ISO 26986:2010

Overview

ISO 26986:2010 specifies requirements for resilient floor coverings made from expanded (cushioned) poly(vinyl chloride) (expanded PVC), supplied as tiles or rolls. The standard defines product characteristics, test methods and a classification system based on intensity of use, helping manufacturers, specifiers and end‑users determine where cushioned PVC flooring will give satisfactory service.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Product definition: Expanded (cushioned) PVC floor covering - transparent wear layer over a foamed PVC layer, optionally embossed in register with a printed pattern.
• General requirements and tolerances: dimensional tolerances (length, width, tile squareness/straightness), overall thickness (nominal average tolerances), wear layer thickness and mass per unit area with specified allowable deviations.
• Performance tests referenced: dimensional stability and curling after heat exposure, thickness and mass tests, residual indentation and peel resistance, colour fastness to artificial light (ISO 105-B02 / ASTM F1515) and simulated furniture-leg movement. Specific test standards (e.g. ISO 24340, ISO 23999, ISO 24346, ISO 24343) are cited for reproducible evaluation.
• Classification by use intensity: aligned with ISO 10874, the standard assigns classes (domestic, commercial, light industrial) with nominal wear‑layer thicknesses and performance requirements (residual indentation, simulated castor-chair/furniture-leg movement, peel strength) to match expected traffic and loading.
• Marking, labelling and packaging: products or packages must identify ISO number (ISO 26986:2010), manufacturer, product name, colour/pattern and batch, applicable class/symbol, and roll/tile dimensions or area.

Applications and who uses it

• Manufacturers use ISO 26986 to design, test and declare expanded PVC flooring products that meet international tolerances and performance classes.
• Architects, specifiers and consultants reference the standard to select appropriate cushioned PVC flooring for residences, offices, retail, healthcare and light industrial environments.
• Procurement and facility managers use the classification and marking requirements to verify product suitability and traceability.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the referenced ISO/EN/ASTM test methods to validate compliance.

Keywords: ISO 26986, resilient floor coverings, expanded PVC, cushioned polyvinyl chloride, wear layer, classification, dimensional stability, floor covering specification.

Related standards

• ISO 10874 (classification of floor coverings)
• ISO 23997 / ISO 23999 / ISO 24340 / ISO 24341 / ISO 24342 / ISO 24343 / ISO 24346 (test methods and dimensional/physical characteristics)
• Optional properties and tests referenced in Annex A: EN 1081 (electrical resistance), EN 1815 (electrostatic propensity), ISO 26987 (chemical resistance), ISO 9239‑1 / ISO 11925‑2 (reaction to fire), ASTM E648 / E662.