Summary
Planning a new floor but not sure which one to choose? Flooring is mandatory work when it comes to new construction or renovation. The ideal flooring material can change your room’s look, feel, and longevity. Out of numerous flooring options in India, terrazzo flooring and vinyl flooring are two of the widely used options. These both provide an excellent balance of appearance, comfort, and utility. But which one is for you?
India’s flooring market is valued at USD 9.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 18.3 billion by 2032, growing at about 7.1% CAGR. This indicates that most homeowners want flooring options that look great and last a long time.
In this blog, we will explain what the two types are, why they are best, and which one may possibly be better suited for Indian homes. Let’s see in detail.
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Terrazzo vs Vinyl Flooring – Which One’s Better for Indian Homes?
Planning a new floor but not sure which one to choose? Flooring is mandatory work when it comes to new construction or renovation. The ideal flooring material can change your room’s look, feel, and longevity. Out of numerous flooring options in India, terrazzo flooring and vinyl flooring are two of the widely used options. These both provide an excellent balance of appearance, comfort, and utility. But which one is for you?
India’s flooring market is valued at USD 9.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 18.3 billion by 2032, growing at about 7.1% CAGR. This indicates that most homeowners want flooring options that look great and last a long time.
In this blog, we will explain what the two types are, why they are best, and which one may possibly be better suited for Indian homes. Let’s see in detail.
A Quick Summary
- Terrazzo and vinyl are two different flooring options popular in India.
- In general, terrazzo is durable, looks elegant, and is ideal for varying climates.
- Whereas vinyl flooring is easy to install, cost-effective, and available in many designs.
- Compare both flooring options to choose the one that matches your space, budget, and lifestyle.
What is Terrazzo Flooring?
Glass and tiny marble chips are mixed in cement or resins to manufacture terrazzo flooring, also known venetian flooring. The surface is polished to create a smooth and shiny surface once it dries and is laid. Terrazzo was employed as a form of flooring in India for centuries and is still employed in the majority of India’s traditional houses, especially in South India. Terrazzo is also being used these days in new houses as a form of flooring due to its fashionable appearance and durability.
Benefits of Terrazzo Flooring
Here are the principal reasons why Venetian flooring is so effective in Indian homes:
Longevity
It is one of the most durable floors that can be selected. It resists scratches, stains, and extensive use. Terrazzo’s lifespan, after installation, can extend to more than 40 years. It can take high footfalls, a change in furniture inside the home, and even strikes from large objects, which come in handy in Indian joint families and family homes with children.
Simple Maintenance
Terrazzo doesn’t trap dust, dirt, or bacteria. A broom and a wet mop are all you need to maintain it. There are no seams or grout lines to clean. This is an excellent option for busy families with no time to spare but who want low-maintenance living environments.
Rich Appearance
You have the option to use various colours, chip sizes, and designs as per your interiors. It can be tailored to go with traditional as well as contemporary schemes. Some also utilise it to form borders or paintings within the rooms.
Eco-friendly
As it utilises waste material and fewer amounts of new materials, terrazzo is an eco-friendly option. Most builders today utilise green materials, and terrazzo is also no exception, as it uses recycled marble or pieces of stone.
Good in All Weathers
Even a hot summer cannot affect the terrazzo, and it stays cool. Also, this type of flooring possesses a solid grip and won’t be slippery, and thus, even during monsoons, it can be walked upon safely. Thus, it suits Indian homes in all Indian cities, whether dry or humid.
Bonus: To keep your terrazzo floor for years to come, keep it clean with water and never with harsh cleaners. Lightly polish it to bring it back to that new shine.
What is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic floor produced using plastic-based materials such as PVC. It can also be in the form of a sheet, tile, or plank. It can resemble wood, marble, or stone. This PVC or polyvinyl flooring is the top preferred option for Indian homeowners for its affordability and stylish floor tiles finish.
Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
PVC flooring is one of the most affordable floors for domestic use. But then there are other reasons why people choose it the most. Let’s see them
Low Cost
Vinyl is cheaper compared to terrazzo or wood. If you want good-looking floors at a lower cost, vinyl is an affordable choice. It also minimises labour expenses since it is easy to install. You can choose from various types of vinyl flooring based on your budget.
