Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) is the #2 most durable floor we’ve installed in 40+ years—outlasting linoleum, vinyl plank, and wood. Only porcelain tile is tougher. And, yes, these “supermarket floors” CAN be stylish. Today’s VCT comes in a huge range of colors and patterns. The only downside is needing to buff VCT to restore its glossy shine. Visit our showroom to explore modern looks of this time-tested floor. Schools, hospitals, offices, and retail spaces love it—and we’ve seen it last for decades.
For more than 25 years, Island Carpet has been installing floors at the Gordon School in East Providence. After decades of working with so many materials, we’ve seen what works—and what wears out—when it comes to high-traffic areas like schools and corporate spaces. And here’s the surprising truth: one of the best, most practical flooring options in those environments is the tried-and-true vinyl composition tile (VCT).
Yes, that’s the very same tile you’ve probably seen in supermarkets, hospitals, and other institutional spaces. VCT is built to withstand an incredible amount of foot traffic. When paired with regular maintenance—like occasional scrubbing, waxing, and polishing—it can last for decades without showing significant wear. That’s why schools, supermarkets, and hospitals rely on it year after year.
One misconception about VCT is that it only comes in the standard beige or gray tiles—most often seen in grocery stores. However, today’s VCT options are available in a wide array of colors and patterns, which can be mixed and matched for creative and vibrant designs.
VCT's combination of affordability, durability, and design flexibility makes it a perfect solution where heavy foot traffic is non-stop and easy cleaning is a priority. At Island Carpet, we’ve seen firsthand how VCT keeps up with decades of use in places like the Gordon School—making it a smart investment as long as you are comfortable with the cleaning process.
What started out as a supermarket staple has grown into a practical, design-friendly solution for schools and institutions that need the highest levels of performance and durability. If you're planning a commercial project and expect your floor to take a beating, vinyl composition tile may be just what you're looking for.
If you have any questions about vinyl composition tile or how floors differ on durability, give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom. We serve customers throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England, including Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol and more.
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.
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