In recent years, PVC tile has become very popular. What is the reason for this? PVC floor tiles, customer reviews about which are mostly positive, have found a niche in the market due to the numerous advantages compared to the same linoleum. Unlike roll-up coatings, polyvinyl chloride in the form of tiles is convenient to translate, assemble, and most importantly - it is very easy to care for it. In this article, we will consider the features of floor tiles and find out what reviews about it are left by most buyers.
Where is it used?
Floor tiles are often used in the bathroom, toilet or in the kitchen. Why is this coating laid mainly in these rooms? The answer is simple. Because polyvinyl chloride is hygienic and very resistant to moisture. In addition, PVC floor tiles are more likely to be bought due to its low cost. For the same reason, such a coating is laid in garages, basements, etc.
The scope of PVC tiles is not limited to residential and non-residential premises. Very often, flooring is used for arranging temporary exhibitions, museums and halls. The tile copes with high traffic of people and the weight of heavy compositions.
What is floor tile made of?
The structure of this coating is not simple. It consists of several layers. The lowest and middle parts of floor tiles are made of substances interspersed with polyvinyl chloride, which is why it is called that. The heterogeneity of the materials allows the tile to be warm to the touch, flexible, durable and not deformed by mechanical stress. Usually the first layer of PVC is made of fiberglass. A rough surface is needed in order to better adhere to the base when sticking.
The layer in the middle of the tile is made of colored polyvinyl chloride. A variety of drawings and patterns is obtained precisely thanks to him. Such floor tiles, photos of which are presented in our review, are sold in every hardware store.
A transparent layer of the top layer is necessary to provide protection and durability of the coating. Polyurethane tiles owe their strength to a special production method, which involves the manufacture of tiles under high pressure.
Benefits
The coating, which is leading among its peers in terms of the number of positive sides, is PVC floor tile. Reviews about it only confirm this statement. The advantages of polyurethane tiles are:
- Easy to operate and maintain.
- Ease of delivery and transportation. Tiles are easier to transport, unlike rolls of linoleum or carpet.
- Hardness and strength.
- Tile materials can be laid out in different ways, combining colors and technologies.
- PVC is resistant to high levels of humidity, the tile does not swell and does not deform when water enters.
- The polyvinyl chloride coating can be repaired by replacing broken parts, without removing the floor completely.
- The tile has high soundproofing properties.
- PVC coating can be laid out in different ways, the tile is perfectly cut.
- For ease of installation, PVC floor tiles are used.
- It does not require a specially prepared base, the coating can be laid on a dry surface.
The negative sides of floor tiles
Despite the fact that PVC floor tiles, the reviews of which are mostly positive, have such a number of advantages, there are still negative aspects. It:
- Use in the manufacturing process of synthetic materials.
- The flooring can be damaged by some solutions, for example acetone.
- Short service life, maximum value - 10 years.
- PVC coating has some temperature restrictions - for a warm floor, a temperature of 25 degrees is possible, but no more.
Features of PVC floor tiles
PVC floor coverings, in addition to obvious advantages and advantages, have their own distinctive features:
- If you lay out the tiles correctly, then the room will create the illusion of a homogeneous monolithic floor. It is suitable for large rooms. PVC floor tiles, the photo of which, of course, is not able to convey all the advantages of this flooring, will make the room homogeneous and spacious.
- PVC tiles perfectly repeat the texture and pattern of natural finishing materials, such as marble, wood, granite or metal. Combining styles, you can achieve an incredible interior design.
- Self-adhesive PVC floor tiles have a clear geometry. For its installation does not require the use of moldings and similar additional equipment.
Modern manufacturers produce floor tiles with a three-dimensional image. Laying such a coating can not only visually expand the space, but also create a unique interior in the apartment.
PVC tile is easy to install, so even the most ordinary unprepared person who has nothing to do with construction can carry out installation of it. To design the floor you do not need special professional tools, it is enough to have a roller, rubber hammer, putty knife and scissors.
Such a coating is very durable, it will not break and will not give chips or cracks. In its properties, it is much superior to commercial linoleum.
