First you have to understand the purpose of LVT also known as LVP Flooring. A 20 MIL flooring will last much longer than a 6 MIL flooring. (& How to Save it), Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Advertise. But if you must use a cleaner, make sure to use a vinyl-friendly one like mild dishwashing liquid. Planks made of high-quality materials will likely stop emitting toxins a week or two after the installation but low-quality floors will take longer, with some taking up to two months. Its pretty crazy how much choice there is out there in the world of vinyl flooring. However, if the damage is not too severe, say, the plank only has a small scratch, you can easily fix it using the following steps: While repairing the scratch will keep it from getting worse with time, note that the patched spot will usually not look exactly like the rest of the plank. It is also important to protect the floor from wear and tear by avoiding pulling or pushing heavy objects or dropping sharp items. Discharge of VOCs should dissipate over a few days. Repair a plank or section of floor is much easier than traditional wood. In addition, some of the older tiles actually contained asbestos which is a health hazard. You might be wondering how to can make vinyl flooring last longer. Quality vinyl plank flooring will cost between $2.49 -$3.49 and many hardwood flooring patterns are in the same price range. This means you can have the benefits of vinyl that are missing in cheaper flooring options without the high cost of solid wood flooring. These floors are hard to recycle because the material used is out of a product called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for short, which is used in various objects within your home, such as siding and window frames, pipes, etc. At BuildDirect, we have over 300 choices for waterproof vinyl planks in a variety of thicknesses with superior wear layers to protect the core and ensure that your flooring lasts for years. In recent years, we have been better at recycling more often worldwide, especially in America. Put rugs all over your home, especially where the sun is. Keep large furniture near windows or where the sun will be exposed the most. However, one of the main disadvantages is that it doesnt last as long. Compared to the natural wood, vinyl plank flooring will not boost the value of your home. Looking for daily home design inspiration? Concrete Pool: Which is Better? This is particularly because vinyl planks are much cheaper than hardwood. If you have pets and kids causing a ruckus in the house, vinyl does not scratch easily, chip or suffer any kind of major damage that is going to make it look bad. This blog has been saved, please check your email to see it, Please enter your email in the form before saving this blog. Check out those simple cleaning tips in our other blog here. Vinyl plank floors generally mimic various species of hardwood or distressed wood planks. These gasses are dangerous to the environment and can be hazardous to many people who have respiratory problems. Keep your curtains closed during the daytime. Keeping this in mind, they will only emit for a short time after installation, but it does not change the fact that this issue happens. While vinyl planks will cost only $5 per square foot, wood planks will cost up to $12 per square foot. This is perhaps the biggest downside of vinyl plank flooring. Products made of vinyl are notorious for emitting harmful gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which has been found to have adverse effects on humans. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring Pros & Cons, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring Pros & Cons, 11 Tips For Using Self-Leveling Compound on Wood Subfloors, What Screws to Use on Plywood & OSB Subfloors: Complete Guide, Can Plywood Subfloor be Painted (Used as Finished Flooring), 6 Carpet Brands to Avoid (& 5 Most Durable), 5 Laminate Flooring Brands To Avoid & 6 Brands Worth the Money, 8 Signs You Should Replace Subfloor & Costs (Water Damage Included), What Causes Moisture Under Hardwood Floors? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. For sale details, design tips and more straight to your inbox. Here is how to repair minor surface scratches: Vinyl plank flooring is intended to be a floating floor. (Tips to Avoid), Vinyl Plank Flooring On Stairs (Pros & Cons). If you were to get a brand with better reviews than a cheaper vinyl flooring company, it would be best to go with those floorings. (Step-by-Step Tutorial), Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Toxic? So, if youre looking for an affordable flooring for especially a high moisture space in your home, then choose vinyl plank flooring. As a homeowner, you are constantly trying to figure out how to keep your to-do list as short as possible and as a professional flooring installer, you want to be able to offer products to your customer that are a great value and require minimum upkeep. So what exactly does this mean? Most vinyl plank flooring can be installed for about $4.50 to $5.50 a square foot, while hardwood flooring can be priced at two to three times that amount. In most applications, the overall thickness of your vinyl floor is a secondary specification because it has little bearing on durability. Which is More Expensive Vinyl or Laminate