What is quartz vinyl laminate

No residential renovation is complete without the use of flooring. The modern market for finishing materials offers a wide range of products to suit every taste and budget: linoleum, carpet, tiles, parquet and, of course, laminate. More recently, a type of laminate has appeared - quartz-vinyl. Not everyone knows what it is and doubts whether or not to buy this flooring option.

What is quartz-vinyl laminate and its features

In its structure, this coating is a multilayer tile. The base is polyvinyl chloride or aluminum oxide. For strength, the material is equipped with a middle layer made of stone chips. The wood-fiber part is additional and sometimes may be absent altogether. It also has a special protective layer.

It is called vinyl because the base is made of this material. Most of all, in structure, this coating resembles MDF panels. Due to its multi-layer nature, this type of laminate is very durable. Its average service life is more than 20 years.

Also, vinyl laminate is completely environmentally friendly. Because of this, it is very often used in medical and children's institutions.In addition, the coating can neutralize odors and has an antibacterial effect. Completely fire-resistant, as it contains stone chips. The material is quite elastic, so it makes walking on it silent, which is not typical for other laminates.

ATTENTION! A very important characteristic of this flooring is its versatility. It will be an ideal solution for both home and commercial use. However, it has a rather high cost.

Types of quartz-vinyl laminate

This type of flooring is divided according to several parameters: fastening method and wear resistance class.

There are several methods of fastening. This:

1. Glue option. This type is attached using a special glue to the concrete floor. This option is not very popular and therefore only a few small companies produce such flooring. It is quite labor-intensive to install, and the adhesive can be very difficult to find. Also, if necessary, it cannot be dismantled or several damaged parts replaced.
2. Self-adhesive. A layer of glue is applied to the bottom layer of the product, ensuring reliable adhesion to the floor.
3. Castle. A very popular type of coating. It is easy to install, which you can do yourself. Thanks to this fastening, the product can be easily removed if necessary. If any area is damaged, it can be replaced without any problems.
4. Mixed option. The lower part of this type of vinyl covering has two strips on which glue is applied. There is also a castle. This option allows you to firmly fix the laminate to the floor and to each other, making the joints completely airtight.At the same time, it retains the mobility of the locking version and can also be easily dismantled if necessary.

In terms of wear resistance, it comes in several classes:

1. Classes 21–31. The laminate has a protective layer thickness of about 2 mm. Suitable for home use only. It is the most inexpensive option among quartz vinyl laminate. Service life is approximately 10 years.
2. Classes 32–42. A protective layer approximately 2.5 mm thick is applied to the floor covering. It is made from fairly dense polymer materials. A good option for use in offices and areas with medium traffic. The service life is 15 years.
3. Quartz vinyl coating class 43. The most wear-resistant, its service life is more than 20 years. The protective layer is more than 3 mm thick. Suitable for commercial use. The cost of this option is significantly higher.

IMPORTANT! Despite the cost, class 43 vinyl laminate is the most profitable option, as it will last much longer than a lower class option.

Pros and cons of flooring

Quartz coating has a number of undeniable advantages, among which are:

1. High moisture resistance. Laminate of any type of fastening has excellent moisture resistance. Even if a large amount of water gets in, this will not affect the strength of the product, and all moisture will remain on the surface. This makes it very easy to care for.
2. Wide range of applications and versatility. High wear resistance allows the use of this flooring in rooms of any traffic. It is not subject to temperature changes.
3. Safety. Quartz vinyl is absolutely environmentally friendly, which is confirmed by its quality certificates.It is approved for use in medical institutions and children's rooms.
4. Convenience. If a locking fastening is used, the coating can be easily dismantled or damaged areas can be replaced.

The disadvantages include:

• quite high price;
• upon contact with rubber products, the laminate enters into a chemical reaction, resulting in deformation of the top layer;
• under the influence of direct sunlight, the product gradually begins to fade;
• Despite the fact that the product does not burn, it contains polyvinyl chlorides, which, when exposed to an open flame, begin to emit caustic substances and smoke.

This type of flooring is a good option when choosing a finish. Its wear resistance, ease of installation and maintenance more than compensate for its high cost. A wide selection of colors will allow you to easily choose a product for a room made in any style.