You want to choose the best flooring for your new home or want to change the existing flooring in your home or a room. Welcome to our blog on choosing the right vinyl flooring for your home!
We will guide you in detail on picking the most suitable vinyl flooring for your home, various types of vinyl flooring, installation tips and maintenance. Without further ado, let’s get started:
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Sheet Vinyl
This type of vinyl flooring is available in large rolls in the market, which helps offer a smooth appearance and fewer joints when installed. Sheet vinyl is excellent for high-moisture areas such as washrooms and kitchens thanks to its water-resistant capability.
Vinyl Tiles
These look like ceramic tiles and are more convenient to install or replace if damaged. Vinyl tiles provide more customization options in the form of layout patterns. They feel softer to feet and can be custom-designed.
Luxury Vinyl Planks
LVP mimics the look of hardwood and is known for its realistic textures. It is why, they are the ideal choice if you desire the hardwood look without the cost and maintenance that wood flooring requires. Luxury Vinyl Planks are perfect for bedrooms and living rooms as they are available in various wood-look finishes.
Composition
Vinyl flooring is mainly created from synthetic materials, primarily PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It comprises various layers:
Top Layer:
The wear layer that resists stains and scratches. This protective, clear layer provides resistance against stains, scratches, and fading.
Print Layer:
It incorporates the visual design whether stone, abstract or wood patterns.
Core Layer:
It offers the floor’s primary structure ensuring durability and stability.
Backing Layer:
It improves the floor’s grip and minimizes sound.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Vinyl Flooring
1. Usage and Durability
The number one factor to consider while buying vinyl flooring for your home, office or store is the traffic levels in that space. Higher traffic areas require thicker vinyl flooring with a sturdy wear layer.
Also, ask the flooring provider about the wear layers and thicknesses of different options to choose the best for you. As a rule of thumb, consider thicker vinyl flooring to get the more durable option.
2. Style and Aesthetics
Different designs and colours of vinyl flooring are available in the market, so you can pick one that suits your space’s interior design style. For example, if your home decor theme is classic, then go for natural wood or stone colours and designs. Secondly, opt for vinyl flooring with a texture that suits your home from the options, including hand-scraped, smooth, and embossed textures.
3. Room Suitability
Vinyl material is perfect for kitchens and washrooms thanks to its moisture-resistant properties. So, look for vinyl flooring, keeping in mind where you will place it. Also, if you want to use it in your bedroom, or common room then check the flooring’s comfort level, which means how soft it feels underfoot. It will offer you comfort in rooms where you spend a lot of time standing.
4. Installation
Once you have chosen the best vinyl flooring for your home, the next step is to think about its installation. You can go the easy way and pay a professional to install it for yourself. In many cases, your flooring shop owner will send someone to install the flooring in your room.
But if you are a DIYholic, you can think about installing it yourself. The good part? Vinyl tiles and planks are easy to install by yourself but you will need all the tools and time to do it.
5. Maintenance and Cleaning
Another important consideration when choosing vinyl flooring for your home or office is the cleaning requirements. Vinyl is convenient to clean and low-maintenance flooring type but it needs daily sweeping and sporadic mopping.
6. Health and Environmental Considerations
Flooring plays an important role in maintaining a healthy environment inside a property. Opt for a vinyl flooring product that contains low amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to maintain good indoor air quality.
Secondly, look for sustainable options when it comes to vinyl flooring and go for more eco-friendly products available in the market. Additionally, compare costs when choosing vinyl flooring as you will find both cheaper and more high-end options in the market.
The pricing varies with the type of material, design intricacy and thickness. We recommend considering the long-term value, like durability and upkeep expenses instead of just the upfront cost.
Installation Tips
Correct installation is critical for the durability of vinyl flooring.
Subfloor Preparation
Clean, dry and level the floor on which you will install vinyl flooring before starting the work.
Acclimation
Before you install the vinyl planks, keep them in the room or space for one or two days where you will install them to allow them to adjust to room temperature.
Tools and Materials
Based on the sort of vinyl material, you will need particular tools, materials and adhesives for a flawless installation process.
Maintenance and Care
Here are some tips to keep your vinyl flooring in good shape and appearance for a long time:
- Wipe water, tea or any other liquid instantly if it gets spilled on the floor to avoid blemishing.
- Place doormats at the entrance of the room to avoid dust and corrosive particles.
- Use mild cleaners and non-abrasive tools.
- Use felt pads under heavy furniture to protect the flooring.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct vinyl flooring includes balancing aesthetics, practicality and costs. Whether you like the vintage beauty of wood-resembling planks or the functionality of water-resistant sheet vinyl, there is a vinyl flooring solution for each room in your house. By considering aspects like room suitability, durability, visual appeal and upkeep, you could choose an option that looks incredible and fulfils your lifestyle requirements.
Also Read:
The Comprehensive Guide to Flooring & Accessories Types
