For the finishing decorative finishing many materials are used for flooring: linoleum, parquet board, ceramic tiles, laminate. These facing coverings have existed for a long time. They have managed to win the trust of millions of consumers thanks to their excellent performance. However, recently many have begun to prefer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor tiles. The coating is highly wear-resistant, environmentally friendly and affordable.

What is it?

Polyvinyl chloride tiles are a floor covering that recently appeared on the market. Visually, it is similar to premium linoleum, which is why it received its second name – linoleum. The material goes on sale in the form of rectangles or squares. Due to this feature, the coating is easy to install. PVC tiles are made from the same materials as linoleum.

It has the following structural structure:

• main layer made of plastic;
• fiberglass inserts designed to stabilize the dimensions of the material;
• decorative layer with a pattern, responsible for the aesthetic characteristics of the product;
• a specialized protective shell that protects the coating from mechanical stress.

In the manufacture of linoleum tiles, vinyl, resins and stabilizers are used. Thanks to such substances, the coating has a high density, but is also flexible and elastic.

The thickness of the finished cladding ranges from 0.5 to 3.5 mm. Manufacturers also produce vinyl tiles with one layer 1.5-2.5 mm thick.

Scope of application

Polyvinyl chloride tiles are used for covering floor surfaces in rooms for any purpose. It can be used when installing a warm water floor indoors, which is especially important for private country buildings and apartments located on the ground floors. PVC coating can also be used for finishing:

• Bathrooms and kitchens. The material will be a wonderful addition to these rooms. Due to its harmlessness and high resistance to high humidity The tiles will retain their aesthetics for a long time in difficult conditions.

• Bedrooms, living rooms, corridors. Due to its decorative nature, the material will fit perfectly into any room. A wide range of products allows you to choose flooring to suit any room interior.

• Children's room. This cladding does not highlight harmful substances during operation, so it is perfect for finishing rooms where children live. PVC tiles will be in the children's room the best solution thanks to environmental friendliness.

• Commercial objects, office premises, warehouses and garages. Plastic tile flooring is durable, making it suitable for use in industrial workshops, exhibition centers, and retail outlets.

For finishing living rooms and offices, you can purchase household tiles that have excellent aesthetic qualities, but mediocre technical parameters. In rooms with average traffic it is allowed to use semi-commercial material. Floors in high traffic areas should only be finished with commercial cladding.

If you plan to lay such a coating in a production workshop, then you should take a closer look at specialized linoleum tiles. It may have fire-resistant properties, resistance to acids or alkalis, depending on the modification.

Features and Specifications

Manufacturers of PVC tiles produce two types of material: the first is homogeneous, the second is heterogeneous. Homogeneous cladding consists of a single layer. The picture of such material is made in its entire thickness, due to which the picture does not wear out even with intense and long-term operation. Homogeneous coating released in various colors y decisions. However, the patterns on such coatings are practically the same.

The heterogeneous material has several layers, the main one of which is protective. The second is responsible for decorativeness: it affects the color and pattern of the tiles.

Heterogeneous coating can imitate:

• wooden floor;
• flooring made of natural or artificial stone;
• grass lawn.

Products made from polyvinyl chloride are highly resistant to various types alkalis, mineral oils, solvents. They are not afraid of temperature changes and are able to maintain their original appearance at temperatures from -30 to +60 degrees. The structural density of the material does not exceed 1.4 g/cubic meter. cm, elasticity is in the range of 210-390%.

Thanks to these technical parameters, PVC tiles are a serious “competitor” to floor coverings made of linoleum, parquet or laminate. In terms of cost, it is more profitable than wooden cladding, in terms of installation it is more convenient than linoleum in rolls, and warmer than ceramic tiles and stone.

Species

Manufacturers offer several types of PVC tiles. To decide which type of material is better, you need to understand the features of each of them. So, the following types of linoleum tiles are offered on the market:

• Self-adhesive. Self-adhesive tiles are the most popular material. Such products are in mass demand due to easy installation. Thanks to the self-adhesive base, it is possible to lay the flooring on a prepared non-flowing surface;
• Glue. Adhesive tiles are a material that does not have lock system and a sticky layer. To install the products, a specialized adhesive for laying PVC flooring is used. It reliably adheres the material to the rough coating;

• Modular with locking connection. To lay modular tiles, a tongue-and-groove type locking connection is used. To install the flooring, you do not need to apply glue to the underside of the material. The prefabricated coating is ideal for finishing “floating” floors, as well as for rooms with a high level of traffic.

