Choosing flooring isn’t just about looks; it’s about finding something that fits your lifestyle. You might love the warm, natural charm of parquet flooring, but worry about scratches, moisture, or the upkeep. Or maybe you’ve heard about vinyl flooring, but wonder if it really feels as good as it looks.
That’s the challenge many homeowners face: finding a floor that’s both beautiful and practical. Between design preferences, maintenance, and cost, the choice can get confusing fast.
The good news? You don’t have to compromise. This guide breaks down vinyl flooring vs parquet in simple terms, comparing their design, comfort, durability, and price, so you can make a confident decision that suits your space and budget.
What Is Vinyl Flooring? – A Modern Favourite for Singapore Homes
Vinyl flooring has become a favourite in homes across Singapore for its perfect mix of style, comfort, and durability. Made from multiple layers of PVC with a harsh protective top coat, it’s built to handle everyday life with ease.
Modern vinyl flooring designs in Singapore look incredibly realistic, featuring natural oak and walnut finishes, as well as elegant marble and stone effects. It’s soft underfoot, easy to clean, and ideal for families with children or pets. If you want flooring that’s practical yet stylish, vinyl is hard to beat.
What Is Parquet Flooring? – Classic Elegance That Never Fades
Parquet flooring brings a timeless sense of luxury to any space. Crafted from small solid wood blocks arranged in intricate geometric patterns, it creates a warm and elegant atmosphere that never goes out of style.
That said, parquet is a little more delicate. Being made of real wood, it reacts to changes in humidity and temperature, meaning it requires regular care. While it adds stunning character and depth, it may not be the most practical option for Singapore’s humid climate or high-traffic homes.
Detailed Comparison: Vinyl Flooring vs Parquet Flooring
1. Design & Aesthetic: Parquet Elegance vs Vinyl Versatility
Vinyl Flooring
If you love variety, vinyl wins hands down. It offers endless design options, from rustic timber to sleek stone-look vinyl flooring. With luxury vinyl flooring, you get all the beauty of natural materials without the hassle or high cost.
Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring has a distinct charm; herringbone and chevron patterns add instant sophistication. However, compared to vinyl, design choices are more limited, typically sticking to traditional wood tones.
2. Durability & Easy Maintenance: Which Flooring Lasts Longer?
Vinyl Flooring
If your home is always bustling, vinyl flooring is up for the challenge. It’s water-resistant, scratch-proof, and perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. When it comes to vinyl flooring care and maintenance, it couldn’t be simpler; just a quick sweep and light mop keeps it looking fresh all year round.
Parquet Flooring
Parquet, being made from natural wood, requires more care and attention. Moisture and spills can cause warping or staining, and scratches are more noticeable. It’s best suited for low-moisture areas and homes where regular upkeep can be committed to.
3. Comfort & Installation: Which Is Easier to Fit and Live With?
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is quick to install and is often laid directly over existing tiles or cement floors. It feels soft and cushioned underfoot, making it comfortable for long hours of standing. It’s also compatible with soundproof and insulated underlays, perfect for HDBs and condos.
Parquet Flooring
Installing parquet flooring is a labour of love. Each block is carefully placed, glued or nailed, then sanded and finished. The process takes time, but it delivers a stunning, handcrafted finish that stands out.
4. Cost Comparison: Vinyl Flooring Price Singapore vs Parquet Flooring Cost
Vinyl Flooring
The vinyl flooring price in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 3 to SGD 8 per square foot (USD 2.20–5.80), depending on the quality and design. Installation is straightforward and often included, which helps keep the overall cost low.
For that price, you get durable, stylish flooring that lasts for years with minimal upkeep and an excellent return on investment.
Parquet Flooring
The cost of parquet flooring in Singapore is higher, typically ranging from SGD 10 to SGD 20 per square foot (USD 7.20–14.50). It also comes with higher installation and maintenance costs due to its delicate nature.
When comparing the cost of parquet flooring vs vinyl, parquet may feel luxurious. Still, vinyl offers similar beauty for much less, making it the smarter, more practical choice for most modern homes.
5. Sustainability & Lifespan: Eco-Friendly Options That Last
Vinyl Flooring
Modern vinyl flooring is significantly more eco-friendly than it was in the past. Many brands now offer recyclable options with low VOC levels, making them safe for families and pets. With proper care, vinyl flooring can look fresh for over a decade.
Additionally, vinyl’s durability means fewer replacements over time, which reduces waste and makes it a more sustainable choice for busy homes.
Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring is crafted from genuine wood, lending it a natural elegance and warmth. However, this also means it contributes to timber sourcing unless you choose FSC-certified or engineered wood options.
When well-maintained, parquet can last for decades, and refinishing rather than replacing helps minimise environmental impact.
Vinyl Flooring vs Parquet Flooring: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Vinyl Flooring | Parquet Flooring |
| Appearance | Realistic wood, stone, or tile looks | Natural wood with herringbone, chevron, or traditional patterns |
| Durability | Water-resistant, scratch-proof, ideal for high-traffic areas | Sensitive to moisture, scratches, and dents; better for low-traffic areas |
| Maintenance | Easy: sweep and mop | Needs polishing and careful upkeep |
| Installation | Quick and easy, often over existing floors | Labour-intensive, glued or nailed in place |
| Cost (SGD) | SGD 3 to 8 per sq ft | SGD 10 to 20 per sq ft |
| Comfort | Soft and cushioned underfoot | Harder surface, natural warmth |
| Suitability for Pets | Excellent, scratch and water-resistant | Less suitable, can be easily scratched |
| Eco-friendliness | Many recyclable and low-VOC options | Natural wood; choose FSC-certified or engineered for sustainability |
Conclusion
Both parquet and vinyl flooring bring beauty and character, but your lifestyle often decides which is best. If you’re looking for a durable, affordable, and low-maintenance option that suits a humid climate, vinyl flooring Singapore is the clear winner. It gives you the warm, stylish look of wood without the stress of constant care.
Parquet flooring offers authentic wood charm and timeless elegance, but it requires regular maintenance and is more expensive to install. For most modern homes, vinyl provides the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and practicality, keeping your space stylish and stress-free for years.
If you want flooring that’s stylish, durable, and easy to live with, vinyl is the wise choice for modern homes.
FAQs
1. What is an alternative to parquet flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a great alternative; it resembles real wood, is easy to maintain, and costs significantly less. It also comes in a wide variety of finishes and patterns, allowing you to match any interior style effortlessly.
2. Is vinyl flooring ok with dogs?
Yes, it’s perfect for pet owners. Vinyl is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and comfortable for paws. Additionally, it’s easy to clean up any accidents, keeping your floors looking fresh with minimal effort.
3. Which flooring is best for a living room?
Vinyl flooring works wonderfully in living rooms; it’s warm, stylish, and durable enough for daily life. It also helps create a cosy, inviting atmosphere while handling high foot traffic with ease.
4. Which flooring makes a house look bigger?
Light-coloured vinyl or wide-plank designs can make your home appear more open and airy. Adding consistent flooring throughout adjoining spaces can further enhance the sense of space and flow.
