Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has come a long way over the years. Today, thanks to new imaging technology and advances in construction and aesthetics , it can be as uniquely beautiful as true hardwood, but with the added durability of waterproof construction and above all more affordable. Although traditional flooring with natural hardwood will always be desirable, the cost can be a huge factor for many. Hardwood flooring is also vulnerable to scratches and damage. Repairs for these are not as simple or as cost effective as their modern counterparts in vinyl. Due to this reason vinyl flooring or LVP flooring (luxury vinyl plank) have become most popular flooring choices for many homes today.
Vinyl flooring is both aesthetically appealing and financially accessible. The versatile selection of patterns and the durability of vinyl make it an option for any home with any aesthetic. This is why we see this kind of flooring in homes both old and new. Whatever your flooring needs and desires may be, there is a vinyl floor that will satisfy both.
Vinyl offered today is quite different from the vinyl of yesterday.
Advances in construction and aesthetics have produced fashionable products that are both durable and affordable.
Today’s vinyl flooring offers many popular patters inspired by nature, including many imitations of natural wood and stone. With an abundance of patterns and new methods of texturing the surface, very realistic vinyl looks have been achieved.

Vinyl Flooring – How its Made?

Vinyl is made from synthetic materials and typically composed by layering materials over a thicker, stabilizing core. The material of the core differs by product and may include a combination of stone, plastic, and/or wood. If you’re looking for a flooring material that is versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to clean, add vinyl flooring to your list. Vinyl flooring is a great option for homeowners looking to update or add style to a room and not worry too much about damage or upkeep.

Vinyl flooring is the sum of layered materials. Those layers depend on the type and quality of the vinyl but can consist of the following (from top to bottom):
UV acrylic coating
Wear layer
Print/pattern layer
PVC (vinyl) layer
Core
Built-in underlayment

The topmost layer, the UV acrylic coating, helps to protect the flooring from sun damage. Vinyl floors with this layer make a great option in sunny rooms.
The next layer, the wear layer, contributes to the durability and scratch-resistance of the vinyl flooring. The thickness of this wear layer differs from product to product but is essential for maintaining that ‘new’ look, for pet owners in particular. To gauge the thickness of products you may be considering, note that 20 mil is the industry-grade for ‘commercial’ traffic.
The print or film layer is another detail that can set some manufacturers apart from the rest. Depending on the quality of the imaging and diversity of patterns available for each product, the natural or wood-look of the vinyl can be more or less convincing.
Vinyl layers on either side of the core contribute to the thickness of the product, which provides stability and support to the other layers.
The core makes up the main weight of the material. It is typically waterproof and can be stone and plastic or a wood and plastic combination.
Lastly, the bottom layer provides foundational support to the flooring material. Products with a built-in underlayment may be particularly appealing to homeowners installing over an uneven subfloor. Another benefit of a built-in underlayment is the boosted noise and thermal insulation without the additional costs or installation of a separate underlayment.

Vinyl is comprises of many different layers: the wear layer, the printed or decorative layer, an inner core consisting of a foam and vinyl layer, and a backing.

DON’T AUTOMATICALLY PICK THICK.

When selecting your vinyl flooring, thicker is not always better.
It’s the density of the inner core that will determine your floor resist rips, tears, gouges and indentations.

ABOVE ALL, CONCENTRATE ON THE TOP LAYER.

Understand that the quality of the wearlayer, which is the actual surface layer of the floor, will determine how your floor will stand up to staining, scuffing and scratching.
For example, a urethane wearlayer will help with stain resistance.
We recommend you consult with us about the wearlayer that’s right for your home and lifestyle.

STUDY AND KNOW LOCAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS.

When selecting the right vinyl for the rooms in your home, consider the room’s foot traffic and the types of activities that will take place.
Ask us to review with you the manufacturer’s warranty and performance characteristics of the products that are available.
Usually, extended warranties are available with upgraded products, giving you added confidence that your floor will stand up to your active household.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Many types of vinyl flooring but the most common types are planks and vinyl is also available in tiles and sheets.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is plank shaped and typically seeks to replicate the look of hardwood.
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) is also called Rigid Core, referring to its stone/plastic composite core, and is a bit heavier.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) has a wood/plastic composite core and is lightweight.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is typically more of a square shape. With similar core options to planks, tiles come in stone, wood, and other patterns.
Luxury Vinyl Sheet (LVS) comes in sheet rolls. Vinyl sheets come in stone and wood options as well as other styles or patterns.

What is the Best Type of Vinyl Flooring?

The best vinyl plank flooring is relatively thick, heavier, has a thick wear layer of at least 20 mil (commercial grade), is waterproof, and is FloorScore or GreenGuard certified. Nicer vinyl floors have Embossed in Register (EIR) texturing where the wood-grain you see matches the texture you feel.

What is the most realistic Vinyl Flooring?

The type of vinyl flooring that mimics wood most effectively is luxury vinyl plank, or LVP. Luxury vinyl is generally high-quality and has good visual effects

Vinyl Flooring – Where to Install?

Vinyl flooring’s versatility and choice of options makes it an ideal option throughout the home. VCH Flooring recommends vinyl flooring for the following rooms and more.

Bathroom
Kitchen
Living Room
Bedroom
Home Office

Home Gym
Mud Room
Laundry Room
Dining Room
Basement

Vinyl flooring is waterproof which makes it a great choice for kitchen flooring and able to handle endless spills. Its smooth surface makes clean-ups quick and easy.The bedroom is also a great place for a material like vinyl since it can be very comfortable underfoot and comes in a variety of looks to match everyone’s style. Plus, vinyl with a built-in underlayment provides sound insulation which can help keep the room quiet for a great night’s sleep!

Vinyl Flooring Benefits

Vinyl flooring has many benefits for those looking to redo the flooring in their homes. First off, vinyl is 100% waterproof. This feature makes it incredibly versatile and allows it to be used for projects in high-moisture areas of the home like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Its ability to handle water is also very handy for more unpredictable family members like young children or pets.An added benefit to vinyl being waterproof is that it is also very easy to clean and maintain. This is critical for families who want a clean home but don’t want to spend too much time or energy caring for high maintenance floors. Vinyl’s smooth surface makes a clean floor just a quick sweep or a mop away.

Choose the type of Vinyl floor Installation?

Caring and Cleaning of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl floor care is quick and easy due to its waterproof construction and smooth surface. Maintaining the floor for years to come is as simple as sticking to a regular dry-sweep and wet-mop routine. This differs from many other kitchen flooring materials, like tile, which regularly gets very dirty within the grout and cracks.