Pros and cons

The main advantage of polyvinyl chloride tiles is their high wear resistance. The material is capable of maintaining its aesthetic qualities for 10 years. Even if you accidentally damage a piece of flooring, you can always quickly replace it with your own hands.

To restore the surface, you do not have to dismantle the entire front finish. You just need to remove the damaged fragment and replace it with a new one.

Other advantages of the material include:

• Ease of transportation. The tiles are light in weight. It is supplied to the market in the form of rectangles or squares, making it convenient to deliver to the desired location.
• Original appearance and attractive design. Among the extensive range of products, even the most fastidious consumer will be able to find the right option.
• High moisture resistance.
• Elasticity and hardness. Thanks to these properties, the tiles are able to withstand severe force loads.
• Excellent sound and heat insulation.
• Easy installation. Even a person without experience can lay the material on the base. Installation does not require specialized knowledge, special skills or abilities.

• Resistant to mold formation, harmful to human health and pets. Due to their resistance to fungus, the tiles can be laid in damp and unventilated areas without fear.
• Easy to care for. PVC tiles do not absorb moisture and do not interact with detergents or alkaline compounds. The surface is easy to clean with a damp cloth and any household cleaning products.
• Affordable price. PVC flooring has more low price than laminate or porcelain tiles, making this material a budget solution.
• Comfort. The tile is soft and smooth to the touch, it is pleasant and warm. When wet, the material does not slip, which is especially important for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Environmental friendliness. Although the material is made from synthetic components, it does not emit odor or hazardous chemicals.

Like all flooring materials, PVC tiles are not without their drawbacks. Her negative aspects– unnaturalness and high risks of fading of the design due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Another significant disadvantage of flooring is the need to carefully level the base before installation. If there are bumps, individual fragments of the coating may come off, which will require surface repair. Also, when installing tiles, do not allow water to penetrate under the flooring. If liquid gets in, there is a high risk of fungus developing and multiplying.

In general, the disadvantages of the material are not so significant. If the installation rules are followed, the coating will last for more than one year.

Size selection

Polyvinyl tiles are available in rolls, in the form of square or rectangular panels.

The following sizes of piece products are considered the most popular:

• 30x30 cm;
• 50x50 cm;
• 65x65 cm.

It is advisable to choose large panels for spacious rooms. Small and medium tiles are perfect for small rooms. When choosing the thickness of the material, keep in mind that the durability of the finished coating will depend on this parameter. A thin product can quickly lose its aesthetics. If you plan to lay PVC tiles in a corridor or a room with high traffic, it is advisable to take a closer look at options with a thickness of 5 mm. It is best to give preference to heterogeneous materials. They will last longer.

Before purchasing, you need to calculate the number of tiles required. To do this, you need to multiply the length and width of the room to find the area of ​​the room. After this, you can go to the store, choose the tile you like and find out its size. To calculate the number of tiles required, you need to divide the area of ​​the room by the area of ​​one panel.

If you want the coating to last as long as possible, study the selection tips. Thanks to the recommendations, every buyer will be able to purchase not only a beautiful, but also a high-quality product.

The question of how to choose PVC tiles often arises among people who decide to renovate their apartment. Most people, when purchasing material, give preference to a beautiful design, not paying attention to the technical parameters. This is the wrong approach. When choosing flooring, first of all you need to look at the product labeling. As a rule, it indicates the wear resistance class, the number of layers, the type of base and the degree of abrasion.

Linoleum tiles have several wear resistance classes:

• 21-23 (household);
• 31-33 (commercial);
• 41-43 (special).

The higher the degree of wear resistance, the stronger and more reliable the material will be, but such products will also cost more. You also need to pay attention to abrasion. When marking, this indicator is denoted by the Latin symbols T, P, M, F (in descending order of stability).

In the bedroom, where the load on the floor is minimal, it is allowed to lay material from group F. For kitchens or other rooms with high traffic, tiles with abrasion degree T are suitable.

In addition, do not forget to evaluate the external characteristics of the product. The range of materials is quite wide. If desired, you can choose options with geometric images and plain variations. When choosing a color, you need to focus on the design of the room, shades of wallpaper, furniture and decor.

For finishing small rooms give preference to light flooring. Tiles in white, beige and cream tones can visually expand the space. Light material is a winning option for small rooms, dark material is relevant for decorating large rooms. When choosing tiles, do not hesitate to feel the products. This way, you can buy a sample that is suitable both in shade and calibration, and in texture.

