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Durable Vinyl Flooring is a Favorite of Homeowners

When it comes time to choose flooring, many homeowners look over the many types of resilient flooring and choose vinyl. Vinyl tiles come in many thicknesses, and some of the thickest types can be as costly as specialty flooring. However, excellent grades of vinyl are among the most affordable flooring available. In addition, today's vinyl resists both water and bacteria, making it the perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements where constant moisture is an issue.
Vinyl is also an ideal option for do-it-yourself homeowners because it is easy to install. It comes in sheets or tiles, making it simple to handle. Most first-time do-it-yourselfers prefer to work with floor tiles because they're easier to install. Tiles also are easier to mix and match to create customized designs. However, be careful when choosing between pre-glued tiles and tiles that must be installed with vinyl adhesive. Wide variety of colors and styles lets homeowners create customized floors. Easy to install even for a novice. Resists water and moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Pre-glued tiles are hard to correct if errors occur during installation. Buy more flooring or tiles that your measurements indicate so that you'll have enough to correct mistakes or make repairs later.2. Make sure the subfloor is level, smooth and dry before beginning an installation.3. Test the subfloor for moisture before installing vinyl flooring. Place one tile and leave it in place for about three days. On the third day, try to remove it. If the tile comes up without effort, the subfloor is too damp. Allow it to dry or install the flooring with a special adhesive that resists moisture.4. Follow the carpenter's rule when cutting vinyl sheets: Measure twice, cut once. It's virtually impossible to repair improperly cut vinyl.5. Let the floor dry completely before walking on it; otherwise the tiles may shift. Otherwise the floor will look old and dingy long before its time. Sweep the floor well, and then go over it with a damp (not dripping!) mop. Use extra pressure on the mop, not extra water, to get up soil in high-traffic areas. Use only cleaners made especially for no-wax flooring on vinyl tile or you'll strip off the no-wax coating. There should be no watermarks on the vinyl once the floor dries.
Sacha is an expert contributing author publishing regarding family home redecorating. Unlike its early ancestors, vinyl flooring offers greater durability and more style than most other kinds of flooring materials.
One reason for vinyl flooring's enduring popularity is its versatility. Vinyl tiles come in many thicknesses, and some of the thickest types can be as costly as specialty flooring. However, excellent grades of vinyl are among the most affordable flooring available. In addition, today's vinyl resists both water and bacteria, making it the perfect choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements where constant moisture is an issue.
Vinyl is also an ideal option for do-it-yourself homeowners because it is easy to install. It comes in sheets or tiles, making it simple to handle. Most first-time do-it-yourselfers prefer to work with floor tiles because they're easier to install. Tiles also are easier to mix and match to create customized designs. However, be careful when choosing between pre-glued tiles and tiles that must be installed with vinyl adhesive. You might not think it, but pre-glued tiles are harder to work with because once they are down, it's harder to correct mistakes! Messy though it will be, consider using unglued tiles and adhesive if this is your first floor to install.
If you are thinking about vinyl flooring for your home, here are its benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Benefits: Vinyl flooring is durable, versatile and affordable. Wide variety of colors and styles lets homeowners create customized floors. Easy to install even for a novice. Resists water and moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Easy to maintain.
Drawbacks: Vinyl flooring is made from synthetics, a disadvantage for those seeking environmentally friendly flooring. Pre-glued tiles are hard to correct if errors occur during installation. Thinner, less expensive versions can wear quickly and look cheap.
However, if you've decided that vinyl flooring suits your needs, be sure to remember these additional guidelines for installation.
1. Buy more flooring or tiles that your measurements indicate so that you'll have enough to correct mistakes or make repairs later.
2. Make sure the subfloor is level, smooth and dry before beginning an installation.
3. Test the subfloor for moisture before installing vinyl flooring. Place one tile and leave it in place for about three days. On the third day, try to remove it. If the tile comes up without effort, the subfloor is too damp. Allow it to dry or install the flooring with a special adhesive that resists moisture.
4. Follow the carpenter's rule when cutting vinyl sheets: Measure twice, cut once. It's virtually impossible to repair improperly cut vinyl.
5. Let the floor dry completely before walking on it; otherwise the tiles may shift. Allow at least 24 hours or longer to be sure.
To maintain vinyl flooring properly, clean it regularly to avoid dirt build-up. Otherwise the floor will look old and dingy long before its time. Sweep the floor well, and then go over it with a damp (not dripping!) mop. Use extra pressure on the mop, not extra water, to get up soil in high-traffic areas. Use only cleaners made especially for no-wax flooring on vinyl tile or you'll strip off the no-wax coating.