PVC or laminate: which floor best suits your home?
A new floor largely determines the look and comfort of your home. Two popular choices are PVC and laminate. Both types of flooring offer plenty of options, but they differ on some important points.
Which floor best suits your interior, your family and your everyday use? At NTU Vloeren Utrecht, we're happy to help you make the right choice.
What is the difference between PVC and laminate?
PVC is a synthetic floor available in different versions, such as glue-down PVC and click PVC. Thanks to modern production techniques, wood textures, natural stone looks and distinctive patterns have become increasingly realistic.
Laminate usually consists of a sturdy wood-fibre core with a decorative top layer and a protective wear layer. It is available in a wide range of colours, plank sizes and textures.
Both floors can form a beautiful foundation for your interior. The difference lies mainly in the material, the build-up, the footstep noise and the requirements for the subfloor.
1. Appearance: which floor looks most natural?
Both PVC and laminate are available with realistic wood designs, tactile textures and natural colour variations.
PVC offers lots of options for distinctive laying patterns, such as herringbone and chevron. Laminate is now also available in various decorative patterns.
At NTU, we don't just look at the floor itself, but also at how it combines with the incoming light, wall colours, furniture and the architecture of the room.
After all, a floor shouldn't only look good today; it should still suit your home years from now.
2. Comfort and noise
An important difference between PVC and laminate is how they sound.
Glue-down PVC usually feels solid and often produces less hollow footstep noise than traditional floating laminate.
With laminate, the quality of the underlay, the construction and the way it is laid all play an important role.
Do you live in a flat? Then specific requirements for impact noise may apply. Not every floor or underlay automatically meets these requirements.
That's why we always advise checking the rules of the VvE (homeowners' association) or your landlord beforehand.
3. Which floor is suitable for underfloor heating?
Both PVC and laminate can be suitable for underfloor heating.
Glue-down PVC is often an attractive choice because of its generally low thermal resistance. This allows heat to be transferred efficiently.
Laminate specifically designed for it can also work excellently in combination with underfloor heating.
What matters is the total thermal resistance of the floor build-up, including any underlay. So always check the product specifications and the requirements of the heating system.
4. Maintenance and water resistance
PVC is generally highly resistant to moisture and easy to keep clean. That's why it is popular in kitchens, living rooms and households with children or pets.
Laminate is also easy to maintain. However, its moisture resistance depends on the quality and the product version. Standing water in particular can cause problems with certain laminate floors.
For both floors, good maintenance and the right cleaning products contribute to a longer lifespan.
5. Which is cheaper: PVC or laminate?
Laminate often has a lower purchase price than PVC of comparable quality.
Even so, it's wise not to look only at the price per square metre.
With glue-down PVC, the subfloor usually needs to be very level. Sometimes levelling is necessary. The costs of professional fitting can also differ.
Click PVC and laminate have different requirements for the underlay and installation.
So always compare the total costs: the floor, subfloor preparation, underlay, skirting boards and fitting.
After all, a good floor starts with a good foundation.
6. Which floor suits your living situation?
PVC can be a good choice when:
- You value a quiet, comfortable floor.
- You have underfloor heating.
- You'd like a herringbone floor or a distinctive pattern.
- You're looking for a floor that's easy to maintain.
- You're willing to invest in good preparation of the subfloor.
Laminate can be a good choice when:
- You're looking for a more attractive purchase price.
- You want a wide choice of wood designs.
- You're looking for a floor that can be laid floating relatively easily.
- You want a practical solution for a bedroom or study, for example.
In the end, the best choice depends on the specific product and the room the floor is going into.
Personal flooring advice at NTU Vloeren Utrecht
You don't choose a floor based only on a photo or a price tag.
In our showroom in Utrecht, you can view and compare different materials, textures, colours and laying patterns.
We're happy to think along with you about the look, the technical options and the preparation needed for a beautiful end result.
Whether you choose a calm wood look, a warm herringbone floor or a special bespoke project: we'll help you find a floor that suits your home.
Visit NTU Vloeren Utrecht on the Woonboulevard next to IKEA and discover the options.
Frequently asked questions about PVC and laminate
Is PVC better than laminate?
Not automatically. PVC is often appealing because of its walking comfort, moisture resistance and the options for distinctive laying patterns. Laminate, on the other hand, can be attractive because of its price and wide choice of designs.
Which floor lasts longer?
That depends on the product quality, intensity of use, installation and maintenance. High-quality PVC and good-quality laminate can both last for many years.
Does the floor need levelling for PVC?
Glue-down PVC requires a very level subfloor, so levelling is often needed. Click PVC and laminate have different flatness requirements.
Which is better with underfloor heating?
Both can be suitable. Pay particular attention to the total thermal resistance and the product specifications. Glue-down PVC often has favourable properties here.
Can I see PVC and laminate in Utrecht?
At NTU Vloeren Utrecht, you can view different floors and get personal advice on the options for your home.
