Vinyl flooring, also known as resilient flooring, is an excellent option for those looking to give their floors a facelift. It’s cost-effective, easy to install and comes in various designs, making it an ideal choice for those who want the look of hardwood, tile or other flooring options without breaking the bank.
If you’re considering vinyl flooring for your home or office, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of vinyl flooring, its pros and cons, and how to choose the best type for your needs. We’ll also cover tips for installing vinyl flooring, so let’s get started!
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Before you start shopping for vinyl flooring, it’s essential to know the different types available. There are two basic types of vinyl flooring: sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles/planks.
Sheet vinyl: Sheet vinyl is the most traditional form of vinyl flooring and comes in large rolls, typically 6 or 12 feet wide. It’s suitable for high-moisture areas and is easy to clean. Sheet vinyl is glued down, making it more durable and resistant to water compared to peel-and-stick tiles or planks.
Vinyl tiles/planks: Vinyl tiles or planks are individual pieces of flooring that can be installed quickly and easily with self-adhesive backing. They’re an excellent option for those looking to update their floors themselves as they don’t require professional installation.
Advantages of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike. Let’s take a look at a few of its benefits.
Cheap: Vinyl flooring is usually more affordable than other types of flooring such as hardwood, laminate, and tile. It’s an excellent choice for families on a budget.
Easy installation: Since vinyl flooring is available in sheets or tiles, they’re incredibly easy to install. Most vinyl tiles come with pre-applied adhesive, making it relatively hassle-free to install them.
Durability: Vinyl flooring is incredibly durable and can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. It’s also resistant to scratches and dents, making it a great option for high-traffic areas.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring
Although vinyl flooring has numerous benefits, there are a few disadvantages to consider before making your final decision.
Less attractive than hardwood: While vinyl flooring can resemble hardwood, it won’t have character or patina that comes with real wood, making it look cheaper in comparison.
Not eco-friendly: Vinyl flooring is made of synthetic materials and is non-biodegradable, making it less eco-friendly than other flooring options.
Less insulation: Since vinyl flooring is thin, it doesn’t provide much insulation and can be noisy. This can be a deal-breaker for those living in apartments or multi-story buildings.
How to Install Vinyl Flooring
Installing vinyl flooring doesn’t require professional assistance and can be done by most homeowners. Here are the steps to install vinyl tiles:
Step 1: Clear the area where you want to install the vinyl flooring. Vacuum the floors and remove any debris to create a clean surface before starting.
Step 2: Measure the area by calculating the square footage to determine how much vinyl flooring you’ll need.
Step 3: Lay out the vinyl tiles in the room and arrange them in a pattern to see how they fit. You may need to trim some pieces to fit into tight spaces, so use a utility knife to cut the tiles.
Step 4: Peel the backing off the first tile and stick it down in the corner of the room. Work in rows and repeat this process for each tile until the floor is covered. Be sure to align the tiles so that they fit snugly together.
Step 5: Roll over the tiles with a floor roller to ensure they’re securely in place. This will prevent any air bubbles from forming and prevent the tiles from lifting over time.
Conclusion
Vinyl flooring is an attractive, cost-effective option for homeowners and businesses looking to update their floors. It comes in various designs, making it an ideal choice for those looking for the look of hardwood, tile, or other types of flooring without the higher price tag. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons and choose the best type of vinyl flooring for your space. With proper care and maintenance, vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years, making it a great investment for your home or office.