Everything You Need to Know About Vinyl Floors

$2 to $8 per square foot. That's how much installing vinyl flooring costs. Compare that to $12 to $20 per square foot for the hardwood; choosing vinyl is a no-brainer. Curious to know what other benefits they possess? Keep reading for everything you need to know about vinyl floors. 

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Before we get into the different types and finishes of this kind of floor, let's go over what vinyl is. For starters, it's crafted from polyvinyl chloride plastic or PVC for short. It's a synthetic material.

To use it as flooring, it's heated and pressed into layers to form planks. To give it that look of hardwood, each piece has a photorealistic layer to resemble the texture of woodgrain.

Types of Vinyl Floors

Normally, there are two types of vinyl flooring. You have your option of sheet or tile. Choosing the sheet is exactly how it sounds. It's literally a sheet, usually six to 12 feet wide.
Tile, on the other hand, comes in sizes of nine or 12 square inches. Types that mimic wood usually come in a plank shape of seven inches wide to 48 inches long.

Vinyl Finishes

To get the look you want for your home, let's go over finishing options.

• Urethane: If you want better-than-average durability, this is the one to choose. It can withstand moderate foot traffic and is resistant to scuffing. Not to mention it's easy to clean.
• Enhanced Urethane: The toughest durability choice, it's great for high traffic areas like hallways and entryways. It's scratch- and stain-resistant as well. It also comes with a subtle luster without the need to maintain it with chemicals.
• No-Wax: For areas that get little to no foot traffic often, this is what you want. It's durable but if you want it looking nice for years to come, it's better in places with minimal dirt and moisture exposure.

Longevity

When investing in new flooring, you want it to last a lifetime or close to it. When they are installed and maintained correctly, it lasts between 10 to 20 years. It should go without saying but the better the quality, the longer your floors will last.

Comfortability

When people think of vinyl flooring, they think of walking on a hard subfloor. That's not the case at all. Most vinyl flooring comes padded, which will be soft when you walk. Higher quality planks include sound-absorbing properties.

Cleaning

You can't get vinyl just for the looks. When it comes to cleaning, it's super easy.

After sweeping to get the dirt and dust off it, run through with a damp mop. Or, use a cleaning solution specifically for vinyl floors. Your floor will be shining like new without much effort.

How Much Does a Vinyl Floor Cost?

Time for what homeowners want to know most. Of course, the cost depends on the supplier, the product, and installation costs.

Normally installation costs anywhere between $2 to $8 per square foot, sometimes more. You can cut costs if you install the floors yourself, but it's rarely recommended if you want your floors to last.

Sheets can be purchased for as low as 50 cents per square foot. Luxury vinyl tile (not peel and stick) starts at $2 per square foot.

Get New Vinyl Floors Today

Convinced your home needs vinyl floors? They're a great choice when you want something low-cost yet durable. When you're ready to buy and get vinyl planks installed, request a quote from Maple Leaf Flooring in Calgary!