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There seems to be a lot of confusion between laminate flooring and vinyl flooring. Laminate flooring in many customers gets these terms mixed up…they say vinyl when they mean laminate or laminate when they mean vinyl.  So, part of any flooring company is to help clarify which type of flooring they mean as well as which type of flooring makes the most sense for them. At Phoenix Vinyl Plank Flooring Company, they have the best professional installation of vinyl sheets.

If you’re seeking a hardwood look at a price that’s a little easier on your wallet, look no further than laminate and vinyl. Both are budget-friendly, synthetic flooring options that offer a lot of customization at a much lower price point than hardwood. The major difference between the two is that laminate lacks water resistance while vinyl is virtually waterproof.

Definition of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a hard surface that usually looks like hardwood (occasionally looks like tile) and is made with recycled hardwood.  It has a picture of hardwood floors (it isn’t real), but some of the more upscale versions do look very real. On top, it has a melamine wear layer which gives it strong scratch protection, and underneath, there is a high density core board.  Laminate flooring is usually around 3/8 of an inch and can often be placed on top of existing flooring – whether it’s concrete, tile or even hardwood (assuming the floor underneath is stable and even).

Laminate flooring is a floating floor that clicks together into place.  Because it is made of recycled hardwood, it is NOT waterproof.  It is generally not a good idea to install laminate flooring in any place where you tend to get a lot of water or that is humid (or that has high fluctuations in humidity level throughout the seasons) – this would mean that it is generally not good for most basements or bathrooms.

Like hardwood flooring, laminate floors should acclimate in the home before it’s installed.  It should be in there for at least 24 hrs, but ideally 48 or more hours.  This allows it to properly expand/contract for the conditions in that room.  During this time, the room should be set to normal temperature/humidity conditions for that time of year (so if you are moving into a new home and don’t live there yet, it’s important to put the heat or AC on (pending time of year) during the acclimation and installation process.

Definition of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is synthetic material that looks like tile or hardwood.  Most vinyls are glued down directly to the floor underneath.  Vinyl comes in many forms – there is sheet vinyl (usually 12 feet in width), luxury vinyl tile and plank (which is upscale and looks very real), there is vinyl composite tile and there is cheap peel & stick tile that you can often find in any Home Depot.

Unlike laminate flooring, most vinyl is waterproof or water-resistant (this depends on the exact type of vinyl).  While the cheaper types of vinyl can easily withstand spills and strong cleaning, they will usually not survive major floods – most of these use cheap adhesives that will not hold up to standing water and some are applied directly onto plywood and if the water has soaked through, the subfloor may warp. Cheaper types of vinyl have a tendency to fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.   

Whereas laminates are hard and inflexible, most vinyls are soft and flexible.  So, vinyl flooring can tolerate floors that are sloped or have humps in it.  The vinyl will just go right on top of it.  Because vinyl is flexible, it is critical that the floor underneath is smooth (not level, but smooth), so you often need to do a couple of layers of skim coats to smooth out the floor underneath. 

Vinyl is a type of flooring that is made out of synthetic materials such as fibreglass, PVC vinyl, and a plasticizer. It’s especially durable because it’s made from multiple layers and has a thick core to keep you comfortable when you’re walking. Vinyl flooring is especially celebrated for its resistance to moisture

Flooring companies in Phoenix AZ would recommend vinyl sheets as a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, playrooms, or for areas where they are sure to spill something. Vinyl flooring is a product composed of several layers of different materials sandwiched together to form a highly durable, practical and affordable floor covering. The two main types of vinyl flooring are Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl roll. Both LVT and vinyl roll are made from the same materials, however, they’re constructed differently to produce different effects. For example the plank format is ideal to imitate natural wood.

Different Types of Vinyl

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Vinyl flooring refers to both vinyl roll flooring, also known as vinyl sheet flooring, and to luxury vinyl tiles (LVT).

LVT is a type of vinyl flooring that is designed to imitate natural flooring options such as hardwood and ceramic tile. Thanks to technological advances and enhanced design capability, vinyl floors can now look and feel nearly identical to the products they’re mimicking. LVT comes in a large variety of timeless and trendy designs, in either tile or plank formats to imitate the look of tiles or wooden planks. It also comes in either rigid or flexible tiles and planks. The modular format of LVT makes it easy and fast to install, a major advantage when renovating a home or a room. Indeed, with LVT, no need to upset the daily routine for too long by closing off one or several rooms. Renovating with LVT can be done with the furniture still in the room.

2. Vinyl Roll

Vinyl roll is fibreglass-cushion-backed flooring that comes in large, continuous, flexible sheets, and is available in an almost limitless number of styles, from timeless and realistic to more playful designs. Vinyl rolls are also one of the most affordable flooring solutions for homeowners. Also, Vinyl rolls are 100% phthalate-free and have low VOC emissions (except for outsourced products), which contribute to healthier indoor environments.

The Importance of Durable Flooring

Your flooring is one of the most important aspects of a new build or a remodeling project. It provides beautiful visuals that can complement any décor, but it’s also a surface that you will use multiple times a day, every single day. You’ll want to choose a material that truly matches your unique requirements.

