The choice of floor material is one of the key stages in creating a comfortable and stylish interior. Laminate, parquet and vinyl flooring are the most popular options, but each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
1. Laminate
Laminate is a multi-layer material consisting of a chipboard or HDF base, a decorative layer with a wood or stone texture, and a protective layer.
Advantages:
Affordable price: laminate is much cheaper than natural parquet.
Wide selection: available in a variety of colors, textures and designs.
Easy installation: usually has a locking system that simplifies installation.
Wear resistance: high-quality laminate withstands scratches and impacts well.
Disadvantages:
Sensitivity to moisture: even moisture-resistant laminate is not suitable for rooms with high humidity.
Noise: can create noise when walking, if not used quality lining material.
Difficulty of repair: if a separate panel is damaged, it can be problematic to replace it.
Best use cases:
Living rooms, bedrooms, offices are rooms with a moderate level of use.
2. Parquet
Parquet is made of natural wood, which gives the floor a luxurious look and warmth. It comes in two main types: artificial parquet (from separate slats) and parquet board (layered construction).
Advantages :
Naturalness: creates an ecologically clean and healthy atmosphere in the house.
Durability: with proper care, it serves for decades, it can be restored several times.
Aesthetics: unique texture and warm colors of natural wood.
Thermal insulation: wood retains heat, providing comfort when walking.
Disadvantages :
High price: This is the most expensive option of the three.
Sensitivity to moisture: wood can warp due to excessive moisture.
Complexity of care: requires regular cleaning and special care products.
Best use cases:
Living rooms, bedrooms and other rooms with low humidity where a luxurious look is desired.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl coverings are made from artificial materials that imitate the texture of wood, stone or tile. They can be in the form of tiles, rolls or lamellas.
Advantages:
Moisture resistance: ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
Durability: resistant to scratches, shocks and stains.
Easy care: easy to clean with a regular cloth or detergent.
Warm and soft: pleasant to the touch and comfortable for walking barefoot.
Affordability: Vinyl flooring is usually less expensive than parquet and is often comparable to laminate.
Disadvantages:
Unfriendly: made from artificial materials that can emit harmful substances.
Not subject to restoration: in case of damage, the entire element must be replaced.
Can look artificial: Although the quality of imitation is constantly increasing, not all designs look natural.
Best use cases:
Kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, rooms with high humidity or active use.
Comparison table
Characteristic
Laminate
Parquet
Vinyl
Price
Available
Dear
Moderate
Strength
average
High
High
Moisture resistance
low
low
High
Care
Simple
Complex
Simple
Environmental friendliness
Partially
High
low
Durability
10-15 years
20-50 years
10-20 years
Esthetics
A wide choice
Luxurious wood
A wide choice
The choice of floor material depends on your needs and budget:
Laminate flooring is good if you’re looking for an affordable solution for rooms with low humidity.
Parquet will be an ideal choice for creating an elegant and natural interior.
Vinyl is the best option for rooms with high humidity or high traffic.
Choose the material that best suits your lifestyle and the technical requirements of the room.
