Newgen floors

The Pros And Cons Of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is a great alternative to hardwood flooring. It’s more affordable, equally durable, and can be stained to look just like wood. If you’re considering whether vinyl flooring is right for you, here are a few pros and cons of this flooring type. 

Vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic material made up of several different layers. It comes in planks—just like hardwood—but it’s made primarily of PVC (a type of plastic).

Pros:

• Affordable - Compared to the cost per square inch of other flooring options like hardwood and carpet, vinyl is extremely affordable. It can cost between $2-$5 per square foot, including the cost of installation. 

• Beautiful and Unique - When it comes to designs and textures, homeowners have a huge variety to choose from, including styles that mimic hardwood floors, rough stone finish and even ceramic tiles.

• Durable - Most vinyl flooring is waterproof and highly resilient. Vinyl flooring doesn’t usually stain and can survive plenty of wear and tear, which makes it a good option for high-traffic areas in offices and homes with children and pets.

• Easy to Maintain - Vinyl floors only need to be vacuumed, swept and mopped with a damp mop. To extend the lifespan of your floors, use rugs in the highest-traffic areas and put protective pads on furniture legs. Steer clear of harsh cleaning solutions that could degrade your floor’s wear layer or cause discoloration. 

Cons:

• Tough to Remove - Once the adhesive sticks to the subfloor, it can be extremely hard to remove. Unfortunately, vinyl flooring cannot be refinished so once it reaches the end of its lifetime, the only option is to pull it up and replace it. 

• Susceptible to Sun Damage - Vinyl flooring can be susceptible to discoloration and UV damage.

• Some Vinyl Plank Flooring Emit VOCs - Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

If you’re in the market for a durable, affordable flooring type that requires little maintenance, vinyl plank might be the choice for you. Contact us to learn about the vinyl flooring options we offer.