Installation procedure

To carry out installation as efficiently, quickly and accurately as possible, you need to know how and in what cases to act.

Preparation for installation

So that the floor covering does not have to be changed already next year, it is necessary to adhere to the technology of installing PVC tiles. Before laying the flooring, read the instructions and technical features of the installed product.

Before installing vinyl tiles, you need to carefully prepare the base:

• Install concrete screed. Before laying the material, make sure the screed is dry using a hygrometer. The humidity indicator should not be more than 3%. At high values This parameter increases the risk of premature destruction of polyvinyl chloride panels.
• Assess the surface of the subfloor. It should be perfectly smooth. The presence of cracks, bumps and other defects is unacceptable. If the surface is not level enough, use specialized compounds to level the floor.
• When installing panels on a wooden base, make sure there are no nails or protrusions. Seal the joints between the boards using putty.

• Dismantle the previously laid covering (carpet, linoleum or other materials). If necessary, install a new screed and level the base.
• The last preparatory stage is treating the base with a suitable soil composition. Thanks to such actions, the surface will become rigid. Its absorbent properties will also be reduced, thereby reducing glue consumption.

All work on the preparation and installation of the material must be carried out at a temperature of 15-25 degrees.

Adhesive tiles

Before laying the products you need to make markings. To do this, use a tape measure and a pencil to draw two lines intersecting in the center of the room. Draw a line through the middle parallel to the two longitudinal walls. Refer to this marking when installing the first two rows of PVC panels. After the preparatory work, you can begin installation.

For work you will need:

• adhesive composition;
• containers for preparing glue;
• spatula;
• construction knife for cutting material;
• sponge;
• roller

Prepare the adhesive composition according to the instructions (indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging with the mixture). Apply the prepared solution onto the dry base with a notched trowel. Level the composition over the surface of the coating (the area to be treated should not exceed 1 sq. m) and lay the tiles. Apply it carefully, making sure that the glue does not get on the front side of the PVC panel. Try to lay the products evenly, without gaps or displacements. After laying each piece of trim, roll the material with a roller. This will remove any air bubbles that have formed between the subfloor and the PVC tiles. Remove excess glue that came out during rolling with a sponge or soft rag.

You can walk on the installed surface after 24 hours. After this time, furniture can be placed on the floor. To eliminate the risk of damage to the tiles by furniture, it is recommended to glue felt pads to the legs.

Interlocking PVC panels

Interlocking PVC tiles are equipped with a fastening system, thanks to which the material can be laid without the use of glue. The resulting floating coating is prefabricated. It can be installed and disassembled 3-4 times. Works on PVC installation panels with a tongue-and-groove lock should be started from the far corner of the room, going from left to right.

When laying the first row, it is recommended to step back from the wall by at least 5 mm. This is done to compensate for thermal expansion. To speed up the process of snapping locks, you can use a special rubber hammer, eliminating the risk of damaging the surface of the flooring. If the last row of tiles does not fit into the remaining gap, then the material must be cut. To do this, lay the panel on the installed products with the groove facing the wall, and mark it with a pencil. Cut off the excess. Install the decking.

Self-adhesive tiles

Installation of self-adhesive strips will require a minimum set of tools. To work you will need a rubber roller, a construction knife, a tape measure and a pencil. Installation of tiles must be carried out from one of the corners formed at the intersection of the lines that connect the middles of opposite walls. To install the element, remove the protective shell covering the adhesive side. Place the tiles according to the markings, “walk” over them with a roller to remove air bubbles.

Self-adhesive tiles must be installed end-to-end. Near the walls, excess material should be trimmed with a knife, leaving a gap of several millimeters.

Roll coverings

Installation of roll material is a simple process that does not take much time.

To lay the products, follow the following procedure:

• Prepare the base, get rid of cracks, holes and bumps on the surface.
• Measure the length and width of the room.
• Cut the flexible material in accordance with the calculations made. Lay it out on the floor for adaptation. The product should rest for approximately 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, apply adhesive to the prepared surface, apply the flooring material to the floor, and roll it in with a rubber roller. Remove excess glue with a sponge. Place the next roll end-to-end with the previous one.

You can walk on the laid flooring only after it has completely dried. This will take at least a day. Upon completion of the work, the edges of the material must be pressed around the perimeter with a plinth.

To learn how to lay PVC tiles, see the following video.

Manufacturers and reviews

PVC tiles - modern finishing flooring material, which is produced by many domestic and foreign companies. The most famous manufacturers are listed below.

