The Complete Guide to Everything About Vinyl Flooring
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Approximate Reading Time: 12 Minutes
In Partnership with Polyflor Australia
Vinyl flooring is back and looking better than ever!
When you consider it, there's really no big surprise that vinyl flooring is rising in popularity the way it is. It's versatile, durable, and budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses alike. But what exactly is vinyl flooring, and why should you consider it for your next project?
The Floorworld Blog is here to give you the inside scoop. We recently spoke with industry veteran Andrew Ferguson from Polyflor Australia, one of Australia's premium vinyl flooring suppliers.
We asked Andrew about all things vinyl to compile this complete guide, which we hope will answer your questions and inform you about all things vinyl flooring.
Andrew Ferguson is the current National Technical Manager at Polyflor Australia and has been working with vinyl flooring for over 25 years. He was part of the senior development research and development team behind ModWood, an award-winning polymer composite decking material used in commercial and residential applications.
Table of Contents
1. Why Choose Vinyl and Why the Popularity?
2. Common Misconceptions About Vinyl Flooring
3. Different Types of Vinyl and What They Mean
4. How Does Vinyl Compare to Other Flooring Types?
6. Vinyl Flooring for the Rooms in Your Home
7. Proper Cleaning, Maintenance and Installation Techniques for Vinyl Flooring
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
10. Conclusion and Further Resources
1. Why choose Vinyl and why the popularity?
In the age of Pinterest and social media, we are being inspired daily to build the home of our dreams with beautiful and exquisite luxury flooring. The only unfortunate part is that the cost of living is also reaching record highs, making these aspirations feel like little more than just dreams.
It is in this space that Vinyl flooring finds its footing. First and foremost, it's incredibly cost-effective, being one of the lower-cost options compared to timber hardwood floors or natural stone tiles. However, this is where its second strength comes into play.
Once upon a time, if you asked me what I thought of vinyl flooring, I would have used words like tacky, plastic, and, dare I say, even ugly. This is not the case anymore.
Thanks to advancements in printing and production technologies, modern vinyl is able to almost perfectly mimic the look and feel of natural, more expensive materials such as wood or stone at a fraction of the cost. Add to that its sheer versatility, and it's easy to understand where things are heading.
Vinyl can be installed in virtually any room of your home, including high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It's also available in a wide range of styles and designs, so you're sure to find something that suits your own personal taste.
Finally, vinyl flooring is easy to maintain. Unlike other types of flooring that require special cleaning products and treatments, vinyl can be cleaned with simple household cleaners and a mop.
2. Common misconceptions about Vinyl flooring
Time to clear some air. There are many common misconceptions about vinyl flooring. Let's address a few of the most common ones:
I Don't Need to Clean My Floors Regularly: Vinyl is easy to clean—one of its main selling points—but that doesn't mean you can neglect your regular cleaning routines. While more resilient than most flooring, dirt and grime can build up, cause damage, and dull the appearance of your floors if left unattended for too long.
Vinyl Flooring is Bad for the Environment: There's a misconception that vinyl flooring is one of the worst flooring types when it comes to being environmentally friendly. While there will always be better options, what many don't realise is the many innovations in making modern vinyl much greener than it used to be. Many manufacturers now produce vinyl with fewer harmful chemicals and incorporate recycling programs into their production processes. Read the certifications on your flooring products to understand what qualifies them and the standards manufacturers must meet to achieve them.
Vinyl is Tacky and Looks Cheap: Another common misconception is that vinyl looks cheap or fake. Advances in printing technology have made it possible to create vinyl flooring that looks remarkably similar to natural materials like wood and stone.
Old Vinyl is the Same as New Vinyl: Some people still associate vinyl with the cheap, plasticky flooring of the past. Today's luxury vinyl is a far cry from those outdated versions. It's more durable, more attractive, and more comfortable underfoot.
3. Different types of Vinyl and what's inside
Vinyl flooring is not all the same and features several different types, each with its own unique properties and applications. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Luxury Vinyl (LVP and LVT) or Printed Design Vinyl: This is the vinyl you are likely to see mostly if you are looking for flooring for your home. This multi-layered heterogeneous vinyl has a printed design layer that can mimic modern or traditional looks, with a transparent wear layer on top for protection.
