Vinyl flooring has been around for over seven decades, and there are many good reasons for this. It’s affordable and easy to maintain. But while it has been around for a long time that does not mean it isn’t keeping up with the modern market. There have been considerable advances in vinyl technology in recent years, making it an excellent and stylish choice for any home flooring. If you are looking for new flooring that is durable as well as being water and stain resistant, then vinyl flooring is an excellent option to consider.
Quality
The print quality of vinyl is now of an incredibly high standard. Such quality means that you can obtain a stylish oak wood finish that is almost indiscernible in appearance from a real wood floor. Similar finishes can also be achieved for stone, tile and any other type of wood grain finish that you may desire. While installing wood or stone floors can often be costly and time-consuming, a vinyl floor can give you the same effect with a much simpler installation process. A good quality vinyl floor looks authentic but requires less ongoing maintenance and is also better suited to day to day living as they are scratch-resistant. Their nonporous nature also means no nasty stains can seep in like they can with a wood finish.
Long-Lasting
Our homes can be bustling places, especially if you have children or pets running around. This is why it is essential that any flooring is built to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Vinyl flooring durability comes from several factors.
- Protective coatings. Vinyl can be treated to make it more resistant to staining and dirt.
- Vinyl floorings have a better pressure resistance than most other flooring, so they will yield more, allowing for a softer feeling underfoot as well.
- Water resistance. Unlike wood or laminate, vinyl flooring does not absorb moisture. If wood dampens over time, this can become problematic and undermine its structure. Vinyl flooring does not have this problem. Those odd splashes of water won't create bubbling on the floor surface either.
- They are engineered to last. Vinyl flooring is expertly designed for the specific purpose of being a durable floor surface.
Practical
Vinyl flooring is great for any room where water or dirt might be present. Whether its an entrance hallway, bathroom or kitchen, a good quality vinyl floor is a practical solution to make cleaning and maintenance a simple task.
Vinyl floors are particularly great for kitchens, as their soft underfoot, which is more comfortable than harder surfaces, l if you spend a long time standing while cooking or doing dishes. Any spills and splashes can be mopped up quickly, and as long as it is kept clean, a vinyl floor can last for years to come. Vinyl flooring is resistant to scratches and dents, so if constantly shifting chairs around a dining table, for instance, you don't need to worry about the impact on the floor. While scratches can happen, they can also easily be repaired.
For bathrooms, another factor to consider is the warmth underfoot. Vinyl floors can provide a layer of insulation, making your home more energy-efficient and also less cold on those bare feet when stepping out of a bath or shower. Some brands are even compatible with underfloor heating.
Easy Installation
Vinyl flooring is very versatile and easy to install, meaning any room can be re-floored quickly and with little hassle. There are three common types of installation method:
- Click-and-Lock. This simple method allows homeowners to piece together their floor easily and quickly while still maintaining a premium style finish.
- Peel-and-Stick. It is precisely as it sounds, with the underside of the floor coming with peel-off adhesives that will stick to your floor with ease.
- Glue Down Planks. For those with DIY experience, glue down planks can be applied directly to a subfloor. Perfect if you are doing extensive renovations.
If you live in an apartment and noise is an issue consider installing Vinyl underlay along with your floor to reduce creaking noises and the impact of floor irregularities that might be found in older homes.
Affordability
Vinyl flooring can range from the very basic to the luxurious. Whatever your budget, vinyl flooring is a great option to consider as it provides excellent value for money. Prices will usually vary according to the thickness, style and installation method. Whatever the preference is for your home, there are some fantastic brands available at very reasonable prices.
With this many benefits, it is no wonder that vinyl flooring has maintained its popularity over the last seven decades, and it looks like it will continue to do so for many years to come.