Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are rolled out and proceeded into tiles or sheets. Vinyl is known for being an affordable and flexible form of flooring, especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms, where its ability to resist moisture and mildew is especially handy. However, did you know vinyl is also durable flooring?
The professionals at 50Floor can meet in your home for a consultation to show you how durable the latest technology in luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile can be. We even bring samples right to you, so you can look them over and even test them out yourself. Schedule your free consultation with 50Floor today.
Is Vinyl Flooring Durable?
Vinyl flooring is very durable and made from many layers, including protective layers, a backing and a top design layer. Multiple layers give vinyl flooring durability from scratches, dents, gauges, scuffing, mildew, tearing and other damage. Vinyl flooring’s durability makes it a great choice in high-traffic rooms of your home.
Vinyl floors are also a durable choice in many ways, such as by resisting:
- Moisture: When correctly installed, vinyl tile and sheets are virtually impervious to water penetration, protecting both your floor and the space under it from moisture. By keeping your home safer from moisture, they can also help you avoid mold and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions. While some floor surfaces struggle in high-moisture spaces like a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen, vinyl floors keep looking great.
- Scratches: High-quality vinyl floors are made with a special protective layer, which helps them desist scratches, gauges and other damage. All you need to do to keep floors looking great is to wipe them down regularly and keep them free of grit. With just a little care, you can keep them looking great for 10, 20 or more years. If you’re concerned about scratches, look for quality homogenous material, which is the same color throughout the layers. This surface will not show up scratches, even if they should form. If you decide on printed vinyl, choose one with a durable top layer, or try fiberglass-reinforced vinyl, which is extremely hard-wearing. If you’re not sure which vinyl options are right for you, schedule a free consultation with 50Floor today to take a look at samples during an in-home consultation.
- Cracks: Tile and sheets resist cracking and breaking. Vinyl floors have some “give,” so they’re less likely to crack and crumble, the way more fragile and hard surfaces can.
- Stains: Some vinyl tiles and sheets have a clear wear layer, which resists stains. If you spill anything on top, you can just wipe it away without having to worry about staining.
Is Vinyl Flooring Durable Enough for Your Rooms?
Durable flooring, including vinyl, is ideal for many rooms of your home:
- Kitchen: In your kitchen, a durable vinyl floor can handle frequent cleanups. It’s easy to sweep away crumbs and wipe away spills with a vinyl floor. You can also purchase flooring with added protective layers to guard against scratches, spills and stains. If you’re standing and cooking for longer periods, vinyl’s added resistance can be easier on your feet than granite or stone.
- Bathroom: In the bathroom, a vinyl floor with an added layer of protection against spills and stains looks great and functions well. It can resist moisture and mildew and create a glossy look that adds an elegant feel to your bathroom. This type of floor can even provide some traction, reducing your risk of slips and falls.
- Dining room: Luxury vinyl plank can imitate the look and feel of wood for a sophisticated look. It is also durable, making it ideal for a room where chairs constantly scrape against the floor. Vinyl also makes cleanup after a dinner party easy.
- Basement: Vinyl floors often come with a padded layer, which can give your basement floor a more comfortable feel. With a variety of finishes, colors and patterns, vinyl flooring can also be a great way to give your basement a finished look. Vinyl is also easy to install, which makes it a plus for basements.
- Living room: Living rooms can see heavy traffic and luxury vinyl plank makes it easy to keep your floors clean while you enjoy the look of wood floors.
- Laundry room: Easy-to-clean floors with a layer of protection against spills are ideal for laundry areas where clothes softener or laundry soap can spill.
- Family room: Durable vinyl flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas. It has some give and is comfortable to walk on, but it’s also tough enough to handle pets, kids and game nights. In family rooms, it’s easy to sweep up leftover popcorn from movie night and quickly clean the floor with a damp mop.
- Bedroom: Luxury vinyl plank can imitate the feel and look of wood, but with less maintenance required. If you want the look of a hardwood floor in your bedroom but don’t want the real thing, vinyl is an excellent alternative.
How Durable Is Vinyl Flooring With Different Finishes?
Your floor’s finish can impact vinyl’s durability. Some finish options include:
- No-wax. No-wax floors are treated with a thin coat of polyurethane or other material. This light finish is durable but is best for light- to medium-traffic areas, such as basements and laundry rooms.
- Urethane. This heavier finish can make your floors more resistant to stain, spills, slips and scuffs. It is easy to clean and ideal for medium-traffic areas.
- Enhanced urethane. This finish is low-maintenance and tough as it resists stains and scratches. Vinyl flooring in any room with heavy traffic should have an enhanced urethane finish.
Schedule a Consultation With Us
If you’re ready to see different vinyl options for yourself, don’t waste your time and gas money driving store to store. Schedule your free consultation with 50Floor today, and a flooring professional will come to your home with samples for you to examine. Our team knows about the latest flooring technology and can help you determine the right flooring at the right price for every room of your home.