Here are five big reasons to consider luxury vinyl flooring no matter what room in the home you are thinking of redecorating.
1. Wide Range Of Styles And Colors
It is the second layer of vinyl flooring that makes it so beautiful and versatile. A printing process called rotogravure is used on this layer to imprint the design. This method of printing uses a rotary press with photoengraved plates to imprint just about any type of design onto the vinyl.
Resilient vinyl flooring is so versatile because it is now made to simulate the look of so many natural substrates. Stone, tile, wood, linoleum, brick and even marble are just some of the options available. A multitude of colors, patterns and textures create endless possibilities. No matter what your style or budget preference, there are many options to choose from.
2. Easy To Clean
Vinyl floors today are typical sold as “no wax” floors. These “no-wax” surfaces are easier to clean because the floor shines without waxing. A damp mop is all that is usually needed to keep it clean. The top wear layer will also be highly resistant to staining and scratching.
It is important to note that these “no-wax” floors will eventually lose their shine over time. Manufacturers recommend that the floor be buffed or recoated with the “no-wax” material over the surface where the shine has diminished. It is always best to use the manufacturer’s recommended coating material as there are different formulations on the market.
3. Long Lasting, Wear Resistant
There are two types that offer wear resistance and a long life span:
Printed Vinyl Flooring
- Includes 3-4 Layers
- Wear layer (top)
- Printed pattern
- Cushioning layer (optional)
- Base layer
Most vinyl flooring consists of three to four layers sandwiched together to create a material that is both durable and beautiful. The first layer consists of a backing material that is made from felt or fiberglass. The second layer is a printed layer of vinyl that adheres to the base layer. There may be a cushioning layer on some styles. The final layer is called a “wear layer”, and it is also made from vinyl.
The wear layer is made also from vinyl and protects the floor from wear and tear. Its resistance to dents and gouging depends on the thickness of the layer. The thicker the wear layer, the more long lasting the floor will be. FHA requirements are a minimum of 10 mils but the best flooring styles offer up to 30 mils for optimal protection. It is important to ask the sales person about the thickness of the wear layer if you are looking for the best performance.
Inlaid Vinyl Flooring
With inlaid vinyl flooring the pattern is created throughout the thickness of the vinyl. This type is more expensive, but if the pattern is chipped or scratched, it is not noticeable because the pattern extends throughout the entire depth of the sheet. Inlaid vinyl floors do not have a wear layer, but they do have a base backing layer.
4. Comfortable Underfoot
If you are going to install your flooring in areas where you will be doing a lot of walking or standing, such as in the kitchen, a style that includes a cushioned backing will likely be most comfortable. When compared with tile, wood or laminate floors, the cushioned vinyl flooring will always provide a higher degree of comfort for standing and walking.
5. Less Complicated Installation
Although a professional is always recommended for installation, the process can be less complicated than other types of flooring because you can often install the new floor right over the existing one. If you have an evenly-surfaced tile or wood floor, you can talk with your sales person about installing the vinyl flooring right over it. This can save you money and time in the long run because you may not have to pay someone to remove the old flooring before installing the new one.
Also with tile, wood and even laminate flooring your contractor may need to do a great deal of messy cutting to fit the pieces together. With roll-type vinyl, this mess is minimized which can save you money and clean up time in the long run.
When looking for the highest quality luxury vinyl flooring, call Alltech Flooring & Cabinets