Plastic floor tiles. PVC floor tiles: advantages and disadvantages

Among the floor coverings used in repairs, there are those that combine the properties of several materials familiar to us at once. In addition, they look spectacular and modern and at the same time very inexpensive. All these properties bribe the owner of the apartment, who is starting a renovation, in which it is not initially planned to invest a lot of money, but you can get a good end result. This is a PVC floor covering..

PVC coatings imitate the surface of expensive materials, are easy to install and cheap.

PVC floor coverings in the apartment

We often use PVC coating for walls and ceilings. But for floors this material is recent times practically not used. However, the modern construction business has managed to close this gap, and today the PVC floor has taken its place among the laminate, floor tiles, linoleum and other representatives of building materials.

PVC floors accommodate the properties of linoleum and ceramic tiles.

• With linoleum, this coating combines the structure of the material and production technology:
  one large sheet is first produced, which is then cut into smaller strips or squares
• With ceramic tiles– external similarity and dimensions of one coverage unit

Production technology and structure

Modern PVC floors are quite durable (stronger than linoleum), as they are multi-layered and produced under high pressure.

• The basis is a one-two millimeter layer of foamed polyvinyl chloride, which provides rigidity, and also serves as thermal and sound insulation
• Flexibility of the PVC coating is given by plasticizers.
• The top coating of polyurethane or polyester with a thickness of 0.2 to 1 mm determines the wear resistance of the floor, protects it from damage

Single-layer PVC tiles are also produced, however, they are rarely used for flooring due to their low strength.

Advantages of PVC flooring

• PVC flooring is cheaper than laminate flooring.
• The coating can have a longer service life than linoleum, due to the easy replacement of individual tiles. To allow for this repair, purchase one more pack of coverage than is estimated.
• PVC tiles imitate the texture of absolutely any material:
  • Ceramics, marble or granite chips, natural stone
  • You can artificially create the appearance of a wooden floor or laminate
    (The exclamations of “Oh, what do you have here, in fact, plastic, not wood ???” are not surprising in an apartment where PVC floors are installed)
• This is an excellent moisture resistant material, very unassuming in care.
• PVC tiles have a non-slip surface, thanks to manufacturing technology that allows you to create an embossed outer layer
• Fragile objects do not break when dropped on the floor
• Polyvinyl chloride has low thermal conductivity, so this floor is warmer than tiles
• Under this coating, you can install a floor heating system
• Tiles or strips are very easy to install: this operation is available to women and even children, especially if a self-adhesive floor is installed.

Video: Self-adhesive PVC tiles

Note: How long such a coating will last, and whether the tiles will soon be torn off, will be revealed during operation.

Now let's move on from the praises to the disadvantages

Disadvantages of PVC floors

We specifically did not name “environmental safety” among the advantages, although in advertising you will definitely find a clause about “the complete safety of polyvinyl chloride”.

• We will not argue that synthetic materials are completely safe, if only because any synthetic material with high temperature tends to evaporate and be present in environment. Laying technology allows cutting tiles with preheating her hair dryer. The presence of vapors of polymeric materials in the apartment is unlikely to be useful. Therefore, once this point is in question, it automatically moves from advantages to disadvantages.
• .Despite the relatively good strength, it is not recommended to use PVC floors where there is a lot of traffic or a lot of equipment is installed, that is, in a public place, and if used, then only increased thickness and strength
• The service life of a PVC coating is relatively short - up to 10 years
• The floor surface is not resistant to solvents

PVC floor laying technology

PVC tiles can be laid on any (new or old) prepared surface:
concrete floor, wooden floors, old laminate, parquet, etc.

Surface preparation is the same as when installing linoleum or laminate:

• small irregularities and defects can be eliminated with a self-levelling mixture
• in case of more serious damage and deviations, a new concrete pour is required

Installation of skirting boards and thresholds

This is the finishing touch to the work.

