PVC vs Homogeneous Flooring — Choosing the Right Floor for Dance, Studio & Gym Spaces in Singapore
When designing a dance studio, fitness room, or commercial gym, flooring choice directly affects comfort, performance, and durability. Two of the most common materials are PVC flooring and homogeneous vinyl flooring. While they look similar, their composition and applications differ significantly.
What Is PVC Flooring
PVC flooring (polyvinyl chloride) is a multi-layered vinyl surface known for its comfort, flexibility, and durability. It comes in rolls or tiles and is widely used in studios and sports facilities.
Common types:
Sports PVC roll flooring (4.5mm–10mm): ideal for dance studios, aerobic areas, multipurpose halls
Commercial PVC sheet flooring (2mm–5mm): suitable for offices, classrooms, and light fitness areas
Key benefits:
Soft, cushioned feel
Excellent shock absorption
Seamless and elegant finish
Slip resistant and easy to clean
Best used for: dance studios, yoga rooms, and fitness zones focused on movement comfort.
What Is Homogeneous Flooring
Homogeneous vinyl flooring is made from a single solid layer of vinyl. The color and pattern run through the entire thickness, giving it long-lasting wear resistance and low maintenance needs.
Typical specs:
Thickness: 2mm
Material: 100% pure vinyl
Finish: matte or semi-gloss
Key benefits:
Extremely durable and dense
Resistant to scratches and heavy use
Economical for large commercial areas
Easy to polish and maintain
Best used for: commercial gyms, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and high-traffic fitness spaces.
Key Differences Between PVC and Homogeneous Flooring
Structure
• PVC Flooring – multi-layer construction (wear layer + foam + backing)
• Homogeneous Flooring – single solid vinyl layer
Comfort
• PVC – soft and cushioned
• Homogeneous – firm underfoot
Thickness Range
• PVC – 4.5mm to 10mm (sports), 2mm to 5mm (commercial)
• Homogeneous – typically 2mm
Sound Absorption
• PVC – excellent
• Homogeneous – moderate
Maintenance
• PVC – easy, no waxing required
• Homogeneous – needs occasional polishing
Slip Resistance
• PVC – high (textured surface)
• Homogeneous – moderate (smooth surface)
Cost
• PVC – higher for thicker sports rolls
• Homogeneous – more economical
Applications
• PVC – dance, yoga, studio, multipurpose halls
• Homogeneous – commercial gyms, rehab, hospitals
PVC Flooring for Dance Studios
PVC sports flooring around 5mm–8mm thick provides the best combination of shock absorption, stability, and control. It reduces injury risk from repetitive movements, supports smooth turns, and enhances the professional appearance of the studio.
Recommended thickness: 5mm–6mm
Surface: smooth matte
Installation: seamless roll installation with sports adhesive or double-tape method
Flooring Choice for Gyms and Fitness Studios
PVC Sports Roll (6mm–10mm)
• Best for functional training, cardio, and movement zones
• Cushioned and non-slip surface
• Suitable over plywood or screed base
Homogeneous Vinyl (2mm)
• Ideal for moderate foot traffic with no heavy weight drops
• Easy to sanitize and maintain
• Cost-efficient for large commercial gyms
Installation Best Practices
• Ensure subfloor is flat, dry, and clean
• Use appropriate sports-grade adhesive
• Tape or weld seams for a watertight finish
• Seal edges with silicone or cove skirting
• Add XPE or foam underlayment if extra sound or impact absorption is required
Recommended Thickness Guide
Dance / Ballet Studio – 5mm–6mm PVC roll
Yoga / Pilates – 4.5mm–6mm PVC roll
Cardio / Functional Zone – 6mm–8mm PVC roll
Commercial Gym (no heavy weights) – 2mm homogeneous vinyl
Rehabilitation / Physiotherapy – 3mm–4mm PVC roll or homogeneous vinyl
Which Should You Choose
PVC flooring offers comfort, flexibility, and premium studio finish — ideal for dance and movement spaces.
Homogeneous flooring offers durability, hygiene, and easy maintenance — ideal for commercial gyms and high-traffic facilities.
At GymFlooring.sg, we supply and install both PVC sports flooring and homogeneous vinyl flooring across Singapore. Our service includes site preparation, adhesive work, and professional finishing to ensure a long-lasting result.