• Tarkett. Swedish company producing quality materials with a pleasant texture. All products from this manufacturer have several layers, due to which they are characterized by increased resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress. Tarkett is the leader in sales of floor finishing materials in the domestic market. Judging by consumer reviews, Tarkett products retain their impeccable appearance for 5-10 years. It has the best value for money.
• Decoria. Manufacturer from South Korea. Korean tiles contain silver ions. Due to this feature, the coatings have environmental friendliness and antibacterial properties. Overall, consumers respond positively to Decoria products. They note the affordable price of the material, easy installation and durability of the flooring.

• Armstrong. Company PVC production tiles located in Germany. Collections of products are distinguished by high strength, reliability and durability. Most Armstrong tile buyers are satisfied with their choice. They note the high aesthetics of the material. According to the consumer, the products are pleasant to the touch, easy to care for, and resistant to temperature changes.
• Heat-Pro. Manufacturer of PVC tiles from Denmark. The main feature of the material is the presence of a special protective layer, thanks to which the coating can withstand intense loads. According to users, such products retain their original appearance for a long time, even in rooms with maximum traffic. This great solution for commercial premises.

Unfortunately, counterfeit products are often found on the Russian market. It does not meet the stated quality standards. Therefore, when choosing floor coverings, pay attention to the product labeling. It is also better to refuse products offered by unknown or unfamiliar manufacturers.

To verify the quality of the products, ask the seller for product documents.

Examples of use in the interior

Manufacturers produce PVC tiles in wide range. Thanks to the variety of designs, in one room you can combine materials with different tones and textures, creating original interior variations. If you love non-standard solutions, you can use PVC tiles as a bright and unusual design object.

Also using vinyl tiles you can visually divide the space, for example, separate the seating area from the cooking area spacious kitchen. To do this, you can use combinations of tiles that imitate wood and stone-like materials.

A popular material for laying floors today is PVC tiles. It is distinguished not only by a wide range of colors and textures, strength and durability, but also by ease of installation, as well as low cost compared to other floor coverings.

What is it?

The composition of PVC tiles or vinyl coating is similar to the usual linoleum. Its second name is linoleum tiles. In appearance, this tile may not differ from parquet or, for example, marble. It all depends on the design features that the buyer prefers. The shape of the products also varies: square, rectangular, mosaic.

The use of vinyl elements opens up great scope for creativity when arranging the floor, since they not only differ in color and texture, but are also very easy to cut. Therefore, it is not at all difficult to lay out any drawings under your feet.

Unlike linoleum, cork, laminate or parquet, you can use vinyl tiles even in rooms with high humidity, for example, in a bathroom or bathhouse. Mold will definitely not form on such a floor.

PVC coating structure

At the heart of the team vinyl covering there is a plastic compound high quality, which provides the future floor with strength and durability. During the production process, plastic granules are combined with special dyes. Linoleum tiles are made from the resulting raw materials.

In stores you can find both single-layer (homogeneous) and multi-layer (heterogeneous) vinyl tiles. In a single-layer model, the pattern runs through the entire thickness of the floor element. This is good because no matter how much you walk on it, no matter how much you wash and rub it, the picture created during production will not be erased and will not lose its outline. The downside is that, despite the large number of colors, there are very few image options.

Multilayer tiles include a protective layer that prevents mechanical damage to the future floor. The decorative layer determines its appearance. Fiberglass, located in the structure of each element, is responsible for ensuring that the coating does not deform during operation.

Species

You can find many names for modular floor tiles: polyvinyl chloride, plastic, linoleum, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl. All these names are directly related to vinyl flooring. It has the following installation features:

• Self-adhesive tiles are coated on the back with an adhesive composition, thanks to which they can be quickly glued to a properly prepared base without unnecessary manipulation.
• Adhesive tiles require the use of glue for installation.
• With a locking connection, all elements of the future floor are equipped with tongues and grooves, ensuring their reliable adhesion to each other.

Dimensions

PVC tiles also differ in thickness, length and width. A single-layer model can be either one and a half or two and a half millimeters thick or have parameters in between these sizes.

Multilayer tiles reach a thickness of 5 mm depending on the backing they have. This bottom layer is made of fabric, jute, foamed polyvinyl chloride. The foam backing alone reaches a thickness of two to three and a half millimeters. Tiles with such a base are used in damp rooms and where there may be a lot of dirt.

The so-called warm substrate adds one and a half millimeters of “growth” to the tile. A coating with this base is used in dry places.

