Vinyl Flooring: Is It Right for Your Home? (Pros & Cons)

Are you planning to give your floors a new look? Need to do it on a budget? There are many options to consider, but one material that should catch your eye because of its versatility, price and durability is vinyl flooring. Available in sheets, planks and tiles, it’s a popular, low-cost, resilient flooring material.

If you haven’t considered vinyl flooring, let’s take a look at its advantages and disadvantages to evaluate whether it’s right for your home.

Vinyl Flooring for Your Home: Considering the Pros and Cons

Vinyl flooring has many pros and cons you should consider before making a decision.

Advantages of Installing Vinyl Flooring at Home

Advantages

1) It’s Highly Durable

Made of synthetic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), fibreglass and a plasticizer, vinyl flooring features multiple layers and a thick core to enhance its longevity and wear ability. Its lifespan ranges between 10 and 20 years when installed and maintained properly.

2) It’s Comfortable

Vinyl is softer than other flooring materials, like hardwood and tile, because of a thin foam or felt layer at the back. This means you can easily stand on the floor for a long time without hurting your feet. The best part is that it won’t get cold in winter – a relief when you get out of bed.

3) It’s Low Maintenance

One of the best things about vinyl flooring is that it’s easy to maintain. Unlike hardwood which needs to be re-stained every few years and carpeting which requires regular vacuuming and deep cleaning, vinyl doesn’t require a hectic cleaning schedule. All you need to do is sweep for dirt regularly and mop with a vinyl floor cleaner. If you choose no-wax vinyl flooring, it will remain just as shiny after mopping as it was when you purchased it.

4) It Resists Stains

If you have children or pets, water- and stain-resistance are two of the most important features to look for in your flooring. With vinyl flooring, you don’t have to worry about stains from sudden spills or pet urine because it has a wear layer that resists stains and spills. Neither solid nor composite vinyl tiles have this wear layer, however, so make sure you choose printed vinyl to reap these benefits.

You can also install vinyl flooring in your bathroom and basement as it performs well in areas with high humidity.

5) It’s Affordable

The price of vinyl flooring varies widely depending on the quality of vinyl you want to buy. Luxury vinyl, for example, is more expensive than sheet vinyl. But vinyl is the most affordable flooring option.

6) It’s Available in Multiple Colours and Designs

When it comes to attractive colours and patterns that replicate natural stone and wood, vinyl flooring doesn’t disappoint. Ceramic tile, hardwood and concrete are just some of the materials vinyl can mimic to create your desired look.

7) It’s Easy to Install

Vinyl flooring can be installed on any intact and levelled subfloor, without modifications or improvements. If you go for peel-and-stick vinyl tiles, you can install it yourself. However, if you want luxury vinyl planks, these are best left to a professional flooring installer.

Disadvantages of Installing Vinyl Flooring at Home

Disadvantages

1) You Need to Prepare the Subfloor

As mentioned, vinyl flooring isn’t difficult to install, but any lumps, bumps, nail heads or staples left in the underlayment can cause tearing or holes in the floor over time. That’s why you need to make sure the subfloor is smooth and free of any protrusions before installation.

2) It’s Not Resistant to Sharp Objects

Although vinyl is resistant to stain and water, it can be damaged by sharp objects like knives, heavy furniture legs, and high-heeled shoes. A sharp object falling on it or dragging heavy furniture around can create cuts that may be difficult to repair and leave marks and dents.

3) It’s Difficult to Remove

Vinyl flooring is easy to install but difficult to remove. Once its adhesive hardens to the subfloor, the planks can be tough to remove. So, if you’re planning to replace vinyl flooring with something new, make sure you’re ready for the hard work required to remove it.

4) Resale Value

Unlike high-end, attractive and durable flooring materials like hardwood and natural stone, vinyl flooring doesn’t have much effect on a property’s value.

When it comes to buying vinyl flooring for your home, be sure to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. If your priority is durability, comfort, versatility, ease of installation, easy maintenance, and stain resistance on a budget, you can choose vinyl flooring with confidence. But if you’re planning to sell your property and maybe renew the floors to attract potential buyers, your best bet is to choose hardwood instead. You can also consult a flooring expert to figure out whether vinyl flooring is the right choice for your home.

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