Luxury vinyl flooring is highly durable, offers excellent resistance to scratching and scuffs. Even stains are few and far between with these materials in place. What’s more, you can have complete peace of mind when you choose the most durable vinyl plank flooring, complete with a gorgeous and authentic real solid hardwood appearance. And we’ll help you find it.

Another characteristic that makes luxury vinyl an excellent product when durability is required is that it can be 100% waterproof. This alleviates the worry of water damage in spaces that see it most, such as basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. When all these benefits come together, there’s no doubt that you will have one of the most durable flooring materials in your own home.

Yes, all vinyl flooring products are waterproof because they’re composed primarily of PVC. However, the quality of installation can affect their level of water-resistance. For instance, LVT comes in planks or tiles that sit side by side, resulting in multiple seams. So, while the planks and tiles themselves are waterproof, if you install them incorrectly, there’s the possibility of water or moisture seeping through the seams. Vinyl roll, on the other hand, comes in sheets and there are usually very few, if any, seams when installed.

Many homeowners feel like choosing carpet is one of the most challenging parts of their remodelling project. After all, you have to select the right style, fiber, and pattern. Then, there’s the almost endless array of colors! While we do love carpets, when it comes to choosing the color, vinyl flooring just might be a little more fun.

The color in a room can ultimately impact how that space looks and feels. When choosing a vinyl floor, selecting a color that is appropriate for your home and your personal style is very important. Don’t let your new flooring project overwhelm you or cause you to lose sleep. Rest easy with our guide on how to choose vinyl flooring. Learn more as we show you how to select the perfect color for your home.

Know The Size Of Your Room

Color always creates a significant impact in a room. It doesn’t matter whether you’re selecting flooring for a tiny powder room or an expansive family room. Choosing the right color can transform a small space and make it look bigger. At the same time, you can warm up a large room and make it feel cozier.

Light opens up a small room as nothing else can. If you choose vinyl flooring in light-oak, it will brighten up the room. A luxury vinyl plank in beige also makes a room appear brighter and airier. People sometimes make mistakes when choosing vinyl flooring. One is to shy away from dark colors when there’s limited space. In reality, when you use deep browns and rich grays on the floor in a small room paired with a light-colored ceiling, the room feels more spacious.

Make It A Match

Even though you may enjoy dark colors, placing it on the floor of any particular room may not give it the look or feel you’re trying to achieve. Consider the room you’re flooring and the colors that are already present. Don’t base your floor coloring on an empty room, but first, get an idea for matching the wall color and the furnishings. Consider what you’d like to place in the room and then make your floor coloring reflect the existing décor. 

Be sure to match any borders or molding in the room as well. Whether it is dark or light, choosing the opposite for your flooring can create a nice contrast for an elegant appearance. You may also consider if the room your flooring receives a lot of natural sunlight or artificial light. Vinyl can take on a different appearance or have a different color in natural sunlight, while artificial may not bring out the brighter, more prominent features within the flooring. A light brown may seem red in the sunlight, so be sure to consider both lighting options.

Overall Appearance

If your room already has wallpaper, paint, or furnishings that stand out, be sure that the new flooring you select is the right color to match for a unified appearance. For example, if your room already has furnishings or wallpaper with a pattern or design that includes numerous colors, choosing a solid vinyl floor that matches, but doesn’t clash with your existing features, is perfect. If your furnishings or walls are solid colors, mix it up by choosing a vinyl flooring with a variety of color, but one that still matches. 

This will give the room a flair of its own. If you’re decorating a room where you prefer to relax, such as your bedroom or den, darker and neutral colored flooring can help expand the laid back feeling for ultimate comfort. If you desire a more open feel for your room, like your kitchen, a patterned designed vinyl floor with light colors is perfect.

Vinyl plank flooring was designed to be easy to maintain, and indeed, the synthetic composition of vinyl plank makes it a piece of cake to clean — no expensive tools or cleaners needed!

The majority of households prefer vinyl flooring nowadays. It’s resilient, long-lasting, and suitable for use in high-foot traffic spaces. You can read more about vinyl flooring at www.phoenixvinylplankflooring.com and you’ll see the benefits you can get if you have it in your home. However, if not properly maintained, this flooring is vulnerable to deterioration. Cleaning it is simple and does not necessitate the use of a large number of expensive and specialized cleaning materials. 

Any type of flooring will become soiled over time. However, you can reduce this by taking the proper precautions to keep dust and dirt out, such as placing mats on balconies and doorways. If you don’t want your flooring to be stained, you can remove filth by using a mop and bucket of water and make sure that spills are washed up right away. It’s a highly adaptable flooring alternative, and the fact that it’s more durable than traditional wood means it’s a superior choice for new construction and restorations. It is now possible to put it in living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas where wood flooring is normally used.

Basic Tools Required for Cleaning

1. Vacuum

At least once a week, use a dust-removing vacuum or any specialty vacuum for rugs and carpets. A vacuum can remove debris that a broom may have missed, and the good news is that it can also remove dirt trapped inside the grout, which may cause your floors to seem drab and unkempt over time, just like sweeping hardwood floors in every area. 

