What Are The Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Tiles?
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.
