Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros and Cons

Jan 17, 20234 min read

Because many flooring choices are available to today's customers, the acronyms used to describe them might take time to decipher. There has been a rise in demand for vinyl plank flooring for both homes and businesses. Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most well-liked types for high-traffic areas, including houses, businesses, cafés, and other commercial establishments.

Now more than ever, Vinyl plank flooring looks like natural wood thanks to modern 3D printing and embossing methods. Vinyl plank flooring is often a great alternative to natural wood flooring. The high-tech surface is often waterproof, easy to clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Below, I've outlined the benefits and drawbacks of each flooring to help you make an informed decision.

But first, what is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring option that consists of many layers. Vinyl flooring is a kind of flooring that is often sold as planks, tiles, or sheets and is made from plastic, fiberglass, or PVC. Most of the floor is made up of the core layer, which may or may not have an underlay or backing. An image layer is then applied to give the impression of various materials, such as ceramic or wood. The inner layers are safeguarded by a top wear layer of varied thickness.

Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring

1. Inexpensive.

The low cost is the most attractive feature of premium vinyl flooring. You may save five to 10 times as much money by purchasing LVP instead of the real thing. Prices for luxury vinyl flooring typically range from $2 to $5 per square foot, making it cheaper than hardwood and carpet. When you consider how simple it is to install LVP flooring, you can realize how inexpensive it really is.

2. Easy to install.

Vinyl composite flooring is appealing because it can be installed without hassle. This flooring is ideal for quick and straightforward interior remodels. There is no need for arduous and time-consuming installation methods like hammering or sawing. In fact, the majority of LVP floors have a "peel-and-place" backing, a self-adhesive setup where the strip is pressed into the floor once the backing is removed. In most respects, that's the whole story.

3. Has Various Beautiful Designs.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring has made great strides in the last several years. They are now available in various styles, materials, and finishes to meet the preferences of even the most discerning shoppers. LVP flooring is favored because it looks and feels like natural hardwood, stone, or tile without the hefty price tag. In addition, there are complex texture patterns available nowadays. This creates an effect similar to the real object and usually succeeds quite well.

4. Long-Lasting.

Vinyl flooring stands the test of time and is very tough. But it doesn't imply you can skip cleaning it regularly. But if you take care of your luxury vinyl plank flooring (instructions for which are included below), it will appear and perform like new for many years.

5. Simple Upkeep and Fixing.

Keeping and fixing premium vinyl flooring is a breeze. Maintaining these floors clean often entails weekly sweeping and a quick wipe-down with a wet mop or Swiffer. Any more extreme methods, such as steam cleaning, should be avoided. Luxury vinyl flooring is also simpler to repair than other floorings if the need arises. If a plank or planks are broken during installation, you may utilize the extras that were left over to fix the floor.

Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring

1. Refinishing is not possible.

Refinishing vinyl flooring is impossible since just one wear layer exists on top of the design layer. Once the floor has been damaged, the damaged sections or the complete floor must be replaced. Sheet vinyl and other low-quality vinyl fall into this category.

2. Not necessarily a plus for resale price.

In most cases, vinyl flooring has little to no effect on the resale value of a home or business. The effect may be much more unpleasant if the vinyl flooring is of poor quality or is very old.

3. Not suitable for the environment.

Toxic chemicals are used in the production of vinyl flooring, and some studies have shown that vinyl floors may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after installation (volatile organic compounds). Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), released throughout the manufacturing process and may have adverse effects on human health, tend to increase inside, especially in spaces with few or no windows and inadequate ventilation. If this is an issue, you should choose a low-VOC floor rather than a high-VOC vinyl one.

4. Beware of the Cost.

Vinyl flooring may range in price from as little as $0.50 per square foot for a sheet to as much as $5.00 per square foot for high-end planks or tiles. For a rough estimate, you should pay anywhere from $2.50 to $5.00 for high-quality vinyl. High-quality and bespoke flooring will cost extra, as is the case with most surfaces. Be careful to research and examine both options' pros and cons since high-quality vinyl may sometimes approach the price of affordable hardwood.

You may choose hardwood, tile, vinyl, or carpet when considering a floor remodel. If you're trying to save money during a remodel, you'll need to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of several flooring options before settling on one. Vinyl flooring is widely used because it frequently satisfies all three criteria.

Vinyl plank flooring has become more common and sophisticated in recent years. After weighing the benefits and drawbacks, it is clear that the former are more numerous with this substance. Choose vinyl plank flooring if you need an inexpensive option for a room with high moisture levels. However, you are responsible for choosing the most suitable for your household.