The ultimate guide to vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular flooring options on the market. Here’s what you need to know before making your purchase.

Vinyl flooring is a versatile and affordable option that’s perfect for any room in your house. It offers a wide variety of colours and styles, to fit any decor. In addition, vinyl is ideal for families with pets or children – it’s not only extremely easy to clean but it's hardwearing too. If you want the look of hardwood floors without the expense and ongoing maintenance, vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for you.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic floor covering made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fibreglass stabilisers. Unlike wood flooring, it is far more durable and is a very popular choice for many homeowners and businesses. Vinyl planks are limitless in design and offer a very attractive flooring option.

The reason vinyl flooring is strong, waterproof and durable, is that it comprises three primary layers.

Top-Wear Layer:

The bodyguard of your floor. The top layer of the vinyl flooring is a clear urethane-based wear layer. Its combination of PVC and sometimes additives like nylon provide substantial protection against water, stains and scratches.

Mid-Print layer:

This layer complements the vinyl floor as it provides a hyper-realistic appearance of real timber and the top surface.

Bottom - Core Layer:

Also known as the vinyl core. The core which is the PVC composition is often reinforced with fibreglass to increase longevity and help to reduce expansion or shrinkage which may occur from the fluctuations in temperature.>

There are 3 vinyl flooring options

1. Luxury vinyl plank flooring

The most common of the vinyl flooring options, as the technology advancements in luxury vinyl plank flooring give the appearance of different wood grains, species, colours and textures. Therefore it perfectly mimics hardwood.

2. Luxury vinyl tiles

Due to their wide range of options and construction types, vinyl tiles provide a great level of customisation. Resembling the look and feel of stone, marble and ceramic tiles, they are a perfect flooring option for restaurants, cafes, and other hospitality areas. They are also a popular choice for many homes.

3. Vinyl sheet flooring

Unlike the other options, vinyl sheet flooring comes in a roll, making it extremely easy to install. Another benefit is it can be laid directly on existing floor coverings and is particularly suited for bathrooms and kitchens. This flooring option is perfect for commercial settings.

Pros and cons of vinyl flooring

Pros of vinyl

• Durable
• Waterproof
• Affordable
• Easy installation
• Slip-resistant

Cons of vinyl flooring

• Shorter life span
• Air quality
• Difficult to repair
• Colour fading

Installing vinyl flooring

Having your flooring installed professionally will ensure precise measurements are carried out and all necessary measures are taken to have your vinyl floors laid to perfection.

Should you require a professional technician to install your vinyl flooring on the Sunshine Coast, we can assist with all your installation needs. Firstly, we will visit your home to carry out a full assessment of your current floor enabling us to provide you with tailored flooring recommendations.

How to clean vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is one the easiest flooring options to keep clean, adding to its popularity.

You can run over it with a dry microfiber mop or soft bristle broom to keep it dirt and dust free, alternatively, you can also use a damp mop for a more thorough clean. As vinyl flooring is waterproof this will not cause any damage. Ensure you allow the flooring to dry thoroughly after mopping.

You can also use a vacuum cleaner to pick up any litter, dust or dirt. It is important to make sure you use a floor brush attachment, not one that is designed for carpet, as this may damage the surface of your floor.

Things to avoid when cleaning vinyl flooring

• Avoid steam cleaners as they can damage vinyl because of the intense heat generated.
• Avoid harsh floor cleaners, only use products specifically made for cleaning vinyl floors, or simply use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to 4 litres of warm water.
• Don't leave liquid spills because they can seep into the subfloor through gaps.
• Always use a floor brush attachment when vacuuming.

The Impact Floors team is your local expert in vinyl flooring on the Sunshine Coast. We understand it's not always easy to know what is the best flooring option for your household. That's where we can help. Our experienced team can provide expert advice and answer all your enquiries to help you with your decision.

Reference - https://floorvenue.com.au/ultimate-guide-to-vinyl-flooring/