Looking for an affordable alternative to hardwood or stone flooring? Want a high level of customization and design flexibility? Need your floor to be waterproof? Look no further: vinyl flooring meets all these needs and more. This material is usually fairly cheap and is not known to feel authentic to its style or design’s simulated material—putting in a vinyl floor likely won’t add value to your home.
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Find a ContractorVinyl flooring is a type of multi-layered synthetic flooring. Made from materials like plastic, fiberglass and PVC, vinyl flooring typically comes in planks, tiles or sheets that can then be assembled. A core layer, potentially with an underlay or backing, makes up the bulk of the floor. Over this is an image layer, which can mimic a multitude of materials including wood and ceramic. A top wear layer of varying thickness protects the sublayers from damage.
Vinyl flooring is known for being resilient. This means that most vinyl flooring is water-resistant and very low maintenance, with long-lasting durability. If it has a wear layer, vinyl flooring will usually not stain and can survive plenty of wear and tear, which makes it a good option for any highly trafficked areas. Some brands manufacture 100% waterproof vinyl floors—excellent for bathrooms or mudrooms.
Compared to materials like hardwood or stone, vinyl flooring has a “softer” and more “padded” feeling underfoot, thanks to its layered composition. These layers also insulate and help the floor maintain a consistent temperature no matter the season. Vinyl can also have soundproofing qualities, which serve to reduce both noise and echo in any room.
Vinyl is quite affordable and has an uncomplicated installation process that can be DIYed fairly easily.
Since vinyl flooring consists of a single wear layer over the design layer, it cannot be refinished. Once the floor is damaged, the affected areas, or the entire floor, must be entirely replaced. This is especially true for sheet vinyl or low-quality vinyl.
Most of the time (though not always) vinyl floors do not have an impact on the resale value of a house or building. Low-quality vinyl floors, especially older floors, may even have a negative impact.
Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations. If this is a concern for you, we recommend avoiding high-VOC vinyl flooring and choosing a low-VOC floor instead.
Things to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners. It’s affordable, easy to install and available in various colors and textures to suit your style. Whether you’re looking for something modern or traditional, vinyl flooring can meet your needs. However, there are a few additional factors to consider when choosing vinyl flooring, such as:
Stain Resistance
When it comes to vinyl flooring, the most significant advantage is its resistance to stains and spills. Different vinyl products have varying degrees of stain resistance, so it’s essential to consider this factor when shopping. Look for vinyl flooring options with a protective top layer or surface treatment that repels stains and makes cleaning easier. This aspect is particularly crucial in areas prone to spills or high traffic, such as kitchens or playrooms.
Thickness
The thickness of your vinyl floor is one of the most important factors in determining its overall durability, comfort and performance. Thicker floors are typically more durable and provide better insulation against noise and temperature changes. On the other hand, thinner vinyl may be more affordable and suitable for areas with lighter foot traffic where long-term durability is less important than affordability or ease of installation.
Sunlight
If you’re considering installing vinyl flooring in a room with abundant natural light or large windows, choosing a product that is resistant to UV rays is essential. Look for vinyl flooring with built-in UV protection or a protective top layer that guards against fading and discoloration. This component will help ensure that your vinyl flooring maintains its appearance over time.
Vinyl can cost anywhere from $0.50 per square foot for a sheet to $5.00 per square foot for luxury planks or tiles. A good range to ballpark for quality vinyl would be between $2.50 to $5.00. As with most types of flooring, you will pay more for a high-quality and customized floor. In some cases, high-quality vinyl can approach the cost of inexpensive hardwood, so be sure to compare and contrast between the two before making a final decision.
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Learn MoreVinyl flooring—particularly high-quality vinyl flooring—is easy to maintain. Depending on your wear layer, your floor has likely received a surface treatment (specific to the manufacturer) that helps make it resistant to scratches and stains. Vacuuming, sweeping and using a damp mop are typically sufficient measures to keep your floor clean and you can easily DIY a gentle cleaning solution instead of purchasing one. Standard floor care practices also apply: clean up spills and messes, use rugs and mats, put protective pads on furniture legs and so on.
On the other hand, because of the wear layer, vinyl floors should not be waxed, varnished or steam-cleaned. Abrasive, oily and acidic products should also be avoided. Never apply any direct heat to your vinyl floor: this can cause your floor to discolor and even melt.