Flooring? Light commercial starts at 12 mil and goes up to 30 mil for commercial grade / industrial strength. When installing new flooring, its best to open doors and windows to keep the room well ventilated. Here are some pro tips for you to use to ensure the longevity of its lifespan. Although there is a rough estimate of 50 to 100 million pounds of vinyl recycled each year, it only represents 10% or less of all recycled plastic and only of 1% of PVC building materials every year. This view goes back to days of thin peel and stick tiles that had ugly patterns and colors and never seemed to have enough glue on them to keep the tile in place. Vinyl planks, unlike wood planks, are 100% water and moisture resistant. That way, you will be able to make an informed buying decision. Vinyl plank flooring is considered a luxury vinyl tile option because of its thickness,durability, ease of installation, and beautiful design patterns that replicate real wood and stone flooring. Wide assortment of colors, shapes, sizes and patterns. So, lets take a look at the pros and cons to help you make the right decision. Chipped edges are usually a result of improper installation. Vinyl Liner vs. Fiberglass vs. They can also be difficult to recycle depending on the brand and composition. These flooring types make an excellent option within your home, especially if you are a family with small children or pets running around. Older tiles were not as thick and could easily dent and lose their sheen in a short amount of time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can You Paint Vinyl Flooring? But make no mistake; vinyl planks are still some of the most popular flooring options on the market today, as they are more affordable and much easier to install than real wood. Use a sponge for deep cleaning. With a few simple cleaning techniques, you can keep your vinyl plank floor clean and healthy with minimal effort or investment. There is easy locking / interlocking options that make this easier but if your putting in a commercial space. It's recommended to. By continuing to browse this website, you agree to the use of cookies for the collection of traffic statistics and to improve the quality of our website. Most top coatings of LVT flooring is not UV protected which can cause the wood look to fade or have discoloration over time. BuildDirect truly is your one-stop-shop for all your flooring needs. Luckily, vinyl planks only outgas for a short time after the installation. Become a BD PRO rewards member today.. Wood-look flooring looks stunning in any room of the house and is versatile to many different interior design styles. 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. The Best Electric Riding Lawn Mowers in 2022, Sewer Clean Out for Residential Homes 101. Vinyl and laminate flooring materials are similar in cost. But doing a replacement is not an easy task either, as you will have to disassemble the floor from the wall up to the damaged plank, install a new plank, then assemble the flooring again back to the wall. If you are only exposed for a short period of time, you will likely only experience headaches, dizziness, eye itchiness, or respiratory tract irritation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Your friend will not be added to our email list unless they personally choose to sign up. The benefits of vinyl plank flooring over out-dated peel-and-stick tile is a much-improved, thicker wear layer, with a water-resistant core, and engineered edge design that allows for quick professional installation, and it is a winning project for the do-it-yourselfer. These cookies do not store any personal information. Today we will be covering every one of these issues that luxury vinyl flooring has and see what options we have available. Consult with the manufacturer to see if the material is resistant against ultraviolet rays. Vinyl wood plank floors are not able to be refinished. There is no doubt that ceramic tile flooring comes in beautiful color and pattern selections and like high quality vinyl plank tiles, ceramic is waterproof. Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. Vinyl flooring has many advantages, such as durability, waterproof qualities, and easy installation. Some floorings even have a coat of UV protection. Dropping a glass or moving heavy furniture can result in scuffs and gouges that are difficult to remove. As such, homes with natural wood floors will tend to sell higher than those with the cheaper vinyl plank flooring. So, if you are looking for flooring that is environmental-friendly, you may want to consider other options like natural hardwood. If mold grows under your vinyl planks, your flooring will not only start to emit an unpleasant odor; it will also begin to deteriorate, which will reduce its lifespan. Call or Text (856) 644-5700 So, how can you increase the lifespan of your vinyl plank flooring? Laminate is a bit cheaper than vinyl, but you still need to buy a vapor barrier pad to go under the laminate. (Prepare & Painting Tips). Though, as with any material you use in your home, vinyl comes with its own set of benefits and frustrations. With wood, you cannot lay it in a place that will get wet. It is the perfect flooring solution for high traffic areas and for folks that have pets. