WHAT IS VINYL FLOORING?
'Many people have misconceptions about vinyl flooring, notably that it is cheap-looking and not hardwearing,' says Neel Bradham, CEO of Parador Flooring. 'Although this may have been the case many years ago, vinyl has greatly improved its design prowess and technological capabilities. Not only is it a great choice for design enthusiasts, but it also ticks all the boxes for resilience and technological performance.'
At its core, vinyl is made from a durable plastic known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The process of manufacturing this type of flooring combines mixing, shaping, and detailed printing to achieve a product that’s both beautiful and built to last. A top layer protects against wear and tear, ensuring the floor looks newer for longer. Just beneath, a print layer uses high-quality images to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or other designs with remarkable accuracy. Luxury vinyl is designed to offer the realistic look of natural materials with added benefits like ease of cleaning and resistance to damage, all at a more affordable cost.
AESTHETICS & VERSATILITY
'Effortlessly blending form with function, vinyl is available in a versatile selection of designs, colors, and formats to suit all styles,' says Neel Bradham. Whether you are after the natural charm of stone floors or something uniquely contemporary, vinyl has you covered.
'If you haven’t been in a flooring showroom in the last seven years or so, you might not know that the technology for creating realistic wood looks in luxury vinyl has made enormous strides in beauty and appeal,' explains Courtney Wollersheim, Interior Designer at Floor 360. 'The misconception is that each vinyl plank has the same design print, giving it an unrealistic and repetitive look when installed in a large room. But the top design layers on the planks are now highly varied and realistic, much like hardwood with graining, grooves, and realistic variety, so it’s easier than ever to achieve hardwood flooring looks with luxury vinyl planks.' Luxury vinyl flooring would fit just as easily into a modern farmhouse as a mid-century modern aesthetic.
DURABILITY & LONGEVITY
Vinyl flooring is incredibly resilient and low maintenance, making it a great choice if easy upkeep is an important factor in your decision-making. With proper care, vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the material and the thickness of the wear layer.
'The appeal of vinyl planks is the durability factor,' says Courtney Wollersheim. 'Active households with children, pets, and a high volume of entertaining should consider these floors because they offer the beauty of hardwood but with easy maintenance, not to mention the added peace of mind related to higher scratch resistance and durable wear layers.' Neel Bradham agrees, adding: 'Luxury vinyl provides 100% waterproofness, making it ideal for damp rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. The material also pairs wonderfully with underfloor heating and is suitable for large rooms, conservatories, and in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.' How to maintain vinyl floors over time 'Laminate and luxury vinyl plank are extremely durable but not indestructible,' continues Courtney. 'You can protect these floors from extra scratching with furniture pads – such as these affordable super sliders from Walmart – and area rugs or runners placed near doors to the outside.' 'Don’t drag heavy furniture or appliances over these floors, as that can cause noticeable scratches through the wear layer. It’s also recommended to use window coverings to prevent sun damage to the floors. Use vacuums without the beater bar and appropriate cleaning solutions. Always consult the manufacturer's website for specific maintenance and care steps.'
COSTS
Compared to hardwood or stone, vinyl flooring offers a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on appearance. The price of vinyl flooring can vary based on style, quality, and installation costs, but it generally offers significant savings, especially for large projects. Luxury vinyl flooring typically ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the quality, design, and thickness. Installation costs can add $1- $5 per square foot, depending on the project's complexity and local labor rates.
INSTALLATION
Another plus for vinyl flooring is its ease of installation. 'Many people mistakenly believe that vinyl is complicated to lay,' explains Neel Bradham. 'However, these prejudices are mostly based on experiences with vinyl of the “old” generation – vinyl as a cheap sheet material for gluing down.'