Vinyl floors are a popular option among homeowners, particularly in kitchen and bathroom applications. A synthetic cousin of linoleum, vinyl flooring is water-and stain-resistant, versatile, and provides good durability for the cost. Thanks to a number of advances over the years, today’s vinyl floors are attractive and economical.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

There are two types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring, in which the flooring material is laid down in sheets 2 meters  wide, and strip plank flooring, which uses strip plank of 6″x36″ or 18″x18″. While sheet flooring is more water resistant and is easier to install, many homeowners prefer strip plank flooring, which replicates the look of a ceramic tile floor at a more affordable cost.

PVC Strip Plank or Vinyl Plank (6″ x 36″)

PVC Strip Plank is an affordable, waterproof, wood-look flooring option that has great warmth and texture underfoot and installs with peel-and-stick, glue-down, or click-together ease. A PVC Strip Plank is often installed in commercial settings where high traffic is a constant, or where a clean or static-free environment is desired. It can also be a versatile and cost effective choice for any household. In the home, vinyl plank flooring is often used where a significant amount of moisture is expected. It is also frequently used in remodels to replace higher maintenance flooring, like carpet.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is durable and stands up well to heavy foot traffic. It is comfortable under foot and reduces noise, which can be important for owners with kids or pets. It is also less expensive than many other flooring options and is easy to install and maintain. Vinyl flooring comes in a broad range of colors and patterns to match every decor, including a variety of lifelike wood grains.

On the other hand, vinyl floors do not stand up well to heavy loads and can be damaged by sharp objects. Also, colors can fade with exposure to too much direct sunlight and floors can be damaged by extreme temperatures. For that reason, vinyl is not recommended for outdoor or indoor/outdoor uses.