Vinyl flooring has gained a ton of attention lately. It has always been popular for commercial buildings such as schools and hospitals) thanks to its superior durability and easy cleaning, but new technology has given us beautiful new styles and colors that rival many other home or residential flooring choices. And thanks to cushion floor technology it has also become quite comfortable underfoot.

Pros of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is a type of resilient flooring and includes products such as linoleum, marmoleum, luxury vinyl plank, and vinyl tile (VCT). So what’s all the fuss about? Here are some important things to consider when shopping for vinyl flooring products.

  • Vinyl flooring is easy to clean by sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, or mopping.
  • It’s super durable and a great choice for families with pets and children.
  • Vinyl floors are waterproof (the surface) and cleaning up spills is easy.
  • Resilient flooring is ideal for high moisture locations such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
  • New technology has provided a nearly endless selection of wood and stone looks.
  • Resilient flooring is usually much cheaper than other flooring choices.
  • Vinyl plank can closely resemble hardwood flooring thanks to unique pattern printing methods.
  • Many types of vinyl products are easier and faster to install than hardwood or tile.
  • Many types of vinyl floors can be repaired easily and seamlessly by replacing planks or tiles.

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Of course there are always tradeoffs when you choose one type of flooring over another and vinyl is no exception. Don’t hesitate to contact our sales people if you have any questions, but here are some things you should keep in mind.

  • Some floating and glue down products are not suitable for wet environments (such as bathrooms).
  • In most places, vinyl flooring will not add value to your home like hardwood or tile.
  • Most resilient flooring is manufactured with petroleum and therefore not an environmentally friendly choice.
  • Vinyl floors can have a slight odor when installed and may have VOC concerns (check with manufacturer).
  • Imperfections in the subfloor will show through vinyl flooring, so floor preparation is very important.
  • Vinyl flooring can fade over time due to prolonged UV exposure.
  • Vinyl flooring cannot be resurfaced and down the road.
  • Some of these floors are quite slippery.