What is quartz vinyl?
This is a modern finishing material with a thickness of 2 to 4 mm, which has many advantages. It is not only not inferior to ceramic tiles in terms of characteristics, but also in many ways surpasses it.
Details about quartz vinyl flooring are described in this video:
Composition and structure of the coating
This material is environmentally friendly, because almost 70% consists of quartz sand. The product consists of:
- polyurethane layer providing abrasion resistance;
- decorative coating, the pattern of which imitates a different texture;
- the main layer of polyvinyl chloride with quartz chips, giving the product strength;
- a layer of fiberglass, which increases the bearing capacity of the product;
- base layer of PVC, providing adhesion of tiles to the floor.
The photo clearly shows the structure of quartz vinyl film for the floor.
Pros and cons of tiles
Consider the features of quartz vinyl flooring:
| pros | Minuses |
|---|---|
| It has incredible strength: during operation at home does not change its appearance. | Limited selection of colors: this is mainly an imitation of stone and wood. |
| Absolutely not afraid of moisture and mold. | Heavy dents may leave small dents. |
| According to manufacturers, the fire hazard and combustibility is zero. | A product with an adhesive base cannot be laid on a cement base. |
| Installation does not require special skills. | Before laying, the floor must be perfectly leveled. |
What is better for the floor quartz vinyl tiles or linoleum?
Linoleum is one of the most popular floor coverings in apartments and various institutions: it is affordable, easy to install, and easy to care for. It differs from quartz vinyl in several ways:
| Linoleum | Quartz Vinyl Tile |
|---|---|
| Its basis is polyvinyl chloride, which has synthetic components. | The basis is natural hypoallergenic quartz sand. Compared to linoleum, it has no chemical smell. |
| If linoleum is damaged, the entire canvas must be changed. | Only damaged items are changed. |
| Over time, it is prone to deformation, afraid of dyes and mechanical stresses. | Serves for decades without modification. |
| Combustible, emits harmful substances at high temperatures. | It is refractory, and becomes toxic only when heated to 200 degrees. |
As you can see, quartz vinyl floor is much superior to linoleum.
Types and characteristics of tiles
When choosing quartz vinyl floor tiles, in addition to design, it is worth considering a few more points.
The shape and size of the elements depends on the taste preferences of the homeowner, and the technical parameters should be selected for residential rather than industrial premises. In order not to overpay for the material, it is worth buying products of 23–42 wear resistance classes with an abrasion index of category “T”. In terms of fire resistance and smoke generation, the floor covering must meet the categories G-2 and D-2, respectively.
According to the installation method, the tile is divided into three types:
- Castle. When facing the floor, products are connected only to each other thanks to the spike-groove system. Its cost is quite high.
- Glue. It is fixed with an acrylic adhesive. Recommended for rooms with high humidity and temperature extremes.
- Self adhesive. Such products are already coated with adhesive on the back, so they are much easier to lay.
What is the difference between quartz vinyl and pvc tile, porcelain stoneware and laminate?
Compare the characteristics of several floor coverings to determine the main differences between them:
- PVC tile. She's vinyl. It does not contain quartz sand, it is very flexible. The main disadvantage is unnaturalness.
- Porcelain tile. Completely eco-friendly material: solid and wear-resistant, but differs in a surface cold to the touch. In addition, grout is required for tiles or mosaics.
- Laminate. Outwardly, it is very similar to the quartz vinyl strips, but it has less moisture resistance and impact resistance.
It is easy to see that the quartz vinyl floor wins in many respects among other materials.
Which tile to choose?
There are three types of vinyl quartz tile:
- square;
- rectangular;
- panels imitating parquet.
The choice depends on the style decision in the interior: whether it will be an imitation of porcelain stoneware, giving the interior solidity, or wood, which invariably brings warmth and comfort to the natural textures.
Design Ideas for Quartz-Vinyl Tile
Since there is no regulation on the dimensions of quartz vinyl coating, manufacturers offer different sizes of products.
The most common is square tiles with sizes from 30x30 to 60x60 cm. Usually imitates stone-like porcelain tile. It may also have a pattern of dies laid "under the parquet". Such a floor in a living room always looks respectable.
In the photo there is a quartz vinyl floor under a tile with a marble pattern.
