Compared to laminate flooring, tile is definitely timeless. Several models can be found on the market. Between classic tile, raised tile, wood-effect tile, and click tile, the latter is particularly popular right now. Aesthetic and functional, it brings a touch of modernity to interior spaces.
The click PVC plank stands out mainly for its ease of installation. Generally, its installation does not require the intervention of a tiler or tile setter. You just have to click the click PVC tiles together and you’re done. To clarify things, let’s discover in more detail the essentials to remember about this PVC floor covering through this article.
📋 The essentials at a glance: Personally, I consider click tile as the ultimate solution for tenants or quick renovations, as it allows you to change the floor without any glue or drying time. Its reduced thickness and floating installation system make it a major ally for covering an old surface without trimming the doors. However, I strongly recommend paying extreme attention to the flatness of the substrate: a gap of more than 2 mm can weaken the clips in the long term.
What are the main differences between click tile and traditional tile?
| Criterion | Click Tile | Traditional Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Installation time | Fast (immediate) | Long (installation + drying + grouting) |
| Reusable | Yes (can be unclipped) | No (demolition required) |
| Total thickness | About 10-12 mm | 15-20 mm (tile + glue) |
| Waterproofing | Good (if well clicked) | Excellent (cement joints) |
As its name clearly suggests, a click tile is distinguished by its ease of assembly. Unlike classic tile, its installation requires no glue, no underlay, no leveling, and no mortar screed. The click tile tiles are assembled together using grooves and tongues.
Generally, classic models need tile grouting during installation. You have to glue a surface of the floor or wall with mortar adhesive then place each tile. By pressing on it and tapping it with a rubber mallet, you manage to fix it firmly. With all these steps, it must be said that the assembly is more complex than that of click tile.
🌍 Did you know? Click tile is one of the few “portable” floor coverings. If you move, you can technically dismantle your floor and reinstall it in your new home, which significantly reduces construction waste related to demolitions.
Since the latter is not glued, replacing a damaged click PVC plank is much easier, unlike traditional tile. It is even possible to take the click PVC tiles with you when you move from one home. You can thus reuse them in another dwelling. On the other hand, most tiles on the market can no longer be recovered once damaged.
When you plan to install classic tiles, this operation takes more time since it requires glue drying time. This is not the case with click-lock tile floors. Their installation is faster, cleaner, and therefore accessible to everyone.
In any case, it must be admitted that despite the many advantages of click-lock tiles, this PVC floor covering also has its drawbacks.
Among the most well-known, it is offered at a higher price compared to traditional tiles. Additionally, it seems less robust than its competitors. With an installation without cement, this click-lock PVC tile covering may not perfectly conform to the surface on which it is installed.
🗣️ My experience: In 2024, I installed click-lock tiles in a 15 m² kitchen on a Saturday morning. By 2 p.m., we were already having lunch in the room with the furniture replaced. The lesson learned is rewarding: the time saved compared to glued tiles (which would have required 48 hours of waiting) is enormous. However, I almost broke a clip by forcing with a mallet; gentleness and the correct insertion angle are much more effective than brute force.
How to install click-lock tiles on an existing floor?
Of course, the click-lock PVC tile covering resembles a laminate floor covering as well as a floating parquet. It also shares some common points with classic tiles. However, many choose the multiple advantages of click-lock tiles.
Among its major assets, its ease of installation appeals to most. Each PVC plank tile is installed without joints or glue. Before starting, make sure to check if it has not suffered any damage during delivery.
Once the materials and all tools are gathered, start by preparing the surface. The one that will receive the tile floor covering must be perfectly flat and free of curvature. Consider using a bubble level to check its flatness. If you notice even a few millimeters difference, do not hesitate to do a leveling. If the substrate appears uniform but with some damage, please sand it.
⚠️ Common mistake: Using a dry grinder on ceramic click-lock tiles. Dust can get lodged in the grooves of the locking system, preventing a perfect joint. Preferably use a manual tile cutter (tile cutter) or a wet saw to keep the locking profiles clean and neat.
Many people also make the mistake of placing the click-lock PVC tile plank too close to posts, baseboards, or walls. However, it is imperative to maintain at least 5 mm from nearby obstacles.
