Flooring materials 101: Everything you need to know about vinyl

Being a popular flooring option during the 80s and 90s, vinyl is making a comeback in 2023! Why not? It has the ability to mimic the feel and look of wood, the patterns of ceramic and the texture of natural stone at a fraction of the price. Plus, it is available in a wide variety of designs and patterns. So, if you are looking for flooring ideas for your home transformation project, consider signature vinyl.

By the means of the blog post, we are bringing you the lowdown on this flooring material. What is vinyl flooring, how is it manufactured and what makes it the centre stage in the home décor market? Read on to learn everything about vinyl flooring in Melbourne.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl is a product composed of different layers of different materials that are sandwiched together to build a highly durable, versatile and practical floor covering. It is entirely constructed from a synthetic material known as polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), which is heated and pressed into thin layers to form vinyl tiles or planks.

What are the types of vinyl flooring?

While vinyl is quite similar to laminate flooring, the manufacturing process sets them apart from one another. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl roll (sheet) are the two main types of vinyl flooring.

LVT is designed to imitate natural flooring materials, such as hardwood and ceramic. It looks and feels nearly identical to the material it’s mimicking. LVT comes in either tile or plank formats. On the other hand, vinyl roll or sheet is fibreglass cushion-backed flooring, which is available in large, continuous and flexible sheets. Plus, it is 100% phthalate-free and has low VOC emissions.

Pros of vinyl flooring

• Vinyl flooring can be installed in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
• When installed properly, it can last at least 10 to 20 years.
• You can easily replace it if an individual vinyl plank or tile is damaged.
• It is slip- and stain-resistant, making it maintenance-free.
• As there are no joints, vinyl is hygienic and easy to keep clean.
• It closely resembles wood, stone and even concrete.

Cons of vinyl flooring

• Vinyl flooring is not biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• It can get scratched easily while moving furniture or appliances around.
• Its colour can fade if exposed to bright sunlight over a long time.

Is vinyl flooring waterproof?

Yes, vinyl flooring is waterproof as it is composed primarily of PVC. Keep in mind that the quality of installation can affect its water-resistance capability. For instance, LVT planks or tiles may result in multiple seams. If you install them incorrectly, water or moisture may seep through these seams.

How to take care of vinyl flooring?

Now that you have an understanding of vinyl flooring, we know that you want to learn how to maintain it and keep it fresh for years to come. The good news is that vinyl is easy to take care of. Thanks to its durability and water resistance, vinyl isn’t likely to need serious repairs. All it requires is wiping up water spills as quickly as possible and placing pads under your furniture legs to prevent scratches.

How to get your vinyl flooring right?

• If your room is small, too much colour or pattern will make it appear cramped. So, go with light or neutral colours.
• Never allow moisture to be retained on the surface of the flooring.
• Don’t move heavy furniture around a lot and make sure that your flooring is protected from sharp edges or objects.
• If there is any direct sunlight falling on one part of the flooring, cover it with an area rug.

Experience the perks of vinyl flooring for yourself!

Not only has this blog post helped you understand what vinyl flooring is, but it has also taught you about the benefits of signature vinyl. This flooring material can be quite luxurious yet affordable. Plus, it will work for any room in your home. No matter your decor style, you won’t have any trouble finding the right flooring to match. Hope you are ready to get started.