Are you ready to transform your floors? Want to do it without breaking the bank? Vinyl flooring is your best option.
When it comes to vinyl flooring there are a lot of options. The Reno Superstore wants to simplify your choice. After all, knowing what your options are is vital to any type of flooring renovation.
Here, we will discuss vinyl flooring in detail so you can make an informed choice. This will include the different types of vinyl planks, your thickness and wear layer options, and what the most popular vinyl flooring is right now.
Let’s begin.
What Is Vinyl Flooring? (Main Plank Types)
Q: What gives vinyl flooring its impeccable designs and waterproof quality? A: A synthetic material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
These planks come with a fibreglass base layer coated in PVC and a plasticizer which is printed and embossed with a printed layer. This is why vinyl flooring is able to mimic so many materials so accurately. Need porcelain tile or hardwood-style flooring at a low cost? Vinyl is your best solution.
There are many different vinyl plank options. These include peel and stick, luxury, composite (WPC) and stone-plastic composite (SPC). At first glance they may look very similar, but there are key differences.
Here are three main types:
- LVP or Luxury Vinyl Planks are both popular and waterproof. Their rigid construction makes them durable. You can also find a stick-and-peel variant. Their designs are very realistic, and they have a tough wear layer. Ideal for moderate to high foot traffic.
- WPC or Waterproof Vinyl Planks are 100% waterproof. They usually have a four-layer construction that offers improved stability. They are also soft underfoot and ideal for high to moderate foot traffic.
- SPC or Rigid Core Vinyl Planks is a luxury vinyl that offers 100% waterproofing. Similar to WPC, it differs in its construction layer. SPC refers to its stone-plastic composite core, which makes it almost indestructible. However, because of this quality, it does not offer much warmth or softness like WPC planks. They are ideal for high traffic commercial areas.
Renovating your office or home? If you have a limited budget, consider the alternatives and how their features may suit your space.
Now that you have some idea as to what vinyl flooring is all about, let’s examine other factors.
How thick should vinyl flooring be?
Thicker is better when it comes to engineered hardwood flooring. This used to be somewhat true for vinyl flooring too. However, with modern technology and the introduction of SPC (stone-plastic composite) that has changed slightly.
If you are looking for something incredibly durable in a commercial space such as a gym, lobby, or other high traffic areas, SPC is an affordable solution. The product itself is thin but incredibly durable and allows for faster installation. The dense stone-plastic composite stands up well against denting and helps cover up imperfections in the subfloor.
What is the wear layer?
‘Wear layer’ refers to the durable coating on the flooring’s top layer that helps to protect it. A good wear layer protects your floors from everyday scuffs, dents, stains and scrapes.
Spaces such as living rooms, lobbies and other busy areas of your home need the best protection. A good wear layer and thicker vinyl flooring is the best option. For commercial spaces, choose SPC. SmartDrop vinyl flooring, which looks great and can be laid down quickly, is another good option.
Here is a short guide to wear layer ratings:
- 6 ml (Good): Residential use
- 12 ml (Better): Residential/light commercial
- 20 ml and more (Best): Commercial use/high-traffic environments
Which type of vinyl flooring is most suitable for your home?
At The Reno Superstore, we encourage you to figure out exactly what type of flooring you need. That makes deciding on the right product for your space much simpler. High-quality vinyl flooring is always a good option – and you’ll find it at The Reno Superstore.
Commercial and residential usage is very different. Therefore, depending on the traffic you expect, it is best to install flooring that meets those demands.
- For residential purposes, most types of luxury vinyl are sturdy enough to endure regular wear and tear. Opt for a thicker layer in extremely busy areas or if you have pets and/or children.
- Commercially, WPC and SPC work really well. Since they are both waterproof and extremely tough, they can easily last for several years.
Popular Styles of Vinyl Flooring
Don’t skimp on the quality of the product. After all, flooring is an investment that needs to be considered carefully. Since vinyl is known for its smart designs, here are some popular styles to watch out for.
- Faux Wood Vinyl
If you love hardwood flooring but hate how expensive it is and the amount of maintenance it requires, try vinyl flooring. With modern inking solutions, modern LVT is as real as it gets.
From different colours, textures and finishes, vinyl flooring does not disappoint. Good quality vinyl is so realistic that it’s often hard to tell the difference.
- Stone Look Vinyl
Love porcelain tiles or marble? Stone designs in vinyl are also popular because of their attractive price points.
You can choose concrete, marble, travertine and other popular stone-look vinyl that is perfect for both homes and offices. There are of course endless possibilities in terms of designs and styles.
- Decorative Vinyl Planks
Perhaps this is why vinyl planks are often compared to decorative linoleum flooring. The two styles look similar but are quite different.
If you like something quirky or prefer geometric designs, the options are endless. No matter your style, you are sure to find something that you love.
Installation Styles
Vinyl flooring can be installed in a variety of ways, depending on your needs.
- Interlocking Style
This is similar to the tongue-and-groove method usually found in solid hardwood floors. In this method, the planks are locked together via an interlocking system that creates a floating floor. They do not stick to the subfloor, but the weight of the floor helps to hold it in place.
- Loose Lay Style
In this type of installation, each plank has a backing that grips the subfloor to prevent it from moving. This method does not use any glue to keep them in place. This type of flooring is best for areas that experience light traffic.
SmartDrop vinyl flooring from Fuzion is a popular new type of loose-lay luxury vinyl plank. It can be installed quickly and is perfect for any type of subfloor
- Glue Down Style
This type of flooring is more permanent and offers a more secure hold on your subfloor. It is most suited to high traffic areas or commercial spaces. This method requires an intensive amount of labour and expertise.
Getting the Right Help
Installing new flooring is an investment. But how do you select the right renovation company?
It’s best to hire professional installers (like us), but it is not uncommon for DIY enthusiasts to do the job themselves.
The easiest installation methods are the loose lay and interlocking styles, but these still require experience so your attempts don’t go astray. Choosing the right professional is a better idea, especially if you’ve never done it before. This avoids subpar installation and future issues that necessitate repairs.
Vinyl flooring is a great budget-friendly option that works for a wide array of spaces, from commercial to residential. It also presents a vast array of designs. It is a tough, affordable material and a great choice. At The Reno Superstore, we make sure our customers only pay fair prices. We also sell the best brands and offer the best customer experience. Get in touch with us to create your dream home for less.