Vinyl flooring

Got your eye on Hayley’s fabulous floor? We’ve got the lowdown…

What you need to know about this flooring option

Vinyl flooring is hard wearing, durable and easy to lay. it is also much softer and warmer underfoot compared to stone tiles. Plus, it’s more forgiving and a breeze to keep clean. a recent surge in popularity is bringing more modern, trend-led designs to the market.

What is it made from?

The core material is a man-made synthetic called polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC). Vinyl flooring once contained harmful volatile ingredients that, understandably, put homeowners off but now it’s completely safe and can even be recycled.

Should I choose tiles or sheet vinyl?

Sheet vinyl, aka rolled vinyl, comes in one piece that’s cut to the size of the room. it’s typically the cheaper option, although the new breed of custom-printed sheet vinyl (try Zazous or atrafloor) is costlier but worth it. Standard rolls come in 2-4m widths, so you may need to suffer a join in big rooms. Vinyl tiles are rigid, and come in packs – some offer super-easy, stick-on installation. luxury Vinyl Tiles (lvts) are the top-end option, with prices ranging from £40-£165sq m. They offer excellent rigidity (no wrinkles) as well as insulation and sound absorption, and they work with underfloor heating.

How can I check for quality?

Thickness is a good indication of quality, for both sheet and tiled vinyl. Cheap sheet vinyl starts at 1.1mm-thick, which will make it pretty easy to fit but not terribly long-lasting. Go for at least 3.5mm. lvts tend to measure around the 5mm mark. also look for anti-slip coatings, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. amtico’s new urethane layer, Quantum Guard, enhances durability.

Can I fit it myself ?

Sheet vinyl can be cut with a Stanley knife and is pretty easy to fit in a standard room. Hone your skills on a small area first. Vinyl tiles are installed similarly to ceramic tiles and many come with click-fit edges that slot together jigsaw style. Preparing a flat subfloor is essential and a leveling compound or decent underlay is worth the extra expense.

Is it easy to maintain?

Cleaning is straightforward with a vacuum and mop. Use vinyl-safe floor cleaner – nothing abrasive – and wipe up any spills straight away. Protect the floor from chair legs with felt pads or castors.