Vinyl is a synthetic flooring material that’s popular for its functionality and durability. In recent years, vinyl flooring has grown in popularity due to its versatility and ability to resist moisture. It’s also one of the most affordable flooring options. Vinyl flooring is able to realistically replicate wood, stone, and marble, as well as a wide range of other luxury floor materials.
Vinyl flooring is made up of several layers. These materials are pressed together to form a durable, water-resistant and relatively inexpensive floor covering.
What is Vinyl Flooring Made Of?
The standard vinyl floor is usually made up of four layers. The backing layer is usually made from cork or foam. This is the underlayment that will be used to lay down vinyl flooring. It also acts as a cushion for a more comfortable walk on the floor and as a sound barrier.
The waterproof layer is placed above the backing layer (assuming that you’re using waterproof vinyl). This layer is designed for moisture absorption without causing the floor to swell or compromise its integrity. There are two different types of waterproof layer: WPC (made from wood and plastic) and SPC (made from stone and plastic).
The design layer sits above the waterproof layer and features an image that you have chosen in high resolution. Many of the design layers are designed to look like wood, marble or stone, as well as other high-end materials.
The wear layer is placed on top of the vinyl flooring to protect it. For high-traffic areas, a thicker wear layer is needed to maintain a long-lasting lifespan. Areas with less traffic can use a thinner wear layer.
There are usually 6-8 layers in luxury vinyl flooring. This can include a topcoat layer of clear vinyl that gives the floor a shine and protects the wear layer. A cushion layer is made from foam or felt to provide comfort for walking on the floor.
Vinyl flooring types
Vinyl Plank
Vinyl planks can be designed to look like hardwood flooring and are available in many different designs. The various vinyl planks are popular because they are easy to clean, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. This type of flooring is ideal for areas with high traffic and are susceptible to wear.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tiles are made to look like ceramic or stone tiles. They are available in many patterns and colors, just like vinyl planks. Some people add grout to vinyl tiles in order for them to look more like ceramic or stone tiles. Vinyl tiles are often used for small areas in the home, as they can be easily cut to fit.
Vinyl Sheet
Vinyl sheets are available in 12 foot wide rolls and can be installed in one go. Vinyl sheets are popular for covering large areas in homes due to their affordability and durability.
Luxury Vinyl Planks and Tiles
Luxury vinyl planks are five times thicker and have more layers than their standard vinyl counterparts. This extra material gives the flooring a more realistic look, especially when it’s being used to replicate wood or stone. The luxury vinyl planks and tiles are created using 3-D printers. This makes them a great option if you want to accurately replicate a natural flooring material such as wood or stone. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are more durable than standard flooring. They have a lifespan of about 20 years.
Cost of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl planks and tiles are priced between $2 and $3 per square feet. Luxury vinyl planks and luxury vinyl tiles cost between 2.50 and $5 per sq. foot.
Installation of vinyl flooring costs 36 to 45 dollars an hour. Vinyl sheeting costs 3 cents per square foot.
Vinyl flooring: pros and cons
Pros
- Floors made of traditional materials are not designed to last as long. They can sustain much more wear and tear.
- Flooring materials that are cheaper than conventional flooring
- There are virtually infinite design options available, so you have a wide range of choices when choosing a floor.
- Easy to install
You can also find out more about Cons
- It can be difficult to remove as the adhesive becomes hardened against the floorboards.
- Vinyl flooring can be as thin as 2mm.
Foot Traffic
Consider how much traffic is in the area in which you want to install vinyl flooring. Vinyl is durable and can withstand heavy wear, so it’s a great choice for areas that are heavily used. Some vinyls are thicker than others so it is important to think about how much protection you need for the area.
Environment
Vinyl flooring is known for its durability, but there are some situations where it doesn’t work. Vinyl flooring is not designed to withstand heavy loads. You should avoid installing it near large machinery.
Vinyl flooring is also susceptible to damage from sharp objects. Keep it away. Vinyl flooring’s color can also fade when exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid installing vinyl flooring outdoors or in a space that is both indoors and out.
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Current Floor
Vinyl can be laid more easily on certain surfaces. It works best when the surface is smooth. It can be difficult to lay vinyl over an existing floor that has flaws. For example, an old hardwood flooring. The flaws will show through the vinyl, and you won’t have a smooth floor.
Vinyl flooring can be installed over older vinyl layers, but many manufacturers advise against doing so, because flaws will start to show up over time.
Vinyl can also be installed on top of concrete but the integrity will be compromised. You may want to add a layer between your existing floor and the new vinyl flooring. This will give you a nicer feel and uniform appearance.
Bottom Line
Vinyl flooring offers a versatile, affordable and durable alternative to other types of floors. Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of styles and colors. You will need to decide which one is best for you.
