Vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for both homeowners and businesses, mainly thanks to how versatile, durable, and affordable it can be. Vinyl flooring is perfect for those who love the look of wood or tile but prefer a low-maintenance option. It offers a modern aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

At Wall2Wall Carpets and Flooring, we offer a wide range of high quality vinyl flooring options to complement the design of your home. However, with such a wide variety of options available, it’s only natural to have questions about it, from the process of installing vinyl flooring to the benefits of vinyl flooring to determine whether vinyl flooring is the best choice for your family and your home.

Here, we’ll address some of the most asked questions about vinyl flooring to help you make an informed decision for your next home renovation project.

 

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring material which is primarily made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin and combined with various additives. These additives are used to provide varying degrees of durability and flexibility in addition to a range of colour options.

Vinyl flooring can come in many different forms, including sheets, tiles, and planks, all of which offer a range of different styles and methods of installation.

What Types Of Vinyl Flooring Are There?


 

There are three main types of vinyl flooring:

·      Vinyl Sheets: These are large, continuous, flexible sheets that typically come in rolls, making them ideal for large, open areas to provide a seamless look and high-quality finish.

 

·      Vinyl Tiles: These capture the look and design of ceramic or stone tiles to complement different areas of your home, such as your bathroom or kitchen. Since they are the same shape as a tile would be, they can come in various sizes to suit your needs and are easy to replace individually if one becomes damaged.

·      Vinyl Planks: These are designed to imitate hardwood flooring which means that they come in long, narrow pieces which usually click together. Given their realistic wood appearance and easy installation, these are often a popular choice for homeowners.

 

What Are The Advantages Of Vinyl Flooring?

There are many advantages to choosing vinyl flooring for your home or business, including the following:

·      Durability: Vinyl flooring is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains which makes it suitable for high-traffic areas, such as workplaces as well as homes with pets or children.

·      Water Resistance: Most vinyl flooring options are water resistant, with some even being fully waterproof which makes them perfect for areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

·      Ease of Maintenance: Typically, vinyl flooring is easy to clean and requires very minimal maintenance, unless damaged. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to care for and maintain the look of your vinyl flooring.

·      Affordability: Compared to other flooring options, vinyl flooring is generally more affordable which means that you can achieve the desired look for your home or business at a fraction of the cost, providing great value for money.

·      Comfort: Vinyl flooring is softer underfoot compared to other flooring options, such as hardwood flooring or stone. Some options for vinyl flooring even come with additional cushioning for extra comfort, if desired.

 

How Is Vinyl Flooring Installed?

Vinyl flooring can be installed using various methods. The type of installation will depend on the type of vinyl flooring you ultimately decide to purchase. The primary types of installation include:

 

·      ‘Glue Down’: This method of installation is very straightforward, with vinyl sheets and tiles simply being glued directly to the subfloor using adhesive. This method provides a quick and secure bond, making it ideal for areas requiring quick installation and with heavy foot traffic.

·      ‘Peel and Stick’: Vinyl tiles often come with a self-adhesive backing that can be peeled off, allowing you to stick and secure the flooring directly to the subfloor. This method is easy and quick which makes it a popular option for DIY enthusiasts.

·      ‘Click and Lock’: Vinyl planks are often installed using a ‘click and lock’ system which is facilitated by the planks themselves. As the edges of each plank interlocks with the other, this, in essence, creates a ‘floating floor’ that fills your entire space without the need to be glued or stuck down to the subfloor. This method of installation is typically very easy and can be readily replaced should one of the planks become damaged, or even if you just fancy a change in style. where the edges of the planks interlock.


Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Flooring

Can Vinyl Flooring Be Installed Over Existing Floors?

In short, the answer to this is – yes!

Vinyl flooring can often be installed over existing floors. However, to ensure a smooth installation, the surface must be clean, dry and level.

Installing your vinyl flooring over existing floors can be highly convenient, especially if you are looking at a substantial renovation, as it will save both time and money on removing your existing flooring and preparing the subfloor.

 

Is Vinyl Flooring Safe?

Vinyl flooring is completely safe to use!

Modern vinyl flooring is specifically designed to be safe for indoor use. Manufacturers of vinyl flooring must adhere to strict safety standards which ensures a high quality and safe product.

Here at Wall2Wall Carpets and Flooring, we only work with the best manufacturers to ensure that all products sold are not only safe to use but have been crafted to a high standard in a safe environment. We ensure that all products and manufacturers are correctly certified and chosen carefully by our dedicated team.

 

How Long Does Vinyl Flooring Last?

The lifespan of vinyl flooring can vary based on many different factors. When looking at this broadly, high quality vinyl flooring can last between 10 and 20 years following installation, if it is properly maintained.

It’s even possible that your vinyl flooring could last longer than this. Some of the factors which can affect the lifespan of your vinyl flooring, however, include the actual quality of the vinyl flooring itself and the installation of this in addition to the general maintenance of the flooring over time.

Factors such as foot traffic, exposure to sunlight, and the presence of heavy furniture can also negatively affect the lifespan of your vinyl flooring, which is something that should be considered when determining if vinyl flooring is the best option for your home or business.

 

How Do I Clean And Maintain Vinyl Flooring?

Thankfully, maintaining vinyl flooring is relatively straightforward and simple. Maintenance of vinyl flooring can be addressed in three easy steps:

·      Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your vinyl flooring regularly to remove dirt and debris. This will not only keep your vinyl flooring clean and clear but will reduce the likelihood of scratches and damage occurring from debris on your vinyl flooring.

·      Mopping: We would recommend using a damp mop for your vinyl flooring with a mild, non-abrasive floor cleaner. You should avoid using excessive water since too much water can seep into the seams and edges of your vinyl flooring, which will build up over time and cause damage.

·      Protective Measures: If you have furniture to be placed on top of your vinyl flooring, we recommend using felt pads under the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and damage. Additionally, depending on the location of your vinyl flooring, you could place doormats at entryways to reduce a build-up of dirt, debris and grit which could scratch and damage your vinyl flooring over time.



Can Vinyl Flooring Be Repaired?

Yes, vinyl flooring can absolutely be repaired instead of simply being replaced when damaged.

Some minor scratches and scuffs on vinyl flooring can often be repaired using a vinyl floor repair kit or by replacing individual tiles or planks.

For larger or more substantial damage, it may be that professional repair services will be required to ensure that the repair is carried out correctly and to a high standard. This may be something that our expert fitters can assist with, so please feel free to contact us for further information about this.

Generally, regardless of the type of repair you may require, it's a good idea to keep some extra tiles or planks from the original installation of your vinyl flooring for easy future repairs.

 

How Wall2Wall Carpets And Flooring Can Help      

If you decide that vinyl flooring is the best option for your next flooring project, we are here to help by offering a wide selection of fantastic, high quality vinyl flooring options which can be viewed here or in person at any of our branches in Bolton, Crawley, or Manchester.

To  make your shopping experience with us even easier and convenient, we even include free delivery on all orders over £250 to ensure that your chosen flooring reaches you quickly and safely.

For more information or to place an order, you can contact us today by telephone on 01204 303 333 (Bolton) or 0161 302 9440 (Manchester). Our team looks forward to assisting you with all your vinyl flooring needs!