You’ve heard that vinyl flooring is becoming more and more affordable with homeowners looking for something stylish and durable, but with so many options, how do you work out which one is right for you?
Vinyl is a type of plastic first created by a chemist all the way. Since then, its design has been improved and refined, with plenty of uses discovered for this versatile material.
It’s become popular for flooring since it’s long-lasting and elegant, but also affordable. If you’re thinking of installing new floors, here are a few tips for selecting the best vinyl flooring for your home.
- First, Understand the Vinyl Flooring Options
Before you can make a decision, it helps to take some time to understand all the types of vinyl flooring—there are more than you might realize!
You can find vinyl in a number of different forms, including sheets, tiles, and planks. Sheets are large rolls of vinyl that are attached to the floor and tend to be the cheapest option for vinyl floors.
While sheets can save you money at the time, they tend to be thinner, which means they’re more likely to rip or tear in the future.
Planks are generally vinyl designed to resemble hardwood floors and can be a more durable and affordable alternative to more expensive woods. Or, tile vinyl is another choice, which usually comes in 9 or 12-inch squares.
Tile vinyl is created to look like ceramic tiles, but they won’t crack or split the way ceramic can.
There are also different finishes available. No-wax is the lightest type, designed for rooms that only get used occasionally, while vinyl with a urethane finish is more resistant to scratches.
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- Consider Your Design Preferences
Vinyl can also come in a wide range of colors, prints, and designs. This gives you a huge range of options, making it easier to find vinyl flooring that matches your style preferences.
Many homeowners love vinyl because it can replicate more expensive flooring, like stone or marble, for a fraction of the cost.
If you’re having trouble making up your mind, many shops will sell vinyl samples, which you can take home to work out which would look best in your home.
- Decide on a Color
You’ll also want to decide on a color for your vinyl. Remember that lighter colors tend to make rooms look larger, so pale whites or creams can be a good choice for a bathroom or laundry room.
For larger rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms, you might want to go for something more neutral, like oak brown, grey, or dark cream. If you’re going to place a rug on top of the vinyl, think about the color and style of your rug if you want to tailor it to your flooring.
- Is Your Room in Direct Sunlight?
Another consideration that you might not have considered is sunlight. Think about the room you’re installing vinyl flooring in—how much sunlight does it get?
While vinyl is very durable and resistant, it does have the ability to fade if constantly exposed to direct sunlight. If you’re installing vinyl in a sunny room, consider a color that’s not subject to falling, like a white or eggshell hue.
Or, make an effort to keep your curtains closed or blinds drawn if you’re worried about fading.
- Decide on DIY or Professional Installation
Another tip to think about—do you plan to install vinyl yourself or work with a professional?
DIY installation can be very affordable and is easier than you might think, especially if you’re using planks or large tiles. The hardest part is getting the first plank aligned correctly, as every other piece of vinyl will be lined up based on that one.
Oh, and as they say, always measure twice and cut once! You don’t want to accidentally waste any of your vinyl flooring.
However, if you don’t have the time or patience, there are plenty of flooring companies that can do it for you.
- How Much Stain Resistance Do You Need?
Stain resistance and durability are other things to think about when considering different types of vinyl flooring. Most vinyl is easy to clean, but some options are more stain-resistant than others.
For rooms where frequent spills are likely, such as the kitchen, it’s probably worth paying a bit more for thicker, more durable vinyl that can resist any spill and stains.
Durability is another option, as vinyl flooring comes in a range of thickness options–if the vinyl is thicker, it will probably be more expensive, but it will also be less likely to get damaged.
For heavy traffic areas, or for homes with active kids or pets, dent proof vinyl plank can be a top choice.
Find the Best Vinyl Flooring for Your Home With These Tips
Selecting the best vinyl flooring options for your home isn’t the easiest task, but we hope the tips above help you think about which choice might work best for your needs.
Thinking about your budget, design preferences, and wear and tear, visit a showroom to get a better look at all your options and talk to a flooring professional.
Based on the size of your home, they can provide estimates for cost. Once you’ve made a decision, your gorgeous new vinyl can be installed in no time at all!
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