Last updated on June 30th, 2022
We would all love to have stone or wooden flooring to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes. Yes, the charm of these materials is undeniable. However, prohibitive costs make this an impossible proposition.
However, with the arrival of vinyl flooring on the scene, a wide variety of flooring options are suddenly within reach of the common man. Vinyl has been around for almost a century. And with interest in this material picking up, there are a lot of options for you to consider for your home.
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of this versatile material.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl is a synthetic material that consists of various sub-layers. This flooring material mimics the look of hardwood but is made from PVC material.
What are the types of vinyl flooring?
The two basic types of vinyl flooring are sheet flooring and tile flooring.
Vinyl sheet flooring
These sheets have several layers with a print on the top. These large sheets have continuity and can be spread as a whole on your flooring. Vinyl sheets are even suitable for areas that see a lot of moisture, such as the kitchen or your laundry area.
Vinyl floor sheets are not only affordable, but they are also durable and come in a variety of colors. The sheets are available in pre-made rolls of different widths. This makes it easier for you to pick the one that suits your needs the best.
Vinyl tile flooring
Vinyl tiles are waterproof and resilient. You can opt for either flexible tiles or rigid variety. You can pick the ones that resemble planks to mimic the look of wooden flooring if you wish. As they are very thick and scratch-resistant, they can withstand a lot of traffic.
These tiles are available in 12 to 18 inches squares. As some of these tiles are self-adhesive, they are very easy to install.
The advantages of vinyl flooring
A glance at some of the advantages of this material is necessary before you make your decision.
Durable
With proper care, vinyl can last for 10 to 20 years. However, this depends on the quality of your flooring and your use. The material is sturdy and can take a lot of footfalls, be it in the kitchen or the passage.
Installation is easy
When done correctly, this material is very easy to install. Before you begin, make sure the ground is even and dry.
It has aesthetic appeal
You get a variety of designs to choose from. The biggest draw is that it resembles wood. So if you have a yen for wooden flooring but can’t afford it, this is a great alternative trending vinyl flooring design.
Maintenance is easy
It may be the easiest flooring to maintain, but when neglected you can damage the surface. Clean the grit and dirt regularly to ensure that your flooring is not tarnished.
It’s cost-effective
Easily affordable, the pricing of vinyl is not an issue if you are on a budget.
It is water-resistant
A great water-proof material, vinyl flooring is a good choice even for areas that have high levels of moisture.
The disadvantages of vinyl flooring
Vinyl is by far one of the best flooring alternatives on a low budget. However, it cannot be denied that vinyl has a downside.
Easily damaged
Unlike wood, vinyl lacks strength, and heavy loads or sharp objects can damage the surface. As it can’t be repaired, you may need new flooring in case of damage.
Fading is a possibility
Direct sunlight can affect the color of your vinyl tiles. But, by and large, there should be no problem installing this flooring inside your home.
It’s non-biodegradable
At the end of the day, it’s plastic. So, if you are looking for eco-friendly products, this one is not for you.
Final words
Vinyl flooring is the next best thing to having wooden flooring, something we all desire. Once you buy a good quality product and maintain it, you can be the proud owner of a ‘wooden’ flooring too.
Before you make your purchase, you may want to check out homebliss for more home decor ideas. After all, once you install your vinyl flooring, your old sofas are going to stick out like a sore thumb!
