When it comes to floors, you have a lot of options, depending on the look you want, the room it’s for, and a host of other factors. If you’re looking for a hard floor, particularly for your kitchen or bathroom, one of the most versatile options available is vinyl. Here are some of the benefits of installing vinyl flooring in your home.
- It’s Versatile. Do you want a classy, ceramic tile look for your floor? How about a hard wood aesthetic? Both look great, but they can also be very expensive, and a hassle to install. However, vinyl can replicate the look of both ceramic tile and wood for a fraction of the cost. It can also be manufactured in a variety of other colors and patterns, to go with any taste and any décor. The only limit is your imagination.
- It’s Low Cost. Vinyl sheeting can be purchased for little as fifty cents per square foot. Vinyl tile can run up to $10 per square foot, but it’s still much cheaper than actual ceramic. Even the most expensive vinyl still costs less than high end flooring materials. Whatever form it’s in, it’s a cost-effective option that makes a great addition to any home décor.
- It’s Low Maintenance. Vinyl is very easy to clean, and to keep clean. Printed vinyl is made with a clear, protective layer on top. The layer is stain resistant, so you can easily sweep up dirt and mop up spills, without worrying about leaving a permanent mark on the floor. It’s also water resistant, making it ideal for areas that get a lot of moisture, such as the bathroom, to reduce buildup of mildew. All-in-all, maintaining vinyl is a lot easier than most other types of flooring.
- It’s Durable. Vinyl is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic without wearing out or breaking. Some vinyl sheeting is even reinforced with fiberglass, to provide even more strength. Good quality vinyl will last you anywhere from 10 to 20 years, and if you take good care of it. It can be made so the colors and patterns won’t fade, either. Manufacturers fuse multiple layers of the same color vinyl together to create a sturdy, durable tile that retains its color and pattern, even if the top layer starts to wear away, sometime down the road. Plus, if one section of the floor does sustain damage, you can replace just that strip, without having to redo the whole floor, and it will look as good as new.
- It’s Easy to Install. As long as you ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level, putting in vinyl flooring is a snap. You can even do it yourself, to save money on costly professional installation.
- It’s Comfortable. Vinyl flooring feels great under your feet. While tile gets cold enough to freeze your toes off in the winter, vinyl doesn’t. Some vinyl sheeting is padded as well, making it a joy to walk on in any season.
Of course, there are potential drawbacks to vinyl as well. If you’re looking for an ecologically friendly option, vinyl isn’t biodegradable. It’s possible to recycle, but isn’t done very often. And while it’s resistant to most stains, it does react with certain chemicals, such as rubber, which can cause discoloration.
Still, these are just a few minor setbacks. There are plenty of reasons to install vinyl flooring in your home, and plenty of benefits you can reap. Talk to a flooring expert and see if vinyl is right for you—and what kind of vinyl can best enliven your décor for years to come.