Maybe you've just added a new room to your house? Perhaps you're in the process of making updates? In any case, you have a need for new flooring.
The trouble is: you're not sure what kind of flooring you should select. That's why you've come here: you're looking for an answer to the question of "what is vinyl flooring?"
Fortunately, we can provide you with that answer. Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about vinyl floors.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a flooring material made out of synthetic ingredients. Generally made out of PVC, it offers a combination of strength, durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.
One of the most versatile flooring materials in existence, it is used in rooms of all kinds, from bathrooms to kitchens to living rooms and more. Highly affordable, it's a great budget option for homeowners of all kinds.
The Advantages of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring carries with it a number of advantages. Some of the most prominent of these advantages include the following.
Requires Little Maintenance
Don't want to spend a lot of time caring for your floor? If so, vinyl would be right up your alley. Vinyl flooring is built to withstand the effects of water, sunlight, physical trauma, and other such elements.
As such, it scarcely ever needs repair or intensive upkeep. In fact, in most cases, it just needs cleaning from time to time. And due to its smooth, flat surface, it can be rid of any substance with ease.
Is Aesthetically Pleasing
Today's vinyl flooring is made in a variety of styles and colors. That said, most modern vinyl flooring is designed to look like hardwood. As such, it can bring an air of luxury to any home in which it's installed.
When you combine this with how affordable it is, you start to see that vinyl is one of the most appealing flooring materials on the market today.
Offers Good Durability
While it's not the most durable flooring material on the market, vinyl flooring does possess good durability. In most cases, it lasts between 15 and 25 years. In some situations, it can even thrive for 30 to 35 years.
When you compare this to, say, carpet (which lasts around 8 years), it's not even close. Vinyl flooring is a highly durable material, especially for its price.
Is Resistant to Moisture
When installing flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, you have to be mindful of how that flooring will respond to water. After all, both rooms are filled with water and end up with it on their floors on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, some flooring materials are highly vulnerable to moisture. Vinyl isn't one of these. In fact, it's one of the most water-resistant flooring materials on the market today.
As such, regardless of the room in which you're installing new flooring, vinyl can accommodate you.
Has Some Give
Some flooring materials are hard as a rock (like stone, for instance). As such, they don't provide much give. They're tough on peoples' feet and are generally unpleasant to walk on.
Vinyl isn't one of these materials. Vinyl offers tons of give and is very soft for feet to walk on. As such, if you have bad feet, or if you spend a lot of time standing up, it's a great option.
Is Warm
Just as some flooring materials are on the hard side, some flooring materials are on the cold side as well. Winter comes rolling around and these materials become almost unbearable to walk on while barefoot.
Again, however, vinyl isn't one of these materials. Vinyl flooring stays relatively warm regardless of the weather. This allows it to facilitate a relaxing and cozy environment.
The Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring
By and large, vinyl is a fantastic flooring material. That said, it has some downsides. These include the following.
Can't Be Repaired
Perhaps the biggest downside of vinyl flooring is that it can't be repaired. As such, should it become damaged, you'll either have to deal with the damage as it is or you'll have to replace the material entirely.
That said, it's not particularly easy to damage vinyl flooring. As was noted above, it's resistant to just about everything, including moisture, sunlight, and physical trauma. So, as long as you're mindful of your treatment of vinyl flooring, it should remain in great shape for years to come.
Doesn't Possess an Authentic Look
While vinyl flooring is quite attractive, it's not exactly authentic looking. In most cases, it attempts to look like hardwood flooring. And while it's a decent mimic, it's fairly easy to tell apart.
If you want a truly authentic look, you'll have to opt for wood itself. Note, though, that if you do, you'll be spending a lot more money than what you would on vinyl.
Not Great for the Environment
Are you environmentally conscious? If so, you might not be a big fan of vinyl flooring.
See, vinyl can't be recycled. Not to mention, it doesn't degrade easily. As such, when you're done with it, it will end up in a landfill where it will stay for decades to come.
This isn't true of all flooring materials. For instance, wood is extremely environmentally friendly. So, gauge how much this matters to you, and determine whether you can live with it.
Looking to Purchase Vinyl Flooring?
Now that you have an answer to "what is vinyl flooring?", you might be interested in purchasing some. If so, you're in the right place. National Floors Direct has you covered.
We offer a wide variety of vinyl flooring, from luxury vinyl plank flooring to sheet vinyl flooring and more. Regardless of your color and style preferences, we're sure to have something you enjoy.
Ready to get inspired? Browse our vinyl flooring options now!
