Vinyl
Roll, plank and tile: all about the different vinyls
Vinyl flooring is very popular. These days, this flooring comes in chic and timeless textures as well as finishes, which may include reminiscent of wood species or even marble.
This type of flooring has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity for several years now, because in addition to being pretty, it is also scratch resistant, shock resistant and moisture resistant. It is also soft on the joints since it has a slightly bouncy texture. The difference in comfort with a ceramic is striking!
It can be found in every room of the house: from the basement to the kitchen. And needless to say, it's a far cry from the headache-inducing designs of the 1970s!
Categories of vinyl flooring
There are three main types of vinyl flooring: sheet (roll), plank and tile.
1.Sheet vinyl, also called roll vinyl
It offers the advantage of being very affordable and water resistant. Unlike the aesthetics of the past, today's sheet vinyl mimics the look of wood, but at a fraction of the cost of wood. This flooring is extremely easy to maintain and clean, making it a favorite in playrooms and basements.
Roll vinyl comes in a variety of choices for the underside of the sheet:
- Felt: prized for warmth and comfort, this backing also camouflages the slight unevenness present on the floor. It also helps to soundproof the room where it is installed.
- Vinyl: this type of underlayment is ideal for making a perfect transition between two types of flooring, as it is available in different thicknesses. It's easy to see the difference! However, this type of underlayment is generally less comfortable for the joints than the felted one.
2.Plank vinyl
As the name suggests, these are long planks of varying widths designed to mimic the most popular flooring styles, such as wood flooring. Thicker and more rigid than sheet vinyl, this type of vinyl is more durable and resistant. The additional layers on top provide a finish that helps prevent marks, scratches and stains.
This floor is also popular because it allows for tongue and groove installation options (some models). The surface is waterproof and can even resist damage from standing water. It is a sensible choice for bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
There are two kinds of underlayments for plank vinyl:
- Hard: Plank vinyl with a rigid backside usually does not require a waterproofing membrane unless it is installed in a moisture-prone area.
- Cushioned: This is a more comfortable choice because of its comfort underfoot. This type of underlayment also helps soundproof the room and retain heat. Perfect for cool basements!
3.Tile vinyl
Tile vinyl is very similar to the plank option. The only noticeable difference is its tile-like shape. Because of this, this type of vinyl mimics patterns that look more like porcelain, stone or ceramic, due to the square or rectangular shape.
Advantages and disadvantages of vinyl
One of the disadvantages is that despite the look-alike imitations, vinyl can't compete with real wood for warmth and overall durability. It also can't be sanded to change its color. In addition, this material can be difficult to remove if it has been installed with adhesive. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a product that is childproof, petproof and even resistant to a spilled glass of red wine, you will be pleased with the options offered by the different types of vinyl flooring!
The top trend in 2022
Just like its wood or floating floor counterparts, vinyl floors this year come in lighter tones, like white or blonde oak. Beware of gray floors: they've been seen over and over in real estate flips and are starting to look stale. Use them only if you really like the color! Imitation wood, stone and concrete are also popular.
It's not uncommon these days to find different types of vinyl in every room of a house. Dare this flooring, you won't regret it!