Thanks to this precaution, the click-lock PVC planks can expand during temperature variations. To do this, simply use spacers against partitions. They serve to keep this expansion gap during the installation of your click-lock PVC tile floor.
For each row, place the click-lock tile pieces by snapping them laterally together. The click-lock method is done using a tongue and groove system. Each time a PVC plank is clicked in, you can reinforce the assembly with a tapping block and a mallet.
Is click-lock tile suitable for wet areas like the bathroom?
Do you want to give your bathroom a fresh new look? Choosing a PVC floor covering is an excellent idea. Not long ago, click-lock PVC tiles became popular. Although they are about to become widespread, they are starting to make their place among homeowners.
This material is suitable for almost all wet rooms including the bathroom, thanks to its resistance. It easily tolerates humid conditions. It can last over time even if the area is exposed to water. That is why you can find floors in click-lock PVC tile in countless homes.
As for their installation, the PVC planks simply click together, nicely covering the floor of your bathroom. Compared to laminate flooring, their waterproofness is among the most well-known advantages of click-lock tiles.
Moreover, there is no water penetration under the cement floor tiles. Unlike traditional tiles which are rather cold like ice, the advantages of click-lock tiles make them pleasant to the touch. Not to mention their aesthetic side, they look magnificent, giving your bathroom a new lease on life. Since they come in a variety of colors and patterns, there is something for every taste.
💡 Practical tip: To clean your click-lock tiles, avoid using large amounts of water. A barely damp microfiber mop is more than enough. Excess stagnant water could, over time, seep into the clips and create musty odors under the covering.
What are the advantages of click-lock tiles in terms of ease of installation?
As explained above, their ease of installation is one of the major advantages of click-lock tiles. Generally, installing traditional tiles is a risky job requiring delicacy and specific technical skills.
On the other hand, installing each click-lock PVC tile is within everyone’s reach. You just need to snap the PVC planks together without glue and without a mortar screed. There is no drying time to respect. As soon as the click-lock tile floors are properly installed, you can use them immediately. You even have the possibility to place furniture or walk on them.
Since the assembly is done through tongues and grooves, no substances or glue are necessary. As a result, you won’t risk dirtying your interior during the installation of click-lock tile squares.
Their installation does not require the use of cement, spacers, or rectified tile grout. Therefore, there is no need to purchase these, which allows you to save money. That is why more and more people are opting for the click-lock tile floor covering, an inexpensive solution.
That said, their versatility also counts among the advantages of click-lock tiles. Whether you have laminate flooring or wooden parquet, you can cover them with this type of tile. Additionally, it can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Many choose it to modernize the floor of their balcony or terrace.
🌟 The Advantages
- Clean installation (no mortar dust)
- Immediate use of the room
- Easy replacement of a damaged tile
🔍 Drawbacks
- Higher purchase price per m²
- Requires a perfectly flat floor
- More limited choice of models
Are there specific tools needed for installing click-lock tiles?
Unlike most floor coverings, click-lock PVC tiles are easy to install. They can be clipped together to elegantly cover the floor of your interior. To accomplish this, their assembly does not require many specific tools. However, you still need to have some necessary equipment for the job.
As with any tile installation, a utility knife is very helpful. You use it to make cuts, especially at the end of a row. You can use a metal ruler to press against the utility knife. You also have the option to use an electric tile cutter to save effort and time.
It should be noted that cuts are made directly on the face of the PVC tile plank. You are therefore not required to flip it over. However, when clipping the last PVC tile located at the edge of a partition or wall, it is preferable to use a pull bar.
To ensure that the click-lock PVC tiles are not installed too close to the wall, you must place spacers to allow for material expansion. If you do not have any, you can use tile spacers. And each time you tap the tiles into place, do not hesitate to reinforce the blows with a mallet and a tapping block.
How to properly maintain and clean a click-lock tile floor?
Like any floor covering, click-lock tiles need to be cleaned regularly to preserve their durability. Although they are very resistant, they are still not immune to the accumulation of dust and everyday dirt.
If you neglect their maintenance, not only do you compromise their appearance, but you also accelerate their wear. To avoid this, please take care of them regularly.
The frequency of cleaning depends notably on the use of the floor tile. You should also consider the environment in which it is located. If you install it in the kitchen or hallways, weekly maintenance is recommended. However, if your click-lock tile floors are in less frequented areas, monthly maintenance is sufficient.
