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Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for any home. Favorite flooring material for decades, vinyl offers a low-maintenance surface that’s also comfortable underfoot. Additionally, vinyl plank is more affordable than many other flooring options from which to choose.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to vinyl plank floors, as with any other flooring material. Noting those advantages and disadvantages can help you decide the right choice for your home. Also, remember to discuss your concerns with a flooring installer near you as needed. They can explain your choices in even greater detail for vinyl plank flooring!
First, note some advantages of vinyl plank flooring for your home:
There are some disadvantages to vinyl flooring, although not many! One concern is that they’re often difficult to remove. Two, some consumers have reported inconsistent quality even from high-end manufacturers. Also, homeowners should avoid harsh cleansers to avoid stripping or otherwise damaging vinyl.
Lastly, note that prospective homebuyers don’t always value vinyl as highly as ceramic, hardwood, and other options. In turn, choosing vinyl plank flooring might not increase your home’s value as much as expected. On the other hand, installing vinyl is a better option than worn-out, damaged, and otherwise outdated flooring in your home!
First, note how manufacturers create vinyl flooring. Then, you can decide if luxury vinyl planks are the right choice for your home. Vinyl flooring starts with a thin backing layer, over which manufacturers apply a wear layer. That wear layer protects vinyl materials and offers a more comfortable surface underfoot.
The difference between luxury and standard vinyl plank flooring is the thickness of their wear layers. The wear layer of luxury vinyl typically ranges between 2-8mm, or 8/100 to 3/10 of an inch. Standard vinyl wear layers are much thinner, usually 10 to 15 mil or 10/1000 to 15/1000 of an inch. Consequently, luxury vinyl often lasts longer and resists scratching and other damage more readily than standard vinyl.
Also, note that luxury vinyl offers a more rigid finish and cuts more easily than standard vinyl. Many luxury vinyl tiles also more closely resemble stone, brick, wood, and other materials. Lastly, standard vinyl might last 10 to 15 years, while luxury finishes usually last some 25 years.
Laminate flooring is synthetic, with a high-resolution photograph of a flooring material covered by a protective plastic layer. Both vinyl and laminate offer an affordable, durable choice for your interior spaces. Also, there is no “better” or “worse” flooring choice, as every material has advantages and disadvantages! Knowing those pros and cons can help you decide which is a better option for your home.
First, note that vinyl flooring offers greater water resistance than laminate. Second, vinyl is often softer and “springier” underfoot, for a more comfortable surface. Also, manufacturers typically recommend that you avoid wet mopping laminate flooring. In turn, it’s often easier to clean vinyl than laminate. Vinyl will also usually last longer, as some laminate floors might need replacing after just five to ten years.
A homeowner can mop vinyl flooring, as the material is very watertight. Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove dust and other debris. Then, use a clean damp mop over the floor, to remove added layers of dirt. Note any areas that might need a bit of added scrubbing as you go.
Next, use a homemade mixture of one cup of vinegar in one gallon of water. Then, give it a few squirts of dishwashing liquid if this mixture doesn’t get those floors clean! Also, ensure you use a clean mop to rinse repeatedly, removing the cleanser and dirt. Repeat this process if needed for a thorough clean.
Lastly, note that there are commercial vinyl flooring cleansers you can buy at home improvement and hardware stores. These are excellent for especially dirty or older floors. However, be sure you check the package instructions, so you mix and use them properly for cleaning vinyl flooring.
Due to its watertight nature, vinyl is a great choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and finished basements. Also, its durability and comfort make it an excellent option for kid’s playrooms and even bedrooms. Vinyl is also a great choice for rooms frequented by pets and for high-traffic areas.
Additionally, note that you can often install vinyl planks over existing flooring, including carpet and tile. Moreover, it’s easy to cut vinyl flooring with everyday saws. Consequently, you can easily work the vinyl around toilets, columns, appliances, and other obstacles. Above all, it’s affordability means that you can choose vinyl for an entire floor or even your entire home!
Bradenton Flooring Pros is happy to offer this information about vinyl plank flooring to our readers. Hopefully, you found it useful! If so, please share it with others. Also, if you’re ready for new floors in your home, call our Bradenton flooring installation contractors. We offer FREE consultations and guaranteed installations. Additionally, we offer only the highest-quality materials for installations. If you’re ready to find out more, call our customer care team today.
