What is PVC Tile and How Can It Be Used?

PVC tile on the modern market is a relatively young product, so many people still look at it with distrust, preferring the newcomer to more familiar ceramic tiles, laminate or linoleum. What is this material, what are its advantages and does it have any drawbacks? Let's find out.

By the way! You can buy PVC tiles in Moscow here

What is PVC Tile?

These are flexible square or rectangular planks of various sizes and textures, cut to size. Their thickness usually varies from two to five millimeters. The thicker the tile, the better.

Design: Evgenia Demidova

There is no need to fear the abbreviation PVC in the name. In composition, the tile made of polyvinyl chloride is similar to the linoleum we are familiar with, and in appearance and installation method — to laminate. In addition, products from reliable manufacturers do not contain harmful substances, for example, toxic phthalates.

PVC tile consists of several functional layers, each responsible for specific qualities:

• Wear-resistant layer — protects against water, scratches and stains;
  
• Decorative vinyl layer — gives the tile a particular pattern in high resolution, as close as possible to the color and texture of natural wood;
• Flexible vinyl base — provides sound insulation, softness and comfort when walking;
  
• Special composite layer — levels the floor surface and provides stability.
  

What are the advantages?

This is an excellent option for those who appreciate the aesthetics of expensive wood species but without complex installation and periodic treatment typical of natural material coverings.

What other benefits does PVC tile offer?

Water resistance

Kitchen, bathroom, open balcony — PVC tiles can be laid even in rooms where moisture is present, except in shower areas or saunas with high humidity levels.

Hygiene

The protective layer of PVC tiles is sealed and does not absorb dirt, and when in contact with the soles of rubber shoes or furniture legs, it does not leave black marks. If there are small artists in the house, it's easy to wash off traces of tempera or markers.

Resistance to minor scratches

Sand from the street, small marks from cat claws or children's toys are no threat to PVC tiles. Even if damage occurs, it is easy to replace a deformed plank with a new one.

Design: Zina Malysheva

No odor

Reliable brands do not use formaldehyde in the production of PVC tiles, so volatile organic compound emissions are minimal. This means no “chemical” smell and harm to health.

Silence and tactility

Over time, wooden floors start to creak. With PVC tiles, this won't happen: the sound-insulating layer makes floors almost silent, and walking barefoot on them is just as pleasant as on natural wood.

Aesthetic and natural appearance

PVC tiles are seam-free materials, so they are almost indistinguishable from natural boards not only in pattern but also in appearance and installation method. Choose finishes with a matte surface — this will make the imitation of oak, chestnut, maple or pine boards even more convincing and add nobility to the interior.

Attention to every detail

On high-quality PVC tiles, rings, gaps, knots and other details characteristic of natural wood will be clearly drawn. The covering looks sophisticated and extremely realistic, and it can be confidently combined with wooden furniture or decoration.

Design: Taya Akulova and Gleb Skotnikov

Are there any downsides?

PVC tiles cannot be classified as eco-friendly solutions. If environmental friendliness is a priority, it's better to choose coverings made from natural wood or cork.

Serious damage to this material can be caused by aggressive household chemicals, acetone and solvents. However, these substances will damage other coverings too. They are only harmless to ceramic granite.

Heavy objects may leave indentations. For example, large wardrobes that stand in one place for a long time. However, if you are not a fan of frequent repositioning, this is unlikely to be critical.

Where to use it?

Vinyl flooring is an excellent solution for the kitchen, including wet zones.

PVC tiles can beautifully complement a minimalist office or home study.

In the bedroom, where we often walk barefoot, the tactile properties of PVC tiles will shine.

PVC tiles on a glazed balcony or loggia are an aesthetic, hygienic and convenient option.

The simplest way to add warmth and nobility to a bedroom is to cover the wall near the headboard with PVC tiles.

The pattern of PVC tiles usually repeats every 15-30 planks, so even on well-visible surfaces, this covering will look natural.

Child's room — a space with high hygiene requirements, and this is one of the key qualities of PVC tiles made from polyvinyl chloride.

Installation of PVC tiles is appropriate in the bathroom, except in high-moisture zones like the shower area.

How to install?

Even a non-professional can handle the installation of PVC tiles. We will briefly describe the main methods.

Float method

This method does not require glue, a hammer or a mounting block. However, underlayment is needed. It can be mounted on an existing floor.

• The plank to be installed needs to be lifted, supporting it from below with your hand.
  
• Press down on the joint between planks, starting from the short side of the inner angle to the outer angle until you hear a click.
  
• Tap the joint with your fist and ensure that the edges have clicked into place.

With adhesive

This installation method adds additional stability to PVC flooring. Installation is done on a rough floor, which must be leveled beforehand.

• Old flooring must be removed.
  
• It is optimal to pre-fit without adhesive.
  
• Adhesive must be applied using a spatula A2 to ensure even and correct distribution of the adhesive on the base.

On the cover: Design by Evgenia Demidova