Some people know they want hardwood floors or ceramic tile and don’t want to consider alternatives to these materials. But if you’re someone who loves the look of ceramic tile or hardwood, but you’re open to considering alternatives, then luxury vinyl might be for you!
Vinyl is an incredibly affordable material that is durable and stylish, but unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about it.
The myths that surround vinyl prevent people from purchasing and installing the material in their homes, or even recommending it to friends and family members. But vinyl is safe to use in all rooms within your home, and people love it because of how versatile it is.
In this article, we’ll debunk some of the myths about vinyl flooring and go over a few things that you should keep in mind if you’re thinking about purchasing it.
Table of Contents
Myth #1: Vinyl Flooring Isn’t Good for the Kitchen
We’re not entirely sure about where this myth came from — it could have stemmed from how vinyl flooring replicated hardwood or the idea that it cannot handle wear and tear.
Hardwood flooring is the material that you might need to be extra cautious about when installing in your kitchen because it can be more susceptible to stains, can be harder to clean, and it can potentially warp.
In reality, vinyl flooring is very durable and it’s water resistant. It can handle the heat and humidity that comes along with the kitchen, as well as any major spills.
Vinyl and laminate flooring are great for high humidity rooms, so don’t let this myth convince you otherwise. They’re both also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, so if you do have spills or mistakes, you don’t have to worry about lasting damage.
Myth #2: It’s Toxic
Vinyl flooring has come a long way since the early days. Studies have shown that older versions of vinyl flooring contain toxic materials, but even then, the substances are found in such small amounts that they’re not likely to cause serious harm.
However, some chemicals found in older varieties can off-gas, and can vary depending on the quality of material or the type of chemicals used when manufacturing.
While this can be a concern for some vinyl brands, manufacturers have much higher standards nowadays and work incredibly hard to ensure that you’re purchasing a safe product.
While it’s always good to do your research, it’s easy to find non-toxic vinyl flooring because manufacturers have to adhere to certain specifications and work to gain safety certifications, otherwise, they wouldn’t be allowed to sell their products.
This means that as long as you’re purchasing products that have safety distinctions and are reputable, you’ll be ok.
If you’re still unsure, it’s best to speak to either your supplier or directly with a manufacturer—they will be able to give you all the information that you need to make a smart and informed decision.
Myth #3: It’s Boring
The myth that vinyl flooring is bland or ugly is a sad one, especially since technology has changed so much over the years. Gone are the days of vinyl floors with only checkered or paisley designs as a design option. This material nowadays comes in basically any colour or design that you can imagine!
Vinyl flooring is only as monotonous as you want it to be, so if you’re someone who wants to add bright yellow to their bathroom or a peacock blue to a bedroom, the possibilities are definitely there.
Another great thing about vinyl flooring is that it can mimic other materials. Do you want something that looks like hardwood but don’t want to spend the extra money?
Or let’s say you want to add marble to an area of the home, but don’t really have the budget. Vinyl flooring can not only mimic the colours and patterns, it can mimic the texture of natural materials, offering endless, creative flooring options.
Myth #4: Designs Fade Easily
Similar to the above myth, the idea that vinyl flooring designs and colours fade easily could stem from the fact that technology isn’t what it used to be.
Designs and images are embossed on the top layer of vinyl flooring, and homeowners might believe that this will fade with high foot traffic, or have experienced this before with older vinyl flooring.
On the contrary, this won’t happen as the top layer is covered with a clear coat that is highly durable and difficult to scuff. The layer then protects the pigment and designs found underneath. Both scratch and dent resistant, you can make sure that your vinyl flooring will last for years to come.
Myth #5: Installation is Difficult
You might be hesitant to choose vinyl flooring because you’ve heard that it’s labour intensive. However, this isn’t exactly true. Vinyl flooring isn’t more or less difficult to install than any other flooring option, and if you have the patience and skill, it can be a great DIY project.
Just like any other flooring installation, you’ll need to measure the room and then measure and cut the planks of vinyl that you’ll be using. Before you permanently install any pieces, it’s best to lay out the planks that you have and ensure it all fits. There are great, easy tutorials available for you to guide you through this process.
However, if you don’t want to go the DIY route, you can always work with a professional, just as you would with ceramic tile installation or hardwood floor installation. That way, you know for certain that the job will be done correctly and you can save some time.
Choose Vinyl Flooring for Your Home
While there are several myths that come with vinyl flooring, this material is a safe and durable option for your home. You will definitely see the benefits of this wonderful flooring option, taking advantage of its great design options, colours and shapes. You’ll also save quite a bit of money if you’re working with a budget.
To learn more about vinyl flooring, reach out to a local tile supplier today. Experts will be happy to answer any of your questions and work with you to find the best brand for your needs.
