5 Things to Know About Vinyl Flooring

As experienced flooring contractors who have been installing vinyl floors in Toronto and the GTA for decades, we know that home improvement projects like this can come with a lot of questions. If you are considering vinyl flooring, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you make a more informed, fitting choice for your space and your budget.

1. Vinyl Flooring is Affordable

One of the main perks of using vinyl flooring is that it’s incredibly affordable, but doesn’t look cheap. Ask any experienced vinyl flooring installer and they’ll tell you just how stunning high-quality vinyl floors can be. Ranging from $2-$8 per square feet, vinyl is a perfect flooring option for people who are on a budget, but don’t want to sacrifice style. Even the most expensive vinyl will still be up to 65% cheaper than the most expensive hardwood. When making your choice, don’t be afraid to ask an expert so that you know you are getting the best quality for what you spend.

2. Vinyl Flooring is Attractive

This classic material has come a long way since the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s. Today’s vinyl flooring shouldn’t be confused with the dated aesthetic of a generation ago. Whether you want floors that look like tile, stone or hardwood, vinyl is available in a range of styles that beautifully mimic all of these flooring choices. You can use vinyl in a luxe entranceway and still create a sophisticated and breathtaking aesthetic.

3. Vinyl Flooring is Durable

Vinyl flooring was made for high-traffic areas. More than water-resistant, vinyl floors are waterproof, scratch-resistant and can tough it out in the busiest of family homes without being any worse for the wear. The only consideration in choosing where to lay them is avoiding rooms that get a lot of unrestricted and direct sunlight, since vinyl can fade over time the same as hardwood. There are three main finishes you can have on your vinyl flooring, which are given in order of least to most durability: vinyl no-wax, urethane finish, and enhanced urethane finish. The more foot traffic you anticipate in the area you are installing, the stronger the finish should be.

4. Vinyl Flooring is Versatile

There are two main formats of vinyl: sheet and tile (or plank). Sheet vinyl comes in larger sheets to be laid down, while vinyl tiles are laid in smaller sections. Luxury vinyl tiles are the type that mimic the look of stone or wood. They are great for use in an elegant bathroom, a stunning open-concept living space or a rec room for your kids. Vinyl tiles aren’t limited to use on floors – they are frequently installed on vertical surfaces to create amazing accent walls.

5. Vinyl Flooring is Easy To Care For

Although vinyl floors are budget-friendly and known for their durability, they need to be properly cared for. Luckily, you don’t need any special cleaners, sealers or other expensive products post-installation. Keeping the material clean is the only thing you have to do. Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping regularly will help extend the life of your floors. When mopping, try a solution of a few drops of dish soap in water and use a microfibre mop instead of a traditional string mop to avoid leaving water stains.

With all home renovations, it is important to keep in mind that you want to be happy with the choices you make. After all, this is your home and you should be comfortable and content with your space. You want it to bring you joy: not regrets.

Installing new vinyl floors is an easy task, but removing old vinyl can be hazardous if done incorrectly. Originally, vinyl was made with asbestos, potentially turning what you thought would be a weekend DIY project into an unsafe and costly mess. Whether you’re unsure about replacing old vinyl, or want an expert opinion on considering vinyl for the first time, we’re here to help. Take it from one of Homestar’s highest-rated flooring installers in the Greater Toronto

Area: it’s less expensive and less stressful to do a job right the first time. So, make an informed choice. Contact us if you have any questions. The consultation is free and we’re happy to help!