Is Vinyl Plank Flooring a Good Choice?

Looking to renovate your floor without having to spend a lot? Well, vinyl plank flooring may be the one to go for. When it comes to flooring, you will have a wide variety of options to choose from. From hardwood to carpet to vinyl to tile, all flooring options have their own set of pros and cons. It is extremely important to carefully study the pros and cons of each flooring option before making the final call. However, if you are looking for an option that is durable, affordable and aesthetically pleasing, vinyl plank is likely to make the cut. This article will tell you everything that you need to know about vinyl plank flooring. 

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What is vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank resembles hardwood to a huge extent. This unique flooring option comes in several stripes, giving you a wide variety of choices. You will find vinyl planks that look like specific wood types such as hickory and oak. The best part about this flooring type is that they are aesthetically pleasing without making it too expensive. 

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Advantages of vinyl flooring

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Vinyl plank flooring comes with a wide range of advantages. Some of the most important pros of this flooring option include:

1. Durability

Vinyl is known for its durability. It is a very versatile flooring option, allowing you to install it in all rooms. Vinyl flooring does not get damaged easily even in wet conditions, making it a perfect choice for bathrooms and kitchen. This water-resistant flooring option is also resistant to scratches. So, if you have pets and kids at home, this is the option to go for. 

2. Low maintenance

Vinyl flooring does not require much maintenance. As a matter of fact, regular sweeping and period vacuum cleaning is all that you need to do to maintain this flooring type. If you want to go for a deeper cleaning, you can use a mop and some warm water. 

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3. Look and feel

A great thing about vinyl flooring is the fact that it comes with an amazing look and feel. The wide variety of vinyl options available in the market will give you enough choice. You are likely to find multiple options that will go well with the interior decor of your house. Want to learn about the benefits of vinyl flooring in a beach house? Click here. 

4. Comfortable

Vinyl flooring is very comfortable to stand on. Though it resembles hardwood in terms of looks, the feel is much softer. You will feel the difference if you stand on the surface for a long period of time. This flooring is also known to stay at room temperature. 

5. Easy on the pocket

Vinyl flooring is an extremely cost-effective option that does not compromise on quality. If you compare the costs with that of actual hardwood, you will find this a very budget-friendly alternative. At the same time, vinyl is better than most cheap flooring options available in the market in terms of quality and longevity. 

6. Easy to install

Vinyl is very easy and cost-effective to install. It can be installed directly on the subfloor without the need for additional processes. 

7. Customizable

If you are looking for a more luxurious option, you may choose to install floor heaters embedded in your vinyl floor. You will also find luxury vinyl tiles for your luxury vinyl plank flooring.

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring

There are certain pointers that you need to keep in mind in regard to vinyl plank flooring. Some of the major disadvantages of this flooring option are:

1. Gets discolored

If your vinyl floor is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, there is a good chance of it getting discolored. This makes vinyl flooring not a great choice for outdoors. 

2. Not eco-friendly

Vinyl plank flooring is not biodegradable.  This flooring option can also not be easily recycled. If you are looking for an eco-friendly flooring option, vinyl plank is not the one to go for. 

3. No resale value

Unlike hardwood flooring, you cannot expect much resale value for vinyl flooring. If you end up selling the house, you will not be able to charge extra for having vinyl flooring. 

4. Not completely damage proof

While vinyl flooring is tough and durable, it is possible to accidentally damage it. If you drop a glass on vinyl, it is likely to cause damage that affects the look and feel of the floor. 

Now that you know the primary pros and cons of vinyl flooring, it is for you to decide if this is the right option to go for. In case you are willing to go for it, why wait? Get in touch with a professional and get a quote for your home renovation today!

Written by Billy Guteng. December 10, 2019

Billy was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture and he supports the KUKUN team as a content provider.