Are you doubting between a PVC floor and a (solid) wooden floor for your interior project? To help you on your way, we have compared both floors on various points, namely their looks, price, acoustic properties, preservation/maintenance and feasibility with underfloor heating. Read on to find out more.
1. The looks
In terms of finishes, PVC floors and wooden floors are not inferior to each other. PVC floors are available in wood looks that are indistinguishable from the real thing. In the field of laying patterns, you also do not have to make any concessions. Herringbone, Hungarian point and other patterns based on straight planks are possible on both floors. (PVC floors are also available as tiles, just not in wood look.)
Do you want to combine the looks of wood in the interior with the stony appearance of, for example, concrete or terrazzo? Then you obtain the sleekest result with PVC floors. Because PVC floors are also available in concrete and terrazzo look tiles with an equal layer thickness, you can count on a level finish. With wooden floors, this is more difficult to realize.
2. The price
The price of a PVC floor differs per quality (read: thickness and finish) and provider. At TREU interior specials, the costs amount to approximately €45 to €55 per m2 including application. Conditions apply to these rates. The prices of wooden floors diverge more strongly. For example, wood-laminate floors are already available from €20 per m2 (all-in price), while for more exclusive project parquet floors, rates of €100 and above are not unusual.
3. The acoustic properties
PVC floors are softer than wooden floors and this has its impact on the room acoustics. The sound-damping properties of PVC floors ensure a shorter reverberation time (provided the correct subfloor is chosen). This has a noticeable effect on the contact sound of the floor and the acoustics in the surrounding rooms.
4. The preservation and maintenance
Both wooden floors and PVC floors require relatively little maintenance after installation. However, the cleaning thereof deserves special attention. Wooden floors are sensitive to water damage. The top layer is indeed treated to be water-repellent, but moisture can still get between the seams. This can cause the plank to warp or the top layer to come loose (with laminate). In many cases, the respective plank must be replaced – a time-consuming and costly job.
5. The feasibility with underfloor heating
PVC floors are extremely suitable for underfloor heating. The thermal resistance, which is expressed as Rc, amounts to about 0.02 to 0.05 for PVC floors, where for solid oak floor parts of +/- 20 mm thickness that amounts to about 0.18 to 0.20. The following applies: the lower the Rc value, the better the heat conduction. Whether you use the underfloor heating as main or additional heating: the heating efficiency is much higher in combination with PVC floors.
View the PVC floors collection of TREU
Are you charmed by a sleek, even appearance in combination with a high degree of comfort and user-friendliness? PVC floors offer all the space to design a floor as you have in mind. They are not only a feast for the eye, but also for the ear and the feet, in particular in combination with underfloor heating.
Do you want to gain more inspiration? Then view our PVC floors flyers.