Vinyl Flooring – a Smart Choice at a Great Price

Vinyl is a popular flooring solution and has been here for quite a long time. There is a common misconception that it is cheap and mediocre floor covering but this is not the case.

Over the years, vinyl has changed and it offers spectacular features in combination with incredible design. From its installation to the following maintenance, vinyl is a smart flooring choice for every homeowner. Before you make your final decision, read on and find out what you should know about vinyl:

• Vinyl comes in two types – tile flooring and sheet flooring. Vinyl tile flooring can imitate the looks of ceramic tiles but it is a cheaper alternative. There is another type of tile flooring – luxury vinyl tile – which offer unique designs that replicate the look of wood and stone. Vinyl sheet flooring is very easy to install and provides water-resistance. Another thing you should know about vinyl flooring is the three types of finishes that provide an immaculate final result – urethane finish, enhanced urethane finish and vinyl no-wax finish. Urethane finish is durable, easy to clean and stands up to moderate footfall. Enhanced urethane finish is the toughest finish available and is very resistant to stains and scratches, even if constant care can`t be provided at any time. Vinyl no-wax finish is the lightest type, therefore, it is suitable for light foot traffic and places that are not exposed to moisture and dirt.

• The cost of vinyl flooring is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of flooring like hardwood and ceramic floors. The price of Luxury Vinyl Tile is a little bit higher but still it provides incredible looks without the expenses of natural stone. You can always check the wide variety of designs in your local flooring stores and showrooms. You will see that vinyl offers significant cost savings – your home can look splendid and luxurious without shrinking your budget!

• As we mentioned, the installation of vinyl flooring is easy so if you are handy, you can even cut the installation costs and do it yourself. Yet, if you are not confident with your skills, the price still won`t be high as it doesn`t require many supplies. For instance, floating vinyl sheet doesn`t need staples or glue to be installed. Vinyl flooring can be easily installed over hardwood, concrete and plywood.

• Now, let`s discuss its durability. An esteemed flooring contractor states that vinyl is highly durable which makes it the perfect flooring solution for the rooms that stand up the most traffic. The lifecycle of vinyl is about 10 to 20 years. As an additional protection, most vinyl floors have a wear layer that makes it resistant to stains and scratches. Depending on the flooring company you are choosing, you may even be provided with a warranty up to 15 years on this wear layer.

• What about the thickness that vinyl flooring offers? Many people think that the thicker flooring, the better. However, when it concerns vinyl, you should look for the thickness of the wear layer. In general, vinyl is soft beneath feet. There are some vinyl sheets that are provided with a padded layer and it makes walking on it very pleasant and comfortable. Vinyl flooring is also referred to be resilient, i.e. is has a certain level of elasticity. If you are in need of sound-absorbing flooring option, you are recommended to opt for Luxury Vinyl Tile – it is a quieter alternative.

• An important aspect you should not miss when installing vinyl flooring is to make sure where exactly the seams will be after the process is finished. Ask your contractor which are the patterns that will hide the seams better if you have a room with such configuration. For instance, if you are installing tile patterns with grout lines, you are guaranteed that the seams will be masked flawlessly.

• The maintenance of vinyl is a piece of cake – you have to sweep the flooring regularly in order to remove the grit and dirt and mop with a suitable vinyl cleaner. Your floors will preserve their good looks and after you run the mop over, you will see that they look as if you just bought them without much hassle and elbow grease.

• Most people agree on the fact that the design of the vinyl flooring is what they praise most. Vinyl is so versatile that your options are nearly endless. You can consider installing printed vinyl to create a unique look or simply choose one that resembles hardwood or marble without the expense associated with installing such flooring.

• Last but not least, you are recommended to install vinyl in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and family rooms.

Vinyl is a great flooring choice which provides great properties including simple maintenance, durability and incredible design combined with a cost-effective price. If you still have any hesitations about choosing this material for your home, contact your local flooring contractor for further information!