Which is better: laminate or quartz vinyl

Modern manufacturers offer a large selection of different floor coverings, from the well-known and affordable linoleum to prestigious inlaid parquet. However, increasingly, buyers are choosing laminate or quartz vinyl tiles. These are fairly new coatings, but both materials have their adherents.

Laminate features

This is a multi-layer material with a wood board base, which gives strength and resistance to deformation. The top layer and edges are treated with a special water-repellent coating. Under the top layer is the design itself, mainly an imitation of various types of trees, stone or ceramic tiles. Advantages of laminate:

1. Easy to install and remove the coating. The lamellas have a locking connection system, which allows you to quickly decorate the surface. It is not attached directly to the floor, which makes it possible to quickly disassemble it if necessary. Re-installation is allowed if the lamella clutch locks are not damaged during dismantling. The underlay will help hide minor unevenness in the floor.
2. Strength of the material. Thanks to the protective layer, the laminate can withstand mechanical loads quite well - standing furniture, heels, and pets' claws. However, falling heavy objects may crack the panel.
3. Easy to care for.The floor is easily wiped off from all kinds of stains, even such persistent ones as coffee or wine. It is enough to wipe it with a slightly damp cloth. Small defects can be eliminated with a special repair kit consisting of wax crayons, pastes and putty.
4. Resistant to combustion.
5. Variety of designs and colors.
6. Wide range of lamella thicknesses. In combination with the substrate, this will provide additional noise and heat insulation of the room.
7. Long service life and the ability to choose materials with different abrasion resistance.

The disadvantages include:

• Fear of water.
• The volume of footsteps (can be removed with a good backing).
• The need to pre-level the floor.
• It is impossible to replace one damaged lamella without removing all the previous ones.
• When heated, it may release formaldehyde, which is harmful for people with hypersensitivity to chemical components.

Features of quartz vinyl tiles

This material is quite new. It belongs to PVC coatings, but differs from them in the presence of a large amount of quartz sand (up to 80%), so it is more likely a material of natural origin. It has a high level of strength, is practically not washable and is not afraid of water, so this coating can be laid both in living rooms and in bathrooms and even on open balconies. Advantages of quartz vinyl tiles:

1. Easy installation. The tiles are either glued to the prepared base or secured with a locking joint. If one part is damaged, it is possible to replace it without removing the entire coating. The base must be perfectly leveled with screed or sheets of plywood.
2. Strength of the material. The tiles will not be damaged even if heavy objects fall.
3. Easy to care for.This coating is not afraid of water, so it can be washed even daily. The protective layer prevents the formation of permanent stains.
4. Resistant to combustion and chemical attack. Harmless from an environmental point of view.
5. Variety of colors and designs.
6. Long service life.
7. Good sound insulator, perfectly absorbs the sounds of footsteps.
8. Has an antistatic effect.

The disadvantages include:

• The material is quite expensive.
• The small thickness of the tiles and the absence of a backing reduces the noise and heat insulation of the room.
• Preliminary perfect leveling of the floor.

Which is better laminate or quartz vinyl

Based on the above, we can conclude that laminate flooring should not be installed in rooms with high humidity, such as the kitchen, bathroom, balconies and terraces. In other places, both materials are perfect for decorating rooms. At the same time, laminate will cost less, but will look more aesthetically pleasing due to fewer joints. It is easier to install and provides greater heat and sound insulation. However, it is quite noisy in itself. And when replacing the damaged area, it will require removing the entire floor and rearranging the furniture.

So, if the buyer is not afraid of perfectly leveling the floor and has sufficient financial resources, then it is better to opt for quartz vinyl tiles, otherwise laminate is perfect.