Vinyl flooring (often mistaken for linoleum) is a versatile synthetic flooring material made from a combination of plastic, fibreglass, and PVC. It can be found in various forms, such as sheets, planks, and tiles, and is generally constructed with multiple layers and an underlay or backing for added durability.
Despite not being composed of natural materials, vinyl flooring is designed to replicate the look of natural elements like wood, ceramic, and stone. Thus, it is an affordable flooring alternative to hardwood or natural stone.
Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, requires little maintenance, and is long-lasting. Thus, it can be used in homes, stores, and office buildings that encounter a lot of foot traffic. Moreover, the variety of colour, design and pattern combinations available for vinyl flooring means you are sure to find a perfect fit for your home or office.
However, choosing between sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring can be difficult. To make your decision easier, let’s look at what the experts from our vinyl flooring shop in Vaughan say about each.
Vaughan Vinyl Flooring Shop Breaks Down Sheet and Luxury Vinyl for Your Next Home Upgrade
Here is everything you need to know about sheet and luxury vinyl flooring:
What Is Sheet Vinyl Flooring?
Sheet vinyl flooring or rolls are large, flexible, continuous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets. They are usually made to look like natural stone, tile, or hardwood, but they can also be designed to have bright colours and patterns. These sheets are one of the most affordable types of flooring. They are also 100% phthalate-free with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde emissions to form healthier indoor environments.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring planks (LVP) from Vaughan flooring shops like ours are built with multiple layers that work together for your durability and comfort. These include a backing, a strong core, a stylish design layer, and a UV protective coating. The quality of each layer directly impacts how well the flooring stands up to wear and tear. LVP flooring is constructed in planks to resemble hardwood floors. It is installed using click-lock technology, much like laminate flooring, which makes the process simple and mess-free.
What Is the Difference Between Sheet and Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Although sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl plank flooring are both synthetic flooring materials with similar benefits, they have some key differences.
Vinyl sheets come in single pieces rolled in large rolls. They are glued to the subfloor, which is a time-consuming process. They are usually more durable than LVF and resist scratches and dents better. Moreover, due to the continuous roll of vinyl (instead of single planks), sheet vinyl provides fewer seams on your floor. This makes them good options for rooms with open floor plans.
Due to their cushioning properties, vinyl sheets provide a softer and more comfortable feel underfoot. If you’re looking for high-quality options, come to our vinyl flooring sheet shop in Vaughan for various designs and finishes that fit your needs.
On the other hand, luxury vinyl flooring planks are individual pieces that fit together to create a continuous surface. They require minimal prep work, making DIY projects much easier than sheet vinyl flooring. Additionally, luxury vinyl flooring for Vaughan homes comes in a wider range of styles and colours, including unique fabric looks. This is in addition to the more common stone, wood, and ceramic designs.
What Are the Benefits of Using Vinyl Flooring in Your Home?
Now that you know about the two kinds of vinyl flooring, let’s examine why they might fit your home well. Whether you choose sheets or planks, here are some benefits of getting vinyl:
Affordable Option
Since vinyl flooring is produced synthetically, it is cheaper than getting real hardwood, stone or ceramic floors. Additionally, sheet vinyl in Vaughan is cheaper than vinyl planks since the former is produced in large rolls. Thus, manufacturers can keep costs lower than LVF by minimizing waste and production time.
While prices may vary depending on the brand and quality, choosing a higher-end option ensures better durability and style, making the investment worthwhile.
Water Resistance
Vinyl flooring is an ideal choice for water-prone areas in your home. Composed of waterproof materials like PVC, it effectively resists moisture, making it a perfect fit for spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Its water resistance ensures long-lasting performance where spills and splashes are common.
Comfort
Unlike harder flooring materials like ceramic or stone, vinyl offers a softer surface due to its layered composition (for LVF) and flexible sheets (for sheet vinyl). This makes walking or standing more comfortable for extended periods, making it a great option for rooms where you spend a lot of time on your feet, like the kitchen. Some vinyl sheets also come with extra layers of cushioning, providing additional comfort.
Vinyl floors can also help insulate your floor and keep your home warm in winter. Their layered structure also reduces noises and echoes.
Durability and Longevity
Vinyl flooring is highly regarded for its durability. When installed and maintained correctly with the help of a vinyl flooring sheet store in Vaughan, it has the potential to last 10 to 20 years. This makes it an excellent choice for areas in the home that experience heavy foot traffic. Whether you have a household with children and pets or desire a floor that can withstand daily wear and tear, vinyl flooring ensures quality over an extended period. For areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, you can opt for 100% waterproof vinyl flooring to enhance its practicality and longevity.
Stain Resistance
Thanks to its transparent wear layer, vinyl flooring provides a strong defence against stains. It effectively blocks spills and stains from seeping in, simplifying cleaning and maintenance. It’s an easy-to-maintain choice that needs regular sweeping and mopping to preserve its spotless appearance.
What Are the Drawbacks of Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring cannot be refinished due to its single-wear layer for spill protection. If you damage it, you may need to replace the affected area, especially for low-quality or sheet vinyl.
Also, extended exposure to sunlight and UV rays may discolour and fade your vinyl floor, in which case you may have to replace it.
Finally, it will not add to your home’s resale value if you decide to sell it.
Home Requirements for Getting Vinyl Flooring
Since vinyl is known as “soft” flooring, your subfloor will need to be as smooth and flat as possible to show no imperfections. Moreover, the subfloor will need to be completely rid of any small or big particles before installation. Otherwise, the vinyl may cause lumps on the surface, which can lead to further damage to the rest of the flooring.
It is also important to remember that sharp objects such as knives and forks may damage vinyl. Thus, you must be careful so your cutlery does not fall on the floor.
Whether you are looking for the affordability of sheet vinyl or the premium look of luxury vinyl planks, vinyl flooring offers a versatile solution for any space. Its durability, water resistance, and low maintenance make it ideal for high-traffic areas in both homes and commercial settings. If you’re ready to upgrade your flooring, visiting our vinyl flooring shop in Vaughan. We can provide a variety of vinyl flooring options to suit your style and budget. From modern patterns to designs mimicking natural materials, you’ll find the perfect flooring solution to meet your needs at Home Care Supply!