Widely used in education and retail, vinyl composition tile (VCT) is a cost effective solution for areas requiring a hard surface floor. VCT is a durable product, which holds up to even the most demanding applications. With its thru-chip design, it is resistant to scratching and gouges.

Due to a recent wave of new introductions, VCT is now available in hundreds of colors and dozens of patterns. Moreover, manufacturers have expanded the sizes of the tile to include 12” x 12”, 12” x 18”, 16” x 16”, and 18” x 18”. With these new options available, VCT has become less institutional and more fashionable. It is also an excellent product to consider when patterns and designs are getting installed in an area. The only real drawback to VCT is the initial and periodic maintenance required to maintain its finish.

The Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) product category has expanded rapidly in recent years. Manufacturers have created gorgeous products, replicating wood, stone, metal and even abstract images. Available in an assortment of sizes, LVT enables you to create almost any floor imaginable. In many applications, LVT is even advantageous to traditional wood and tile because of its cost, durability, and maintenance properties. LVT has a protective urethane wear layer similar to sheet vinyl, which enables it to be easily maintained. In some instances buffing and polishing is completely eliminated. The price of LVT will vary depending on the wear layer (12mil, 20mil, and 40mil) and brand. While LVT is more expensive than VCT, it is a less expensive option than traditional wood and tile.

Available in tiles, rolls, and stair treads, rubber flooring is an extremely versatile product. Rubber flooring is commonly used in production facilities, education, and healthcare because of its extended product lifecycle of 20+ years and low maintenance costs. Rubber flooring does not require wax or sealants. Rather, it can be maintained by simply buffing. Additional benefits of rubber flooring include its natural acoustic and environmental advantages. Vulcanized rubber products are derived from the rapidly renewable milky sap of a tropical rubber tree and rubber sport floors are constructed with over 90% postconsumer recycled content (i.e. tires). Rubber floors do not contain PVC and provide excellent indoor air quality. Rubber flooring can also contribute to the achievement of LEED credits. For all these reasons, rubber serves as a small, but important segment in the industry.