Resilient tiles come in a huge variety of product types and decorative surface finishes.

In terms of their composition, they can be grouped into four main types: vinyl composition, luxury vinyl, rubber and linoleum.

Vinyl composition tile (VCT)

Vinyl composition tiles are made from a 'composition' of fillers, colour pigments and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) binder.

Most manufacturers put a polyurethane (PUR) treatment on the surface.

The traditional tile size is 300 x 300 mm, but other sizes are also available.

VCT is very durable and widely used in shopping centres, schools and other commercial buildings.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl tiles have a layered structure, as opposed to VCT, which is solid.

LVT products generally have a textured surface, with finishes that can look like stone, wood, metal and other building materials.

In addition to the square tile sizes, LVT is very popular in plank form, in sizes such as 915 x 152 mm (3 ft x 6 in) and 1200 x 152 mm (4 ft x 6 in).

Rubber

Rubber is generally used in areas where a waterproof or non-slip surface is needed.

Although it's more expensive than other products and requires specialist installation, it is the most appropriate resilient flooring for dance studios, gymnasiums and other floors that require high impact resistance.

Linoleum

Linoleum has made a comeback in popularity in recent years.

This is partly due to its properties as an 'anti-static' floor, partly due to its increased range of colours and designs, and also because it's often considered more environmentally friendly than vinyl-based products.

Tile structure

The resilient tiles described above are either made of multiple layers or have a solid, uniform composition.

In technical terms, layered tiles are called heterogeneous in structure. Solid tiles are called homogeneous.

These terms are also used to describe resilient sheet products that are layered or solid.