Polished Concrete Flooring vs. Vinyl Composition Tile – What You Need to Know
Polished Concrete Flooring vs. Vinyl Composition Tile – What You Need to Know

From foot traffic to heavy machinery tread, your facility needs surfaces that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is a common choice—it’s strong, stable, and, most importantly, affordable. But for greater benefits that add up to big cost savings over time, there is a better flooring choice: polished concrete. In this blog, KEVCO, Inc.’s experts compare the two types of surfaces and explain how polished concrete flooring can help you get the most value for your dollar.
What Is the Difference Between VCT and Polished Concrete Flooring?
Cost
“As a facility manager, one of the most important factors in any decision you make is cost,” says KEVCO owner Kevin Powalisz. “Though both VCT and polished concrete cost about the same to install (depending on the VCT you choose and how big your facility is), polished concrete costs less to maintain.”
VCT requires a lot of maintenance to keep it scratch-resistant and durable—a time-consuming process that can cause delays in facility operations. It also needs to be recoated if you want to keep it looking its best year after year.
A polished concrete floor, on the other hand, requires much less upkeep. You don’t need to wax or strip it every year, nor does it require a complicated cleaning process. In fact, most of the time, you only need water and a mop to keep it clean.
Aesthetics
It’s true that there are many VCT design options to choose from. But for truly limitless design potential, your best bet is to go with polished concrete flooring. You can choose more than just colors—you can also pick from different stains, patterns, inlays, and aggregate exposures. There’s no reason to settle for basic gray surfaces. You can choose the look that best suits your brand or facility décor.
Durability
Concrete floors polished by KEVCO are naturally stronger than VCT, which can be prone to impacts and high pressure. “Our process involves surface grinding and finishing, which improves the density, hardness, and abrasion-resistance of the floors,” Kevin says. “That finishing also gives the surfaces a high, marble-like sheen, which can make your vibrant floors look even more beautiful.”
Plus, once your concrete is polished, you won’t have to have it done again—unlike VCT, which can wind up peeling, cracking, and forcing you to replace it again in the future.
Energy Efficiency
Light reflects well off polished concrete surfaces. So if your facility has windows, you can use the combination of that natural light and flooring instead of your overhead lighting, which will help you save on energy costs.
Reap the Benefits of Polished Concrete Flooring From KEVCO
Polished concrete floors are ideal for many different facilities and settings, including manufacturing plants, storage facilities, and even retail centers. And with low maintenance costs and no need for re-application, it could save you three times the amount you’d otherwise spend on VCT.
Call KEVCO today to discuss the right floors for your facility: 262-788-5556.