The thickest linoleum tiles will last much longer than thinner alternative models. Depending on the area of ​​the room where the floor is installed, you can choose linoleum tiles measuring 30 by 30, 50 by 50, 65 by 65 centimeters. Tile small size suitable for small rooms, and large elements for spacious ones.

Taking into account the given parameters of the finishing material, you can easily calculate how much of it will be needed to lay the floor. It is enough to calculate the area of ​​the room itself and divide the resulting figure by the size of one tile.

If the room has a complex configuration, you will have to delimit it into rectangular sections, calculate the area of ​​each and add up the resulting indicators. Only then will you be able to determine required quantity finishing material.

Design

Considering the many options for vinyl tiles in size, color and texture, when undertaking a renovation, you can realize a wide variety of flooring plans.

By laying rectangular tiles in a certain way, it is easy to imitate the pattern characteristic of parquet - “herringbone”, “checkers”, “running”, “squares”, “braid”. Using this material you can create a “green lawn” or “pebble” look on the floor. Installing a noble white floor and a stone-like covering is also not a problem, as is a checkered design in the form chessboard. The main thing is the presence of inspiration and the desire to take on extravagant design moves.

Pros and cons

PVC tiles have a huge number of positive qualities:

• Strength. Even if such a floor has very high traffic, the structure of the vinyl covering will allow it to last for many years.
• Wear resistance. Linoleum tiles are created in such a way that the pattern on it does not wear out. This is facilitated by special mineral components in the material.
• Waterproof. Since the material does not absorb water, it is used in bathrooms, swimming pools, and also in certain open-air places.
• Immutability of dimensions. During operation, such tiles do not increase or decrease, which means that the appearance and performance characteristics of the entire floor will not be affected.

• Impact resistance. Coating quality tiles is elastic and resilient. Even if you drop something sharp or heavy on it, no marks will remain and you won’t have to change the tile.
• Small price. If you choose between different options modern floor coverings, it is PVC tiles that will have an advantage in terms of material investments in updating the floor.
• Good sound insulation. This coating perfectly muffles extraneous sounds, and this is very important during apartment buildings, and in public places.

• Environmental friendliness. Despite the fact that this material has nothing to do with nature, it does not contain substances harmful to humans. Even if it is heated, people nearby are not at risk of being poisoned by formaldehyde.
• Convenience of delivery. Since the tiles themselves are light and flat, they are easy to transport and carry from place to place.
• Suitability for repair. Even if a situation arises that one of the tiles is damaged, this does not mean that the entire floor will have to be rebuilt. It is easy to remove such an element and put another one in its place. This is done in just a few minutes.
• The tiles are fire resistant, it is not affected by most household chemicals, and this coating does not accumulate static electricity.
• The tiles are soft to the touch and comfortable.

But this material also has negative characteristics:

• Tiles are not hypoallergenic materials, as they are made from artificial components.
• A significant portion of vinyl coating grades cannot be used to create heated floors due to instability to high temperatures. For this purpose, special linoleum tiles with suitable technical properties are used.
• The material does not tolerate the effects of acetone and similar substances.
• For a floor made from such tiles, you need to carefully prepare the base, ensuring that the surface is absolutely flat.

It is debatable whether the average service life of ten years is an advantage or disadvantage of PVC tiles. Each owner of this gender gives an individual assessment of this. Some people update the interior of their apartment once every five years, while others will live with the same floors for twenty years. Depending on this, linoleum tiles are considered different people both bad and good.

Scope of application

The scope of application of linoleum tiles is extensive:

• They can be used to finish the floor in any of the rooms of the apartment: in the kitchen, bathroom, and rooms.
• This type of coating is also suitable for garages and basements.
• The material can be used in warehouses and industrial hangars.

• Tiles are installed as temporary floors during presentations and exhibitions.
• In public buildings with high traffic, such as shops and shopping centers, you can see PVC.
• The material is used on the streets, in summer cafes and other open areas.

In each specific case, it will be necessary to choose vinyl tiles depending on the purpose. This could be a product for household needs. She has a beautiful appearance, but technical specifications are not at a high level. The choice of such tiles for arranging the floor in an apartment is quite justified, since the load on it is not at all great.

Tiles for “semi-commercial” use are designed for use in rooms with an average level of traffic. This could be an office where the same people work all the time and where visitors do not go every day.

The material for commercial use in sales areas and various institutions, where a huge number of visitors visit every day, has high wear resistance and strength.

In industrial areas, so-called special vinyl tiles are used - a fire-resistant, chemical-resistant material that ensures electrical safety. As a rule, these are materials with a high price and a limited choice of colors.

Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of PVC floor tiles on the market. And it’s not at all easy to choose products that will truly meet all the buyer’s requirements. There are products from Korea and China. In stores you can find linoleum tiles from Denmark, Germany, the Czech Republic and other European countries.

Products are often purchased for shopping centers and offices Czech company Fatra. This tile is also in demand for flooring in apartments - in hallways and kitchens.

Korean tiles LG Dekotile has the highest fire resistance and durability. It will last for twenty years, but the design of the products during this time can become quite boring.

Products from international company Tarkett, which has large-scale production in our country. Linoleum tiles have an excellent texture and huge selection drawings, which opens up great opportunities for implementing a variety of design ideas when finishing the floor.

Hungarian concern Graboplast produces heterogeneous PVC tiles with a large number of layers. There can be from four to eight in total. This ensures reliability, functionality and a long service life of a floor made from this material.

Company from Poland Lentex offers semi-commercial and commercial linoleum tiles, distinguished by original designs.

French company Forbo-Sarlino offers linoleum tiles with great wear resistance on the market. Thanks to this, she won the attention of buyers to her materials. The tile contains quartz sand and other components due to which the coating does not fade or wear out.

Since there is great demand for floor coverings on the market, in stores, in addition to products from reputable manufacturers, there are many low-quality products. It’s better not to chase cheap prices and choose tiles from a well-known brand than to later regret wasted money.

When evaluating offers in a store, carefully study the product labeling and ask the employee working on the sales floor for product certificates.

Reviews

Users of vinyl floor tiles are mostly satisfied with their choice. People agree that a floor with such a coating is very beautiful and looks impressive. Compared to ordinary linoleum, floor tiles are more pleasant to the touch and warmer.

Housewives appreciate PVC tiles because they are easy to care for. Resistance to moisture, various kinds of dirt and temperature changes in everyday life is a very significant plus for floor coverings. It shows its best side in the kitchen, bathroom and living room.

Owners of garages, car repair shops, cafes, exhibition areas and shops also prefer PVC tiles. With its help, you can quickly and easily give the interior the desired look and not face serious financial costs.

From negative qualities Of this material, users only note that it is synthetic and not natural. But this factor does not confuse everyone.

Selection criteria

The choice of one or another linoleum tile is influenced by many factors. If you plan to decorate the floor in a children's room, the buyer will certainly focus on the environmental friendliness of the material. If you have to deal with an uneven floor, then the prospects for using PVC tiles also need to be carefully assessed. It also matters whether square or rectangular tiles are required to implement a specific design.

Depending on the place of application of the material, it is necessary to select it according to its wear resistance class. Information about this can be found on the packaging.

There are several wear resistance classes for vinyl floor tiles. Special linoleum tiles for industrial facilities can have a numerical designation from 41 to 43. Commercial - 31-33, products for domestic needs - 21-23. The higher the class, the higher the price of the product.

And there is no point in overpaying for tiles suitable for use in an industrial facility if you are only planning to decorate the floors in an apartment.

Another important selection criterion is abrasion, information about which is “encrypted” in Latin letters on the packaging - M, P, T or F. The most reliable material in this sense is marked T. The least abrasion-resistant material is marked F.

In addition, you need to pay attention to information about the number and purpose of tile layers and the type of its base.

Consider whether the tile will suit you based on its length, width, thickness, and how you will need to install it. For some it is more convenient to install self-adhesive tiles, for others it is more convenient to install products with a click joint.

If you need material to decorate a heated or hydronic floor, you should make sure that the product offered to you is actually intended for such use. It is also better not to neglect information about the service life of the tiles, which is guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Hold the item in your hands, evaluate whether it is flexible, whether it has no smell, and whether you like the feel of it. To avoid disappointment from your choice, you should not be satisfied only appearance products. It is difficult to assess from one copy how the installed coating may look in the interior. The store should have a corresponding catalog, photographs from which will give an idea of ​​this.

Having made your choice and calculated how many tiles you will need, buy them with a small margin - this is necessary in case of trimming for precise installation.

Laying

Not only real craftsmen with extensive experience in floor installation, but also non-professionals can cope with laying floors made of PVC tiles if they strictly follow the instructions.

To lay the tiles you will need:

• pencil;
• corner;
• roulette;
• mounting knife;
• wallpaper roller

It is better to purchase the material for installation in such a time frame that it reaches the room where the floor will be finished at least a day before the start of work. The temperature in the room should be at least twenty degrees. It can't be damp and cold there.

