Home LifeHome and Garden Resilient Vinyl Flooring: The Ultimate Guide to Pros, Cons, Cost, Installation, and Maintenance

Resilient Vinyl Flooring: The Ultimate Guide to Pros, Cons, Cost, Installation, and Maintenance

by Keira

Resilient Vinyl Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide

Types of Resilient Vinyl Flooring

Resilient vinyl flooring encompasses various categories, each with unique installation methods and advantages.

  • Resilient Sheet Vinyl: This is the most common type, consisting of thin, flexible sheets of vinyl with a printed design and transparent wear layer. It is ideal for wet locations like bathrooms due to its seamless installation.

  • Resilient Vinyl Tiles: Similar to sheet vinyl, these are sold in boxes of square pieces that can be glued down or installed with a pre-applied adhesive.

  • Luxury Vinyl: A thicker, semi-rigid form of flooring that comes in long planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT). Marketed as rigid-core vinyl by some manufacturers, these products offer enhanced rigidity and are usually installed as floating floors that snap together.

Cost of Resilient Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is generally affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $10 per square foot. Sheet vinyl and standard vinyl tiles are the most economical options, while luxury vinyl is more expensive. Professional installation costs typically range from $1 to $3 per square foot.

Maintenance and Repair

Vinyl flooring is easy to care for. Regular sweeping and damp mopping with an approved cleaner can remove dirt and stains. Printed vinyl and luxury vinyl have a protective wear layer that resists stains and spills. However, vinyl can be susceptible to discoloration from rubber and should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Design

Vinyl flooring is versatile and can complement various room styles. It is ideal for moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles with realistic wood or stone designs can also be used in more formal spaces. However, standard sheet vinyl may appear less appealing in non-functional rooms.

Installation

Installation methods vary depending on the type of vinyl flooring. Sheet vinyl is glued down, while standard vinyl tiles can be glued down or installed with peel-and-stick backing. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles use a click-lock edge connection and typically float over an underlayment. Careful layout and a flat subfloor are crucial for a successful installation. DIY installation is feasible for standard vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl, but sheet vinyl may require professional assistance.

Top Brands of Resilient Vinyl Flooring

Reputable manufacturers of resilient vinyl flooring include:

  • Armstrong: Offers a wide range of sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl planks, and tiles at affordable prices.

  • Mohawk: Known for its CoreTec line of luxury vinyl, which is both durable and budget-friendly.

  • Shaw: Provides a variety of vinyl flooring options, including sheet vinyl, vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl.

  • Karndean: Specializes in high-quality glue-down tiles and luxury vinyl flooring.

Comfort and Convenience

Vinyl flooring is comfortable underfoot and does not get cold in the winter. Some products feature a padded underlayer for added comfort. However, vinyl flooring can release volatile chemicals during installation, which may cause respiratory issues or irritation in sensitive individuals.

Environmental Impact

Vinyl flooring is not biodegradable and can contribute to landfill waste. It also consumes non-renewable resources during manufacturing. Consider eco-friendly alternatives if environmental concerns are a priority.

Is Resilient Vinyl Flooring Right for You?

Resilient vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is also an economical option that will not significantly impact real estate value in non-luxury applications. Luxury vinyl can add value to a home with its premium appearance, but it is not an environmentally friendly choice.

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