LVP: Mimics the look of timber/hardwood with long, narrow planks.
LVT: Mimics the look of stone or ceramic tiles and is available in square or rectangular shapes.
Sheet Vinyl: Made from a single layer of PVC, this homogenous type of vinyl is incredibly durable and more reminiscent of the older style of vinyl flooring.
Safety Flooring: Contains aggregate safety particles to provide a slip-resistant surface, making it ideal for areas where safety is a concern, such as homes with elders or people with special conditions. It is also commonly used in commercial settings such as nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.
Sports Flooring: Designed with a foamed backing to provide cushioning and support, it's perfect for sports centres and gyms.
Electrostatic Flooring: Conducts electricity to prevent static buildup, making it ideal for electronic manufacturing environments and areas where sensitive electronics are handled.
What is in Vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is derived from salt and chlorine. Depending on the type of vinyl being produced, the manufacturing process and construction of the flooring can involve several steps. Still, generally, most residential vinyl you buy will follow the multilayer design below.
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- Wear Layer: The top layer that provides protection against scratches and stains.
- Decorative Layer: This layer features a printed design, giving the flooring its realistic appearance.
- Core Layer: Provides stability and durability.
- Backing Layer: Offers additional support and prevents moisture from penetrating the floor.
4. How does Vinyl compare to other flooring types?
Vinyl flooring has several advantages over other types of flooring, such as laminate, timber, and hybrid options. Below is a rundown of each example.
Laminate: While laminate is also affordable and easy to install, it's not as moisture-resistant as vinyl. Vinyl can handle spills and humidity much better, making it a better choice for kitchens and bathrooms.Timber: Timber flooring is beautiful but expensive and requires significant maintenance to maintain its look over the years. Vinyl can mimic the look of wood without the high cost or constant upkeep.
Hybrid flooring: Hybrid flooring is designed to combine the best features of vinyl and laminate, but it can be more expensive. Also, bad hybrid installations fail faster than bad vinyl installations, meaning they can be less versatile. Vinyl is also more moisture-resistant and can be glued down, preventing issues with expansion and contraction.
Durability and Maintenance of Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Here are some key points to consider:
- Moisture Resistance: Vinyl is highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for areas prone to spills or humidity.
- Wear Layer: The wear layer protects the design layer, ensuring that the flooring maintains its appearance over time.
- Scratch Repair: Minor scratches can be repaired, extending the life of your flooring.
- Cleaning: Routine cleaning is simple for vinyl. It involves sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and mopping with a mild cleaner.
5. Vinyl designs and styles
One of the most significant advantages of vinyl flooring is the wide range of designs and styles available. From wood-look planks to stone-look tiles, there's something for every taste. Advances in printing technology have made it possible to create highly realistic designs that mimic natural materials.
Stone-look Vinyl flooring
Stone-look vinyl flooring is designed to resemble the appearance of natural stone surfaces like marble, slate, terrazzo, and limestone. This type of vinyl flooring can add a touch of luxury to spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. The intricate patterns and textures make it difficult to distinguish from real stone.
On Right: Polyflor Camaro Stone Vinyl
Timber or wood-look Vinyl flooring
Wood or Timber-look vinyl flooring is designed to mimic the appearance of natural hardwood. This style is highly popular due to its realistic textures and patterns, which replicate various wood species such as oak, maple, and even native Australian species such as blackbutt and jarrah hickory. The designs can range from traditional planks to more modern, wide-plank formats, offering options for rustic, classic, and contemporary interiors.
On Left: Polyflor MiPlank Vinyl Plank
Herringbone or Chevron designs
In natural Timber Flooring, Herringbone and Chevron designs have been riding in popularity as people look to modernise their timber flooring. Due to the difficulty and material cost, this can be an expensive option. However, with Vinyl plank designs, you can enjoy the style and luxury of herringbone and Chevron without the cost or struggle.
