Choosing Between Ceramic And Vinyl Flooring

Guide in choosing between ceramic and vinyl flooring. Depending on one’s preferences and needs, there are different flooring material options. These options have different characteristics which deliver the best purposes for the homeowners’ lifestyle and comfort. The most common flooring used in homes and properties are carpets, concrete, ceramics, porcelain, and vinyl tiles.

Singapore has a tropical, hot, and humid climate should have flooring materials that do not absorb heat and must have thermoregulating properties. But choosing the best option for flooring may not be too strenuous. Home and property owners or designers have specific plans and considerations for the flooring material.

Ceramic tiles and Vinyl flooring are two of the most practical and appropriate flooring materials for properties in Singapore. Let us discuss in this article which is better for flooring applications in the Singapore setting. Read on –

Choosing Between Ceramic And Vinyl Flooring:

The Material Composition and Manufacturing Processes

When it comes to raw material composition, ceramic tiles and vinyl tiles greatly differ from each other. The natural and elemental raw materials used in manufacturing vinyl flooring are polyvinyl chloride resins, calcium carbonate, and wood pulp. Additionally, the final composition is done with the use of trace stabilizers, plasticizers, pigments, a carrier sheet, and a backer.

Vinyl tiles are made mostly from manufactured and processed raw materials and undergo several processes such as layering pigmenting, coating, filming, heating, and rolling. While ceramic tiles are made from particular kinds of dehydrated and fired clay for forming the chemical structure. Coating and glazing were also some processes for producing ceramic tiles.

As you notice, vinyl tiles are highly engineered and technically formulated to come up with the most in-demand flooring characteristics. Ceramic tiles use ancient and traditional material manufacturing which is tested to be durable and functional.

Here are some instances to differ and explain the characteristics of each flooring tile:

Comfort and surface adaptability

In this case, the type and characteristics of the raw material that each flooring type is made from can tell its difference and properties when applied as a flooring material. Ceramics are ultimately hard, rigid, compact, and firm in structure. Like ceramics, vinyl tiles or planks boast of their highly durable constitution which stands the test of time, temperature, friction, and load.

But the durability and hardness of vinyl compared to ceramic tiles are greatly different. Ceramics have a very hard surface and overall composition but they can break or crack, while vinyl is malleable.

For comfort and ease in walking and standing barefoot, vinyl tiles are preferable. This is because ceramic tiles create counter-pressure against any contact or friction while vinyl tiles follow the form of the object or human it is in contact with as it is flexible.

Surface

When an object falls and hits on ceramic tile flooring, the object can break into more pieces. On the other hand, if objects fall on the surface of vinyl tile flooring, the case of breaking may not be possible. Vinyl tiles may cause slow rhythm and speed in walking because it is a little elastic and springy making them not suitable for heavy traffic areas.

On all other properties involving life span, ceramics have a longer lifespan than vinyl. Both flooring materials do not absorb odor and spread out the smell. Stains and dirt are easy to remove, but ceramic tiles are easier to clean. But when it comes to sanitation and maintenance, vinyl is probably one of the most practical due to its moisture and stain-resistant characteristics.

Installation

Ceramic tiles have a thickness of not less than 6mm while vinyl tiles vary in thickness which can be as thin as 4mm. Since vinyl tiles can be thin and flexible, handling and installation of this material are much more convenient and easy. There will be fewer possibilities of breaking during installation.

Ceramics require grouting and mortar for installation and it may take time for the mixture to semi-dry before topping the ceramic material which can be messy. Vinyl on the other hand only needs glue for attaching to a surface, specifically a vinyl adhesive. Installing vinyl tiles comes with more neatness and tidiness leaving fewer traces of glue or mortar.

Furthermore, the edges of the vinyl tiles can stick closely to another edge of a vinyl tile which leaves a clean finish. While ceramics normally have a visible gap from edge to edge causing the mortar or grout to wither in time.

Presentation and design

Vinyl tiles can not compare to the glossy finish of ceramic tiles. But both flooring materials come in different designs, dimensions, and textures which may confuse designers and homeowners to choose between the two. Ceramic tiles create a different visual effect as it reacts differently with the light and room and outdoor temperatures.

Vinyl on the other hand may not be too glossy and diffuse light. For a classy appeal for the lobbies, public areas, living areas, dining spaces, and porches, ceramic tiles have a more welcoming approach.

Vinyl has a softer glow giving cozy and loungy sensations as most of its surfaces come in wood patterns. Vinyl can be used as a wall cladding for lightweight structures such as drywall. Ceramics may be difficult to stick onto vertical surfaces due to their weight and volume and may fall after a long time. For versatility in the design aspect, vinyl flooring is the winner.

Thermostat

These two floorings have different effects on a particular room temperature. Since ceramic is made from clay, this material repels heat which makes the room feel cooler. and while vinyl is made from plastic-related materials, it is advisable to apply it in a room where the temperature is controlled or air-conditioned.

Choosing Between Ceramic And Vinyl Flooring – Conclusion

The selection of flooring materials depends on the aspects and features that will suit well the desires and purposes of the development. Vinyl plank flooring is more beneficial for areas with less traffic flow, airconditioned areas, and in more quiet spaces.

Ceramics are better in public areas exposed to heat and friction. This indicates that there is no general answer to which is better: ceramic or vinyl flooring. Each flooring material is better for a particular use and specific purposes.