The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

One of the most popular flooring choices for modern homes is hard vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring can come in either sheet form or as tiles. It is popular for creating a natural look in the home at relatively low cost. Vinyl has a wide range of benefits in that it is easy to install, water resistant and easy to maintain. However, it does also come with down sides, and may not be suitable for every room in the home. Therefore, here are some of the pros and cons of using hard vinyl flooring in your home.

The Benefits of Hard Vinyl Flooring

• Hard vinyl flooring is very easy to maintain and clean compared to other options. Being that it is water resistant you can easily wipe it with a mop without worrying about moisture getting trapped.
• When looked after properly, vinyl is very durable and highly resistant to scratches as well as wear and tear. Combined with an anti-slip surface, this makes it the perfect choice for homes with a lot of activity. In particular, it is a good choice for homes with children and pets.
• Vinyl is very easy to install and much more affordable compared to other materials such as wood and carpeting. Combined with how easy vinyl is to maintain and clean, it is the perfect choice for those on a budget.
• There is a range of different styles, textures and patterns available when it comes to vinyl, from wood to stone and marble effects. Combined with their affordability and durability, vinyl tiles are in many cases better than the real thing.
• Vinyl floors are softer and more comfortable to walk on thanks to their sponge like felt backing. In addition, this backing helps absorb sound better than either wood and stone, making it great for busy areas in the home.

The Downsides of Hard Vinyl Flooring

• Hard vinyl flooring will not look good if laid on a surface that is uneven or in poor condition. In order for your vinyl floor to look its best you need to ensure the underlying surface is in the best condition first.
• Although vinyl is very durable, you can still damage it with sharp objects. If kitchen items are dropped or the sharp edges of furniture get dragged over the surface, this can penetrate the soft surface of the vinyl floor.
• Vinyl flooring can be very hard to remove once installed. This is due to the adhesive backing hardening against the surface. While it is possible to unglue the flooring yourself with the right materials, this can take a lot of effort.
• Older vinyl floors may contain asbestos which can prove a health risk if it has become cracked or damaged. This can usually be found in homes built in the 1980s or earlier. If you suspect your vinyl floor has asbestos then always hire a professional to test and remove it if necessary.
• While vinyl will produce a look and feel similar to stone or wood, it will not add as much value to your home as natural materials. So vinyl flooring is a good option if you intend to remain in your home long term.

Clarkes Floors and Furniture

Here at Clarkes we offer a wide range of sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl tile flooring for households in Essex and East London. To find out more about our range of vinyl flooring options we invite you to get in touch with us today.