What is Vinyl Flooring?
When it comes to flooring, there are different kinds of flooring to suit every need. While there likely isn’t one type of flooring that everyone can agree on as the best, there are standout flooring types that are known for their durability, affordability and overall value. One such flooring is vinyl flooring.
What exactly is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring made from several layers of synthetic material that are pressed together to create a durable flooring option. Vinyl flooring has improved a lot in recent years and is available in several different forms, such as tile, planks and sheets. There are numerous benefits of vinyl flooring:
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Moisture-resistant and/or waterproof flooring (depending on the type)
- Strong and scratch-resistant (so it’s great for homes with kids and pets)
- Easy to clean
Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Flooring
How much does vinyl flooring cost?
Vinyl flooring cost varies by type. Peel-and-stick vinyl tile can be bought for as little as $1 per square foot, while luxury waterproof vinyl flooring can cost up to $8 per square foot.
Is it good to use vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a durable and affordable flooring option for your home, especially in high traffic areas. It's easy to install and if it's maintained, vinyl flooring can last up to 10-20 years.
Why do people use vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a great choice because it's low-maintenance, water-resistant, cost-effective and long-lasting.
Is vinyl tile flooring better than traditional tile?
Vinyl tile flooring and ceramic tile are both durable flooring options. However, ceramic tiles are more susceptible to damage. If you drop something heavy on it, it can crack or chip. It can also be difficult to replace a damaged tile, whereas replacing a piece of damaged vinyl flooring is much easier.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Now it's time to explore the various types of flooring. We'll explain the benefits and installation methods to help you make an informed decision and select the best vinyl flooring option for your home.
Vinyl Tile Flooring
Get the high-end look of Calacatta marble, travertine or slate tile for a fraction of the cost. Today’s vinyl tile looks and feels like real ceramic or stone tile, but at a more affordable price. Since vinyl tile is manufactured to exact dimension and is precision cut, replacing damaged tiles down the line is an effortless process.
Vinyl tile flooring for bathrooms is a cost-effective option that gives the space a fresh look but also stands up to the wear and tear of a frequently used area since it’s waterproof and won’t peel, crack or swell if it’s exposed to water. Vinyl bathroom tile flooring helps reduce echoes, contaminants and allergens for improved air quality, and comes in such a vast array of colors and designs that you can match them to any bathroom décor.
The kitchen is another room that benefits from vinyl tiles. Vinyl flooring kitchen tiles in a marble finish gives you a modern look without undergoing major renovations. One distinct advantage vinyl tile has over other materials is the underfoot feel they provide. They’re more comfortable to walk on than traditional tile or hardwood floors. And vinyl tiles for the kitchen are easy to clean and maintain.
The living room is a common gathering place in most homes and it can see a lot of foot traffic. When choosing flooring, you’ll want something durable that can stand up to the traffic, accidents and even pets. Vinyl flooring in living rooms is a good fit because of its durability, variety of design options, easy installation, and water resistance, not to mention it’s a budget-friendly option.
Vinyl flooring is either covered in a no-wax coating that keeps it shiny and is good for high-traffic areas, urethane which helps resist scuffs or enchanced urethane which holds up to the heaviest traffic and is scratch and stain-resistant.
Vinyl tile flooring can be installed over your existing tile or vinyl flooring as long as it’s smooth and free from any defects. New vinyl flooring can dramatically change the look of your home and this is a relatively simple DIY project that can be accomplished in a single weekend.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is thick and sound blocking thanks to the built-in acoustic underlayment layer. It also feels softer underfoot and provides the most realistic look with all the benefits of vinyl tile. This makes it great for your main living areas like the kitchen, living room and dining room.
Groutable Vinyl Tile
Some varieties of vinyl tile are designed to be laid end to end for a seamless look, while others can be grouted like real tile. Groutable vinyl tile offers an ultra-realistic look thanks to the appearance of grout lines. Use with special vinyl tile grout available in a range of colors and no one will know it’s not real tile.
