An Expert Guide to Vinyl Flooring Choices…
Style
There are two kinds of vinyl flooring: sheet and tile. In deciding which kind may be best for your application, you should consider both durability and longevity.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile is usually available in 12″ x 12″ and 18″ x 18″ squares, but 16″ x 16″ and 24″ x 24″ are also on the market. The variety of colors and designs lets you be as creative as you wish, alternating for the classic checkerboard pattern or creating modular geometric accents. Vinyl tiles that are embossed in register may have raised-wood graining and indentations like natural woods, stone or ceramic, as well as beveled edges that mimic grout lines.
Vinyl tile should be expected to last anywhere from five to 20 years, depending on the quality and the care you give it. Luxury vinyl tile is available in the form of square tiles or rectangular planks, to give you the look of wood flooring at a fraction of the cost. Luxury vinyl comes in a variety of wood grains, finishes and colors and can be a very affordable substitute for hardwood flooring. And, of course, installation can be done in much less time than real wood flooring.
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Sheet Vinyl
Like vinyl tile, sheet vinyl comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures in a matte, satin or gloss finish. Sheet vinyl can be embossed or printed to look like slate, limestone, ceramic or hardwood flooring and can be customized with original, contemporary designs. It is sold in 6-foot or 12-foot widths.
In terms of durability, sheet vinyl can last as long as 20 to 30 years. Sheet vinyl with a top-quality urethane layer will last longer than a no-wax tile. Keep in mind, however, that if you need to repair a vinyl tile floor, it’s very easy to pop out and replace a couple of tiles, rather than rip out a full vinyl sheet.
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