FAQ on Vinyl Composition Tile

What Is It Made From?

• VCT is made from a combination of vinyl resins, fillers and pigments. The resins are usually copolymers of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate, though poly vinyl chloride (PVC) homopolymers may be included as well. The resins are mixed with a large proportion of fillers and pigments until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency. As it is rolled out, accent colors are mixed in as well to achieve the right graining for the surface of the tile. The mixture is pressed until it reaches the proper thickness and smoothness. If the tile features a surface-applied design, accent chips are added before the final pressing and cutting.

Where Is It Used?

• VCT is utilized in a variety of commercial and residential applications. In commercial settings, it is often used in schools, hospitals, grocery stores, shopping centers and municipal offices. In a home, VCT is typically used in areas that require hardy flooring, such as the bathroom and kitchen. It may also be used in a finished basement or a laundry room.

What Are the Benefits?

• VCT is a highly durable flooring option. It can last for years if properly maintained and is ideal for areas that see heavy foot traffic. Because of the way it is made, the color and pattern goes all the way through the tile, so scratches, scrapes and scuffs are usually not detectable. VCT is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so it offers many design options. In addition, it may be a good eco-friendly flooring option because many types of VCT are made with recycled materials. VCT is a relatively inexpensive floor material as well, so it is a good fit for many budgets.

What Are the Drawbacks?

• VCT does not allow for a seamless flooring surface, so it is possible for bacteria, mold and mildew to grow beneath it. In some cases, the growth may be so severe that it begins to give off an odor, and the only way to address the problem is to remove the tiles. In addition, because the flooring is composed of separate tiles, some VCT floors may begin to buckle, which leads to bulging in the tile that may become a tripping hazard. VCT is also a higher-maintenance flooring option than other tiles such as ceramic or porcelain because it must be stripped and waxed on a regular basis.