Difference Between Vinyl Flooring & Parquet Flooring

In the virtual game of Sims, where one gets to build his or her house from scratch, deciding on which type of flooring is not difficult at all. Floor tiles in all types of luscious colours and materials only cost around 5 Simoleons per tile. (Simoleons is the currency of virtual money in Sims) If only this were true in reality!

Most people are familiar with parquet flooring because it has been around for ages. It is a type of wood flooring made out of different geometrical shapes and the types of patterns that one can choose from is endless. One also gets to decide what type of wood to use in the tessellation of patterns. Due to the homely feel that parquet floorings add to a home’s character, it is a popular choice for many but it is expensive to install and maintain.

Vinyl flooring is a newer type of flooring which is made from synthetic material polyvinyl chloride. It is a highly versatile material that can be made to look like other natural materials such as wood. Vinyl flooring is a cost efficient substitute for other types of natural flooring and requires less maintenance. Another plus point is that it does not scratch or dent as easily as parquet flooring. If scratched, it is easier and cheaper to fix the scratches on vinyl flooring unlike parquet flooring. Vinyl flooring is also a good substitute for those who are considering other types of PVC flooring as it is made from more environmentally-friendly materials which is less harmful to one’s health.

Both parquet and vinyl flooring have a comfortable underfoot touch and are warmer than tile floorings. This keeps the house warm and cosy during chilly stormy days or when the temperature dips low at night.

Some key points to take note of when cleaning parquet and vinyl floorings. Cleaning is simple and only requires sweeping, vacuuming and occasional mopping. If vacuuming, one must be careful not to use a vacuum with a beater bar because that can cause dirt stuck in the vacuum brush to scratch the flooring. To protect the flooring, one should use carpets and rugs or buy furniture socks for the legs of chairs and tables.

The choice between parquet and vinyl flooring ultimately boils down to budget and preference. Vinyl flooring is a good option for those who desire “woody” flooring but cannot afford parquet flooring or the maintenance of it because of kids and pets that induce a higher scratch-rate on the beautiful wood flooring.