As a property owner, you might be wondering which type of vinyl flooring would best suit your needs. Would standard vinyl flooring do the job, or would you have to upgrade to installing luxury vinyl flooring? Read on to learn more about the difference between standard and luxury vinyl flooring and which option would be better for your home.
How Do They Feel?
Standard sheet vinyl flooring has always been quite popular amongst property owners as it can be easily installed in locations that are prone to moisture and stain, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements. Due to its thin layer, standard vinyl flooring can feel hard underfoot if installed over a hard surface like concrete.
To address this issue, manufacturers created luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) that is sold in either plank (LVP) or tiles (LVT). Luxury vinyl flooring is very similar to standard vinyl flooring, but with multi-ply tiles or planks that range from 2 to 8mm in thickness, as opposed to standard vinyl flooring, where planks or tiles are only 10 to 15 mil in thickness. LVF is also designed to provide you with a cushion layer of foam to make the floor feel more comfortable to walk or stand on.
If you’re considering vinyl flooring in an area in your home with high foot traffic, then it would be best to install LVF. For areas with zero or low foot traffic, it’s best to look for standard vinyl flooring as it’s more affordable and can still handle splatters of water or a few stains.
Are They Water Resistant?
The short answer is yes.
The long answer is that standard vinyl flooring can resist water slightly better than LVF as it has fewer seams which can allow water to penetrate to the subfloor. LVF is also impermeable to water damage, but the many seams between planks or tiles allow the possibility of water seeping through to the underlayment.
Are They Heat Resistant?
If by heat resistant you mean under extreme heat such as beneath a water heater or near a furnace, then the answer is no. Both standard and luxury vinyl tiles can tolerate normal sunlight heat, but they cannot be exposed to extreme heat temperatures.
Are They Easy To Maintain?
Since standard and luxury vinyl floorings are made from synthetic materials, it is recommended to sweep or vacuum once a day and immediately wipe down any spillage or stains. Deeper cleans are required once a week to keep your space looking new and shiny.
Ready To Find The Vinyl For You?
Visit our showroom in Edmonton, where we showcase our extensive range of vinyl tiles and vinyl planks, with various patterns and designs that will suit your home. To learn more about our products, contact us today!