Simple Guide to Types of Vinyl Flooring in Mississauga

Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring material for a variety of reasons. However, if you are a first-timer when it comes to selecting the right flooring, you may have many questions.

And that is why Super Choice, one of the best flooring stores in Mississauga, has created this short guide to the basics of vinyl flooring.

Which is best for your home or office? Let’s find out.

Which Is the Ideal Type of Vinyl Flooring for You?

Before we discuss the various types of vinyl flooring, let’s get familiar with what it actually is.

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is synthetic flooring whose primary components include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticizers, and pigments. It is a popular choice among homeowners due to its affordability and resistance to moisture. Indeed, the surface won’t get damaged even when exposed to water for a prolonged period of time. This makes it a great option for kitchens and bathrooms, although it is ideal for other rooms too, including bedrooms and living rooms.

Here is why vinyl flooring is a good choice for your home or office:

1. It is affordable: Though the price will vary depending upon its quality and style, vinyl is still less expensive than many other flooring options.
2. It comes in a wide range of finishes: Vinyl flooring’s realistic appearance mimics natural elements like wood and stone, making it a favourite among many homeowners. Indeed, it can closely resemble hardwood, marble, or ceramic floors and comes in several colours, patterns, and textures to fit your personal style.
3. It is highly durable: Its combination of wear layers and protective finishes make vinyl flooring extremely durable. In fact, it is able to withstand heavy furniture being moved around and high foot traffic without developing dents or scratches.
4. It is low maintenance: Regular cleaning with any commercial vinyl floor cleaner using a damp mop is enough to keep it looking spotless. In case of harsh stains, DIY cleaning treatments like acidic vinegar or nail polish can be of help.
5. It is waterproof: Vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, which makes it ideal for rooms that experience moisture on a regular basis, like kitchens and bathrooms.
6. It is easy to install: Vinyl tiles and planks can be installed on a dry, level area after peeling off their adhesive. However, it is recommended that you hire a professional installer the first time.

Now that you have an idea about vinyl flooring and its benefits, let’s find out which type will be most suitable for your home.

There are three types of vinyl flooring:

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a modern type of vinyl flooring, quite popular for both residential and commercial spaces. It comprises several layers and is able to withstand high traffic.

The top wear layer is resistant to scratches and stains. Below it is the high-quality print design layer; it looks just like natural materials like wood and stone. Below these are the backing layer of cork or foam and a waterproof layer.

Why choose this one? This form of vinyl tile flooring is scratch-resistant and resilient to wear and tear. It mimics natural elements like wood or stone, and most LVTs have soundproofing and waterproofing properties.

2. Vinyl Planks

Vinyl planks are often mistaken for hardwood flooring. They are available in strips or planks in various styles. For example, you can select from hickory or oak-style vinyl flooring to match your home decor.

When installing vinyl plank flooring, be aware of the thickness of its wear layer. This is the top layer of durable coating that covers and protects the floor. The thicker the wear layer is the better it is for high traffic areas.

Why choose this? Vinyl planks offer the look of hardwood flooring at affordable rates.

3. Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl comes in, naturally, large sheets. It is made of PVC resins, solvents, and pigments which makes it waterproof and highly resistant to moisture. Sometimes the layers are covered and protected with a UV urethane finish that makes this flooring ideal for heavy traffic.

Why choose this? Sheet vinyl is an excellent choice for floor installation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements as it is waterproof.

Vinyl flooring is a great, affordable flooring option. Whether you plan to install it at home or in your office, it will not disappoint. However, remember that it is important to select the right type and quality. This guide will surely help you get started. You can also ask the experts at Super Choice Carpet and Hardwood to help select the best option for your needs.