What is Vinyl Flooring?
At a dinner party last weekend, your friend shared photos of her brand-new home renovation. Her spa-like bathroom looks like a dream, and you were surprised to hear she completed it on a realistic budget. Now you want your own zen haven, and a luxurious, expensive-looking floor is at the top of the shopping list.
Luxury vinyl flooring can give you stunning natural looks at a fraction of the cost of authentic stone and hardwood. Another benefit? A core layer that's water resistant and incredibly durable, plus a protective wear layer that keeps everyday scuffs and scratches at bay!
Types of Vinyl Flooring
As you begin your hunt for the perfect investment, you've got four types of vinyl flooring options to choose from:
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Vinyl plank - If you're laser-focused on a budget-friendly alternative to solid hardwood floors, vinyl plank floors is where you'll want to start. Vinyl planks can beautifully resemble different wood species, including their grain patterns and subtle color variations. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also more rigid and thicker than other types, such as vinyl sheets, giving you a more durable floor.
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Vinyl tile - Whether your remodel includes a mosaic tile floor in the bathroom or a natural-looking slate for the entire first floor, your options can feel limitless with vinyl tile floors. These individual tiles come in several sizes and shapes, making them easy to arrange in unique patterns, so you can design a space that’s custom-fit for you.
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Vinyl sheet - Flooring installation that involves large areas can benefit from vinyl sheets, which range from 6 to 12 feet wide. You're left with fewer seams and less opportunity for moisture to seep in. Not to mention, vinyl sheets are available in stone, tile, and hardwood designs, too.
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Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) - Luxury vinyl tile (and luxury vinyl plank if in plank form) provides the look of high-end stone and hardwood at a cost that won't break your budget. You'll get a thicker, more durable wear layer with luxury vinyl flooring, which translates to water and scratch resistance. Some luxury vinyl products are even waterproof, which makes bathtime with your toddlers even easier!
Vinyl Flooring Appearance
Looking for a luxurious, elegant marble that doesn't break the bank? Vinyl tile floors deliver a realistic and affordable option. Or how about a stunning whitewashed wood look for your modern home? Vinyl plank floors just might be your answer! The beauty of luxury vinyl flooring is not only the array of gorgeous styles and designs available. It's also the fact that technology has advanced enough to make photo-realistic floors durable and water resistant for the messiest household!
Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
You've found luxury vinyl flooring that will beautifully highlight your new renovations and give your home the finishing touch it needs. But will vinyl flooring work well in your chaotic, sometimes messy home? Here are the top benefits this resilient flooring option offers:
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A huge variety of styles, colors, and designs, including realistic-looking hardwood and stone
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Easy care and maintenance
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Water resistance, so you can use it in all the rooms of your home
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Efficient, easy install for a professional to tackle
What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring?
The disadvantages are minimal, including:
Vinyl Flooring Maintenance and Durability
It might be safe to say that you have the hardest part behind you once you've selected and installed your vinyl flooring! Thankfully, the maintenance it takes to keep your beautiful new floors looking stunning for years to come is pretty straightforward and requires minimal effort. You'll want to sweep or vacuum regularly, making sure to pick up dirt and debris that's accumulated. For an occasional deeper clean, reference the care instructions provided by the product manufacturer.
Clean, well-maintained floors give the durability of your vinyl flooring a boost. If you've got an active household, whether that's a few rambunctious pups or a couple of sports fanatics who play hockey in the house even after you tell them not to, pay attention to the wear layer. This is the topmost layer of your vinyl floor that protects it from scratches, scuffs, and stains. The busier your home, the thicker you want the wear layer to be!
Vinyl Flooring Lifespan and Installation
You and your husband have agreed on vinyl flooring and you've even found the perfect oak wood-look vinyl planks! Once you have them installed, how long can you realistically expect them to last? It's an important question since you want to make sure you're getting your money's worth. While you can safely expect several years from your new investment, the actual lifespan will depend on a few variables, all of which are within your control. These include:
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How it's installed
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The quality of the materials used
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The wear and tear your vinyl flooring receives on a daily basis
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Whether you keep up with the care and maintenance
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How well you follow the manufacturer's guidance
The first step to ensuring a long life for new vinyl flooring is a proper installation. A pro installer will take the time required to get it right the first time, including having the necessary tools and paying close attention to detail during the step-by-step process. At the end of the day, you can rest easy knowing you have a beautiful, long-lasting vinyl floor that's still protected by your product warranty.
Vinyl Flooring FAQs
What do you put under vinyl flooring?
A few factors determine what goes under vinyl during a flooring installation, including the type of vinyl you choose, how it's being installed, and the material of your subfloor. Underlayment options range from plywood or particleboard to cork, felt, or foam. But don’t worry! The manufacturer of the specific vinyl flooring you buy may also have a recommended underlayment, which your Flooring America experts can help you find.
Where to install vinyl flooring?
Vinyl works well in nearly every room of your home! Wood-look vinyl plank floors showcase open-concept layouts beautifully while vinyl tile floors mimicking luxurious natural stone can turn your bathroom into a spa-like haven.
Is vinyl better than laminate for flooring?
Vinyl isn't inherently better than laminate. The better option is the one that best meets your lifestyle needs and adds beauty to your space! Laminate and vinyl flooring are both incredibly durable, with tons of colors and designs to choose from. They also resist water and are easy to clean should a mess occur.
What are the pros and cons of vinyl flooring?
Like all flooring options, vinyl flooring has its pros and cons. A few of the benefits include:
On the flip side, vinyl:
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Doesn't contribute as much to your home value as some other flooring options, like solid hardwood
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May be difficult to remove
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Is not the most eco-friendly
What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring can sometimes be difficult to remove, especially if the flooring installation involved adhesive. Plus, vinyl is made of synthetic materials that aren't considered environmentally friendly since they may emit VOCs.
How durable is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is known for its exceptional durability. It is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. Vinyl flooring is resistant to scratches, stains, and dents, ensuring that it maintains its beautiful appearance over time.
Can vinyl flooring handle heavy furniture?
Vinyl flooring is well suited for accommodating heavy furniture and appliances. However, it's recommended to use furniture pads or glides to distribute the weight evenly and prevent indentations. By taking proper precautions, you can ensure that your vinyl flooring remains in excellent condition even under heavy loads.
How does vinyl flooring handle wear and tear?
Vinyl flooring is highly resilient and can withstand everyday wear and tear. It is equipped with a protective wear layer that acts as a shield against scratches, scuffs, and stains. This wear layer ensures that your vinyl flooring maintains its original appearance even in high-traffic areas.
Will sunlight affect the durability of vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is designed to be UV-resistant, which means it can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without fading or discoloration. This feature makes it a great choice for rooms with large windows or spaces that receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