• Plinth and threshold also choose from PVC
• Skirting board fixing method - gluing it to the wall
  • The surface of the wall below is cleaned of wallpaper, paint, dirt
  • The side of the plinth adjacent to the wall is cleaned with sandpaper and degreased with gasoline
  • Glue is applied to the baseboard and the wall (in two layers: the second after 10 or 15 minutes)
  • When the second layer dries (usually after 5-10 minutes), the plinth is pressed against the wall with a special trowel
• The threshold is set at the level of the doorway, attaching it with screws and dowels to the floor

Video: Laying the floor with PVC tiles

PVC panels - popular decorative material, which is used for interior decoration. With it, you can beautifully decorate both the walls and the ceiling.

PVC panels have many advantages, among which it is especially important to note the following:

• strength, reliability, high resistance to moisture - thanks to this, they can be used both in residential premises and in hallways, in bathrooms;
• ease of installation - not only a professional, but also an amateur master will cope with the installation, especially if you need to mount the panels on smooth walls that do not require additional training;
• ease of care - the coating created from this material is easy to care for, in most cases, dust and dirt are removed without much hassle with a damp cloth or napkins;
• additional heat and sound insulation - the room will become more comfortable;
• excellent decorative properties - the richness of colors and patterns cannot but impress, and the designer can easily create a truly beautiful and at the same time practical interior using plastic panels.

This material is not without certain disadvantages. First of all, it is low impact resistance: plastic can be wrinkled or pierced. It is also worth noting that PVC panels can fade and turn yellow when exposed to constant ultraviolet radiation.

Installation of PVC panels

Installation of panels on flat walls can be done with glue. This is the easiest option, even someone who has never done finishing work before can handle it. The advantage of this installation is the absence of voids under the panels, so that they will not sag under pressure.

If PVC panels need to be mounted on uneven walls or used to mask pipes or wires, the situation becomes a little more complicated. In this case, you will need a frame, which is usually made of wooden slats. Panels are attached to it.

How to choose PVC wall panels?

The main thing to pay attention to is the thickness. Relatively thin PVC panels are used for ceiling installation, while walls will require material with a thickness of 10-12 mm. As for the width, the wider the sheets, the fewer seams there will be on your walls.

If you plan to choose panels for the bathroom or kitchen, make sure that the material you are interested in is suitable for use in rooms with high humidity. Otherwise, the pattern on its surface may deteriorate over time.

PVC wall panels in our catalog

In the catalog of our hypermarket network, plastic panels of various sizes and colors are presented. You are sure to find color and stylistic solutions that will effectively fit into your interior, help make your living room, bathroom, kitchen more beautiful and practical.

There are a huge number of floor coverings on the market of finishing materials. Among this variety, PVC floor tiles stand out for their ease of installation, presentability, water resistance and increased sound insulation. Almost anyone can lay it in the bathroom, corridor or kitchen. And she will last correct styling 10 years or more.

PVC tiles

A classic example of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) flooring is linoleum. PVC tile takes a position between it and the laminate. On the one hand, it is completely made of polymers and is not afraid of moisture, and on the other hand, it resembles laminate lamellas in shape and installation technology.

PVC floor tiles consist of several layers:

1. One or two bases.
2. Film with a pattern.
3. Upper wear-resistant protective layer.

PVC tile structure

All of them are made using vinyl and synthetic resins. Plus, a variety of plasticizers, stabilizers and fillers are added to different layers to impart certain characteristics to the final coating.
PVC floor tiles are divided into:

• vinyl;
• quartz vinyl.

The former consist only of polyvinyl chloride and are cheaper. This is a complete analogue of linoleum - only not in the form of a continuous coating, but in several separate pieces for gluing on the floor. Quartz vinyl tile in addition to vinyl has in its composition quartz sand. It is more expensive, but more durable, wear-resistant and durable.

Variety of PVC floor tiles allows you to create any floor pattern

Advantages and disadvantages

Among advantages of PVC floor tiles:

• 100% water resistance;
• simplified installation;
• high strength and wear resistance;
• unpretentiousness in care;
• good sound insulation;
• a variety of drawings;
• hygiene and hypoallergenicity;
• tightness of the final coating.