To do this, start by dusting them to remove dirt. Then prepare your cleaning solution. You can choose special click-lock tile cleaners, mild detergents, or natural products.
Among grandmother’s tips, the mixture of white vinegar and lukewarm water seems very effective. This is suitable to make your floor clipsable tile solution naturally very clean.
Whatever your choice, please pour the product into a bucket filled with lukewarm water. Do not forget to respect the indicated doses. That said, you can immerse the mop in the cleaning solution.
Remember to wring it out well to avoid excessively wetting the tiles clipsable PVC. With the mop, make regular and gentle movements removing all stains and dirt. After rinsing, let the clip tile tiles air dry. Once they are completely dry, you can walk on the floor.
What types of materials are used to make clipsable tiles?
Whether you install it outdoors or indoors, clipsable tiles can bring an unmatched aesthetic touch to the space. That is why it is highly sought after during renovation projects. Even though it is still little known by the general public, it can be found in many modern homes. It is among the choices for chic, elegant, and contemporary floor coverings.
To make the economical clipsable tile solution material, manufacturers mainly use porcelain stoneware. It is composed of silica and clay which are fired at high temperatures. This tile is particularly admired for its resistance to mechanical and physical stresses, water, and frost. It can tolerate extreme use. However, be careful not to place heavy furniture on it.
Unlike most ceramic tiles, clipsable tiles made of porcelain stoneware resist scratches and wear. You still need to be careful when installing furniture, as it can leave marks or streaks. It is always important to take care of it to increase its longevity.
Another advantage of porcelain stoneware lies in its lack of porosity. As such, it is quick and easy to clean. Besides its natural waterproofness, it is also non-absorbent and hygienic.
How do clipsable tiles perform in terms of durability and resistance?
When talking about clipsable tile advantages, it must be admitted that they are numerous. Besides its ease of installation, its great versatility attracts more and more households. It can cover any floor covering. Moreover, you can use it both indoors and outdoors.
If a PVC tile plank is broken, it can be repaired in a few minutes. During a move, no one can stop you from taking it to your new home. The clipsable PVC tile flooring is therefore reusable.
Despite their many advantages, it must be said that clipsable tile floors seem less resistant compared to classic tiles. Since they are among the latest models of tile floor coverings, it is not surprising that manufacturers are still making improvements. The same goes for their durability. The clipsable PVC tile planks do not support heavy loads.
Estimate the material cost for your room.
Vinyle clipsable (Éco) Céramique standard (Moyen) Pierre naturelle / Haute perf (Premium)Can clipsable tiles be used for outdoor use?
Many people choose clipsable tile floors to brighten up their outdoor spaces. They are mainly used to cover a terrace, garden, or balcony. Thanks to its ease of installation, the material can quickly change the appearance of the surface. Quick, the installation saves time and effort during outdoor arrangements.
This floor tile covering is also perfect for protecting an above-ground pool or an inflatable spa. It is very useful for creating aesthetic, warm, and non-slip surroundings. Some people also use it to extend their living rooms outdoors. Trendy, it brings them real added value due to its aesthetics and practicality.
In any case, the choice of clickable PVC tiles should not be made on a whim. It is essential to prioritize robust models capable of withstanding outdoor aggressions. Try to favor tiles that have a specific treatment to tolerate UV rays, water, dirt, humidity, scratches, and stains.
What are the costs associated with installing click tiles compared to other types of flooring?
When attracted by the advantages of click tiles, it is normal to have questions about the costs related to their installation. Especially if you plan to entrust this operation to a professional, it is important to request several quotes to find the best price.
If you compare with traditional tiles, you will notice that the modern click tile solution model is expensive to purchase. The price is calculated per square meter, not per tile. For an entry-level product, expect about 20 euros per m2. If you are looking for high-end click tiles, plan around 80 euros per m2.
Regarding its installation, this operation is much simpler compared to laying classic tiles. That is why the price may seem reasonable even if you go through a specialist. Generally, the removal of floor tiles with supply costs between 60 to 100 euros per m2.
FAQ: Successfully Installing Your Click Tiles
Can click tiles be installed in a bathroom?
Are click tiles noisy when walked on?
Should an expansion joint be left?
