Laminated flooring is affordable, easy to install and low-maintenance. Source: Unsplash
Choosing the right flooring for your Singaporean home is important, and with so many options available, it can be overwhelming. Two popular choices are floor tiles and laminate flooring, each offering unique advantages and considerations. Let’s delve into their characteristics and suitability for different rooms in your house.
Floor Tiles
Pros:
Durability: Tiles are incredibly resistant to wear and tear, scratches, and heavy traffic, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways and living rooms.
Water resistance: They are nearly impervious to water damage, making them perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and balconies where spills and moisture are common.
Versatility: Available in a wide variety of materials (ceramic, porcelain, etc.), textures, and designs, they can create a diverse range of styles, from classic to modern.
Easy maintenance: Low maintenance, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
Cons:
Cost: Generally more expensive than laminate flooring and vinyl flooring, especially for higher-end materials.
Hard and cold: Tiles can be hard and cold underfoot, which might be uncomfortable in bedrooms or playrooms. If you have children, then hard floor tiles may not be conducive for running around.
Slippery: Certain types of tiles, especially when wet, can be slippery, posing a potential safety hazard for young children and elderly individuals.
Grout maintenance: Grout lines between tiles can trap dirt and mildew, requiring regular cleaning and occasional sealing to prevent staining and mould growth.
Difficult to repair: Replacing damaged tiles can be a complex and costly process, often potentially requiring additional repairs to surrounding areas.
Laminated flooring
Pros:
Budget-friendly: Generally cheaper than other flooring options like hardwood or tiles, making it a cost-effective choice.
Easy installation: Often a DIY project thanks to click-lock mechanisms, saving on professional installation costs.
Variety of styles: Mimics the look of various wood species, stone, and other materials, offering diverse aesthetic options.
Warm underfoot: Laminated floors offer a comfortable feel, particularly in air-conditioned spaces.
Easy maintenance: Simple to clean with regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
Cons:
Susceptible to dents: Prone to dents caused by heavy furniture.
Not as durable: Can be susceptible to cracking under extreme pressure.
Not water-resistant: Water-resistant only on its surface. Damp mopping works but it cannot be washed. For laminated floors with great water-resistant quality, check out the FirmaSPCPlus.
Sun exposure: Direct sunlight can cause laminate flooring to fade over time. Consider using window treatments or choosing UV-coated laminate varieties for sun-exposed rooms.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs and priorities. Consider factors like budget, desired aesthetics, room functionality and lifestyle habits when making your decision.
Floorrich is a trusted flooring company in Singapore that specialises in vinyl flooring, SPC flooring and engineered wood flooring. Contact us today to get your flooring installed professionally and safely.