Externally, vinyl tile looks like laminate, but feels warmer to the touch. She lays on concrete base or dry wood-based screed without backing. However, due to PVC, the floor covering from it perfectly dampens sounds and turns out not to be booming.

Benefits of PVC flooring

After installing the tile in question, it forms a sealed surface on the floor, which reliably protects the rough base from any moisture. If you accidentally spill water on such a finish, but he himself and concrete or fiberboard (plywood) from below will not suffer.

Among the shortcomings of this tile can be mentioned:

• unnaturalness;
• high cost per square meter;
• the need for careful alignment of the rough base.

PVC floor tiles are thin. Any defect in the rough base will be visible on it to the naked eye and felt with bare feet. Aligning the base under this finish is required especially carefully.

PVC tiles in different rooms

Application area

Vinyl tiles is a universal coating that can be installed in almost any room. It is suitable for offices, hairdressers, gyms, cafes, etc. In apartments and cottages, it is placed in bathrooms, bathrooms, utility rooms, corridors, bedrooms, nurseries and dining rooms.

Due to its absolute water resistance and high abrasion resistance, all PVC floor tiles come with a wear resistance class of "34" or "43". Above simply does not happen. And you can lay such a cladding on the floor in virtually all rooms. The only exceptions are objects where they work with aggressive substances that can corrode PVC.

Scope of PVC tiles

Varieties

Varies floor tiles from PVC to:

• ordinary (for mounting on glue);
• self-adhesive;
• modular with a thorn-groove lock.

The first requires a special adhesive suitable for PVC, and the second already has a sticky layer on the bottom. Both of them form a non-separable coating. Castle tiles are mounted without the use of adhesives. In case of damage, it can be easily replaced in the damaged area.

How to install pvc tiles

PVC floor tiles can be square (a la tiles) or elongated rectangular shape(a la laminate). It is laid in a direct way, diagonally, with a run-up or with an offset. It is also possible to use a combination technique. All known options for laying out tiled cladding are applicable here.

Popular styling methods

To cut PVC tiles, it is enough to use a construction knife with a sharp blade. First, using a metal ruler, an incision is made along the top layer. And then the PVC lining is simply bent and finally cut with a knife into two parts of the desired size.

cut tiles

Installation of vinyl soft tiles on the floor is extremely simple. Seasonal adjustment of plastic windows on your own can cause more difficulties. And PVC elements only need to be laid out on a rough coating in order to try them on first, and then sequentially glue them one after the other. In this case, the glue should be applied to the base with a spatula with teeth. And when gluing, you need to make sure that all the air is squeezed out from under the finish.

Layout in 1/3

If a modular castle tile is chosen, then it is even easier to lay it. It is connected into a single finish by snapping the “lamella” lock into the already laid ones.

The main thing in the installation of vinyl and quartz vinyl tiles is the layout of the first row. The smoother it is, the smoother the entire PVC coating in the assembly will then be.

The basis of vinyl floor tiles is vinyl primary processing, to which various stabilizers are added, including quartz sand to give the necessary characteristics.

Due to the absence of harmful emissions, vinyl floor tiles can be used in commercial areas such as:

• Offices
• Shopping centers
• Sports grounds
• Game halls
• Hotels
• The shops

For commercial premises, special series of PVC tiles with an increased protective layer are used. Manufacturers improve performance protective layers via various technologies, such as ceramic chips, extending the life of the floor.

All brand representatives in the territory of the Russian Federation provide voluntary health certificates for their product, some additionally test in independent laboratories according to an extended list of requirements for finishing materials, thereby additionally emphasizing the absolute environmental safety of their floors. In addition, any production has its own quality control and a laboratory for testing finished products.

PVC floor tiles are tested for environmental and fire safety. It has all the necessary certificates and conclusions, according to international standards. This makes it possible to use vinyl floor tiles not only in commercial premises, but also in educational and medical institutions.

Texture of vinyl tiles

The structure of a vinyl floor tile is a multi-layer cake, in which each of the layers has its own purpose and are joined together into a single die using hot pressing.

