Vinyl flooring is one of the flooring options available that is both a popular home and commercial flooring choice. There are many benefits you can gain from choosing this flooring option. let’s have a look at them.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring that is constructed with several layers. Typically, vinyl floors are made using a composite of materials, although PVC is the primary material. The material used depends on the layer of the vinyl floor, which is then sandwiched together.
Typically, vinyl will contain a bottom adhesive layer against the subfloor. You also have a core layer, a design layer, and a top protective layer. The thickness of vinyl can range from 2mm to 8mm, depending on the thickness of the core layer.
When choosing vinyl flooring, you can opt for sheet or tile. Sheet vinyl comes in a large roll, similar to carpet, and is fitted corner to corner in one piece. Tile vinyl comes in individual tiles or planks that are individually laid to create a holistic flooring design.
An alternative to vinyl flooring is luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). While LVT and vinyl share similar benefits, LVT is much more rigid and stronger. While both look similar, LVT is considered a more luxurious alternative that is much thicker in design. However, it comes at a higher price.
The 7 wonders of vinyl flooring
Now that we’ve covered what vinyl flooring is and how it differs from luxury vinyl flooring let’s look at the 7 wonders of vinyl flooring:
1) Durability
Durability is one of the biggest selling points of vinyl flooring. Unlike other options, vinyl flooring, does not easily stain, tear, or scratch, thanks to its top protective layer. This makes vinyl flooring an ideal choice for family homes or those with pets.
Depending on the thickness of the flooring will determine how durable it is. Thicker vinyl flooring is much more robust against everyday wear, compared to cheaper and thinner options. Thicker vinyl offers better sound insulation and comfort, making it an ideal sports flooring.
Most vinyl flooring is also suitable for underfloor heating. However, you need to be careful of the temperature, as vinyl flooring can begin to soften at high temperatures. Ensure you keep the temperature in line with manufacturer guidelines to avoid damaging your floor.
2) Ease of maintenance
Another reason to choose vinyl flooring is its ease of maintenance. Due to its manufacturing, vinyl flooring is a low-maintenance flooring option. All that is required to clean vinyl flooring is warm, soapy water, which makes it a great restaurant flooring choice.
Regular vacuuming (once weekly) can also help keep your vinyl floor clean and remove any dirt or debris. Remember to use a hardwood floor attachment to avoid scratching the vinyl. In the event of spillages, all you need to do is wipe with a clean cloth.
Removing excessive moisture as quickly as possible ensures no water damage to the tiles. Regularly vacuuming any debris on the floor also removes any potential dent suspects. There is no need to use chemicals, which can permanently damage the vinyl floor.
3) Affordable
The affordability of vinyl flooring is another reason to consider this option. Compared to other flooring options on the market, such as natural stone or reclaimed hardwood, vinyl flooring is an affordable option that won’t break the bank.
With its lower pricing than other flooring options, vinyl flooring is popular for homeowners (especially those on a budget). The average price of vinyl flooring can set you back anywhere between £10 and £40 per square meter, depending on the quality.
Compare that to an alternative flooring option, such as stone marble, and you are looking at a price of at least £45 per square meter. While cheaper vinyl options are available on the market, spending that little bit extra on a thicker, more hardwearing option is recommended.
4) Versatility
Another top reason vinyl flooring is popular is its design versatility. The design layer is printed onto a layer on the vinyl floors, allowing for many different design options. You can pick from different natural flooring designs and colours, such as wood colours and textures.
Some people are reluctant to choose vinyl flooring because the design layer is printed on it, believing it to be of inferior quality. However, this is not the case. You can choose a vinyl flooring option with a design that perfectly encapsulates the aesthetics of natural flooring.
Furthermore, choosing a natural design vinyl over its natural counterpart eliminates the associated drawbacks, such as being damage-prone. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of natural flooring without worrying about damaging the floor.
5) Water resistance
Vinyl flooring is water-resistant due to its top protective layer. The water-resistant properties of vinyl also make it much easier to clean and maintain. Because of its water-resistant properties, vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Whilst vinyl is water resistant, you need to be careful how much water you use. Using excessive water can lead to damage, such as stains, discolouration, or warping. It’s also important to wipe up any stains as quickly as possible. Lingering moisture can lead to damage to vinyl flooring.
6) Comfortable underfoot
Another benefit of vinyl flooring is its underfoot comfort. Some hard floors can become uncomfortable after standing for long periods. With vinyl flooring, due to its layered design, this flooring option feels soft and padded underfoot.
While the softness of vinyl doesn’t compare to carpets, it still provides great shock-absorbency compared to other flooring alternatives. The softer feel and addition of a cushion layer in vinyl flooring can help reduce the impact of any falls.
Some vinyl flooring options that minimise the risk of slipping are available. Depending on the make, some vinyl flooring may have high friction. Flooring with high friction properties reduces the risk of anyone slipping and falling.
7) Realistic natural designs
Our last (but not least) wonder of vinyl flooring is its realistic natural designs. We briefly touched upon the vinyl flooring design, but its significance deserves a separate mention. Whatever your interior design preferences, you’ll find something to your taste.
The design choice for vinyl floors is endless. Whatever natural flooring design you want, vinyl flooring can deliver. You can achieve a natural-looking flooring that is affordable and only costs a fraction of the price.
Whether you like stone, tile, or wood, vinyl flooring provides a high-quality, realistic design print. Each natural design has various colours, patterns, and textures for a wide range of choice.
Vinyl flooring offers many benefits, making it ideal for homes and businesses. Vinyl flooring should not be overlooked whether you want to decorate your home, change a retail store, or improve an office.
If you are in the process of choosing a new flooring, discover how E&M Services can help with your commercial or home flooring needs. As a specialist flooring contractor, we have years of experience delivering high-quality vinyl flooring installations for all interior spaces.