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. While its is important to know the flaws of this flooring, you ought to find out the things that still make it a preferred option by homeowners. Certain rubber material, such as a rubber backing from a floor mat, can also cause vinyl to discolor. [emailprotected] So, its not a great option for outdoor use. Of course, renovating on a budget means weighing the pros and cons of each flooring type and finding the one that sits at the intersection of affordability, durability and aesthetics. Some companies have up to 6 layers, whereas other businesses have only 4. The problem comes when the planks are glued down. Gently sand the scratched area with 320 grit sandpaper, then finish it off with 500 grit and 800 grit to ensure a smooth finish. In the final process, a polyurethane coating is added for durability and protection before being cut to size, edged-prepared, and shipped. Unlike carpet and most hardwood and engineered flooring options, luxury vinyl plank floor tiles can be installed in wet areas. This means it can work great in the kitchen or bathroom. Spills will not damage it and they are very easy to clean. Here are seven disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring. To sign in to your account, login using your social media account below, or enter your email address and password. We also offer free shipping on some flooring options. 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. Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Be Installed In a Garage? Using dish soap and warm water mixture, clean the floor thoroughly. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Vinyl vs. Laminate vs. Linoleum Flooring: Which is Better? Some hardwood flooring can last over a hundred years and are in good shape, given the proper care, whereas vinyl flooring only lasts anywhere between 10 to 20 years. 2022 Avalon Flooring, All rights reserved. 1. Vinyl planks are among the most popular flooring materials today and for good reason they are affordable, reliable, and easy to install and maintain. On the contrary, vinyl flooring is known to last longer when your floors are installed correctly, with limited foot traffic, and given the appropriate care. You can add rubbing alcohol to the cleaning solution to help the floor dry faster. Vinyl doesn't feel quite as comfortable to walk on if barefoot. 2. LVP flooring if glued down can be very hard to remove if you ever want to replace. It is important to note that if you are going to be buying vinyl floors within your home, it is something to consider, as a home that brings in a lot of sunlight may not be the best house to put this kind of floor since your goal is to make them last a while. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This is especially important if your project covers more than a thousand square feet. Vinyl plank flooring has come a long way over the last several years and has really grown in popularity. There are many things to consider when choosing a high quality vinyl plank tile and BuildDirect offers expert advice on the phone as well as a website that is full of helpful articles and videos on installation. The flooring is made by a pressure-heat process, combining 3 different layers together: a vinyl backing, a film, and a wear layer. Vinyl flooring is not an environmentally friendly option and is hard to recycle, but you can do it. However,the downside is in the cost of installation. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are gases that can harm your health in the long run. If you have installed loose lay or click and lock vinyl planks, then removing them can be relatively easy. Harsh detergents can strip away the protective layer of your vinyl, exposing it to scratches, dents, and stains that could cause the flooring to wear out prematurely. You dont want moisture going through the seams or grooves and getting stack between the vinyl and the subfloor, as this will provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. This is one of the biggest advantages of vinyl flooring, making it ideal for any environment where the floor may be exposed to water. October 09, 2020 | 4 min read | BuildDirect, TAGS Design Trends Flooring Products and Benefits Trends. Once the glue was wet, it would change colors and the flooring would have to be replaced. In addition to cleaning up spills, make sure to sweep up dirt frequently, as it can also attract mold. For the flooring professional, you may not have to add anything to your tool box except a tapping block. Vinyl tiles can simulate ceramic tile or natural stone. (8 Types). Many homeowners want to maintain the look of their flooring in the kitchen, bath and laundry areas but until recently, that wasnt an option. What is Click Vinyl Plank Flooring? You are never alone when you choose BuildDirect as your supplier of premium high-quality building materials. So, if you have your central heating on in the winter, you do not have to worry about your floor sending chills through your body when you get out of bed! Check us out today and see how we can help you complete your next flooring project. In most instances, warm water would be sufficient to get rid of dirt and stains from your vinyl. Lets consider the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl planks are softer on the surface than regular wood planks, making them more comfortable to walk on. When installed