Vinyl is the most prevalent form of resilient flooring because it is low-maintenance, water-resistant, cost-effective, and long-lasting (including linoleum and cork). It also offers the perfect balance of rigidity and “give,” meaning it springs back slightly as you walk on it, providing a comfortable underfoot feel. In addition, vinyl now comes in a wide choice of high-quality, elegant finishes, thanks to recent technological advancements.
However, there are certain disadvantages to vinyl wood flooring. So, if you’re thinking about installing vinyl, keep reading. We’ve outlined the essential benefits and drawbacks of vinyl wood flooring, including installation and removal so that you can make the best choice for your house.
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What Is Vinyl Wood Flooring?
You may already be aware of these facts, but we want to make sure you have all the knowledge you need to comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of vinyl plank flooring fully.
So, what exactly is vinyl plank flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is made up of numerous layers of synthetic material. It’s available in planks, exactly like hardwood, although it’s mostly comprised of PVC (a type of plastic).
The most common vinyl plank flooring has three layers. From the bottom to the top, they are:
- A foundation and underfoot feel, provided by the core or base layer. Depending on the product, it might be rigid or flexible.
- A pattern or design layer determines the vinyl plank’s appearance and feel. This layer can be made to look like natural wood, tile, stone, or almost anything else.
- A wear or surface layer protects the vinyl plank from deterioration like UV fading. This layer has a translucent background.
Many of the most incredible vinyl wood flooring options contain one or even two extra layers to help with soundproofing and underfoot feel, among other things.
Pros
Resilient
vinyl wood flooring is noted for its structural integrity. This implies that most vinyl wood flooring is water-resistant, low-maintenance, and has a long lifespan. If it includes a wear layer, vinyl wood flooring will usually not discolor and will resist a lot of wear and tear, making it a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas. You won’t have to worry about spills or messes, and cleaning the floor with a wet/dry vacuum or a mop is a breeze. Some manufacturers make 100% waterproof vinyl floors, ideal for bathrooms and mudrooms.
Nothing Can Damage Vinyl It, Not Even Pet Accidents!
Accidents and scratching are the most common ways for pets to damage floors, as we all know. Of course, you could buy Douglas fir flooring, which is easily refinished, but what’s the purpose if Riley or Oscar will scratch it and, dare we say, urinate all over it? Don’t put yourself through the torture. There’s a more practical option!
Vinyl plank flooring can withstand years of pet aggression and still look great.
Furthermore, because vinyl plank has a non-porous surface, it does not readily absorb scents. Compared to hardwood or even cork, this can make a significant difference. There aren’t many drawbacks to cork flooring, but when dogs are involved, all bets are off.
Comfortable
Compared to other flooring materials such as hardwood or stone, vinyl wood flooring provides a softer and more “padded” feel underfoot, thanks to its layered composition. These layers also serve to insulate the floor and aid in the maintenance of a steady temperature throughout the year. Vinyl can also offer soundproofing properties, which can be beneficial in reducing both noise and echo in a given space, making them perfect for studios.
Vinyl Wood Flooring Flooring Installation Is Relatively Easy
As the industry has progressed, vinyl wood flooring has become more DIY-oriented. While vinyl used to only be available in giant, bulky sheets, today’s tiles, and planks can be installed without the need for cutting or hammering. In addition, most high-end manufacturers now provide “self-adhesive” vinyl, which only requires the removal of the backing and installation on prepared flooring.
11 Common Hardwood Flooring Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Vinyl Floors Are Affordable
When compared to wood floors, which may cost up to $10 per square foot, and carpeting, which costs between $3 and $5.50 per square foot, luxury vinyl flooring is a steal. In addition, vinyl is less expensive to clean and maintain than other forms of flooring, so your savings don’t stop there. If you’re on a tight budget, sheet vinyl is the most cost-effective solution.
Cons
Vinyl Wood Flooring Cannot Be Refinished
Because vinyl wood flooring is made out of a single wear layer atop a design layer, it cannot be refinished like other types of flooring. Therefore, once a floor has been damaged, it must be replaced entirely, either in the afflicted regions or throughout the entire floor. This is especially relevant to low-quality vinyl sheets.
Vinyl Wood Flooring Does Not Always Add to Resale Value
For the most part (though not always), Vinyl floors do not affect the resale value of a home or structure. However, low-quality vinyl floors, particularly older ones, may negatively impact. Although vinyl plank flooring is adaptable, it will never be as good as natural wood. Despite the prevalence of vinyl, hardwood remains the most popular and desired flooring option. If you’re hoping to improve the resale value of your home, vinyl wood flooring might not be the best option. According to the National Association of Realtors, up to 54% of home buyers are ready to spend a higher price for a property with hardwood floors.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on new flooring, we recommend going with premium luxury vinyl planks and keeping the flooring style similar throughout the house.
Vinyl Wood Flooring Not Environmentally Friendly
vinyl wood flooring is made with harmful chemicals, and it has been reported that vinyl floors produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (volatile organic compounds) after installation. VOCs that have been off-gassed can be harmful to one’s health, and a closed environment, especially one without windows or ventilation, will result in higher amounts. We recommend avoiding high-VOC vinyl wood flooring instead of a low-VOC option if this is a problem for you.
Vinyl Wood Flooring Can Be Tough to Remove
Once the vinyl’s adhesive backing has hardened to the floorboards, removing the glue from the floor is difficult. Fortunately, removing vinyl wood flooring does not necessitate the use of special tools or techniques; all that is required is a little elbow grease.
Older Vinyl Wood Flooring Was Made with Asbestos
If you have vinyl in your home from the 1980s or earlier, it almost certainly contains asbestos, linked to various serious ailments, including cancer. However, if your flooring is in good shape (i.e., no cracks or scoring), asbestos is unlikely to be discharged, and you need not be concerned about health dangers. If you’re thinking about removing and replacing an old vinyl floor or want to know if asbestos is present, you may buy an at-home asbestos testing kit or contact an expert to test your property. If asbestos is discovered, you must get the hazardous flooring removed by a professional; do not attempt to tear it up yourself.
Conclusion
Vinyl wood flooring is an ideal choice for everyday homes or low-cost upgrades. Depending on the style, this floor might provide a natural wood appearance for a fraction of the cost. Aside from the cost, vinyl wood flooring is also simple to install and maintain.
It may not have the market value of hardwood or the durability of a tile floor, but it will survive for decades.
So, what are your thoughts? Are you still considering vinyl wood flooring for your home now that you know the benefits and drawbacks? Tell us in the comments section below. Please share this post with your friends before you leave. Once again if you had any questions regarding vinyl wood flooring don’t hesitate to contact us!
Source:
What Are the Pros And Cons Of Vinyl Plank Flooring?. (2018, September 10). Bestlaminate Blog.
https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-vinyl-plank-flooring/.
7 Vinyl Flooring Pros And Cons Worth Considering – Bob Vila. (2019, February 28). Bob Vila.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/vinyl-flooring-pros-and-cons/.
