Is Vinyl Flooring Right for You? Here’s What to Consider

One of the cornerstones of a beautiful home is carefully chosen flooring. It should look good, be comfortable to walk and functional for daily use. Today, there is a wide range of vinyl flooring options available on the market, combining the durability and advantages of modern flooring technology. In other words, there is a little bit of something for every taste and need. Vinyl flooring has greatly evolved in the last few decades and today it is one of the most popular flooring solutions. It is versatile, stylish, durable and affordable. If you’re hesitating if vinyl is the right solution for you, there are a couple of things to consider. Here’s what to look for in vinyl flooring.

What are the Different Types and Finishes of Vinyl?

There are two types of vinyl for floors – sheet flooring and tile flooring. Sheet flooring comes in sheets that are 1.80 to 3.50 metres wide, is water-resistant and easy to install. Vinyl tile flooring comes in tile sizes of 1 or 1.5 square metres that replicate the look of ceramic tile but are more economical. When it comes to finishes, there are three types, all of which provide a beautiful end result.

• No-wax finish – this is the lightest type and it is suitable for areas with light foot traffic and minimal exposure to dirt and moisture.
• Urethane finish – a more durable finish that can withstand moderate foot traffic. It is also more resistant to scuffing and easy to clean.
• Enhanced urethane finish – this is the toughest finish available and it can accommodate the heaviest foot traffic. It is highly resistant to stains and scratches and you can enjoy its lasting lustre without constant care.

What is the Cost of Installing Vinyl?

Vinyl is one of the most economic flooring options that you can get. When you compare the cost of wood, stone or ceramic flooring, vinyl is the obvious winner. And if you are a DIY person, you can cut costs even further by installing it yourself. Depending on the complexity of the project, you can expect to save a couple of bucks per square metre. The installation of vinyl flooring is generally easier than the installation of other flooring materials. A floating vinyl sheet, for instance, doesn’t require glue or staples. All you have to do is peel and stick the sheet to the prepared subfloor. One great about vinyl flooring is that it can be installed over concrete, hardwood or plywood.

How Durable is Vinyl?

Vinyl is one of the most durable materials on the market. There are, however, certain factors that can determine how well the floor will look over time, such as the quality of the material, how it was manufactured, and how well it was installed. All these will impact the durability and life expectancy of the vinyl flooring. In order to be durable, the vinyl floor needs to be treated with a special PUR surface treatment, which provides extreme protection and makes it resistant to stains or scratches. A vinyl floor that has an enhanced rigid core construction provides extra resistance and excellent stability. This means that it won’t ripple or swell and there won’t be any expansion or contractions of the floor over time.

Is Vinyl Flooring Good for Soundproofing?

Vinyl flooring that comes with a foam back offers a cushioned, flexible surface that makes it a good choice for sound reduction. However, as is with everything else, you get what you pay for. While you can install any type of vinyl floor, its quality will influence the level of sound absorption it provides.

Is Vinyl Flooring Good for Pets?

Vinyl flooring is a common option among families with pets. Its high durability and moisture resistance make it a great option for pets. Plus, it’s easy to clean and resistant to scratches and dents.

How Difficult it is to Maintain Vinyl?

The maintenance of vinyl for floors is a breeze. After sweeping the floor to remove dirt and grit, simply run a damp mop over it. To keep it looking its best, consider using an approved vinyl floor cleaner. After mopping your vinyl flooring, it will look as shiny as the day that you installed it.