Vinyl is a flooring material composed of several layers of different materials pressed together to form a durable, practical and affordable floor covering.
What Is Vinyl Flooring and Where Can It Be Found?
Vinyl flooring comes in two types – sheet flooring and tile flooring. Sheet flooring is laid down in sheets, whereas vinyl tile flooring replicates the look of a ceramic tile. Vinyl flooring comes in a range of finishes including no wax finish, urethane finish (heavier and more durable), and enhanced urethane finish (the toughest and highly resistant to wear and tear). Vinyl flooring is a great option for busy areas of the home and is often used in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, family rooms and laundry rooms.
Benefits of Vinyl Flooring
What makes vinyl flooring appealing to most people is that it is an economical option for a house build or renovation. Vinyl flooring is made to last well, and if installed and maintained properly can last 10-20 years. Most vinyl flooring also has a wear layer on the top surface that helps to prevent scratches and stains, and a padded layer is often installed underneath - meaning you’ll be comfortable while walking on your floors. As well as being long-lasting, vinyl flooring offers a range of options in terms of design and aesthetic. There are many different colours and patterns including designs that mimic wood, ceramic tile and stone - meaning you can find the perfect look for your home.
Downsides of Vinyl Flooring
Although made to be durable and long-lasting, vinyl flooring can have some downfalls. Exposure to sunlight can mean it can be susceptible to UV damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you pull your curtains to protect it when sunshine levels are high. Although it tends to last well, by comparison it has a much shorter life span than other materials such as wood. However, vinyl provides a lot of benefits for an affordable price range.
Maintenance and Making Repairs
Vinyl flooring is very low-maintenance. If you have pets or children at home, vinyl is a great option. To keep it clean we suggest you sweep to remove dirt and dust before mopping. To keep your vinyl in good condition we suggest you mop up spills quickly, and put felt pads on the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches. In terms of repairs, most types of damage to vinyl can be easily repaired. Splits can be fixed (usually with a liquid seam sealer or repair kit sold at home improvement stores), and extra pieces can be added in when needed.
How Does Vinyl Flooring Compare With Floor Tiles
All flooring options come with their own unique benefits. Tiles are water-resistant, durable, eco-friendly and have lots of style options. However, ceramic tiles can be prone to damage when items are dropped on them. They can also chip and crack over time. Comparatively, vinyl is much more affordable and is faster and easier to install.
Vinyl Flooring Trends
We have seen a trend in vinyl flooring towards light and desaturated colours with cool tones. Realism is in, too. Technology has continued to improve, meaning vinyl can look nearly indistinguishable from real stone or wood. This can include interesting textures such as a distressed wood or even embossing the vinyl so it feels realistic too. Waterproof vinyl is popular, meaning vinyl can be longer-lasting and more convenient. Luxury decorative designs are also in, with fine and unique designs.
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If you liked this bathroom renovation guide, head over to our Articles page for more helpful bathroom renovation tips. If you are thinking about renovating, get in contact with us for a quote. At Butterfield Bathrooms, we specialise in bathroom and laundry alterations, renovations and conversions throughout Canterbury, Darfield, Rolleston, Rangiora and Lincoln. Visit our Budget Guide page and our bathroom renovation calculator to give you a broad estimate of what your bathroom is going to cost to upgrade. Keen to see some of our recent work? Check out our Work page and Instagram and Facebook pages.
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