2. Broom

Over time, any flooring can become dusty, and allowing dirt to accumulate is the worst of the things you can do. If you have vinyl plank flooring, you can sweep away any surface dust that has been dragged in from the outside on a daily basis with a broom. 

3. Microfiber Mop

After all, your floors require deep cleaning that a vacuum or brush cannot offer. Vinyl flooring may be cleaned with a microfiber mop and a bucket of water. Because vinyl plank flooring isn’t totally scratch-resistant, you’ll need to use a microfiber mop rather than a standard one, as the last thing you want is a floor that’s been badly scratched.

Cleaning Products

1. Vinegar

Although vinegar is a popular floor cleaner, there are some surfaces that vinegar cannot be used on without causing damage. Vinyl plank flooring isn’t one of them, thankfully. Cleaning vinyl plank flooring with apple cider vinegar is quite effective. For vinyl floors, the acidity works by eliminating any dirt and debris without leaving the residue that soap produces. The only thing to watch out for is applying full-strength vinegar, which can degrade your surface and leave you with no way to restore the original sheen.

2. Baby Oil

Many folks have recommended using a baby oil cleanser. It’s a simple floor cleaner that you can prepare at home and works wonders on vinyl flooring. Regardless, there are a few flaws in this cleaner. For starters, it isn’t soluble in water, so you’ll wind up with a few drips all over the floor because it won’t dissolve in the solution. The second disadvantage is that it makes the surface slick, causing anything that comes into contact with it to stick to the ground. 

How to Clean Your LVP

Step One- Vacuuming:

Use a brush or a shag carpet vacuum cleaner to remove surface debris, dust, or hair, making sure to clean along baseboards, under furniture, and around the corners.

Step Two- Wet Cleaning:

Vinegar is the best vinyl cleaner because its acidity removes filth and grime without leaving a soapy residue behind. To disinfect or clean your floor, use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.

Step Three- Removal of Scuffs:

On a towel use WD-40 lubricant or jojoba oil to rub the scuff until it completely disappears, and then use vinegar and water to remove any residues left by the lubricant.

Step Four- Food Stains:

To remove food stains such as ketchup, grape juice, tomato sauce, or mustard, concoct a paste with water and baking soda, then rub the stain until it is completely gone, and then rinse the baking soda residue away with water.

You may find that some homeowners balk at the prices of hardwood floors and are tempted instead to turn to vinyl flooring which closely resembles wood floors. However, homeowners must be properly educated on the pitfalls and disadvantages of vinyl flooring.

Vinyl plank flooring, also known as luxury vinyl tile, is by far the most popular choice among homeowners, business owners, and remodeling contractors when replacing an existing floor covering, for two reasons: it is durable and water-resistant. According to vinyl plank installers, It is the perfect flooring solution for high-traffic areas and for folks that have pets. 

This is far superior to older products in both material composition and design/color options. Most vinyl planks can be installed right over your existing floor, saving you time and money on your project while providing a beautiful new look that will maintain its value for years to come. Luxury vinyl flooring can look convincingly similar to real hardwood floors, but the fact is that they are worlds apart.

The Pros of Vinyl

The biggest advantage of vinyl plank flooring is the fact that it is 100% water resistant. This means surface water and spills won’t affect the flooring. This makes it the ideal flooring solution for spaces such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, restaurants and cafes. It is a great option for those with pets that worry about accidents.

In addition, vinyl plank flooring is very durable with commercial grade wear layers that can withstand heavy traffic. Larger commercial spaces can benefit from a glue down vinyl installation. Many businesses and households love that vinyl is durable and easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and weekly mopping is all you need to keep your floors looking great.

The Cons

As with any product, there are disadvantages associated with vinyl plank flooring. If you choose to glue down your vinyl plank flooring, the removal process is known to be very difficult. If you are installing vinyl as a temporary solution, it is recommended that you avoid glue to make the removal as easy as possible. However, if you have a large, open space, a glue down vinyl will be the best for your project.

Vinyl plank flooring is very durable, however it is a softer material than most laminates, hardwoods and tiles. Vinyl flooring can be punctured easily with very sharp objects, such as dropping a kitchen knife or sliding a metal leg chair on top of the vinyl. Along with punctures, vinyls without a rigid core can show signs of denting with heavy objects on top.

A vinyl plank flooring also has a different top coat than a laminate. This top coat is not UV resistant and can show signs of fading or discoloration over time. If you plan to put vinyl in a sunroom or heavily sunlit room, it is recommended to limit sunlight during the day.

For environmentally conscious consumers, vinyl plank flooring is not biodegradable and can be very difficult to recycle. There are a few programs that will recycle your vinyl flooring, but they are not easy to find.

If you are looking for a waterproof and durable flooring that is comfortable to walk on, easy to install and requires little maintenance, then vinyl flooring maybe for you. However, vinyl flooring is not the longest-lasting, best-looking, best-feeling nor most eco-friendly option out there, so if any of these points are important to you, consider looking elsewhere.