Updating your home with a brand new look is every homeowners dream.
But this dream can also be a nightmare because finding theperfect flooring solutionisnt easy.
Well, someone may say that there are many options available in the market.
But will any of them work for your home?
What about your budget?
Can you afford to buy the floor and cater to the installation costs?
Well, you’ve got the option to find all these inVinyl flooring.
Thanks to their benefits, vinyl flooring is taking the market by storm.
It looks like everyone is out searching for this flooring solution, thanks to their amazing characteristics.
Vinyl is not an exception.
So, you’re gonna wanna understand everything about vinyl before installing it in your house.
Check the prices, durability, installation costs, and their unique features.
In this article
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
And yes, these kinds of floors have unique designs that make them look exactly like a hardwood floor.
But they have a great advantage as compared to hardwood or other flooring solutions.
The planks look exactly like wood but differ in terms of cost, durability, and waterproof nature.
Vinyl plank floors are popular for their affordability and family-friendly nature.
The floors are extremely easy to install.
And you have that answer in vinyl plank flooring.
The products come in a variety of designs and styles to provide you with perfect home decor.
The outcome will be a perfect flooring solution that youve desired for a long time.
Are you wondering how this is possible?
Well, vinyl comes in strips made to mimic differenttypes of hardwood.
If you want oak wood style, youll get that incorporated into your vinyl floor.
What Is a Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
Some look so real that youll think theyre real wood.
Those that look real are probably the luxury ones.
They come in both waterproof and water-resistant, depending on the brand.
Dont be confused between waterproof and water-resistant vinyl.
You already know that LVP comes in different forms and grades.
Well, the cheap ones are water-resistant, and the more expensive ones are waterproof.
One thing homeowners love about LVP is its great look and durability.
Theyre also very easy to install.
you’ve got the option to use a DIY project and save installation costs.
They resist moisture and are kids and pet-friendly.
Related:Laminate vs Hardwood
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Made of?
Vinyl planks are specifically crafted using vinyl to resemble a specific bang out of hardwood.
The process of making this flooring material involves meting polyvinyl chloride resins (PVC) with a synthetic material.
These additional compounds make the end product more durable and resilient.
But this is not enough to make vinyl flooring.
The material goes through further pressing to form multiple layers of planks.
These planks come in different layers.
The first is thebacking layermade to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor below it.
Therefore, its waterproof or water-resistant.
Another layer isthe corethat makes the bulk of the vinyl plant.
This consists of strong and durable material.
Onto the core stands a high-resolutiondigital image.
This can be wood, stone, or tile.
This is what makes vinyl mimic the look of hardwood or stone flooring types.
Lastly, there is a layer on top of the plant.
This is a transparent layer that allows you to see underneath.
This layer is scratch and stain resistant that protects vinyl plank from damage.
It also makes the floor easier to maintain.
This layer can fade with time.
it’s possible for you to get your vinylflooring solution in any kind of woodof your choice.
Whether you want cherry,maple, oak, orhickory, you have it all.
The beauty is not only in the exterior.
The planks are also beautifully shaped, appearing exactly like hardwood planks.
You have the freedom to choose different textures, colors, and styles.
Ease of Installation
Thanks to constant improvements, vinyl floors go so well with DIY projects.
Youll not need to do any sawing or hammering during installation.
Other luxury brands come with self-adhesive, which you just place in the sub-floor, and it sticks.
Youll only need a day, depending on your floor size, to finish the installation process.
Easy to Maintain
The upper layer of vinyl makes them stain resistant, making cleanup easy.
You only need to sweep to remove dust and mob for dirt and spills.
This is great for those who suffer from allergies, as allergens on the floor are easy to eliminate.
They dont linger around like the case with carpet floors.
Waterproof
One of the worst nightmares of homeowners is molds and mildew in the house.
If you live in wet areas, vinyl floors should be your ideal material.
Thanks to their water-resistant nature, vinyl floors do not absorb water quickly.
This feature also contributes to the durability of the materials.
Vinyl has become a great flooring option for those who love hardwood.
They offer the same look, elegance, and stun of hardwood, but theyre more cost-effective.
The prices for luxury vinyl will depend on the bang out you get.
One of the reasons why its family-friendly is because its easy to maintain.
