Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is a type of finished flooring material used primarily in commercial and institutional applications. It is made of colored polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips formed into solid sheets of varying thicknesses by heat and pressure. The tiles are cut into modular shapes such as 12-by-12-inch squares or 12-by-24-inch rectangles and applied to a smooth, leveled sub-floor using a specially formulated vinyl adhesive or tile mastic that remains pliable. VCT is a porous flooring option made up of a small amount of vinyl with limestone and other filler material. It is a more cost-effective material that still looks the part.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is another type of vinyl flooring that is made up of 100% vinyl, a color or photographic film layer, and a protective wear layer. LVT is a more purified material that is easier to customize based on look and is far more resistant to damage than VCT. LVT is designed to look like real hardwood or authentic stone and offers endless design options.
The key differences between VCT and LVT flooring are as follows:
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Composition: VCT is made up of a small amount of vinyl with limestone and other filler material, while LVT is made up of 100% vinyl with a color or photographic film layer and a protective wear layer.
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Appearance: LVT offers endless design options and is designed to look like real hardwood or authentic stone, while VCT has limited color and pattern options and is less complex in its design.
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Durability: LVT is more durable and resistant to damage than VCT.
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Maintenance: VCT is more porous than LVT and requires regular stripping, waxing, and polishing, while LVT can get by with routine sweeping and mopping.
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Cost: VCT is a lower-cost option than LVT.
In summary, VCT is a type of finished flooring material used primarily in commercial and institutional applications that is made up of colored PVC chips formed into solid sheets. LVT, on the other hand, is a more purified material that is easier to customize based on look and is far more resistant to damage than VCT. The key differences between VCT and LVT flooring are their composition, appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost.
