Pros & Cons: A Guide to Vinyl Flooring
Here is all you need to know about vinyl floors
Want a quick-fix answer to a dull, boring, worn-out old floor or hard-to-maintain carpets? One that’s easy on the pocket, too? Vinyl is a great shortcut to new flooring. Vinyl floors are resilient, made primarily out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and some chemical additives. They offer some degree of elasticity, flexibility and give a good bounce to the foot. Vinyl floors are available in the form of sheets and tiles that are not as soft as a carpet but not as hard as laminate or tiled floors, either. Additionally, vinyl floors are finished with a clear ‘wear layer’ on top, which works as a protective coating. This flooring can be easily installed directly on the existing floor without the hassle of dismantling it.
- Pro: Easy to maintain
- Pro: Stain-resistant
- Pro: Soft on the feet
Learn more about the best substitutes for solid wood.
- Pro: Multiple colours and designs Vinyl floors come in many colours and designs that replicate natural stone and wood, except that the floor is a little shiny and has a slightly plastic look.
Tip: Vinyl flooring is a great way to bring together several colours and patterns, as seen in this kid’s room. Additionally, this floor is also appropriate for home gyms, as it is soft on the foot, gives a good bounce while exercising and has good sound-absorption qualities.
- Con: Emits high VOCs
- Con: Not resistant to chemicals
- Con: Can get damaged if the subfloor is not smooth Before installation, make sure that the subfloor is smooth and free of dirt particles. Even small grains trapped below the vinyl sheets can cause lumps to appear on the surface and cause damage over a period of time. Laying a new vinyl floor on top of an old patterned one can result in the bottom layer’s pattern showing up as a change in texture after some time.
- Con: Sharp objects can damage the floor If a sharp object falls on the floor it can create sharp cuts that may become difficult to repair – even high-heeled shoes leave marks and can cause dents on the floor.
Read more:
Which Laminate is Best for Kitchen Cabinets?
Which Interior Finish to Choose: Wood Veneer or Laminate?
Tell us:
Would you like to install vinyl flooring in your home? Share in the Comments section below.
Sponsored
- Pro: Durable
Vinyl flooring is a lightweight and highly durable material with a lifespan that can range between 10 and 20 years. One can further enhance its longevity with proper maintenance and by not subjecting it to rough use.- Pro: Water-resistant
Vinyl flooring has excellent resistance to water and has anti-slip properties as well. This makes it suitable for bathrooms or in areas where there is a significant presence of moisture.Tip: Do note that vinyl flooring can easily catch fire and release toxic fumes when burnt, so it is not advisable to use it in the kitchen where fire could be a hazard.