They come with a non-slip feature ideal for homes with kids whore protected from falls.
Its anti-static and slip-resistant makes them ideal for bathrooms.
The synthetic material used to make vinyl is non-biodegradable and hard to reuse.
Finding manufacturers with programs that recycle vinyl flooring is not easy.
This means old vinyl ends up in landfills and pollutes the environment.
But it’s possible for you to avoid this by going for environmentally friendly vinyl planks.
These ones are not made with dangerous chemicals and can be recycled.
Fading and Denting
Fading is common with vinyl flooring, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
This makes vinyl planks a bad idea for outdoor surfaces.
But you’re free to prolong their beautiful look by using rugs and blinds to block excess sunlight.
Avoid mats with rubber material as they can also cause the floor to discolor.
Also, consider moving furniture often to maintain color consistency.
Glued planks will take a lot of work to remove.
Vinyl is known to release some gases called the VOCs which is a major indoor air pollutant.
These gases can cause respiratory issues and not good for homes that have people with allergies.
When buying vinyl, consider those with low VOC.
Vinyl Types Vary in Quality
Luxury vinyl varies in qualities even if you buy from top-rated brands.
you’re able to determine the quality of vinyl if you focus on its thickness and other characteristics.
Ask the sellers about different qualities to help you choose.
Before heading out to buy your long-desired vinyl, you must understand the ideal features you want to have.
Apart from the water and scratch-resistant layer, you look for manufacturers that add an extra layer of protection.
This way, you got to ensure your vinyl floor lasts long enough.
Look for high-quality material with a thicker wear layer.
For a busy household, consider 20 millimeter vinyl or higher.
For not so busy spots in the house, you might do about 12 millimeter vinyl layer.
The topcoat material for your vinyl also matters a lot.
Before buying, check that you check the safety labels.
They must be compliant and certified with the relevant authority.
Dont forget the warranty on your floor.
Quality floors come with residential warranties of 20 years or more.
The wear layer alone should have at least ten years warranty.
Finally, dont just buy vinyl for the sake of it.
Looking for a reputable brand is paramount if you want something useful.
Going for trusted brands ensures quality and a good warranty.
The vinyl also stands out when it comes to its waterproof nature.
This brand is made to offer 10% waterproof.
NuCore vinyl comes with models with grain wood finish that mimic the real hardwood.
They are made with a wonderful design with overlay cork thats hypoallergenic.
If you love walking barefoot in the house, youll love NuCore.
The floor is soft enough on foot, absorbs sound, and warm in cold climates.
NuCore also leads in its simplicity and ease of maintenance.
The floor only requires simple sweeping and mopping to give you a sparkling look.
If you have pets and children who regularly scratch and stain the floor, youll never regret getting NuCore.
This vinyl floor brand gives homeowners a lifetime warranty.
For commercial use, you get a 15 years warranty.
Shaw
Shaw is another reliable vinyl brand that is very pricey, but worth every penny.
Shaw is high-quality, durable, waterproof, and feature a lifetime warranty.
Shaw features a wide variety of products mostly sourced from the USA.
The company uses cutting-edge technology to come up with incredible realistic texture floors.
Their designs are complete works of nature with styles that are beautiful from all angles.
They offer a variety of modern choices for homeowners looking for beauty and durability all in one.
Shaw manufactures its luxury vinyl floors in different lines.
These are Daratru, Floorte, and Floorte Pro.
Each line features various designs and color species, so you might choose whatever matches your home style.
Their quality is based on thickness, and their flooring lines go up to 5 mm.
The wear layer goes up to 20mil thick.
Menards
Do you want to give your home a brand new look?
Buy Menards to get beautiful designs, styles, and color variations that are sure to offer value.
If youre a large family, Menards will blend well in your home.
This is because the brand produces flooring solutions that are durable enough to withstand daily traffic.
Their beautiful wood designs are sure to match any home decor.
The brand also stands out for its ease of installation and maintenance.
Despite its ease of installation, see to it you get a professional to do it for you.
This will help in case you should probably use the warranty.
Theyre perfect for any room in your house, thanks to their waterproof nature and ease of maintenance.
They still look like traditional hardwoods, just like other brands.
