Vinyl Flooring That’s Resilient, Soundproof & Waterproof
Vinyl flooring today is very different than what you might remember as a kid. Today’s vinyl flooring can do it all with an almost limited number of design choices. Let’s review some of the common questions people ask about vinyl floors.
Is vinyl flooring good for soundproofing?
Definitely, and there’s a variety of ways to achieve an excellent level of quiet flooring.
- Acoustic Underlayment – This describes several different materials and brands of sound deadening material that are laid down on the bare floor or subfloor before you install the vinyl flooring. Some types use recycled rubber as a sound barrier underneath your vinyl floor. Others use a special foam soundproof underlayment. A thin layer of natural is a popular and effective choice. Rolls of thin felt are a traditional form of sound absorption that works well with your vinyl flooring.
- LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks) include sound deadening technology and materials built into the flooring itself. Both these types of flooring do not require an acoustic underlayment, although in some cases, both luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring be used in conjunction with acoustic floor underlayments.
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Doesn’t vinyl flooring look ugly?
Not anymore. New technology, new designs, and new textures have made vinyl flooring the rising star in the most beautiful home designs.
Your choices are almost unlimited. You owe it to yourself to see what is available right now. New, high-quality, and high durability choices are coming out all the time.
How durable are vinyl floors?
Yes, this is one of the toughest, longest-lasting flooring choices in the market. Engineers, architects, and designers choose vinyl floors to withstand some of the tough commercial environments. These types of flooring come with a wear layer that makes them scratch resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and practically impervious to most household chemicals.
Is there any kind of side effects of vinyl flooring?
All vinyl flooring uses PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It’s the same material used in the water pipes of many homes in the USA, as well as food packaging for over 50 years.
What are the pros and cons of vinyl floors?
The Pros:
One of the best features of vinyl flooring is how tough it is. It can stand up to all sorts of normal wear and tear that would severely damage other floors. It distinguishes itself as one of the most durable flooring options.
Maintenance is practically unnecessary and it is waterproof. Many commercial buildings trust their vinyl floor to withstand heavy foot traffic.
When you compare vinyl flooring to most other materials, natural or synthetic, vinyl is comfortable underfoot. It’s not as cold and hard as ceramic or porcelain tile, and it gives a little more than hardwood floors.
Temperature moderation is built-in with vinyl floors. The different layers it has tends to even out the ambient temperature.
Vinyl flooring is easy to install. Even large areas can be installed by reasonably skilled DIYers. Some types are glued down; some are peel and stick, and some click together to form a floated floor.
Reducing noise is also one of the best parts of having a vinyl floor.
The Cons:
A vinyl floor cannot be refinished. The topmost wear layer provides excellent protection and durability, but if you, or your furniture manages to break through or wear through it, you’ll have to replace that plank or section.
The resale value in different areas of the country may not have caught up to the areas where vinyl floors are in style. Because of this, you might not be able to count on getting a higher offer on your home because you put in a new floor.
Certain types of vinyl floors have a rigid core. This provides excellent stability once the flooring is installed. However, it does not bend as easily as an all-PVC vinyl floor.
Floor assembly needs to be planned to accommodate this rigid core feature. In most cases, the floor joists that normally come in a house provide enough rigidity in the subfloor, that rigid core types of flooring are easily installed.
What are the advantages of vinyl floors?
Of the new types of flooring available like engineered wood and bamboo flooring, vinyl flooring is superior in water-resistant resistance, resistance to mold and mildew, and scratch-resistant.
The simplicity of installation is unmatched among all flooring types. Even newbies to home projects can quickly become adept at laying down vinyl flooring. There are also a variety of different application methods you can choose from depending on your level of confidence and experience.
Durability and ultra-low maintenance are unmatched in the industry.
The price of vinyl flooring is less than most other flooring options. A new vinyl floor also is available at a range of prices. You’re sure to find something that fits your budget.
What are vinyl sheets and its uses?
Sheet vinyl flooring comes in 6-foot and 12-foot widths. These sheets come in rolls of varying lengths that are long enough to cover very large areas. Many commercial buildings use sheet vinyl in large spaces with high foot traffic and where the floor must be sealed with a moisture barrier.
How long does it take to install vinyl sheet flooring?
The short answer is it depends. It depends on the size of the area, how many transitions are needed from room to room, and how much furniture you have to move. Commercial buildings that have large open spaces can have sheet vinyl installed very quickly by a crew of pros. On the other hand, trying to pre-cut and wrestle a single piece of vinyl sheet flooring into a tight bathroom can become an ordeal for a DIY homeowner.
What is the best type of flooring, vinyl or laminate?
It’s really a matter of needs, personal preference, and budget. The best way to compare the two is to visit a local flooring expert and see what’s available. Then, take the time to actually walk on a vinyl floor and compare it to walking on a laminate floor. Then, review the variety of colors and designs available to make your final decision.
Dan Ratcliff
Dan Ratcliff is the CEO and President of Flooring Direct in Dallas / Fort Worth. Over the last two decades, he has grown Flooring Direct into a premier Shop-at-Home traditional & hardwood flooring company. With a true dedication to customer service and integrity, Flooring Direct has become DFW's largest highest-rated Dallas-local flooring dealer. Dan has lived in Dallas all of his life and was raised in Dallas with family roots and love for the community and local sports. It's with that sense of family that Flooring Direct has contributed to and sponsored children's organizations like Jonathan's Place and scholastic athletics like Plano's Girls Soccer.
