Tiles vs Vinyl

Which one to choose? Which is better?

Vinyl & Tiles

Tiles or Vinyl? Let us take a look at which is better. They will be judged based on 3 categories. First would be cost. This is straightforward which compares the cost for both. Second we will look into comfort of the material. What this means is that both tiles and vinyl will be compared in regards to comfort levels. The last category would be looking at the range of application for both tiles and vinyl.

Cost

To start things off, will be cost. In this aspect, both tiles and vinyl are pretty much equal. The prices for both are fixed ranging from S$2.50 - S$5.00 psf. Of course these prices can vary for both depending on the design and origin of country from where it comes from. Higher end tiles and vinyl can be more expensive reaching to S$10.00 psf. One thing to note for both is thicknesses can affect the cost as well. For tiles the thickness is pretty standard however the price for floor tiles and wall tiles can be different in prices as well. Vinyl has different thicknesses with thicker vinyl more expensive compared to thinner vinyl. This category would be a draw as both have pretty standard prices which varies accordingly and there is not much differences between tiles and vinyl.

Vinyl Flooring

Comfort

I am not sure what everyone is thinking when looking at this category but it does matter especially in the context of a house or an office space. Comfort refers to how people feel in the space walking on tiles or vinyl and vinyl would win in this aspect. The reason boils down to what each of these materials are made off. Most tiles are made up of ceramic as such the properties of ceramic are it is hard and can be sensitive to temperature changes. Vinyl on the other hand is made up off mostly composite plastic and this makes the vinyl just a little softer and more resistant to temperature changes. It matters as when you are walking on tiles or vinyl, vinyl feels softer and comfortable to walk in compared to tiles. When it gets hot or cold, tiles are more susceptible to being hot or cold making it uncomfortable to walk on whereas for vinyl the temperature will not fluctuate that much when it gets hot or cold. With that vinyl will take this round.

Tiles

Range

Range refers to the range of application you can use for tiles and vinyl. Tiles will take this round just because of its versatility as a material. It can be used as floor tiles, wall tiles, and outdoor floor tiles. With its properties and installation method, it can do what vinyl could not which is to be waterproof and water resistant. This makes it suitable for toilets, wet areas, kitchen and anywhere else where water might be a concern. Vinyl are not as waterproof and water resistant as tiles due to its properties and installation method. It is usually done by clips and glue installation which is hardly a way to waterproof an area. With that tiles would take this win.

Conclusion

All in all for this time it ends up with a tie with both tiles and vinyl winning 2 categories each. There are products out there that does combine the properties for both tiles and vinyl to create another flooring for example tiles that looks like vinyl or composite wood flooring. This post looks at the traditional tiles and vinyl commonly found out in the market. With the pros and cons for both choosing one or the other is about choosing the right materials for the right purpose for the space.

Photos - Vinyl & Tiles

- Vinyl Flooring

- Tiles