Are you renovating and looking for some new flooring to replace the old one? If you are, there’s one solution that won’t let you down. It’s called vinyl floors. This is a very popular flooring option for many reasons. it’s affordable, easy to install, easy to clean and maintain and water resistant. Who wouldn’t want to invest in an improvement like this?
What’s Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring has always been a popular choice among homeowners. It initially surfaced in the 1950s, gained a greater reputation in the 1970s, and has unquestionably continued to grow in popularity ever since. It’s quite durable which makes it perfect for any type of room that has heavy foot traffic. Besides being durable, there are plenty of reasons to buy high-quality vinyl flooring. It’s simple to clean and maintain, easy to install and it’s waterproof.
How is Vinyl Flooring Made?
Sometimes people confuse vinyl with laminate or linoleum because of the way they look, but they’re actually very different materials. The base of vinyl is PVC or polyvinyl chloride. The first step in making it is to immerse it in a liquid and you get a spreading mixture. This mixture consists of a carrier sheet, plasticisers, pigments, and trace stabilisers.
The next step is to dry out the mixture and transform it into sheets. The final step is cutting, where it gets sized and cut into suitable pieces. Since we’re living in an eco-friendly society, manufacturers try to find a way to replace all of those ingredients with something recyclable and something already recycled. They’re working on developing new technologies to make this happen.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Planks
Luxury vinyl planks are designed to resemble wood. They’re long and narrow and because of their thicker build, they stand out from the rest. Their thickness also makes them more durable and scratch-resistant. These planks come in various colours and textures, ranging from light brown to grey and white, reflecting current trends. Oftentimes, manufacturers add extra protective layers to make the planks even more durable.
There are two ways of installing these planks. The first one is with tongue-and-groove. This is a fairly easy installation that creates a waterproof surface. It’s suitable for rooms with a lot of moisture and humidity like bathrooms, kitchens, basements and laundry rooms. The second way is to glue it down to the surface. Gluing makes the surface more stable and durable, especially when you’re covering larger rooms.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl tiles are designed to imitate ceramic tile, porcelain and stone. These tiles are thicker than their sheet counterparts and create a very realistic illusion. These tiles are great for busy families, and families with children and pets because of their maintenance. All you need to clean a stain is a wet wipe. They’re also waterproof and durable. Plus, you can install them over the existing flooring.
Sheet Vinyl
Out of all three alternatives, sheet vinyl is the cheapest and easiest to install. It’s somewhat less expensive than the other two but also thinner. This increases its vulnerability to scuffs and other damages. This good quality vinyl flooring comes in many designs. You’ll find something that suits your needs. And when you’re bored of the same look, it won’t break your budget to change it and refresh the space.
Benefits of Installing It
Water Resistance
Vinyl’s waterproof and water-resistant qualities make it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture and spills, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. You won’t have to worry about accidental spills or pet messes anymore; a quick wipe is all it takes. This allows you to enjoy the look of wood flooring in places where it wasn’t possible before.
Affordability
This flooring remains one of the most cost-effective choices compared to wood, stone, or ceramic. The price of these materials can sometimes be up to ten times higher than vinyl, and initial installation costs can significantly reduce your budget. Vinyl’s straightforward installation process also makes it an easy DIY project. While prices may differ based on thickness, brand, and design, there are lots to choose from.
Various Design Options
One of the most significant advantages of vinyl is its versatility in how it looks. It can have a wide range of colours, textures, designs, and patterns, making it suitable for nearly any home and interior design. The prints on vinyl can mimic stone, tile, and even wood grain patterns so closely that it’s often difficult to distinguish them from the actual materials. This quality makes vinyl an excellent substitute for more expensive options while still giving you a high-end look.
Simple to Clean & Maintain
Like all flooring types, vinyl requires occasional cleaning. It’s easy to clean and maintain, but don’t ignore it for a long time, especially in high-traffic areas. Start by removing dirt and debris with a vacuum, broom, or microfiber sweeper to avoid scratches and damage. Then, a wet mop and mild cleaner can take care of any stains. Avoid strong products that could damage the surface. In many cases, a simple mixture of vinegar and soda is enough to keep it clean and good-looking.
Potential Downsides
Colour Can Fade
When vinyl is continuously exposed to sunrays and direct sunlight it can cause the colour to fade after a while. If you can, avoid placing it in areas that get constant sunlight. If you can’t avoid it, place a nice rug or carpet over it to prevent damage. Another thing that can help, is coating the floors with a UV-resistant layer.
Emits VOCs
Vinyl products can emit gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They can cause health issues like headaches, eye irritation, dizziness, or respiratory problems. High-quality vinyl flooring typically emits these gases for a short period after installation. It’s important to ventilate your home well or use air fresheners to mitigate the effects during this time.
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