Vinyl flooring is a popular choice because it comes in many colors and textures and it tolerates water better than wood or carpet. If you're considering vinyl flooring for your home, you'll decide between tiles, planks, and sheet vinyl. Another big choice is between vinyl and luxury vinyl. Here are the differences between these two types of vinyl floors.
Traditional Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has been used for decades as sheet vinyl. This flooring has advantages when used in bathrooms and laundry rooms since sheet vinyl doesn't have any seams and the outer edges can be sealed to keep water from getting under the flooring. The main advantage of traditional vinyl flooring is the low cost. If you need a new floor on a tight budget, then sheet vinyl could be the solution. A disadvantage of traditional vinyl is that it is a thin type of flooring, so it can be damaged easier and it has a shorter life than other flooring choices you could make.
Both traditional vinyl and luxury vinyl have four layers. The bottom layer is the cushion. The pattern or design layer is on top of the cushion, and there are two protective coating layers on top of the design that protect against scratches and other damage. However, the difference between the two types of vinyl is that traditional vinyl is much thinner, and that's why it has a shorter lifespan and isn't made in planks.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
The thickness of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) gives it a longer life and makes it feel more comfortable for walking. The extra thickness also helps with making the floor quieter. Because the flooring is thick, it can be made into planks and square tiles. However, the material is still thin enough that you can cut it easily if you install the flooring yourself. LVT is also sold in sheets, and the thicker nature of it allows for loose-lay installation, which makes putting in a new floor yourself a simple task.
Another advantage of LVT is its appearance. The design and appearance are high quality. LVT can look like wood planks or stone tiles. This helps your home achieve an upscale appearance without the expense and trouble of installing tile or hardwood. A drawback of LVT is that it's more expensive than traditional vinyl. High-end LVT flooring can be pricey, but you get durable, long-lasting flooring that adds beauty to your home.
When making your choice in types of vinyl flooring, consider if you'll install the floor yourself and want the ease of planks that snap together or want loose-lay sheets. Also, think of your budget and how the flooring will affect the appearance of the room and value of your home if you plan to sell your house before the flooring has to be replaced. To learn more, contact a company like KC Marble & Tile.