What to choose for the floor in the apartment?
Given the large selection of materials in modern stores, it can be noted that there is still no universal coating. The most popular ones usually include porcelain stoneware and tiles, laminate, quartz vinyl and parquet board.
Laminate is considered a relatively inexpensive material, resembling wood in appearance. Since it does not tolerate prolonged contact with water, this format is best suited for the living room and bedroom.
Parquet board belongs to the segment of environmentally friendly materials. Thanks to it, coziness and the illusion of warmth are created in the room, but parquet requires careful care. It goes well with the living room and office.
Quartz vinyl is a modern coating that demonstrates moisture resistance, good noise insulation and thermal insulation, and is well combined with a heated floor system. It makes it possible to form a single contour of the vinyl floor without thresholds throughout the room. In order to understand whether quartz vinyl, laminate or parquet is the best choice for your case, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of these materials.
Which is better - quartz vinyl or laminate?
When discussing this issue, it is worth immediately understanding the specifics of the structure of these materials.
Quartz vinyl: pros and cons. It belongs to the group of new generation polyvinyl chloride coatings. It differs from PVC tiles in the presence of a layer of natural raw materials in the form of quartz sand. It is this component that guarantees increased strength, moisture resistance, and the absence of abrasion. In general, quartz vinyl consists of 5 layers pressed under the influence of high temperature.
Laminate consists of 4 layers, which are also tightly pressed. One of them is a dense wood-fiber material that is fixed with hot glue. When choosing between these two types of floor covering, it is advisable to pay attention to the following accents:
- Appearance. The materials are quite similar to each other, but quartz vinyl is offered in a greater variety of solutions. Laminate is usually made to look like wood, accurately conveying its structure and texture.
- Durability. Both types have a fairly long service life, but in terms of reliability, quartz vinyl is a real leader. Such a floor withstands intensive use well, without requiring special care conditions.
- Durability. Quartz vinyl guarantees resistance to scratches and wear, is not afraid of contact with aggressive substances. Laminate can deteriorate if water gets on it, and bend if it is pressed hard.
- Floor installation. Quartz vinyl is laid on a regular concrete screed using adhesive installation or lock joints. Laying laminate requires preparation of the base, leveling the floor and the presence of a cork or polystyrene foam substrate.
From the point of view of floor care, quartz vinyl should be noted separately. It can be washed with various means, including abrasive ones. Delicate methods are used to process the laminate, and after washing, the surface must be wiped with a dry cloth.
Laminate or parquet - which is better?
Knowing the features of laminate, it is worth identifying the characteristic features of parquet for comparison. This material is distinguished by its aesthetics and naturalness, it is made mainly from solid wood or glued layers of valuable wood species. When comparing these materials, the following advantages should be taken into account:
- Laminate. It is characterized by wear resistance, does not require periodic processing during operation. It is easy to clean, but in case of significant damage it requires replacement.
- Parquet. Natural and environmentally friendly, allows for multiple renewal of the coating. A professional master should handle the laying of parquet. The surface can be cycled and varnished. With proper care, it guarantees a long period of use.
If we consider the issue from the point of view of the cost of the material, then parquet will cost much more. The price of laminate is quite variable and depends on the thickness of the material, protection class and brand. Elite models may well be a competitor to parquet in cost.