Hot pressing is the production method for most PVC tiles. Him distinctive feature is to obtain a high-density durable product without the use of any harmful adhesives. This method allows you to meet all technical requirements for use in any enclosed space.

There are also methods of gross pressing or ironing calender, but it is mainly intended for the manufacture of linoleum and PVC floor tiles of the economy segment. This method of production does not allow creating a product with a multilayer structure.

Characteristics of PVC tiles

By itself, PVC floor tiles are 2 to 3 mm thick. Elasticity allows you to use not only as a floor covering, but to glue on walls and decorate decorative elements interior.

The high load capacity depends on the wear layer that the PVC tile has. The thicker the top layer, the stronger the load capacity.

For example, 0.3mm options are often reserved for residential areas, while 0.5mm options are suitable for commercial spaces, and 0.7-1.0mm collections for industrial use.

Unlike vinyl laminate, PVC floor tiles do not have lock joints, but are glued to the base using special adhesives.

PVC floor tiles provide a wide range of various designs covering a wide spectrum. These include, for example, ceramic designs that faithfully replicate well-known heavy materials. In addition, you will find decors that perfectly match the texture of natural stone, textile structures, concrete or metal.

For wood lovers, there are various wood-style options. These include light, dark and greyish decors. The variety is almost limitless, so now discover the wide selection and find the perfect decor for your desired space!

Texture from almost smooth to deep pattern in the register. Many colors and shades allow you to choose your option for every taste and design.

Benefits of vinyl tiles

Among the advantages of vinyl floor tiles, the following qualities can be distinguished:

• 100% water resistance;
• ease of cleaning;
• does not absorb odors and liquids (especially important for pet owners);
• high wear resistance class (from 34 to 43);
• can be mounted on any square footage without thresholds;
• low cost relative to vinyl laminate;
• does not support combustion, fire safety class KM2;
• compatible with underfloor heating system;
• warm and tactile material
• the absence of the effect of "voiced sex";

PVC floor tiles have another useful feature - anti-static finish. It prevents electrical charges and ensures that you no longer have to fear an electric shock. Another positive effect is the reduction of susceptibility to interference from electronic devices, which proves to be a significant advantage, especially in offices.

When choosing a tile, you need to consider where you will be using it. Different series are designed for different operational loads.

When laying vinyl tiles, you will need an additional skill to work with glue, but if you carefully read all the instructions, even a non-professional can do the installation.

cost of vinyl floor tiles

The price of vinyl floor tiles is slightly different (in a big way) from the "classic laminate". However, thanks to soy's durability and minimal cost during installation, this choice is a more profitable and reasonable purchase.

You can buy PVC tiles on the website or visit our Showroom, where more than 2000 products are presented.

If you want to become the owner of a high-quality floor covering that is not afraid of moisture, then PVC floor tiles can be yours. conscious choice. This modern quality material has a number of undeniable advantages. Laying technology allows you to mount tiles on your own. We offer you to get acquainted with the features of this floor in more detail. .

PVC tile floor stylish solution for any interior

Read in the article

Applications for PVC tiles

Products are most often made square with a side of 30, 50, 65 cm. For small rooms, PVC tiles with a smaller side are selected. Rectangular products are also in demand, the width of which can be 18 - 90 cm with a length of 25 - 90 cm.

Attention! To calculate the required amount of material, it is necessary to divide the quadrature of the room by the area of ​​​​one element.

Advantages and disadvantages of PVC floor tiles

The main advantages of this type of flooring include:

• ease of installation. Laying can be done by hand. At the same time, there is no need to remove all the furniture from the room at the same time;
• high material strength and optimum mechanical resistance;
• presentability. PVC tile coating can harmoniously fit into any;
• ease of maintenance, which is achieved due to the high tightness of the material. The coating is not afraid of direct water ingress. It is acceptable to use various detergents;
• pleasant tactile sensations. It is comfortable to walk barefoot on the laid surface. The surface is quite warm;
• good soundproofing characteristics.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the high cost of high-quality materials, as well as the presence of artificial components in the material.

