PVC floors (also known as LVP floors in English-speaking countries) have become a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces, thanks to their durability, versatility and ease of maintenance. Whether you're looking for a floor that can withstand heavy use, is easy to clean, or just looks good, PVC offers many advantages that make it an excellent option. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of PVC floors, their benefits, installation processes, maintenance and costs. This way, you can make an informed choice for the perfect PVC floor that suits your specific needs and style.
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When planning your flooring project, in addition to installation and costs, you should also consider compatibility with floor heating. Both types of PVC floors (click PVC and glue PVC), offer a wide range of designs and can be a stylish addition to your home.
PVC floors can last for years without much wear and tear. This makes them a good investment for homes and commercial spaces.
PVC floors are soundproof, which means that you are less affected by contact sounds such as footsteps. This makes them suitable for apartments or spaces where silence is important.
If you install a PVC floor, you will immediately feel the comfort under your feet. They have a soft, resilient top layer that feels great with every step.
One of the biggest advantages of PVC floors is that they are moisture-proof. This makes them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas.
PVC floors are also hygienic, because they do not absorb moisture and are easy to disinfect. This is especially important for families with children or pets. PVC floors are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or mop, making them ideal for busy households.
PVC floors are available in various designs, colors and patterns. From wood look to stone, there is always a style that suits your interior.
PVC floors come in different types, each with their own properties and benefits. The two main types are adhesive PVC floors and click PVC floors.
Adhesive PVC floors are thin and are installed directly onto the leveled subfloor.
Glued PVC floors are particularly popular because of their thermal conductivity. These floors have a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm, which is ideal if you have floor heating. The surface is smoother because the floor is glued directly to the surface.
These floors are perfectly suitable for intensive use, such as in busy households or commercial spaces. In addition, adhesive PVC flooring has less shrinkage and expansion during temperature changes. This means less chance of seams or other deformations.
Maintenance is easy; vacuuming and mopping keep the floor in good condition.
A significant disadvantage of glued PVC floors is that they often cannot be installed in apartments due to sound insulation requirements. Many glued PVC floors do not meet the strict 10dB noise requirements that apply in apartment complexes.
In the case of glued PVC floors, extensive subfloor preparation is crucial. The subfloor must be completely flat and even to ensure good adhesion. This may involve additional costs for leveling the floor.
Laying PVC adhesive is also time-consuming and often requires professional help, which can increase installation costs. In addition, it is difficult to replace a damaged board without disturbing the entire floor.
When moving, you cannot take the floor with you, as it is glued. This limits flexibility if you plan to move in the future.
Click PVC floors are easier to install thanks to the click system. It doesn't need to be glued to the subfloor, which means that the levelling is less critical than adhesive PVC floors. The thickness of click PVC is often around 4-8 mm, so they can add some build-up height.
Click PVC floors offer a number of important benefits that make them a popular choice. They are easy to install thanks to the click system, which means you don't need glue. This makes installation faster and cheaper, and it can often be done by yourself without professional help.
Another advantage is that click PVC is slightly more forgiving when it comes to the condition of the subfloor. Although a flat surface is still necessary, it is not as critical as with PVC adhesive.
These floors are also ideal for homes that change interiors frequently, as they are relatively easy to remove and reuse. Like adhesive PVC, click PVC floors are durable and easy to maintain, which ensures long-term use without much worry.
Click PVC also has some disadvantages that you should consider. Because it is a floating floor, there may be a little bit of slack between the panels, which can lead to a less stable feeling compared to the glued version.
Although click PVC requires slightly less surface preparation, it still needs to be fairly flat to prevent problems. It can sometimes be more difficult to get the seam to fit perfectly, especially if the surface is not completely smooth.
When used intensively or in busy households, there may be some shift over time. This can lead to bears or openings that require maintenance. Finally, click PVC floors can be sensitive to damage during installation, so extra care is required.
Click PVC can also be slightly more expensive to buy compared to other flooring options, although this is offset by the potentially lower installation costs.
Choosing the right PVC floor requires attention to various factors to ensure that your floor not only looks good, but is also durable and functional. Here are some important considerations when selecting a PVC floor:
The thickness of the wear layer is one of the most important characteristics when choosing a PVC floor. The wear layer is the transparent protective layer on top of the floor that helps resist wear, scratches and stains. The following applies to both glued and click PVC floors: the thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor. For households with a lot of foot traffic or for commercial spaces, a wear layer of at least 0.25 mm is recommended. This thicker wear layer ensures a longer life and better floor protection.
