The Most Common Types Of Vinyl Flooring (And Which Is Most Durable)

When it comes to choosing the flooring of your dreams, you may be struggling to filter through all of your options. Whether it's wood, ceramic, tile, or stone, it can be hard to balance the need for a low-maintenance and cost-effective option. What if there was a flooring that combines both of those necessities, keeping your renovation budget low without the need for constant upkeep? Vinyl flooring can be a durable option for an active household, taking on everyday wear and tear with ease. And it is a relatively cheap option, allowing you to avoid flooring that just isn't worth the price.

So what are your options? Vinyl flooring comes in three main types: sheet vinyl, vinyl composite tile, and luxury vinyl planks. Sheet vinyl is the perfect solution for any bathroom that needs to be completely waterproof. As the name suggests, it comes in large panels that minimize seams during installation, giving you that tiled look without the risk of leaking and water damage. Vinyl composite tile (VCT), unlike sheet vinyl, comes in much smaller panels, essentially creating larger tiles of their own. The surface of VCT does usually require some polishing, meaning they aren't the best low-maintenance pick. However, they can be the perfect option for a DIY bathroom renovation, giving you a clean tiled look without the hassle of laying each one yourself. Luxury vinyl plank or tile are individual slabs intended to look like high-end materials, giving you that designer look without the designer expense.

If durability and low-cost upkeep are your main priorities when choosing a type of vinyl flooring, luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tiles are your best choice. Although they tend to run you a bit more than other options, LVP is known for its durability and toughness. It brings the beauty of rich floors without the constant maintenance they often require. Vinyl plank flooring is made up of thick wear layers designed for heavy use throughout your home, making it resistant to scratching and scuffing. And it's water resistant, making it the perfect kid and pet-friendly home improvement option. Because it comes in a whole host of different styles, you can easily remodel your flooring in any room, ranging from an active living room to a small guest bathroom. With luxury vinyl planks, you have the option for high-quality floors without the risk of constantly remodeling your home.

To keep your new floors feeling and looking brand new, vinyl plank flooring requires no wax or oil. You should avoid using abrasive cleaning agents and tools on your vinyl floors, as although they are scratch-resistant, they are not an indestructible option. Giving your floors a regular sweep and a gentle mopping with a mild cleaner is an easy way to clean and help preserve the surface of your vinyl. With a few simple steps, you can have the rustic wooden flooring of your dreams without the constant upkeep that comes with the real thing.