Vinyl composition tile is a type of finished flooring material. It is used in institutional and commercial applications. Its benefits include its durability and cost-effectiveness. Read on for more information. You may also want to read about its maintenance and cost-effectiveness. Listed below are some benefits of the VCT tile. For more information on whether you should use VCT for your commercial application, contact Canadian Home Style, your Metro Vancouver flooring expert.
It’s worth mentioning that VCT is different than LVT. They are both used for commercial applications, but VCT is considered the more cost-effective product. LVT, luxury vinyl planks, offer more designs and patterns and are considered higher-end products than VCT.
Vinyl composition tile aka vinyl composite tile
Vinyl composition tile, VCT, is a flooring material made from limestone, filler, thermoplastic binder and colour pigments. It is commonly used in high-traffic areas where its durability and cost-effectiveness are highly valued, such as in institutional and commercial applications. VCT is available in a variety of colours and designs. It can be either glazed or unglazed. Unglazed VCT has a matte finish and is more abrasive-resistant than glazed VCT. Glazed VCT has a shiny surface in many different colours and designs.
VCT is easy to install and maintain. It is also one of the most cost-effective flooring options available. When properly installed and maintained, VCT can last for many years.
One of the main benefits of VCT is its durability. VCT is resistant to scratches, scuffs, and staining.
Cost for VCT flooring material
You might wonder how much vinyl composition tile will cost. The average cost per square foot is about $2-$3 per SF, which can vary considerably depending on the style and texture. Budget-friendly VCT will cost about $3 per square foot, while more decorative and elaborate VCT will cost upwards of $4 per square foot. It’s worth mentioning that VCT is more cost-effective than LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) and porcelain tile. Porcelain and LVT are other products commonly used for commercial applications.
VCT maintenance
Vinyl composition tile is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild soap or detergent will keep your VCT floors looking new for many years. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface. For tough stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using any cleaning solutions on your VCT floors.
The best way to maintain your VCT floors is to follow daily maintenance. Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping should be done regularly, especially in commercial applications. This prevents dust particles from collecting and abrasing the tile polish.
One of the advantages of VCT is the fact that you easily replace a damaged tile. VCT can also be refinished using commercial floor polish to restore its shine. The wax coating on the VCT tile will gradually erode over time, but this deterioration is not permanent. The time required to restore the shine depends on the traffic volume and application. The most noticeable indication of needing maintenance is a dull-looking floor without much sparkle. A new layer of wax should be applied about two times a year.
Layout options
Another advantage of VCT is the fact that you can get creative when it comes to your flooring pattern. VCT usually comes in 12″ x 12″ sizes, but these are not the only sizes available. VCT comes in many different colours. Therefore, you can create patterns and designs using different VCT tile colours as long as you choose products with the same thickness. You can also create borders and accent tiles using VCT with a different colour or finish.
Durability
VCT is not just low maintenance, water-resistant and durable. This is why it’s the preferred flooring option for commercial applications. While VCT tile is durable, it is not impervious to water and other types of moisture. The material’s construction makes it more porous than LVT, which can lead to micro-holes. While they don’t cause immediate damage, they can be troublesome over time.
Installation:
VCT needs professional installation, as it is a technical process. The tiles are cut to size and laid out in the desired pattern on the floor using Roberts 2057 VCT glue. Subfloor preparation is key when it comes to VCT installation. The surface needs to be clean, level, and free of debris. Once the tiles are laid, they are rolled with a 100-pound roller to ensure proper adhesion.
Recommendations
We recommend commercial grade LVT, luxury vinyl tile, from Mannington over VCT tiles for commercial applications. However, LVT would end up costing you more money. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget, VCT would be a great alternative.
Contact Canadian Home Style for your Vancouver flooring needs.
Canadian Home Style is your family-owned and operated flooring retailer with a showroom in North Vancouver, BC. We provide full-service commercial and residential flooring solutions across the Lower Mainland with an extended warranty. We are proud members of the BC Floor Covering Association (BCFCA) and the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). In addition, we have won the Consumer’s Choice Awards back-to-back in 2021 and 2022 for our commitment to business excellence. We are considered the highest-rated flooring experts in Metro Vancouver. We pride ourselves on holding the highest standards in the flooring industry. To uphold our high standards, we have a strict policy of “not selling or displaying any products that we wouldn’t want in our own homes.” Before we select a product to feature, we carefully assess product quality, off-gassing, warranties, and responsible sourcing. Book now to visit our North Vancouver showroom; we can help you choose the perfect floor for your home or business.
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