Heterogeneous Vinyl Sheet Flooring Malaysia
Multi-layer vinyl construction with a printed decor and a transparent reinforced wear layer. The aesthetic workhorse for Malaysian offices, hotels, retail and education, wood looks, stone looks, abstract patterns with commercial-grade durability.
Definition
Heterogeneous vinyl is a multi-layer floor covering: backing + structural layer + printed decor + transparent wear layer + surface treatment. Wear layer typically 0.55–1.0 mm.
How it’s made
Manufactured by layering and bonding separate vinyl films, a structural carrier, a high-resolution photo-printed decor, a transparent wear layer of plasticised PVC, and a surface treatment (typically PU or PUR). Layers are heat-laminated and calendered to a finished sheet.
Performance characteristics
| Parameter | Minimum | Premium | Standard reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total thickness | 2.5 mm | 3.0 mm | Manufacturer datasheet |
| Wear layer | 0.55 mm | 0.70–1.0 mm | EN 429 |
| Classification | EN 685 Class 32 | EN 685 Class 33–34 | EN 685 / ISO 10874 |
| Fire rating | BS 476 Part 7 Class 1 | Bfl-s1 | BS 476-7, EN 13501-1 |
| Slip resistance | R9 | R10 | DIN 51130 |
| VOC emissions | FloorScore | FloorScore + EPD | FloorScore / EN 15804 |
| Warranty | 7 years | 10–12 years | Manufacturer |
Where this product is used
Office
Chair-castor rating, low VOC, design flexibility for corporate fit-outs.
Hotel
Wood-look ranges deliver hospitality aesthetic with commercial durability.
Retail
Design variety + heavy-traffic durability for mall tenant fit-outs.
School (non-clinical)
Classroom and admin areas, acoustic-backed variants for multi-storey schools.
Advantages
- Wide design range, wood looks, stone looks, concrete, abstract decorative patterns
- Lower initial cost than homogeneous (RM 12–25/sqft material)
- Acoustic-backed variants reduce impact sound by 17–19 dB (multi-storey suitability)
- Heavy commercial wear layer ranges (0.70–1.0 mm) handle chair castors and trolley traffic
- Some ranges feature embedded sparkle, chip, or 3D textures for design-led briefs
Honest trade-offs
- Cannot be sanded, once wear layer is breached, replacement is required
- Less suitable than homogeneous for strong hospital disinfectants over long term
- Joint count higher than homogeneous on large areas (longer roll lengths help)
- Printed decor can fade if exposed to direct UV without window film
Available brands and ranges
Certifications
- Bfl-s1 (EN 13501-1)
- BS 476 Part 7 Class 1
- R9–R10
- EN 685 Class 32–34
- FloorScore
Installation overview
Self-levelled substrate. Acrylic dispersion adhesive (standard substrate) or two-component PU adhesive for near-limit moisture. Heat-welded seams for hygienic open-plan installations. Standard skirting acceptable in non-clinical zones.
Maintenance overview
Daily dry sweep + weekly damp mop. Periodic stripping and re-sealing required on non-PUR ranges (every 2–3 years). PUR-treated ranges require no stripping.
Specification clause snippet
Full specification clause templates available, request via specifier desk.
Frequently asked questions
- When design flexibility (wood/stone looks) matters more than full sandability, when budget is tighter, and in non-clinical commercial settings (offices, retail, hotels, schools).
- Minimum 0.55 mm for chair-castor environments. 0.70 mm or higher for high-traffic open-plan offices.
Got a tender? Send it our way.
Free spec clauses. Samples in 5 working days. BIM/CAD on request. One working day to a human reply, usually faster.