PVC floors (also known as LVP floors in English-speaking countries) have become a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces, thanks to their durability, versatility and ease of maintenance. Whether you're looking for a floor that can withstand heavy use, is easy to clean, or just looks good, PVC offers many advantages that make it an excellent option. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of PVC floors, their benefits, installation processes, maintenance and costs. This way, you can make an informed choice for the perfect PVC floor that suits your specific needs and style.
When planning your flooring project, in addition to installation and costs, you should also consider compatibility with floor heating. Both types of PVC floors (click PVC and glue PVC), offer a wide range of designs and can be a stylish addition to your home.
Why Choose PVC Floors
Durability
PVC floors can last for years without much wear and tear. This makes them a good investment for homes and commercial spaces.
Sound-absorbing and comfortable
PVC floors are soundproof, which means that you are less affected by contact sounds such as footsteps. This makes them suitable for apartments or spaces where silence is important.
If you install a PVC floor, you will immediately feel the comfort under your feet. They have a soft, resilient top layer that feels great with every step.
Moisture-proof and hygienic
One of the biggest advantages of PVC floors is that they are moisture-proof. This makes them suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and other wet areas.
PVC floors are also hygienic, because they do not absorb moisture and are easy to disinfect. This is especially important for families with children or pets. PVC floors are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner or mop, making them ideal for busy households.
Design options
PVC floors are available in various designs, colors and patterns. From wood look to stone, there is always a style that suits your interior.
Types of PVC Floors
PVC floors come in different types, each with their own properties and benefits. The two main types are adhesive PVC floors and click PVC floors.
PVC Flooring on Glue
Adhesive PVC floors are thin and are installed directly onto the leveled subfloor.
Benefits of PVC on Glue
Glued PVC floors are particularly popular because of their thermal conductivity. These floors have a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm, which is ideal if you have floor heating. The surface is smoother because the floor is glued directly to the surface.
These floors are perfectly suitable for intensive use, such as in busy households or commercial spaces. In addition, adhesive PVC flooring has less shrinkage and expansion during temperature changes. This means less chance of seams or other deformations.
Maintenance is easy; vacuuming and mopping keep the floor in good condition.
Disadvantages of PVC Glue
A significant disadvantage of glued PVC floors is that they often cannot be installed in apartments due to sound insulation requirements. Many glued PVC floors do not meet the strict 10dB noise requirements that apply in apartment complexes.
In the case of glued PVC floors, extensive subfloor preparation is crucial. The subfloor must be completely flat and even to ensure good adhesion. This may involve additional costs for leveling the floor.
Laying PVC adhesive is also time-consuming and often requires professional help, which can increase installation costs. In addition, it is difficult to replace a damaged board without disturbing the entire floor.
When moving, you cannot take the floor with you, as it is glued. This limits flexibility if you plan to move in the future.
Click PVC Floors
Click PVC floors are easier to install thanks to the click system. It doesn't need to be glued to the subfloor, which means that the levelling is less critical than adhesive PVC floors. The thickness of click PVC is often around 4-8 mm, so they can add some build-up height.
Benefits of Click PVC
Click PVC floors offer a number of important benefits that make them a popular choice. They are easy to install thanks to the click system, which means you don't need glue. This makes installation faster and cheaper, and it can often be done by yourself without professional help.
Another advantage is that click PVC is slightly more forgiving when it comes to the condition of the subfloor. Although a flat surface is still necessary, it is not as critical as with PVC adhesive.
These floors are also ideal for homes that change interiors frequently, as they are relatively easy to remove and reuse. Like adhesive PVC, click PVC floors are durable and easy to maintain, which ensures long-term use without much worry.
Disadvantages of Click PVC
Click PVC also has some disadvantages that you should consider. Because it is a floating floor, there may be a little bit of slack between the panels, which can lead to a less stable feeling compared to the glued version.
Although click PVC requires slightly less surface preparation, it still needs to be fairly flat to prevent problems. It can sometimes be more difficult to get the seam to fit perfectly, especially if the surface is not completely smooth.
When used intensively or in busy households, there may be some shift over time. This can lead to bears or openings that require maintenance. Finally, click PVC floors can be sensitive to damage during installation, so extra care is required.
Click PVC can also be slightly more expensive to buy compared to other flooring options, although this is offset by the potentially lower installation costs.
How to Choose the Right PVC Floor
Choosing the right PVC floor requires attention to various factors to ensure that your floor not only looks good, but is also durable and functional. Here are some important considerations when selecting a PVC floor:
Thickness of the Wear Layer
The thickness of the wear layer is one of the most important characteristics when choosing a PVC floor. The wear layer is the transparent protective layer on top of the floor that helps resist wear, scratches and stains. The following applies to both glued and click PVC floors: the thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor. For households with a lot of foot traffic or for commercial spaces, a wear layer of at least 0.25 mm is recommended. This thicker wear layer ensures a longer life and better floor protection.
