Vinyl Flooring

We know, we know… but we promise – this is not your grandmother’s vinyl flooring. Or your mother’s for that matter! Vinyl is an affordable, highly customizable option that is becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. There are patterns that look so real you’d swear they’re hardwood, or marble, or mosaic tile.

But you don’t just have to take our word for it. We’ve got some facts to back it up. And when you’re ready, come check out some samples at The Carpet Center – one of our dedicated flooring specialists can help you choose exactly the right design for your space.

 

Vinyl Fits in Anywhere

Because vinyl comes in so many styles, patterns, and textures, you’re bound to find something for your home once you start looking. Although it works everywhere, we’ve found that our customers use vinyl flooring in their bathrooms and kitchens the most. This is a popular choice in those particular rooms because vinyl is water and stain resistant and stands up to high foot traffic.

 

Types of Vinyl Flooring

There are two main types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring and tile flooring. Sheet flooring is laid down in sheets six (6) or twelve (12) feet wide, while tile flooring uses tiles of 9”x9” or 12”x12”. Sheet flooring is the most water-resistant of the two because it is one, continuous sheet of flooring. However, many of our homeowners prefer vinyl tile because the grooves between tiles more accurately replicate the look of real tile or hardwood at a more affordable price point.

Vinyl Tiles

We often see vinyl tile floor installed in commercial settings where high traffic can noticeably wear down hardwoods or carpet. It’s also great for creating an easily sanitized or static-free environment. In the home, vinyl tile is often used where there’s a high chance of significant moisture – such as the kitchen or the bathroom. It is also often used in remodels and rental homes because it’s lower maintenance and lower cost than hardwood or carpet.

A vinyl tile floor can be made in one of two ways. Inlay vinyl tile is comprised of multiple layers of the same color vinyl, fused together. With this type of vinyl flooring, the color or pattern goes all the way through the tile to the backing. This means that even if a layer or two wears away over time, the color will remain the same.

The other type of Vinyl tile is called “rotogravure”. This is less expensive than inlaid flooring. The rotogravure tiles are made up of a polymer that has a thin layer of vinyl on top. This layer is colored with vinyl paint and then covered with a protective coating. This option is less expensive, but if it wears away over time or becomes scratched, the pattern or color will be compromised.

 

The Benefits of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is very durable and it works especially well in high traffic areas of your home. It also reduces noise better than hardwood or tile, which reflect the sound back and amplify it. This is an extra blessing if you have kids or pets! Vinyl flooring also comes with an added advantage – cost-effectiveness. It is much less expensive than other flooring options and easier to maintain which saves you valuable time.

Vinyl comes in a wide range of patterns and colors, including wood grain so it’s highly customizable.

 

Is Vinyl Right for Me?

At The Carpet Center, we believe that vinyl can work for just about anyone. But we also want to be transparent about the drawbacks of vinyl – especially when it’s used in an area that’s not conducive to the material. It’s most important to us that you’re happy with your flooring, and that means letting you make informed comparisons.

Vinyl floors do not stand up well to heavy loads, so you should never use it in a garage or an area where heavy cargo is constantly moved. Vinyl is also more prone to be damaged by sharp objects – so maybe putting it down in your new sewing room or workshop isn’t the best idea.

Also, consider that vinyl often fades in too much direct sunlight and can be damaged by extreme temperature changes. For these reasons, we suggest that you do not use vinyl flooring in an outdoor or indoor/outdoor space – such as a screened-in porch or patio.

But so long as you’ve avoided these pitfalls, vinyl should work beautifully in your kitchen or bathroom!

 

Is Installing Vinyl Flooring Difficult?

That’s an excellent question! You can choose to install vinyl yourself, but we recommend you have a professional contractor do it for you. Let’s talk about why.

The key to a successful vinyl flooring installation depends not on the vinyl, but on the subflooring. Because vinyl is a relatively thin material, it requires an extremely smooth surface – otherwise, it can show every bump, flaw, and indentation on your floor. We’ve found that the best subfloor to avoid this is a layer of well-sanded plywood.

Most manufacturers recommend that you do not put down new vinyl over more than one other layer of vinyl – and we agree! Multiple layers of aging and flawed vinyl will make your new layer more likely to crack, bubble, or leak. And, if the layer beneath is patterned, eventually that texture can show through your new floor. You don’t want a flower print wood grain!

It’s a little extra work, but peel up that old vinyl first for best results!

 

How do I Care for Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is low maintenance and easy to care for. To maintain the surface of the floor, regular sweeping is key. You don’t want dirt and dust being ground into vinyl. After sweeping, use a damp mop and a vinyl floor cleaner to remove any stains. Be sure that you’re using a product that clearly states it’s for vinyl on the packaging! Some cleaners can eat away at your floors and leave a frustrating and expensive mess behind.

However, despite needing a specific cleaner, vinyl is by far one of the lowest maintenance flooring options out there.

 

If you have any questions or would like to see some vinyl flooring options yourself, make an appointment with one of The Carpet Centers trained flooring specialists!