Vinyl flooring is a durable and waterproof multi-layer floor covering based on PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This type of flooring is called differently: vinyl floor, vinyl tile, vinyl laminate, PVC tile, quartz-vinyl tile, quartz-vinyl laminate, LVT (luxury vinyl tiles - this is the name popular in the USA), etc. In fact, it is all the same.

Vinyl floors in a modern form appeared relatively recently. Now vinyl floors are actively gaining their place in residential and public buildings, and their market share is increasing due to unique characteristics, such as original look and simple maintenance. Professional tile cleaning can literally restore the tile's original look. Let us take a closer look at what it is and what kind of vinyl floors.

The structure of vinyl floors

This is a multi-layer flooring, as a laminate. The number of layers in the structure may vary depending on the manufacturer. But be sure to have:

a base made of PVC, which can be reinforced with fiberglass or by adding quartz sand (hence the common name quartz vinyl tile appeared) - it is responsible for strength, helping to avoid dents from furniture legs or heels;

the decorative layer, which is responsible for the appearance;

a protective layer that provides wear resistance of the coating and easy care.

The appearance of vinyl floors

One of the main advantages of vinyl floors is its diversity and unlimited design possibilities. Vinyl flooring Sydney can imitate various types of wood (oak, ash, pine, walnut). And such a wealth of shades is not always available even in the lines of parquet boards, various types of stone (slate, travertine, marble, etc.), tiles, concrete, Textiles and other textures.

In texture, vinyl floors can also be smooth, embossed, with roughness, wicker. One of the most spectacular vinyl surfaces is embossed in the register. This means that the surface texture completely matches the pattern of the decorative layer. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve the most accurate imitation of a parquet board or stone tile.

They also differ in the degree of brilliance: from completely matte to deep glossy.

Vinyl floors are easy to cut; you can also combine ready-made modules of various shapes directly on the site; this gives ample opportunity to implement your design ideas.

Types of Vinyl Floors

Vinyl floors vary in several ways.

According to the installation method, vinyl happens:

Glue - fits only on the glue.

Castle - is mounted with the help of castle joints, like a laminate or parquet board.

The format distinguish:

The roll is convenient to use for large areas. The size of the rolls is approximately 2x25 m. Roll vinyl is mounted only on the glue.

The plank is used mainly for vinyl floors with wood decor. Such vinyl is often called a vinyl laminate. The sizes of manufacturers vary, the width is approximately 150-190 mm, length 900-1300 mm.

Tiles are most often found square or rectangular, in designer collections, it is in the form of various polygons that can be combined and create your drawings based on existing modules. Sizes of manufacturers are different.

By designation, vinyl is classified according to abrasion:

Household - 23-31 class, suitable for installation in residential buildings with low load.

Commercial - 32-42 class, suitable for public areas with high traffic (restaurants, cafes, offices, hotels, showrooms, shops, etc.).

They differ in the thickness of the wear-resistant layer and the fire safety class.

Benefits of Vinyl Floors

We talked about the exterior variety, but vinyl floors have many other advantages.

Moisture resistant.

Did you spill something on the floor? There is no cause for concern: the vinyl floor is not afraid of moisture. Feel free to put it in the kitchen and even in the bathroom.

Wear-resistant.

The upper polyurethane layer protects the surface of vinyl floors from abrasion, scratches, burnout, so the floor looks like new for a long time. Depending on the class and intensity of use, vinyl flooring can last up to 20-25 years.

Durable and resilient.

Vinyl floors are quite rigid and at the same time, flexible. It is pleasant to walk on them because they are slightly "springy," and at the same time, you cannot be afraid of dents from furniture legs, heels or wheelchairs.

Quiet.

The surface of vinyl floors is not as hard as that of a laminate or tile, so it absorbs noise and dampens the sound of steps. This creates acoustic comfort for both you and your neighbors from below.

Warm.

The vinyl floor acts as a heater; it does not pass the cold from the concrete screed and leaves all the heat in the room. So you can walk barefoot on the floor and be calm when children are playing on the floor.

Resistant to temperature differences.

Thanks to this, the vinyl floor can be laid in an unheated room, for example, on the balcony, and it is also suitable for installing underfloor heating.

Non-slip.

Vinyl floors have good anti-slip properties, even if they are wet. This is especially important when there are children or elderly people in the house.

Safe.

Quality vinyl floors from trusted manufacturers are safe for both humans and the environment. They consist of processed raw materials, do not contain and do not emit harmful compounds. Before buying, ask for environmental certificates to make sure that you are purchasing safe material. Besides, harmful microorganisms cannot survive on vinyl floors with the proper level of hygiene, so they are suitable for people with allergies.

Easy to clean.

Enough regular wet cleaning to maintain cleanliness. Vinyl floors do not attract dust, and they are not afraid to spill coffee or red wine - the floors are perfectly cleaned with any neutral detergent.

Antistatic.

You can forget about unexpected electric shocks when touching conductive objects. Therefore, vinyl floors can be safely used for offices, shops and other public spaces.

Mounting

You can choose the installation method and buy the appropriate type of floor: either with a lock connection for laying on a substrate, or vinyl for laying on the glue.

A vinyl floor with a castle connection, like a laminate, is quite simple and quick to lay even on your own. Glue laying is best left to professionals.

Conclusion

Vinyl floors can be laid on any type of foundation: concrete, tiled, wooden, that is, it can be laid on an old floor covering. The main thing is that the base is even (without differences in height), dry and clean.

We provide installation services for vinyl floors. You can contact our service department, and the master will come to your site, look at the base and recommend the best option for flooring and installation method.

If you compare the cost of vinyl tiles and other types of flooring, it turns out that it roughly corresponds to the cost of ceramic tiles and less than the cost of parquet or cork flooring.