Vinyl flooring

What is Vinyl Flooring?

We hear about them on many TV shows, read about them online, and salespeople recommend them to us - vinyl flooring, vinyl tiles, or just vinyl panels! So, what are they, and why have they become so popular? Are they simply linoleum tile or PVC floor panels?

Vinyl flooring is a multi-layered floor covering made of plastic. Depending on the manufacturer, it can vary in thickness, colour, utility class, design, installation method, and certain properties. The main features of all vinyl floor include water protection and excellent thermal conductivity, making this product an effective solution for underfloor heating.

Vinyl flooring, initially referred to as LVT (luxury vinyl tiles), entered the European market several years ago. The first generation, made 100% of PVC, gained significant popularity in Belgium and the Netherlands. Thanks to their durability and user-friendly features, they were perfect for homes with garden access. Vinyl floor panels proved to be a good alternative to wooden flooring. When glued to the substrate, they are very quiet and comfortable to use.

Main Advantages of Vinyl Flooring:

• water barrier properties: This is the primary reason vinyl flooring have become so popular. We are talking about full water resistant floors, not just moisture resistance like many laminated floor panels available in the market. Vinyl flooring can be immersed in water without any change in its dimensions or user properties. This makes it suitable for various rooms, including living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and even bathrooms. Additionally, its water resistance aids in easy cleaning. This type of flooring can easily replace not only wood but also ceramic tiles.

• Effective Underfloor Heating: Due to good thermal permeability, underfloor heating combined with vinyl flooring ensures efficient energy use and low heat loss.

• Quietness: Those who have used floor panels in the past know the annoying dull sounds of footsteps on a floating floor. Due to their multi-layered structure and high density, vinyl floors excellently absorb reflected sounds, creating a quiet space in your home.

Difference Between Mineral Core Vinyl Flooring and Others

Vinyl flooring with a mineral core is a product developed by the Arbiton brand. Their extensive experience in producing comprehensive flooring systems allowed them to create the HD MINERAL CORE - a high-density mineral core. Their products are durable and can be installed in areas exposed to moisture and high foot traffic. The high-density core allows easy to maintain and for versatile application in every interior.

Cost of Vinyl Flooring: The price of vinyl panels places them between wood and laminated panels. Vinyl prices can range from approximately 30 to over 50 punds per square meter. Of course, the price is also a derivative of the quality and user features of vinyl panels.

How to Install Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl floors can be categorized into two primary groups based on installation styles and methods. The first method is gluing, which ensures the quietest and most durable floor, but it's also labor-intensive. On the other hand, vinyl floor and panels can also be installed using locks. The floating installation system involves panels not being permanently attached to the substrate, eliminating the need for glue. Before installation, make sure to clean the substrate and use a dedicated underlay. Always choose underlays specifically designed for LVT.

In conclusion, vinyl flooring is a versatile, durable, affordable, and aesthetic solution for various spaces. Whether you are considering a home renovation or a new build, vinyl floors offer an array of benefits that are hard to overlook, especially when considering their excellent thermal properties and water shielding.

Installation Techniques for Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring can be divided into two main categories based on the installation method. The first method is glue-down installation, which provides the quietest and most durable of flooring options, but it is also labor-intensive and requires some skill. Alternatively, vinyl flooring can also be installed using a click-lock system. To put it simply, floating vinyl flooring installation means that the panels are not permanently attached to the subfloor and do not require any adhesive. It's worth noting that the subfloor doesn't have to be perfectly level; a standard developer's screed will suffice. This dispels one of many myths that have sprung up around floating system installation. Of course, before installing, it's crucial to check if the subfloor meets the basic parameters outlined in the instructions.

What you must remember is to follow the installation guidelines when laying down your vinyl panels. It's essential to vacuum the subfloor and make sure to use a dedicated underlayment, which supports the precisely milled locking system. Always choose underlays that are specifically designed for LVT—this is crucial! Arbiton vinyl flooring is recommended for installation with Multiprotec Vinyl Click or Secura Vinyl Click underlays.

