Rubber or PVC floor?

The comparison

It depends on where the floor is to be installed and what you expect from it. Both types have their specific properties.

The fabrics look similar at first glance, but don't be fooled. The composition is different, and the different properties also depend on this. Rubber tiles are made from rubber granules bonded with a polyurethane adhesive. The PVC variant has the material in its name - it is polyvinyl chloride (a type of plastic) that is injected into molds, for example.

Lifespan and resistance

Rubber floors are very resistant. They don't mind chemicals, cigarette butts and even rain, wind and snow. Therefore, they can easily be used outdoors as outdoor flooring. However, due to the influence of solar radiation, they lose their color and their original shine over time. If the floor is selected with an appropriate thickness, it can withstand high loads, so it can also be used for industrial properties or stables. Read more about the criteria that should be used to select flooring for stables.

PVC tiles are not recommended for outdoor use, but their properties are even better indoors. In addition to its resistance to chemicals and cigarette butts, the same as rubber tiles, PVC is also resistant to heavy loads. It is therefore suitable for garages and businesses where heavy machinery is moved. Thanks to the system of drainage channels, which were specially developed for the terramondi tiles, excess moisture can also be drained away, thereby preventing the formation of mold. Terramondi PVC tiles are sold with a wear guarantee of up to twelve years; with proper maintenance, the service life is up to 25 years. Rubber floors usually do not offer such a long guarantee.

Sound absorption and thermal insulation

From this point of view, both materials are comparable. Rubber and PVC have excellent sound and heat insulation properties. Rubber is a little more comfortable when standing for long periods of time because it is soft, PVC is better suited for machines. terramondi uses a pattern for the tiles that makes the floor non-slip. It works similarly with rubber floors, variants with a non-slip surface are also produced here.

Choice of colors and types

The rubber tiles are available in different designs; they are popular in the version for children's playgrounds with a classic square or rectangular shape or in the form of puzzle pieces. The color selection is even larger. The colors can be easily combined, which means different patterns are possible on the floor.

The PVC tiles terramondi are not yet available in different shapes. They have been designed to make installation as easy as possible, which is why they are square and fit snugly into each other. The color options are wide-ranging and colorful works of art can be created on the floor.

Elaborateness of installation

The profiled and non-profiled rubber tiles require different conditions when laying. The first variant has a profiled surface on the underside so that it remains stable even on gravel surfaces. The second variant is used for concrete floors. On gravel floors, the tiles obviously don't need to be glued if you choose composite tiles, which means the tiles can be removed at any time and re-installed in a different location. These are usually glued to concrete floors with polyurethane adhesives.
The PVC tiles terramondi also do not need to be glued. It is enough to level the original surface and lay the tiles. The individual tiles fit together perfectly; all you need is a rubber mallet and a knife. This also has the next advantage that rubber tiles also have - the PVC tiles can be removed at any time and laid in another location. And if a tile is damaged, it can be replaced without any problems.

Ecology and environmental protection

From this point of view, both variants are the same. Rubber tiles can rerecycled – shredded and recycled. This also applies to PVC tiles, which can be recycled and re-pressed. Both variants are ecological and environmentally friendly, and also not harmful from a health perspective. They are made from materials that are harmless to health, modern PVC tiles certainly do not contain phthalates and other dangerous substances that can occur in plastics.

For which areas are PVC floors suitable and for which rubber floors?

Rubber floors are also suitable for outdoor areas. A typical use is for children's playgrounds or in sports halls because these floor coverings are soft and children do not hurt themselves if they fall. They are also used around swimming pools, for balcony and terrace slabs or garden paths. Therefore, you can see that they are used more for outdoor areas, but of course there is nothing to stop them from being used for children's play areas, warehouses or workshops.

PVC floors are only installed in indoor areas. Very often these can be seen in garages as garage floor, workshops or large industrial areas. They also look good in basements, showrooms, shops, car workshops as a workshop floor or in fitness centers as a fitness floor.

Both variants can be used in many rooms without any problems. It just depends on your wishes. Is easy installation and a guaranteed lifespan of 12 years more important to you or a soft surface and a larger selection of tile shapes?