On Right: Polyflor Camaro Vinyl Plank
Tile-look Vinyl flooring
Tile-look vinyl flooring offers the appearance of ceramic or porcelain tiles without the cold, hard feel underfoot. These vinyl tiles come in various sizes and shapes, including traditional square tiles and more modern geometric patterns. They are ideal for areas where water resistance is crucial, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
On Left: Polyflor Camaro Vinyl Tile
For more on how to style your rooms, or just to understand the latest in flooring trends, check out our Floorworld Essentials: The Ultimate Guide to Flooring Interior Design Trends.
6. Vinyl flooring for the rooms in your home
One of the greatest strengths of Vinyl flooring is its versatility. It can be used in almost any room of your home and any household with no issue. Below are a few great options:
Living Rooms: As one of the most active areas in the house, vinyl flooring can be a great option to both survive the parties and gatherings while also being able to style it any way you want to suit the decor so you can also show off to your guests.
Kitchen: Vinyl flooring's resistance to water and spills is where it comes into play in the kitchen. Add to that the ease of cleaning and maintenance when your cooking attempts end up in a mess, and you no longer need to fear experimenting too hard with your meals.
Bathrooms: Traditionally, where people commonly find hard, cool tile and stone, vinyl flooring can provide a softer floor underfoot. With water resistance on all types, you can even experiment with timber or wood flooring where the actual natural material would not work for practical reasons.
Bedroom: For those wanting comfort but who love the look of stone or timber flooring, vinyl is your answer. You can even have some underlay beneath for further comfort and also to reduce noise so that you can have a quieter environment for restful sleep.
Dining Room: Spills are inevitable when you have dinner for the whole family, especially with younger children involved. Vinyl flooring shines because it is easy to clean and still looks great.
For more inspiration on how to style rooms in your home, check out our Inspiration and Advice page.
How to not use Vinyl flooring in your home
Despite the versatility, there are, however, a few situations where it might not be the best choice:
Outdoors: Even if covered, vinyl flooring can fade when exposed to sunlight and the elements.
Highly Abrasive Areas: Vinyl is durable and will always hold up, but you may find scratches and dents in areas where damaging footwear, such as heels or spiked shoes, or moving heavy objects is common.
Cutting Corners: If you want to cut corners on installation or need a job done fast without caring about the finish, a floating floor might be a better option, as poorly installed vinyl shows and does not last long.
7. Proper Cleaning, Maintenance, and Installation techniques for Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring may be one of the easiest to clean or maintain, but that doesn't mean you can skip out on it entirely. Keeping your vinyl flooring looking its best requires regular maintenance and routine.
For a complete guide on how to care for your Vinyl floors, read our article: How to Clean and Maintain Your Vinyl Flooring (Updated for 2024).
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Cleaning your Vinyl floors:
Regular Cleaning Routine: Regular light cleaning is better than the occasional deep cleaning.
Don't use too much water: Vinyl may be water resistant, but using too much water without sufficiently drying it will damage it in the long term. Be sure your mop or cloth is only damp, not soaked.
Make sure you are using the proper solution: Be sure to use cleaning products as your flooring supplier suggests or a solution that isn't too abrasive. If you are concerned, you can spot test on a less prominent area before conducting a complete clean.
For tough stains, use a scrubbing pad or Nylon brush. When dealing with stains that won't come out, apply the cleaning solution directly to the area and lightly scrub using a scrubbing pad or nylon brush.
Maintaining your Vinyl floors:
Sweep or vacuum: Regularly sweeping or vacuuming your floors will reduce the buildup of dirt and debris, decreasing the need for deep cleaning and reducing wear on them.
Place furniture pads: Use felt pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches and dents on your floors.
Vinyl polish recoat: To maintain the durability and shine of your vinyl floors, consider recoating them with a polish every two years.
Installation of Vinyl flooring
While vinyl flooring is relatively easy to install, there are a few things you should watch out for. A proper installation is crucial to ensuring the longevity and performance of your flooring. Here are a few key points to consider:
Consider using a professional installer: Improperly installed vinyl can result in many issues and reduce the longevity of your floors overall. Consider using a professional installer or one recommended by one of our Floorworld Stores.
Stable temperature environment: Maintain a stable temperature during and after installation to prevent issues with expansion and contraction.
