In 2020, the floor covering sales in the USA came to a grand total of $26.66 billion, and it only looks set to increase as the years go on. It's a lucrative market, but have you ever considered why? Isn't flooring supposed to be something you purchase once, and then it lasts you a lifetime?
The truth is many types of flooring do not last long and need to be replaced fairly regularly. This is not only costly but can also be really disruptive for you. After all, getting a whole new floor put in requires a lot of work in the home that can be loud, messy, and take a long time.
But is there a type of flooring you can opt for that lasts longer than the average? Read on to find out more about how vinyl plank flooring might be for you!
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring actually goes by two names - Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). It is a plastic alternative to other types of flooring - usually hardwood planks or stone tiles. As the name suggests, it comes in plank format and interlocks together to make up the floor and replicate other styles of flooring.Vinyl has been around for decades now, but in recent years it has reached new heights of quality and style. The fact is that vinyl as a floor replacement is very low in maintenance as well as being highly durable. This makes it a great option when choosing floors.
Then there is the fact that is waterproof as standard and is available in an incredibly wide range of colors, designs, and thicknesses. This means you can use vinyl flooring options for various uses in any room you like.
Thickness is a big factor when talking about vinyl flooring options. This aspect of your choice of vinyl plank flooring will dictate how much level of wear and tear it can stand, i.e., its durability. The thicker the plank, the more resistant it is.
The thickness of vinyl planks is measured in what is known as mil (not to be mistaken for millimeters). The most common thickness of vinyl flooring is 12 mil, but certain variables - such as if you have pets - might mean you want to increase that to 20 mil. Anything thicker than that is generally reserved for commercial buildings.
Maintenance and Longevity
In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors. How in-use the floor is, for example, and who - or what - is walking all over it day by day.That being said, a reliable factor in predicting how long vinyl flooring will last is the thickness of the planks used. The thicker the planks, the longer they should last. And of course, let's not forget the quality of the flooring used. It's a well-known fact that the higher the quality of a product, the longer it will last - that's just science.
But what are the tell-tale signs of your flooring getting to the end of its life? There are a few things to look out for:
- Peaks in the flooring where there shouldn't be
- Cracking noise as you walk over it
- Tears or discoloration of the vinyl
There aren't many things in life that are certain, but this is one of them - if you see these signs on your vinyl floor, it's time to start saying your goodbyes. And consider buying better quality next time!
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring Options
One of the great things about vinyl flooring is how easy it is to install - it doesn't even need underlayment! It is quite simply a case of locking each of the planks together, and that forms the floor, which essentially floats above the concrete base of the room. Ideal for flat surfaces.And the ease of use doesn't stop there because when it comes to cleaning, all you need is a microfiber cloth mop with soap and water. Give it a clean once a week, and you should be fine!
Of course, we know money talks, and it can't be denied that vinyl flooring is a great option if you don't want to break the bank. In fact, with vinyl, there are options for every budget going, so there really is something for everyone!
It is fair to say there really are not that many downsides to vinyl flooring! The main thing that vinyl will struggle with is UV light - it can be susceptible to fading and discoloration in UV light if it is exposed to it for too long.
Other than that, the only thing is that it's not the real deal! At the end of the day, plastic will never be able to perfectly replicate wood or stone, but if you ask us, it does a very good job, all things considered!
Choose Luxury Vinyl For Long-Lasting Flooring
As you can see, vinyl plank flooring is a great option if you're looking for traditional flooring alternatives. With its decades-long durability, ease of installation, and simplicity when it comes to cleaning, there really is no better option.The long lifespan of vinyl means you can rely on it to be with you in your home for decades, cutting your home costs while staying stylish for years to come! For more information on the options available, get in touch with National Floors Direct now!
