Vinyl sheet flooring is a very common choice for flooring in homes and apartment buildings, and with good reason. Vinyl tiles are fairly easy to install and while not quite as durable as other flooring alternatives, with proper installation and care they offer a varied and attractive appearance.
Details to consider
There are different wear surfaces with different levels of durability when it comes to withstanding foot traffic. When choosing the quality of vinyl flooring, the amount of foot traffic and/or family size should be considered. A family with children needs a higher quality choice with a longer wearing time, even more so when there are also pets in the picture. Another factor that affects both color and durability is whether the color is incorporated into the vinyl, where not even a slight nick will be visible, as the color and pattern will run through the thickness of the vinyl vinyls are loaded. Of course, this feature costs more than having a color or pattern simply printed onto the surface of the vinyl. Prints wear out more easily, show up more clearly when creased and therefore cost less.
Installation Considerations
Color patterns will also play a role, and not just for the obvious reason of matching them with the surrounding furnishings in the room. The complexity of the pattern, the number of cuts to make, the fixtures to bypass, and whether the installer is a hired professional or a weekend handyman. Most sheet vinyl flooring can be installed by a homeowner with basic tools and expertise. However, bypassing obstacles in a room and matching patterns to the cutting lines can be tricky and may require more technique and experience than a typical homeowner.
As with other flooring products, the condition of the subfloor is of paramount importance. All areas to be covered should be free of dust that would prevent a good bond and particles that would transfer and leave bumps and marks in the finished vinyl floor.
What to do
As mentioned earlier in this article, vinyl flooring can become damaged through routine use. For example, if you drop a sharp object on it, it can gouge or even cut the material. Does this mean that the floor covering has to be replaced? Probably not. Regardless of whether you are looking for a floor covering that has a lower material cost and is easier and therefore cheaper to install, you should consider vinyl flooring.
