Vinyl flooring has gained significant popularity among homeowners due to its numerous benefits, including easy installation, low maintenance, durability, and comfortable walking surface. However, before making a decision to purchase vinyl flooring, there are several important factors you should consider. Here are 10 things you need to know before buying vinyl flooring:
1. What is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC) and is available in tiles or planks. It features a photorealistic visual layer that resembles hardwood, stone, or ceramic, along with a textured surface layer that imitates natural wood grains and minerals.
2. Types of Vinyl Flooring
There are two types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring and tile flooring. Sheet flooring is water-resistant and easy to install, coming in wide sheets of 6 or 12 feet. Vinyl tile flooring replicates the look of ceramic tiles and is more economical. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) mimics stone or wood and comes in plank shapes.
3. Vinyl Finishes
Vinyl flooring comes with three types of finishes, each providing a beautiful end result. The options include vinyl no-wax finish, suitable for areas with light foot traffic; urethane finish, more durable and resistant to scuffing; and enhanced urethane finish, the toughest and highly resistant to scratches and stains.
4. Cost
Vinyl flooring is a cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $1.95 to $14 per square foot inclusive of GST and installation. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) installation costs approximately $2.95 to $17 per square foot inclusive of GST and installation. Comparatively, vinyl flooring offers significant cost savings when compared to wood, stone, or ceramic flooring.
5. Ease of Installation
Vinyl flooring is relatively easy to install compared to other flooring materials. Floating vinyl sheets do not require glue or staples, and peel-and-stick vinyl can be easily adhered to a prepared subfloor. It can be installed over concrete, hardwood, plywood, and even existing vinyl, except for cases with two or more preexisting layers.
For LVT and SPC vinyl flooring, it is usually a click system which requires no glue or adhesive.
6. Durability
Vinyl flooring is highly durable and, if installed and maintained correctly, can last for 10 to 20 years. It is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas. Most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on the surface that resists scratches and stains, with some products offering warranties of up to 25 years on the wear layer. The quality of the material will influence its longevity.
7. Stain Resistance
Solid and composite vinyl tiles typically have a wear layer that resists stains and spills, providing protection. However, printed vinyl tiles and sheets lack this surface protection and are more susceptible to stains, requiring occasional stripping and polishing to maintain their appearance.
8. Thickness
Vinyl flooring offers a soft and resilient surface to walk on, with some sheets and tiles featuring a padded layer for enhanced comfort. Due to its elasticity, vinyl floors are often referred to as “resilient” floors. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) also possesses sound-absorbing properties, resulting in quieter flooring.
9. Recommended Usage
Vinyl tiling is well-suited for various areas in your home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, family rooms, and laundry rooms, owing to its durability and water-resistant properties. For high traffic areas such as commercial uses, frequent cleaning and polishing is needed to protect the wear layer and maintain its shine.
10. Maintenance
One of the key advantages of vinyl flooring is its easy maintenance. Simply sweeping to remove dirt and grit, followed by mopping with an approved vinyl floor cleaner, keeps your flooring looking its best. Most vinyl flooring has a “no wax” finish, retaining its shine even after cleaning.
In conclusion, vinyl flooring is a popular choice for homeowners seeking durable, affordable, and low-maintenance flooring options.
Its versatility, extensive design options, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic make it suitable for various rooms in your home. While it is essential to consider factors such as cost, installation ease, and maintenance requirements, vinyl flooring offers an attractive and practical solution. To explore further options and guidance in choosing your flooring, consider contacting a trusted provider like Vinyl Flooring Singapore Ltd for professional assistance.
