Are you looking for the ideal flooring for your new home or renovation? Vinyl plank flooring is a modern solution that will last for decades, and best of all, it looks amazing. Here’s all you need to know about vinyl flooring planks.
What is vinyl plank flooring?
The one thing that vinyl plank flooring is not, is a large vinyl sheet to cover your kitchen. Thinking that modern vinyl plank flooring is the same as linoleum is one of the most common mistakes people make. In fact, aside from both of them being vinyl, plank flooring is nothing like the old vinyl sheet floors you’ll find in many homes.
Vinyl flooring planks are synthetic, made up of three layers that include:
- A core or base that gives the flooring a strong foundation
- A design layer that gives the flooring its visual appeal
- A transparent surface layer that protects the flooring
Some of the more expensive vinyl planks have additional layers that offer more soundproofing or a different feeling as you walk on them. Overall, it’s a great solution for modern homes that want a particular look, but don’t want the hassle or expense of installing hardwood, stone or other types of flooring. Here are the key benefits of vinyl floor planks.
A realistic visual appeal
Have you dreamed of owning a luxurious home with stunning timber floors? Maybe embossed stone is more of your style? Well, how about something that’s even better, but looks just as good? Vinyl plank flooring comes in so many different patterns, designs and textures that you can match it to any home design style. If you’re going for a timber look, you can’t go past vinyl planks.
Unlike old vinyl sheet flooring or linoleum which looked pretty unrealistic, vinyl planks give you an authentic look and feel without the price tag. Whether you want the appearance of timber, marble, stone, decorative tiles or something else, there are vinyl planks that look like the real thing.
Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof
Most vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, making it the ideal solution for any room in the house. It’s particularly popular in ‘wet areas’, such as kitchens and bathrooms, because you can’t damage it like normal timber. Too much water on a hardwood floor and it can swell, rot or stain. That’s not a problem with vinyl planks.
So, if you have a home with clumsy children or pets, this is a terrific option. Spills become a non-issue because you can wipe anything up quickly and easily.
Tough and durable
You might think that because vinyl flooring is mainly PVC that it couldn’t possibly be as strong or durable as a hardwood floor. On the contrary, it’s even more durable. Hardwood floors can be dented and chipped pretty easily, but the protective layer on vinyl plank flooring makes it tougher than most flooring types.
The protective layer also prevents fading from sunlight, making it extremely durable. For a long-term flooring solution that won’t require repairs any time soon, vinyl flooring planks are perfect.
Easy to maintain
The protective layer on top of your vinyl plank flooring isn’t just good for stopping wear and tear. It’s also a gift from above when it comes to cleaning! Think about other flooring types such as carpet. If anything gets spilled, it can be a nightmare to clean. Even harder surfaces like timber floors can be difficult to clean, especially as they get older.
Well, you don’t need to worry about that with vinyl planks. Most of your cleaning can be done with a vacuum or broom. Of course, sometimes you might need to give it a more thorough clean, but you can use a mop to take care of everything. No polishing, waxing or deep cleaning is required.
Cost-effective
Vinyl plank flooring isn’t the cheapest on the market, however, it is considerably more cost-effective than alternatives such as hardwood or stone. Plus, when you factor in the maintenance costs of polishing and sealing hardwood floors in the future, choosing vinyl plank is a no-brainer.
There are cheaper flooring options out there, but none that give the rich visual appeal and easy maintenance that vinyl plank flooring does. Even if you bought top-of-the-range vinyl plank flooring, it would still be cheaper than hardwood and it’s a whole lot more durable.
If you’d like to know more about vinyl plank flooring or any other flooring solutions, contact the friendly team at Find A Floor today. We’re your experts for Sunshine Coast flooring!
