What is all the fuss about vinyl flooring lately? You probably think boring, boring and boring when putting together images of that old vinyl floor. But the lifeless gold or lackluster orange and brown square patterns in your grandmother's kitchen no longer exist.
Technology has improved over the years and today's vinyl flooring is far from lifeless. Thanks to advances in manufacturing and design, it has been replaced by a stronger, luxury vinyl floor that has quickly become a rage.
Here are five great reasons to consider luxury vinyl flooring, no matter what room in the house you are thinking of redecorating.
1. Wide range of styles and colors.
It is the second layer of vinyl flooring that makes it so beautiful and versatile. A printing process called a gravure is used in this layer to print the design. This printing method uses a rotary press with photo-etched plates to print almost any type of design on the vinyl.
Sturdy vinyl floors are very versatile because they are now made to simulate the look of many natural substrates. Stone, tile, wood, linoleum, brick, and even marble are just a few of the options available. A multitude of colors, patterns and textures create endless possibilities. No matter what your style or budget preference is, there are plenty of options to choose from.
2. Easy to clean
Vinyl floors today are typically sold as "waxless" floors. These "wax-free" surfaces are easier to clean because the floor glows without waxing. A wet mop is all that is usually needed to keep it clean. The top wear layer will also be very resistant to stains and scratches.
It is important to note that these "waxless" floors will eventually lose their luster over time. Manufacturers recommend polishing or coating the floor with the "wax-free" material on the surface where the gloss has decreased. It is always better to use the manufacturer's recommended coating material, as there are different formulations on the market.
3. Long lasting, wear resistant
There are two types that offer wear resistance and a long service life:
Printed vinyl floor
Includes 3-4 layers
Wear layer (above)
Printed pattern
Cushioning layer (optional)
Base layer
Most vinyl floors consist of three or four layers together to create a material that is durable and beautiful. The first layer consists of a backing material that is made of felt or fiberglass. The second layer is a printed vinyl layer that adheres to the base layer. There may be a buffer layer on some styles. The top coat is called the "wear coat," and it is also made of vinyl.
The wear layer is also made of vinyl and protects the floor from wear. Its resistance to dents and grooves depends on the thickness of the layer. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the floor will be. FHA requirements are a minimum of 10 mils, but the best flooring styles offer up to 30 mils for optimal protection. It is important to ask the seller about the thickness of the wear layer if you are looking for the best performance.
Inlaid vinyl flooring
With inlaid vinyl flooring, the pattern is created throughout the thickness of the vinyl. This type is more expensive, but if the pattern is chipped or scratched, it is not noticeable because the pattern spans the entire depth of the sheet. Inlaid vinyl floors do not have a wear layer, but they do have a backing base layer.
4. Comfortable underfoot
If you are installing your floor in areas where you will be walking or standing a lot, such as in the kitchen, a style that includes a padded backrest is probably more comfortable. Compared to tile, wood or laminate floors, vinyl padded flooring will always provide a greater degree of comfort for standing and walking.
5. Less complicated installation
Although a professional is always recommended for installation, the process can be less complicated than other types of flooring because you can often install the new floor just above the existing one. If you have a smooth-surface tile or hardwood floor, you can talk to your salesperson about installing the vinyl floor right above it. This can save you money and time in the long run because you may not have to pay someone to remove the old floor before installing the new one.
Also with tile, wood, and even laminate floors, your contractor may need to make a large number of messy cuts to join the pieces together. With roll vinyl, this mess is minimized, which can save you money and long-term cleaning time.
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