Vinyl flooring

What is vinyl flooring?

We hear about them on many TV shows, read about them online, and sellers recommend them to us - vinyl floor panels, vinyl, or vinyl tiles! What are they and why have they gained so much publicity? Is it just linoleum, or perhaps just PVC floor panels? How do vinyl panels with a hard mineral core differ from flexible LVT?

A vinyl panel is a multi-layered floor covering made of plastic. Depending on the manufacturer, it can vary in thickness, utility class, design, installation method, and some properties. The most important features common to all vinyl floor panels are water resistance and very good thermal conductivity, which makes this product a very effective solution for underfloor heating.

Vinyl flooring, initially designated only by the abbreviation LVT (luxury vinyl tiles), appeared on the European market a dozen or so years ago. The first generation, made of 100% PVC, gained great popularity in Belgium and the Netherlands. Thanks to its functional features, it worked perfectly in houses with garden access. Vinyl floor panels proved to be a good alternative to wooden flooring; glued to the subfloor, they are very quiet and comfortable to use.

The most important advantages of vinyl panels

Water resistance is the most important advantage that has made vinyl flooring so popular. We are not talking about increased moisture resistance, as in the case of many laminate floor panels currently on the market, but complete water resistance. Vinyl flooring can be immersed in water without any effect on its dimensions or functional properties. Thanks to this, vinyl flooring can be laid in various rooms, including living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and even bathrooms. In addition, water resistance helps maintain cleanliness. Therefore, this type of flooring can successfully replace not only wood but also ceramic tiles.

Underfloor heating efficiency due to good thermal conductivity. Underfloor heating with vinyl panels is a combination that ensures good energy utilization, and thus low heat loss. This is especially important today, when energy prices are soaring. Thanks to vinyl panels, we can save a significant amount each year. So, if you are interested in underfloor heating, it is worth comparing the R-value; vinyl flooring has similar parameters in this case to ceramic tiles or stoneware.

Vinyl panels are quiet! Anyone who has used floor panels in the past knows how annoying hollow footstep sounds can be with floating floors. Vinyl flooring, thanks to its multi-layered structure and high density, perfectly absorbs reflected sounds, creating a friendly, quiet space in your home.

How do mineral core vinyl panels differ from others available on the market?

Mineral core vinyl flooring is a product developed by Arbiton's technologists. Years of experience in producing complete flooring systems have earned them the title of true Floor Experts and resulted in the development of HD MINERAL CORE - a high-density mineral core. The technology, enjoyed by many in over 50 countries and proven on millions of square meters, guarantees unique functional features.

Arbiton floors are durable! They can be installed in rooms exposed not only to moisture but also to high traffic. The high density of the core allows for use in any interior. Additionally, it is characterized by high resistance to mechanical damage. The Amaron and Woodric vinyl panel collections also feature an ANTISCRATCH Titanium Nano Layer, which increases scratch resistance by over 30%.

ARBITON flooring allows for up to 200m2 without expansion joints and door profiles! The mineral core is very stable, does not change dimensions under the influence of temperature or humidity, which allows for laying up to 200m2 without additional expansion joints in doorways. Combined with its water resistance and durability, it allows for a uniform floor throughout the house, emphasizing open spaces and optically enlarging rooms in your home. Truly ONE SPACE, ONE FLOOR!

Perfect finishing in every detail! Arbiton products are also extremely soft and pleasant to the touch, thanks to their natural surface structure, previously known only from wood. The new Woodric collection features DESIGN BEVEL - a V-groove that naturally transfers the design from the panel to the joint.

How much do vinyl floor panels cost?

The price of vinyl panels places them in a segment between wood and laminate panels. Vinyl can cost from around PLN 100 to even over PLN 200 per square meter. Everything, of course, depends on the panel manufacturer and the store you visit. Naturally, prices are also a derivative of the quality and functional features of vinyl panels.

How, then, to compare vinyl flooring? What should be paid particular attention to? We suggest starting by comparing the utility class, marked with two digits, e.g., 23 or 32, which is an indicator of the quality of vinyl panels. The first digit indicates the intended use: 2 is for domestic use, and 3 is for commercial use. The second digit indicates the intensity of use; the higher it is, the more resistant the floor will be, even with high traffic. Therefore, class 23 is an designation that allows for even the most intensive use of the floor in domestic spaces, and class 32 for medium-intensive use in commercial settings. The higher the class, the higher the price of vinyl panels we can expect.

Several other factors also influence the price of panels. One of the features is the material; if we are dealing with a noble mineral core, it will be more expensive than 100% PVC. The structure; if we are dealing with a synchronized structure (as in the case of WOODRIC EIR panels), it means a special production process that is more labor-intensive. The V-groove, its quality, and depth also indicate an advanced production process. Finally, the structure and finish of the panels. Enhancements, such as increased scratch resistance, also affect the price.

Methods of installing vinyl panels

Vinyl flooring can be divided into two main categories based on the installation method.

Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring, as the name suggests, are installed by gluing them to the subfloor, providing the quietest and very durable floor, but it is also a very labor-intensive process requiring significant skill. The most important element of installation is the preparation of the subfloor itself, which most often requires a self-leveling compound.

Click Vinyl Flooring are vinyl floors and panels that can also be installed using click systems. Simply put, installing vinyl panels in a floating system means they are not permanently attached to the subfloor, so no adhesive is used. It is worth noting that the subfloor on which we plan to lay a floating vinyl floor does not have to be perfectly level; a standard developer's screed is sufficient. This is one of the many myths that have arisen around floating system installation. Of course, before installation, it should be checked whether the subfloor meets the basic parameters specified in the instructions.

What needs to be remembered is the installation manual, which should be followed when laying floor panels. The subfloor should be vacuumed, and a dedicated Underlay for Vinyl Flooring should be used to support the precisely milled click systems. Choose only underlays intended for LVT panels - this is very important! Arbiton vinyl flooring is recommended for installation with Multiprotec Vinyl Click or Secura Vinyl Click underlays.

Vinyl Flooring with Integrated Underlay are a type of panel installed using click systems, but with an integrated acoustic layer, requiring no additional underlay. This type of product is recommended for domestic use.

The planks are joined together using appropriately profiled click systems. Depending on the collection, these can be 5G, 5Gi, or 2G click systems. Each differs in the way it locks on the short side. This is a simple installation, but it requires some attention.

Vinyl panels vs. laminate panels – what to choose?

When choosing the perfect floor finish, many people wonder what will be a better solution: vinyl panels or laminate? Although both solutions are popular, vinyl panels offer a number of advantages that make them a more functional choice for modern interiors. First and foremost, they are waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or hallways. Additionally, they are highly resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion, which translates to their durability over the years. Unlike laminate panels, which can swell under moisture, vinyl panels retain their appearance and properties even in harsh conditions. If you care about a modern look, user comfort, and longevity – choose Arbiton vinyl panels.

Vinyl panels for kitchens and bathrooms – the ideal solution for damp rooms

Vinyl panels for kitchens and bathrooms are a modern alternative to traditional ceramic tiles. Thanks to their water resistance and resistance to temperature changes and humidity, they are ideal for rooms exposed to water and steam. Unlike wood or laminate panels, which can deform under moisture, Arbiton vinyl panels retain their properties and aesthetics even after many years of use. Additionally, their surface is easy to clean and non-slip, ensuring comfort and safety for household members. If you are looking for a stylish and durable solution for your kitchen or bathroom – choose Arbiton vinyl panels.