Rectangular products from 12x14 to 95x18 cm reproduce the texture of wood or stone. They have a smooth or embossed texture, so they look little different from their counterparts.
In the photo there is a bedroom with a flooring imitating natural wood.
The herringbone layout is the original way of tiling the floor with tiles:
Photos in the interior of the apartment
Due to its environmental friendliness, as well as high operational properties, high-quality quartz vinyl is appropriate in the bathroom, kitchen corridor and even the children's room.
Finish in the bathroom and toilet
Quartz vinyl is an ideal covering for a bathroom. Products have moisture repellent properties and are resistant to microorganisms. They convincingly imitate tiles, but unlike the icy surface of ceramics, quartz vinyl is much more pleasant in tactile sensations.
In the photo there is a bathroom in which the floor and walls are finished with quartz vinyl.
Quartz vinyl, imitating aged boards, looks great in the interior of the bathroom.
Kitchen lining examples
In the room where they constantly cook, the floor often suffers, but quartz vinyl will withstand any test: dropware, spilled water and all kinds of pollution.
In the photo there is a glossy quartz vinyl tile imitating black and white granite.
According to the owners of quartz vinyl floors, the coating regularly lasts for years, even with careless handling: they tolerate spilled coloring drinks, do not scratch from furniture legs and are not deformed from moisture.
In the photo there is a bright Provence-style kitchen with a floor imitating gray porcelain stoneware.
On the balcony
Quartz vinyl coating is not afraid of either high or too low temperatures, so it is suitable for both open and closed balconies.
In the photo there is a balcony, the floor of which is covered with quartz vinyl, which is resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
DIY tile laying
The technology of laying vinyl quartz should not cause difficulties, if you do not neglect the rules and tips that will help to make repairs without errors.
General styling rules
The key to success in the installation of quartz vinyl is a perfectly smooth base. It could be:
- concrete floor under a cement screed;
- polymer floor;
- OSB plates;
- Chipboard with putty joints;
- already existing coatings for which alignment is not always necessary: tile, pvc tile, porcelain tile. The main thing is that the floor is even, strong, clean and dry.
Quartz vinyl is not required.
Preparation for installation
Instruments
The following equipment will be required for laying the floor:
- A tool to draw a straight line: level or steel ruler.
- Pencil.
- Roulette.
- Stationery or construction knife for cutting products.
- White rubber mallet (only for adhesive quartz vinyl).
- Spatula with small teeth for dosing glue.
Which glue is better to use for installation?
The choice of glue depends on the coating on which quartz vinyl is laid: there are special adhesive compositions for absorbent substrates and non-absorbent substrates.
Lock Installation Guide
Before starting work, it is necessary that quartz vinyl is stored at room temperature in a horizontal position for about a day. It is possible to lay products directly, by a pattern or diagonally.
- Preparing the floor: it must be clean and free of drops.
- Installation can begin either from the center of the room or from the wall.
- The tiles are interconnected by end locks: for this, it is necessary to join the "spike into the groove" at an angle of 45 degrees until the gap disappears (the chamfer is not a gap).
- It is not necessary to tamper the cover to avoid damage to the locks.
Video how to glue tiles on the floor?
To stick quartz vinyl to the base without errors, you should familiarize yourself with some of the subtleties that are highlighted in this video:
Care Tips
After installation, it is worth waiting two days before installing furniture. The floor can be washed in a day.
Vinegar is suitable for wet cleaning, which gently cleanses the material and gives it shine. You can also use a soap solution. White spirit is suitable for removing stubborn dirt.
Despite the resistance to mechanical damage, do not use a hard metal brush for cleaning: it leaves micro-scratches on the floor.
Photo gallery
Aesthetic appearance without harm to health, “indestructibility” and easy installation - soon quartz vinyl tile may become the most popular material for flooring in living spaces.
Top 10 Trends in Interior Design 2020
Rating of cheap TVs with Smart-TV
New Year's LED garlands on AliExpress - we disassemble while it is hot so that the house is bright
Wall mural with flowers in the interior: living wall decor in your apartment
Gray sofa in the interior: views, photos, design, combination with wallpaper, curtains, decor
Interior in peach tones: meaning, combination, choice of finishes, furniture, curtains and decor