in homes, these compounds can be hazardous to people with respiratory allergies. And when looking at the pros and cons of this material, you can see that the pros outweigh the cons. Sweeping or vacuuming is all thats needed for daily maintenance. Cleaning and maintenance of vinyl plank flooring is easy. Before you consider the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring. Sign up to receive exclusive offers, product inspiration and home design ideas. EVP Vs. LVP: 10 Main Differences Between Luxury Vinyl and Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring, Can You Put Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring? To help even further, stop by one of our locations to see the beneficial vinyl plank flooring in person! However, being made out of PVC would mean that our world will be overpopulated with many hazardous wastes in the coming years. Vinyl planks arent biodegradable, and depending on the materials used, they can also be very difficult to recycle. We hope it helps you make an informed decision. Vinyl won't look as luxurious as natural hardwood. But this will depend on the quality of the vinyl and other materials the flooring is made of. If you do arrange furniture, be sure to cover the feet with felt, or lift the piece off the ground before moving it. Previous Post This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So, if environmental consciousness is a critical factor in your decision-making process, this is a drawback to consider. Consider us your One-Stop Shopping destination for all things flooring(and window treatments)! Vinyl vs. Fiberglass Windows: Which Is Better? The information contained on whatisvinyl.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Still, if the cons outweigh the pros, it will be best to get different floorings to suit your needs and the environment better. Theres no expensive equipment required for the average homeowner installation. The top protective wear layer thickness is what determines how durable the flooring will be. On the contrary, if your home doesnotbring in much sun, putting these floors in your house will be one of the best options you can do, especially if you want to give off the look of having real wood within your home to save money. A hardwood floor will require serious maintenance over the life of the floor: Ceramic tile floors may require you to replace cracked ceramic tiles when a coffee cup or bowl falls on the floor. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and were here to make sure youll be proud of it for years to come. Contact, professional flooring contractor/installer. This is especially true for glue-down planks; it will give the adhesive enough time to firmly attach the planks to the floor. (Pros & Cons). When the flooring is just new, it is recommended that you wait for a few days before bringing in heavy objects like furniture or walking on it. Superior glueless installation methods. Please complete the fields below, and well forward your friend an email with a link to this page. Keeping that in mind, if your flooring has a scratch or two, you can quickly fix it unless it is too deep. Thickness is important in click-lock flooring because it helps to hold the planks together and reduce movement. If you want to avoid, go with a 20 mil wear layer or higher. COREtec Plus Enhanced Herringbone Vinyl Plank in Pompeii Oak, Public House 7 1/8 Vinyl Plank in Old Fashioned, PerforMax 7 Vinyl Plank in Feather Grass, COREtec Everyday 5.91 Chestnut Vinyl Plank in Newton, PerforMax 7 Vinyl Plank in Southside Park. At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure youre happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooringand as your partner in home design, well be there every step along the way. All of the negatives associated with the old vinyl tile have been overcome with the introduction of todays luxury vinyl plank flooring. If a vinyl plank gets damaged, the only way to get it back in shape is to replace it; you cannot repair it. For example, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring realistically mimics the beauty of natural materials at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl vs. Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which is Better? However, this comes with a price with overexposure to sunlight. Vinyl planks are softer than wood or tile and can dent under the weight of heavy furniture. While vinyl planks are relatively easy to install, you need to take utmost care when handling a plank especially if you are using a hammer and tapping block to properly fit the planks into their appropriate grooves. This is an especially important benefit for those who need to stand for long periods of time, as vinyl planks are easier and more comfortable to stand on than traditional wood alternatives. On the other hand, many people wind up gluing their flooring down to ensure they do not accidentally come out of place while moving furniture or something. Watch this video on how to properly clean vinyl plank floors and the best products to use. Although it is known that we cannot repair a damaged plank, you can always replace vinyl planks. To learn more, please consult BuildDirect's, This Earth Day, Explore Sustainable Floors to Perfect Your Home, How to Choose a Style of Stair Tread Nosing, Find Your Style: 4 Iconic Looks and How to Make Them Your Own, Retro Pattern Vinyl Flooring Can Create a Stunning Blast From the Past Look, The Best Flooring Options for Texas Homes, Marble Look Porcelain Tile That Will Take Your Countertops to the Next Level. The big difference is installation. Pink Mold: Is it Dangerous? