (load class 43) cannot boast anything like this, so the laminate breaks out into the champions.

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Color variations, design

Both floor coverings boast a wealth of color options. And in that, and in another case, you can choose the coating of the desired shade and texture. This can be a realistic imitation of natural wood, concrete, ornamental stone, etc. In this regard, the possibilities for both types of coatings are approximately equal.

Important! The laminate has another advantage, moreover, it is found even in budget grades. As for the PVC tile, the bevel is only available in expensive premium collections.

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Degree of difficulty

Another very important factor, if you are thinking, is PVC tile or laminate - which is better for a room with high traffic:

• This is not to say that the laminate was too capricious in terms of care. However, to maintain a presentable appearance of the coating, you need to use special detergents. Laminate does not tolerate excess moisture.
• The vinyl coating is completely not afraid of water, so it is much easier to care for it.

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Environmental Safety

In the manufacture of both coatings, chemicals have been used in one way or another. When ignited, PVC tiles emit harmful substances, including carcinogens. In the manufacture of the laminate, synthetic resin was used as a binder. However, both types of products from reputable companies have safety class E1, which is synonymous with environmental safety.

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Maintainability

In truth, both materials, by and large, are not repairable. It is necessary to replace damaged elements completely. But it is more difficult to dismantle the tile, especially if it is placed on glue.

Important! Laminate has a slight advantage: minor repairs (for example, painting scratches) can be performed using wax pencils and markers designed for this.

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To summarize

If you analyze the review, the laminate has more positive qualities. Such important points as resistance to sunlight, mechanical stress can be found in products of both types.

However, the “victory” of the laminate in the framework of the review is a relative matter. The specific choice depends on many factors specific to the particular situation. For example, laminate flooring in the living room and PVC in the bathroom and / or in the kitchen are an acceptable choice. The laminated coating is close in structure to natural wood, but PVC is much more resistant to moisture.

Important! The answer to the question will be similar: what is better - a laminate or a vinyl laminate (imitation of laminated PVC dies).

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Stock footage

At the same time, you need to remember: no matter what choice you make, if enhanced operation of the floor covering is expected, you need to choose a more expensive and solid option.