Redoing your flooring certainly offers a range of options, from hardwood to tile, to vinyl, to carpet. Of course, renovating on a budget means weighing the pros and cons of each flooring type and finding the one that sits at the intersection of affordability, durability and aesthetics. Vinyl flooring often meets those three requirements, which is why it's such a popular choice for homeowners.
Though, as with any material you use in your home, vinyl comes with its own set of benefits and frustrations. So, let's take a look at the pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
PROS
Water Resistant
Vinyl planks, unlike wood planks, are 100% water and moisture resistant. This is one of the biggest advantages of vinyl flooring, making it ideal for any environment where the floor may be exposed to water.
Durability
With wood, you cannot lay it in a place that will get wet. With tile, you do not want to lay it where it can get damaged.
Luxury vinyl plank on the other hand, is very versatile and durable. This means it can work great in the kitchen or bathroom. Spills will not damage it and they are very easy to clean. If you have pets and kids causing a ruckus in the house, vinyl does not scratch easily, chip or suffer any kind of major damage that is going to make it look bad.
Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance of vinyl plank flooring is easy. Sweeping or vacuuming is all that's needed for daily maintenance. For deeper cleaning, a mop and warm water will work in most cases. Be sure to avoid mops with built-in scrub brushes, however, as this can damage your floor. With a few simple cleaning techniques, you can keep your vinyl plank floor clean and healthy with minimal effort or investment. Check out those simple cleaning tips in our other blog here.
Appearance
It's pretty crazy how much choice there is out there in the world of vinyl flooring. Thanks to advanced photographic imaging technology for the design layer, vinyl plank flooring can look exactly like any particular look you're interested in. Wood-look flooring looks stunning in any room of the house and is versatile to many different interior design styles.
Comfort
Vinyl planks are softer on the surface than regular wood planks, making them more comfortable to walk on. This is an especially important benefit for those who need to stand for long periods of time, as vinyl planks are easier and more comfortable to stand on than traditional wood alternatives.
Also, one of the things that vinyl floors don't get the credit it deserves for is how it's able to stay at room temperature. So, if you have your central heating on in the winter, you do not have to worry about your floor sending chills through your body when you get out of bed!
Affordability
For those looking for a competitively-priced floor that doesn't compromise on quality, vinyl plank flooring is a great choice. The cost of vinyl plank flooring is typically less than solid hardwood floors. This means you can have the benefits of vinyl that are missing in cheaper flooring options without the high cost of solid wood flooring.
CONS
Discoloration
When it comes to cons of vinyl flooring, a disadvantage is that it can become discolored due to constant exposure to direct sunlight. So, it's not a great option for outdoor use. Certain rubber material, such as a rubber backing from a floor mat, can also cause vinyl to discolor.
Biodegradability
Unfortunately, vinyl planks are not biodegradable. They can also be difficult to recycle depending on the brand and composition. So, if environmental consciousness is a critical factor in your decision-making process, this is a drawback to consider.
Not Impossible to Damage
While vinyl will hold up for many years, you can damage it. Dropping a glass or moving heavy furniture can result in scuffs and gouges that are difficult to remove. If you do arrange furniture, be sure to cover the feet with felt, or lift the piece off the ground before moving it.
Vinyl plank flooring has come a long way over the last several years and has really grown in popularity. And when looking at the pros and cons of this material, you can see that the pros outweigh the cons. So, if you're looking for an affordable flooring for especially a high moisture space in your home, then choose vinyl plank flooring. But, of course, it's up to you to decide what works best for your home.
To help even further, stop by one of our locations to see the beneficial vinyl plank flooring in person!
At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you're happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we'll be there every step along the way. Consider us your "One-Stop Shopping" destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)!
Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we're here to make sure you'll be proud of it for years to come.
If you have any questions, please email us.
Updated on 6.29.22
