12 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Vinyl Flooring

27 Nov.,2024

 

12 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Vinyl Flooring

Katelin Tips
6 minute read

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While vinyl records have gone the way of disco and VCRs, vinyl flooring is in. Experiencing record highs in sales, vinyl flooring is growing increasingly popular with homeowners. This is likely due to the unique benefits that vinyl flooring provides. It&#;s easy to install and maintain, long-lasting, and provides a comfortable surface to walk on.

But, is vinyl flooring right for you? Before choosing vinyl, there are some important things you need to consider. Check out our list of 12 things you need to know before buying vinyl flooring below.

What is Vinyl Flooring?


Luxury vinyl flooring is constructed entirely from a synthetic material called polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). PVC is heated and pressed into thin layers that are adhered to form vinyl tiles or planks. Each piece of vinyl features a photorealistic visual layer depicting hardwood, stone or ceramic looks, as well as a textured surface layer designed to mimic the feel of natural wood grains and minerals

Vinyl is durable, versatile, affordable and able to hold up to moisture and heavy foot traffic. It is often confused with other resilient flooring surfaces such as linoleum and laminate &#; and while luxury vinyl has similarities to laminate, there are significant differences in the construction of these products that set them apart from one another.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring comes in 2 types&#;sheet flooring and tile flooring. Sheet flooring&#;which is laid down in sheets that are 6 or 12 feet wide&#;is water resistant and easy to install. Vinyl tile flooring comes in tile sizes of 9 or 12 square inches; it replicates the look of ceramic tile but is more economical. Luxury Vinyl Tile&#;which simulates stone or wood&#;comes in plank shapes, often 7" wide by 48" long.

Vinyl Finishes

There are 3 types of finishes for vinyl flooring, all of which provide a beautiful end result.

  • Vinyl no-wax finish

    :

     This is the lightest type and is great for areas with light foot traffic and minimal exposure to dirt and moisture
  • Urethane finish

    :

     More durable, this finish is heavier and can stand up to moderate foot traffic and is also resistant to scuffing and easy to clean

Cost

Per square foot, vinyl flooring is one of the most economic options of flooring that you can choose. On average, you can expect to spend $2-$12 per square foot to have it installed. Luxury Vinyl Tile&#;or LVT to those of us in the biz&#;is similarly inexpensive, costing on average, $3-$14 per square foot for installation. When you compare the cost to wood, stone, or ceramic flooring, vinyl offers a significant cost savings. And if you&#;re handy, you can cut costs even further by installing vinyl flooring yourself. Depending on the complexity of the project, you can expect to spend $1-$2 less per square foot if you perform the installation, but of course we are always happy to install your new flooring.

Ease of Installation

Installation of vinyl flooring is typically easier than installation of other flooring materials. A floating vinyl sheet, for example, doesn&#;t require glue or staples. Instead, peel and stick vinyl can simply be adhered to a prepared subfloor. Vinyl flooring can also be installed over concrete, hardwood, or plywood. It can even be installed over existing vinyl; however, it isn&#;t recommended if you have 2 or more preexisting layers.

Durability

Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains. Some vinyl products even offer warranties of up to 15 years on the wear layer. As with any flooring, the quality of the material that you purchase will affect how long it lasts.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Vinyl Sheet Flooring Manufacturers.

Stain Resistance

As mentioned previously, some vinyl tiling has a wear layer that resists stains and spills&#;you can expect this protection with printed vinyl tiles and sheets. On the other hand, solid and composite vinyl tiles do not have this surface protection. As such, they&#;re more susceptible to stains and require occasional stripping and polishing to keep them looking like new.

Thickness

Vinyl is generally soft beneath your feet. Some vinyl sheets and tiles even have a padded layer, making walking on vinyl more comfortable. Also, vinyl floors are often referred to as "resilient" floors. This means that the floors have a certain degree of elasticity when you walk across them. Luxury Vinyl Tile is also quieter, as it has sound-absorbing properties.

Recommended Usage

Because of its durability, vinyl tiling makes a great choice for:

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Basements
  • Family Rooms
  • Laundry Rooms

Maintenance

This is one area where vinyl tiling really shines. Maintenance tends to be a breeze. After sweeping your vinyl floor to remove dirt and grit, simply run a damp mop over it (using an approved vinyl floor cleaner) to keep your flooring looking its best. Most vinyl flooring has a "no wax" finish and will look just as shiny after mopping as the day that you bought it.

Design

Some might say that the design options of vinyl flooring are its greatest feature; vinyl&#;s versatility makes it a homeowner&#;s favorite. With so many different colors and patterns of vinyl flooring, your options are nearly endless. For instance, you can combine solid and composite vinyl to create unique, random patterns. Or consider printed vinyl. With it, you can create the look of stone or hardwood without the expense of using those natural materials.

Vinyl Repairs

High-quality vinyl flooring is very durable. However, low-quality vinyl can be susceptible to rips and tears, and refinishing it can be a challenge. In particular, this is especially true if you are using sheet vinyl. Because vinyl flooring cannot be refinished, once damaged, it needs to be removed and replaced.

Sunlight

Unfortunately, most types of flooring are susceptible to damage from the sun. Over time, vinyl flooring can fade in direct sunlight. It&#;s recommended that you draw the curtains shut to protect your flooring during times of heavy sunlight.

As you can see, vinyl flooring makes a great choice for the heavily trafficked rooms in your home. With its durability, economical pricing, and simple maintenance, it&#;s a very popular choice for people who wish to improve the look of their home. And with the multitude of design options available, vinyl provides a number of attractive looks and finishes. For more help with selecting your flooring, contact America&#;s Floor Source to make an appointment. We&#;ll be happy to walk you through your vinyl flooring options.

10 Things You Need to Know Before Buying Vinyl Flooring

1. Decoding the Types of Vinyl Flooring

When choosing vinyl flooring, it's essential to understand the different types available. You essentially have two options &#; LVT and sheet vinyl.

LVT vinyl flooring benefits from a thick, multi-layered design, much like laminate. It is available in click and glue-down options, providing exemplary durability and water resistance. The floors are supplied in plank or tile format, giving a solid feel underfoot. Luxury vinyl plank flooring features a thicker wear layer, and are more versatile than sheet vinyl, allowing you to create unique patterns and designs, such as herringbone or parquet.

Vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls and provides a seamless look. It requires a glue-down installation method for larger areas like living rooms, but can be looselayed in smaller areas such as bathrooms, and a lack of joints means it benefits from excellent water resistance. While it does feature a thinner wear layer than LVT, it still boasts impressive durability wherever it is installed. Compared to LVT, it can also be softer and warmer underfoot. 

2. Navigating the Vinyl Flooring Installation Process

A key benefit of vinyl flooring is its easy installation process. There are three main methods available, including glue-down, click-lock, and loose lay. Glue-down installation involves adhering the vinyl directly to the subfloor, providing a stable and long-lasting result. It is the more time-consuming process, and depending upon the size of the room, you may need a professional to help you install it, but will can improve the longevity of the floor.

Click-lock vinyl flooring, also known as floating vinyl, uses interlocking edges to secure the planks or tiles together, requiring no adhesives. It is renowned for its fast, simple process that anyone can follow. You won&#;t need any DIY skills to fit these floors yourself. 

Loose lay vinyl flooring relies on friction and the material's weight to stay in place, making it simple to install and replace if needed. All three methods have their benefits, but click vinyl tends to be the most popular choice for homeowners. 

Understanding the different methods will help you choose the most suitable installation process to suit your skills and budget.

Are you interested in learning more about Felt Flooring Exporter? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!