Correct standards: Ensure the flooring is installed to the proper standards to ensure long-lasting performance. Cutting corners during installation can lead to problems later.
8. Sustainability and Vinyl
At one point, vinyl flooring was lamented for its high use of harmful and artificial chemicals and waste in its production. Modern vinyl, however, tells a different story, as innovations and technological advancements have made it a much greener and safer option than its predecessors.
Here are some points to consider:
Lower embodied energy: Vinyl has lower embodied energy compared to flooring options like ceramics and hardboard, meaning the resources required to make it are lower due to changes in the production process and materials used.
Fewer harmful chemicals: Changes and regulations in production processes mean that modern vinyl uses fewer harmful chemicals.
Recyclable: Many vinyl products are now recyclable, reducing their environmental impact. Polyflor is spearheading this with Recoflor.
Waste reductions: Improvements to the production process mean that there are now more ways to reduce and reuse waste in vinyl flooring production. Polyflor is proud to have 98% of total waste recycled or repurposed.
Environmental certifications: Look for certifications that indicate a product is free from harmful chemicals and produced sustainably. An example of good ones to watch out for is the Global Green Tag and the Green Building Council of Australia.
The future of Vinyl and Sustainability
Vinyl is already a great product, and while advancements are looking to make it even better, the most significant changes on the horizon are vinyl and how it relates to sustainability. In this way, the future looks bright, with continuous advancements pushing forward. Here are some trends to watch:
Environmentally Sustainable Ingredients: Manufacturers increasingly use more sustainable ingredients and improve production processes.
Designs Printing: Printing technology continues to improve, offering even more realistic designs and offering even more choices to match individual tastes.
Better Adhesives: New adhesives are being developed that are more water-based and environmentally friendly while also providing better performance.
Global Recycling Programs: Vinyl recycling programs will be adopted more widely and with more options, making it easier to recycle old flooring.
For more on sustainability in flooring, read our Flooring Essential: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Sustainable Flooring Guide.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does Vinyl flooring last?
The lifespan of vinyl flooring depends on how well it's maintained. With proper care, it can last for decades. For example, some hospitals have had vinyl flooring for over 30 years due to diligent maintenance.
Is Vinyl flooring waterproof?
Vinyl flooring is highly moisture-resistant and can handle spills and humidity better than most other flooring types.
Can vinyl flooring be installed over existing flooring?
Vinyl flooring can often be installed over existing flooring, making it a convenient option for renovations. The ground does have to be flat and level.
Is vinyl flooring suitable for high-traffic areas?
Yes, luxury vinyl flooring is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for busy households and commercial spaces.
What is Vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a versatile synthetic material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is designed to replicate the look of natural materials like wood and stone and comes in sheets, planks, and tiles.
Why is Vinyl flooring So popular?
Vinyl flooring is popular due to its affordability, durability, and realistic appearance. Advanced printing and texturing techniques make it closely resemble natural materials, and its water resistance, ease of maintenance, and wide range of styles make it a preferred choice for many.
What are the benefits of Vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is durable, water-resistant, easy to maintain, and comfortable underfoot. It’s cost-effective and versatile, available in many styles and colours. Additionally, it’s easy to install, making it a practical choice for various settings.
What are the different types of Vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring comes in sheet, plank, and tile forms. Sheet vinyl offers minimal seams for better water resistance, vinyl planks mimic hardwood with easy installation, and vinyl tiles resemble ceramic or stone.
How sustainable is Vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring's sustainability varies; while it's made from synthetic materials, advancements are being made in recycling and manufacturing processes. Some brands offer eco-friendly options from recycled content and low-VOC emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality.
10. Conclusion and further resources
Vinyl flooring offers a winning combination of affordability, durability, and style. Whether renovating your home or outfitting a commercial space, vinyl flooring is versatile and practical. From its humble beginnings to the sophisticated products available today, vinyl has come a long way. Technological advances and a focus on sustainability have made modern vinyl flooring a top choice for those seeking high-quality, low-maintenance flooring solutions.
If you're considering vinyl flooring for your next project, why not visit a Floorworld store? You can also get more by checking out more articles at the Floorworld Blog or get our latest eBooks by filling out the form below.
