PVC vs Polypropylene Floor Tiles

PVC or polypropylene, what are you going to choose? If you’re struggling to pick what flooring you’re going to use for your garage, we’ve created a guide to help you decide!

What is Polypropylene Flooring?

First things first, let’s talk about Polypropylene (PP) and what it is. Just like PVC, PP is a thermoplastic, however, PP consists of propylene monomers rather than chlorine and carbon like PVC. It is used for a variety of applications and is commonly considered as a flooring solution.

Characteristic Comparison: PVC Vs. Polypropylene

Now we’ve compared what they’re made of, let’s discuss both of these materials’ characteristics when it comes to flooring. All of these factors are key considerations and can make or break your garage floor!

PVC Flooring is Flexible and Adaptable

Polypropylene is a tough material but in order to lay the flooring successfully, the substrate has to be flat – This is not a problem for PVC. PVC tiles effectively hug the floor, following its contours and coping with unevenness. Flexible and adaptable for any space, PVC floor tiles are much more forgiving and a lot easier to install.

PVC Provides Efficient Sound Insulation

Another advantage to PVC’s flexibility is its sound insulation. Because of the dense nature of the material and the ability for it to closely cover the substrate, it is great for sound absorption. With a reduction of up to 46 decibels, you can make as much noise as you want in the garage and receive no complaints from your family or your neighbours!

PVC Flooring is Durable & Load Bearing

Although durable, polypropylene tiles have a grid structure which unfortunately means that they have a brittle nature and can snap under pressure. PVC tiles have fewer flow lines but still retain dimensional stability which means they can support heavier loads and offer better impact resistance. If you have a lot of heavy machinery in your garage, PVC will definitely be able to handle it.

Flame Retardant & Anti-Slip Properties from PVC

Both PP and PVC are not naturally flame retardant, but it is much easier to incorporate a flame-retardant additive into PVC. Therefore, PVC will not support a flame or give off toxic fumes in a fire.

Even though polypropylene tiles have holes in them, they do not offer a higher level of anti-slip protection. There is a lot more resistance and friction from PVC, so you can always ensure you are safe in your garage.

Why You Should Choose PVC Flooring First Time

Make sure you don’t make a mistake and choose polypropylene flooring for your garage! Most of our customers come to us after they have bad experiences using other materials, so why not choose PVC the first time round and save yourself the hassle?

By investing in our PVC interlocking floor tiles, you can have a reliable flooring solution for your garage for years to come! If you have any technical questions you would like to ask us about, reach out to us today.