Commercial facilities see a lot of foot traffic, which means the floor is really put to the test. That said, the flooring in these places needs to be durable and able to go through a lot without getting damaged. On that note, commercial vinyl floors have the characteristics required by a floor in places where a large number of people come and go on a daily basis. 

What’s Good About Vinyl Commercial Flooring?

Made from a blend of natural and synthetic polymer materials, the commercial vinyl floor is rapidly being adopted in more and more settings. It is water-resistant and low maintenance, which helps to control upkeep costs, and is relatively durable so you won’t have to replace it very often. It’s also available in a variety of colours, textures ad style options and can even be printed to imitate the look of stone, ceramic or hardwood. 

The best type of commercial vinyl flooring for your application will depend on a number of factors, including design preferences, lifetime cost, and the length of time you intend to use the product. While there are numerous vinyl flooring options, the most popular are LVT and VCT. Both are durable materials well-suited for high-traffic commercial applications, but they can differ in maintenance requirements, lifetime price and design versatility. 

LVT vs VCT: Which is Better?

For beginners, what do LVT and VCT mean? On the one hand, LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile and VCT for Vinyl Composite Tile. LVT is known for being a hard surface flooring material made of 100% vinyl which is what gives the flooring superior strength, a colour or photographic film layer, and a protective layer.

On the other hand, VCT is a porous flooring option made up of a small amount of vinyl combined with other filler materials such as limestone. Although VCT has been around for decades and was once thought to be a necessity in the commercial flooring industry, LVT has grown in popularity as a versatile and dependable flooring solution, offering durability with limitless design options.

The best way to compare LVT and VCT is to divide the flooring into quantifiable qualities such as appearance and style, durability and stability, applications, and cost. This will undoubtedly assist you when selecting the best flooring solution for your facility. 

Appearance and Style

Few flooring options compare to the design versatility of LVT due to its capability of replicating the natural and timeless look of wood, stone, or other unique finishes in both design and texture.

With VCT, design possibilities are somewhat limited due to limited colour and pattern options and, at times, the prohibitive design structure. Because of the composition of VCT, you may not be guaranteed the pattern you pay for. The mixed composition of limestone and added filler materials can make it prone to design complications. Furthermore, VCT is a flat compressed product, which means it has no embossing in its overall design.

Durability and Stability

When comparing the durability and stability of LVT versus VCT, consider the composition of both flooring solutions, as well as the amount of foot traffic expected of the flooring and overall space.

VCT is a composite flooring that can brittle easily if there are irregularities in subfloor preparation. It also requires the application of a topical wax due to its porous ingredients that make it more susceptible to moisture penetration than LVT. When a wax or finish is applied to the surface of the flooring, it will require polishing as part of its regular maintenance regimen. VCT must be stripped and resealed over time.

As opposed to this, LVT is a durable, sturdy and flexible flooring product fully made of vinyl. Its non-porous characteristic makes it the perfect commercial vinyl floor solution for areas that are susceptible to moisture and where hygiene is part of the job too. 

Different wear layer thicknesses enable you to tailor your flooring for high traffic areas, and superior design capabilities can help conceal dirt from everyday foot traffic. With minimal maintenance requirements, such as daily sweeping or dry mopping, LVT becomes a low-cost option over time.

Cost

Although VCT is a low-cost option, with installation costs of less than $2 per square metre, there are additional long-term costs to consider, such as the ongoing upkeep required to properly maintain VCT. This initial cost does not include the money spent on waxing and polishing over time, which can cause users to put off applying a finish on a regular basis, making their flooring more vulnerable to damage.

LVT tends to cost between $2 and $5 per square metre, not counting the installation. Because LVT requires less maintenance and care over time, you may pay more initially but will surely spend less in the long term. Plus, high-quality and authentic design elements like stone and wood tones provide a timeless touch, meaning less frequent LVT flooring repairs.

Installation Considerations

Experts recommend evaluating the underlying concrete slab for moisture issues before having vinyl flooring installed. Moisture issues can damage the floor and potentially void your warranty. You should also work with your contractor to develop a thorough flooring maintenance plan after installation. You may also save money by utilizing your flooring contractor’s experience to specify the best-value vinyl flooring products for your needs and sourcing them at lower costs.