Since vinyl flooring can recreate the natural wood effect, laying this type of floor can be a fantastic option, especially for areas that are susceptible to moisture. This type of flooring option is getting quite popular lately, as there are also a lot of advantages with its usage. It can be very similar to linoleum, but these are more economical and attractive than the said material. Primarily, there are two types of vinyl flooring – sheet flooring and tile flooring.
In sheet flooring, as the name suggests, sheets of flooring materials in dimensions of 6 or 12 feet wide can be laid out with considerable ease. This type of flooring can offer sufficient water resistance and can be successfully used in moist places. Tile flooring uses tiles in dimensions of 12 inches by 12 inches or 9 inches by 9 inches. They can easily replicate the look of a ceramic tile, but at a very cheap price. Therefore, these are highly desired by many customers.
- Vinyl flooring can be a versatile option – For all areas that witness high traffic, vinyl flooring can be the best alternative, as they can easily handle a large amount of footfall. Even in places where cleanliness is required or static-free condition is needed, this type of flooring can solve the purpose. Moreover, it can handle large amounts of moisture with care and is economical for purchase. It can also be a very good option for remodeling, as a costlier maintenance flooring option such as carpet can be avoided.
- Vinyl tile floor can also be a good option – Vinyl flooring in the form of tiles is made in two ways. Inlay vinyl tile is made by combining many layers of single-colored vinyl that are bonded together to look attractive. The pattern or color of inlay tiles stays all the same up to the last layer. Therefore, even if a layer or two wear off, the color will remain the same and there will be no difference in its appearance
The second type of tiles in vinyl flooring is called as “rotogravure” vinyl tile floor. It has a thin vinyl layer on its top on which vinyl paint is applied. It also has a protective coating over it, so that the paint does not get exposed easily. It is a cheaper option than inlay vinyl tiles, but under heavy traffic or with time, the vinyl layer may wear off and its color may get dull.
- Advantages and disadvantages of vinyl flooring – Vinyl flooring is a sturdy flooring option that can easily take care of heavy footfall. It can help in reducing noise and is extremely comfortable for walking barefoot. Therefore, kids and pets can feel quite comfortable over it. The installation of this type of floor is easy along with the fact that it is also cheaper and easy to maintain. They can be available in a plethora of designs and colors, and you can choose the one that matches well with your interiors.
But just like any other floor that has its disadvantages, it also has a few. Vinyl flooring may not be able to withstand heavy loads and can easily get damaged by sharp items. Extreme temperatures can also damage this type of floor and a lot of sunlight may fade the surface significantly. Hence, this type of floor may not be very suitable for outdoor applications.
However, on the positive side, installation of this type of floor can be completed with the least effort and it can also be a sort of DIY exercise for any homeowner. Hence, we can see that vinyl flooring presents a lot of benefits due to which people prefer installing this type of flooring option.