When choosing between glued and click PVC floors, you should consider the condition of the subfloor. Glued PVC floors require a perfectly flat and smooth surface for optimal adhesion and performance. However, if your subfloor is not completely flat and you don't want extensive preparation, click PVC floors are a better option. For a less perfect surface, it is wise to opt for thicker click PVC variants. This offers extra protection and makes the floor more durable.
You can choose from different styles and finishes for PVC floors. This makes it easy to find a floor that fits your interior.
Good preparation is essential when laying PVC floors. It starts with the right surface and ends with the installation of the floor itself.
Before you start laying the PVC floor, make sure the subfloor is suitable. The subfloor must be level, dry and dust-free. This is crucial, because unevenness can lead to problems such as wear and tear or even cracks in the floor.
Wood and concrete are common surfaces. Wooden floors must be firm and flat; loose planks must be secured. If the hardwood condition is poor it would make sense to level the surface with OSB plates. Concrete must be well levelled and have no cracks. You should also check for moisture, especially with floor heating; the surface must be completely dry.
If you are unsure about the condition of your surface, consider consulting a professional or using an installation service.
Choosing the right underlay is essential for click PVC floors, but this is not necessary for glued PVC floors.
Glued PVC floors are applied directly to a flat, dry and clean surface, which ensures optimal adhesion and an even finish.
For click PVC floors, a good underlay is important to attenuate noise and absorb imperfections. There are underlays specially designed for PVC floors that offer extra noise reduction and extend the life of the floor. Some click PVC floors even have a built-in underlay, often 10dB certified, which is ideal for use in apartments where noise reduction plays an important role. These integrated underlays save time and money during installation and provide a quieter and more comfortable living environment.
You don't need glue for click systems, which makes the process easier. This type is popular among DIY enthusiasts.
When gluing a PVC floor, you must use the right adhesive. Apply the adhesive evenly and make sure that the floor pieces are tightly together. One rubber hammer can help to make the parts connect properly.
Start laying in the right direction and work from left to right. Use a utility knife and a ruler to cut the floorboards. Make sure there are no air bubbles under the floor.
If you have less experience, it is wise to hire professionals to avoid problems.
The prices of PVC floors can vary considerably depending on several factors.
When you have the floor laid by professionals, you must take into account additional costs. For example, all-in prices can vary between &#;70 and &#;140 per square meter.
One of the biggest advantages of PVC floors is how easy to maintain they are. They are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner and mop. Regular cleaning keeps the floor in top condition and ensures that you can enjoy it for years to come.
This section covers frequently asked questions about PVC floors, including health risks, complaints, benefits of adhesive and click floors, costs, and possible expansion or contraction of a PVC floor.
PVC floors can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some people are concerned about these emissions because of potential health risks. It is important to choose floors that have low VOC emissions.
Some people experience problems with the installation or durability of their PVC floor. Poorly installed floors can come off or be damaged. In addition, some floors may discolor under the influence of sunlight.
In case of poorly installed PVC floors, complaints such as loose parts and discoloration can occur. People can also suffer from a strong smell after installation, which is due to the chemical treatment of PVC.
Costs may vary and depend on factors such as room size, type of PVC chosen, and installation method. Placing a glued PVC floor is often more labour-intensive and therefore more expensive.
PVC floors have minimal expansion or contraction. Thanks to the glass fleece layer, which is often present in these floors, the floor remains stable. This makes them suitable for rooms with fluctuating temperatures.
A variety of materials is used for finishing decorative flooring: linoleum, parquet flooring, porcelain tiles, laminate. These coatings have been around for a long time. They managed to gain the trust of millions of consumers due to their excellent performance. Recently, however, many began to give preference to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor tile. The coating is characterized by high wear resistance, environmental friendliness and affordable cost.
Polyvinyl chloride tiles - flooring, not so long ago appeared on the market. Visually, it looks like premium class linoleum, because of which it received the second name - linoleum. The material goes on sale in the form of rectangles or squares.Due to this feature, the coating is easy to install. PVC tiles are made from the same materials as linoleum.
It has the following structural structure:
In the manufacture of linoleum tiles used vinyl resins and stabilizers. Thanks to these substances, the coating has a high density, but it is flexible and elastic.
The thickness of the finished lining varies from 0.5 to 3.5 mm. Also, manufacturers produce vinyl tiles with a single layer thickness of 1.5-2.5 mm.
