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Updated on July 14, 2023

Planning guide

Everything You Need to Know About Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is not what it used to be! Vinyl flooring has evolved more than any other flooring in the last 10 years. It is now available as sheets or planks, and is an excellent choice for kitchen or bathroom floors.

Please click on the closed captioning icon at the bottom of the video player to watch with English subtitles.

Things To Consider When Choosing Vinyl Flooring

Price
Vinyl flooring is an affordable, inexpensive flooring option.
Installation
Installation require an intermediate level of skill and effort.
Maintenance
Care and maintenance of vinyl flooring is easy.
Durability
It is one of the more durable flooring option.
Water Resistance
Vinyl floor is very water resistant.

Why Choose Vinyl Flooring for Your Home?

Vinyl flooring is one of the most inexpensive types of flooring for your home. In fact, it may cost up to 70% less than other types of flooring depending on its wear surface. Vinyl is highly resilient even in areas of high foot traffic as well, ensuring that your investment goes far. It Is also moderately easy to install, versatile, low maintenance, and resistant to water and staining. It’s hard to go wrong with vinyl!
SHOP ALL VINYL FLOORING
Kitchen with vinyl flooringBathroom with fake wood vinyl flooringLight grey modern vinyl flooringBasement with vinyl flooring

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is an attractive, versatile and durable floor covering option that can provide a look of luxury, but it has both advantages and disadvantages. 

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Easy to maintain
  • Inexpensive
  • Comes in a variety of textures, colours, and patterns
  • Easy to install
  • Durable
  • Suitable for all rooms (even basements) 

Cons

  • Poor quality vinyl can turn yellow over time
  • Can be difficult to repair

About Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is available in tiles, planks, or sheets. The best vinyl flooring type for you will depend on your budget, the installation space, your desired installation process, and how you want the finished floor to look.

Vinyl Tiles

Get the look of modern stone or ceramic at a much more affordable price with vinyl tile flooring. Vinyl tiles usually come as 12” by 18” squares for a uniform appearance. They are waterproof and can be installed anywhere in your home. Self-adhesive tiles are easier to install, while precision-cut tiles are easier to replace if they become damaged.

Vinyl Planks

Vinyl planks are a popular alternative to traditional wood flooring as they mimic the look of wood at only a fraction of the cost. They range from 36” to 48” in length and 6” to 18” in width. Vinyl planks are also waterproof, but sealing the gaps is essential for preventing moisture seepage.

Vinyl Sheets

The most versatile option, vinyl sheet flooring is available in a wide variety of designs, from geometric tiles to dark hardwood. It comes in 12’ widths and installs using several different adhesive methods. It is an excellent option in the bathroom and other humid areas.

Different Finishes Available

In addition to choosing the colour and pattern of your vinyl flooring, you’ll also have to pick the finish (also known as the wear layer or surface coating). As a general rule of thumb: the thicker the coating, the more durable the flooring.

There are 3 main types of vinyl flooring finishes to choose from:

  • Vinyl no-wax, which is suitable for clean and light-traffic areas.
  • Urethane, which is suitable for areas that see normal to heavy foot traffic, as it is resistant to scuff marks and scratches as well as easy to clean.
  • Enhanced urethane, which is suitable for heavy traffic areas due to its high-quality, lustrous surface coating and excellent resistance to stains and scratches.
Different layers of a vinyl plank

Other Aspects to Consider

When it comes time to choose and purchase vinyl flooring, consider the following:

  • Thickness. Vinyl thickness ranges from 1.2 mm to 5 mm. The thicker the vinyl, the better it will hide subfloor imperfections.
  • Underlayment. Options with built-in underlayment are available; otherwise, you'll need to purchase an underlayment in addition to the vinyl. To prevent stability and installation problems, make sure the vinyl underlayment thickness does not exceed 1.5 mm.
  • Wear layer thickness. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring will be. The wear layer protects the floor from scratches and stains. It also makes cleaning easier.
  • Edge finishing. Vinyl planks come with square or beveled edges. Beveled planks tend to produce a more realistic look.
  • Type of installation. Planks are available with a multi-sided interlocking system (more resistant) or a single-sided click system (can move as products expand with temperature changes).
  • Presence of phthalates. Make sure that the flooring you choose does not contain phthalates (these chemicals were previously used to make vinyl more flexible) so as not to affect the air quality of your home.
  • Buy extra. Buy 10% more material than the ground surface to compensate for trimmings and wasted pieces.
  • Subfloor condition. Check for moisture in the subfloor and make sure it is level within ¼" in a 10' radius.
  • Subfloor type. Vinyl plank flooring can be installed above or below grade on most surfaces, including concrete and tile. However, do not install vinyl over carpet or laminate floors. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Vinyl basement flooring with ECO logo

Opt for an Eco-Friendly Floor Covering

Choose from our selection of certified floor coverings that emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To select a flooring that's better for the environment and produces fewer chemicals, simply look for the ECO logo!
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Pro Tip

Vinyl plank flooring does not require acclimatization if stored properly. All you have to do is store the planks horizontally in a dry place, away from sunlight.

Vinyl Flooring Maintenance

While vinyl flooring is very durable and easy to care for, it does still need some simple maintenance. All it takes is a few easy steps:

  • Clean your flooring regularly. A simple routine sweep using a damp cloth will keep the vinyl looking like new. Clean up spills when they occur, but don’t worry about the floor becoming warped.
  • Protect the flooring from furniture. The easiest way to prevent scratches on your new vinyl flooring is to use furniture pads on all tables, chairs, sofas, and other pieces of furniture sitting on top of it.
  • Minimize sunlight exposure. The sun’s harsh UV rays can cause fading or damage to your vinyl flooring. Blinds, rugs, and floor mats can all offer good protection.

DIY or Hire the Professionals?

Follow our easy step-by-step guide to learn how to install vinyl flooring yourself. Out of time? Our team of experts is at your disposal to carry out a perfect installation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR INSTALLATION SERVICES

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Everything You Need to Know About Laminate Flooring

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