Vinyl flooring is becoming increasingly popular, in contrast to the decline of vinyl records and videocassette recorders (VCRs). Vinyl flooring is currently experiencing record highs in sales and is quickly becoming an increasingly popular option among homeowners. This is probably attributable to the one-of-a-kind advantages that vinyl flooring offers. It is simple to install and keep up, it lasts for a long time, and it provides a surface that is comfortable to walk on. But, should you go with vinyl flooring instead? There are a few essential aspects to think about before settling on vinyl as your medium of choice. Have a look at our list down below.

What exactly is a vinyl floor?
PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride plastic, is an entirely man-made substance that is used in the production of luxury vinyl flooring. When making vinyl tiles or planks, PVC is first heated and then pressed into thin layers before being glued together. Each individual piece of vinyl has a photorealistic visual layer that depicts hardwood, stone, or ceramic looks. Additionally, the surface of each piece of vinyl has a textured layer that is designed to mimic the feel of natural wood grains and minerals.

Vinyl is able to withstand moisture and heavy foot traffic, in addition to being versatile, affordable, and long-lasting. It is frequently confused with other resilient flooring surfaces such as linoleum and laminate, and while the two have some similarities, there are significant differences in the construction of these products that set them apart from one another. This leads to the confusion that is so common.

Different varieties of vinyl flooring
There are two distinct varieties of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring and tile flooring. Sheet flooring is water resistant and simple to install. This type of flooring is typically laid down in sheets that are either six or twelve feet wide. The appearance of ceramic tile can be achieved with vinyl tile flooring, which is available in tile sizes of either 9 or 12 square inches and is more cost-effective. Luxury Vinyl Tile, which can be made to look like stone or wood, typically comes in the form of planks that are 7 inches wide and 48 inches long.

Finishes Made of Vinyl
There are three distinct types of finishes that can be applied to vinyl flooring, and each one creates a stunning appearance in the end.

Vinyl no-wax finish: This is the lightest type and is great for areas with light foot traffic and minimal exposure to dirt and moisture. It is great for areas where there is light foot traffic and minimal exposure to dirt and moisture.

Finishing with urethane:This finish is more durable as it is heavier and can withstand a moderate amount of foot traffic. Additionally, it is resistant to scuffing and is simple to clean.

Finish with an enhanced urethane coating:This is the most durable that is currently available, and it can withstand the heaviest amount of foot traffic. It is also highly resistant to scratches and stains, and it maintains its luster even without regular maintenance.

Cost
Vinyl flooring is one of the flooring options that offers the best value for your money when measured in terms of cost per square foot. It is estimated that you will spend between $2 and $12 per square foot to have it professionally installed. Installation of luxury vinyl tile, also known as LVT for those of us in the business, can be had for a low cost, ranging anywhere from $3 to $14 per square foot on average. Vinyl flooring can save you a significant amount of money when compared to other types of flooring, such as wood, stone, or ceramic. In addition, if you're handy around the house, you can save even more money by installing the vinyl flooring on your own. You can expect to spend between $1 and $2 less per square foot if you perform the installation yourself, but we will, of course, be happy to install your new flooring for you at any time. The savings will depend on the difficulty of the project.

Ease of Setup and Assembly
In most cases, the installation of vinyl flooring is simpler than the installation of other types of flooring materials. For instance, a floating vinyl sheet does not require any glue or staples to be attached. On the other hand, peel-and-stick vinyl can easily be adhered to a subfloor that has been prepared. In addition to being installed over concrete, hardwood, or plywood, vinyl flooring is also an option. Even though it is possible to install it over previously applied vinyl, doing so is not recommended if there are two or more layers of vinyl already present.

Durability
Vinyl flooring is exceptionally long-lasting. It is possible for it to last anywhere from ten to twenty years if it is installed and maintained properly. Having said that, vinyl is an excellent material to use for flooring in the areas of your home that experience the highest volume of foot traffic. In addition, the majority of vinyl flooring is constructed with a wear layer on its surface, which protects it from scuffs and stains. There are even vinyl products that come with guarantees that are as long as 15 years on the wear layer. The longevity of any flooring that you choose to install is directly proportional to the quality of the material that you use.

Resistance to Stubborn Marks
As was discussed earlier, some vinyl tiling is constructed with a wear layer that is resistant to stains and spills; this protection is something you can anticipate with printed vinyl tiles and sheets. Solid and composite vinyl tiles, on the other hand, do not have this surface protection. Because of this, they are more likely to become stained, and they need regular stripping and polishing in order to maintain their "like-new" appearance.