Vinyl is a popular synthetic material for flooring because of its strength, usefulness, its resistance to dampness and its adaptable appearance. Because of this and it being one of the cheapest types of flooring, it has gained popularity as a flooring material.
Vinyl flooring may accurately imitate many other opulent flooring materials, including wood, stone, and marble – made possible by the various layers of materials in vinyl flooring. These components come together to create a floor covering that is water-resistant, durable, and reasonably priced.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl rolls are the two primary varieties of vinyl flooring. Although LVT and vinyl roll are formed of the same materials, they are built differently to achieve specific results.
What are the Types of Vinyl Tiles
Luxury Vinyl Tile
LVT is a vinyl flooring that mimics it’s natural counterparts such as ceramic tile and hardwood. Thanks to technological advancements and improved design capabilities, vinyl floors can now appear and feel almost exactly like what they’re imitating. With the ability to replicate the appearance of tiles or wooden planks, LVT has a wide range of both classic and contemporary designs. Additionally, there are a choice of strength allowing you to choose how stiff or flexible you’d want it to be.
LVT’s modular design makes it simple and quick to install, which is a huge benefit when remodelling a single room or an entire house. This will allow you to quick swap the flooring without the disruption that typically follows and if planned correctly renovations can be completed with the furniture still in situ.
Vinyl Rolls
Vinyl rolls are large, continuous and flexible sheets of vinyl flooring with fibreglass cushion backing. They are available in a variety of different designs, from traditional and realistic to more modern and whimsical options.
In addition vinyl rolls contain low formaldehyde and VOC emissions and are UK allergy-approved, contributing to healthier interior environments. These are just a few reasons vinyl rolls are one of the least expensive flooring options for homeowners.
The Benefits of Vinyl Floors Resilient
Resilient
Vinyl flooring is renowned for its toughness. This indicates that most vinyl flooring is long-lasting, water-resistant, and requires little care. If it includes a wear layer, vinyl flooring often won’t stain and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making it a fantastic alternative for highly travelled areas. Some vinyl flooring is also completely waterproof, which it great solution for wetrooms or bathrooms.
Comfortable
Vinyl flooring often feels “softer” and more “padded” underfoot when compared to other flooring materials like stone or oak because of its layered construction. These layers serve as insulation and aid in preserving the floor’s constant temperature throughout the year. Additionally, vinyl has the potential to be soundproof, which helps any area be less noisy and echo-free.
Inexpensive and simple to install
Vinyl is reasonably priced, and its installation is a straightforward process that is do-it-yourself friendly.
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
No chance of refinishing
It is impossible to refinish vinyl flooring since it has a single wear layer above the design layer. The damaged portion of the floor, or the entire floor, must be replaced once it has sustained damage. This is especially true for vinyl sheets or cheap vinyl.
Not environment friendly
Toxic chemicals are used in the production of vinyl flooring, and after installation, vinyl floors have been observed to release VOCs. (volatile organic compounds). An indoor environment, especially without windows or ventilation, will result in increased quantities of off-gassed VOCs, harming health. We advise avoiding low-VOC vinyl flooring and going with low-VOC floors if this concerns you.
What Is The Cost Of Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring can be purchased for as little as £10 per square metre and as much as £45 per square metre. The final price tag will be partly established by the vinyl flooring style and quality you select. The most affordable alternative costs just £10 per square metre.
Due to its superior quality and lifelike likeness to genuine materials like wood and stone tiles, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) can cost anywhere from £45 and above.
How Much Do Luxury Vinyl Tile Installations Typically Cost?
The final price should be based on the thickness and quality of the luxury vinyl tiles chosen. On average, LVT flooring installation costs can range from £30 to £70 per square metre.
The price of LVT flooring might also be affected by the substrate it’s being affixed to. Screed-floor installation is the most cost-effective option. Depending on the tradespeople you choose, the price of labour might be anything from £10 to £30 per hour.
Care and Maintenance Tips
It’s simple to maintain vinyl flooring, especially high-quality vinyl flooring. Depending on your wear layer, your floor has probably undergone a surface treatment (unique to the manufacturer) that helps make it more resistant to scratches and stains. Your floor can usually be kept clean with just a hoover, a quick sweep and a damp mop, and you can easily make your gentle cleaning solution rather than buying one. Typical floor maintenance procedures include wiping up spills and stains, using rugs and mats, covering furniture legs with protective padding, etc.
Conversely, vinyl flooring should not be waxed, polished, or steam cleaned due to the wear layer. Also to be avoided are abrasive, greasy, and acidic products. Never use direct heat on your vinyl floor; doing so could cause discolouration or even melting.
Optional Designs
When it comes to design possibilities, vinyl floors are flexible. Vinyl resembling other flooring materials, such as wood, brick, and stone, is readily available. Once a material has been selected, additional customisation is also possible. There are many different textures, designs, and hues in vinyl flooring. Bright, muted, and metallic patterns come in various geometric, floral, and even Art Deco motifs if you want a non-traditional style.
Lifespan
The lifespan of vinyl flooring can range from five to twenty-five years. The installation procedure, the flooring’s quality, the wear layer’s thickness, and upkeep are all to blame for this enormous difference.
The fact that a damaged vinyl floor must be replaced rather than refinished is also reflected. Depending on the extent of the type and damage of vinyl you bought, this may entail replacing the entire floor (sheet vinyl) or just the offending tile or plank.
Bottom Line
Vinyl flooring is a low-cost, easy-to-install, and durable flooring option. It is best for high-traffic areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways. To choose the highest quality tile from the many options available, hiring a qualified contractor with expertise in this field will ensure that your home renovation produces an aesthetically pleasing result.
