You know what you want from your commercial flooring installation: versatility, quality, durability, the ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, ease of maintenance, suitability for your specific application, cost effectiveness… and plenty of style. That’s a lot to ask of a floor! But it is possible when you make the right call. Commercial vinyl flooring is growing in popularity, and for good reason. It offers a host of benefits – but also a few questions. What is luxury vinyl tile? What about vinyl composite tile and sheet flooring? Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you select the best commercial grade vinyl flooring for your project. 

Commercial Vinyl Flooring for a Wide Range of Projects

Commercial grade vinyl flooring is made from natural and synthetic polymer materials. This durable choice is the surface of choice for hotel lobbies, offices, entryways, schools, hospitals, and many other settings. Generally, vinyl is:

  • Water-Resistant. This is certainly a desirable feature here in South Florida! Unlike other flooring choices, you won’t have to worry about warping, cracking, and other moisture-related damage. 
  • Durable. Who wants to replace a floor after just a few years? Vinyl stands the test of time and manages to withstand heavy foot traffic at the same time.
  • Affordable. Vinyl has an attractive initial price point – and, as mentioned, you won’t have to replace it any time soon. 
  • Easy to Maintain. Here’s another way to save money: your custodial staff or cleaning service will not need to spend exorbitant amounts of time cleaning and maintaining the floor. Depending on the specific vinyl product you select, it’ll look great and perform optimally without a lot of fuss.
  • Available in a Wide Selection of Styles, Colors, and Textures. Thanks to advances in printing, manufacturers can recreate the look of hardwood, stone, and other gorgeous finishes in a full spectrum of colors and shades. 

But there are different types of commercial vinyl flooring. Which is best suited for your needs? Different products deliver different benefits and trade-offs, so it is important to understand your options before you make your selection. The East Coast Flooring & Interiors team is happy to help answer any questions you have. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of your choices:

1. Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)

VCT is made from limestone, filler materials, thermoplastic binder, and color pigments. The materials are fused into sheets, cut into tiles, and then treated with layers of polish. The surface is porous, so you will have to factor in the cost of regular stripping, waxing, and polishing. While it has a lower initial price point, VCT is much more high maintenance than sheet vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tile. Over the course of the floor’s life, the cost of VCT usually exceeds that of those other two options. Still, it is an affordable and relatively durable choice when upfront cost is a major concern.

2. Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Sheet vinyl flooring is just what it sounds like: it is manufactured in sheets that are typically from 6 to 16 feet wide. Constructed of polymers, there is an internal felt layer, a digital graphic film layer (this gives it the look of wood, stone, etc. and the patterns/colors you want), and a protective outer wear layer. 

Sheet vinyl is quite durable and great for use in applications where flooring should be as seamless as possible. For example, fall prevention is a major priority in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and assisted living homes; sheet vinyl minimizes seams – and tripping hazards. 

There are a few trade-offs to keep in mind. If one section of the floor is damaged, you’ll have to cut and replace that entire sheet instead of just putting in a new tile. Vinyl sheet flooring is also a bit more expensive than VCT, but many find it worth it because of the ease of maintenance and lifetime costs. 

3. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

To manufacture LVT, limestone-based material is mixed with composites. This is covered with a digital graphic film and sealed up with a protective outer wear layer. LVT can be made to closely mimic nearly any surface and is available in a variety of shapes (e.g. hexagons, planks),  so the possibilities are all but endless. It also boasts exceptional durability even in the most heavy-duty settings and requires minimal maintenance. 

If you are deterred by the higher price point, remember that the lifetime costs are typically much lower than VCT and even sheet vinyl. 

Weigh the pros and cons (both upfront and long-term) to determine which is the right commercial flooring material for your business. 

If you are interested in commercial grade vinyl flooring for your next project, contact the experts at East Coast Flooring & Interiors. We can help you make the best selection for your schedule, budget, applications, brand style, and other critical needs.