While vinyl and rubber are both classified as resilient flooring (meaning they provide a cushioning effect underfoot), any similarity ends there. Vinyl flooring, available as vinyl composition tile (VCT) and sheet vinyl, is relatively easy to maintain but can be prone to scratching from sand or grit residue. Offered in a wide array of colors, vinyl is extremely versatile, and, if tiles are used, spare ones can be kept on hand and used to replace worn or damaged tiles.

Critical to the performance of vinyl flooring is the thickness of its wearlayer. This thickness varies from manufacturer to manufacturer but, generally, the thicker the wearlayer, the longer the flooring will look new and fresh, and the more costly it will be.

While it’s true that vinyl flooring typically has a lower initial cost than other resilient materials like rubber, its maintenance requirements can often result in higher total life-cycle costs. Moreover, under heavy use it is less durable than rubber flooring.

Studies have shown that rubber is among the most cost-efficient materials for commercial flooring. It is extremely durable, fire code compliant, resists dents and stains, is quiet to walk on and has a unique softness. It’s this softness that produces beneficial qualities like ergonomic comfort, slip resistance and sound absorption/sound deadening.

Rubber tiles and sheet goods are made from synthetic rubber, and come in ribbed, coin or other raised patterns. Today’s manufacturing techniques allow rubber flooring to be produced in a wide range of colors, styles and patterns. And as designers, specifiers and facilities managers become more environmentally sensitive, the "green" aspects of rubber become evident: it contains no PVCs, and can be easily recycled. As a matter of fact, rubber flooring materials are being made by reclaiming our mountains of used automobile tires.

Rubber is a relatively expensive flooring choice initially and must be installed by an experienced team for maximum performance. However, when evaluated based on its durability, minimal maintenance requirements, good wear resistance and length of life cycle, it offers a low-cost alternative to many other flooring options over the long term.

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