The floor should be prepared by then - leveled, primed and dried. If there are skirting boards that cannot be removed, you will have to cover them with special tape or tape.

If the floor is wood, you need to make sure there are no protrusions, including ridges from nail heads. If there are gaps between the boards, they need to be sealed using putty. Only after this does the installation process begin:

• When getting started, use a tape measure and pencil to calculate and mark the center of the floor by drawing two intersecting lines. As a result, the floor will be divided into four sections.
• Then you need to lay out a row of tiles from the center of the room to the walls.
• There will be a certain distance between the last intact tile and the wall. If it is large enough, everything is fine, if it is less than half the size of a tile, it is better to move the center line, ensuring that the final floor installation is beautiful.

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

Polyvinyl chloride tiles

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

PVC floor tiles consist of several layers:

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

Structure of PVC tiles

All of them are made using vinyl and synthetic resins. Plus, various 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 first ones consist only of polyvinyl chloride and are cheaper. This is a complete analogue of linoleum - only not in the form of a continuous covering, but several separate pieces for gluing to the floor. In addition to vinyl, quartz vinyl tiles contain quartz sand. It costs more, but is more durable, wear-resistant and durable.

A variety of PVC floor tiles allows you to create any floor pattern

Advantages and Disadvantages

Among the advantages of PVC floor tiles:

• 100% waterproof;
• simplified installation;
• high strength and wear resistance;
• ease of care;
• good sound insulation;
• variety of designs;
• hygiene and hypoallergenic;
• tightness of the final coating.

Externally, vinyl tiles look like laminate, but feel warmer to the touch. It is laid on a concrete base or a dry screed made of wood boards without a backing. However, due to PVC, the flooring made from it perfectly damps sounds and is not booming.

Advantages of polyvinyl chloride flooring

After installing the tile in question, it forms a sealed surface on the floor that reliably protects the subfloor from any moisture. If you accidentally spill water on such a finish, it itself and the concrete or fiberboard (plywood) underneath will not be damaged.

The disadvantages of this tile include:

• unnaturalness;
• high cost per square meter;
• the need for careful leveling of the rough foundation.

Polyvinyl chloride floor tiles are thin. Any defect in the rough foundation will be visible to the naked eye and felt with bare feet. The base needs to be aligned with this finish especially carefully.

PVC tiles in different rooms

Scope of application

Vinyl tiles are a universal covering 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, toilets, utility rooms, corridors, bedrooms, children's rooms and dining rooms.

Due to their absolute water resistance and high abrasion resistance, all PVC floor tiles come with a wear resistance class of “34” or “43”. It simply doesn't get any higher. And such cladding can be laid on the floor in virtually all rooms. The only exceptions are facilities where they work with aggressive substances that can corrode polyvinyl chloride.

Scope of application of PVC tiles

Varieties

PVC floor tiles differ in:

• regular (for glue mounting);
• self-adhesive;
• modular with tongue and groove lock.

The first requires a special glue suitable for PVC, and the second already has a sticky layer at the bottom. Both of them form a non-removable coating. Interlocking tiles are installed without the use of adhesives. If damaged, it can be easily replaced in the damaged area.

Method of laying PVC tiles

PVC floor tiles can be square (a la tile) or elongated rectangular shape(a la laminate). It can be laid directly, diagonally, staggered or offset. It is also possible to use a combined technique. All known layout options for tile cladding are applicable here.

Popular styling methods

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

Cut the tiles

Installation of vinyl soft tiles on the floor is extremely simple. Seasonal adjustment of plastic windows yourself can even cause more difficulties. And the PVC elements just need to be laid out on a rough surface to try them on first, and then glued one after another sequentially. 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.

1/3 layout

If the tile chosen is modular interlocking, then its installation is even easier. It is connected into a single finish by snapping the “slats” into the already laid ones.

The main thing in installing vinyl and quartz vinyl tiles is laying out the first row. The smoother it is, the smoother everything will be later PVC coating in the assembly.

PVC tiles are one of the flooring options that differ from linoleum in ease of installation and transportation. It is, in fact, linoleum, only it is produced not in rolls, but in the form of relatively small squares and rectangles of various sizes. Outwardly she looks like polymer material, and on tiles. The advantages of this product are obvious. It is not required for installation professional equipment, and special skills too. It is enough to calculate everything correctly and be careful. Taking into account the affordable price of the product, this helps to significantly reduce repair costs. The tiles are easy to cut and have precise dimensions, allowing elements to be placed end-to-end. The result is a seamless coating, and dirt does not accumulate between floor fragments. If the coating is damaged, replacing one or more fragments will not be difficult.

