Choosing the right flooring option for your home is a complex task. With so many options to choose from, price, quality, and durability are more important than ever. That is why vinyl flooring checks off all the boxes you’re looking to cover. In this article, we’re going to explore the various vinyl flooring options while ensuring you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Advantages of Vinyl Flooring

Whether you’re building a brand-new home or updating an existing one, vinyl flooring has so much to offer. As such, let’s take a look at the top six advantages of vinyl flooring.

• Price. Compared to ceramic tiles and hardwood flooring, vinyl has a clear edge. It is more cost-effective and can replicate the look provided by hardwood and ceramic. Best of all, its maintenance cost is much lower in the long run.
• Esthetics. Vinyl flooring comes in all shapes and sizes. When installed properly, it can look and feel just the same as stone or wood. Thus, it can be both visually attractive and functional. Plus, vinyl can be adapted to any environment and need.
• Comfort. Overall, vinyl flooring is designed to feel softer and more flexible. Unlike stone or hardwood, vinyl can offer a comfortable sensation in any room.
• Durability. Vinyl floors offer unbeatable durability. On average, vinyl floors last from 15 to 20 years. Plus, vinyl can take heavy traffic without missing a beat. This is why it is so common in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Installation. In general, vinyl floors can be installed right on top of existing floors. This eliminates the need for removing old floors. 
• Maintenance. Vinyl floors don’t require much maintenance beyond regular sweeping and mopping. There is no need for specialized cleaning products. Additionally, vinyl is water-resistant. Thus, it makes perfect sense for kitchens and bathrooms.

Indeed, vinyl floors offer an array of advantages when compared to other flooring options available.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl floors are highly versatile. They offer a wide range of options to choose from. Thus, they work great in any environment and on any budget. Here are the various types of vinyl floors to choose from.

• Planks. Vinyl planks are built to resemble hardwood floors. Despite the fact that vinyl planks are meant to mimic hardwood floors, modern vinyl planks are practically indistinguishable from real hardwood. Additionally, they offer greater stain resistance and require minimal maintenance.
• Tile. Vinyl tiles are generally used to resemble stone. They can be used in place of ceramic tiles as they are far more resistant and easier to install. On the whole, do-it-yourselfers prefer vinyl tiles given their ease of installation. They make for a perfect weekend project. Tiles con in various sizes to suit different spaces and environments.
• Sheet. Vinyl sheets are large rolls that usually measure from 6 to 12 feet wide. The biggest advantage of this type is the reduced number of seams. This drastically reduces the effects of high-moisture environments. Whole sheets work well over concrete slabs or old floors. They require very little maintenance and can be installed in a fraction of the time.
• Luxury. Luxury Vinyl Tile or LVT is practically indistinguishable from materials like ceramic and wood. LVT is a staple of high-end esthetic designs while offering all of the benefits that come with regular vinyl floors. LVT is far more durable the regular ceramic and wood while on par with stone and marble. Yet, LVT is much warmer than stone and marble while offering greater comfort. The best part of LVT is the broad selection of textures, colors, and designs to choose from.

How to Choose the Right Type of Vinyl Flooring

Choosing the right type of vinyl flooring largely depends on personal preferences and budget. Cost-conscious folks look for a balance between esthetics and cost. Design-focused folks opt for versatility and visual appeal over cost. Thus, let’s take a look at the factors that influence your choice of vinyl flooring.

• Area. Vinyl flooring is perfect for just about any type of room. As such, your decision will boil down to the room itself. For example, vinyl is perfect for high-moisture environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. Nevertheless, vinyl is perfect for offices and bedrooms, too.
• Traffic. High-traffic areas such as commercial spaces would be better off with thicker vinyl tiles. This will ensure greater durability. Low-traffic areas can work well with thinner tiles.
• Personal taste. LVT is better suited for high-end styles. Regular vinyl can be used to transform an outdated or damaged floor. Ultimately, the designs, colors, and textures are up to individual tastes.
• Feel. Vinyl’s “feel” depends on where it is going to be laid. The subfloor plays a huge role in determining its overall softness. For instance, vinyl laid on top of concrete will fell harder than an existing surface such as wood or ceramic tiles. Also, thinner tiles feel softer than thicker ones.
• Installation. Vinyl is a good starting spot for do-it-yourselfers. For example, click-lock tiles are relatively easy to install. However, glue-down vinyl does warrant adhesives and special tools. Still, hiring a contractor would be less expensive as compared to other types of flooring.
• Budget. There is no question that vinyl is more cost-effective than other types of flooring. Thus, if you’re more cost-conscious, vinyl is the best option you can find.

Your local hardware store or flooring contractor can offer your advice on what type of vinyl is best for you depending on your needs and wants. That’s why a little professional assistance always comes in handy.

Installing Vinyl Flooring Yourself

Vinyl flooring does not require a high skill level to install. As such, it is a favorite of do-it-yourselfers. The easiest type to install is click-lock tiles. Each tile connects to the previous one making a solid plank in the end. There is no bonding to the subfloor required. Plus, these tiles are easy to cut. You won’t need any specialized tools. A small saw, knife, square, a pry bar, tape measure, pliers, and a hammer should suffice. Depending on the size of the area, you can easily make this a weekend project. Just make sure that you plan out the installation first. It will save you plenty of time in the end.