Vinyl Flooring: Which Type is Best For Your Home?

If you are planning to get new flooring on a budget, vinyl flooring is a strong contender.

But picking the right vinyl flooring to withstand the diverse needs of your active household can be a challenge, given the options.

That’s why it’s smart to understand each product, to make the best choice.

Let’s look at how vinyl flooring is a great pick for your home and explore the different types available.

The Basics: What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Before we discuss its attributes and types, let’s understand what vinyl flooring is. It is made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic; a synthetic material that is hard-pressed into thin layers in the form of tiles, planks, or sheets.

One of the best features of vinyl flooring is its ability to mimic the appearance of hardwood, stone, and ceramic. This makes it quite popular with home and business owners alike.

Now, here are some different types of vinyl flooring available at your nearest flooring store.

Types of Vinyl Flooring Available For Your Next Renovation

It is best to understand your vinyl flooring options before you settle on one.

• Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl planks are a popular choice of flooring. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs. Most come reinforced with a foam core that delivers rigidity and strength. In addition to being 100% waterproof, their unique click-lock system is extremely easy to install over any surface. And their underlayment minimizes sounds and shocks while improving comfort.

Vinyl plank flooring is ideal for installation in a wide array of spaces. Plus, it is an ideal choice for your family thanks to its versatility and durability.

• Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Ideal for high-moisture areas in your home, vinyl sheet flooring comes in a variety of colours and designs, so you have plenty of options. Sheet vinyl planks have a fibreglass core that is immune to the negative effects of moisture, which can impact other types of flooring.

It does not crack, curl, expand or contract and can be installed in any area of your home with confidence. Vinyl sheet flooring comes with one of three types of backings, each of which has different installation requirements.

The loose-lay method does not require any type of adhesive. You can also glue (or use other adhesives) on the sheets throughout the installation process. Lastly, sheets with glued edges are by far the most difficult to install, so need professional installation.

• Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Flooring

It pays off to know everything about vinyl flooring. Not only does it help you buy the right product, but it also saves you money and time. Peel-and-stick vinyl is perfect if you want a quick installation. They come with an adhesive backing and are available in tile and plank formats.

Choose groutable vinyl flooring tile for higher-moisture spaces like bathrooms and kitchens to reduce slip-and-fall injuries. The peel-and-stick variant is a great choice for businesses as well as homes. Their low-gloss finish does not show scuffs or other marks and is low maintenance and easy to clean.

Now that we have covered the main types of vinyl flooring, here is a look at how to shop for them.

Tips on Choosing the Right Type of Vinyl Flooring

1. Always remember to select a good wear layer to better protect your space from everyday wear and tear. For light to medium residential use, 6 mm is adequate; for residential/light commercial, 12 mm is better; and for high-traffic commercial areas, select 20 mm or higher.
2. Always have a realistic idea about your budget before you buy.
3. For best results, hire a professional to complete your project.

Vinyl flooring is a great choice for homes and businesses. They are an excellent, economical choice that comes with numerous benefits. Use this guide to narrow your choices, but feel free to speak to the staff at a reputable flooring store near you to help you find the right option.