How to Choose the Best Vinyl Flooring Type for Your Home
What is Vinyl Flooring?
Standard vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring material that comes in large, flexible sheets. It is typically made by combining a thin layer of felt or fibreglass with a layer that has a design printed on it to create the look of wood flooring. It is commonly used in residential and commercial settings due to its durability, water-resistance and affordability.
Luxury vinyl flooring is an upgraded type of vinyl floor in both quality and appearance. Luxury vinyl floors are designed to mimic the look and feel of real hardwood or stone and offer more realistic textures and patterns. It is also thicker, so it provides a bit more cushioning and wear resistance than traditional vinyl floors.
Vinyl Flooring vs Laminate Flooring
While both are great choices, there are a few differences between laminate flooring and vinyl flooring.
Laminate Flooring:
- Comprised of several layers laminated together.
- Less water-resistant than vinyl floors.
- A thick top layer allows more detail to be embossed, giving it a more realistic look and feel.
- Quiet and comfortable to walk on.
- Good stain resistance.
Vinyl Flooring:
- More water resistant than laminate floors.
- Provides a realistic wood look.
- Quiet and comfortable to walk on.
- Good scratch resistance.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in various sizes and designs and can be used in any room in your home. From the ease of peel-and-stick vinyl flooring to the cool look of vinyl plank flooring we’ll show you some of the differences to help you choose the best type of vinyl flooring for your space.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular flooring option that provides the appearance of hardwood flooring with added benefits. It is constructed using several layers, including a vinyl backing, a core layer for stability, a printed design layer that replicates the look of wood, and a wear layer for durability and scratch resistance. Vinyl plank flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, colours, and textures, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your space.
It is durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring is more affordable than real hardwood flooring, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious consumers.
Vinyl plank flooring is also easy to install, as it can be installed using various methods, including click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay systems, making it a great choice for DIY projects.
Vinyl Tile Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile flooring is a popular flooring choice that replicates the look of natural stone or ceramic tiles. It is made with several layers, including a vinyl backing, a stable core layer, a printed design layer and a wear layer.
Vinyl tile flooring offers a wide array of styles, colours, and patterns, allowing homeowners to achieve various looks without the expense of real stone or ceramic. It is water-resistant and tough, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces, including bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
Vinyl tile flooring is more affordable compared to real tile alternatives, so it is a good choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for an upgraded look.
Installation methods for vinyl tile flooring include peel-and-stick, glue-down, or loose lay, providing flexibility for different skill levels and project requirements. With its authentic tile appearance, durability, cost-effectiveness, and installation ease, vinyl tile flooring is a great choice for any DIY-er.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl flooring, also known as vinyl roll flooring, is a type of resilient flooring that comes in large rolls, typically 6 or 12 feet wide. It is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with other additives to enhance its performance.
Sheet vinyl flooring is available in various styles, patterns, and colours, so you’re sure to find one that fits your décor style, while its durable nature and water-resistance make it suitable for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Its seamless installation also minimizes the risk of water seepage, making it an excellent choice for areas where water spillage is common.
Sheet vinyl flooring can be installed using either a full spread adhesive method or a loose lay method, depending on the specific product and subfloor conditions.
Let us Install it for You
With professional Vinyl Flooring Installation Services from The Home Depot, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Stylish, waterproof and durable, vinyl flooring installation is a budget-friendly way to add value to your home.
Flexible Financing
We’ve got multiple payment options including the Home Depot Commercial Credit Card, Project Loan and more to help you ease the financial burden of a large renovation.
How to Install Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring used to be only for bathrooms, kitchens and entryways, but with innovations in durability and overall style, vinyl has become a great choice for any room in your home. Luxury vinyl flooring is durable, can stand up to the rigors of everyday life, and because it’s water-resistant, it can even be installed below grade in basements. We’ll show you how to install vinyl flooring.
How to Clean Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring provides an attractive look at an affordable price. Vinyl is also easier to clean and maintain care for than most people think. When you wash it, for example, simply use a non-rinsing cleaner that leaves no film. Most products sold as vinyl floor cleaners fit the bill. To keep your vinyl flooring looking new, follow these simple tips:
Use felt pads on chair and table legs, and other furniture, to avoid scratching the floor. Avoid putting rubber-backed rugs on vinyl flooring - the rubber can stain the floor. Put a heavy-duty doormat at your front door and encourage visitors to wipe their feet. This is especially true if you have an asphalt driveway; the chemicals in asphalt can cause vinyl flooring to turn yellow.
Remove stains as soon as possible with an appropriate no rinse floor cleaner and wipe the area your vinyl flooring with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
Air Quality
Look for vinyl flooring that is Floorscore certified to ensure high indoor air quality.