What Are VCT Floors?

Installation

• Installers use a layer of tile adhesive to bind the VCT flooring to the sub-floor. Patterns can be created by alternating colored tiles for a checkerboard appearance on the floor. Alternatively, the tiles can be offset from the previous row so the seams between tiles are not continuous. Standard tile size is 12 by 12 inches.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Common cleaning processes for VCT floors include stripping off the old wax, applying a new wax then buffing the wax finish to a shine. This produces a high luster finish that can be maintained by sweeping and mopping. Occasionally, broken or damaged tiles need to be removed and replaced. Building maintenance personnel typically keep a few tiles in storage after the initial installation for such purposes.

Drawbacks

• A newly-buffed VCT floor has a high shine and looks very attractive. However, it is also very slippery. The chief drawback to VCT tiles is their slippery nature when wet. Some safety options include placing floor mats or carpet runners in strategic high-traffic locations where moisture may accumulate. Abrasive floor treatments reduce the slipperiness of the floor but also reduce the luster of the VCT floor and can make sweeping and mopping more difficult.

Other Floor Options

• VCT flooring is just one of many options available in commercial floor coverings. Carpet commonly costs more to purchase and install and has a higher cost of maintenance and lower durability than tiles but has a high degree of traction, even when wet. Marble, granite and rubber tiles all become slippery when wet and come with varying degrees of cost in terms of installation and maintenance. Builders pour terrazzo floors in place with small pieces of decorative materials embedded in the urethane. This material also becomes slippery when wet.