Resilient Flooring
Summary
Resilient flooring is a family of flexible, mostly polymer or natural-material coverings sold as tile, plank, or sheet and glued or floated over a prepared base. Choose the type by traffic, moisture, and maintenance, and match subfloor flatness and moisture testing to the manufacturer before ordering.
Cols
Image
Types
- Vinyl composition tile (VCT): ASTM F1066
- Sheet vinyl with backing: ASTM F1303
- Sheet vinyl without backing: ASTM F1913
- Solid vinyl tile or plank (LVT and similar): ASTM F1700
- Linoleum sheet: ASTM F2034
- Rubber sheet without backing: ASTM F1859
- Cork tile: natural cork floor surfacing unit
Standards
Product and test standards
- ASTM F386: thickness of resilient nontextile coverings with flat surfaces; foamed products use ASTM F387
- ASTM F1869 and F2170: moisture testing of concrete subfloors
- ASTM F141: terminology
- Moisture mitigation membranes are covered by separate ASTM standards
- Minimum thickness and moisture limits come from the product specification and manufacturer
Materials
- Vinyl: VCT, sheet, and plank
- Linoleum: natural-oil sheet
- Rubber: durable tile and sheet
- Cork: natural tile
Detailing
- Test slab moisture and follow the manufacturer's limit before installation
- Prepare a flat, clean, dry subfloor; patch and level as the maker requires
- Use the specified adhesive and acclimate material to the room
- Plan seams, patterns, and transitions to other floors
- Check interior floor finish classification under the parent code reference
- Provide underlayment where the covering or acoustics require it
Uses
Specific uses
- Schools, hospitals, and offices
- Retail and corridors
- Kitchens, baths, and labs
- Residential floors
Pros and cons
Pros
- Many colors, patterns, and price points
- Standard test methods for each product type
Cons
- Show subfloor defects if unprepared
- Moisture from slabs can cause failures
- Seams and edges need careful installation
Manufacturing and cost
Construction
- Tiles, planks, or sheets are cut, laid with adhesive on a prepared substrate, and seamed or sealed
Main manufacturers and suppliers
Sources
- ASTM International: resilient floor covering standards, https://store.astm.org/products-services/standards-and-publications/standards/resilient-floor-covering-standards.html
- iTeh Standards: ASTM F141 terminology relating to resilient floor coverings, https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/astm/484a152c-efac-409b-94a4-4ae9628deb52/astm-f141-12-2020