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PVC tile is used for lining the floor surface in the premises of any purposes. It can be used for arranging a warm water floor in the room, which is especially important for private country buildings and apartments located on the first floors. Also, PVC coating can be used for finishing:
For the decoration of living rooms and offices, you can purchase household tiles, which have excellent aesthetic qualities, but mediocre technical parameters. In rooms with medium traffic is allowed to use semi-commercial material.Floors on objects with high permeability need to be finished only with commercial cladding.
If you plan to lay such a coating in the production workshop, then you should look at a specialized linoleum tile. It may have refractory properties, resistance to acids or alkalis, depending on the modification.
Manufacturers of PVC tiles produce two types of material: the first is homogeneous, the second is heterogeneous. Homogeneous lining consists of a single layer. The picture of such material is made in all its thickness, so that the figure does not abrade even with intensive and long-term operation. Homogeneous coating is available in various colors. However, the patterns on such coatings are almost the same.
Heterogeneous material has several layers, the main of which is protective. The second is responsible for decoration: it affects the color and pattern of the tile.
Heterogeneous coating can mimic:
Polyvinyl chloride products are highly resistant to various types of alkalis, mineral oils, solvents. They are not afraid of temperature changes, they are able to maintain their original appearance at temperatures ranging from -30 to +60 degrees. The structural density of the material does not exceed 1.4 g / cu. cm, elasticity is in the range of 210-390%.
Thanks to these technical parameters, PVC tile is a serious "competitor" to the floor covering of linoleum, parquet or laminate. At cost, it is more profitable than wood cladding; in terms of laying it is more convenient than linoleum in rolls, warmer than ceramic-tile and stone.
Manufacturers offer several varieties of PVC tiles. To decide which type of material is better, you need to understand the features of each of them. So, the following types of linoleum tile are offered on the market:
The main advantage of PVC tiles is a high wear resistance. The material is capable of maintaining its aesthetic qualities for 10 years. Even if you accidentally damage a piece of flooring, you can always quickly replace it with your own hands.
To restore the surface does not have to dismantle the entire front trim. You just need to remove the damaged fragment and replace it with a new one.
Other advantages of the material include:
Like all materials for flooring, PVC tiles are not without flaws. Its negative sides are the unnatural and high risks of tarnishing of the pattern during prolonged exposure to sunlight. Another significant disadvantage of the flooring is the need to carefully level the base before laying. In the presence of mounds, some fragments of the coating may come off, which will require repair of the surface. Also, when installing the tile should not allow water to penetrate the flooring. When liquid enters, the risks of fungus occurrence and reproduction are high.
In general, material deficiencies are not so significant. At observance of rules of installation the covering will serve not one year.
Polyvinyl tiles are available in rolls, in the form of square or rectangular panels.
The following sizes of piece products are considered the most popular:
Large panels should be chosen for spacious rooms. Small and medium-sized tiles are perfect for small rooms.Choosing the thickness of the material, note that the durability of the finished coating will depend on this parameter. A thin product can quickly lose its aesthetics. If you plan to lay PVC tile in the corridor or rooms with high traffic, it is advisable to look at the options with a thickness of 5 mm. It is best to give preference to heterogeneous materials. They will last longer.
Before buying, you need to calculate the number of tiles required. To do this, multiply the length and width of the room to find the area of &#;&#;the room. After that, you can go to the store, choose your favorite tile and find out its size. To calculate the number of tiles required, you need to divide the area of &#;&#;the room by the area of &#;&#;one panel.
If you want coverage to last as long as possible, learn tips on choosing. Thanks to the recommendations, each buyer will be able to purchase not only beautiful, but also high-quality goods.
The question of how to choose PVC tile, often arises among people who have decided to make repairs in the apartment. Most when buying material prefers beautiful design, regardless of the technical parameters. This is the wrong approach.When choosing a flooring in the first place you need to look at the labeling of products. As a rule, it indicates the class of wear resistance, the number of layers, the type of base and the degree of abrasion.
Linoleum tile has several wear resistance classes:
The higher the degree of wear resistance, the stronger and more reliable the material will be, but such products will cost more. You also need to pay attention to abrasion. When marking this indicator is indicated by the Latin symbols T, P, M, F (as the stability decreases).
In the bedroom, where floor loads are minimal, it is allowed to put material from group F. For kitchens or other rooms with high traffic, tiles with a degree of abrasion T will be suitable.
In addition, do not forget to evaluate the external characteristics of the product. The range of materials is quite wide. If desired, you can choose the options with a geometric image, monochrome variations. When choosing a color you need to focus on the design of the room, the shades of wallpaper, furnishings and decor.
