Vinyl is a popular flooring choice for both residential and commercial applications due to its high water-resistance, sound reduction properties, and affordability. But what really is vinyl flooring? Let’s delve into the physical structure of vinyl flooring products and the different types available on the market.
What is vinyl flooring made of?
Vinyl flooring is 100% synthetic, composed of different layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, melted and mixed together with fungicides and stabilizers. The bottom layer provides stability to the flooring, as well as water-resistance. The next layer up is the core, topped with the design layer, which is where the color and pattern of the flooring are displayed. The uppermost layer acts as a wear layer, protecting the design of the boards from scratches, scuffs, dents, staining, and fading.
What is luxury vinyl tile flooring?
When shopping around for vinyl flooring, you may have noticed that there are a few different types to choose from. Vinyl flooring products can come in sheets, planks, or even tiles.
Vinyl sheet is a seamless solution, covering the floor of an entire room without any joins or seams, and vinyl plank is the ideal choice when you’re aiming to mimic wooden boards. Vinyl tile can imitate traditional ceramic or stone flooring, with surface texture for added effect, and the ability to grout between the tiles to give an even more realistic look.
The shape and size of vinyl flooring products aren’t the only differentiating factors, you can also choose between standard or luxury vinyl.
Standard vinyl flooring – These products are often more affordable, but slightly thinner than premium vinyl options. Usually, standard vinyl flooring requires glue-down installation, so a subfloor is needed.
Luxury vinyl flooring – These products tend to have a higher price point but are thicker and more durable than standard vinyl. Most luxury vinyl products can be installed using a floating method, meaning no subfloor is required, saving both time and money. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and plank (LVP) are very popular flooring choices for anyone looking for a cost-effective but durable solution.
How to choose the right vinyl flooring
As with any flooring product, choosing the right type of flooring will depend on your needs and preferences. Do you need a product with a particularly high water-resistance or even completely waterproof? What’s your desired aesthetic? What’s your total budget for flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a great choice for most rooms around the house, as well as plenty of commercial applications too. Whether you opt for vinyl sheet, plank or tile flooring will mostly depend on your preferred visual aesthetic.
Does vinyl flooring sound like the right choice for your home or business? Check out our handy flooring comparison guides to be confident that vinyl is best for you:
Always have your flooring installed by a professional to ensure maximum safety and longevity.