Leading PVC tile manufacturers

So that the quality of the purchased flooring is not in doubt, you should pay attention to PVC tiles of the following brands:

• Fatra. This Czech company offers quality material designed for domestic use;
• LG Dekotile. Korean PVC tiles have a long service life and high fire resistance. However, the range offered cannot be called diverse;
• Tarkett. The international company offers a wide range, striking with the possibility of choosing a pattern and texture;
• Graboplast. The Hungarian concern manufactures a multilayer material with a long service life. Perhaps the presence of 4 - 8 layers. PVC tiles of this manufacturer are characterized by functionality and reliability;
• Lentex. In the catalog of the Polish manufacturer, you can find linoleum tiles intended for commercial or semi-commercial use;
• Forbo-Sarlino. French material has high wear resistance. The quartz sand included in the composition increases the wear resistance of the coating and prevents its premature fading.

How to choose PVC tiles: basic criteria and general recommendations

In order for the installed flooring to last long enough, you should pay attention not only to the appearance of a particular model, but also to its specifications. Worthy of attention:

• wear resistance class;
• base type;
• number of layers;
• degree of abrasion.

In order not to worry about the service life of the laid flooring, you should pay attention to a material with a higher wear resistance class and degree of abrasion. The first indicator for domestic use should be chosen from class 31 and above, the second can be found in the marking. These can be the letters T, P, M, F. "T" is preferable to "P", etc. Material from group F can be laid in rooms with low traffic.

Having decided on technical requirements, it is worth paying attention to the appearance of a particular model. You can choose a PVC tile with a pattern or prefer a plain material for the floor.

Attention! When choosing decorative design consider the style and size of the room.

For small rooms, PVC tiles of light colors are relevant. For large ones, you can choose a dark floor covering.

Do-it-yourself PVC tile laying

The ease of installation makes it possible to do the work on your own. We invite you to get to know essential tool and materials so that you can independently form a high-quality and reliable floor covering.

Materials and tools

To perform installation work, you must have a sufficient amount of PVC floor tiles, as well as an adhesive composition, if fixation will be carried out with it. You will also need:

• sheet rollers varying degrees stiffness;
• spatula with a fine tooth for applying the adhesive composition;
• roulette;
• square;
• laser level;
• pencil;
• construction knife;
• a piece or any material on which it will be possible to cut the tile to size.

Preparatory work

Before starting installation work, it is necessary to carefully prepare the base. The list of manipulations will depend on the type and condition of the surface. Preparatory work may include:

• pouring concrete. By the time the installation work begins, the humidity level should not exceed 3%. Otherwise, PVC tiles may lose their performance characteristics ahead of time;
• base leveling. The presence of irregularities is unacceptable;
• checking the absence of nails if the installation is carried out on a wooden base. The joints between the boards are sealed with;
• dismantling of the old flooring. Fill if necessary.

It is applied to the prepared base. The formed layer allows you to increase the rigidity of the base and reduce its absorbent properties.

Attention! Substrate preparation and installation of PVC tiles should be carried out at temperatures above +15C.

Tile laying instructions

The procedure will depend on which material is preferred. detailed instructions contained on each package of material. We offer you to get acquainted with the procedure for installing PVC tiles with in a different way styling.

Adhesive

Installation work is carried out in the following sequence:

Illustration	Action Description
	With the help of laser levels, we determine the middle of the room in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The found position is controlled with a tape measure. Draw a straight line along the marked line with a pencil.
	Using a spatula or trowel, apply the adhesive composition to the base, evenly distributing it over the surface. The amount applied should be minimal, since its viability is limited.
	We lay the first tile, observing the direction specified by the manufacturer. Lightly slap the element, and then roll it out with a roller.
	We lay out the subsequent elements in a checkerboard pattern. The ends should fit snugly together, forming monolithic coating on a surface.

Attention! Installation begins only after the PVC floor tile stays for at least a day in the room where the work is being carried out.

self-adhesive

Self-adhesive PVC floor tiles allow you to do without the adhesive composition. How are installation work in this case, can be seen in the next video.