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The world of vinyl plank flooring is packed with acronyms, and they’re difficult as heck to understand. Especially when it comes to something like PVC flooring.
That’s why below, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about this type of surface. We’ll explain exactly what PVC flooring is, the difference between PVC and vinyl plank, and talk about its pros and cons.
We’ll even talk about how much it costs and how to install it and give you a quick rundown of the top PVC flooring brands. So let’s jump in!
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PVC Flooring: What it is and How it’s Related to Vinyl Flooring?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride—aka vinyl!
That’s right—PVC flooring is the exact same thing as vinyl flooring. Polyvinyl chloride is just a long name for it!
Why the different phrasing? Well, PVC is the third-most produced plastic polymer in the world. It’s used in lots of different applications aside from flooring—like pipes, siding, insulation, and even health supplies. And since many people are familiar with the material, PVC flooring has become a common synonym for vinyl flooring.
And everyone loves vinyl flooring. It’s one of the most popular alternatives for hardwood floors out there!
Again, this is a big question with a simple answer. Nothing.
Like we said, PVC flooring is just another name for vinyl flooring. The two terms are totally interchangeable!
We know: it causes a lot of confusion for people shopping for vinyl plank flooring, or trying to learn about the differences between vinyl flooring vs. linoleum vs. laminate.
But from now on, whenever you see PVC flooring, you’ll know—it’s just vinyl flooring.
Now that we have that sorted out, it’s important to explain that there are three main types of flooring that fall within the vinyl flooring (or PVC) category.
Luxury vinyl plank (aka LVP) is the most popular faux wood flooring option on the market. It’s waterproof, you can use it to create all sorts of classic wood floor designs, and the cost to install vinyl plank flooring is way cheaper than the cost to buy and install hardwood flooring.
Vinyl plank flooring can come with a rigid or a flexible core, depending on the product. If you opt for a rigid-core product, you have a few additional options:
And again: all of these options are types of PVC flooring!
The point is, you have tons of choices. And while there are some disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring, the pros easily outweigh the cons.
Vinyl tile has the exact same properties as vinyl plank. It can come as a rigid or a flexible product, you can get WPC, SPC, or EVP cores, it’s waterproof, etc. And, on the flipside, the problems with luxury vinyl tile are exactly the same as the problems with luxury vinyl plank.
So what’s the difference between vinyl tile and vinyl plank?
Vinyl planks are made to look like wood. Vinyl tiles are made to look like—you guessed it—different types of floor tiles! We’re talking ceramic slate, granite, marble, you name it.
And that means they usually come in square pieces instead of rectangular vinyl planks. Again: all of these products—LVP, LVT, WPC, SPC, EVP—are just different types of PVC flooring (aka vinyl flooring).
Additionally: all of these types can be installed as click-together flooring, loose-lay flooring, or glue-down vinyl flooring. It just depends on the product.
The third type of vinyl flooring is sheet vinyl. This is the old-fashioned, patterned vinyl flooring you probably remember from the kitchens and bathrooms of your childhood.
It comes in large sheets that are cut to fit your space, and then glued down. It isn’t among the easiest types of flooring to install, but it’s inexpensive and super durable. And yes, it’s also a type of PVC flooring.
PVC floors, like any other type of flooring, has both advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to get the full picture before moving forward with any decisions. Let’s review some of the main ones for vinyl.
PVC flooring is relatively easy to install, which can be a huge perk. Both vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) can be installed as a floating floor. If you’re wondering what is a floating floor?, it’s an installation style that uses snap-together pieces—so the surface doesn’t have to be attached to a smooth subfloor with glue or nails.
That said, if you aren’t keen on the disadvantages of floating floors, you can always buy glue-down or loose-lay PVC flooring products instead.
One of the downsides of both of these installation styles, though, is that they make PVC flooring rather difficult to remove.
Pulling up glued-down vinyl planks isn’t easy to do without damaging them. And with snap-together floating floors, you have to take the entire floor apart if you want to repair a single damaged plank or tile. It can be a hassle!
There are some incredible fake wood flooring options on the market—RevWood, hemp flooring—even the best cork flooring ranks pretty highly on the list.