Cali Bamboo makes two renowned brands called the Vinyl Pro and Vinyl Plus.
Both are perfect for any floor pop in and offer excellent durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance.
Cali Bamboo brings to the market vinyl floors with superior thermal insulation and sound-reduction technology.
All these make the bamboo vinyl floors one of a kind.
This means you wont experience any cold feet during winter and will stay comfortable in summer.
The floors are perfect for both residential and commercial use.
Armstrong
Armstrong is a renowned manufacturer when it comes to floor coverings.
Their widely recognized vinyl floor line is the Luxe Plank.
They also split their floor selections into three qualities ranging from Good, Better, and Best.
Their floors are extremely easy to install as they use a self-stick adhesive called FasTak to join the boards.
They also use the famous click-and-lock function.
Armstrong prices can be categorized as mid-range.
Theyre not too expensive, and neither are they cheap.
Their warranties dont extend much, but you still wont go wrong with this brand.
If you buy Armstrong, you buy affordable and durable vinyl.
LifeProof
LifeProof is a product of a well-known and trust brand called Home Depot.
The beautiful flooring solutions were formally known as Allure.
Although they changed the name, Lifeproof continues to command the market.
You get to choose different selections of plank widths.
The floors are customized to resemble some of the best woods, including oak,pine, and hickory.
They make the perfect vinyl for a busy home.
Their LVP is resistant to water and can withstand scratching and heavy traffic.
LifeProof presents several styles and colors to choose from depending on your preferences.
They feature a rigid PVC core, which is 100% waterproof.
If youre running a commercial place that can afford some high-budget flooring, LifeProof makes a perfect selection.
Their think planks are sure to get the job done perfectly.
Theyre easy to maintain and sure to create stunning floors for both home and commercial use.
And Mannington stands up to that by offering some of the best vinyl flooring solutions in the market.
The company takes pride in design and innovation.
Theyve made a name for themselves with allergy-friendly, environmentally safe, and noise-reducing flooring solutions.
Apart from making some of the best floors, Mannington is also known for excellent customer service.
This is evident from their online reviews that say nothing but praises about the company.
If you have a home full of kids and pets, get Mannington.
This is because the planks can withstand staining and scratching.
Theyre easy to clean and maintain as well.
When it comes to pricing, Mannington can be categorized as an industry average.
At affordable prices, Mannington still guarantees high-quality vinyl flooring solutions.
Karndean is a perfect definition of luxury when it comes to floors for both commercial and home use.
They produce 100% waterproof vinyl floors ideal for kitchen and bathroom use.
Their floors are available in a range of styles with beautiful wood and stone effect.
One thing that makes Karndean unique is that they offer rare and elusive loose planks.
The floors are very easy to install as they come with resilient rubber backing.
You wont need to go through the trouble of interlocking planks or to fit the pieces together.
If you dont mind playing with premium prices, Karndean should be your ideal flooring solution.
This is because they come with a lifetime warranty that isnt pro-rated.
This covers you from any damages within the normal wear and tear.
But you must get professionals to install these floors for the warranty to take effect.
Mohawk
Mohawk is an excellent LVP flooring choice for a family with children and pets.
Whats more, theyre water-resistant and can work well in water prone areas of the house.
And as you expect, Mohawk doesnt disappoint.
One notable thing is that their planks are made in accordance with sustainability guidelines by the United Nations.
If you have children, youll appreciate Mohawk for their ease of maintenance but also their warmth and softness.
Mohawk has a reputation for creating high-quality vinyl at very affordable costs.
Mohawk boasts of a large following from customers whore satisfied with their flooring solutions.
Their responsive customer service makes their biggest pride.
They make high-quality floors with huge considerations on health and environmental issues.
Theyre known as the leading producer of sustainable and eco-friendly floors all over the US.
At a glance, youll confuse COREtec for real engineered hardwood thanks to the striking resemblance.
The secret behind this is that they use texture and real graining for their products.
COREtec also boasts of a patented construction method that has worked to make their LVP durable and very attractive.
Their 20mil wear layer offers perfect protection against high traffic.
This has made the floors ideal for high traffic areas, including commercial premises.
you might install COREtec in wet rooms such as bathrooms and basements thanks to their waterproof nature.
