Basic Knowledge of Homogeneous PVC Flooring

Homogeneous PVC flooring is one of the most durable and wear-resistant types of PVC flooring available. It is made by combining pure PVC resin with fillers, stabilizers, pigments, and plasticizers, then compressing the mixture under high temperature and pressure to create a single-layer structure with uniform composition throughout. This design ensures that the color and pattern remain consistent, even after long-term use and wear.

However, not all homogeneous PVC floors are created equal. Poor-quality products may look similar on the surface but lack durability and resilience. To help you distinguish between high-quality and low-quality homogeneous PVC flooring, it’s essential to understand several key technical aspects and quality indicators.

1. Wear Resistance

The wear resistance of homogeneous PVC flooring depends largely on its composition and manufacturing process. True homogeneous flooring is not made entirely of pure PVC; it also contains fillers and plasticizers to enhance flexibility and stability. However, excessive use of low-cost fillers can reduce the wear resistance significantly.

To measure wear performance, the European EN 660 standard classifies PVC flooring wear resistance into four grades:

Among these, T-grade flooring offers the best wear resistance and is commonly found in multi-layer PVC flooring with a pure PVC wear layer. Homogeneous PVC flooring rarely reaches T-grade, but high-quality products can still achieve P-grade or better, suitable for heavy-traffic environments like hospitals, schools, and offices.

Additionally, the higher the wear resistance, the greater the PVC content and lighter the weight per unit area, which also means higher production costs. For this reason, many public tenders include a minimum weight per square meter as part of their quality standards—essentially a way to ensure better material composition.

2. Visual Inspection

A simple visual and physical inspection can reveal much about the quality of homogeneous PVC flooring. Here’s what to look for:

• Uniform Cross-Section: A genuine homogeneous PVC floor has the same color and texture throughout its cross-section. If you see consistent color and density from top to bottom, it’s a good sign of quality.

• Powdery Middle Layer: If the cross-section looks chalky or powdery, the manufacturer may have used too much stone powder, reducing flexibility and durability.

• Presence of Small Pores: Fine pores or voids inside the material indicate low density and poor compression during manufacturing.

• Cold Bending Test: In winter or at low temperatures, try bending a sample of the flooring. High-quality PVC flooring will remain flexible, while inferior flooring will crack or break easily due to low plasticizer content.

These quick tests can help you evaluate the flooring’s density, composition, and resilience even before installation.

3. Flooring Directionality

Homogeneous PVC flooring comes in two visual types: directional and non-directional.

• Directional Flooring: Features linear patterns or grain-like effects running in a specific direction.

• Non-Directional Flooring: Has a random or speckled pattern without any fixed direction.

Under the same grade and production conditions, non-directional flooring is generally considered higher in quality. It reflects more advanced production technology, ensuring a uniform blend of color particles and a more natural appearance that hides scratches and stains better.

4. Surface Treatment: PU and PUR Coating

The surface treatment of homogeneous PVC flooring significantly affects its stain resistance, cleaning ease, and longevity. Two main types of surface protection are commonly used: PU and PUR.

PU (Polyurethane) Surface Treatment

• PU coating is a thin surface layer applied to the flooring to seal microscopic pores that naturally exist in PVC materials.

• It prevents dirt, water, and stains from penetrating the surface.

• However, since it’s only applied on the surface, the protective effect wears off over time as the top layer abrades.

This means PU-coated flooring may require periodic re-coating to maintain performance.

PUR (Polyurethane Reinforced) Treatment

• PUR is a deep reinforcement treatment achieved through a hot calendering process, allowing the polyurethane to penetrate the entire thickness of the flooring.

• This creates permanent stain resistance and enhances the flooring’s ability to resist scratches and wear.

• Even after long-term abrasion, the flooring remains easy to clean because the protection extends beyond the surface.

High-end European manufacturers typically use PUR technology for premium homogeneous PVC flooring, making it ideal for areas requiring strict hygiene control, such as medical facilities and laboratories.

5. Color and Pattern Differences

Homogeneous PVC flooring comes in various color combinations and pattern styles, and these differences can affect both aesthetics and pricing.

• Multi-colored or marble-patterned flooring costs more because it requires complex pigment blending and advanced production control.

• Simple two- or three-color flooring is more affordable but may lack the depth and richness of high-end designs.

For public spaces or design-focused environments, investing in multi-toned homogeneous flooring can enhance both visual appeal and perceived quality.

6. Anti-Static Properties

Some homogeneous PVC floorings are designed with anti-static properties, making them ideal for electronics manufacturing facilities, laboratories, operating rooms, and computer centers.

This type of flooring prevents the buildup of static electricity, protecting sensitive electronic equipment and ensuring a safer working environment.

Anti-static homogeneous PVC flooring typically contains carbon fibers or conductive particles, which increase production costs—hence the higher price compared to regular flooring.

7. Installation Considerations

Proper installation is critical to the performance and lifespan of homogeneous PVC flooring. While installation procedures are similar to those of general PVC flooring, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

Temperature Requirements

• The ambient temperature during installation should be above 15°C (59°F).

• Below this temperature, the flooring becomes stiff and difficult to cut or weld, leading to poor seam bonding and potential cracking.

Floor Flatness

• The subfloor must be flat, smooth, clean, and dry before installation. Any unevenness can cause the flooring to bulge or peel over time.

Adhesive Application

• Use professional PVC flooring adhesives for homogeneous flooring. Spread evenly and allow proper curing time before use.

Thermal Expansion

• Homogeneous PVC flooring has a higher thermal expansion coefficient (approximately 0.4%) than multi-layer composite flooring.

• Leave a small expansion gap around walls and columns during installation to prevent buckling due to temperature changes.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize the stability and longevity of your homogeneous PVC flooring.

8. Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

To maintain the beauty and performance of homogeneous PVC flooring:

• Regular Cleaning: Use a neutral detergent and soft mop to clean the surface. Avoid using abrasive tools or strong chemicals.

• Protective Measures: Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.

• Periodic Polishing (for PU coating): If your flooring has a PU surface, apply a maintenance polish every 6–12 months to restore its luster.

• Avoid Excessive Water: Do not soak the flooring with water; instead, use damp mopping for best results.

With proper maintenance, high-quality homogeneous PVC flooring can retain its appearance and performance for over 15 years.

9. Price Factors

The price of homogeneous PVC flooring varies depending on multiple factors:

1. Raw Material Quality – Higher PVC content and lower filler ratio increase cost.

2. Surface Treatment – PUR-treated flooring costs more than PU-treated flooring.

3. Pattern Complexity – Multi-colored and non-directional designs are more expensive.

4. Anti-Static Properties – Conductive or anti-static versions command higher prices.

5. Brand and Certification – Reputable brands offer certified quality with consistent performance.

In general, investing in a mid- to high-end homogeneous PVC flooring ensures better durability, easier maintenance, and longer service life—saving costs in the long run.

10. Conclusion

Homogeneous PVC flooring is a practical, durable, and versatile solution for both commercial and residential spaces. Its uniform structure, high wear resistance, and excellent hygiene performance make it a top choice for areas with heavy traffic and strict cleanliness standards.

By understanding the key quality indicators—such as wear resistance, density, directionality, surface treatment, and installation requirements—you can easily distinguish between high- and low-quality products.

Always choose PUR-treated, non-directional, and high-density homogeneous PVC flooring from reputable brands to ensure superior performance, safety, and long-lasting beauty.

With the right product and proper installation, homogeneous PVC flooring can provide you with a durable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing floor that stands the test of time.