Vinyl, laminate or porcelain flooring? Know the pros and cons of each and decide which one is best for you.

 Defining between vinyl, laminate or porcelain flooring is no simple task. You need to consider a number of factors, such as appearance, durability, maintenance and price.

Knowing the pros and cons of each type of coating helps you choose the best option. Below, we present the advantages and disadvantages of each. Know what they are and make the right choice between vinyl, laminate or porcelain flooring!

vinyl floor

Vinyl, laminate or porcelain flooring?  Know the pros and cons of each and decide which one is best for you.

It is an alternative composed of PVC, additives and minerals. It is characterized by being light and available in strips, sheets or blankets. The most common version is the one that imitates the look of wood, but there is a wide variety of colors and prints.

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One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is its versatility, so much so that it can be installed in living rooms, bedrooms and home offices. However, its use in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms is not recommended.

The coating collaborates to retain noise and acoustics in the room, which is why it is usually a good alternative for apartments. At the same time, the vinyl floor contributes to thermal comfort.

It is an easy-to-install, impact-resistant coating that is non-allergenic and non-slip, therefore, it is safe to use. It has an excellent cost-benefit ratio, especially when compared to more expensive materials such as porcelain tiles.

gray vinyl flooring

Among the disadvantages of coating is the fact that it cannot be used throughout the property. It is not moisture resistant and can become moldy if installed in wet areas.

In addition, the vinyl floor is more easily marked, especially when using heels. Specifically with regard to installation, it demands specialized labor.

Another negative point is that this type of coating is not compatible with any surface. The installation site needs to be smooth and level.

laminate flooring

laminate flooring in living room

Laminate flooring is composed of materials derived from wood, such as HDF (High Density Fiberboard). It also has high density fibers and resins that increase its useful life.

It is available in rulers, in a wide range of colors and finishes. One of them is the melamine finish, which is also called formica or decorative laminate.

It has as one of its main advantages the fast and uncomplicated installation. It has a long lifespan, even if there is an intense flow of people through the house throughout the day, with a lower risk of damage.

laminate flooring in dining room

Its maintenance is simple and easy, and can be carried out with a vacuum cleaner, soft bristle broom and cloth dampened with soap and water.

The coating has a thermal insulating effect, which contributes to a more pleasant temperature in the room, no matter if it is hot or cold.

Another very special advantage is the fact that the coating is sustainable, as it is produced with certified wood residues. Therefore, it is the perfect alternative for those who want to have a property with sustainable decoration., about Tile installation in Neptune beach

However, laminate flooring has disadvantages that need to be considered. It's not water resistant, so you can't install it in the bathroom or kitchen, let alone outdoors.

If it is exposed to the sun for a long time, it can gain damage such as deformations and stains. About installation, laminate flooring is thicker than vinyl. Therefore, greater care must be taken if you are going to overlap floors, so as not to have unevenness that could compromise circulation.

Porcelain tile

living room with porcelain tile floor

It is a ceramic coating that has been very successful! It is available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, prints and finishes.

Specifically with regard to size, there are porcelain floors measuring 1.80 by 3.60 meters, which makes it possible to cover the area without or with few amendments or the use of grout.