We take pride in providing architects and interior designers with the tools they need to reinvent and revolutionise residential and commercial spaces. When working with clients on picking the right floor for their project, we often get asked the same question: is it vinyl or laminate?

The answer’s an easy one. Whether you’re combining classic patterns and modern trends with our planks or delivering lavish looks and enhanced strength with our porcelain tiles, it’s worth remembering that Impervia isn’t vinyl or laminate.

In this quick guide, we’ll run through what vinyl and laminate flooring are and how Impervia differs from both types, so you can purchase the future of high-quality, sustainable flooring with assurance.

What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is made out of synthetic materials such as PVC and fibreglass, designed to mimic marble, stone, and wood. However, vinyl flooring is an umbrella term for four different types:

• Vinyl plank – designed to resemble hardwood flooring, vinyl planks combine the look of wood with water and stain-resistant properties.
• Vinyl tile – designed to resemble marble and stone, vinyl tiles combine classic looks with water and stain-resistant properties.
• Vinyl sheet – unlike planks and tiles, vinyl sheets can be laid out in one go, thanks to its fibreglass cushion-backed flooring made as continuous, flexible sheets.
• Luxury vinyl plank and tile – made with more layers than standard vinyl flooring, these planks and tiles are designed using 3D printers and generally tend to be thicker and more durable than their standard counterparts.

What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a hybrid covering made of particleboard wood bases topped with an image layer and transparent wear layer.

Laminate is known for being easy to clean, thanks to its smooth, seamless surfaces. Its tough wear layer makes it scratch-resistant, so it’s seen as a suitable choice for residential homes with children and pets.~

What is Impervia?
Impervia is a 6.5mm thick floor with its own acoustic backing that looks and feels like real wood. This hard-wearing, waterproof flooring offers incredible acoustic qualities and warm atmospheres using Välinge’s 5G installation technology.
The five layers that make up Impervia are:

1. UV coating – this helps keep the floor looking great year after year, protecting the Décor layer from fading even in the sunniest of environments.
2. Wear layer – adds a natural texture to the floor, which helps achieve its non-slip surface and 100% waterproof properties.
3. Décor film – this creates the real wood effect without the worry of humidity or water damage.
4. Core board – a mineral-based core made of magnesium oxide and reinforced with tough fibreglass for its durability and stability. This layer makes it fireproof, dent proof, shift proof, and mould proof.
5. IXPE underlayer – this IXPE underlayer ensures there’s no need for additional underlay and ensures it’s suitable for underfloor heating.
   
   What is the difference between Impervia, vinyl, and laminate flooring?
   Unlike most vinyl flooring products, Impervia is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cryogenic emissions, and formaldehyde.
   
   Furthermore, many vinyl flooring products require glueing them to the subfloor, which means more chemicals are being used, and more emissions are created. For sustainable, environmentally friendly projects, Impervia should be your first choice.
   
   Fitting vinyl flooring can be quite labour intensive, requiring specialised tools, tradespeople, and products. Impervia, on the other hand, is quicker and easier to install as there’s no need to glue it down thanks to its built-in acoustic IXPE backing layer.
   
   Unlike vinyl and laminate flooring, Impervia is waterproof and fireproof. Our flooring is manufactured using the latest innovative technology and materials, offering exceptional quality and a 35-year residential warranty.
   
   Whilst many vinyl and laminate flooring options can harm the environment and pollute the air around you, our flooring comes certified by Green Guard and Floorscore by SCS. This means our products have low chemical emissions that improve the quality of air in the areas the products are used.
   
   If you’d like to fit your next commercial or residential project with the future of high-quality, sustainable flooring, get in touch with us today.
   www.impervia.co.uk