Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice between them should be comprehensively determined based on core factors such as the usage scenario, budget, and maintenance requirements.
I. Core Dimension Comparison: Vinyl flooring vs. Laminate Flooring
Comparison Dimension | Vinyl flooring | Laminate Flooring |
Material and Structure | Main components: PVC resin + calcium powder, no natural wood components; Structure: Multi-layer composite (wear-resistant layer, printing layer, base material layer, sound-absorbing layer) | Main components: High-density fiberboard (HDF) as the base material, with a wear-resistant paper and decorative paper covered on the surface, and a balancing paper attached to the back; Structure: Four-layer composite, relying on lock-and-fold joints for splicing. |
Water and Moisture Resistance | Excellent: The base material does not absorb water, so it will not deform or mildew when exposed to water. | Poor: The base material (HDF) is prone to swelling and deformation when absorbing water. It is strictly prohibited to be used in humid areas, and water accumulation should be avoided in daily use. |
Wear Resistance and Durability | The wear-resistant layer is made of PVC or PU material, suitable for areas with medium to high foot traffic; It has strong scratch resistance on the surface and is not easy to leave scratches. | The wear-resistant layer is made of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃); The base material is relatively brittle and easy to crack when hit by heavy objects. |
Comfort and Safety | It has a slightly soft foot feel and can reduce walking noise; It has better elasticity than laminate flooring, provides better cushioning when someone falls, and has higher safety. | It has a relatively hard foot feel (the base material is high-density fiberboard) and no elasticity; It provides poor cushioning when someone falls and has lower safety. |
II. Targeted Purchase Recommendations: Which One Is More Suitable for You?
1. Scenarios Where “Vinyl flooring” Is Preferred
- Areas with large foot traffic: Schools, airports, hospitals, etc.
- Areas with high safety requirements: Kindergartens, nursing homes, etc.
- Renovation of old houses (without removing existing tiles): It can be directly laid on the original tiles in a floating installation method, saving demolition costs and construction time.
2. Scenarios Where “Laminate Flooring” Is Preferred
- Pursuit of natural wood grain texture: Bedrooms, studies (the decorative paper of laminate flooring can replicate the texture of solid wood, and its visual effect is closer to that of natural wood).
- Dry areas with low foot traffic: Dry environments can reduce the risk of moisture damage to laminate flooring, and it is suitable for the noise reduction needs of bedrooms.