Vinyl floors are very versatile when it comes to design options. It is possible to buy vinyl that looks like other flooring material, including wood, brick and stone. Further customization, once you choose a material, is also possible. Vinyl flooring offers a wide range of textures, styles and colors. If you are opting for a non-traditional look, bright, muted and metallic patterns are available in a multitude of geometric, floral or even Art Deco designs.
Stand-alone images, such as a giant flower or animal, can also be done with vinyl flooring. As usual, expect to pay more for customized designs and patterns, and do your usual checks for quality assurance—some custom vinyl flooring companies may offer a flashy product and not much else.
The good news is that you can easily install vinyl flooring yourself—and this could mean a flooring project becomes 50% less expensive than it would be if you were hiring a professional. Vinyl planks and tiles can typically be installed as a floating floor, with the pieces locking together; for other types, you may need to glue the floor into place or use a peel-and-stick method.
Depending on your experience and preparation needs, expect a simple flooring project for a single room to take one to two days. Make sure to follow any installation instructions included with your purchased vinyl flooring.
Hiring a professional, on the other hand, will be significantly more expensive. For a 500 square foot room, HomeAdvisor estimates that the cost of a professional hire to install vinyl planks will run around $6,800 for labor and materials while DIY will cost $3,300. A professional installation will typically include details like adding trim and leveling the subfloor, and for complicated projects the extra money spent may be well-worth the time and energy saved.
There is a wide range for how long vinyl flooring lasts: anywhere from five to 25 years. This huge variation is a result of the initial installation process, quality of the flooring, thickness of the wear layer and maintenance.
It also reflects the fact that once a vinyl floor is damaged, it must be replaced instead of refinished—and depending on the amount of damage and type of vinyl you purchased, this may mean anything from the entire floor (sheet vinyl) to the affected tile or plank. In a well-travelled home, expect to be on the much lower end of this range.
When looking for high-quality vinyl flooring, check the warranties and thickness of the wear layer. A thick wear layer (20 to 30 mils) will mean that your floors last longer and a solid warranty will save you money in the event of damage. The better both of these specifications are, the more you can expect to pay.
Top manufacturers include Shaw Flooring, COREtec, Mohawk and Armstrong. Karndean is an international brand that specializes in only vinyl flooring, while Home Depot’s Home Decorators Collection offers a reliable enough and certainly affordable product. Always research the specifications of whatever floor you are choosing; though all these companies are reputable, quality may vary between different production lines.
Comparing Vinyl and Other Floors
When it comes to deciding between vinyl flooring and other types of flooring, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your decision should be based on factors like durability, maintenance, appearance and budget.
Vinyl flooring offers several advantages when compared to hardwood flooring. While hardwood flooring provides a natural and timeless look, vinyl flooring can replicate the appearance of wood with a wide variety of designs and patterns. Additionally, vinyl flooring is generally more durable and resistant to scratches, dents and moisture damage than hardwood flooring. Vinyl flooring is known for requiring minimal effort to keep it looking clean and fresh, while hardwood flooring may need refinishing and resealing eventually. Not to mention, vinyl flooring is often more affordable in terms of materials and installation costs than hardwood flooring.
When you compare vinyl and laminate flooring, both options have their strengths. Laminate flooring can also mimic the look of wood, but vinyl flooring offers a broader range of designs and patterns. In regards to durability, vinyl flooring tends to be more moisture-resistant, making it suitable for areas prone to spills or high humidity. Both laminate and vinyl flooring are relatively easy to maintain, although laminate flooring may be more prone to scratches and dents compared to vinyl. In terms of cost, laminate flooring is generally less expensive than vinyl flooring, but it’s important to consider the quality and design of the materials.
Vinyl flooring and carpet are two commonly chosen options for home interiors, each with its own appeal. Vinyl flooring is a hard surface that provides a wide range of textures and designs, including options that resemble the look of carpet. Carpet provides a soft and plush feel underfoot, offering a cozy and comfortable experience. However, compared to vinyl flooring, carpet can be more challenging to clean and maintain. Vinyl flooring is more resistant to stains and spills than carpet. Regarding cost, vinyl flooring tends to be less expensive than carpet, although pricing can vary depending on the quality and design of the materials used in each type of flooring material.
If you are looking for a waterproof and durable flooring that is comfortable to walk on, easy to install and requires little maintenance, then vinyl flooring may be for you. However, vinyl flooring is not the longest-lasting, best-looking, best-feeling nor most eco-friendly option out there, so if any of these points are important to you, consider looking elsewhere.
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