Variety of Designs
You get to pick from various prints and textures such as wood, stone, ceramic tiles, etc. It allows you to achieve the rich appearance of expensive floors without any additional cost. This makes it perfect for cost-saving makeovers.
Water-Resistant
Vinyl floors won’t absorb water. They are best suited to be placed in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, and damp areas. Some of them are fully waterproof, thus best for houses along the coast or areas with longer rainy seasons.
Quiet and Soft
Vinyl is shock-absorbing in its nature. This is because it is softer and quieter to walk on. It satisfies every user, like children, adults, or even senior citizens, as it offers a comfortable finish.
Easy Installation
You don’t require cement and curing time. Most of the vinyls are self-adhesive or click-lock. They can be installed within one day without removing the old floor.
Which Flooring Works Better in Indian Homes?
Following is a comparison of important points for Indian homes:
Climate Suitability
Terrazzo stays cool and is best for warm, dry areas. Vinyl suits coastal or wet cities, as they are water-resistant and do not warp or become brittle. Vinyl also stops moisture penetration and is, hence, ideal flooring for kitchens and bathroom flooring.
Maintenance
Terrazzo may need polishing every few years, but it is also extremely easy to clean. Vinyl is easier to maintain. It needs just a sweep and a mop. It requires no polish or wax. Hence, vinyl is ideal for homes with kids or elderly people who may spoil the floors often.
Lifespan
If you are looking for a long-term solution, terrazzo suits you. It will outlast the house itself. Vinyl lasts 10-15 years, which is okay for rented homes or those who will soon undergo a transformation in the future. Terrazzo also has a lower chance of being scratched or dented by heavy furniture.
Look and Feel
Terrazzo provides a shiny, natural stone appearance. Vinyl closely creates the look of other materials and has many options, such as contemporary wood textures. You can coordinate vinyl floors with your wall colour or furniture design for a clean finish.
Cost
Vinyl is among the most affordable flooring for homes. Terrazzo is more costly in material and labour but has a longer lifespan. Budget buyers get style without spending much money on the vinyl.
Bonus: For durable vinyl floors, put mats at entrance doors to remove dirt. Never drag heavy pieces of furniture to avoid scratches.
Terrazzo vs vinyl Flooring vs. Other Materials
See how terrazzo vs PVC flooring stacks up against other flooring options in India:
| Material | Cost | Look | Lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Terrazzo |
Medium-High
|
Classy, shiny
|
40+ years
|
Long-term Indian homes
|
Vinyl |
Low-Medium
|
Wood/ Stone styles
|
10-15 years
|
Budget homes, rented flats
|
Tiles (Ceramic)
|
Medium |
Simple & neat
|
20-30 years
|
Kitchens, bathrooms
|
Marble |
High |
Rich, natural
|
50+ years
|
Premium homes
|
Laminate |
Medium |
Wood-like finish
|
10-12 years
|
AC homes, low-moisture areas
|
Is terrazzo more affordable?
Vinyl is more affordable than terrazzo. It is perfect if you want affordable flooring for houses on a small budget.
Which of them is more appropriate for the Indian climate?
Both are equal. Use terrazzo in hot and dry places, while vinyl works better in damp spaces like bathrooms or coastal cities.
Is terrazzo still used mostly?
Yes. Terrazzo kind of flooring is still more popular for new homes because of its luxurious appearance and good durability.
What are the various types of polyvinyl flooring?
Yes. You may choose vinyl sheets, planks, or tiles. Determine the application and room sizes to choose the types of PVC flooring.
Final Thoughts
To decide between terrazzo flooring and vinyl flooring is all about what you would prefer for.Terrazzo is long-lasting, shiny, and can very well withstand the test of time. Vinyl is less expensive, quick to put down, and looks good with low effort. If you want a budget-friendly transformation with wood or stone patterns, vinyl is ideal. If you will be living in your home for decades and want to have a high-quality, long-lasting floor, terrazzo is worth the cost.
Amongst the best wood flooring brands, Terazzo is India’s No.1 wooden flooring brand. Our variety of robust, stylish, and luxurious wood floors makes them a prime choice for flooring options in India. Are you remodelling or building a new home? Check out Terazzo’s collection to pick the finest floor that matches your vision.