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VCT Flooring

Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) Flooring

VCT flooring is particularly popular in commercial and industrial settings due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and easy maintenance. Here are the common places where VCT floors are installed:

  • Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories – VCT is well-suited for high-traffic healthcare environments due to its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It also withstands the continual cleaning and disinfecting routines in these settings.
  • Long-term care facilities and senior housing – While VCT is moderately slip resistant, non-slip treatments or finishes can be applied to ensure the safety of individuals using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs.
  • Schools, colleges, and universities – A staple in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and common spaces, VCT flooring is appreciated for its ease of maintenance and ability to be waxed to a high gloss. Lakeside installed VCT at Fremont Ross High School.
  • Daycare centers – VCT is durable and safe for areas where children play and learn and can endure frequent spills and messes.

Grocery, department, and big box stores – With design versatility, VCT can complement the brand and design of stores. Building owners and managers value its durability for their businesses.

Common spaces and conference rooms – VCT can be used in hallways, break rooms, and common areas with steady foot traffic. The wide variety of design options also allows companies to choose VCT in colors that match their corporate branding.

  • Manufacturing plants and warehouses – While VCT is generally more suited for light industrial settings, it is sometimes used in areas that require a durable, non-slip surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic and equipment like hand trucks and carts.
  • Clean rooms and laboratories – Industrial lab facilities prefer VCT because it’s resistant to chemicals and can be kept sterile with regular maintenance.
  • Gyms, fitness centers, and recreation centers – Locker rooms, hallways, and shared areas are great places for VCT as it is durable enough to handle equipment movement and heavy foot traffic.
  • Hotels and convention centers – Common areas like hallways, lobbies, and dining areas are popular spaces for VCT, offering an economical flooring choice that can be maintained to look polished and clean.
  • Courthouses and community centers – VCT is a popular flooring choice for buildings with large floor spaces and high foot traffic due to its durability and cost-efficiency.
  • Libraries and museums – For areas that need a combination of durability and aesthetic versatility, VCT can be customized to create different patterns or designs while also being a long-term flooring solution.

Different Types of VCT Flooring

With different design and functional requirements for various commercial and industrial settings, VCT is a versatile flooring option.

  • Standard VCT – Made from a blend of natural limestone, fillers, thermoplastic binders, and color pigments, this type of VCT is the most common and cost-effective option. It comes in various solid colors or simple patterns and is often used in high-traffic areas such as schools, hospitals, and retail stores.
  • Enhanced VCT – This type utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques or additives to increase durability, scratch resistance, and stain resistance. With more varied and realistic designs that can mimic natural stone or wood patterns, this type is popular in higher-end commercial spaces where a sophisticated appearance is desired.
  • Textured VCT – These VCT tiles have a textured surface to improve slip resistance and provide better traction, making them especially useful in places like commercial kitchens, gyms, or locker rooms.
  • Pre-Waxed or Factory-Finished VCT – Pre-treated with a protective wax or finish, allowing quicker installation and immediate use, this VCT type does not require initial waxing and buffing and can be used soon after installation.

Benefits of VCT Flooring

Many commercial building owners considering commercial floor options chose VCT because it is a cost-effective flooring solution. Here are some additional benefits of vinyl commercial flooring:

  • Cost-Effective – Compared to other durable commercial floors like ceramic tiles or hardwood, VCT is more affordable regarding initial material cost and installation.
  • Design Flexibility – VCT comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for custom commercial flooring that suits different spaces and branding needs.
  • Ease of Replacement – Individual tiles can be replaced if damaged, which not only helps keep maintenance costs low but also keeps a uniform appearance.
  • Easy Daily Maintenance – Regular cleaning with sweeping, mopping, and occasional waxing is generally sufficient to keep VCT polished and clean. It does not require specialized cleaning solutions or equipment.
  • Durability – VCT is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for office, retail, and hospitality flooring.
  • Sustainability Options – Many VCT options are considered sustainable commercial flooring because they are made with recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods.

Considerations of VCT Flooring

When considering vinyl commercial flooring, evaluating the specific needs of an industrial or commercial space is essential. In spaces where water exposure or comfort are critical, alternative commercial flooring solutions may need to be regarded.

  • Long-Term Maintenance – Although the day-to-day maintenance is straightforward, VCT requires regular waxing and sealing to maintain its appearance and protect it from wear and tear.
  • Susceptibility to Moisture – VCT is not as moisture-resistant as some other types of flooring for businesses. Prolonged exposure to water or humidity can cause the tiles to loosen or warp.
  • Slippery When Wet – In wet conditions or when polished to a high gloss, VCT can become slippery, posing a safety hazard. This can be mitigated with non-slip treatments or mats, but it is something to consider when areas are prone to spills.
  • Limited Comfort – Since VCT is a hard surface, it can be less comfortable standing on for long periods than other flooring options like carpet or specialized ergonomic tiles. This could be a drawback in workplaces where employees are on their feet for extended durations.

VCT flooring is an excellent, cost-effective commercial flooring solution. While durable, versatile, and easy to maintain, it may not be the best flooring for businesses where water exposure and extended comfort are key concerns.

As a flooring contractor in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, Lakeside will find the best commercial flooring for your space!