Vinyl | Before You Buy
Everyone knows how important it is to investigate all of the flooring options before making a purchase. The floor covering in your home impacts interior beauty, décor, comfort, livability and upkeep. Any floor can make or break a home. Take your time and learn all you can before buying vinyl flooring.
Choosing the best vinyl flooring is really about knowing the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget that best meet the needs of your lifestyle.
- products that are both durable and affordable offered
- patterns today are inspired by nature
- some imitate the look of natural stone
- new methods of texturing the surface
- very realistic vinyl available
- constructed of several different layers: the wear layer, the printed or decorative layer, an inner core consisting of a foam and vinyl layer, and a backing
- thicker is not always better
- density of the inner core resist rips, tears, gouges and indentations
- urethane wearlayer will help with stain resistance
- consider the room’s foot traffic and the types of activities extended warranties are often available with upgraded products
- most vinyl comes in 6’ and 12’ widths
- seaming may be necessary depending on the area to be covered
- certain patterns will hide seams better
- tile patterns with grout lines are better able to mask seams
- seam sealers may be visible in contrast with different vinyl textures and finishes
- your responsibility to maintain caulking in heavy water use areas
Cost of ownership
Potential additional expenses:
- furniture removal/replacement
- demolition/disposal of old floor covering
- subfloor preparation
- product delivery
- vinyl installation
- materials required to complete the installation