Vitrified Tiles vs Laminate Wood Flooring: Make the Right Choice

• It is made by adhering a decorative paper (laminate) with an image of wood adhered to a medium density or high-density fiberboard.

• It is obtained by vitrification of a ceramic tile.

Also Read: Vitrified Tiles: All You Need To Know!

• Laminate wood flooring is less durable as compared to vitrified tiles.

• It is one of the most durable flooring materials.

• It has low resistance to water, as the fiberboard core becomes weak in presence of water.

• Vitrified tiles have high resistance to water as they are non-porous and hence there is no effect of flooding water on them.

• It has moderate resistance to scratches. Once the protective layer wears off, scratches can be easily formed on its surface.

• Due to its hard surface, vitrified tile has high resistance to scratches.

• It catches fire easily.

• It is fireproof and does not catch fire.

• Due to wooden core, laminate wood flooring can expand in monsoon due to presence of moisture, thus expansion joints are to be provided.

• There is no effect of humidity on vitrified tiles.

Also Read: About Properties of Vitrified Tiles

• Laminate wood flooring has a limited variety of appearance.

• Vitrified tiles have so many designs like wood species, natural stones, and modern patterns to choose from.

• It is very easy to install as simple locking planks are available which are very easy for Do-It-Yourself projects. It takes less time to install laminate wood flooring as compared to vitrified tiles.

• Vitrified tiles require a level of expertise for its installation, as proper subfloor and grout lines must be available. Also it is difficult to trim tiles in corner areas.

• It requires minimal maintenance by re-polishing the surface periodically.
• Laminate wood flooring can be easily cleaned using a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth.

• It requires moderate maintenance by re-grouting it periodically.
• They are very easy to clean by sweeping and application of wet cloth.

• Due to limitations in designs, the planks can be reordered and replaced.
• The replacing of planks takes time, as planks in the vicinity of damaged area have to be removed.

• If damaged, it is hard to repair because the designs of the tile you used will go out of trend.  Producers stop making the old designs. So to get exact similar tile will be difficult in future.
• If you have extra tiles for repairing it is easy to repair, as only damaged tiles have to be removed.

• It is used in interior areas like living rooms and bedrooms where warmth is required.
• It is also used as exterior deck flooring.
• It is ideal for cold regions, as it creates warmth in the flooring and does not get cooled fast.

• It is used in indoor as well as outdoor areas. But they are often used in outdoors due to their water and frost resistance.
• They are most suitable for wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, etc. as it has more resistance to water.
• It is also suitable for high traffic areas like banks, corporate offices due to their aesthetic look and more durable.

• Laminate wood flooring gives the aesthetics of wood in a limited budget cost.
• Installation process is very easy and requires no expertise.
• It can be installed over any existing flooring, except carpets.
• It is warm underfoot, so it is preferable in cold climate.

• They are more durable and scratch resistant.
• Vitrified tiles are consistent in sizes, shades and thickness.
• They have very less water absorption and are stain resistant.
• Being moisture resistant, vitrified tiles prevent bacteria and fungi from growing.
• It is easy to clean as it has a shiny surface.

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of vitrified tiles

• It has high wear and tear because it has a tendency to develop scratches and dents. Hence it is not recommended in high traffic areas.
• They have to be re-polished periodically, which is costlier.
• They are also prone to termite attack, thus proper care has to be taken.
• It is susceptible to damage in presence of moisture, thus not recommended in wet areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms.

• The tile with the defect must be cut away along the grout lines and surrounding material could be damaged in the process.
• It is quite unlikely that you will find the same tile after some years. Thus repairing procedure would be very difficult.
• Vitrified tiles are slippery when wet.
• They are not environment-friendly as the process of making them causes a significant cost of energy and emission of carbon dioxide.

• The cost of laminate wood flooring approximately ranges from INR 80/sq. ft. to INR 250/sq. ft.

• The cost of vitrified tiles ranges from INR 60/sq. ft. to INR 160/sq. ft.