Buying Vinyl Flooring: Everything You Need To Know

Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring option due to its affordability, durability, and resistance to stains and water.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is available in two forms: tile flooring and sheet flooring.

Tiles are either 9-by-9 inches or 12-by-12 inches.

Sheet flooring comes in either 6-foot or 12-foot-wide sheets.

Vinyl tiles are much easier to install on your own. The cost per square foot is also considerably lower than that of sheet flooring.

The Advantages of Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring offers easy installation which also extends to easy maintenance. It is extremely simple to clean and is very durable. The material is suitable for areas that draw lots of foot traffic, and it absorbs noise, making it ideal for homes with children or pets.

Vinyl flooring comes in many color and design options that will match any home. Some styles even mimic wood grains and give the appearance of expensive hardwood floors.

Downsides of Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is not suitable for bearing heavy loads, and it does not hold up well under sharp objects. Manufacturers recommend that you not wear high heels when walking on vinyl floors.

The colors of vinyl flooring can fade when exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, and these conditions will also hasten wear and tear. For these reasons, vinyl flooring should not be used outdoors or in rooms with too much unrestrained sunlight.

Thickness

All types of vinyl flooring include a cushion backing that determines the thickness. When shopping for vinyl flooring, think abuot the room in which it is to be installed. The kitchen, for example, hosts lots of fragile items, so a thick cushion backing can help prevent breakages.

One downside to thick cushion backings is that they can show denting. Avoid this by choosing vinyl flooring that has a textured surface as this will mask dents.

Quality

Low-end vinyl flooring can be relatively inexpensive, though it may not offer the same benefits of most costly styles. High-end vinyl flooring is comparable with some of the best flooring options in terms of both quality and performance.