Soft tiles are gaining popularity as a material for wall and floor coverings because they provide a special blend of comfort and toughness. Soft tiles, as opposed to conventional hard tiles, offer a padded surface that is pleasant to walk on and gives any area a cozy, welcoming appearance. Whether you’re remodeling your living room, kitchen, or bathroom, soft tiles can add a little luxury and functionality to your house.
The adaptability of soft tiles is one of their key benefits. They are made of many materials, such as vinyl, foam, and rubber, each of which has special advantages. Rubber tiles are highly durable and suitable for high-traffic areas, whereas foam tiles offer superior shock absorption, which makes them ideal for home gyms or children’s playrooms. Contrarily, vinyl tiles provide a greater variety of design possibilities and can be made to resemble ceramic, stone, or wood while still feeling softer underfoot.
Soft tiles are not only comfortable and adaptable, but they are also simple to install and keep up. Many soft tiles have interlocking patterns that make installation simple enough for even the most novice do-it-yourselfer. Soft tiles are a practical option for homes with pets and small children because they are easy to clean and can be removed with a damp cloth or mop. They also resist stains and water damage.
Soft tiles provide a useful and fashionable option for a range of interior design uses. They are a desirable substitute for conventional hard flooring and wall coverings because of their variety of materials, simplicity of installation, and low maintenance needs. Soft tiles offer the ideal balance of style and utility, whether you’re looking for a warm finish for your living room or a secure and cozy surface for your child’s play area.
- Features and types of soft tiles
- Shape, size and characteristics of tiles
- Where soft tiles are used
- Advantages and disadvantages of the material
- How to lay soft tiles
- Wall installation technology
- Tile mounting on the floor
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Features and types of soft tiles
Flexible tiles come in various varieties, distinguished by the type of surface and the basis of the base. Soft tiles made of PVC are most frequently available for purchase. Its attractive appearance, resilience to negative conditions, and durability set it apart. These tiles have multiple layers, with the priciest and most long-lasting brands having many layers.
Apart from PVC, the substance could consist of:
- fiberglass;
- pigments;
- stabilizers;
- Flexible polymers.
Additionally, there are quartz crumbs in the quartz-vinyl tile, which gives the coating a stone-like appearance. The surface decor, which imparts a lovely sheen or dullness, is the result of a laminating UV film. The film shields the décor from deterioration and burnout.
Another kind of soft tile, based on modular EVA (ethylenevinyl acetate) materials, is used for the floor. This foamed polymer is strong, flexible, and completely safe for both people and animals.
EVA tiles are typically offered in a variety of vivid colors, including blue, yellow, green, red, and gray, and they don’t have a decorative layer. Every now and then, stoves from an EVA with a pattern will go on sale. They are intended for use as flooring in kid’s rooms and athletic facilities.
Walls are frequently adorned with plush tiles that have dense cardboard or MDF bases. Over the base layer, a decorative film with a specific ornament and foam of varying thicknesses are adhered to one another.
More costly tile stamps can be covered with cork veneer, suede, fur, fabric, or real or fake skin. There are wall collections available in both light and dark hues that imitate stone, wood, snakeskin, and skins.
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Shape, size and characteristics of tiles
Soft vinyl tile typically comes in square or rectangular shapes. The following sizes are the most common:
- 8×8 cm;
- 10×10 cm;
- 15×15 cm;
- 20×20 cm;
- 30×30 cm;
- 30×45 cm.
The EVA components that are used to mount the flooring typically have more striking measurements, measuring 30 by 30 cm or 60 by 60 cm. The slabs have hooks on all sides, called "Ship Paz" or "Lastochkin tail," for easy fastening.
Crucial! The soft tile has a thickness variation of 1 to 5 cm and a price range of 700 to 12,000 rubles per square meter.
The decorative coating’s density and thickness vary between vinyl and other plates. The floor material that is most resilient is the one that shouldn’t fear damage or abrasion.
There are a total of 12 distinct classes (ranging from 21 to 43) of wear resistance for this kind of finish. When it comes to floor decoration, residential buildings typically go with a class no lower than 21–23, offices and shops with a class of 31–34, and warehouses and workshops with a class of 41–43.
Where soft tiles are used
The material works well for setting up an office, living room, bedroom, and kids’ room.
Counseling! It is not advised to glue some product types in areas that receive UV light. If there is no protective coating, the surface may burn from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
You can finish the walls in the studio apartment, a separate room, a country house, a country cottage, and the floor entirely or partially with soft tiles. Stoves with puzzle connectors are a great way to create a temporary coating that is easy to disassemble.
