Resilient flooring

Product types / variants

PVC / vinyl flooring

PVC / vinyl flooring is the most common type of resilient flooring. It is suitable for high traffic areas, and can be produced in bright colours and patterns ranging from plain colours and flecked designs to timber, stone and metal effects. It is sometimes referred to as ‘luxury vinyl’ or ‘design vinyl’, to emphasise its aesthetic qualities. It provides a lower level of slip resistance than resilient safety flooring.

Linoleum flooring

Linoleum flooring is manufactured with renewable raw materials using traditional methods invented in the 1860s. At one time it was used extensively in high traffic areas and its resistance to water and impact absorbency made it a popular material for domestic kitchens. Although an association with domestic applications may remain amongst consumers, it is still well suited to specification in commercial and public areas.

Rubber flooring

Rubber flooring provides additional impact resistance, acoustic absorbency and comfort underfoot compared with other resilient floor materials. It is sufficiently durable for high traffic walkways, and its resistance to acid, oil, greases and chemical spills makes it suitable for hospitals and laboratories. It is also resistant to cigarette burns and some rubber flooring products provide very high resistance to fire, as well as offering low toxicity compared with PVC.

Flocked flooring

Flocked flooring is a newer type of product that combines the benefits of a smooth floor covering with the feel of carpet.

Composition and manufacture

PVC / vinyl flooring

PVC / vinyl flooring can be homogeneous or heterogeneous. These two methods of construction give different aesthetics:

• Homogeneous floors are made from a single material that is coloured all the way through and is resistant to scuff marks.

• Heterogeneous, multi-layered products have a photographic interlayer that enables creative designs. The top wear layer can be more susceptible to scuffing, although some products are restorable.

Recent innovations in manufacture include self-adhesive backing, textile backing for irregular subfloors and products that accommodate moist subfloors. Polyurethane (PU) surface treatments are used to make maintenance more efficient.

Rubber flooring

Rubber flooring may be homogeneous or heterogeneous and is manufactured from natural or synthetic rubbers or a blend of both.

Linoleum flooring

Linoleum flooring is manufactured using traditional methods with renewable raw materials, such as linseed oil, resin, cork dust, wood flour and mineral fillers. Linoleum sheet is backed by a woven jute layer, while tiles are backed with polyester for dimensional stability.

Flocked flooring

Flocked flooring is made by attaching synthetic fibres to an adhesive backing.

Finish and appearance

Resilient flooring of homogenous construction traditionally has a non-directional flecked or marbled design that hides the appearance of dirt, but plain, linear and chip decorations are also available. Heterogenous or multi-layered products can be made to realistically replicate natural materials, with timber, tile and natural stone effects being common.

Resilient flooring may incorporate an aesthetic textured, ribbed or studded surface, but would not include the more pronounced surface textures of resilient safety flooring, that are specifically made to enhance slip resistance.

Linoleum is made to replicate natural materials, and also comes in solid colours and flecked designs. It is coloured all the way through, making it resistant to scuff marks.

With solid coloured and patterned resilient flooring, custom designs can be created. These may be simple tile patterns and accent borders that can provide aesthetic value, or more pronounced contrasting colours that assist people with visual impairments. Decorative motifs and custom-cut shapes are used for corporate logos and education applications.

Technical data

Resilient flooring is typically between 2 and 4mm thick with many products measuring 2.5mm, including a 1mm wear layer.

The largest tile sizes are around 500x500mm, with some tiles in 610x610mm for raised access floors. Larger 1000x1000mm tiles are available from some manufacturers.

Rolls are typically 2m wide in lengths of 15m or more.

Maintenance

Light daily maintenance with a pH neutral cleaner is required for commercial or public areas, with occasional more intensive cleaning factored in to the routine.

Cleaning can be with rotary buffing machines or scrubber driers, or with manual pads or mops.

Flooring with a PUR coating requires specific cleaning methods. The use of floor polishing equipment and seals will reduce the slip resistance.