Is vinyl plank flooring a good idea?

Author: Lucie Langosh MD  |  Last update: Saturday, October 21, 2023

Vinyl flooring is known for being resilient. This means that most vinyl flooring is water-resistant and very low maintenance, with long-lasting durability. If it has a wear layer, vinyl flooring will usually not stain and can survive plenty of wear and tear, which makes it a good option for any highly trafficked areas.

What are the negatives of vinyl plank flooring?

Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.

Does vinyl plank flooring devalue a home?

While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs.

What is better vinyl plank or laminate?

Vinyl flooring clearly is a better choice in high-moisture environments than laminate flooring, making it an excellent choice in bathrooms. But for whole-house installations, laminate flooring often makes sense because it offers a wide range of choices.

How long does vinyl plank last?

Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring | Everything You Need To Know About Vinyl Plank Flooring

What can ruin vinyl flooring?

Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Don't use bleach as an overall vinyl floor cleaner. Keep away from highly abrasive scrubbers or detergents on vinyl. They can damage the floor, causing cracks or scratches.

Which is quieter vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl flooring, especially when installed with an underlayment, can minimize impact noise and provide a softer and more muted sound when walking or dropping items. Laminate flooring, without an underlayment, may produce a louder and hollower sound due to the nature of its construction.

Does vinyl flooring scratch easier than laminate?

Durability. Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.

What flooring has the best return on investment?

Wood floors are one of the best investments you can make. They're durable, versatile, and most buyers love them. According to real estate experts, the average ROI for installing hardwood floors is about 70% to 80%, and wood floors can boost the sales price of your home as much as 2.5%.

What flooring adds the most value to a home?

Best Types of Flooring to Increase Your Home Value
  1. Solid Hardwood. If you want the best bang for your buck, hardwood floors may be the best flooring option for your home. ...
  2. Engineered Hardwood. ...
  3. Waterproof Flooring. ...
  4. Laminate Flooring. ...
  5. Vinyl Plank and Tile Flooring.

Is vinyl flooring going out of style?

Will the sheet vinyl flooring trend last in 2022 and beyond? For sure, you're going to see sheet vinyl making a big come-back in the years to come. It's durable, easy to install, and versatile enough to come in tons of styles, patterns, and colors.

Why do people not like vinyl flooring?

Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.

Why do people like vinyl plank flooring?

With more and more people wanting the look of wood in spaces that are traditionally prone to spills and have the potential for water damage, like a kitchen, vinyl offers an excellent alternative. Vinyl floors are 100% waterproof, which makes them a perfect choice for any room.

Is vinyl plank flooring hard to keep clean?

Keeping Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Clean is Easy

For instance, a daily task is to sweep up debris. A weekly task is to use a damp mop and get rid of some of the built-up dirt and grime. And always take care of stains when they happen so they do not actually become a permanent stain.

What is the difference between vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Luxury vinyl is more durable and generally advertised as lasting up to 25 years when well maintained. Standard sheet vinyl flooring is usually seen as a bargain flooring material, and it does nothing to improve real estate value.

Do you have to have underlayment for vinyl plank flooring?

In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. Another reason underlayments may be suggested for vinyl flooring is if the vinyl flooring type is thin.

Will mold grow under vinyl flooring?

Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.

Does humidity affect vinyl plank flooring?

Humidity can take its toll on your vinyl plank flooring. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer. You may be able to find a relatively inexpensive one that will save you the cost of replacing your flooring later on. The humidity should range between 35 and 55% or whatever your flooring manufacturer suggests.

Do you need moisture barrier under vinyl flooring?

Typically, moisture barriers are needed when vinyl flooring is installed on top of a concrete subfloor or crawl space.

Can I use Swiffer wet on vinyl floors?

Swiffer wet cloths are designed to be used on most floor surfaces, such as: vinyl.

Why is vinyl flooring unhealthy?

Due to the materials used in the production process of vinyl, it will sometimes emit various levels of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time.

Can you put rugs on vinyl plank flooring?

Why you need a rug pad for a vinyl floor. Place a rug on any hard surface and it will slip and bunch up. Vinyl flooring is no exception. If you don't put a non-slip rug pad under a rug that sits on vinyl flooring, you'll end up having to straighten it out just about every time you walk past it.

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