Vinyl vs laminate vs tiles

Spicy_McHaggis

phoenix_w wrote: »

Tiles are normally ceramic (although you can get natural stone tiles), whereas slate is, well, slate from a quarry... Natural or slate tiles sometimes need more TLC on installation (suitable cement & grout, potentially sealing so they can cope with moisture).

In a bathroom I'd prefer vinyl or a non-shiny tile (it's quite difficult not to go head over ar*e after stepping out of the bath/shower onto a sniny tiled surface). If you're considering tile the most important thing is the quality of the floor in your bathroom - many bathrooms are on the first floor and are on old floorboards that may not be in great condition - you'll need to board out and potentially level the floor with compound and even then the original floor may change shape enough that the tiles become dislodged after a few months/years. Certainly don't just tile onto the floor or a small bit of hardboard - otherwise it can become dangerous quickly (think cracked tiles that bare feet can get cut on easily).

Are you discounting porcelain as a tile then?

I'd say sealing slate would be more to do with preventing stains as the cope well enough on a roof unsealed.

Spicy_McHaggis

movilogo wrote: »

What is the difference between tile and slate?

I understand vinyl might be easier for kitchen. What about bathroom? Should I go for tile or vinyl?

Tile either porcelain or ceramic are man made, slate is a natural stone.

JP08

When we had the kitchen done we splashed out a bit on Karndean viynl tiles. You'll have to google them yourselves - new user! Extremely tough wearing (the trade place we got it fitted by has it laid in their entranceway - only after a decade or so of trade and public custom from a really gritty, grotty carpark is it starting to show some wear). The tile nature and the accent strips they do can make for a very nice custom floor.

Feeling_Blue

You could have the option of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). This is very popular with names like Karndean and Amtico very strong in the market. A good vinyl would also feel a lot nicer than laminate which can look, sound and feel very cheap. It also creates dust.

sacook86

We just had amtico vinyl tiles put down in the kitchen and very pleased with the result! They look like 'real' tile and feel great.

Spicy_McHaggis

Feeling_Blue wrote: »

You could have the option of LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). This is very popular with names like Karndean and Amtico very strong in the market. A good vinyl would also feel a lot nicer than laminate which can look, sound and feel very cheap. It also creates dust.

I don't think it creates it.

MrsGarf

We are just buying our first house and are having a similar discussion. My best friend had Karndean-Style vinyl wood planks fitting throughout her downstairs and tiles in the bathroom - I visited her many times and never guessed the floor was vinyl. Must be good.
I am certainly going to look into this flooring - she recommended Vüsta as the make of tile/plank as cheaper but still excellent quality and 25yr guarantee.

I_have_spoken

There was laminate in the lounge of a house I bought. Awful - hard and cold to walk on, looked hideous.