Vinyl Flooring Pros And Cons [Detailed Explanations]

This is a most complete guide on vinyl flooring pros and cons where we have discussed everything you need to know before making a decision.

It is no secret that the popularity and demand for vinyl flooring have increased exponentially over the years. It may be difficult to find a home or building these days without at least some type of vinyl flooring installation.

But there are still many homeowners who do not know about all the benefits and disadvantages of this popular choice in flooring material.

Aside from standard vinyl planks, you may select from a variety of other choices, including LVP, SPC, and WPC. It is a form of resilient flooring since the overall vinyl flooring category provides a low-maintenance, cost-friendly-durable floor & water resistance.

Follow this guide to learn more about vinyl flooring pros and cons before making your decision on which type of flooring material you want in your home or building.

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LVP Vs. SPC Vs. WPC: Differences And Similarities

LVP, also known as Luxury Vinyl Plank, is a type of vinyl material that can be installed to look like various types of flooring materials. It is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and has a rigid construction for enhanced durability.

LVP planks may be finished with a hand-scraped or scratched pattern, as well as an antiqued or highly distressed appearance.

LVP is water-resistant but not totally waterproof, much like standard vinyl flooring. However, it is an attractive option for most places.

Now speaking of (Stone Plastic Composite) SPC & Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), the main difference between these two and LVP is the inner core.

As we can understand with the names, SPC is made from stone and polymer composite, whereas WPC is made from wood polymer composite.

The two core types are far more durable than standard and premium vinyl planks. They’ll endure considerably longer, as well as being completely waterproof.

SPC and WPC are the type of material that is often installed in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior patios.

Despite the fact that they are waterproof, SPC & WPC still need to be maintained in order to keep them looking their best.

Another major benefit of these two SPC & WPC materials is float installation which means the installation process is quite easy, as well as the changing of damaged planks.

The only drawback about the LVT is the high price point when compared to other vinyl planks.

Vinyl Flooring Pros And Cons

So, let’s take a quick look at some of the many pros and cons of vinyl flooring for your home or building.

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Pros Of Vinyl Flooring (Advantages)

Unique Finishes And Styles

One of the best things about vinyl flooring is that it comes in a huge selection of different styles and finishes. This means that you’ll be able to find just the right type of vinyl flooring to suit your taste and decorating needs, regardless of what your tastes or preferences might be.

People usually think that vinyl flooring isn’t as smooth and luxurious as hardwood floors, but this isn’t always the case! There are lots of different styles and finishes to choose from that can suit any style or taste.

It’s possible to get different types of finishes, including hand-scraped and knotted. Many people choose vinyl flooring as an alternative to hardwood floors simply because the finish and style selection is much greater.

The different widths of planks and tiles are also available for stunning designs. In addition, the wide variety of colors and textures ensures that you can find a floor for any room in your home.

Affordable

Another great thing about vinyl flooring is that it is more affordable than most other types of flooring materials that range from $1 to $8 per square foot.

Vinyl flooring is offered in a range of prices, depending on factors like the thickness and type of material used. Of course, there are some factors that contribute to vinyl flooring’s affordability, such as cheaper installation costs and reduced need for repairs.

But it also doesn’t require the same level of maintenance as other types of materials; that being said, vinyl flooring does have a low-maintenance cost.

If you’re trying to stick to a strict spending plan, note that sheet vinyl is the most cost-effective alternative.

Keep Reading: How To Use Vinyl Flooring Outdoors

Highly Durable If Cared Properly

This is probably one of the most popular reasons why people choose vinyl flooring over other types of materials. One of the great things about vinyl flooring is that because it’s so durable, you can use it in lots of different areas throughout your home without having to worry about scratches and dents occurring too quickly.

Vinyl flooring will last a long time without needing any major renovations, which means that you’ll probably end up saving money on repairs in the long run.

All in all, vinyl flooring is incredibly durable, and if cared for properly, it will last a long time. It’s great for high-traffic areas, families with kids, and even pets. It’s suitable for almost any area in your house.

Pretty Comfortable To Walk On

Another great thing about vinyl flooring is that it’s incredibly comfortable to walk on. This makes it perfect for areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways where people typically spend a lot of their time.

Vinyl flooring comes in a range of different textures, including matte, smooth, and glossy finishes, which add to the comfort level as well as the style and look of the floor.

Another advantage of this material is that it can keep the room temperature steady, which is perfect for colder nights. It provides a soft feeling on your feet that is comfortable for walking on.

Keep Reading: Guide To Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring

Easy Installation

Another great thing about vinyl flooring is that it’s incredibly easy to install. If you’re someone who isn’t very handy or doesn’t like doing manual labor, you can hire a contractor to do the installation for you.

However, if you’re someone who loves DIY projects and saving money, this is something that you can easily do on your own. Many of the vinyl floorings have float floor-type installations.

You only have to snap the planks together; they interlock. You won’t need any glue or fasteners, though. You just have to lay these interlocking planks in the desired area, and you’re done!

It’s also incredibly easy to remove if you ever need to replace any of the planks or tiles.

Looks Beautiful & Unique

Another reason why people love vinyl flooring is that it’s beautiful and unique, giving that designer look. Vinyl sheet flooring comes in a wide range of colors, styles, patterns, and even textures, so you’re bound to find the perfect one for your home.