But among these choices, vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable options on the table—so it makes it a great place to start if you’re looking for budget-friendly choices.
If you’ve been looking at flooring options, you’ll know the variety is exciting—so what sets the best vinyl plank flooring brands apart?
The biggest differentiator between vinyl plank vs. laminate (the two most common faux-wood options) is the fact that vinyl flooring is water resistant.
Most of the other fake wood flooring choices available are not waterproof. For example, one of the disadvantages of cork flooring is that it can absorb water. This is a huge perk when it comes to choosing vinyl flooring.
Also, remember that waterproof and water-resistant are different. You can find some water-resistant wood flooring options, but none of them will be completely waterproof. Teak flooring, for example, is water-resistant thanks to its natural resins and oils. But it definitely isn’t waterproof. So: if you’re looking for the best kitchen flooring or the best flooring for basements, PVC is going to top the list.
If you’re in the market for eco-friendly flooring, you won’t find vinyl at the top of the sustainability rankings. Because PVC is plastic, it requires a lot of resources to produce, and it’s less recyclable than other options.
It also won’t last as long as some other choices like ash flooring or other hardwood flooring—because solid hardwood floors can be refinished for decades of use.
If you’re looking for durability, PVC flooring is a great choice. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are some of the most scratch-resistant flooring options around.
So whether you have kids running through your home, dogs wrestling on your floors, or just high traffic areas, vinyl flooring is definitely worth considering. Even the most durable wood flooring options don’t hold a candle to PVC in terms of durability, so if you’re looking for the best flooring for dogs and other pets, this is it.
As with most shopping decisions, you should always read reviews before purchasing a product. There are some low-quality vinyl options on the market, and it’s important to avoid them. Example: Pergo Extreme reviews are excellent. Reviews for LifeProof flooring (Home Depot’s in-house brand) on the other hand… not so much.
Pro tip: one of the easiest ways to find a higher quality PVC floor is to look at wear layer thickness. A minimum of 12 mils thick is recommended for residential buildings. Another way to find a high-quality product is by asking your local flooring store.
We’re not going to sugar coat it: vinyl flooring is made of plastics, which means that chemicals are heavily involved in the manufacturing process.
When those chemicals off-gas, they’re known as VOCs—volatile organic compounds. When VOCs off-gas in your home, they can affect your indoor air quality—potentially harming your family’s health.
The good news is that there are low-VOC vinyl flooring options available if you know where to look! Brands like Proximity Mills, for instance, only sell low- and zero-VOC floors.
VOCs are in many products, so it’s hard to avoid them completely. But if you want the safest and healthiest options, for a low-VOC flooring option.
There are non-toxic laminate flooring choices, and even low-VOC carpet options on the market. Your best bet is to stick to natural materials instead of artificial. Shop for different hardwood species or natural stone for the least amount of chemicals.
PVC flooring generally has a lifespan of 12 to 15-ish years. It can last much longer if it’s cleaned and well-maintained, though. But if you go with lower-quality flooring, it may not have that long of a lifespan.
Again: vinyl isn’t the most environmentally-friendly flooring in the world. The best vinyl plank flooring brands offer tons of benefits, but they’ll only last as long as the warranty guarantees—so that’s definitely something to consider when making your decision.
That said, some companies offer lifetime warranties, so it all depends on the product.
Vinyl and laminate flooring have a lot in common—affordability, ease of installation, and durability.
Because of this, many of the same arguments made in favor of laminate in the tile vs. laminate and carpet vs. laminate debates also apply to vinyl flooring. However, there are also significant differences between the two.
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Vinyl is entirely synthetic, whereas laminate does contain some natural materials. Vinyl also has some benefits that laminate doesn’t—it’s heat-resistant and waterproof. Those factors may be extremely important for you depending on where in your home you’re installing your new floors.
If you’ve been shopping for the best laminate flooring, it would be a great idea to include PVC flooring in your search as well. Along with wood-look tile, it’s one of the best faux wood options for high-traffic areas. Not to mention, you can find PVC options that resemble everything from wide-plank wood flooring to thin-strip parquet.
