The floor-covering industry in the USA reached a staggering $26.66 billion in sales in 2020, signaling a thriving market with a promising trajectory. However, one might wonder: Shouldn’t flooring be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase? Surprisingly, many flooring options fall short in terms of longevity, necessitating frequent replacements—a costly deal.
The search for durable flooring solutions is important for those in Chesapeake, VA, and beyond. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking durability or a commercial designer striving for enduring quality, understanding the projected lifespan and performance factors of your flooring is essential. Evaluating how well a flooring material resists scratches, stains, cracks, and other potential damage is crucial.
In this blog, we delve into the world of vinyl flooring. We explore its various types, followed by ways to ensure you pick the right vinyl. We also address the maintenance-related concerns and the benefits and drawbacks of vinyl flooring. Finally, this guide will show what to expect during the vinyl flooring installation.
For any queries and concerns on how long it takes for LVP to settle, reach out to Yates Flooring today!
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring, often called LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) or LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks), is a modern alternative to traditional flooring materials like stone tiles or hardwood planks. This flooring comes in planks or tiles that interlock to create a versatile and stylish floor, replicating various flooring styles.
While vinyl as a flooring option has existed for decades, it has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its advancements in quality and style. Luxury vinyl flooring is prized for its low maintenance requirements and exceptional durability, making it a compelling choice for homeowners.
One of its standout features is its inherent waterproof nature, offering peace of mind in moisture-prone areas. Moreover, it boasts extensive designs, colors, and thickness options, allowing for versatile use in any room.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
Luxury vinyl planks, a subset of luxury vinyl flooring, offer the appearance of authentic hardwood planks. These planks come in varying thicknesses, which are crucial in determining their durability and susceptibility to wear and tear. The thickness of vinyl planks is typically measured in mil, not millimeters. While 12 mil is the standard thickness for residential use, considerations such as the presence of pets might lead to a preference for 20 mil planks. Thicker options exceeding 20 mil are usually used in commercial properties.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Luxury vinyl tiles, another facet of luxury vinyl flooring, emulate the look of ceramic tiles or natural stone. These tiles also offer diverse colors, styles, and thickness options to cater to various design preferences and practical requirements. The selection of LVT thickness is pivotal, determining how well it can withstand daily wear and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
In essence, luxury vinyl flooring, encompassing planks and tiles, has evolved into a versatile and resilient flooring solution capable of elevating commercial and residential spaces’ aesthetics and functionality.
How to Ensure You Pick a Durable Vinyl
When selecting the right flooring, durability is a key consideration. While it’s true that natural stone and hardwood floors often boast longer lifespans than vinyl, there are compelling reasons to opt for vinyl flooring. Vinyl offers many benefits, including ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and minimal maintenance requirements. Additionally, vinyl can outlast specific competitors, such as laminate flooring.
Thick Wear Layers
Vinyl flooring’s longevity depends significantly on the thickness of its wear layer. This layer acts as a protective shield against daily wear and tear. Generally, vinyl sheet flooring is expected to last a decade or two, while vinyl plank and tile flooring can last 15-20 years. To ensure you’re investing in a durable vinyl flooring option, pay close attention to the thickness of the wear layer when making your selection. Thicker wear layers provide enhanced protection and extend the life of your flooring.
Protective Elements
To safeguard the durability of your vinyl flooring, consider factors beyond wear layer thickness. The manufacturer’s reputation and product quality are equally important. It’s sensible to choose vinyl flooring from reputable manufacturers that offer luxury vinyl tiles and planks known for their durability. These premium options often incorporate additional protective elements to extend the life of your flooring, making them a wise investment for long-lasting and attractive floors.
Maintenance
Vinyl flooring is a stylish choice and remarkably durable when properly maintained. To ensure its longevity and keep it looking pristine, there are several essential maintenance practices to follow.
Avoid Excess Moisture
While vinyl is inherently moisture-resistant, preventing excessive moisture from seeping beneath the surface is crucial. Seams and gaps or improper installation in the flooring can allow water infiltration, potentially damaging the floor. To protect your vinyl, swiftly address any issues related to seams and gaps during installation. Additionally, avoid excessive water use during cleaning to minimize the risk of moisture-related problems.