As a matter of fact, some types of vinyl flooring are embossed or have a raised pattern, so it feels like you’re walking on a real wood floor.

Vinyl tiles are also impressive because they come in a large variety of stylish patterns and designs to match any decor style, which gives that designer look.

With styles and designs that are both beautiful and unique, vinyl flooring has the potential to brighten up any room in your house.

Keep Reading: Everything About Vinyl Flooring Underlayment

Easy To Clean & Maintain

It’s incredibly easy to clean and maintain. This is especially good for families with kids and pets because they’ll make a mess from time to time.

Vinyl flooring doesn’t require the same level of maintenance as other types of materials, which means you can save yourself some time and effort by opting for this material.

Vinyl flooring doesn’t really need to be waxed or polished like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles; all you have to do is sweep the floor and wipe it down with a damp cloth – that’s it!

This makes it perfect for busy families who don’t have much time for cleaning. You don’t need expensive cleaning chemicals or equipment to keep your floor clean.

Sweeping and vacuuming are usually enough methods, and you may easily make your own mild cleaning solution rather than purchasing one. You can also clean your vinyl flooring with the help of Swiffer to learn more you can read our guide on it.

Waterproof

Vinyl flooring is waterproof, which means it’s perfect for all areas of your home like kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms, porches, and basements.

This material protects floors from water, liquid spills, and dampness. It has a moisture barrier which is a layer designed to prevent any liquids from penetrating the floor.

This means if you have pets or children who love spilling things, this type of flooring is perfect for them because even if they spill food or drinks on it, it won’t damage the floor.

Vinyl flooring is ideal for your house if your floor is vulnerable to dampness and moisture since it is entirely waterproof. We have prepared a detailed guide with the solution to dry water under vinyl flooring.

Perfect Alternative For Hardwood

Hardwood that has been installed over the years is likely to warp and crack as time goes by. Vinyl flooring can be a perfect alternative for hardwood because it’s just as stylish but more durable, so you won’t have to keep on replacing your floors.

It doesn’t require the same type of maintenance as real wood does, which means you won’t have to worry about it shrinking or warping as time goes by.

You can also find vinyl flooring that has a hardwood look, so you’ll get the best of both stylish and durable floors. Vinyl is a very durable flooring that can withstand heat, water, and humidity, which is a problem for wood floors and a barrier to its placement in certain rooms.

Cons Of Vinyl Flooring (Disadvantages)

While vinyl flooring has a bunch of pros, there are disadvantages to buying this material that we will discuss below.

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Difficult To Remove

One of the biggest disadvantages to buying vinyl flooring is that it can be difficult to remove and replace but floating vinyl flooring is quite easy to remove.

Vinyl flooring is often installed with adhesives which makes it hard to remove, so you’ll need professionals if you ever want to remove it.

The adhesive used in most types of vinyl floors is not removable without damaging or destroying the material itself, which is why it can be tough to remove.

If you want the flooring removed, then you’ll have to call a professional contractor who has certain chemicals that will dissolve the adhesive without damaging or destroying your floors.

Replacing this kind of flooring is also tricky because if you get the wrong glue used in installing, it will damage your floor.

Restricted UV Resistance

UV resistance is another disadvantage to having vinyl flooring because it has poor UV resistance, which means the light from the sun will fade faster.

This material also won’t last as long as other types of flooring materials that are not exposed to sunlight all day long. So, you’ll end up retouching or replacing this type of floor more frequently than you would hardwood floors.

You’ll also need to make sure your vinyl flooring is finished with a UV sealant because it helps protect the flooring from discoloration and damage due to sunlight.

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Quality Might Be Inconsistent

Another disadvantage that many people have with vinyl flooring is the quality might be inconsistent. There might be some thinner vinyl flooring available on the market, and this type is not durable enough.

Also, some types of vinyl flooring are more expensive than hardwood floors because they’re rarer than others. The quality of your vinyl floor will depend on the manufacturer that made it.

Some companies use better materials to produce their floors, while others might not be as great with their methods. We advise that you should only invest in flooring that is at least 5-6 millimeters thick and has a solid core.

Marginally Affect The Resale Value Of Your Home

If you’re planning to sell your home, then you might not be too happy with the fact that vinyl flooring has no effect on the resale value of your home.

These types of flooring are less expensive than hardwood, so you might lose out on some money if you do decide to resell your home.

So, if you want to sell your home, then it’s best that you choose a luxury vinyl flooring that doesn’t have any disadvantages or won’t cost too much and keep the flooring design uniform across the house, if possible.

According to our study, up to 50% of home purchasers are prepared to pay extra for a property with hardwood floors.

Keep Reading: Complete Pros Cons Of Cork Flooring

Final Verdict

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular types of residential and commercial hard surface floors. It’s a multi-purpose, durable material that can be installed in many different ways to suit your needs, from traditional plank installation to DIY methods like roll-out vinyl sheets or peel and stick tiles.

There are pros and cons to every type of vinyl flooring, so it’s important you take into account what will work best for you before making any final decisions on which products to purchase.

In this article, we have provided an ultimate guide on vinyl flooring pros and cons with everything you need to know about choosing between various forms of vinyl flooring as well as some other considerations such as cost, maintenance, warranty coverage, and more. We hope our article has been helpful.

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