What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring provides an array of options and benefits. All varieties of vinyl planks are made partly from PVC, a durable and long-lasting type of plastic. Those who want to enjoy the luxuries that come with vinyl should consider something like peel-and-stick planks or luxury vinyl planks for a more high-end feel without having to break the bank.
Also, the Rigid core vinyl plank flooring is rising in popularity due to its attention to detail, as it comes in various textural designs. Lastly, waterproof vinyl planks are a great choice for those who live in areas where there may be some moisture issues. There’s a vinyl plank flooring style out there for every style and decors.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Thickness:
- Vinyl Plank flooring is one of the most prevalent and versatile types of flooring on the market today, available in a variety of thicknesses that accommodate a range of budgets, needs and tastes.
- Today, when considering the thickness of a vinyl plank for your space, it’s essential to ensure that the height allows you to match up seamlessly with sub floors without introducing too much transition altitude difference.
- On the other hand, thinner plank flooring offers a reduced cost due to its lighter-weight construction but may wear out quicker.
- Also, in the past, homeowners and businesses looking for sturdier vinyl plank flooring often opted for thicker planks. Underneath your feet, they had more substance and felt denser than most other options. However, introducing stone-plastic composite (SPC) vinyl planks has changed that requirement and assumption.
- Thanks to these ultra-thin but incredibly durable floors, it is now possible to achieve great results without as much thickness. This is because the core of an SPC plank is made from a dense stone-plastic composite which makes it resistant to dents and hides any imperfections in the subfloor.
What is a Vinyl Plank Flooring Wear Layer?
- Vinyl plank flooring has become increasingly popular due to its durability, affordability, and style. But what exactly is a wear layer, and how does it affect the quality of your vinyl plank flooring?
- A wear layer is a clear top coat applied over the printed design layer of your vinyl planks. The primary purpose of the wear layer is to protect the printed design from fading, staining, and scratching. Generally speaking, the thicker the wear layer, the more durable your floors will be in the long run.
- It’s important to note that not all wear layers are created equal. Many companies use acrylic-based urethane as their primary material for manufacturing vinyl planks with higher mill-thickness levels. This type of material has proven to be much more durable than PVC-based urethanes which are often used in cheaper options with lower mil-thickness levels.
- When shopping for vinyl planks, look for products labelled “commercial grade” or “commercial quality” – these usually indicate that they have a thicker, more durable wear layer than standard residential grade options. It’s also essential to look for products certified by third-party organisations, as their certifications indicate that the product meets stringent standards for indoor air quality and safety requirements.
Commercial vs. Residential Vinyl Plank Flooring: Which Suits Best?
Due to its durability and affordability, vinyl plank flooring has become a popular choice for both commercial and residential settings. But when it comes down to the two types of vinyl plank flooring, which should you choose? Let’s break down the differences between commercial and residential vinyl plank flooring so that you can decide which flooring is appropriate.
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- Durability:
The main difference between commercial and residential vinyl plank flooring is its level of durability. Commercial vinyl plank flooring is designed to last longer than residential ones because it must withstand more wear and tear from high foot traffic, heavy furniture moving around, and more frequent cleaning. On the other hand, residential vinyl plank flooring is designed for lighter use in homes or apartments.
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- Appearance:
Another critical difference between the two vinyl planks is their appearance. Commercial grade planks often come in more subtle colours such as greys, tans, whites, and browns to avoid detracting from a business setting. Residential grade planks often come in brighter colours such as blues, greens, reds, purples or even patterns that can add a bit of pop to any room in your home or apartment.
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- Installation Process:
The installation process for each type of vinyl plank also differs slightly. Commercial grade planks are typically installed with glue, while residential grade planks are either floated (not attached directly to the subfloor) or glued depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Both types require special tools, such as tapping blocks and spacers, to ensure proper installation. Still, floating installations may be easier for DIYers since glueing requires more skill and accuracy when laying out each piece correctly.
When choosing between commercial vs residential grade vinyl plank flooring, it’s important to consider your needs before deciding. If you need a durable option that will stand up against heavy foot traffic and frequent cleanings, then commercial grade planks might be your best bet.
But if you’re looking for something with more colour options, then residential grade may be better suited for you. No matter what type you choose, both will provide an affordable solution that looks great no matter where it’s installed!
Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring
With so many types of vinyl planks, it can take time to make sense of them all. But if you look a little closer, there are three distinct categories – Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP), Wood-Plastic Composite Planks (WPC) and Stone-Plastic Composite flooring (SPC). Each has its own unique benefits that could help guide your buying decision!
1. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks):
Luxury vinyl planks are an attractive and cost-effective alternative to traditional hardwood flooring, offering a wide range of benefits that can transform any room in your home.
Luxury vinyl planks, or LVP Flooring, are the preferred choice for many homeowners due to their high-grade construction and durability. Unlike ordinary peel-and-stick varieties, LVP features multiple layers designed to look aesthetically pleasing with a tough wear layer for better performance in high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Additionally, most luxury vinyl plank products boast realistic visuals of wood or stone to offer a more natural feel than other flooring options. Also these planks are also designed to be easy to install while providing the same quality you’d expect from an upscale product.
