Learn More About Purchasing the Vinyl Flooring
Deciding What Type of Vinyl Flooring You Need
When choosing from the various types of vinyl flooring, it’s important to consider your needs and preferences. Vinyl flooring is available in a variety of colors and styles, and the material itself is offered in several types.
The two main types of vinyl flooring are sheet vinyl and vinyl tile. Sheet vinyl is a single layer of flooring that is usually sold in 6- or 12-foot rolls. Vinyl tile is a multi-layered product that comes in individual squares or planks. Both types of vinyl flooring come in a range of colors, textures, and patterns, so you can find styles that complement your home’s décor.
Sheet vinyl is typically the more economical choice, while vinyl tile is more durable and easier to repair. Vinyl tile can also be installed over existing flooring, making it a great choice for a DIY project.
Consider Your Subfloor
The subfloor of your home must be in good condition before installing vinyl flooring. If there is any damage to the subfloor, it must be repaired before the vinyl can be installed.
For sheet vinyl, the subfloor should be smooth, level, and dry. Uneven surfaces can cause the vinyl to bubble and warp over time. Vinyl tile is a bit more forgiving, but it’s still important to make sure the surface is level and dry.
Choose the Right Thickness
Vinyl flooring is usually sold in two thicknesses: 6 and 12 millimeters. Thicker vinyl is more durable and wear-resistant, but it is also more expensive. If you plan to install the vinyl in a high-traffic area, the extra cost may be worth it.
Look for Wear Ratings
When shopping for vinyl flooring, you’ll see a variety of wear ratings. The higher the wear rating, the more durable the flooring. Look for high-quality vinyl flooring with a wear rating of at least 35.
Consider the Installation
Sheet vinyl is the easiest type of vinyl flooring to install. It can be cut to fit almost any space and requires minimal preparation. Vinyl tile is a bit more challenging to install and requires a bit more preparation.
Before installing vinyl flooring, it’s important to have the right tools and materials. Depending on the type of vinyl you choose, you may need adhesive, grout, or a special installation kit.
Get the Look You Want
Vinyl flooring is available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. You can find styles that mimic the look of hardwood, stone, and ceramic tile. Textured vinyl flooring can add a bit of extra grip, making it a great choice for areas with a lot of foot traffic.
Consider Maintenance
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Most types of vinyl flooring are resistant to spills and scratches, and many are treated with a protective coating that makes them even more durable.
Conclusion
When choosing vinyl flooring for your home, consider your needs, the condition of your subfloor, the thickness of the vinyl, the wear rating, the installation requirements, and the look you want to achieve. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a type of vinyl flooring that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring?
There are a few disadvantages of vinyl flooring. Firstly, it can be challenging to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring like hardwood or tile, and it can be prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
2. Is it better to do vinyl or laminate flooring?
When comparing vinyl and laminate flooring, premium vinyl is generally considered better due to its durability, stability, moisture resistance, and ease of installation and maintenance. Laminate is more suitable for low-traffic areas and has limitations regarding moisture exposure.
3. Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
If your vinyl plank flooring already has a pad-attached underlayment, you likely won't need an additional underlayment. However, adding an extra underlayment can provide benefits such as improved sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection if allowed by the flooring manufacturer's installation instructions.
4. Why do people not like vinyl flooring?
Some people dislike vinyl flooring due to its environmental impact. The manufacturing process involves the use of toxic chemicals, and vinyl floors have been known to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after installation.
5. What lasts longer vinyl or laminate?
Thick, high-quality vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years, while thinner vinyl flooring may have a lifespan of less than 10 years. Laminate flooring can last between 15 and 25 years, although poorly maintained laminate may only last five to 10 years.
6. Which is more expensive vinyl or laminate?
Vinyl and laminate flooring are generally comparable in cost and are both less expensive options compared to materials like hardwood or porcelain tile. Luxury vinyl options can be pricier, but overall, vinyl and laminate are relatively affordable flooring choices.
7. What do you put under vinyl flooring?
An underlayment can be beneficial for luxury vinyl plank flooring. It helps improve sound absorption, adds comfort underfoot, and provides additional protection. Underlayment can be installed on various subfloors, including concrete or wood.
8. What are the three types of vinyl flooring?
The three main types of vinyl flooring are luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and sheet vinyl. Each type offers different styles, designs, and installation methods to suit different preferences and needs.
9. Do you install vinyl plank directly on subfloor?
With loose lay vinyl plank flooring, the planks are designed to lay directly on the subfloor without the need for glue or adhesive. This makes the installation process quick and easy.
10. What needs to be under vinyl flooring?
An underlayment can be beneficial for luxury vinyl plank flooring. It provides advantages like sound absorption, improved comfort underfoot, and prevention of potential issues. Underlayment can be installed on various subfloors, including concrete or wood.
Editor's Notes
During our vinyl flooring research, we found 24 vinyl flooring products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 109,931 customer reviews through our big data system to write the vinyl flooring list. We found that most customers choose vinyl flooring with an average price of $48.18.
The vinyl flooring are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of vinyl flooring, including Achim Home Furnishings, Art3d, FloorPops, INMOZATA, Lareko. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 529 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.