Installing vinyl floors? Here's what you need to know.

What is vinyl flooring? 

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic flooring materials, with PVC as its main ingredient. Although it’s often confused with other types of flooring such as laminate or linoleum, vinyl flooring doesn’t contain the wood byproducts that laminate does, nor the all-natural materials of linoleum. Instead, vinyl flooring is made up of several layers of different materials that are put together. 

Advantages of vinyl flooring.

Vinyl flooring has many pros, including its durability, pet-friendliness and waterproof nature. The multiple layers that comprise it make it very durable, as does its thick core. It can withstand humidity quite well, which is great news for anyone living in a humid climate.

Vinyl flooring has other advantages. For example, it has a softer feel than other types of flooring and is comfortable to walk on. Vinyl is also budget-friendly, easy to install, requires minimal maintenance and is available in a wide range of designs and colors. You can even find vinyl flooring that mimics wood, tile and other materials. One of its biggest advantages is that it can be installed over a subfloor. 

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring.

Vinyl flooring also has its disadvantages. For one, the manufacturing process uses toxic and vinyl flooring chemicals that may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after being installed. Some VOCs can cause cancer, according to the American Lung Association. Another disadvantage: some vinyl flooring can look fake up close. 

Other disadvantages include vinyl’s slightly soft feel, which makes it more vulnerable to cuts from objects such as knives or meat cleavers. Although vinyl is very durable, it can be hard to repair if punctured or scratched. And while it’s easy to install, it can be hard to remove because its adhesive backing hardens to the floorboards.

Where to install vinyl flooring.

Vinyl flooring is a great choice for bathrooms. While carpet retains moisture and is prone to mold when wet, vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, making it ideal for wet spaces like the bathroom. Vinyl is also a great choice for a high-traffic room, such as a living room or kitchen, because of its durability. 

Vinyl flooring also works well in bedrooms. If you’re considering what flooring to put in your child’s bedroom, consider vinyl. Its durability means it can hold up well against dropped toys or books. With so many styles and colors to choose from, vinyl flooring can also work well in your master suite.

Types of vinyl flooring. 

Choosing the best vinyl flooring for your home can be difficult because you have quite a few options to choose from, including vinyl plank flooring, sheet vinyl flooring and vinyl tile flooring. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. 

Vinyl plank flooring. 

Vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of hardwood floors. It’s made in long planks with a tongue-and-groove connection called a click-lock system, which makes for easy installation. There are different price points, with luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) on the high end. LVP’s biggest advantage is its ability to mimic the appearance of real wood. 

Sheet vinyl flooring.

Sheet vinyl flooring is a roll of flooring that measures up to 12 inches wide. It’s not as easy to install as vinyl plank flooring, so professional assistance is highly recommended. Vinyl sheets are also great high-traffic areas, and because it has fewer seams, it’s more water-resistant than vinyl tiles, which contain seams in between the tiles that water can seep into. 

Vinyl tile flooring.

Manufactured to resemble stone or ceramic tiles, vinyl tiles come in an array of sizes and colors that can be arranged in a variety of patterns. The possibilities are numerous. Grouts can be added to resemble the look of stone or ceramic tiles. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a type of vinyl tile that’s thicker than standard vinyl. The added material gives it a realistic stone or ceramic look. 

Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?

Stuck deciding on whether you should opt for vinyl vs. laminate flooring? Keep in mind that the biggest difference between the two is water resistance. Vinyl flooring is waterproof; laminate is not.

With most vinyl flooring made of 100% polymer materials, they can withstand water. Meanwhile, laminate can soften and swell after being exposed to water. That makes it a poor choice for rooms with water exposure, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Vinyl is often a much better choice in these rooms, and laminate can work well in bedrooms and living rooms.

How much do vinyl floors cost?

While the average cost of vinyl flooring installation is $2,000, the low-end cost is $1,000 and the high-end cost is $4,500. The average installation cost per square foot is $3 to $7. However, the cost of installation is affected by various factors, including the state of your subfloor, your room’s size and the type of vinyl flooring you choose. Standard vinyl flooring will cost less than luxury vinyl flooring (LVT and LVP). 

How long does vinyl flooring last?

Vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years if regularly maintained and cared for properly, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Although all vinyl flooring is water-resistant, it’s important to clean up any spills as soon as they occur to prevent stains. 

Clean the floor daily or once a week by sweeping or vacuuming it to remove any dust, hair, dirt and fur. Then, use a soft mop with a cleaning solution. Don’t use wax polishes on your vinyl floors as they will leave a film. 

Related: How to clean and maintain vinyl floors.

What to expect when installing vinyl floors.

Vinyl flooring installation usually takes about one to two days to complete. However, vinyl planks and tiles may require a few days to get used to your home’s humidity and temperature. Doing so can prevent the flooring from expanding and contracting after installation. 

Also, make sure your subfloor is prepared for installation. The process can vary depending on the type of subfloor. Concrete is generally easy to prepare for vinyl flooring installation and is one of the most common types of subfloors. 

The installation process varies depending on the type of vinyl flooring you choose. Contact a professional to learn more about what you can expect when they install your new floors.

DIY vs. hiring a pro to install vinyl floors. 

You can take the DIY route when installing vinyl floors, especially vinyl plank and tile flooring. However, vinyl sheet flooring installation is best left to a professional due to its complexity.

Although hiring a professional will likely cost extra, some of the benefits outweigh the cost. When you hire a pro, you have the assurance that the installation will be done correctly. Your pro will do all of the work for you, including removing your current flooring, preparing the subfloor and cleaning up after installation. It’s the best way to help ensure you won’t have to fix costly installation mistakes down the line. 

Use Thumbtack to find a vinyl flooring professional.

Ready to give your home a new look with vinyl floors? Start contacting vinyl flooring professionals on Thumbtack for price quotes today.