Are you confused about “what is vinyl flooring”? You are at the right page where we have discussed everything you need to know about it.
Many people are not aware of the main benefits they can gain from using vinyl flooring in their homes, offices, and other places. Some think it may be too expensive to use for common areas, but with all the benefits it offers, why not?
If you’re considering getting vinyl flooring installed in your home or office space, then you’re on the right track. Upgrading your flooring can be confusing at first, especially if you’re not familiar with the different products available on the market.
Read on to learn more about what is vinyl flooring exactly, how it’s made, pros and cons, types of vinyl flooring available, benefits you can get from installing vinyl flooring in your home or office space, and use this guide as a resource.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that is made from synthetic materials such as fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, plasticizers, and other additives.
This material has become extremely popular because it can be molded into many different designs and patterns. It makes for the perfect imitation of wood or stone but with much better durability than real hardwood or natural stone.
The vinyl flooring can be imprinted to mimic the look of other materials such as slate, marble, and granite. Vinyl flooring comes in rolls and tiles that you can easily install yourself. So what are the benefits of using this type of flooring?
One of the main benefits of vinyl flooring is that it is resistant to moisture and for those who have allergies to dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
This type of flooring doesn’t absorb moisture as much as other types do, so it’s easier for those with sensitivities to those allergens.
This means it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that are subject to moisture. If you have kids or pets at home, then this is a good type of flooring to install because it offers a lot of protection.
You can also get luxury vinyl flooring made from high-quality materials that give it a realistic look and feel. It’s perfect for those who want the beauty and style of hardwood or stone floors but don’t want the hassle and expense of maintaining them.
One of the best things about vinyl flooring is that it is incredibly versatile if you compare it to laminate flooring. You can install it in any room in your house like in the mudroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, bedroom and in the dining room too.
Keep Reading: Dry Water Under Vinyl Plank Flooring
Types Of Vinyl Flooring & How It’s Made
Speaking of types of vinyl flooring, you have many options to choose from. It depends on where you want to install it; different types of vinyl flooring will be the best for that particular area.
Sheet vinyl flooring and panel flooring are the two most common types of flooring you’ll encounter. Sheet vinyl flooring is typically used in areas that are smaller with an easy installation process like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms.
On the other hand, panel flooring can be used for large spaces with busy/high-traffic rooms and handle moisture really well. You can choose any option from two of them if you want to install vinyl flooring in your home or office space, but keep in mind that each type of product has its own benefits and disadvantages.
Before laying down your new vinyl floor, you should remove any carpets, linoleum, or cork. Furthermore, be sure that your foundation is sturdy, dry, and free of crevices or projections for the greatest outcomes.
Benefits Of Vinyl Flooring
We hope you have got an idea about what is vinyl flooring, its type, and how it’s made. Now we will discuss some of the benefits of vinyl flooring.
There are many benefits of using vinyl flooring, from beauty, durability, ease of installation, and much more. Let us take a more detailed view of some of the benefits of vinyl flooring.
Keep Reading: Steps On Installing Vinyl Flooring On Stairs
Stains Resistant
One of the main benefits of vinyl flooring is that it’s resistant to stains. Vinyl can actually take on many types of stains, whether it’s coffee, juice, paint, or even pet messes.
This means you won’t have to worry about cleaning up spills or accidents as much as you would with other types of flooring. Many of us struggle with spills or accidents or messes on our flooring, especially in the kitchen, where it can be difficult to keep things clean. You can also check our guide on using Swiffer on vinyl flooring.
It’s not just children that are messy either; many of us tend to drop food and drink without meaning to. Vinyl flooring is extremely easy to wipe up, and you don’t have to worry about stains, which is why it’s perfect for the kitchen and bathroom.
Are you concerned about scratches? Then we suggest you look for planks that include an additional layer of polyurethane to minimize scratches.
Easy to Install
Another benefit of vinyl flooring is that it’s extremely easy to install. Vinyl sheets are typically very lightweight when you compare them to other types of materials. They only take a few hours at most to set up, which means you can get your new floors installed quickly and easily.
When choosing what type of flooring you want in your home or office, be sure to think about the installation process. Some types of flooring are a lot more difficult to put down than others and can take a lot of time and effort if you don’t know what you’re doing.
We suggest you get to click and lock vinyl flooring, which you will find very easy to install without any specific tools.
Many of us are not professional builders or handymen that can include installation costs in our budget for a new floor, so if you have the option to get something easier to install, then why not take it? It’ll save you time and money.
If it’s your first time installing vinyl flooring or if you are planning to install luxury vinyl, then you really should consider hiring a professional to get the job done.
Keep Reading: Explanation On Using Vinyl Plank Outdoors
Endless Design Options
When choosing your flooring, you’re not just limited to wood or tile. Vinyl can come in a huge variety of colors and patterns that will give your home a look and feel you want for it.
You can get anything from simple tiles to intricate designs that would be impossible with other types of flooring materials.
There are numerous color options to select from; you may choose from whites, blacks, browns, and other colors. Why not enjoy endless design possibilities without the worry of installation costs or having to pay someone else to do it for you?
No matter what your style is, be sure to check out all of the options available before making a final decision on which type of flooring you want in your home.
Durable
Another great thing about vinyl flooring is that it’s highly durable. Vinyl materials are able to resist damage better than other flooring types, especially it is perfect for any residential or commercial space, but it’s especially great in high-traffic areas.
If you’re thinking about flooring for a business or somewhere that needs to resist heavy foot traffic, vinyl is the way to go. Whether you own a restaurant, work in an office, or have an industrial warehouse space to cover, vinyl can make it easy to keep your floors clean and damage-free.