It sure is! All the best types of vinyl flooring are 00% waterproof. This means that PVC flooring is a great choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, kitchens, or even mudroom flooring—any damp spaces or places with a chance of wet feet or spills.
This is the factor that sets it apart from many other surfaces, including nearly all wood flooring types. Even the best engineered wood flooring can’t stand up to water like PVC flooring can. In fact, water issues are some of the only real engineered wood disadvantages out there.
Flooring costs vary depending on your location, materials, labor, and more. Here are some of the current national averages for labor and materials to help you make a more informed decision.
For sheet vinyl, the national average ranges between $3 and $4 per square foot for material and installation. This material cost is cheaper than the other options, but the installation is more difficult—and therefore can be a bit more expensive.
The national average for PVC flooring tiles, according to HomeAdvisor, $7 per square foot for material plus installation. However, vinyl tiles are still cheaper to install than nearly all types of tile made from natural materials—even porcelain snap-together tile flooring.
LVP is priced similarly to LVT at around $7 per square foot for materials and installation. This is still a more affordable choice compared to the cost of installation of engineered hardwood floors. Vinyl planks are a great option if you want wood-look flooring without paying the price. Plus, the price of a new vinyl plank floor is similar to the cost to refinish hardwood flooring, but with way less hassle and mess.
Vinyl is known as an easy-to-install type of flooring. Many DIYers are able to put this in themselves without issues. Even if you have to hire a professional, it’s a relatively affordable installation compared to the cost to replace carpet with hardwood flooring, for instance
As with any type of flooring, there are tons of professionals that can install your floor for you. So if you find yourself questioning “what is subflooring” or Googling how to install peel-and-stick carpet tiles… well, we’d recommend finding a top-rated flooring store near you to discuss your options.
Maintaining any type of flooring is important, and while PVC is much less maintenance-heavy than some other floors (including nearly all types of wood flooring), there are still some best practices.
It’s best to clean with water and a mop weekly. If there are any stubborn stains, using vinegar or gentle cleaners. Make sure to use furniture pads, especially with anything that moves around to protect that top layer of the vinyl. And when you vacuum, do not use a beater bar. By following these tips, you can make your PVC flooring last!
There are a lot of PVC flooring brands out there, and many of them bring something special to the table. Here’s a quick list of some of the most notable options.
Proximity Mills makes specializes in high-performance vinyl plank flooring. They don’t offer the widest selection in the world, but what they do sell is excellent. In their vinyl catalog, you’ll find a mix of loose lay, floating, and glue-down options—almost all of which boast an SPC core. Plus, they’re one of the few brands to offer PVC flooring that’s certified as completely VOC-free.
Karndean vinyl plank flooring is a bit pricey, but it’s pricey for a reason—the company makes some truly excellent vinyl floors. Karndean’s vinyl floor catalog is extensive, and includes a large number of loose-lay products. In fact, the company was one of the pioneers in the loose-lay vinyl flooring space! They also sell vinyl sheet flooring, so you’ve got your PVC flooring options covered.
Of all the PVC flooring brands around, Doma is hands-down the most beautiful. In fact, the company makes some of the boldest, most fashionable vinyl floors in the entire PVC flooring industry. We’re talking exotic hardwood species looks like chestnut and pecan, super wide planks, things like that. All of their products are SPC core and, when it comes to style, they simply can’t be beat. Fun fact: they also make a number of zero-VOC options.
Shaw is the second-largest flooring brand in the world, and they also make some excellent PVC flooring products. The main collection of Shaw vinyl plank flooring is called Floorté, though the company makes 4 different types of PVC flooring in total.
Newton is the anti-Karndean: its vinyl catalog is not massive, it’s very reasonably priced, and it only offers vinyl plank (sorry flexible PVC flooring lovers). That said, it is the brand to buy from if you’re looking for excellent products on a budget. So whereas Karndean might strike some as more expensive than it should be, Newton is an absolute steal for the quality.
Make a plan to get to your local flooring store to talk to an expert. They can answer your questions, cover different brands, and help you decide if PVC flooring is the right choice for you.
