Vinyl flooring buying guide

 
Sheet vinyl typically comes in widths ranging from 6' to 12' (sometimes 13'). It's stylish, affordable, durable, waterproof, low maintenance, and is easy to install. Available in an assortment of colors and patterns, you can get anything from wood, stone, and ceramic tile looks as well as florals, colorful geometrics, chevrons, herringbone patterns, and more. Your imagination only limits you!
 

Affordable style

 
Forget any thoughts you may have about vinyl from decades past. Modern technology has given it improved color, clarity, and patterns. Textures, such as the trending wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered and distressed are available, as is filigree, a process that gives a weathered, hand-painted look. The patterns are created with digital technology and have micro beveling and deep embossing to make the images, especially wood, stone, and tile, true-to-life echoes. The layout is critical; the installer needs to ensure that squares and patterns are lined up correctly.

High durability

All vinyl is durable, and thicker is better since thicker hides subfloor imperfections better and is quieter. Sheet vinyl flooring ranges in thickness from 2-mm to 4-mm and then 8-mm and above for higher quality products. The product is layered and, at the top, is a transparent melamine coated wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs and keeps spills and stains from absorbing. The product is waterproof, made of PVC vinyl. A waterproof product is composed entirely of waterproof materials. The capability is inherent, and it is waterproof from the top and the bottom.
 
 
 
 

Request an estimate

 

Estimate

* *
*
*
 
 
 
 

Backings

 
The backing is the cornerstone of the floor, and it provides a solid foundation. You have three from which to choose. Fiberglass is the most popular backing because it keeps the product lying flat with no curls. Felt feels a little softer and easier on the joints, but it will curl unless the vinyl is glued down permanently. A vinyl sheet with a vinyl backing is ultra high performing and durable.

All vinyl flooring needs are daily sweeping and periodic mopping with a manufacturer-approved cleaner. Avoid wax, shine-promoting products, and they can dull the finish. If you feel you need more shine, talk to your flooring expert.

Installation can be glued down or loose-lay. With the latter, the sheets hover over the subfloor with no glue needed. Subfloors need mainly to be clean, dry, and level.

Whether it’s a residential or commercial installation, vinyl flooring or hardwood, carpet, tile or any other product, Elegant Floors can help you transform your dreams into reality. Visit our showroom for information, inspiration and a free vinyl flooring quote. We’re located in Shelburne, VT.