Are you looking for something that will resist scratches, pet damage, spills, and stains easily? Vinyl is the material for you. If you choose to use the planking technique, bear in mind that one plank may be replaced if it is damaged in any manner.
Keep Reading: Steps On Staggering Vinyl Plank Flooring
Affordable
Vinyl flooring is an affordable option, which means you can get a whole home done without spending a small fortune. Whether you’re working within a budget or if money isn’t an issue for you, vinyl flooring is definitely worth checking out.
There are countless color options and design choices in vinyl, so be sure to shop around and look at the different options before making a final decision compared to ceramic, wood & stone.
If you’re on a strict budget, vinyl flooring is one of the best options out there. Suppose you’re not sure if vinyl flooring is right for your home. There’s no need to spend more when vinyl is equally excellent as other higher-priced flooring materials.
Comfortable
Vinyl flooring is also comfortable, which means it can be used in areas where you want a soft surface to walk on. Do your feet hurt after working all day?
Vinyl flooring is perfect for a home office or a studio apartment because it’s so soft and comfortable compared to ceramic tile or granite flooring.
Whether you’re working, spending time with family, or just lounging around the house on a Sunday afternoon, vinyl flooring will have your feet feeling better in no time at all.
In the winter season, putting your feet on the floor in their bare might be a little chilly, but this will not make you feel cold.
Keep Reading: Detailed Guide On Vinyl Flooring Underlayment
Eco-Friendly
Vinyl flooring is also an eco-friendly option that’s great for the environment. If you’re looking to save the planet with your next flooring purchase, vinyl is one of the best choices out there.
No matter what type of vinyl flooring you choose, it will not damage nature or cause any deforestation involved in its making process.
Even though vinyl flooring has to contain some petrochemicals in its makeup, it is still an eco-friendly option because of the fact that not much petroleum is needed to produce this type of material. They passed the VOC test with an A+ score.
Disadvantages Of Vinyl Flooring
One of the main disadvantages of vinyl flooring is that it can be tricky to install if you’re not prepared. Take the time to prepare your base layer before laying down your vinyl. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dust, dirt, and other debris.
If you don’t prepare the surface correctly, your vinyl may not stick and could end up coming loose over time. Grains, protrusions, and uneven surfaces in the base layer will deteriorate with time and damage your vinyl flooring.
Make sure the surface is completely smooth before installing your vinyl flooring for the best results. One thing to keep in mind is that vinyl flooring should not be exposed to constant direct sunlight. If you have a window where the sun shines directly on the vinyl flooring, it could fade and change color over time.
In case you deal with fire, hydrogen chloride can be released from some vinyl flooring materials that become hot. If you’re installing vinyl flooring in an area where the material may become hot, be sure to choose a type that doesn’t release hydrogen chloride.
One thing to keep in mind is that vinyl flooring can be difficult to extinguish if it catches on fire. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher handy in case of an emergency.
Some people may be hesitant to choose vinyl flooring because of the chemicals it contains, but low-VOC options will contain some toxic chemicals, like phenol.
If you’re worried about the safety of your family and pets, consider choosing a flooring option that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Keep Reading: Reviews On Top Deck Sealers
Maintenance Of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is among the easiest flooring materials to maintain. All you have to do is sweep or vacuum your floor on a regular basis.
You don’t have to wax it if you don’t want it, but if you want it to shine, just use some furniture cleaner and a rag every once in a while. Mop it down with some water and dish soap every once in a while.
After cleaning your vinyl flooring, you can choose to reseal it or protect it with some sort of product. You don’t have to protect the floor if you want to preserve its original look.
If there’s a specific area where dirt builds up more quickly, you might consider using a sealant or protective product. You can also use vinegar and water to clean your floor.
Don’t use harsh chemicals, as they may cause a chemical reaction that results in a damaging substance on your floor. Maintaining your vinyl flooring is very easy, and it will look great for many years to come.
Alternatives To Vinyl Flooring
One of the main alternatives to vinyl flooring is linoleum. While similar, there are some differences that should be addressed before you make a purchase.
In general, linoleum has a slightly textured look, while vinyl has a glossy shine. The material may come from different sources as well, although both are petroleum-based.
You can also try inlaid linoleum in some instances, which is more environmentally friendly. Linoleum contains natural materials from the earth.
It is also made with mineral oils – a byproduct of petroleum refining. Linoleum provides good insulation and soundproofing qualities, but it may be more expensive than vinyl flooring.
Suppose you like the look of linoleum but are worried about price; search online for some low-cost options. You might find a deal that fits your budget.
Keep Reading: Guide On Shining Laminate Floors
Final Verdict
We hope this guide on “what is vinyl flooring” was helpful. In conclusion, vinyl flooring is a type of durable and waterproof material. It’s been used for over 50 years as an affordable alternative to more expensive types of flooring such as hardwood or stone.
There are different kinds on the market that provide benefits like being easy to install, having some level of noise insulation properties, and also being recycled when it reaches the end of its life cycle. It does not imply that vinyl flooring is appropriate for everyone.
Vinyl flooring is a great option for those who want an affordable, easy-to-maintain material that looks good. Vinyl offers many benefits, such as being environmentally friendly and having low VOCs.
If you’re looking for some other options, consider vinyl flooring alternatives like linoleum or inlaid linoleum options. These materials are more expensive than vinyl but offer similar qualities and can be found online at discounted prices if you look hard enough.
We hope that this post has persuaded you that vinyl flooring isn’t the most excellent option for your current property.