You can ask about cool new products like magnetic flooring for a super easy DIY install, or have them install some classic floors for you. Either way, it’s always good to have an expert to chat with. And as always, we’re happy to answer any other questions you have! After all, the best flooring for your needs is the one you like best!
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Having a quality play surface is essential in sports. Be it basketball, volleyball, or any other sort of sport, the right flooring goes far in enhancing performance and ensuring safety. TPE resilient sports flooring is multi-sport court flooring and the best compromise between rubber and plastic. It is a flexible, resilient type of flooring. This flooring is for every other sports use, with benefits ranging from shock absorption and slip resistance to free and easy maintenance practices.
This blog post will detail why TPE resilient sports flooring is the best multi-sports court flooring material by comparing it with other materials and having them check into the boxes for its significant benefits.
TPE resilient sports flooring is manufactured with Thermoplastic Elastomers, an advanced material that combines the best of both rubber and plastic properties. The flooring is designed to deliver flexibility and durability within a safe area involved in various sporting activities. The uniqueness of its composition makes TPE suitable for such applications, being solid and elastic.
One of the most remarkable aspects of TPE flooring is the excellent feature of shock absorption. It takes as one of its attributes the fact that it can be an excellent cushion for falling actions in which the athletes run and jump or fall when the game goes wrong. It lessens the possibility of getting injuries. These are games with high impact, such as basketball and volleyball, wherein players make sudden movements and land.
Aside from being a shock-absorptive surface, TPE flooring is also slip-resistant. The TPE tiles have a very slip-resistant surface; on a wet surface, the element is superb, preventing people from slipping and falling—well assured of safety during games for the athletes.
One great thing about TPE flooring is that it is incredibly hard-wearing. It can withstand heavy use and retain its integrity for an extended time. In the long run, this is a very inexpensive venture for a sports facility if it does not have to be added in frequently. Due to ease of installation, cleaning, and maintenance, TPE flooring is easily the best option for indoor and outdoor courts.
TPE resilient sports flooring is excellent for multi-sport courts through its many benefits. Significant advantages are:
TPE flooring has achieved outstanding shock absorption. That is, it will cushion the impact that arises, thus reducing the chances of injury to the athlete. This is for basketball, volleyball, or any athletic activity with considerable impact; TPE flooring shields players from the force of impact.
One of the most impressive properties of TPE flooring is its high durability. It is engineered so that even with hard use, it retains integrity over the years. Under such circumstances, TPE flooring does not wear out relatively quickly, as with most flooring products. It is scratch-resistant and can meet high-traffic demands well. That durability translates into long-term cost savings and less frequent replacements.
Safety is, without any compromise, the highest element for sports facilities, and TPE flooring has the best slip resistance and traction. Textured surfacing improves the grip for athletes with at least risk of slipping, falling, and getting injured. At the same time, TPE flooring allows the most factual step of an athlete, including when conditions are wet or moist.
TPE flooring is well known for its effectiveness in sound-sapping and reducing noise, making the venue much quieter and incumbent-friendly. This carries immeasurable weight, especially in indoor sports facilities requiring excellent noise control measures.
TPE cushioned sporting flooring is quite easy to install. It generally involves laying it down; the technique involves gluing down or interlocking it, which is very simple in the application, making it adaptable to most applications. The level of maintenance required for it is very minimal; at most times, it will require the system to be cleaned through routine cleaning to ensure its potential longevity and performance.
When choosing the best floor for multi-sport courts, a comparison of TPE with other available common materials, including Polypropylene and Polyvinyl Chloride, must be done. The types of material have their list of advantages and disadvantages.
PP flooring is much more durable and non-maintenance. It is commonly used for applications with a high density of use. However, it provides a different level of cushioning and comfort than TPE flooring.
The PP floor may be quite rigid, heightening the chances of injury from excessively jarring exercises. While PP may be beneficial for specific end-uses, compared to TPE flooring, it lacks the concerns related to comfort and safety to move back and forth.
PVC is another popular choice for sports courts. It is durable and gives a decent playing surface. However, there are several downsides to PVC; it gets worn out much quicker than TPE, and it usually contains chemicals that are destructive to the environment and people’s health.
