Resilient flooring materials include man-made compounds, plus a few natural
products. Your choice will certainly be guided by cost, but other factors will
also shape your final selection; these are listed in the chart below. Products
manufactured from a natural material base—such as cork, rubber, and wood—are
generally more expensive than the entirely man made products, with the exception
of top-of-the-line solid vinyl. Where you plan to install the floor is an important
consideration in selection. Some materials are more resistant than others to
grease and oil, water, temperature changes, denting, or chemicals. For instance,
rubber is an excellent choice for a darkroom because it is especially chemical-resistant.
On the other hand, it doesn’t resist grease and oil well, so it may not be
the best choice for kitchens. Unless they have cushion backing, the lighter-gauge
flexible resilients will mold to any irregularities in the subfloor; the smoothness
of the subsurface underlayment for the floor is crucial. The chart lists the
characteristics of different resilient materials to help you make the best
selection for your particular flooring needs.
20 (clockwise) Resilient sheet goods come in a wide variety of patterns
such as this grid-over-grid design; Inexpensive resilient tile materials
can attractively simulate grouted ceramic or masonry flooring; Resilient
sheet goods, as well as tiles, can attractively simulate natural materials,
such as this ceramic tile design; In neutral, monochromatic tones, pattern
can be more intricate without appearing overwhelmingly busy.
RESILIENT FLOORING MATERIALS:
|
Solid Vinyl and Cushioned Vinyl |
Vinyl Composition |
Rubber |
Vinyl-Coated Cork |
Polyurethane Wood |
Color, Pattern, and Texture |
Wide range of colors and patterns; may
be laminated with fabric, wood, marble chips; smooth or embossed
surfaces. |
Many colors and patterns, colors marbleized
or solid, smooth or embossed surfaces. |
Handful of solid and marbleized colors;
surface may be smooth, ribbed, or studded. |
Limited range of natural cork colors;
smooth surfaces. |
Limited range of wood grain and colors;
smooth surfaces. |
Durability |
Grease and oil resistant; susceptible
to heat; cushioned vinyl may dent. Medium to heavy-duty gauges. |
Good for damp areas, properly seamed.
Good resistance to chemicals. Light-, medium-, and heavy- duty gauges. |
Good for damp areas. Very good resistance
to most chemicals. Susceptible to grease and oil stains. Heavy-duty
gauges. |
Grease and oil resistant, susceptible
to heat; cushioned vinyl may dent. Medium- to heavy-duty gauges. |
Excellent resistance to dents. Heavy-duty
gauges. |
Resiliency |
Cushioned materials are very comfortable
underfoot. Good sound insulation. |
Not as resilient or sound insulating
as solid vinyl. |
Very comfortable underfoot. Good sound
insulation. |
Very comfortable underfoot. Good sound
insulation, |
Hard underfoot. Good sound insulation. |
Maintenance Requirements |
Use solvent-based or water-based waxes
and polishes. Damp mop; avoid excess water. |
Use water-based products only. |
Use water-based products only. Requires
frequent polishing, |
Use solvent-based or water-based waxes
and polishes. Damp mop; avoid excess water. |
Use water-based products; avoid excess
water. |
Relative Cost |
High. |
Low to medium. |
Medium to high. |
Highest. |
Medium to high. |
(clockwise) Resilient tiles made of solid vinyl effectively simulate
pearl, creating a subtle, luminescent, marbleized effect; Resilient tile
can be made of natural materials such as cork or leather, giving the
floor a rich texture; Resilient sheet goods include materials, which
are available in a variety of colors and configurations; Patterned resilient
sheet goods give the effect of solid color when the pattern is created
by tiny, random elements.
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