Vinyl floors are floor tile is made from a synthetic cousin of linoleum, vinyl flooring is water-and stain-resistant, versatile, and provides good durability for the cost. Vinyl floor tiles are a popular option among homeowners, particularly in kitchen and bathroom applications.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

There are two types of vinyl flooring: sheet flooring, in which the flooring material is laid down in sheets 6 or 12 feet wide, and tile flooring, which uses tiles of 9″x9″ or 12″x12″. While sheet flooring is more water-resistant and is easier to install, many homeowners prefer vinyl tile, which replicates the look of a ceramic tile floor at a more affordable cost.

A vinyl tile floor is often installed in commercial settings where high traffic is a constant, or where a clean or static-free environment is desired. It can also be a versatile and cost-effective choice for any household. In the home, vinyl tile flooring is often used where a significant amount of moisture is expected. It is also frequently used in remodels to replace higher maintenance flooring, like carpet.

The makeup of a vinyl tile floor is made in one of two ways. Inlay vinyl tile has multiple layers of the same colored vinyl that are fused together. With inlay tile, the color or pattern goes all the way through to the backing. This is a plus because the color will be the same, even if a layer or two wears away.

Advantages of Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is durable and stands up well to heavy foot traffic. It is comfortable underfoot and reduces noise, which can be important for owners with kids or pets. It is also less expensive than many other flooring options and is easy to install and maintain. Vinyl flooring comes in a broad range of colors and patterns to match every decor, including a variety of lifelike wood grains.

Vinyl Floor Installation

The key to the successful installation of vinyl flooring lies beneath the flooring itself. Vinyl tiles require an extremely smooth surface because any flaws and imperfections will show through as bumps and indentations on your floor. Usually, the best subfloor is a layer of well-sanded plywood.