In addition, such flooring as PVC does not strive in terms of being flexible with shock absorption and with the anti-slippery nature that makes it not optimal when it comes to the arena of the multisport court.
TPE resilient sports flooring is preferred in shock absorption and slip resistance over PP and PVC; hence, it is also better for the environment. Exceptionally suited for any multisport facility as it assimilates such features as durability and comfort, TPE sports flooring is enhanced with ease of fitting and low maintenance. Further attractions of TPE include a total one-stop flooring for sports.
The TPE resilient sports flooring has already found many successful applications in many sports worldwide and is confidently showing the ripeness of its performance versatility. Some examples are given here:
Professional Arenas TPE flooring is used in professional sports arenas because it provides a high-performance surface: this TPE enables athletes to aspire to the maximum. For instance, VMKONSPORT’s Meteor TPE tiles are used in several professional venues. The tiles allow good shock absorption and are therefore adapted to slip resistance for the security procedure of high-level athletes competing aggressively. Its flooring is performed so that the rough use doesn’t harm it.
Community Gyms and Schools TPE resilient sports flooring is also widely applied in community gyms and school sports halls. Safety and high durability are of paramount importance in this area. The TPE flooring provides a safe playing surface because it decreases the probability of obtaining injuries; thus, it is perfect for young athletes and people who play games for recreation. The type of floor has low maintenance rates and is long-lasting, enabling schools and community centers to save money spent on the floor in the long run.
Versatile Applications TPE flooring is not limited to only one type of sport; it is used in various facilities, such as courts for basketball, volleyball, and multisport arenas. Flexibility imbues TPE tiles with the ability to function with more than one kind of sport and present a single playing surface with increased performance and better safety in many activities.
They show how TPE resilient sports flooring can be successfully applied in different settings with accompanying benefits that many facility managers and sports lovers prefer. The TPE design offers absolute, high-performance security to facility professionals and athletes across all grades, from professional multi-sport surface arenas to small school gymnasiums.
It is easy to install the TPE resilient sports flooring. Below is a step-by-step process:
First and foremost, you must consult a reputable supplier like VMKONSPORT. They can guide you on the right TPE flooring product to best suit your needs. Whether you need the flooring for a professional arena, a school gym, or a community center, ideally, suitable suppliers should have recommended professional advice and tips.
Choose the Right Product Different products are suitable for varying sports and facilities. For example, Elastimeteor TPE tiles are known for their shock absorption, slip resistance properties, and durability. Talk to your supplier to align your needs with the existing product for multisport courts.
The TPE resilient sports flooring has highly adaptable installation methods, including adhesive and interlocking systems. Among these methods, the interlocking tile system has gained tremendous popularity as it is easy to inreduces the downtime for your sports facility.
stall and does not require special tools. It can also be installed very quickly; hence, it is better to take professionals’ help in laying the floor where it will be dedicated, especially considering a large layout. Professional installers have the required experience and equipment to ensure a perfect fit, which is important for flooring properties and long service life.
Once installed, TPE flooring requires minimal maintenance. It usually just needs regular broom/mop cleaning. Some more intense dirt can be removed using mild detergent and water. Some more severe detergents can used for stubborn dirt. An inspection can conducted now and then to detect areas needing repair or retouching.
By following these steps, one can be sure to have the right installation and proper maintenance of their TPE resilient sports flooring to create a safe, high-performance surface for athletes.
There are many benefits to choosing TPE resilient sports flooring for a multi-sport court. Such a form of flooring provides high shock absorption, lowering the rate of injury and allowing for the highest comfort of an athlete. It’s substantial and unwavering with heavy use and is equipped with first-class slip resistance performance to ensure safe play. Environmental friendliness, simple installation, and low maintenance efforts are typical of TPE flooring.
Either in the professional field, school gym, or community center, TPE Resilient Sports Flooring is a trusted, high-performance-select option as it supports athletes of all levels. In this respect, TPE flooring would provide safety, durability, and versatility in a playing surface meant for all kinds of sports activities.
For more PVC Sports Floorinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.