In the field of floor decoration materials, PVC flooring and its derivative products - homogeneous vinyl flooring and heterogeneous vinyl flooring - have gradually become the mainstream choice for commercial spaces and home decoration due to their environmental friendliness, durability, and design diversity. However, the three have similar names but different performances. This article will compare them from three dimensions: material structure, performance characteristics, and application scenarios to help consumers make accurate choices.
Material Structure: Evolution from Single to Composite
1. PVC flooring: the diverse applications of polyvinyl chloride
PVC flooring is an elastic flooring made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the core material, by adding plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers and other additives, and through rolling, hot pressing or extrusion processes. Its structure is divided into two categories:
Homogeneous structure: The material from the surface to the bottom is consistent, and the thickness of the wear-resistant layer is the same as the whole. It has extremely strong wear resistance and is suitable for high flow areas.
Heterogeneous structure: composed of multiple layers such as wear-resistant layer, printing layer, glass fiber layer, foam layer, etc., achieving realistic wood and stone grain effects through surface embossing technology, while the foam layer provides sound insulation and thermal insulation performance.
2. Homogeneous vinyl flooring: a representative of industrial grade durability
Homogeneous vinyl flooring is a homogeneous structural branch of PVC flooring, characterized by:
Single material penetration: The composition of the entire floor thickness direction is consistent, and there is no layering between the wear-resistant layer and the base layer. The wear-resistant speed can reach more than 5000 revolutions per minute, and the service life is up to 10-15 years.
Strong resistance to chemical corrosion: able to withstand acidic and alkaline environments with pH values of 4-10, suitable for scenarios such as laboratories, hospital operating rooms, etc.
Conductive performance optional: By adding conductive materials, it can meet the anti-static needs of electronic workshops, data centers, and other areas.
3. Heterogeneous vinyl flooring: a balance between aesthetics and functionality
Heterogeneous ethylene based panels with a multi-layer composite structure as the core achieve performance breakthroughs through the following design:
Surface treatment technology: using 3D printing and embossing technology, the wood grain realism reaches over 90%, and the touch is comparable to solid wood.
Foam layer application: A foam layer with a thickness ratio of about 30% can reduce noise by 15-20 decibels, provide a soft foot feel, and is suitable for kindergartens and nursing homes.
Installation convenience: The locking design does not require glue and supports DIY installation, saving labor costs.
Performance Comparison: Differences from Data
| Performance Metric | PVC Flooring | Homogeneous Vinyl Flooring | Heterogeneous Vinyl Flooring |
| Abrasion Resistance | 5,000+ revolutions (commercial grade) | 5,000–8,000 revolutions (Grade T wear layer) | 3,000–5,000 revolutions (Grade M wear layer) |
| Fire Rating | Class B1 (flame-retardant) | Class B1 (compliant with GB 8624) | Class B1 (some products reach Class A) |
| Slip Resistance | 0.5–0.6 (dry conditions) | 0.4–0.5 (rigid surface) | 0.6–0.8 (textured surface) |
| Aging Resistance | 10 years outdoor (no fading) | 5 years outdoor (slight fading) | 3 years outdoor (replacement needed) |
| Elastic Modulus | 300–600 MPa (soft) | 500–800 MPa (harder) | 200–400 MPa (softest) |
| Stain Resistance | Clean with damp cloth | Requires neutral detergent | Optional oil-repellent coating |
Application scenario: Full coverage from industry to home
1. Homogeneous vinyl flooring: preferred for high-strength scenarios
Commercial space: Areas with an average daily pedestrian flow of over 5000 times, such as supermarkets and airport lounges, have wear-resistant layers that can resist long-term crushing from carts and suitcases.
In the industrial field, places such as warehouses and workshops that require heavy equipment such as forklifts have a compressive strength of 120MPa for products with a thickness of 2.0mm or more.
Special environment: The hospital operating room eliminates static electricity through conductive design to prevent medical equipment malfunctions; The acid and alkali resistance of food processing plants prevents chemical corrosion.
2. Heterogeneous vinyl flooring: Balancing aesthetics and comfort
Educational institutions: Kindergartens use 1.5mm thick locking flooring with a surface anti slip coefficient of 0.8, reducing fall injuries by 70%; The classroom uses 2.0mm silent products, reducing noise by 25 decibels.
Medical facilities: The nursing home uses imitation wood grain flooring and uses HPL antibacterial coating to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with an antibacterial rate of 95%.
Home environment: The living room adopts 4mm thick WPC (wood plastic composite) flooring, which is warm in winter and cool in summer, with a foot temperature difference of ≤ 2 ℃, suitable for underfloor heating systems.
3. PVC flooring: a universal solution
Economy oriented decoration: In budget limited scenarios such as rental homes and offices, the cost of 1.2mm thick ordinary roll flooring is only 30 yuan/square meter, with a lifespan of 5-8 years.
Temporary venue: Removable locking flooring is used at exhibition and event sites, with a daily installation efficiency of 200 square meters per person and a loss rate of less than 5%.
Outdoor transition zone: SPC (stone plastic composite) flooring is used for balconies and corridors, which is waterproof and moisture-proof, with a thickness of 4mm, and can withstand a temperature difference of -20 ℃ to 60 ℃.
Purchase suggestion: Match performance as needed
Limited budget and pursuit of durability: Choose homogeneous vinyl flooring, with a unit price of about 80-120 yuan/square meter for commercial grade products, and a lifespan twice that of ordinary flooring.
Emphasis on design and comfort: Heterogeneous vinyl flooring offers over 200 colors, paired with a 2.5mm thick EVA cushion layer, providing a foot feel similar to solid wood. The unit price is 150-200 yuan/square meter.
Short term use or frequent replacement: PVC roll flooring has the lowest cost, with a unit price of only 30-50 yuan/㎡ for 1.2mm thick products, and supports partial replacement.
Conclusion
From industrial plants to home living rooms, PVC flooring and its derivative products achieve a balance between performance and aesthetics through material innovation and structural optimization. Consumers need to consider the usage scenario, budget, and maintenance costs when making a purchase in order to select the most suitable ground solution.