Are you planning to revamp your home or office with vinyl flooring? Great idea! But how much do you know about this material? No matter your reasons for installing new flooring, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of your chosen material.
Durability and price make vinyl flooring a favourite among homeowners. That might be enough for you, but familiarizing yourself with the material before you buy is a good idea.
Here is a complete look at what to expect when installing vinyl flooring. We cover the pros and cons, popular misconceptions, and the available products so you can make an informed purchase.
Vinyl Flooring 101: A Complete Buying Guide
Vinyl flooring is a great way to spruce up your space. But there are a couple of things you need to know before you buy. Here is a complete guide to help you make an informed decision.
But first…
What is vinyl flooring?
is credited with the invention of vinyl flooring in 1926. But it wasn’t until 1933 that vinyl made its debut on the flooring market.
Vinyl flooring is composed of synthetic materials such as fiberglass, plasticizer, and PVC. Made up of multiple layers, it is comfortable flooring material that also acts as a great insulator. This low-maintenance flooring is durable and 100% waterproof. In fact, vinyl flooring is a much better alternative to linoleum. In terms of style and functionality, it is a strong contender for a wide variety of spaces.
Let’s take a look at the three main types of vinyl flooring available on the market.
- LVP: Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are quite popular for good reason. If you are looking for solid hardwood but don’t have the budget for it, LVP is your safest bet. Usually, they are long and narrow and accurately imitate solid wood flooring.
In addition to their realistic wood design, the additional layers offer improved protection against scratches, stains, and almost anything else life throws at it.
- LVT: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is constructed similarly to LVP. What differentiates them is the design, which, in LVT, commonly mimics porcelain or ceramic tiles, or stone. Just like LVP, this variant is also thick and durable.
- Sheet Vinyl: Similar in construction to LVP. This is another cost-effective variant that mimics the aesthetic appeal of wood and tiles.
What Are the Pros & Cons of Vinyl Flooring?
Installing new flooring isn’t enough. Understanding the product’s various possibilities and limitations is just as important.
Benefits
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It’s Affordable
Want to keep the cost of your renovation down? Vinyl flooring is less expensive than solid wood, tiles, or stone. With advances in technology, it is hard to differentiate between them. If you are looking to cut costs, this is a great idea for kids’ rooms, mudrooms, and even guest bathrooms.
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It’s Easy to Install
Vinyl flooring offers hassle-free installation. If you are a DIY enthusiast, sheet vinyl is the easiest to install out of the three options. LVT and LVP, meanwhile, are excellent for high-traffic areas but should be installed professionally for best results.
No matter which type of vinyl you choose, it’s important to have a smooth surface to avoid damaging newly-installed vinyl floor. Fix any cracks, smooth out bumps, and remove old flooring for a better installation and to further save on costs.
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It Offers Seemingly Limitless Designs
Tired of looking at the same old floor? Vinyl flooring offers a wide range of design options, so you never have to settle. From faux wood and marble to patterns and textures, nothing is off limits.
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It Provides Comfort and Insulation
Is the chilly weather in Toronto and Mississauga making your home uncomfortable? Vinyl flooring comes with a lot of layers which offer softness underfoot and act as a great insulator.
If you have an active household with children or your parents, vinyl flooring can minimize the risk of slip & falls as it is resistant to slips. Its soft backing also cushions any such accidents.
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It’s Moisture and Stain Resistant
A busy household can mean a lot of mess. Accidental spills from kids and pets are normal, but your floors should be able to deal with them. Vinyl is a great choice for such environments. Easy to clean and 100% waterproof, they can be installed almost anywhere.
Scuffs, stains, and gradual wearing inevitably result in dull-looking floors, but vinyl flooring is quite resistant to stains and scuffs.
Choose a product with an extra layer of polyurethane for added protection. Ask an expert at your local flooring store to lead you to the best product.
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It Is Easy to Maintain
Who wants to spend all their time maintaining and cleaning their floor? Fortunately, keeping your vinyl floors clean is simple with occasional mopping and vacuuming. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and acid.
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It’s Durable
The best reason to invest in vinyl flooring is its overall durability in both homes and offices. LVT and LVP are excellent for high to moderate traffic areas, while sheet vinyl is best for low traffic areas. Opt for a brand with a warranty.
Disadvantages
Vinyl has few downsides but keep these facts in mind.
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It Cannot Be Repaired
Once damaged, vinyl flooring needs to be replaced. This is unlike solid wood and engineered flooring, both of which can be repaired or refinished.
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It Adds No Resale Value
People often choose to make home improvements to add value to their home, but vinyl flooring will not increase its market price.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Myth 1: Luxury vinyl floors lack textural depth and their designs fade.
Verdict: High-quality LVT is so similar to actual hardwood or tiles that it’s hard to tell the difference. The designs also don’t fade over time if they are installed properly and maintained well.
Myth 2: LVT is easy to install.
Verdict: If you have no experience with vinyl flooring, sheet vinyl is the easiest to install out of the three styles but will still pose challenges. LVT and LVP require skilful installation and (possibly) preparation of the subfloor. Subpar installation will damage your subfloor and newly-installed vinyl floors. Make sure to contact a well-regarded installation expert in your area for the desired result.
Flooring is a big investment, so it’s wise to give it considerable thought and planning. Hope this blog was helpful for you. I have tried to cover the topics related to vinyl flooring that are most often on everyone’s mind. I hope this helps you find the appropriate vinyl flooring for your space. Let me know what you think of this advice.
Author Bio: Taniya Banerjee is a content writer with expertise in writing SEO-based content. When not writing she loves baking and listening to music, preferably at the same time.
