LVT or Carpet Tiles for commercial buildings?
A well researched question LVT or Carpet Tiles?
Over 100,000 searches were done in the last 18 months on Vinyl Tiles vs Carpet Tiles according to Duraflor, which makes their blog on the subject a prime traffic destination. We take a look at some of the the points made.
The first point however is there isn’t a clear winner, but as with all floor coverings there are PROs and CONs. It is also worth pointing out it isn’t an "all or nothing" either – using both in the same building provides many advantages. It provides for great zoning opportunities, way-finding, and of course versatility of design, as LVT and Carpet Tiles can be at the same height and seamlessly transition.
The PROS of Vinyl Tiles
1. Cost
Vinyl is an affordable and flexible commercial flooring option versus many flooring alternatives, often giving a natural look for a fraction of the price. It is possibly worth referencing LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) vs VCT (Vinyl Composite Tiles) here. VCT is cheaper but often less natural looking. VCT is often used in the health and education sectors. It’s a low cost and a fairly low maintenance solution, it is however more susceptible to moisture damage than LVT, so must be correctly sealed.
2. Easy to Install
No need to grout etc. There is also increased speed of installation when a looselay tile is installed. Speed of installation should not be underestimated as a significant cost saving for all concerned.
3. Ease of maintenance
The continued growth of vinyl tiles in the last couple of year is not surprising linked to ease of maintenance and the subsequent hygiene implications that have driven this. It is important to make sure that the tile has a good PUR layer (that is polyurethane has been reinforced by applying a higher-weight, top-quality polyurethane, that has been UV-cured and cross-linked, to the product.) to give maximum protection in high traffic area and to resist scratches and scuffs.
And for the CONs
1. Warmth and comfort
When comparing to carpet tiles, vinyl lacks the same warmth and comfort properties. Although a rich wood grain can give a strong appearance of warmth in the room. Carpet is a great insulator as it retains warm air, so it isn’t just about the look.
2. Noise reduction
Another obvious CON versus carpet tiles is impact sound reduction. Having said that we highly recommend the new SOUNDBASE® range of underlays we are distributing. We have a range of brands and your SASGO representative would be happy to explain the noise reduction properties of our underlay range and the best products for the job.
Carpet Tile PROs
1. Warmth and aesthetics
Already mentioned above. You can create a broadloom effect or be more expressive with a design. Different pile heights can be used for zoning but also create that added warmth and comfort in different areas of the building.
2. Versatility and maintenance
The fact tiles can be moved around provides a host of benefits when it comes to keeping the best possible look, that is especially the case when you consider the restrictions of broadloom. They are also ideal for use in conjunction with raised access floors.
3. Sustainability
Especially versus broadloom or when you purchase a random pattern from a waste perspective. What also is important though is the emphasis that carpet tile manufacturers place on offering the most sustainable products that they can. The technologies employed for stain resistance, longevity and the amount of post-consumer waste used in the creation of the carpet tiles all contribute to this.
4. Noise reduction
This can be further enhanced with underlay but when it comes to impact sound reduction carpet is a stronger candidate versus LVT – a lot will depend on the construction of the building and regulations as to how much that matters.
And for the CONs
1. Cleaning
While the cleaning process is simple it doesn’t compare quite as favourably to vinyl.
2. Appearance
This is only mentioned from the perspective, that a badly laid carpet will show seams and needs to be well maintained to keep its great appearance. However, that is possibly true of any flooring.
More often than not it is all about the look you want to achieve and both LVT and Carpet Tiles are dominant choices when it comes to commercial flooring, especially for an office environment. We have a wide range from all the key brands and can help you create the perfect look, which ever flooring covering style you choose.
