Thinking about changing the old flooring? Do you want to make some transformations, but keep it cost-effective? Wondering what is the most durable option for a new floor in a high-traffic area of your premises?
The answer to these questions could be vinyl. It has been on the market for decades, so it has proved its value, and with the help of technology it is improved in both quality and look. With its versatile appearance and new designs, it has become increasingly popular in recent years among homeowners, investors in residential homes and places where there is a lot of traffic of people.
Vinyl flooring is able to mimic wood, stone, marble, and a range of other luxury flooring materials at significantly lower prices. These characteristics make it a product in high demand, so we recommend that you consider it for your next project. Let’s go over a few things to give you a bit of insight into how, where and why you can use this type of flooring.
Vinyl is a synthetic flooring, composed of several layers (PVC bonded to a fibrous core and covered with a printed design layer and a tough, clear wear layer) with varieties of thicknesses. There are several different types, but the most popular options are composite tile (VCT), sheet, and luxury vinyl flooring (LVF).
The array of designs and textures make this type of flooring suitable for home décor, commercial spaces, residential homes and investment properties. You can find imitations of hardwood and ceramic tiles, playful designs, timeless and trendy styles, in the form of a sheet, rigid or flexible tiles and planks. The latest patterns can even simulate metallic, leather, whiteboard and abstract. So options are virtually limitless.
Perhaps one of the main reasons to get vinyl flooring is its long-lasting nature. A quality floor can last up to 25 years and thinner alternatives up to 10 years. The special surface treatment provides extreme protection and resistance to scratches or stains. It also has a transparent wear layer which gives the floor additional durability.
The product holds its shape and size against moisture or temperature variations and there won’t be any expansions or contractions over time. The quality of the material, how it was produced and how well it was installed, will all impact the life expectancy of your floor.
The synthetic nature of the product makes it a much more affordable alternative compared to natural materials. You pay less, but you get an ersatz look that is hard to distinguish from the real thing. Investing in this type of flooring will save you a lot for home renovations or big projects where you need to stretch your budget. On top of that, if you are keen on do-it-yourself undertakings and install it yourself, and you can easily do this when you buy sheet vinyl flooring, you will save additionally.
Another advantage is that it is very easy to clean it. Just sweep it or vacuum it, or mop it with a mild cleaning solution. A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap works just fine. You don’t need any expensive cleaning products, in fact most manufacturers recommend avoiding strong detergents and chemical products. The top layer makes it resistant to scratches and stains, so if you spill something, just wipe it off with a towel and it will be fine.
One more reason to cover your floors with vinyl is that it is waterproof. This is why it is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, where spills are bound to happen, or there is a lot of humidity and steam. Other areas where moisture appears, like basements, laundry rooms or entryways, can also be protected from it. And since it is stain resistant too, it is very practical if you have children or pets, or if you just don’t want to think about messy floors.
Vinyl planks have an extra padded underlayer which makes them very comfortable for walking. It feels soft and elastic and it is excellent if there are kids or elderly people in your household. If you drop a dish accidentally, it is less likely to break because of the springy nature of the material.
In case you need more reasons to take your final decision, keep in mind that installing this type of flooring will have minimum area disruption. The process is time-saving and you will avoid major interruptions to your business or home comfort.
Apart from being budget-friendly and pet-friendly, this is also an eco-friendly choice. Manufacturers are continuously working on minimising the environmental impact and providing sustainable floor covering. If you want to have more information on this subject, check the ecolabel and certifications on the product.
Modernising a space with style, extremely little downtime and disruptions have never been easier. The multitude of choices, low maintenance properties and longevity make vinyl flooring an ideal solution for commercial and residential installations. And all of this for a fraction of the price you would pay for any other material. Give your home a new life and enjoy the benefits of the vinyl flooring.