People sometimes ask about PVC laminate, linoleum or flexible PVC. Does that mean laminate, PVC or vinyl? We are happy to list the differences between these floors for you so that all ambiguities are cleared up once and for all.
The difference between laminate and PVC
PVC laminate does not exist. It is either a PVC floor or laminate. The confusion arises because laminate and PVC click floors in particular are very similar. However, PVC is made from a type of plastic that can be recycled. Laminate is made from a core plate of compressed wood fibres, a plastic underlayer, a decorative layer of film paper printed with a design and a transparent top layer against wear. PVC floors are generally somewhat sturdier and can withstand water better. That is why this is a very popular floor nowadays. However, the quality of the better laminate floors has become so good in recent years that these floors are also very sturdy and sometimes even water-resistant.
A similarity of both floors is that they can perfectly imitate a real wooden or even a tile floor. By adding a realistic top layer with structure, both laminate floors and PVC floors are available in many wood and tile designs.
The difference between PVC click and dryback
There are two different PVC floors available; PVC dryback, (or glue PVC) and PVC click. A click floor is thicker and has many similarities with laminate. For example, think of the thickness, rigidity and the click edge with which you can easily place the planks together. A dryback PVC floor is more flexible, thinner and is glued to the base floor. Both types are extremely suitable for underfloor heating, although you will get the most return from dryback PVC. Laying a click floor is almost as simple as laying laminate. Gluing dryback requires more expertise. The subfloor must first be leveled for a good, even result.
The difference between vinyl and PVC
Vinyl is made of PVC. We therefore understand that this can sometimes cause confusion. However, vinyl floors are a lot softer, which makes PVC floors sturdier than the vinyl variant. Vinyl is also available in beautiful wood or concrete designs, just like PVC, but is supplied on rolls of 200 cm or 400 cm wide. This means that vinyl can be laid seamlessly (in most rooms), while PVC is laid in planks or tiles.