Thus, investing in luxury vinyl planks can be smart when looking for high-end flooring options with reliable quality and impressive looks.
2. WPC (Waterproof Vinyl Planks):
WPC waterproof vinyl planks are one of the top flooring solutions for those looking for a durable and easy-to-maintain surface in their home. The planks created with wood and plastics are of great value and have floating construction, making them incredibly successful over time!
Furthermore, WPC vinyl planks use less natural resources than other flooring options, meaning you can feel good about your choice afterwards! With these benefits and more, there’s no wonder why WPC waterproof vinyl planks are becoming increasingly popular for households today.
3. SPC (Rigid Core Vinyl Planks):
Flooring is a crucial part of any home or business and must be aesthetically pleasing and durable. SPC rigid core vinyl planks are an excellent option for those looking for an attractive and reliable floor covering—but what makes them so unique?
Rigid core vinyl planks (also known as SPC vinyl flooring) are quickly becoming the go-to flooring option due to their high-performance capabilities, including being 100% waterproof. These planks feature a stone-plastic composite core, providing immense toughness and strength for various purposes.
That means rigid core vinyl planks can handle high traffic levels, commercial areas, and furniture without denting an inch. On the other hand, this ultra-dense core won’t offer much warmth or softness, so keep that in mind when selecting flooring for your home or business.
Styles of Vinyl Planks
Now comes the fun part – selecting your perfect style of vinyl plank flooring! With such a broad range of designs and patterns, you can make this floor complete your space. From timeless wood-look to modern decorative looks – let yourself get creative with limitless possibilities for designing lasting beauty that will wow anyone who steps into the room.
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- Wood-Look Vinyl Planks
Transform your home into a modern masterpiece with our stunning wood-look vinyl planks! This is an ideal option if you desire the elegant, luxurious look of hardwood without any fuss or mess. Plus, choose from shades ranging from warm blondes to deep browns – whatever fits perfectly in your space. Don’t just settle for imitation wood; enjoy natural style and beauty that’ll stay looking amazing through the years.
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- Stone-Look Vinyl Planks
Refrain from settling for standard tile when you can add a timeless and classic look to your flooring with stone-look vinyl planks. With various colours, textures, and stylings available ranging from light beige travertine to dark grey slate – these luxurious designs bring elegance into any home or space. Plus they are easier on the pocketbook than ever before!
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- Decorative Vinyl Planks
Adding a decorative accent to the room can give it character and a unique touch that you can’t get from more traditional looks. Decorative vinyl planks are versatile and easy to install; they come in various styles to perfectly fit your space. Whether you’re looking for bold and bright colours, geometric shapes, or something subtle like metallic accents or stained glass effects, there’s an option that will take your room’s style game up a notch! With these decorative vinyl planks, you’ll have an extra dimension of style that fits perfectly with whatever look you want to create.
How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring has a host of installation options available so you can find the perfect fit for your home. We offer planks designed for four distinct installation types: interlocking, peel and stick, glue down, and loose lay.
Each of these methods offers its own set of advantages that make it suitable for different types of spaces — so no matter what your flooring needs, we have an option for you. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or bathroom, you can trust that vinyl planks can be installed in the best possible manner with our range of installation options.
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- Interlocking:
Interlocking installation is an increasingly popular flooring option as it’s a great way to create a floating floor without having to use glue or nails. All it takes is an understanding of the process, some essential tools like a rubber mallet and utility knife, and you’re good to go!
The lock-in design makes it resistant to water damage, so you won’t have to worry about spills or seepage ruining your subfloor. Aside from being durable and waterproof, vinyl plank interlocking installation also offers impressive sound reduction qualities.
With this flooring in place, you can create a peaceful atmosphere where no one will be disturbed by noise from outside or other rooms.
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- Glue Down:
The glue-down flooring installation method is a versatile solution for situations that require a secure hold, such as permanent and high-traffic areas. This process requires a pressure-sensitive adhesive and involves glueing vinyl planks down individually.
Doing this allows each plank to be fully bonded to the floor below it, allowing for a stronger, more reliable bond across your entire flooring surface. With proper installation, this type of floor can last even in areas with heavy foot traffic.
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- Loose Lay Vinyl
Loose-lay vinyl planks are a convenient option for installing flooring without using glue. Each plank boasts a built-in backing that helps keep it in place, making it ideal for low-traffic residential spaces.
But suppose you’re expecting a lot of footfall in your home or office. In that case, it’s recommended to use double-sided carpet tape around the perimeter and underneath each plank as a different way to secure the planks and prevent shifting. For a more permanent solution, you can always opt to glue down the planks – whichever installation method you choose, loose-lay vinyl is sure to provide long-lasting aesthetic results.
How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring:
Vinyl flooring is a dream for those who dread the idea of cleaning. With no need to worry about difficult maintenance, keeping your vinyl floors looking great requires just a simple vacuum and damp mop!
To make sure it stays that way, just remember: keep an eye on any spills or debris and whisk them away swiftly for long-lasting radiance.