There are many different types of flooring on the market these days, but one of the most popular is vinyl. Vinyl flooring comes in two main varieties: luxury vinyl and standard vinyl. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it can be challenging to decide which type is right for you.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both types of vinyl flooring and help you choose which material is best for your needs.
WHAT IS VINYL FLOORING?
First of all, let’s take a look at what vinyl flooring actually is. Vinyl is a synthetic material constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a popular choice for flooring because it is affordable, durable, and easy to clean. For decades vinyl was the go-to selection for high-moisture areas such as kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms.
While it is great for spills and wet environments, sheet vinyl flooring has the drawback of being relatively thin. This makes it vulnerable to tears and gouges. It can also be slightly uncomfortable underfoot due to its thinness. This is particularly true if the vinyl is installed directly over concrete flooring.
Due to traditional vinyl sheet flooring drawbacks, vinyl companies began to develop a new form of flooring. This is what’s known as LVF, or luxury vinyl flooring. While it was initially created in the 70s, it took until the 1980s before people began using it more widely. Its quality has improved so much, and it’s even starting to give hardwood a run for its money!
LUXURY VINYL FLOORING
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a type of vinyl that has been specifically designed to imitate the appearance of more expensive flooring selections such as wood or stone.
Typically, LVF is broken into luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). LVF often features realistic textures and patterns that can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing. One of the benefits of LVF is that it is much more affordable than hardwood flooring but still looks high-end.
LVF is also much more durable than traditional vinyl sheet flooring. It is thicker and less prone to tears or gouges. This means you can install it in areas that are more prone to wear and tear, such as kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms.
LVF is also more comfortable underfoot than traditional vinyl, making it a good choice for people with sensitive feet.
STANDARD VINYL FLOORING
Standard vinyl flooring is the type of vinyl that was around before luxury vinyl came onto the scene. It is made from a thinner PVC material and typically features a more plain appearance than LVF.
One of the benefits of standard vinyl is that it is more affordable than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or tile.
One downside to standard vinyl is that it can be quite thin and vulnerable to tears and gouges. It also lacks the realistic textures and patterns found in LVF.
This can make it look less high-end compared to other options on the market. Standard vinyl is also less durable than LVF, meaning it isn’t as suitable for areas prone to wear and tear.
WHICH TYPE OF VINYL FLOORING SHOULD I CHOOSE? ELEMENT CAN HELP
Now that you know the basics of luxury vinyl and standard vinyl flooring, it can be tough to decide which material is right for you. That’s where Element comes in!
We are a Loveland flooring company that specializes in both types of vinyl. We can help you choose the type of vinyl that best suits your needs and budget.
If you’re still unsure, our team can also provide you with a free consultation to help you make up your mind. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
