Choosing laminate flooring is one of the most important decisions when decorating or renovating a home. The floor is the most heavily used part of a home, yet it has a huge impact on its aesthetics and comfort. It’s no wonder, then, that many people wonder which laminate flooring to choose to ensure it’s durable, stylish, and suited to everyday needs.
In this guide, I will guide you through the most important types of panels , the differences between them, and help answer the most frequently asked questions: which panels are the most durable, which is better – glued or clicked, and which panels will work best in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom.
Which floor panels are best to choose?
The answer to this question depends on several factors: the room’s purpose, budget, moisture resistance, floor hardness, and interior style. Three main types of flooring are most often chosen for homes: laminate, vinyl (LVT, SPC), and wood. Each of these solutions has its advantages; some are more durable, others more natural, and still others are waterproof.
If you care about durability and resistance to damage, vinyl panels are a great option. If a natural look is your priority, the choice usually falls on wooden floors. And when budget is a factor, laminated panels remain the most cost-effective option.
What types of floor panels are there?
The most popular and budget-friendly laminated panels
Laminate panels consist of several layers: HDF board, wood-effect decor, and a protective layer. This layer is responsible for their scratch and abrasion resistance.
Laminates are a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and children’s rooms because they’re relatively inexpensive, durable, and available in a wide range of patterns. Good laminate panels can imitate wood so realistically that it’s difficult to distinguish them from natural parquet. However, they have limited water resistance, so special waterproof models should be chosen for kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinyl panels (LVT, SPC) – resistance to everything
Vinyl planks have been a huge hit in recent years, and for good reason. They are waterproof, highly resistant to damage, and exceptionally stable. They can be made using LVT (flexible) or SPC (rigid mineral core) technology.
SPC panels are among the most durable flooring available on the market. They are resistant to moisture, impact, and temperature fluctuations, and offer excellent heat conduction, making them ideal for underfloor heating. This makes them suitable for use in all rooms, including kitchens, hallways, and even bathrooms.
Vinyl comes in hundreds of designs, from wood and stone to concrete. It’s a solution that combines high comfort with the durability typical of commercial flooring.
Wooden panels – naturalness and elegance
If you’re dreaming of a natural wood floor and are looking for easy installation, engineered wood flooring (e.g., engineered wood) may be the perfect choice. They’re made of real wood, have a beautiful texture, and develop character over time. However, unlike laminates and vinyl, they require a bit more maintenance and have limited moisture resistance.
Natural wooden panels will be appreciated by those who value classic and timeless style; they will work great in the living room, bedroom or office.
Which panels are better: glued or clicked?
Currently, click panels are by far the most popular, and for good reason. The installation system is simple, quick, and clean. This allows you to install the floor yourself, without the need for glue. The click-lock panels work well on the subfloor and can be quickly removed if necessary.
Glued panels are still used primarily in applications requiring maximum floor stability or where underfloor heating is required and the insulation layer needs to be minimized. The adhesive provides a very solid bond between the panels and the subfloor, and the floor often provides better sound insulation. However, this requires greater precision, experience, and time.
If you’re wondering which flooring to choose for simple and hassle-free installation, opt for the click system. If you’re looking for a “concrete-like” floor with perfect stability, adhesive may be a good solution.
Which panels are better: vinyl or laminate?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and it’s no wonder. Both technologies have their advantages, but they differ in their usability.
Vinyl planks are a better choice if:
- you want a floor that is resistant to water and moisture,
- you have underfloor heating,
- the floor must be extremely durable,
- the priority is walking comfort and low noise level,
- the panels will be in the kitchen, bathroom or hallway.
Laminated panels are suitable if:
- you are looking for a cheaper solution,
- you want a very natural look of wood (top-quality laminates make a huge impression),
- the floor will be in dry rooms with less use.
So if you’re wondering what flooring is best to choose for your entire apartment, the answer is often: vinyl.
Which panels are the most durable?
The most durable category of panels are SPC vinyl panels. This flooring is difficult to scratch, damage, or warp. It’s even suitable for commercial spaces, where traffic is incomparably higher than in residential spaces.
In terms of durability, they can be arranged in the following order:
- SPC vinyl panels – highest durability, waterproofness, stability.
- LVT panels (flexible vinyl) – also very resistant, although less rigid.
- High-class laminated panels (AC4, AC5) – great for high-traffic apartments.
- Wooden panels – durable, but susceptible to moisture and scratches; require care.
So if you want a floor that will last for years, choose vinyl.
Summary: which floor panels should you choose?
If durability and water resistance are important to you, SPC vinyl planks are the best choice. If low cost and a wide selection of designs are key, choose laminates. If you want naturalness and elegance, choose wooden panels. A floor is a long-term investment. Therefore, before purchasing, consider how intensively it will be used, whether you have pets, whether you plan to use underfloor heating, and what visual effects you expect. Only then will the choice of laminate flooring become simple and straightforward.
FAQ
Which floor panels are best for an apartment?
The best choice depends on the room’s purpose and usage expectations. SPC vinyl planks are best for the entire apartment, especially the kitchen and hallway, due to their water resistance and high durability. Laminate or wood planks are also a good option for living rooms and bedrooms, if you’re looking for a natural look.
What is better to choose: vinyl or laminate panels?
Vinyl planks are more moisture-resistant, quiet, durable, and compatible with underfloor heating, making them ideal for heavily used rooms. Laminate planks are a more affordable alternative, ideal for dry spaces like bedrooms and living rooms where there’s little risk of flooding.
Which panels are the most durable and will last for years?
The most durable solution is SPC vinyl flooring, which is highly resistant to damage, moisture, and deformation. This flooring is suitable not only for apartments but also for high-traffic spaces. High-quality laminate flooring is also durable, but it falls short of vinyl in terms of durability.