Installation Cost
There is no definite answer to the vinyl installation cost.
When buying vinyl floors, you dont only consider the price of the material but also the installation.
Well, you must find the best deals.
Whether youre installing planks or tiles, the costs will be the same because they take the same style.
Well, both types can take a DIY installation process.
But you have to consider your warranty terms if you choose to go the DIY route.
Other factors that affect vinyl installation pricing are features such as rigid core or waterproof nature.
The costs may also vary with the thickness of your flooring wear layer and that of the planks.
With thicker layers, youll have to pay more for the installation costs.
Youll pay more to install new vinyl flooring than to upgrade an existing one.
Some brands may be more expensive to install than others.
Talk to your installers to give you a complete quote after considering all the mentioned factors.
For perfect installation work, you might need to do some floor molding.
The molding process keeps your floor looking sharp.
The costs for this will depend on the size of your room and the molding bang out.
Another cost factor to consider is the underlayment.
Most luxury vinyls come attached with underlayment.
If they dont, you might want to purchase one for your flooring.
That adds up to your vinyl installation costs.
Ask your professional installation guys if youll need an underlayment.
You might also need to buy a vapor barrier if youre installing vinyl in damp or humid areas.
This extra layer will help protect your floor from mold and mildew hence prolonging its lifespan.
Finally, you might need to pay more for the removal of your existing floor.
Whether its an old vinyl punch in or a different flooring punch in, the removal costs may vary.
You might also pay for transport and non-hazardous dumping fees for the removed flooring.
If you prefer to install your vinyl flooring yourself, you might save on the installation costs.
However, that doesnt mean you wont spend a penny because you must buy some installation tools.
Checkout different tools required for vinyl installation and compare that will what professionals are charging.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Which direction to install vinyl plank flooring?
There are no laid down rules that dictate the direction in which your vinyl planks should take when installing.
But to bring out the designs perfectly and have a good finish, following some directions may be necessary.
Here are some direction suggestions when installing vinyl.
Is It Better to Glue or Float Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Glued down vinyl installation is the use of adhesive to stick the planks to the base.
Adhesive ensures the floors remain stable and maintain their natural characteristics.
Floating, on the other hand, requires no adhesive to install.
Both installation techniques have their benefits and drawbacks.
Theyre both easy to install, maintain, and are waterproof.
Choosing one from the other is not easy.
But there are a few things that should guide you.
Which one is more affordable between glued down and floating vinyl installation?
Glue down vinyl plank flooring installation costs less than floating vinyl plank flooring installation.
However, the process can be a challenge if youre doing it yourself.
The adhesive in the glue can become messy and difficult to use.
Youll need the help of a professional if you have no experience with these.
Floating vinyl installation is easier and perfect for a DIY.
When choosing one, consider both the material and installation costs.
You still need professional help if youre doing it for the first time.
Deciding whether to use glue down or floating method for installation also takes into consideration the room characteristic.
Floating vinyl makes a perfect choice for several rooms, including the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
This is because theyre the most waterproof and durable.
If youre dealing with larger rooms, you might want something stable and consistent.
Glue down will be your ideal option here.
The glues adhere to the sub-floor making it less likely to lift.
If youre dealing with high traffic areas, glue down installation works best.
They reduce the roll and lift of floors brought on by heavy traffic.
They can also withstand frequent carts and furniture rolling over the floor.
Both glue down and floating installation can resist dent and scratches.
Theyre strong enough to hold on to heavy furnishings and stand the test of time.
But do you have the experience and expertise to do it perfectly?
Do you have enough time to focus on your flooring work?
Hiring a professional to install your vinyl flooring will work better than doing it yourself in most circumstances.
Some flooring can be so complicated that only a professional can do the work.
Its recommended to find a certified installer to do your vinyl flooring installation work.
This way, youll be guaranteed efficiency and perfect work.
Not to mention that most warranties will only cover you if you get professional flooring installation.
Here are some cleaning tips to ensure vinyl serves you longer.
One way to do this is by using doormats that keep tiny particles and rocks away from your floor.
Clean Spills Immediately
Spills are common, especially in a house with children.
However, you must ensure the spills dont stay there longer.
verify you clean them as soon as possible.
You might also need to scrub them harder, leading to scratches.
