Is self adhesive vinyl flooring a worthwhile investment?

Alongside click flooring, self-adhesive flooring is becoming increasingly popular. When renovating, speed is often a priority, especially in rental properties where effort should be kept to a minimum – particularly if you only plan to stay for a few years. But are these supposedly practical flooring options a good solution? And does self-adhesive vinyl flooring really live up to its promises?

In this article, we explain what self-adhesive vinyl flooring actually is. We outline its advantages and disadvantages and provide alternative options for a quick and efficient renovation using vinyl flooring.

Vinyl Flooring: What Is It Exactly?

To determine whether self-adhesive vinyl flooring is a good choice, it’s important to first understand what ‘vinyl flooring’ actually means. The term can often cause confusion due to the variety of names used.

Vinyl flooring typically refers to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) floor coverings sold in rolls, usually available in widths of 2 to 5 metres. To differentiate these sheet materials from vinyl planks and tiles, the latter are often referred to as 'vinyl flooring' or 'design flooring'. In most cases, vinyl planks and tiles offer a more authentic-looking design.

Vinyl and PVC are essentially the same material—a thermoplastic polymer made flexible through the use of plasticisers. This gives vinyl or PVC flooring its characteristic properties, such as warmth underfoot, durability, and comfort. There's no need to worry though: reputable manufacturers use plasticisers that comply with European regulations and are completely safe. High-quality vinyl and PVC flooring no longer contain phthalates.

Do you mean self-adhesive vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is available in glue-down, click, loose-lay, and self-adhesive options. Each type offers unique installation methods and benefits, allowing you to choose the best option based on convenience, durability, and room requirements.

• Glue-down vinyl flooring requires adhesive to secure it to the subfloor, offering a strong and stable installation, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Click vinyl flooring features an interlocking system that allows planks or tiles to snap together without glue, making it easy to install and remove.
• Loose-lay vinyl flooring consists of heavy, flexible planks or tiles that stay in place due to their weight and a special backing, requiring minimal or no adhesive.
• Self-adhesive vinyl flooring comes with a pre-applied adhesive backing, allowing for a quick and simple peel-and-stick installation.

Gerflor Senso Natural "0397 Night Slate" consists of vinyl tiles designed for easy self-adhesive installation.

Self-adhesive vinyl flooring is becoming increasingly popular, whereas self-adhesive PVC flooring is rarely available. Instead, you will mostly find vinyl planks and tiles where installation simply requires peeling off the protective backing. However, be cautious: whether self-adhesive PVC or vinyl flooring, these products are generally best suited for smaller spaces with lower foot traffic. Additionally, proper subfloor preparation is essential to ensure the flooring adheres well and remains durable over time.

The wood-effect vinyl flooring Gerflor Prime "0004 Asian Wood" is easy to install thanks to its self-adhesive backing.

The Alternative: Loose-Lay PVC Flooring!

If you are specifically looking for a self-adhesive PVC floor (a vinyl floor covering in sheet format), many manufacturers offer a more practical and, above all, higher-quality alternative. Many glue-down PVC floors can actually be installed without adhesive over a certain surface area—usually up to around 20 to 25 m², as specified by the manufacturer. For added security, double-sided tape can be used to fix the edges of the vinyl flooring rolls in place.

The wood-effect vinyl flooring Beauflor Quintex "019S Havanna Oak" presents a thickness of 2.50 mm and the slip-resistant surface texture.

However, some subfloor preparation is still necessary. The surface should be checked for levelness, cleanliness, and dryness. Cracks should be repaired, and any uneven areas levelled with a suitable compound if required. There are also PVC floors with a textile backing that can often be laid directly over existing tiles. Manufacturers typically specify the maximum width and depth of tile grout lines before levelling with filler becomes necessary.

Conclusion

Self-adhesive PVC flooring in sheet format is rarely available and is often of lower quality. Therefore, you may want to consider a self-adhesive vinyl floor instead—essentially a 'PVC floor' in plank or tile format.

For smaller spaces of up to 20 to 25 m², we recommend choosing a high-quality vinyl in rolls. Be sure to check the product descriptions or contact us if you are unsure whether your PVC flooring is suitable for loose-lay installation.

We hope this guide has helped you in choosing the right self-adhesive PVC flooring. We look forward to welcoming you at BRICOFLOR, your expert in walls & flooring!