Podcast Episode Summary
Vinyl Flooring
Say vinyl flooring and you'll probably think linoleum. Take another look at vinyl flooring today, it's not what it used to be. In fact, you might be surprised at how far vinyl floors have come. Now there is vinyl plank flooring, as well as the traditional vinyl tile.
What Is Vinyl?
Vinyl flooring is made from at least three composite layers. The bottom gives structural stability, the next is the printed design, and the top is a protective clear film. An additional layer of urethane will make the tiles easy-to-clean and resistant to scratches.
How Much Does It Cost?
Vinyl flooring ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. Of course, how much you spend depends upon the thickness, and whether you choose to have a quality wear layer on top. You'll also pay more based on the color and design of the tiles. And don't forget to include installation charges, which can be as much as $0.75 to $2.00 per square for a professional installation.
Can I Install It Myself?
You might want to change out your current flooring with vinyl tiles. This do-it-yourself project is easy, particularly if you choose peel 'n stick ( tiles already have the glue applied, and are covered with a removable backing ) or glue-less ( spray-on adhesive or adhesive tabs ) tiles. Luxury vinyl tiles require you to apply the adhesive yourself. For the best results, follow manufacturer's instructions by preparing the subflooring to ensure proper adhesion.
How Long Will It Last?
Expect more inexpensive vinyl tiles to last at least 5 years. More expensive tiles can last four times longer. By following manufacturer's instructions for the care of your floors, they could last longer. Don't forget, if one of the tiles does become damaged, you can easily replace that one tile without having to touch the rest.
Caring for your floor
Caring for your vinyl floor should be one of the easiest things you'll do. Wipe up any spills, and sweep up anything that falls on the floor, to protect it from damage. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the best way to maintain your floor; then follow their instructions. Doing so could add years to your floor's life.
You have a wide variety of flooring to choose from when you're planning to replace the floors in your home. But you should seriously consider installing a vinyl floor. They are inexpensive to install and easy to maintain. Once you see the beauty of the finished floor, you'll be glad you did.
Ezra says: Browse fastfloors.com , where they have pages and pages of vinyl flooring available from as low as $2.02 per square foot. The pictures below illustrate just a few of the multitude of styles available. And, as you can see, vinyl can be made to look very much like hardwood flooring, or even slate flooring.
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