Panels are connected using specially designed locking systems. Depending on the collection style, these can be 5G, 5Gi, or 2G locks, each differing in the way they close on the short side. Installation is straightforward but requires a bit of attention.

How Much Does Vinyl Flooring Cost?

The cost of vinyl flooring places it in a segment between wood and laminate panels. Vinyl flooring can cost from around 30 to even over 200 Pounds per square meter. The cost, of course, depends on the manufacturer and the store you choose to shop at. Prices are also a derivative of the quality and user features of vinyl flooring.

So, how should you compare vinyl flooring? What should you pay special attention to? We suggest starting by comparing the utility class, marked with two digits, like 23 or 32; this is an indicator of vinyl panel quality. The first digit indicates the purpose, with 2 for residential use and 3 for commercial use. The second digit signifies the intensity of usage: the higher it is, the more resistant the floor will be, even under heavy foot traffic. A rating of 23 means that the floor can handle even the most intense residential usage, while 32 means moderate commercial use. The higher the class, the more you can expect to pay for your vinyl flooring.

The price is also influenced by several other factors. One aspect is the material; if we are dealing with a noble core made of minerals, it will be more expensive than 100% PVC. The structure, especially if it features a synchronized texture like in the WOODRIC EIR panels, implies a special production process that is more labor-intensive. The quality and depth of the bevel, also attest to a more advanced production process. Lastly, the structure and finish of the panels also affect the price, as do enhancements such as increased scratch resistance.

In conclusion, vinyl flooring offers a host of benefits, from water barrier properties and thermal efficiency to ease of installation and aesthetic versatility. Whether you're interested in residential or commercial applications, it's worth considering vinyl flooring as a durable, practical, and beautiful option for your space. 

The Versatility of Vinyl Flooring in Different Spaces

One of the spaces that often benefit from the resilience of vinyl flooring is the kitchen. Kitchen vinyl flooring provides a practical solution against everyday spills and wear, especially with its water-resistant properties. Gone are the days when homeowners fretted about accidental water spills ruining their floors. With vinyl, you get a layer of protection that most traditional flooring materials can't offer.

Beyond the kitchen, there are a multitude of vinyl flooring options available for every room in your home. Thanks to advancements in manufacturing, the appearance and texture of vinyl have evolved significantly. While it's made from synthetic materials, modern vinyl can closely mimic the warm appeal of a wooden floor, the intricate patterns of stone, or even the unique character of ceramic tiles.

For homeowners keen on a touch of opulence without breaking the bank, luxury vinyl flooring is the answer. It offers the aesthetics of more expensive materials without the hefty price tag, making it an affordable alternative for those wanting to revamp their spaces. Whether you're swapping out dated tiles or transitioning from carpet, new vinyl flooring seamlessly blends style with function, offering a transformative upgrade to any room.

If you're a fan of traditional wooden aesthetics but dread the maintenance it requires, vinyl flooring is here to save the day. It combines the classic appearance of wood with the durability of modern materials. So, while it may look and even feel like a wooden floor underfoot, you won't have to stress about scratching it or staining it.

Making the Switch to Vinyl Flooring

When it comes time to select new flooring, homeowners and businesses alike must consider several factors – from costs and installation to longevity and maintenance. Vinyl flooring, with its myriad of options and benefits, often emerges as a top contender in these considerations. Moreover, as environmental consciousness grows, manufacturers are also taking steps to produce vinyl in more eco-friendly ways, making it a choice that’s both smart and sustainable.

In conclusion, whether you’re refurbishing a quaint, vintage home, setting up a new commercial space, or just giving your home a makeover, vinyl provides a solution that is both stylish and practical. Its adaptability to various styles and settings, combined with its resilience, makes it a top choice for modern-day flooring needs.

More about Vinyl flooring options

In the realm of home renovations, other vinyl flooring options have gained momentum, especially among homeowners looking to strike a balance between style and affordability. While cheap vinyl flooring can offer a cost-effective solution, it's essential to research the vast array of flooring types available in the market. The right vinyl not only complements the aesthetics of a house but also aligns with the latest trends. With so many styles at one's disposal, it's easier than ever to infuse personality into every corner of the home, ensuring both functionality and flair.