Advantages and disadvantages of the material
Compared to laminate, tile, or linoleum, soft tiles are incredibly beautiful. It is thought to be a safe and environmentally friendly material that doesn’t release any toxins or dangerous components.
There are additional advantages to tiles:
- does not absorb smoke, unpleasant odors;
- Easily mounted with your own hands;
- It is repaired without problems – any element can be replaced, partially change the damaged area;
- wear -resistant, has a significant service life;
- flexible and plastic;
- universal – great for flooring, walls, columns, niches, creating individual accent sections and for zoning the premises;
- can adapt to any interior style, presented in a wide range;
- has excellent soundproofing properties;
- It is comfortable in operation, it is pleasant to walk on it;
- practical – easy to care, clean, wash, wipe.
One of the drawbacks is the requirement for the substance concerning the levelness and steadiness of the foundation. The quality and dependability of the installation will be compromised if the substrate is not properly prepared. Thin tiles are not good for sports because they won’t prevent injuries; instead, you should look for products that are thicker.
Soft tiles combine comfort and durability to provide a distinctive and adaptable option for floors and walls. These tiles are available in many different materials, including rubber, vinyl, and cork. Each has advantages of its own, such as reduced noise levels, low maintenance requirements, and a padded feel underfoot. Soft tiles come in a variety of styles and colors to match any decor, making them ideal for areas that need a little extra comfort or for homes with kids. Soft tiles offer a contemporary solution that combines practicality and style, whether your goals are to improve safety, comfort, or aesthetics.
How to lay soft tiles
The tile also differs according to installation style. The simplest material to fix is self-adhesive; just take it out and press it onto the ready surface.
Crucial! Adhesive tiles are adhered to a specific composition, and a laminate spike-paz type lock is "planted" on the substrate to secure the lock in place.
Wall installation technology
The base must first be cleaned, strengthened, and dried before it can be used. After deeply penetrating the primer, large defects are covered with putty and the dust is removed. Large potholes and discarded parts should be removed; only small chips and pits should remain.
Liquid nails are used for installation. The tile is covered with glue and pressed up against the wall. If required, cut the slabs to fit the required dimensions.
Tile mounting on the floor
The base must be straight, sturdy, and free of tiny construction debris. It should also not bend. It is not permitted to have a height of more than 1 cm because the soft coating will highlight the floor’s imperfections. The best way to install tiles is to use cement screed, plywood, old parquet flooring, and firmly placed hard tile components.
They buy a special glue for work. Throughout the time that the glue is polymerizing, the room should be at room temperature (+18…+23 degrees). The slabs are glued, fixed on the sticky base (in self-adhesive options), or connected like puzzle pieces in accordance with the drawing (beneath the mosaic, figuratively, geometrically).
The so-called "thermal gap" is the 5–10 mm that remain between the wall and the extreme elements. The process doesn’t begin until the glue has fully dried.
Type | Features |
Ceramic Soft Tiles | Durable and easy to clean, perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. |
Vinyl Soft Tiles | Water-resistant, budget-friendly, and available in many designs. |
Rubber Soft Tiles | Highly durable and slip-resistant, ideal for gyms and playrooms. |
Cork Soft Tiles | Eco-friendly, comfortable underfoot, and offers good insulation. |
Foam Soft Tiles | Lightweight and cushiony, great for children"s play areas. |
Soft tiles have completely changed the interior design industry by providing a useful and adaptable choice for floors as well as walls. They are an excellent option for a range of spaces, from quaint homes to busy commercial areas, thanks to their distinctive combination of durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. There is the ideal soft tile available in a multitude of hues, patterns, and textures to suit any design concept.
The ability of soft tiles to offer a cushioned, cozy surface underfoot is one of their best qualities. This makes them perfect for spaces like playrooms and kitchens where a lot of people stand a lot. Their non-slip qualities also improve safety, especially in areas like bathrooms and entryways where moisture may be present. The practicality of soft tiles is further enhanced by their ease of cleaning and maintenance, which makes them a hassle-free choice for busy homes.
Soft tiles have advantages for functionality, but they also improve a room’s aesthetic appeal. They can simulate the appearance of more conventional materials like wood or stone without having the negative qualities of coldness or hardness. This lets homeowners get the style and feel they want without sacrificing comfort. Soft tile installation is also frequently faster and easier than with other types of flooring, which saves time and effort when renovating.
Finally, soft tiles provide a special fusion of safety, comfort, and design. They are a popular option for modern interiors due to their ease of maintenance and flexibility to various environments. Soft tiles offer a flexible and appealing solution that meets a variety of design preferences and functional needs, whether you’re trying to create a sleek, modern space or a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.