Difference Between Directional & Non-directional Homogeneous Flooring
Homogeneous flooring is a single layer 2*20m vinyl sheet, whose pattern is consistent throughout the whole thickness. Even if the surface is worn or scratched, the pattern keeps the same after being polished.
Homogeneous flooring can be divided into 2 types: directional homogeneous flooring and non-directional homogeneous flooring.
Pattern difference
Directional and non-directional are distinguished from the pattern. The pattern of directional homogeneous flooring has vertical stripes, which look like a drawn flower shapes. As it has an obvious directionality, it can only be paved in one direction during installation. Or there will be colour mismatch and other phenomena.
The non-directional surface pattern is the distribution of gravel particles with different colors, there is no directionality. There is also no difference if pave in different directions.
Except for patterns, there are more differences between directional and non-directional homogeneous flooring.
Manufacturing difference
Production of a directional homogeneous floor is a one-time moulding process, while the non-directional type is a multiple-moulding process.
The one-time moulding process(directional type) is simple and fast, floor density is high. The multiple-time moulding process(non-directional type) is more complicated, and floor density will decrease, which greatly improves the wear resistance and extends the floor’s service life.
Raw material difference
The main raw material of homogeneous flooring is polyvinyl chloride resin, mixed with other ingredients such as carbon powder, stabilizers, plasticizers, pigments and other auxiliary materials.
The proportion of PVC in the non-directional type is higher, which brings lower weight but higher strength. The weight of the non-directional type is 2800-3000g/m2(2mm thickness), and wear resistance can reach P or T grade. The weight of the directional type is around 3200g/m2(2mm thickness), and wear resistance is P or lower grade.
Application difference
Due to the production difference, PVC raw material content, wear resistance grade, etc, the non-directional type has better performance in product performance.
In actual application, the non-directional type is also more widely used. We have more than 20 collections of non-directional types, you can always find the pattern and colour you prefer.
The price of a directional type can be much cheaper than a non-directional type, currently, we have 2 collections. In some projects with low traffic, the non-directional type is a good choice.