The tiles are made from environmentally friendly multilayer material. It is highly resistant to abrasion, moisture and mechanical damage, and does not burn in air. High strength of the material is achieved as a result of pressing. Smooth surface polymer makes it easy to maintain. These floors are easy to clean and leave no stains on them. The material is not susceptible to alkalis, acids and other active substances. Perhaps its only drawback is its relatively low frost resistance; it is destroyed at temperatures below -15 C. Fiberglass is used as a base that prevents deformation and shrinkage of the tiles. The pattern is located throughout the entire thickness of the product, therefore it is highly resistant to abrasion. The product range is wide and attractive. The most popular colors are those that imitate natural materials: wood, stone, leather. Plain tiles are also available in a variety of colors. The variety of colors and textures allows it to play a prominent role in interior design. Designers are eager to use different types of products to achieve eye-catching patterns or color contrasts. At the same time, the use of a single-color material allows you to achieve a visual increase in the area of ​​​​small rooms. The tiles do not slip underfoot and have excellent heat and sound insulation properties.

If desired, PVC tiles can be laid not only on the floor, but also on any clean surface: walls, furniture, plywood. Depending on the method of fastening, tiles can be self-adhesive, modular or fixed. adhesives. Laying with glue is carried out at a temperature not lower than 20 C. Experts recommend buying enough material for two square meters more, since in most cases the dimensions of the tiles have to be adjusted according to the length and width of the room. The modular coating does not require gluing or backing, as it does not slip either on the base or underfoot. When laying this type of tile on the floor, there are no restrictions on the condition of the surface. It may not be very level or inclined, but for a flexible polymer this is not a problem. When assembled, the coating resembles a puzzle. The dovetail lock provides reliable fixation elements. As a rule, such tiles have a square shape and are available in various colors, which allows you to come up with a variety of solutions when decorating the floor. Unlike other types of flooring products, the coating is reusable; it can be disassembled and laid in any other place. For this reason, it is often used when holding public events outdoors or in exhibition pavilions.

Thanks to the wonderful operational characteristics PVC tiles can be laid in public places, offices, retail premises, private houses, apartments, cafes, hotels, landings, sports complexes. It is especially often used to finish floors in the bathroom and kitchen, which allows you to maintain a high level of cleanliness in the premises. To select the correct material, it is necessary to take into account the class of application: household (21-23), semi-commercial (31-34) and industrial (41-43).

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

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

• Offices
• Shopping centers
• Sports grounds
• Game rooms
• Hotels
• Stores

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

All representatives of brands in the Russian Federation provide voluntary sanitary certificates for their products, some are additionally tested in independent laboratories according to an expanded list of requirements for finishing materials, thereby further emphasizing the absolute environmental safety of their floors. In addition, any production facility has its own quality control and laboratory for testing finished products.

PVC floor tiles are tested for environmental and fire safety. Has all the necessary certificates and conclusions, in accordance with international standards. This allows the use of vinyl floor tiles not only in commercial premises, but also in educational and medical institutions.

Vinyl tile structure

The structure of vinyl floor tiles is a multi-layer cake, in which each layer has its own purpose and is connected to each other into a single die using hot pressing.

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

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

Characteristics of PVC tiles

The PVC floor tiles themselves range in thickness from 2 to 3 mm. Elasticity allows it to be used not only as a floor covering, but also to be glued to walls and decorated decorative elements interior

High load capacity depends on the wear layer that PVC tiles have. The thicker the top layer, the stronger the load-carrying capacity.

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

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

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

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

The texture ranges from almost smooth to a deep pattern in the register. Many colors and shades allow you to choose your own option to suit every taste and design.

Advantages of vinyl tiles

The advantages of vinyl floor tiles include the following qualities:

• 100% waterproof;
• 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 systems;
• warm and tactilely pleasant material
• absence of the “ringing floor” effect;

PVC floor tiles have another useful function- antistatic finish. It prevents electrical charges and ensures that you no longer have to worry about electrocution. Another positive effect is reduced susceptibility to interference from electronic devices, which proves to be a significant advantage, especially in offices.

When choosing tiles, you need to consider where you will use them. Different series are designed for different operating loads.

When laying vinyl tiles, you will need 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 differs slightly (increasingly) from the “classic laminate”. However, due to soybean's durability and minimum costs during installation, this choice is a more profitable and reasonable purchase.

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