Vinyl Composition Tile
Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is available in many styles and patterns. While it’s typically used in commercial settings, its durability is perfect for high-traffic areas, like a garage, gym or workshop. It will maintain its look no matter how rough you are on it.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Hardwood floors add warmth to a house and give it a cozy look, but it comes at a high price and with strict maintenance guidelines. If you’re looking for an economical and durable alternative to hardwood floors, go with luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) instead. Vinyl wood flooring mimics the texture and color of hardwood with easier cleanup. Clean up spills quickly, sweep and mop with a damp rag and you’re good to go.
Luxury vinyl plank also comes in various sizes and widths, so you can get exactly the look you’re going for. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is water resistant, and some waterproof, unlike traditional hardwood floors. Proper installation is key since gaps do need to be sealed to prevent moisture from seeping through the floor. Luxury vinyl wood flooring will work in any room in your home if installed correctly.
Luxury vinyl plank is thicker than traditional vinyl plank flooring, thanks to the built-in underlayment layer. It not only feels better but is quieter too. With luxury vinyl plank flooring, you’ll never have to worry about your footsteps waking the baby or disturbing company.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl flooring comes in either cut-to-length vinyl flooring rolls of 12-foot-wide by 1-foot-long pieces, or pre-cut 1x1 foot squares. The adhesive types and methods will vary by floor style. Sheet vinyl flooring is water-resistant and ideal for high-moisture areas, like mudrooms, laundry rooms and basements because it can be installed seamlessly. The faux grout lines or wood planks give this type of vinyl flooring a realistic look that instantly transforms any space with minimal effort.
Vinyl Floor Installation
With proper surface preparation, vinyl flooring can be installed over vinyl-specific underlayment, concrete, old ceramic tile, wood or non-cushioned vinyl flooring. Use of vinyl over any other type of underlayment will cause quality issues or void the warranty. Stability and water resistance make vinyl a good choice for any room at grade level, as well as rooms that are above or below grade level.
There are three vinyl floor installation options for vinyl tile, vinyl plank flooring or sheet vinyl:
Vinyl tile flooring is more affordable and cost efficient to install than ceramic tile. It’s also less labor-intensive which means the installation times are quicker than with ceramic tile.
When it comes to flooring installation, you want to get it right. If you don’t have the time or skill needed to install it yourself, Lowe's has you covered with our vinyl flooring installation service.
Vinyl Floor Protection
Protect vinyl floors from things like direct sun exposure, scratches from furniture and accidental spills to keep it looking as good as the day it was installed. Take a few precautions and extra steps to ensure your vinyl flooring stands up to the test of time and retains its durability and moisture-resistant qualities that made you choose it in the first place.
Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
No-wax surfaces and easy cleanup make vinyl flooring even more appealing. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are all you need to keep your vinyl floor looking like new. Spills are no problem either, simply wipe them away with a clean cloth.
Guard Vinyl Flooring Against Sunlight
Who doesn’t enjoy a bright and sunny day? The sun is great for us, but it may not be great for your vinyl flooring. It’s possible for direct sunlight to damage or fade your vinyl floor. This is easily avoidable. Look around your house and find the areas that get direct sunlight. Be sure to close your blinds or curtains to block the sun’s rays in those areas. A well-placed rug or floor mat also protects your floor from fading or discoloration.
Protect Vinyl Flooring From Furniture
Apply furniture pads to couches, chairs, table legs or anything else resting on your vinyl floors. An added layer of protection between your furniture and floor will prevent scratches and keep your vinyl flooring looking brand-new.
Vinyl Flooring for Every Room in Your Home
More homeowners are choosing vinyl flooring over other kinds of flooring materials and for good reasons. Vinyl flooring is durable, water-resistant and affordable. It's easy to maintain and well-suited for high-traffic areas. With vinyl flooring, versatility takes center stage with the many styles, colors and patterns from which to choose.
Vinyl flooring is also easy to install, making it a solid project for a do-it-yourselfer (DIYer). Not ready to take on the installation on your own? No worries. Let the pros at Lowe’s handle the installation for you.