Vinyl Flooring: Your creative way to add functionality and an expensive look within your budget
Flooring is a significant part of any building, whether it’s a domestic building or a commercial one; whether you are furnishing your home or your business place; an office, hotel, or any other hospitality place; or even your clinic. Flooring should be your number one priority to get everything you may dream about. Let’s talk about one of the best flooring options available out there, which is vinyl flooring.
Vinyl flooring could be your best pick, thanks to its versatility in styles, types, colors, and designs. Moreover, it adds great functionality for high-traffic spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, child playrooms, and more.
First of all, you may wonder what the vinyl flooring is!
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring solution that imitates the look of some other real materials like wood, stone, or even ceramic. Vinyl flooring is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and fiberglass stabilizers for greater safety and stability. In addition, it is a safe and aesthetic choice for those who seek eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, you should get it for spaces with a lot of water; it is 100% waterproof flooring.
The different layers of vinyl flooring are:
- The wear layer
This is the top and protector layer, the thickest one of them all, as well. This layer withstands the wear and tear of high-traffic spaces and heavy objects. The mix of PVC and sometimes nylon layers is the secret to its durability, stain resistance, and scratch resistance.
2: Inlaid or printed layer
This is the second layer, but each of them has its own feature. The printed layer is thinner than the inlaid layer, but it may present more designs if you need more aesthetic appeal. Instead, the inlaid layer is more protective and durable.
3-Core Layer
This is the last layer below, which is called the core vinyl. The reason behind this name is the PVC composition reinforced with fiberglass, which makes your flooring more flexible, long-lasting, and resistant to water and shrinkage or expansion caused by temperature changes.
The main types of vinyl flooring are:
- Luxury vinyl planks are designed to mimic the appearance of hardwood flooring, but their cost is really less than that of real timber wood. In addition, they come in a variety of designs, styles, colors, wood-imitated textures, and grains to fit traditional, modern, or even contemporary areas. This type gives you durability, easy installation and maintenance, and the waterproof characteristic, along with a budget-friendly cost.
- Luxury vinyl tiles are the best for stone and ceramic lovers. This type also has the same look as the various stones, including a marble appearance and various ceramic shapes, thanks to its versatile tile sizes. LVT is the best for restaurants and cafes. In addition, it gives your space a dream look thanks to the numerous colors, sizes, and designs available. LVT is durable, waterproof, and easy to install or replace.
- Herringbone vinyl flooring has become very popular nowadays, thanks to its durability and high quality. Moreover, it is anti-slap and easy to clean, in addition to its appealing beauty with a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs. It is an excellent pick for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic facilities.
- Vinyl sheet (vinyl roll) is another covering that has a distinctive feature; you can easily install it above existing flooring, and it gives you a great soft and comfortable feel. It is more affordable than other types; even though it is durable, it is not like the others. It is a good choice for bathrooms or kitchens, but not for residential places. But there is no worry with an inlaid layer; it will reinforce its durability along with its artificial wood look and wide size for a more decorative appearance.
For hospitals and clinics, vinyl is the best because it is durable, waterproof, stain-resistant, anti-slap, and easy to clean as well. In addition, it is a cost-effective choice to install for your entire huge space. The best types for hospitals and healthcare centers are vinyl composite tile (VCT) and LVT.
How to clean vinyl flooring and prolong its age!
Cleaning and maintaining vinyl flooring is the key to keeping its stunning look and making it last as long as possible.
First, vinyl flooring is a waterproof material. In case you drop a drink or spell, no worries; you will need water, wet mopping with a neutral solution or homemade cleaning detergent, and a bucket for immediate cleaning. You also need to repeat this operation once a week, whether you drop any spells or not, to keep your flooring shining.
Dust or small trash! Vacuuming or sweeping will be your next method to clean your own vinyl flooring.
Vacuuming is easy and quick to remove dust and litter. But you need to do it correctly so as not to harm your vinyl flooring. Therefore, you should use a vacuum with a no-battery bar so as not to scratch your flooring.
Sweeping is also easy and quick; all you need is a floor brush, a dustpan, and a rubbish basket. This is suitable for everyday cleaning, so bring your tools and then do the magic.
Professional tips
For more care and maintenance, it is advisable to use pads for your sharp objects or equipment. Ensure that your pet’s nails are trimmed. Regular cleaning and barrier mats are recommended for a more charming and appealing look.