For finishing of small rooms give preference to light flooring. Tiles of white, beige and cream tones can visually expand the space. Light material is a winning option for small rooms, dark is relevant for finishing large rooms. Choosing a tile, do not hesitate to feel products. Thus, you can buy a sample that is suitable for both shade and calibration, and for texture.
To carry out the installation as efficiently as possible, quickly and accurately, you need to know how and in what cases to act.
In order to not have to change the flooring next year, it is necessary to adhere to the technology of installation of PVC tiles. Before laying the flooring, read the instructions and technical features of the installed product.
Before you install vinyl tile, you need to carefully prepare the base:
All work on the preparation and installation of the material should be carried out at a temperature of 15-25 degrees.
Before laying the products need to make a markup. To do this, use a tape measure and a pencil to draw two lines intersecting in the center of the room. Through the middle, draw a line parallel to the two longitudinal walls. Focus on this markup when installing the first two rows of PVC panels. After the preparatory work, you can proceed with the installation.
For work required:
Prepare the adhesive composition according to the instructions (indicated by the manufacturer on the package with the mixture). Apply the finished solution to a dry basis with a notched trowel. Even the composition on the surface of the coating (the treated area should not exceed 1 sq. M.) And lay the tile. Apply it carefully, making sure that the glue does not get on the front side of the PVC panel. Try to lay products smoothly, without gaps and offsets. After laying each piece of finish, roll the material with a roller. So you remove air bubbles formed between the subfloor and PVC tiles. Remove any excess glue from the roller with a sponge or soft rag.
It is possible to walk on the established covering already after the lapse of days. At the expiration of the same time, you can put furniture on the floor. To eliminate the risk of furniture damage to the tiles, it is recommended to glue felt pads on the legs.
Castle PVC tiles are equipped with a fastening system, thanks to which the material can be laid without using glue.The resulting floating coating is precast. It can be installed and disassembled 3-4 times. The installation of PVC panels with a tongue and groove lock should be started from the far corner of the room, going from left to right.
To facilitate installation, it is recommended to preheat the material with a hair dryer. Heat exposure will give the product elasticity.
When laying the first row it is recommended to retreat at least 5 mm from the wall. This is done to compensate for thermal expansion. To speed up the locking process of locks, you can use a special rubber hammer, eliminating the risks of damage to the surface of the flooring. If the last row of tiles does not fit into the remaining gap, then the material must be cut. To do this, lay the panel on the installed products groove to the wall, put a mark in pencil. Cut off the excess. Install flooring.
Installing self-adhesive strips will require a minimum set of tools. You will need a rubber roller, a construction knife, a tape measure and a pencil. The installation of tiles should be carried out from one of the corners formed at the intersection of the lines that connect the middle of the opposite walls.To lay the element, remove from it the protective shell covering the adhesive side. Install the tile on the markup, &#;walk&#; on it with a roller to remove air bubbles.
Self-adhesive tiles must be installed end-to-end. Near the walls of the excess material should be cut with a knife, leaving a gap of a few millimeters.
Installation of the roll material is a simple process that does not take much time.
To stack products, follow these steps:
Walking on the laid flooring is possible only after its complete drying. To do this, take at least a day. Upon completion of the work, the edges of the material should be pressed around the perimeter with a baseboard.
How to carry out laying of a tile from PVC, look in the following video.
PVC tile is a modern finishing floor material produced by many domestic and foreign companies. The most famous manufacturers are listed below.
Unfortunately, fake products are often found on the Russian market. It does not meet the stated quality standards. Therefore, when choosing a floor cladding, pay attention to product labeling. It is also better to abandon products offered by unknown or unfamiliar manufacturers.
To verify the quality of products, ask the seller the documents of the goods.
Manufacturers produce PVC tiles in a wide range. Due to the variety of designs, materials with different tones and textures can be combined in the same room, creating original interior variations.If you like non-standard solutions, you can use PVC tiles as a bright and unusual design object.
Also, with the help of vinyl tiles, you can visually divide the space, for example, to separate the seating area from the place for cooking in the spacious kitchen. To do this, you can use a combination of tiles, imitating wood, and materials "under the stone."
PVC tiles can perfectly fit into any interior. You can easily choose products for a classic style, Provence, Loft, modern. White and dark tiles, materials stylized under wood, pebbles, metals, carpet flooring, textiles - the range is diverse. Choose tiles, create unique floors in any of the premises.
For more information, please visit PP Interlocking Tiles.