Are PVC floors the latest news from the world of coatings: polyvinyl chloride, the technical name of PVC, is an easy and affordable solution that guarantees, besides the aesthetic effect, versatility, hygiene, and cost?

Used for some time in sports and industrial facilities, in medical or shopping centers, PVC floors are becoming increasingly popular also in the residential area, becoming a more than valid alternative to classic parquet, wood-effect porcelain stoneware, or modern floors in resin.

If you already know everything about PVC flooring and you just want to know how much it could cost, start comparing renovation quotes right away, otherwise continue reading to find out everything about this economical, practical, and interesting material of the future.

A point in favor of PVC, which no one expects to hear? It is environmentally friendly. In fact, polyvinyl chloride reduces pollution and CO2 emissions, as well as allowing savings on the consumption of heating and air conditioning systems.

• It is versatile. Available in many colors and design variations.
• It is resistant
• It is cheap
• It is easy to clean as it can be washed with disinfectant products
• It is subtle. The thickness of the PVC floor is only 2 mm, perfect if you do not want to cut the fixtures
• It is non-slip, therefore ideal for safety in public environments
• It is ecological as it is totally recyclable

It is antistatic and prevents the accumulation of electrical charges. Such electricity can lead to various inconveniences such as fires and explosions due to sparks;

It is safe, fireproof, and self-extinguishing, that is, it is not flammable and, in the event of a fire, it slows the spread of the flames.

The PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a polymer resulting from the distillation of petroleum and of sodium chloride apportionment to the category of resilient flooring which, thanks to its extreme versatility, is used by building time.

This material, as a vinyl floor, is now able to reproduce very faithfully the most diverse surfaces, from traditional ones such as wood finishes, marbles, and ceramics to the most modern ones and in step with the latest trends such as metals, cement. and resins.

Among the positive characteristics of PVC floors, a synthetic version of linoleum, we must mention elasticity, and resistance to water and stains: the  PVC floor does not deform easily and this makes it the ideal material for rooms subject to frequent foot traffic. This vinyl floor also provides good durability at a low cost.

Are PVC floors toxic?

• “PVC floors are toxic and pollute”
• The PVC, unlike what you think is not toxic.

It is not correct to say that this material pollutes because, even if not everyone knows it, PVC can be recycled.

Polyvinyl chloride also, being a recent material, is subjected to strict controls in the field of South Africa regulations for safety.

How long does a PVC floor last?

• “But PVC is plastic, it deforms and lasts a short time”.
• This is also wrong. It is true that the vinyl floor (or polyvinyl chloride) is made of plastic material, but it is not correct to say that it deforms or does not last long.

A PVC floor has an average life of 10 years and is one of the most widely used materials on the market due to its physical characteristics.

In fact, when it is at room temperature it becomes stable and safe, guaranteeing a long life for the flooring.

How much does the PVC floor cost?

As for the costs of PVC floors, different prices correspond to each type of material.

PVC Floors: Prices

Proper maintenance and cleaning of the PVC floor could make the surface last longer, minimizing costs and not compromising its aesthetic appearance in the long term.

Sweep or vacuum the floor daily to remove dust and dirt. If necessary, remove stubborn traces and stains with an antistatic and sanitizing detergent.

Glued products can be cleaned with a washer-dryer equipped with special pads and a low-foaming alkaline detergent. If you do not have an appliance, wipe the floor with a damp microfibre cloth and an antistatic and sanitizing detergent.

In case of difficult stains, do not use abrasive sponges or steel wool, better a specific solvent or water with detergent product, leave to act for a few minutes, and then remove. If the stain persists, apply pure detergent, leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse. In case of rubber/shoe marks: apply pure detergent, leave for five minutes, rub, rinse with plenty of water.

The interlocking PVC floor can be laid directly on the screed or on the existing surface, without resorting to special glues.

A particular type of interlocking vinyl floor is self-laying PVC floors. Using a hammer, the blades are fixed to each other through the practical male-female joints on the existing floor.

Another option, the adhesive PVC floor, to be glued on the surface using specific glues. The operation does not take long and once installed; its duration will be many years.

Similar to adhesives, self-adhesive PVC floors, as the word itself implies, can be laid without the use of glue or other tools.

There are several formats available on the market: self-adhesive blades and tiles are laid with the interlocking technique, following the manufacturer’s instructions. In this way, you can create textures and designs at will.

Different type of PVC Floors

• Wood-effect PVC floors

The wood-effect PVC floors are produced both in the version to be glued and for floating installation. In both cases they are very thin, do not require major construction work and the replacement of doors. They are also perfect in the bathroom and kitchen and outdoors.

• PVC floors with stone effect

The stone-effect PVC floors are able to reproduce slate without smudging, in its original tones and in all its elegance, minimal and uniform.

• PVC floors for an outdoor setting

If you are looking for economical and functional outdoor floors, which do not require large construction works, pvc sheets could be a really practical solution.

• PVC floors for garages

Grid interlocking PVC tiles are ideal for garages, workshops, and workplaces as they are resistant and shockproof.

• PVC flooring for bathroom

• Gym PVC floors

• Industrial PVC floors

• PVC floors in the office and meeting rooms