Vinyl flooring is an increasingly popular choice for homes. It can mimic hardwood, stone, and ceramic, and is easy to install. The best part is that it’s low maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of repair. Depending on the type of vinyl you choose, it can also stand up to water.
You can find vinyl in a wide variety of patterns, colours, and designs. Many modern sheets are designed to look like marble and terracotta tiles. There are even high-end styles that mimic the popular textures of natural materials. These products are often made with recycled content.
Sheet vinyl is the most common type. Generally, these types of vinyl are available in six or twelve inch rolls. However, there are also luxury vinyl planks and tiles. These are especially nice for those who want a floor that looks like wood but doesn’t need to be cared for. They also have the best lifetime value.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) offers the greatest design variety. LVT is usually manufactured in a modular format that allows for quick installation. When installed in the right way, it can provide a sleek, stylish look to any room. This type of vinyl is made with at least four layers, including a top coat that adds a hint of sheen.
Vinyl flooring can be installed over existing flooring or laid down over a sub-floor. Typically, you’ll need to prep the surface with a base layer of polyurethane. Some newer LVT composites are tough enough to replace conventional materials. Once you have the sheet or tiles in place, you can use a self-stick adhesive to finish the job. Using a click system allows you to remove the glue for a clean, finished look.
In addition to offering a large variety of color choices, vinyl flooring can be manufactured to replicate the texture of several different natural materials. This gives the product a realistic look. Even though the price of this type of material may seem high, it’s not. It’s also one of the most durable options, and can withstand the wear and tear of a busy home.
The most impressive of all, though, is the fact that the most technologically advanced of these floors can be easily recycled. Most vinyl flooring scrap is repurposed to be used in a finished product. Unfortunately, however, most of the old vinyl goes into landfills, where it releases toxic chemicals.
There are also many environmental benefits to using vinyl. For example, the materials are 100% waterproof. And they are non-porous, so they can withstand spills. As a bonus, they can be easily recycled, and don’t decompose in a landfill.
Aside from the obvious, there are also a number of other good reasons to consider vinyl. While it may cost a little more than other materials, you can save a lot of money in the long run. Another benefit is that it can be resurfaced or replaced if you change your mind. Also, the material is very soft and comfortable to walk on.