Last Updated on March 11, 2021 by Filip Poutintsev
Vinyl flooring is considered as one of the most distinguished and well-liked flooring selection for demanding households, workplaces and cafes. It is a synthetic compound primarily consisting of Polyvinyl chloride resin which is water-and stain-resistant, versatile, and provides decent durability.
Due to numerous benefits, today’s vinyl flooring is attractive and economical. It is commonly used as a substitute for higher maintenance flooring, like carpet. It also has the impeccable level of firmness and also provides a comfortable sense underfoot when you walk on it.
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History of Vinyl Flooring
In the 12th to 13th centuries, the first rubber floor tiles were used but their popularity decreased toward the end of 17t h century. In the 18t h century, plain, square, undecorated red clay tiles started becoming popular throughout Europe.
In 1845, Linoleum was invented and patented. In the 1860s, it first got manufactured in Scotland and in 1872, the first U.S. plan got built. Durable and convenient vinyl flooring was introduced after World War II until which Linoleum remained popular.
In 1894, Frank Furness invented a system for rubber floor tiles. The tiles could be laid in an eye-catching geometric pattern. Recessed tabs allowed rubber tiles to be nailed to the subfloor making them durable, easy to clean and install. However, they also stained easily and deteriorated over time from exposure oxygen and ozone and were not suitable for use in basements where alkaline moisture was present.
In 1933 vinyl made its way up when a vinyl composition tile was shown at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. The war made a scarcity of vinyl and it was not widely marketed until the late 1940s. But as soon as it got back in the track, it was a huge problem for its competitors.
Eventually, it became the most popular choice for flooring in just about any hard-surface application. Today, vinyl flooring is second in the floor covering sales in the United States, according to Floor Covering Weekly.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Two types of vinyl flooring can be found namely sheet flooring and tile flooring. In sheet flooring, the flooring material is laid down in the form of sheets of 6 or 12 feet width whereas tile flooring consists of tiles of 9′′x9′′ or 12′′x12”. Sheet flooring is considered to be more resistant to water and easier to install. However, many house owners usually prefer the second type, the vinyl tile, which exactly looks like a ceramic tile floor at a relatively inexpensive cost.
So if you’re considering installing vinyl floors, go through the provided vinyl flooring pros and cons—so you can make the right choice for your home.
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
1. Easy to Set up
Vinyl floors are comparatively easy to set up, unlike bamboo flooring. Vinyl floors available nowadays are much easier than require no sawing or hammering. Most luxury brands have started offering self-adhesive vinyl which means you can simply remove the backing and press into place on a properly prepared subfloor or it is usually click locked, or loose laid. Vinyl was once available only in large, heavy sheets which now is much easier, customizable and more DIY friendly.
2. Reasonable Pricing
Compared to wood floors, luxury vinyl flooring is a bargain. Vinyl is cheaper to clean and maintain than other types of flooring which adds to the saving. On a tight budget, sheet vinyl is one of the most cost-effective options.
3. Beautiful and Unique
Vinyl flooring is of various striking, unusual patterns and textures. Distressed and hand-scraped versions are among the convincing wood-like finishes. Variety of stone and marble effects are readily available.
Along with “routable” vinyl tiles that are laid and grouted like their ceramic counterparts.
4. High Durability
Vinyl floors can be very durable if it is upheld correctly to preserve its good looks. In heavily operated areas, using rugs or mat and putting coasters or protective felt tips on the base of furniture legs can help in retaining its quality.
5. Easy to Clean
Vinyl floors can be deep cleaned with a homemade-solution of easily available substances like vinegar. A few drops of mineral oil can be added to amp shine if you wish. To remove surface dust and dirt you, dry mopping or vacuum can be done. Things like scouring pads, detergents, waxes, and ammonia should be avoided as they can dull or damage the surface.
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
1. Difficult to Remove
After the adhesive from the vinyl’s backing hardens, the adhesive is difficult to remove. Although it doesn’t require professional tools or methods in removing vinyl floors, it can be a tedious task. So, if the vinyl flooring is being used for a temporary solution, avoiding glue can be suitable to make the removal as easy as possible.
2. Vinyl Floors Can Be Easily Damaged
Although a vinyl floor is highly durable, it can be easily damaged by sharp objects like dropping a knife or a pair of scissors or sliding a piece of metal furniture-like chair.
3. Easy Dents
As vinyl floorings do not have a rigid core, it can get dented by putting a heavy object on top. That can be a problem if you have or plan to get heavy furniture or decorations.
4. Fading or Discoloration
Vinyl flooring has a different laminate on topcoat which can get discoloured or show signs of fading from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Floors can get damaged in extreme temperatures. So, vinyl floorings in a sunlit room or sunroom should be limited from the sun during the day.
5. Non-Biodegradable
As vinyl floorings are not biodegradable, it can be difficult to recycle for environmentally conscious clients. Although there are some Vinyl floorings that are biodegradable, those only comprise a small percentage.
Conclusion
Vinyl flooring can be considered as one of the most convenient flooring options. It can be a choice for any budget with its 100% moisture resistant appeal, easy installation, durability and variety. Vinyl floorings are of low maintenance and easy to clean- weekly mopping and sweeping are all it takes. These all advantages and benefits of vinyl flooring is the reason why it’s used in so many homes.
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