What is the best flooring option for apartments in Malta — laminate or vinyl?

Both laminate and vinyl flooring can work well in Maltese apartments, but the “best” choice depends on your priorities for durability, moisture resistance, aesthetics, and budget. In general, vinyl is more moisture-resistant and flexible in coastal and high-humidity environments, while laminate often wins on rigid feel and traditional wood visuals.

This guide compares laminate and vinyl flooring across performance, installation, cost, and suitability for Malta’s climate to help you choose the right option for your home renovation.

Laminate vs Vinyl: What are the key differences?

At a basic level:

• Laminate flooring is a rigid, multi-layered board with a decorative surface layer (often wood-look) on top of a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core.
• Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring made of PVC layers, available as sheets, tiles, or click-lock planks.

Understanding these differences helps decide which performs best in your Maltese apartment.

1. Moisture and humidity resistance

Vinyl flooring generally outperforms laminate in moisture resistance. Malta’s coastal climate means apartments are exposed to higher humidity and occasional damp patches, especially near bathrooms and exterior walls.

• Vinyl – Water-resistant or fully waterproof versions are common and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and ground-floor flats prone to moisture.
• Laminate – Standard laminate can swell or warp if exposed to water; some water-resistant laminates exist but are not fully waterproof.

If moisture resistance is a priority — particularly for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry zones — vinyl is often the safer choice in Malta’s environment.

2. Durability and wear performance

Both flooring types are durable when specified correctly:

• Laminate – Tough surface resistance to scratches and dents, great for living rooms and bedrooms with moderate traffic.
• Vinyl – Very resilient against everyday impact, stains, and water damage, ideal for high-traffic or mixed-use spaces.

High-quality options in both categories are suitable for apartments, but vinyl maintains performance longer in high-moisture conditions.

3. Aesthetics and design options

Today’s flooring options offer a wide range of visuals:

• Laminate – Excellent wood grain realism and classic flooring appeal.
• Vinyl – Available in wood-look planks, stone, tile, and abstract textures; often more design flexibility than laminate.

If you prioritise a natural timber look and rigid feel underfoot, laminate often wins. Vinyl can match similar aesthetics while offering more moisture resilience.

4. Comfort and feel underfoot

Laminate typically feels more solid underfoot due to its rigid core. Vinyl — especially cushioned or SPC (stone-plastic composite) variants — can feel softer and warmer but may flex slightly under heavy loads.

Your choice may depend on whether you prefer a firmer surface (laminate) or a slightly softer, forgiving feel (vinyl).

5. Installation and maintenance

Both flooring types are relatively easy to install when done by professionals:

• Laminate – Often click-lock floating installation over underlay; requires level subfloor.
• Vinyl – Click-lock or glue-down options; some sheet vinyl may require professional adhesive work.

In terms of maintenance:

• Laminate – Sweep daily; avoid water pooling.
• Vinyl – Sweep and mop; waterproof variants are easier to clean without concern for moisture.

For apartments, vinyl’s ability to handle light mopping and moisture is often a practical advantage.

6. Cost comparison

Prices vary by product class and brand, but broadly:

• Laminate – Generally cost-effective, especially for wood-look visuals.
• Vinyl – Can be similarly priced to laminate; premium vinyl (SPC/WPC) may cost more.

While both can fit budgets, the final installed cost depends on underlay, subfloor preparation, and labour. For accurate Malta pricing, professional site measurement and quotation are recommended.

7. Best choice zones within your apartment

Vinyl is ideal for:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms and utility rooms
• Entryways and hallways

Laminate works best for:

• Bedrooms
• Living and dining areas
• Rooms with minimal moisture exposure

If a single flooring material is preferred throughout the apartment, high-quality water-resistant vinyl often offers the most balanced performance in Malta’s varied interior conditions.

8. Environmental and long-term considerations

Vinyl flooring often scores well for long-term durability and easy replacement of damaged planks, especially in high-traffic areas. Many vinyl products also have lower VOC emissions — a benefit for indoor air quality.

Laminate flooring can provide excellent wear resistance, but long-term moisture concerns mean that once damaged by water it often requires full plank replacement.

Which is “best” for Malta apartments?

If moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, and coastal climate performance are your top priorities, vinyl is generally the best overall flooring choice for Maltese apartments. It offers waterproof performance, design versatility, and strong durability. Laminate remains a strong choice for dry, low-moisture zones like bedrooms and living rooms.

Your final decision should consider your lifestyle, the specific rooms involved, and long-term maintenance expectations.

Professional installation matters

Both laminate and vinyl perform best when professionally installed with correct subfloor preparation, moisture barriers where needed, and precise detailing around thresholds and room transitions.

Experienced installers such as Quadro 360 Installations & Supplies can provide flooring services alongside gypsum ceilings and wall finishes, ensuring cohesive interior results throughout your apartment renovation.

Contact Quadro 360 today on +356 7777 5193 or email officequadro360@gmail.com for a free consultation and quote. You can also reach us instantly via WhatsApp.