Vinyl Plank Flooring: Composition, Cost, Maintenance Tips & Installation

How to Buy Vinyl Plank Flooring

As the name suggests, vinyl plank flooring (VPF) is a type of material made from vinyl. It’s a popular choice for homes and businesses alike because it’s affordable, durable, and easy to install.

One of the benefits of vinyl plank flooring is that you can install it over most existing surfaces, including wood or concrete. This makes it an excellent option for remodeling projects.

What is vinyl plank flooring made of?

VPF is made of 4 layers:

Fiberglass or felt
Embossed printed sheet that covers the fiberglass
Clear vinyl
Urethane layer that’s clear and acts as a protective layer

How durable is VPF?

Due to the vinyl plank’s durability, a dish or glass has a good chance of surviving a fall. Additionally, vinyl plank floors are a great choice for those looking for durable floors, because they don’t easily dent or scratch.

Despite being DIY-friendly, vinyl plank flooring is softer than other laminates; therefore, prone to punctures from sharp objects. Similarly, if installed without a rigid core, vinyl plank floors can show slight signs of denting especially on top of heavy objects.

Overall, the material is a good choice for areas that have high activity, open space areas like dance studios, office spaces, living spaces, and entryways. It’s a practical and budget-friendly option perfect for many spaces.

Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof?

Yes, vinyl plank is a waterproof material. If you’re looking for a wood-like feel and look in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, vinyl plank flooring is a good choice. To prevent mold, bacteria, and mildew growth, you can treat it with an antimicrobial agent.

What are the pros and cons of vinyl plank floors?

Like many things, there are always two sides of the coin; VPF has advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring

The material is a much more affordable option compared to other flooring materials.
You can install vinyl planks in many areas. Being waterproof, VPF is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, without any issues of molding.
It’s a scratch-free and soft material, thus a good choice for areas that require a lot of activity.

VPF Cons

Due to its soft material, vinyl plank flooring isn’t ideal for areas with a lot of hard-ware materials and sharp objects.
The removal process is complex if you glue down the planks.

Water-Resistant Vinyl

Many vinyl options are water-resistant floors.

Customization

Custom staining and finish options available for solid wood

Superior Durability

Custom staining and finish options available for solid wood

Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation & Maintenance

What Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring are available?

Vinyl planks are an excellent option if you want realistic visuals that almost feel and look like the real deal. One of the best things about choosing VPF as your flooring is that it takes on many finishes and appearances. With the material, the flooring choices are endless. You can select from various: parquet, stone, marble, wood and even concrete. By going with vinyl planks as your flooring, you’ll find a variant that suits your style. You can find the right design from the color, pattern, and texture.

Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring

The most common types of vinyl plank flooring are:

Luxury vinyl
Wood & plastic composite
Stone-plastic composite

The luxury vinyl plank flooring is the most expensive and offers the best look and feel. The wood & plastic composite is the most popular type because it provides a realistic wood-grain finish at a fraction of the cost of natural wooden floors. The stone-plastic composite is perfect for people who want the look of natural stone without all the maintenance

Is it difficult to install VPF?

Installing vinyl plank flooring is a relatively easy process that can be done by most people with basic DIY skills. All you need are the right equipment which you can get from your local hardware store and a simple plan. The method of installation may also differ, depending on the type of vinyl plank flooring material.

How do you lay vinyl plank flooring?

There are three main methods of laying vinyl plank flooring, depending on the type you’ve chosen.

GripStrip Vinyl Plank Installation

A Gripstrip vinyl plank has an adhesive layer that connects one plank to another. With the GripStrip method, you’ll be able to create a floating floor where it covers the subfloor without having to stick to it directly. Using the GripStrip vinyl plank flooring method is a good option for someone looking for a mess-free installation without removing the existing floor. This installation method is excellent for you if you are renting a space or aren’t willing to commit to a flooring style.

The first step is to remove the old flooring if there is any.
Then, measure and cut the vinyl planks to size.
Next, peel off the adhesive backing.
After that, stick the planks to the floor.
Finally, seal the seams with VPF sealant.

Click-Lock Method

The click-lock also creates a floating floor like the GripStrip vinyl plank flooring method. However, instead of an adhesive to connect each plank, the planks interlock like a puzzle.

First, snap the planks together to form a row.
Next, use a hammer and screwdriver to attach the plank to the subfloor.
Repeat these steps until the entire floor is covered.

Glue Down VPF Installation Method

Unlike the two previous methods, the glue-down method permanently sticks the material to the floor. There are two adhesives you can use, hard set and pressure-sensitive. With a hard set adhesive, you’ll need to spread it across the floor and then lay the vinyl planks down. On the other hand, the pressure-sensitive glue is readily applied to the bottom of each plank. Just lay down each plank to the floor and let it stick. All these are vinyl plank installation methods; the one you choose depends on what is ideal for your house.

Is it easy to maintain VPF?

When it comes to maintenance, vinyl plank flooring is low maintenance. VPF is easy to clean and require no polishing.

To take care of your vinyl plank floors, wipe away spills with a soft cloth like a mop and avoid using abrasive cleaning tools. Vacuuming and sweeping are great ways to clean up the floors regularly.

What is the cost to install vinyl plank flooring?

The cost to install vinyl plank flooring depends on the type you choose, the size of the room, and the complexity of the installation. You can expect to pay anywhere from $0.50 – $12 per square foot for the material. All American Flooring provides free cost estimates to help you make a better decision and budget before your project commencement.

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Vinyl Plank Flooring