Features of modular tiles
Modular PVC floor tiles are considered the most durable type of coating for "one day". Prefabricated floors withstand heavy loads. They are often used in car dealerships, manufacturing enterprises, printing houses and gyms. Such a floor is very often used in the defense industry, in workshops, engineering, in conveyor areas and in laboratories. The coating does not slip and is an excellent soundproofing material. Modular tiles are resistant to mechanical stress of any kind.
To lay such a coating is quite simple, for this you do not need special preparations. It is enough to have a flat surface and a standard set of tools. Modular tiles up to 7 floorboards can be assembled without the use of adhesive.
Manufacturers of modular tiles recommend using a covering for seasonal rooms, such as street cafes and mobile pavilions. The prefabricated floor can be easily and quickly dismantled (unlike rubber coatings). Everyone can do it. Modular tiles are suitable for factories, pastry shops and bakeries, they are not afraid of fuels and lubricants, salt and spikes.
How to choose a PVC tile?
Such a question very often arises in people who are going to do repairs. For most, the main criterion for choosing a coating is design. PVC tile for the floor should be evaluated by customers not only for this parameter.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the flooring. It is better to give preference to proven companies that are not the first year on the market. Conscientious manufacturers of PVC tiles must indicate on the marking the level of abrasion, the wear resistance class, the material from which the tile layers are made, its main parameters - length, width and thickness. Also on the packaging should be indicated the following information:
- guaranteed by the manufacturer service life;
- the presence / absence of additional layers;
- quality certificates.
Wear resistance class is one of the most important parameters when choosing a tile. For residential premises, marking with a numerical value from 21 to 23 is suitable, public places require greater wear resistance - 31-33. For warehouses and other industrial premises, values 41-43 are suitable.
The abrasion group is indicated on the packaging in Latin letters. The most resistant is the tile of group T, the rest - P, M and F - have a lower indicator for this criterion. Some people prefer to buy tiles with a wear resistance class greater than necessary for a living room. But in this case, it is important to understand that the cost will be higher. For example, floor tiles, the price of which is higher, is probably more resistant to abrasion.
The laying method and the appearance of the flooring are affected by the parameters of the PVC tile, namely its thickness, length and width.
When choosing, pay attention to how this building material is mounted. In the market, PVC floor tiles with a castle connection are increasingly being found. This is the easiest way to mount. It is important to understand the difference between such tiles and coatings that are mounted on glue.
Design is an equally important choice parameter. Polyvinyl chloride material is found in different styles. Is there a tile? imitating natural stone, plain or with an entangled pattern. Make choices based on personal preferences and desires.
Styling technology
Many builders and finishers advise using a material such as PVC floor tiles. Laying does not require special skills, even the most ordinary person can cope with it, the main thing is to follow simple instructions:
1. It is advisable to level the floor, primer and dry well.
2. Next, you need to determine the center point of the floor, where you need to draw the main axis for laying the "beacon" tiles.
3. When the work surface is marked, you can start laying. First we apply glue, you can use PVA or any other suitable for PVC tiles. It must be applied both to the tile and to the floor.
4. After that, you need to firmly press the tile to the floor and hold it a little. You can roll it with a roller or tap it with a rubber mallet. Sometimes double-sided tape can be used.
5. Next, you need to remove the excess adhesive solution and attach the next tile. It must be applied end-to-end so that there is no space between the seams. If necessary, the tile can be easily cut with an ordinary knife, and if you heat it with a building hair dryer, you will achieve the result even faster.
Tips & Tricks
Having understood such concepts as "PVC tile for the floor", "laying", you can find out what recommendations are given by experienced builders. Before proceeding to the final stage of installation, you need to know the exact area of the room where you plan to arrange the floor. Some professional advice will help you deal with this task quickly and easily:
- It is better to purchase tile material several square meters more than the area of the room. There are no perfectly even surfaces of the correct geometric shape, so usually tiles are trimmed along the walls.
- It is better to buy a PVC coating a few days before the planned repair, it is better to bring the material into the working room per day.
- It is advisable to warm the room to 20 degrees Celsius. The house / apartment should not be cold and damp.
- Floor tiles (laying photos can be found in the specifications) requires a “bare” work surface, so it is better to remove the skirting board in advance. If you can’t remove them, it is better to protect them with protective tape or tape.
- If you need to cut tiles, then do it better from the front - it will be easier to choose a pattern.