Sweeping keeps away any particles that youd not see easily and keeps your floor in good shape.
This is also a good way to stay away from dust particles that cause allergies and other breathing problems.
see to it you use a soft broom every time you sweep.
Always clean your floor using mild cleaning methods and solutions.
If it has stubborn stains, use a damp mop with hot water.
If not well rinsed, soap can leave behind a film that collects more dirt.
To rinse, damp a clean mob with clean water and use it to mop your floor.
it’s possible for you to use two mops.
One specifically for mopping and another for rinsing after you clean.
Repairing Tips
No matter how well you take care of your vinyl flooring, damages are inevitable.
Youre going to have to deal with dents and scratches sometimes, and urgent repair work is necessary.
Your vinyl flooring can suffer different kinds of damages.
you’re gonna wanna understand what youre dealing with before getting to work.
How you repair your floor will depend on the kind of damage you have there.
Here are tips you gotta adopt when repairing your vinyl.
FAQs About Vinyl Plank Flooring
What is better laminate or vinyl plank flooring?
Laminate floors are known to offer beauty, comfortable underfoot, and affordability.
Vinyl flooring solutions are perfect for those who need water-resistant and durable floors.
Both floorings have similarities such as ease of installation, eco-friendliness, and are easy to maintain.
The choice largely depends on your preferences and the rooms you should probably use the floors for.
Related:Vinyl plank vs laminate flooring
What goes under vinyl plank flooring?
An underlayment usually goes under vinyl plank flooring.
Most of the time, an underlayment acts as compensation for a subfloor thats not in good shape.
Otherwise, an underlayment is necessary for moisture prevention and providing extra cushion.
What is the best vinyl plank flooring?
LVP makes the peoples favorite vinyl flooring key in because of its high-quality construction and wood-like looks.
They also provide comfort underfoot, enabling you to stay warm during winter and comfortable in summer.
LVP comes in different layers, including the core, waterproof, and scratch and stain-resistant layer.
Theyre perfect for homes with kids and pets.
How long does vinyl flooring last?
Another thing that people love about vinyl flooring is its long-lasting nature.
Depending on the quality and layer, vinyl can go up to 20 years.
They also come with an extensive warranty to cover you against everyday wear and tear.
Of course, good care and maintenance are necessary for the floor to last long enough.
Do you need underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?
Luxury vinyl planks do not need an underlayment.
These are already softer flooring solutions, and adding an underlayment can mean too much cushion.
Too much cushioning can cause denting and possible wear and tear before the flooring can be of service.
If you must, go for dense underlayment.
Is vinyl plank flooring better than laminate?
Both laminate and vinyl are great flooring options.
However, LVP is a perfect choice for homes with large families.
They can withstand high traffic, stains, and scratches from children and pets.
LVP is also a popular choice, thanks to its durability and multiple styles.
When choosing a flooring solution for residential areas, vinyl is a better alternative than laminate.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for uneven floors?
Vinyl is a great material choice for uneven floors, thanks to its stability.
The only requirement for installing vinyl is to ensure the floor is flat.
Leveling is not important.
If youre using glue-down vinyl planks, a paint-on primer can make the adhesive stick better.
What happens if water gets under vinyl plank flooring?
Moisture underneath your vinyl planks is something you wouldnt want.
This will automatically cause problems.
The planks themselves are made waterproof and wont get affected by moisture.
However, water underneath the planks weakens glue bonds causing them to lift and cause bubbles to form.
If not addressed on time, this can result in mold and mildew growth.
Dont let your desire to own ahardwood flooringbecome just a dream.
you’re able to get something very similar at an affordable price.
That something is none other than vinyl.
Gone are the days when vinylflooring looked like fake wood.
Thanks to technology, you might no longer differentiate real hardwood floorings from vinyl ones.
There are many brands coming with beautiful designs to choose from.
It doesnt matter the size of your pocket as it’s possible for you to choose different qualities.
Whats more, each brand comes with different warranties, with some being lifetime.
The warranties also depend on whether you want to install vinyl on residential or commercial premises.
Vinyl is indeed a wonderful flooring solution for homeowners.
It doesnt choose the punch in of family as it blends well in homes with pets and children.
All these will help you make an informed choice.