Lift, Don’t Drag
Avoid dragging heavy items or placing heavy furniture directly on your vinyl floor to prevent uneven wear patterns and potential damage. Using furniture pads or sliders is a simple yet effective solution to distribute weight evenly and protect your flooring.
Gentle Cleaning Methods
When it comes to cleaning your vinyl floor, gentle methods are preferred. Regular sweeping to remove dirt and debris, followed by mopping with a damp (not soaking wet) mop, is typically sufficient. Harsh scrubbing, abrasive cleaners, and vacuuming should be avoided as they can affect the top layer of the vinyl. Opt for mild, vinyl-friendly cleaning solutions to maintain the floor’s appearance without causing harm.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has gained popularity for its unique combination of advantages and disadvantages, making it a versatile choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Cost
Advantage: One of the most significant advantages of vinyl flooring is its affordability. Compared to traditional flooring options like granite, wood, or marble, vinyl is often considerably less expensive per square foot. Installation costs are also lower, especially for non-adhesive vinyl flooring that easily clicks into place.
Disadvantage: However, when it comes to repair, vinyl flooring can be challenging. Unlike other materials, it’s tough to repair vinyl, and damaged areas often require complete replacement. Fortunately, modern vinyl flooring with click-and-lock technology simplifies this process by allowing for the easy replacement of damaged or worn tiles and planks.
Convenience
Advantage: Vinyl flooring is celebrated for its low maintenance requirements. Routine sweeping and mopping are usually sufficient to keep it looking clean. Spills can be wiped up effortlessly, eliminating the need for special cleaners or equipment. Vinyl’s resistance to moisture and spills makes it an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Disadvantage: During vinyl flooring installation, the material can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases can be harmful, especially to individuals with respiratory issues. Adequate ventilation during installation is essential to mitigate these concerns and ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Lifespan
Advantage: Vinyl flooring offers a relatively long lifespan, provided it receives proper care and maintenance. With professional installation and regular upkeep, vinyl floors can last between 10 -25 years, depending on factors like foot traffic, quality of the product, and usage. Vinyl plank and tile options are more durable than vinyl sheet flooring.
Disadvantage: While vinyl flooring offers a reasonable lifespan, it is generally shorter than natural stone or wood floors. However, this drawback may be outweighed by its other advantages, mainly if you update your flooring occasionally to align with changing trends.
What To Expect During Installation
You can anticipate a relatively smooth and efficient process when installing vinyl flooring. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect during your vinyl floor installation:
- Assessment and Preparation: The first step is to assess and prepare your space for installation. This involves ensuring the subfloor is clean, level, and free from imperfections that could affect the vinyl’s performance. Professional installers will meticulously inspect the area to address any issues, ensuring a solid foundation for your vinyl flooring.
- Acclimation: In some cases, particularly with luxury vinyl planks (LVP), allowing the flooring to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity levels is essential. This step ensures the vinyl settles and adapts to the environment, promoting a stable installation.
- Installation Techniques: Vinyl flooring, including interlocking vinyl planks, offers versatile installation methods. Depending on your preferences and the specific product, the installers may use techniques such as click-lock, glue-down, or peel-and-stick. These methods cater to different needs and room sizes, allowing customization to suit your space.
- Efficiency: Vinyl flooring installation is known for its efficiency. The interlocking nature of vinyl planks often speeds up the process, resulting in minimal disruption to your daily life. Professional installers are skilled in executing swift and precise installations, ensuring your new floor is ready for use in no time.
As you embark on your vinyl flooring journey, consider enlisting the expertise of Yates Flooring in Chesapeake, VA. Our professional team can guide you through installation, ensuring that your vinyl floor meets and exceeds your expectations.
Whether you’re seeking advice on flooring options, installation techniques, or how to maximize the vinyl floor lifespan, Yates Flooring is your trusted partner in creating a beautiful and enduring floor for your space.
Contact us today!