Warm floor with PVC
Many use the "warm" floor system for PVC tiles. For this, electric heating materials in the form of a film are laid under a polyvinyl chloride coating.
It is easy to make a warm floor for PVC tiles. Usually it is placed where there are no heating batteries - in the hallways, bathrooms, corridors.
First of all, you need to prepare the tools and materials that may be needed during installation, these are:
- PVC tile with a margin;
- a set of finished film floors with wires;
- connection of film strips and additional cables for connecting temperature sensors;
- glue for laying PVC tiles;
- plywood (optional);
- thermal insulation and temperature regulator.
Installation of a warm floor occurs in several main stages:
1. Leveling and cleaning the work surface.
2. Laying insulation mats on the floor.
3. Distribution on the surface of the thermal film, on which it will be possible to walk, as well as the cables that will be connected to the thermostat.
4. Connect all wires using the terminals.
5. Performing electrical insulation.
6. Fastening of strips of a heat-insulated floor with construction adhesive tape or duct tape.
7. Installation of polyvinyl chloride tiles.
PVC floor tiles: reviews
Many buyers of PVC tiles are satisfied with their choice. Most note the fact that the coating looks very aesthetically pleasing. Comparing polyvinyl chloride with linoleum, many agree that PVC is warmer and more pleasant to the touch. Such a tile is easy to care for, it is not demanding in maintenance. Those who use this floor finishing material note that the coating is not afraid of any serious pollution, it is not afraid of moisture and temperature changes. PVC tile looks great in the kitchen, bathroom and living room.
PVC floor tiles are not only purchased by ordinary customers. Many owners of street cafes, garages and exhibition halls are satisfied with the quality of coverage. In their opinion, modular tiles are the fastest and most convenient way to decorate the interior. They acknowledge that it took no more than two days to install the "prefabricated" floor.
As for the negative reviews, there are not many. Units do not like the synthetic composition of the tile. And the fact that the service life is not more than 10 years can hardly be called a serious drawback, since on average repairs in apartments are done every 5 years.
Manufacturers and cost
There are a large number of manufacturers of floor tiles. The most famous are Lino Fatra and Thermofix. Tiles of these manufacturers are most often purchased by owners of retail premises and offices. But this floor tile, the price of which is reasonably acceptable for Russian buyers, is in demand for the arrangement of kitchens and halls. This manufacturer has released more than 30 collections of polyvinyl chloride material. From a wide range you can choose the right color and texture.
The most durable can be called a coating company LG Dekotile. In addition, the tiles of this manufacturer are the most fireproof of all. The flooring collections are very strong and durable, the manufacturer promises that such tiles will last more than 20 years.
Tarkett PVC floor tile is distinguished by its excellent texture and design approach to the execution of patterns. The price of this finishing material is appropriate (from 1200 rubles per sq. M).
Rinotex produces semi-flexible coatings. Filler predominates in their composition (70%), the remaining elements - dye, plasticizer and polyvinyl chloride resin - are in the same proportion - 10% each.
"Rinotail Stepmaster" is a universal tile, which is suitable not only for home use. It is often placed in public and health facilities. A granular quartz coating provides high wear resistance and abrasion resistance for decades.
"Art Tile" is a quartz coating, which is distinguished by its strength and environmental friendliness. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fakes and goods of inadequate quality on the Russian market. This is directly related to the popularity of flooring, so be extremely careful when buying. Tiles of little-known manufacturers are also not recommended to be purchased. Be careful, study the product labeling well. It is better to verify the quality of the product by asking the seller for appropriate certificates than to buy a pig in a poke.
The cost of PVC tiles depends on the volume of sales, wholesale customers are guaranteed discounts and bonuses. The average price for 1 square. m. (including self-adhesive tiles) varies from 600-800 rubles. Wholesalers can count on a 10% discount. Better, wear-resistant types of tiles are usually more expensive. Price for 1 square. m. starts at 1200 rubles. Modular tiles have the same cost.
PVC tile is one of the most economical and simple solutions in the field of repair work. The advantages of this flooring speak for themselves, therefore it is so popular and widespread. A new type of finishing material leaves behind the old methods of decorating the premises. Choosing PVC tiles, you save money and time.