For almost 100 years, vinyl flooring has been a popular alternative to more expensive flooring types, such as wood or tiles. Vinyl flooring is durable and versatile, however, it does have its drawbacks too. It is always good to outweigh the pros and cons before purchasing a product that makes a home come together.
Advantages of Vinyl Flooring
It’s so important to ensure that you have the right flooring for your home, as it is the first thing people see when they enter a room without even realising it and it brings a whole room together. We believe the flooring for every room should be beautiful without compromising on practicality or budget, which is why vinyl is a great option.
Durability
When cared for properly, vinyl can be a very durable material lasting for 10 to 20 years. However, this will only be the case if your vinyl is of high quality and was well manufactured. Despite this, the material is sturdy and is able to withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
Easy to Install
Vinyl is a relatively easy material to install as long as it is done correctly. You need to ensure that the ground you are laying it on is completely dry and level. Even if you want to lay the flooring down yourself it may be a good idea to call in a professional first to at least ensure that the floor is flat.
Easy to Maintain
Vinyl is one of the easiest types of flooring to maintain, however that doesn’t mean it can be neglected. Leaving grit and dirt on the floor can lead to scratches and damage the surface, to ensure this doesn’t happen you can use a damp mop and vinyl cleaner to remove dirt or stains.
Appearance
Vinyl comes in a variety of designs meaning that there is something for everybody. One of the biggest benefits is that there are great replica designs for wood. This creates an affordable flooring option for something that looks expensive.
Water-Resistant
Vinyl is a great water-proof material making it an excellent choice for rooms with high moisture like a bathroom or a laundry room.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring
Although there is no denying that vinyl is a material with some excellent properties, however, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some disadvantages either.
Damaged Easily
This material isn’t as strong as others like wood since it can’t withstand heavy loads and can get damaged by sharp objects. It is also a lot more difficult to repair than other materials and you may need new flooring.
Colours Can Fade
Although this sounds bad, it’s not as bad as you might think, the colours fade due to exposure to too much direct sunlight which is why it’s not recommended for outdoor or conservatory use where it can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
Not Biodegradable
Due to this material being made out of plastic it’s not biodegradable meaning it will take a very long time to break down after being disposed of. People generally don’t recycle this material so it goes straight to the landfill.
Luxury Vinyl Tile – The Ultimate Guide
Looking to introduce vinyl flooring in your home? Check out our ultimate guide to Luxury Vinyl Tile.
Consult Our Flooring Specialists
Now that you have seen both sides to vinyl flooring, you can decide whether it’s the right choice for you. If you have any questions about vinyl or are interested in purchasing it, simply fill out our online contact form or call us on 0116 278 3241.
Posted in Advice, Vinyl & LVT
