What is the difference between floating and vinyl flooring?

Choosing the right flooring is one of the main factors that impacts on the characteristics of a room, making them more cosy, modern or minimalist. Whether it's a remodelling project or a new build, when it comes to choosing flooring for your home or office, it's common to have doubts about which is the best option. Two very popular types of flooring are vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. Both have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different environments and needs.

Characteristics of vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a covering made of PVC and other additives, known for its durability and resistance to humidity, which makes it a regular choice for areas with high foot traffic, such as corridors and kitchens. It offers a wide variety of design options, with colours and textures that imitate natural materials such as wood and stone.

One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is its ease of installation. It can be glued directly to the concrete slab or to other types of surfaces such as ceramic tiles. It is also stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for environments where hygiene is a concern. The main features of vinyl flooring include the following advantages:

Durability: vinyl flooring is known for its resistance and durability, being able to withstand daily wear and tear without losing its appearance;

Moisture resistancevinyl flooring is resistant to moisture, making it a suitable choice for humid environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Variety of designs: It offers a wide variety of designs, including imitations of natural materials such as wood and stone.

Easy installation: Vinyl can easily be installed on different types of surfaces, such as ceramic tiles or directly on concrete, as long as it is levelled.

Easy to clean: vinyl flooring is stain-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical option for everyday use.

What's the difference between floating and vinyl flooring? - Beiraportal

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a covering made up of several layers of materials, including a top layer of transparent melamine resin that protects the floor from scratches and wear. The middle layer is made of high-density fibreboard, while the bottom layer is responsible for stability and moisture resistance.

Like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring also offers a wide variety of designs, including imitations of wood and other natural materials. However, laminate flooring is not as resistant to moisture as vinyl flooring, which makes it more suitable for dry areas or areas with low humidity.

In this way, we highlight some of the main characteristics of laminate flooring:

Durability: laminate flooring is known for its durability and resistance to scratches and wear.

Variety of designs: Like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring offers a wide variety of designs, including imitations of wood and other natural materials.

Easy installation: Laminate flooring is easy to install, generally using a snap-together system that allows installation without the need for additional fixings.

Less resistant to humidity: laminate flooring is not as resistant to humidity as vinyl flooring, which makes it more suitable for dry areas or areas with low humidity.

Easy to clean: Like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring is easy to clean and resistant to stains.

What's the difference between floating and vinyl flooring? - Beiraportal

What's the Best Option?

The choice between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring depends on individual needs and preferences. Both types of flooring have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider factors such as the environment where the flooring will be installed, the level of humidity, foot traffic and the budget available.

If you need a floor that is resistant to humidity and easy to maintain, vinyl flooring may be the best option, as it is ideal for areas with high foot traffic, such as corridors and kitchens, as well as offering a wide variety of designs to match the décor of the room.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a durable, natural-looking floor covering, laminate flooring could be the right choice. It offers a variety of designs that mimic the look of wood and other materials with a natural texture and impeccable finish.

To find out which option is best for your project, we invite you to visit our showroom and see all the varieties of vinyl and floating floors available, and with the support of our team, find the solution that best suits your project. At Beiraportal, we have a wide range of solutions in both the vinyl and floating segments waiting for you.

Book your visit by calling +351 232 954 533 (national landline).

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