Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Vinyl Flooring

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a flooring type made out of synthetic, PVC vinyl, and a plasticizer which is commonly confused with some other types of flooring such as laminate and linoleum. Due to its multiple layers and thick core, it is extremely durable and completely moisture resistant. It’s a relatively new material on the market used for floor covering and is extremely versatile. These floors usually come in sheets, tiles, and planks which makes it easy to install it yourself.

Although up until recently, most people used to choose laminate for a flooring, the rise of many different types of luxury vinyl floors made vinyl a popular choice. People love vinyl floors for many different reasons. First of all, it’s extremely versatile and is available in various styles, colors, and shades so you will never feel limited when making a decision. Unlike laminate floors, vinyl floors can be also used for bathrooms and kitchen applications.

Thanks to the great advances in technology and the exquisite design of these floors, more and more people are choosing floor vinyl models for their home or commercial spaces.

The Main Types of Vinyl Flooring

When we are speaking of different types of vinyl floors we are actually referring not to the looks or texture but to the actual process of installation. There are two main types of vinyl flooring:

• Vinyl sheet flooring

• Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT)

Vinyl sheet flooring is mostly used for commercial and residential applications. There is a rapid growth in the usage of commercial vinyl because of its high durability and innovative design.

If you are looking for a floor that mimics the appearance of wood and ceramic tile, you should choose the LVT type of vinyl flooring. Its modular format makes the DIY installation straightforward and easy. As it simulates the looks of a wooden floor, this flooring type is highly sought after nowadays due to the many desirable features it possesses. There is an extensive collection of LVT vinyl designs featuring realistic surface textures, and polyurethane reinforcement, ideal for commercial usage.

No matter which option you decide to choose, always make sure that you aren’t applying a new vinyl flooring over an old one.

Features To Consider Before Buying Vinyl Flooring

Durability

Vinyl floors are generally considered highly durable but there are some important factors that are crucial for how long these floors will last. For instance, the quality of the materials and the manufacturing and installation process, all play a major role in the longevity of your vinyl flooring.

Low Maintenance

Whether you’ve got LVT or a vinyl sheet roll, cleaning and maintaining these floors is a pretty straightforward and easy task. You can start by sweeping your vinyl floor to remove the dirt. Since it’s water-resistant, you can wipe it afterwards with a wet mop which helps to keep the floor in top condition. These floors are naturally resistant to stains as well, all you have to do is just act quickly and wipe the dirt from the surface.

Waterproof

Luxury vinyl is waterproof which makes it ideal for places like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. As laundry rooms and basement are known to be associated with dampness and moisture, vinyl flooring can be the best choice.

Cost

Vinyl floors are one of the least expensive flooring options on the market today. If installed right, you can expect the floor to last up to 25 years. It costs much less than wood, stone, and ceramic materials.

Design

Vinyl floors offer endless options of patterns and designs to choose from, which only confirms that this is one of their strongest features. There are so many options for creating and designing unique flooring looks without spending a fortune.

Ease of installation

The installation process of floor vinyl is pretty straightforward and easy. The flooring can also be fixed over concrete, hardwood, or plywood but, with the help of rubber-based adhesives. However, it’s not usually recommended if there are two or more pre-existing layers.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Vinyl Flooring?

Of course, every product has its own advantages and disadvantages. Even though we’ve mentioned so far many positive aspects and features of using vinyl flooring there are some disadvantages worth mentioning. Vinyl floors are not really eco-friendly and have a shorter lifespan than wood floors.