Flooring made from vinyl is something most people wouldn’t have thought of a few years ago, but it has seen a surge in popularity, with record sales. Easy to install, it has a number of benefits compared to other types of flooring and is comfortable and easy to maintain.
Types
You can choose between tiles and sheets. Vinyl tiles look similar to ceramic tiles and come in sizes of 9 or 12 square inches. You can also opt for luxury tiles, which look like wood or stone and come in the shape of planks to replicate the look of wooden flooring.
Sheet flooring comes in 6 or 12ft wide pieces and is water-resistant.
According to the Independent, vinyl is making a comeback in the style stakes, with designers such as Cath Kidston selling her prints on tiles.
Finishes
You have three options on the type of finish, depending on the look you want:
No-wax – the lightest type you can get, making it suitable for areas of light foot traffic.
Urethane – this is heavier and more durable, meaning it can withstand moderate traffic. It is easy to clean and resistant to scuffing.
Enhanced urethane – for areas which are going to get a lot of foot traffic, this is the toughest and is resistant to stains and scratches.
Installation
Compared to other types of flooring, vinyl is a bit easier. Sheets often come with a peelable sticker and can simply be laid down on to a prepared sub-floor such as hardwood, plywood or concrete. You can even lay it over existing vinyl.
Cost
Vinyl floors are an economic option, even if you go for the luxury type. If you’re handy, you can also install it yourself, saving on hiring someone in. Before you do this you might want to look into an Equity Release Gloucestershire company at links like www.palmermortgages.co.uk/financial-services/equity-release-gloucestershire/
Maintenance
This is a real bonus of vinyl. You simply need to sweep to remove dust and dirt, and then use a damp mop over it. As most types have a no wax finish, your floor should stay looking shiny.
Durability
If installed and looked after properly, it can last for 10 to 20 years.