All you need to know about vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a resilient flooring material made of synthetic materials, such as PVC vinyl, fiberglass, and various chemical plasticizers. Vinyl flooring typically comes in planks, tiles or sheets that can then be assembled. The primary element in vinyl flooring is a simple vinyl sheet. To produce this, manufacturers suspend the vinyl in a liquid, creating a mixture that can be spread into a thin layer by a rolling process3. Vinyl flooring also contains pigments, stabilizers, and a backing material, which may be felt, paper, wood pulp, or calcium carbonate.

Vinyl flooring is a great choice for kitchens, basements, playrooms or other areas where children are bound to spill something because it is water-resistant and hence has no fear of moisture damage. It is also comfortable to stand on for a longer period. Vinyl floors are also 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. For commercial applications, 28 mil is often used for even more durability. There are three main types of vinyl plank flooring: luxury vinyl plank flooring, rigid core vinyl plank flooring and waterproof vinyl plank flooring. Each of these options has similar characteristics, but some may be better equipped for your home than others based on your needs.

Vinyl floors are a popular option among homeowners because they are water-and stain-resistant, versatile and provide good durability for the cost5. Vinyl is generally much more comfortable than other types of flooring except carpet. It doesn’t get as cold during the cold winter months and it is much softer underneath your feet than ceramic or wood. This is particularly beneficial for households with children because if a child happens to fall, they won’t get hurt as much6. Vinyl floors are also less expensive than many other flooring options and are easy to install and maintain5. Vinyl floors come in a broad range of colors and patterns to match any decor style.

The best way to install vinyl flooring depends on the type of vinyl you choose. There are two main categories: flexible and rigid. Flexible vinyl is usually installed using adhesive while rigid vinyl can be installed using either adhesive or click-lock technology.

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