This means there are a lot of options on the market and a lot of competition. While choice is a good thing, it can be overwhelming and it can be hard to choose a flooring type when the time comes.
One of the growing flooring trends you might be drawn to is luxury vinyl flooring. If you've only heard the name before, you might not know what all the hype is about.
That's where we aim to help! Keep reading for these 7 benefits luxury vinyl flooring can bring to your home.
1. Durability
One of the biggest worries with natural materials is how they handle wear and tear. This is even more of a concern for busy households that have children or pets. Vinyl flooring takes the stress away!The hard, closed-cell material is resistant to heat, stains, scratching, and moisture. This means it's durable enough to keep out sand, water, and dirt. If you have a mudroom or entranceway this makes it the perfect choice. It also works well in bathrooms.
Spills and splashes won't cause boards to warp, bubble, or crack. They'll last through years of heavy use before you need to consider replacing boards.
Vinyl prides itself on being long-lasting while keeping itself looking like new. Luxury vinyl flooring takes this a step further and offers unrivaled durability. It achieves this due to its five-layer structure which consists of:
- Base backing
- Center layer
- Decorative layer
- Transparent top layer
- UV coating
It's easy to maintain and if you look after it, you could see this type of flooring lasting you 30+ years. While you don't need to use a sealant on this type of flooring, if you're using it in damp areas it's good to have it done. It's an extra layer of protection for your peace of mind.
2. Comfort
Luxury vinyl floors are warmer and softer to walk on compared to other types of flooring. They're gentle on your feet when you do tasks like cooking and ironing, which see long periods of standing.Compared to other types of vinyl, luxury vinyl has an extra level of heavy film. On top of this, there is UV-resistant urethane which is comfortable and retains heat. It's also flexible, making it quiet when you walk on it.
3. Ease of Installation
One of the biggest advantages of luxury vinyl is you can install it pretty much anywhere. This includes basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas. You can put it over existing floors and there are 3 easy-to-install types.Click-and-Lock
This system is perfect if you want to do a DIY installation. There is no adhesive and you don't need many tools. All you do is line up the locking system grooves and lower those planks onto the floor.Peel-and-Stick
Another favorite of DIYers, you might see this referred to as self-adhesive vinyl. You peel back the backing paper and press the plants down against your old flooring or an underfloor.Glue-Down
These vinyl plants use liquid glue or adhesive tape to secure them to the underfloor. You then line the planks up to get your desired look.Due to how easy it is to install, luxury vinyl flooring is in the cost-effective range of flooring options. While it is DIY-friendly, for the best results you should have it installed by a professional.
4. Ease of Maintenance
The durability of luxury vinyl will take away the chance of moisture or humidity damage if cared for. This means to maintain it you only need to wash it with water and a light detergent.Here are some tips on how to maintain your luxury vinyl flooring:
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop on a regular schedule
- Avoid using a steam mop
- Wipe away excess water and spills right away
- Use a diluted cleaner and a damp cloth to wash it
- For stains, use a firm nylon sponge
- Test any new cleaning products in an obscure corner first
- Avoid rubbing from dark rubber
- Try to prevent prolonged direct sunlight
With these tips that's all it takes to keep it looking like new.
5. Flexibility
One downside of vinyl flooring people point out is the flexibility can cause imperfections. But if you have leveling issues with your underflooring, this can be an advantage. A weakened or flexing plywood underfloor can cause:- Bubbling in linoleum
- Cracking in tiles
- Cupping in hardwood
Luxury vinyl flooring has more give than other flooring options though. This means it can bend to a point without damage. While staying intact, it'll adapt to your underfloor and the way your home moves over time.
6. Suitability for Underfloor Heating
A lot of large renovations or new builds are turning to underfloor heating. It's a great way to warm a room, especially if you have lots of glass. Most modern designs now incorporate huge windows and folding doors.The trouble is, not every type of flooring is suitable for underfloor heating. You won't need to worry with luxury vinyl though as its design allows for effective warming. A pairing of luxury vinyl and underfloor heating will turn any home into a cozy retreat.
7. Realism
Before luxury vinyl came along, vinyl had a plastic, artificial look that didn't appeal to many. With the modern technology of 3D printing, it's stepped up the vinyl game.There is now a wide range of patterns and textures you can choose from. These include:
- Wood
- Stone
- Glazed tile
- Ceramic
- Slate
- Granite
And many more materials! Whether you want the look of reclaimed hardwood or a sleek, clean slate look, you'll be sure to get the look for you.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring is Solid and Dependable
Luxury vinyl flooring offers a solid, dependable yet stylish option for your home. Suitable for busy households and damper areas, you don't have to worry about damage.It's easy to care for too, and won't take too much time if you add it to your regular cleaning schedule. With so many patterns and colors to choose from it also fits in with any home style.
If you want to start your luxury vinyl journey contact us today. At National Floors Direct, we've got a wide range of flooring options to suit all your needs.
