Vinyl Flooring: What you need to know

Luxury vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for renovators, restorers, and builders, boasting sought-after benefits like extreme resilience and minimal maintenance. Here we delve into vinyl flooring in more detail and unpack what you need to know before buying vinyl flooring.

WHEN DID VINYL FLOORING BECOME POPULAR?

Vinyl flooring hit the market in the 1960s, following an era of new material discovery. Invented alongside, and often considered in the same category as, sturdy linoleum, rubber, and cork; vinyl flooring initially became a popular choice thanks to its audacious and bold designs, including checks and fashionable floral patterns. As the world transitioned into the next decade, style and design evolved, taking vinyl flooring on a journey from eye-catching colours to realistic woodgrain patterns. Moving forward to today, many vinyl flooring products precisely mimic traditional timber floors, natural stone, or ceramic tiles allowing interior designers to create a stylish statement without breaking the bank.

WHAT MAKES VINYL FLOORING SO RESILIENT?

One of the most resilient flooring materials, vinyl is created to stand up against everyday wear and tear, including kids, pets, and heavy foot traffic. Manufactured of synthetic materials, vinyl planks are made using a complex process of combining multiple layers. The middle of the plank features the core and is made up of moisture and impact-resistant compounds fused over a backing layer. Following this is the wear layer, which provides texture and includes the realistic high-resolution image layer. On the top is a transparent protective coating with scratch and stain-resistant properties.

WHERE CAN VINYL FLOORING BE USED?

One of the most significant benefits of vinyl flooring is its resistance to moisture. Vinyl flooring is one of the best options in wet rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. Whether it’s yoghurt spilt on the floor, wine that needs to be mopped up, grubby post-footy shoes, or the muddy paws of a fur baby, vinyl flooring is designed to endure life’s little accidents.

HOW IS VINYL FLOORING INSTALLED?

The versatility of vinyl flooring means that it can be installed in a number of ways. The three main methods of installing vinyl boards are; glue down, snap-together, or loose lay. Regardless of which product and installation method is required, a Back To Timber installer will ensure your site’s specific conditions are understood, and any underfloor maintenance is completed before installation.

WHAT ELSE MAKES VINYL FLOORING SO GREAT?

Back To Timber’s vinyl flooring products have been hand-selected by professional interior designers, meaning you’ll be presented with a selection of on-trend colours and textures that replicate the natural aesthetic of timber. In addition, Back To Timber stocks vinyl flooring options that feature the latest functional technologies, including products with clever acoustic backing to reduce the impact of sound in your living space.

Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is recommended to remove small dust or dirt particles. Mopping will be required occasionally – ensure you are using a cleaning product suitable for your flooring type.

Combining all this with the benefits of being low maintenance, easy to install, sturdy, and cost-effective, vinyl flooring is one of the most well-rounded flooring options for your next project.

Back to Timber’s Vinyl Flooring Collections

Titan Vinyl

Polyflor

Preference Vinyl

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS OF VINYL FLOORING?

Whilst there aren’t many negatives to using vinyl flooring, there are some factors that should be considered before making your decision. Although finished with a UV-resistant coating, vinyl flooring may still discolour if exposed to sunshine over a long period of time. Furthermore, even though the product is highly durable, it may dent if heavy furniture is left in the same place for extended periods. Avoid this by moving your furniture regularly. Scratches can occur if something heavy or sharp hits the floor, but the damage will be minimal compared to other flooring options.

When navigating the world of vinyl flooring, be sure to chat with a Back To Timber specialist who can guide you through the steps to avoid damage.

CAN VINYL FLOORS BE REPAIRED?

There are some products on the market which claim to conceal minor scuffs or scratches. However, these are not usually recommended by flooring professionals.

Areas of vinyl flooring can be replaced if needed. Regardless of whether your vinyl flooring is installed using a snap-together, glue-down, or loose-lay option, replacing individual planks or tiles is possible. Seek professional help on the best way to do this, as it will depend on the damage, location, and the flooring brand.

If you’re ready to take the next step and would like to chat with a Back To Timber professional about our vinyl flooring options, our helpful team can be contacted here. Alternatively, please feel free to visit one of our Sydney showrooms so we can help you discover the range on offer.

Check out all of Back to Timber’s Vinyl flooring products below.