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. While glued vinyl planks are sturdier than their floating counterparts, the floors can be hard to pull off. You could also have the spots where the sun hits the most covered with a piece of cloth or some furniture. But, of course, its up to you to decide what works best for your home. It's best to order 5-10% over for waste and future repairs. For those looking for a competitively-priced floor that doesnt compromise on quality, vinyl plank flooring is a great choice. If this is the case, the flooring material can be hard to remove, as you will have to carefully pry them out to make sure the plank is still intact. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is appealing due to its durability, easy installation, and water-resistant qualities. Some of the best companies for vinyl floors are: Pergo is a laminate flooring product. Easy to install glueless floating options and fullspread gluedown. The thicker the plank the more weight it can withstand. Both flooring solutions have similar lifespans. The best way to prevent sunlight from entering your indoor space is to keep blinds and curtains closed. Please make sure the area is soft and smooth, then wash it with soap and water. Continued exposure can result in asthma, respiratory allergies, and other serious lung problems. With the exception of any occasional damp mopping to remove everyday stains, todays modern vinyl flooring will maintain its beauty for years. Installing a high-quality vinyl tile allows you to maintain your flooring design in any room in your home. Most glued-down vinyl flooring products had a paper backing and were not waterproof. The reason is entirely dependent on which brand you choose and how many material layers each one has. Vinyl floors are so hard to recycle because PVC contains many harmful additives to maintain the material quality. If you have severe respiratory issues, consider wearing a mask during installation. It will not require the refinishing of an entire floor. wall coverings. Customer Support Older styles of vinyl tiles could not be installed over existing floors. However, as with all floors, vinyl planks have some drawbacks that homeowners need to familiarize themselves with before making a purchase, so they can know exactly what to expect. 3. If you are a builder/remodeler, you may be able to take advantage of BuildDirects Pro Rewards program that can save you time and money on your next project. Engineered Hardwood vs. Vinyl Plank Flooring: Whats the Difference? The biggest disadvantage of vinyl plank flooring is the old opinion that it is a cheap product. Next Post . Glued Vinyl Planks Can Be Difficult to Remove and Reuse. Cleaning the vinyl floor regularly and using air fresheners could also help. Will Cricut Vinyl Stick to Wood? You will need to carefully pry them to make sure they are coming out intact. Vinyl floors are lovely in a multitude of aspects, as mentioned earlier. When it comes to cons of vinyl flooring, a disadvantage is that it can become discolored due to constant exposure to direct sunlight. Please fill out this form and one of our sales associates will be in touch to discuss your project and more specific details of this product with you. Unfortunately, vinyl planks are not biodegradable. When looking at the cost of real wood flooring you can easily be fooled by advertised square foot material pricing. Also, planks that had been glued down can be very difficult to use because no matter how careful one is with the removal, the adhesive typically causes the backing to rip and peel. Vinyl flooring often meets those three requirements, which is why its such a popular choice for homeowners. However, vinyl is waterproof and better suited for wet areas like a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. However, there are some cons to vinyl plank flooring. To use such planks again, you will need to sand the back side to even it out before reapplying the adhesive, and this can be really time-consuming. Be sure to avoid mops with built-in scrub brushes, however, as this can damage your floor. We will be here with solid advice from an experienced staff to ensure that you get the best value for your dollar. In addition to being installation-friendly, vinyl plank flooring wont break the budget compared with other types of upscale floor coverings. Inconsistent Qualities Depending On What Brand You Choose. For deeper cleaning, a mop and warm water will work in most cases. (5 Vinyl-Safe Rugs), How to Stagger Vinyl Plank Flooring? Once you're ready to get started, visit a showroom and work with our associates who will guide you through your project and get you from Dream to Done. Laminate flooring is harder and more scratch-resistant than vinyl planks. Ensure the entire floor is clean with soap and water, then allow it to dry before anything else. With that in mind, here are just a few preventative ways you can protect your vinyl floors from the sun: Although many people are happy with vinyl flooring, many customers have been displeased with their products.