What's a resilient floor covering?

Resilient floor coverings are often heard to be the heroes of commercial flooring. But what is resilient flooring? Is it really only suitable for commercial spaces, or can it be applied equally well to homes? Learn more about it below.

What is a resilient floor covering?

First of all, it is important to know that a resilient floor covering is actually a flat, thin piece of resilient material. The material itself can be, for example, cork, linoleum, rubber or even vinyl. It can be found in the form of tiles, roof tiles or sheets. It is categorized as resilient flooring because it is more malleable than ceramic.

Resilient flooring for commercial spaces

A resilient floor covering suitable for commercial use is a resilient sheet material such as marmoleum (also known as linoleum) or rubber. They are often popular because they allow for fewer joints. For example, in a hospital, most resilient sheet flooring is found in sheet form and will cover a larger surface area with a single piece, thus better controlling potential infections that could occur in the joints. Some commercial areas also opt for tile or tile (vinyl)resilient because their smaller size is ideal for areas that require fewer transitions.

Resilient flooring for residential applications

A resilient floor covering suitable for homes is a resilient tile or tile-like floor covering. This is known as glued, clicked or laid vinyl. Vinyl tile is becoming more popular on the market than ever before because of its many advantages. Moreover, its installation(floating) can be done by many more people than a glued installation. There is also a resilient sheet adapted to residential use, our good old prelart (vinyl in rolls). It can be welded to eliminate joints, making it an excellent choice for large spaces (such as a kitchen or basement).

The benefits of resilience

Resilient floor coverings are becoming more and more common in commercial and residential settings because they are economical and offer a long life span. Its quality/price ratio is almost unbeatable compared to other types of flooring.All things being equal, there are always exceptions! In this case, it is important to know that some resilient materials adapted to commercial spaces(such as marmolium and rubber) are relatively expensive and require installation by specialized teams. They will therefore be less economical than other types of resilient. Another positive side to this type of flooring is that it is easier to maintain than other types of resilient flooring. It is a floor covering that is easy to clean, impermeable and with anti-microbial properties. They are therefore ideal for places such as the health sector (clinics, dentists, hospitals, etc.) and the education sector (daycare centres, schools, playrooms, etc.). It requires little maintenance and this will have very little impact on its effectiveness and long-term performance. Its installation is relatively simple because it can be installed almost anywhere. Its installation is less expensive and is much faster than other types of flooring. For example, the installation of a click type resilient vinyl floor covering is an ideal project for our DIY Sunday renovators. Also, be aware that it requires minimal or no subfloor preparation.

Its design aspect

With their styles much more adapted to the new reality of interior design, resilient floor coverings are now available in several colours and patterns allowing you to create specific areas in the same space. Some models imitate herringbone patterns and, like ceramics, resilient flooring tends to imitate wood, marble or other organic materials. The patterns are so well imitated that they are so easy to imitate that they can be misunderstood. The abundance of choices for this type of flooring is not to be feared. Ceramic is thought to offer a wide range of products, be aware that resilient flooring offers just as much.

All in all, it is the many advantages of resilient flooring that make it such a versatile choice. Since resilient is a product category with more than one type of material, it can be difficult to know which one is best suited to your needs.Do not hesitate to ask our consultants, they will be pleased to guide you in your search.