Type of the PVC Floor
When choosing between glued and click PVC floors, you should consider the condition of the subfloor. Glued PVC floors require a perfectly flat and smooth surface for optimal adhesion and performance. However, if your subfloor is not completely flat and you don't want extensive preparation, click PVC floors are a better option. For a less perfect surface, it is wise to opt for thicker click PVC variants. This offers extra protection and makes the floor more durable.
Installation patterns
You can choose from different styles and finishes for PVC floors. This makes it easy to find a floor that fits your interior.
- Parallel - A simple and traditional pattern where the planks are placed parallel to each other, giving a calm and uniform look.
- Herringbone - A classic and elegant pattern where the planks are laid out in a zigzag pattern, adding dynamism and visual interest to the space.
- Diagonal - Here, the planks are placed at an angle of 45 degrees to the walls, which can make the room look larger and more spacious.
- Block pattern - Planks are laid in square blocks, giving a classic and structured look
Installation and Preparation
Good preparation is essential when laying PVC floors. It starts with the right surface and ends with the installation of the floor itself.
Leveling the Subfloor
Before you start laying the PVC floor, make sure the subfloor is suitable. The subfloor must be level, dry and dust-free. This is crucial, because unevenness can lead to problems such as wear and tear or even cracks in the floor.
Wood and concrete are common surfaces. Wooden floors must be firm and flat; loose planks must be secured. If the hardwood condition is poor it would make sense to level the surface with OSB plates. Concrete must be well levelled and have no cracks. You should also check for moisture, especially with floor heating; the surface must be completely dry.
If you are unsure about the condition of your surface, consider consulting a professional or using an installation service.
Choosing the Underlay for PVC Floors
Choosing the right underlay is essential for click PVC floors, but this is not necessary for glued PVC floors.
Glued PVC floors are applied directly to a flat, dry and clean surface, which ensures optimal adhesion and an even finish.
For click PVC floors, a good underlay is important to attenuate noise and absorb imperfections. There are underlays specially designed for PVC floors that offer extra noise reduction and extend the life of the floor. Some click PVC floors even have a built-in underlay, often 10dB certified, which is ideal for use in apartments where noise reduction plays an important role. These integrated underlays save time and money during installation and provide a quieter and more comfortable living environment.
Laying the PVC Floor
You don't need glue for click systems, which makes the process easier. This type is popular among DIY enthusiasts.
When gluing a PVC floor, you must use the right adhesive. Apply the adhesive evenly and make sure that the floor pieces are tightly together. One rubber hammer can help to make the parts connect properly.
Start laying in the right direction and work from left to right. Use a utility knife and a ruler to cut the floorboards. Make sure there are no air bubbles under the floor.
If you have less experience, it is wise to hire professionals to avoid problems.
Costs and Budgeting
The prices of PVC floors can vary considerably depending on several factors.
- Click-PVC floors: These range between €35 and €80 per square meter. This type of PVC is generally easier to lay by yourself, which makes it a cheaper option if you're handy.
- Glued PVC floors: The costs are between €25 and €50 per square meter. This type often requires professional laying service, which involves additional costs.
When you have the floor laid by professionals, you must take into account additional costs. For example, all-in prices can vary between €70 and €140 per square meter.
Maintenance and Sustainability
One of the biggest advantages of PVC floors is how easy to maintain they are. They are easy to clean with a vacuum cleaner and mop. Regular cleaning keeps the floor in top condition and ensures that you can enjoy it for years to come.
Maintenance tips
- Remove dirt: Vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and dust.
- Mopping: Use a damp mop with natural soap for more thorough cleaning.
- Stains: Remove spills immediately to prevent stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section covers frequently asked questions about PVC floors, including health risks, complaints, benefits of adhesive and click floors, costs, and possible expansion or contraction of a PVC floor.
What are the health risks of PVC floors?
PVC floors can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some people are concerned about these emissions because of potential health risks. It is important to choose floors that have low VOC emissions.
Why do some people regret their PVC floor?
Some people experience problems with the installation or durability of their PVC floor. Poorly installed floors can come off or be damaged. In addition, some floors may discolor under the influence of sunlight.
Which complaints are associated with PVC floors?
In case of poorly installed PVC floors, complaints such as loose parts and discoloration can occur. People can also suffer from a strong smell after installation, which is due to the chemical treatment of PVC.
How is the price of laying PVC floors calculated?
Costs may vary and depend on factors such as room size, type of PVC chosen, and installation method. Placing a glued PVC floor is often more labour-intensive and therefore more expensive.
How much shrinkage or expansion can you expect with a PVC floor?
PVC floors have minimal expansion or contraction. Thanks to the glass fleece layer, which is often present in these floors, the floor remains stable. This makes them suitable for rooms with fluctuating temperatures.
