How many types of antibacterial vinyl flooring are there? Detailed pros and cons

Antibacterial vinyl flooring currently comes in a variety of designs, structures, and antibacterial capabilities to meet the specific needs of each space. Understanding the types of antibacterial flooring on the market will help you choose the right product line, optimize investment costs, and ensure long-term effectiveness for your project.

Types of antibacterial vinyl flooring available

In Vietnam, antibacterial vinyl flooring can be divided into several categories:

• By product: roll, tile (LVT), or SPC/WPC planks with an antibacterial coating
• By structure: multi-layer vinyl flooring, homogeneous vinyl flooring
• By antibacterial technology: silver nano, UV, PUR, ionization...

In this article, we will focus on the most common classification in medical settings, which is antibacterial vinyl flooring with 2 main lines: multi-layer (heterogeneous) and homogeneous.

>> See more What is antibacterial vinyl flooring?

Classification of antibacterial vinyl flooring by structure

1. Multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring (heterogeneous vinyl flooring)

Multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring is made from multiple layers of separate materials pressed together. The surface of the floor is coated with antibacterial compounds (usually silver nano) to kill and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Structure

Heterogeneous vinyl flooring consists of 5 basic layers:

• Surface layer (PUR/PVC transparent wear layer): protects, resists scratches, and is antibacterial.
• Decorative layer (printed layer): creates colors, wood grain, stone patterns, and decorative motifs.
• PVC core layer: provides stability and rigidity.
• Cushion layer (foam or fiberglass layer): increases elasticity, reduces noise, and provides a comfortable feel underfoot.
• Backing layer (backing layer): helps the floor adhere firmly to the substrate and stabilizes dimensions.

Multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring

Advantages

• Diverse designs: thanks to the specialized film layer, manufacturers can print wood grain, stone patterns, or a variety of colors and motifs. Easily matches any interior design style, bringing high aesthetic value to the space.
• Superior sound insulation: effectively eliminates impact noise (footsteps, cart sounds) thanks to the highly elastic backing layer.
• Comfortable walking experience: reduces leg fatigue from prolonged standing.

Antibacterial Vinyl Flooring for Hospitals

Disadvantages

Easily damaged by scratches

Multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring has a decorative film layer placed beneath the transparent protective layer (wear layer). This structure allows manufacturers to create diverse natural patterns, but the drawback is that if the surface layer is worn or deeply scratched, this pattern layer will peel off immediately, exposing the core material underneath.

In such cases, the floor cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new piece. Therefore, if you choose this type of flooring, you should pay attention to the thickness of the surface protective layer and use it correctly to extend the floor's lifespan.

Moderate load-bearing capacity

Due to the foam backing layer for comfort and sound absorption, multi-layer flooring tends to have higher residual indentation than homogeneous flooring. If heavy medical equipment, hospital beds, or large filing cabinets are placed permanently for extended periods, the floor surface is prone to permanent indentations that are difficult to recover.

Applications

Multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring is suitable for spaces that require hygiene and cleanliness but also high aesthetics and a comfortable user experience, such as inpatient rooms, nursing homes, kindergartens, libraries, beauty salons, spas, or private clinics.

2. Homogeneous antibacterial vinyl flooring

Unlike multi-layer flooring, homogeneous antibacterial vinyl flooring has a single-layer structure, made from a uniform block of material throughout from the surface to the core. As a result, the antibacterial properties are not only concentrated on the surface layer but are integrated throughout the entire thickness of the floor.

Homogeneous antibacterial vinyl flooring made from a single layer of PVC material

Advantages

• Surface can be restored and renewed

Since it is a unified block, when the floor is scratched, stained, or dull after many years, technicians can use a polishing machine (dry buffing method) to lightly grind the surface layer, making the floor shiny again like new.

• High mechanical strength

Because all layers are homogeneous, you don't have to worry about the pattern layer or protective layer peeling off like with multi-layer flooring. This helps the floor maintain its aesthetics long-term and reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

• Resistant to strong cleaning chemicals

In medical environments, the floor surface is often exposed to strong chemicals such as iodine (betadine), high-concentration alcohol, or mild acids. With homogeneous antibacterial vinyl flooring, especially those with a reinforced PUR coating, you can clean, scrub vigorously, or even lightly sand to remove chemical stains without damaging the floor structure or causing discoloration.

Disadvantages

• Limited color options

When producing homogeneous flooring, colors and patterns are mixed directly into the base material, not printed on the surface like multi-layer flooring. Therefore, it is difficult to simulate diverse patterns, mainly solid colors.

• High installation technical requirements

Due to its seamless nature and flexibility, homogeneous flooring tends to "imprint" any imperfections of the underlying surface onto the top. Any bumps, dips, or small sand particles remaining on the concrete subfloor will be clearly visible on the floor surface. This requires meticulous and precise subfloor preparation before installation.

>> See more: Detailed guide to installing antibacterial vinyl flooring with proper technique

• Slightly stiff feel underfoot

Homogeneous flooring has extremely high material compression density to optimize load-bearing capacity, and it lacks a cushioning backing layer (cushion backing). Consequently, its ability to reduce footstep noise is limited, and the walking experience is not as smooth as multi-layer flooring with elastic padding.

Applications: areas requiring strict hygiene and sterility, such as operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), clean rooms, laboratories, pharmaceutical factories, etc.

Comparison of homogeneous antibacterial vinyl flooring with multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring

Which type of antibacterial vinyl flooring should you choose?

Choosing antibacterial vinyl flooring should be based on the intended use, specific requirements of each space, and investment budget.

• Multi-layer antibacterial vinyl flooring (heterogeneous) is suitable for areas with medium traffic density, requiring high aesthetics and a comfortable walking experience, such as patient rooms, classrooms, offices, spas, and hotels. This type of flooring has a wear-resistant surface coating, is easy to clean, and has a reasonable cost, meeting common hygiene standards.

• Homogeneous antibacterial vinyl flooring is the optimal choice for areas requiring high durability and strict infection control, such as hospitals, operating rooms, technical corridors, and food processing plants. Thanks to its homogeneous structure throughout the entire floor, this material can withstand strong cleaning chemicals, high abrasion, and heavy carts, while also having a longer lifespan.

In addition to choosing the right type, you should prioritize antibacterial vinyl flooring from reputable brands on the market such as Gerflor, Tarkett, Polyflor, MIA. These are all brands with international quality certifications, meeting standards for use in medical, educational, and industrial sectors, ensuring long-term antibacterial effectiveness, durability, and safety.

>> See more How to choose the right antibacterial vinyl flooring for each space

Furthermore, choosing a professional distribution and installation unit also plays a crucial role. A reputable contractor will ensure genuine products, installation with proper technique, and precise seam and corner finishing, thereby maximizing the antibacterial performance and extending the floor's lifespan during use.

To purchase quality antibacterial vinyl roll flooring at a good price, please leave your contact information on the website https://thienhafloor.vn/san-vinyl-cuon-khang-khuan or contact Hotline 0909 192 557 for the latest consultation & package quote!