Vinyl Choices

Vinyl flooring is available in many shapes and forms with innovative ideas continually being developed. Although vinyl flooring enjoys a relatively small market in South Africa it is the second biggest flooring seller in America.

Vinyl Flooring Types

• Solid: Usually available in sheet or tile form this is a solid vinyl, meaning it is homogeneous in structure without a backing, this makes it ideal for high traffic areas. Another variant of Solid vinyl is created by adding vinyl chips or granules which create a unique colour and pattern.
• Composition: Available in sheet form and also better known as the brand name Novilon in South Africa. This product usually consists of a backing, vinyl foam core, decorative layer or print and a clear vinyl layer on the top.

Vinyl Floor Shapes and Sizes

• Solid Vinyl Sheets: This is the type of vinyl floor you usually see in hospitals and is generally available in rolls of 1.20m in width. Sheets form a seamless floor due to the joint being filled by welding a rubber rod into it, this makes solid vinyl sheeting ideal for high traffic areas and specifically for areas prone to moisture and water. Usually available in a plain or speckled colour.
• Solid Vinyl Tiles: Very similar to solid vinyl sheets but in a tile form this floor is also ideal for high traffic areas but can be easier damaged by excessive moisture or water than solid vinyl sheeting. The advantage is easier installation and a tile can easily be replaced if need be. From a design perspective different tiles can be mixed to create patterns. Usually available in plain or speckled colours
• Composition Vinyl Sheets: Also known as the brand name Novilon, these sheets are generally about 2.00m wide and are chemically welded on the joints, also making this a seamless floor which is ideal for use in high moisture areas or where water might be spilled which makes it ideal for residential bathrooms and kitchens. This product is not as durable as the other vinyl's and not recommended for commercial use. Composition vinyl sheets are available in a fairly wide range of patterns and colours, some of them imitating wood or tile floors.
• Vinyl planks: Similar to vinyl tiles, vinyl planks are usually a bit more flexible and available in various wood effects and also some times called a vinyl laminated after laminated wood flooring. This product is durable and can be used in commercial applications.

Surface finish

• No Wax: This surface is not treated and will need a maintenance program of sealing the floor after installation and periodically, this floor will require frequent washing and polishing to keep it shiny.
• Urethane: This floor has a Poly Urethane coating and is more resistant to scratching and only needs to be swept or vacuumed and occasional damp cleaning.
• Enhanced Urethane: More resistant and durable than the normal urethane coating.