What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice among homeowners due to its durability and affordability. However, you must be aware of the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring before deciding to install it in your home. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your space.

Durability

While considerably durable, vinyl plank is not as durable as some other types of flooring, such as hardwood or tile. How long will vinyl plank flooring last? It depends on the quality of the product itself, the quality of the installation, and its maintenance. On average, vinyl plank flooring lasts around 10-20 years.

Wear and Tear

High-quality vinyl plank flooring has exceptional durability and resilience to wear and tear. But like any other flooring option, it is susceptible to wear and tear from foot traffic over time. The surface of the planks may become dull or scratched if they are not properly maintained or protected from heavy objects being dragged across them.

Scratches and Dents

Vinyl planks are generally more resistant to scratches than other types of floors, like laminate or wood, but they still have their limits when it comes to resisting deep scratches caused by pets’ claws or sharp objects dropped on them.

Also, dents can form in areas where heavy furniture has been placed for extended periods of time, causing an uneven surface texture on your vinyl planks, which could be difficult to repair without replacing them entirely.

Water Damage

Vinyl planks are water-resistant. They can withstand water and other spills for a certain period. However, standing water can still seep through and damage the glue and the subfloor, so it is necessary to wipe the spills right away. If you live in a flooding-prone area, you should consider installing a waterproof underlay to prevent potential water damage down the line.

Resistance to Fading

Vinyl planks are designed to resist fading, but be aware that they may fade over time if they are installed in areas exposed to full, strong sunlight.

Maintenance

To keep your vinyl plank floor looking its best, you must understand the necessary cleaning methods, repairs, and replacement options.

Vinyl plank flooring should be vacuumed or swept regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch or dull the surface of the planks. Use a damp mop on occasion in order to clean up spills quickly before they have time to set into the material. For tougher stains, you may need a mild detergent solution specifically designed for vinyl floors. Avoid using harsh chemicals as these can damage the finish of your planks over time.

Appearance

Vinyl planks come in a wide variety of incredibly life-like finishes, allowing you the look and feel of luxury at a fraction of the price.

Comfort

Vinyl plank flooring is made of multiple layers, with an outer layer composed of PVC plastic and a core made from foam or similar material. Though not as soft and comfortable as carpet, vinyl planks are softer underfoot and are more comfortable to walk on compared to tile and hardwood flooring.

Noise Level

Noise level is another factor to consider when choosing a flooring material. Luxury vinyl planks have thicker cores that help reduce noise levels, but they are still not quite as quiet as other options like carpet or cork floors.

Cost of Installation and Materials

When purchasing vinyl plank flooring, several factors affect the overall cost, such as size, style, thickness and installation. The larger the area being covered by the planks, the more expensive it will be due to increased material costs and labour hours required for installation.

Additionally, certain styles or patterns may require additional cutting or trimming, which could add extra time and expense to your project. Lastly, thicker planks tend to have higher price tags than thinner ones, but they also offer greater durability over time, so this should also be taken into account when budgeting for your new floors.

Depending on the type and quality, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25-$80 per square metre for material alone. This is a great option for those looking to save money while still getting a high-quality product.

Here at Carpet One, the fully installed price for vinyl planks (product, installation) starts at $60 per square metre. This does not include floor preparation, freight, and furniture removal.

Environmental Impact

Vinyl plank flooring is made from a combination of synthetic materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticisers. During the manufacturing process, these materials are combined with other chemicals such as stabilisers, lubricants, pigments, fillers and flame retardants to create the finished product. The use of these chemicals can have an environmental impact due to their potential toxicity when released into the environment. Additionally, some of these chemicals may also be hazardous to human health if inhaled or ingested.

When it comes to disposing of old vinyl planks, proper methods must be followed in order to reduce their environmental impact. These planks should not be placed in regular trash bins as they contain hazardous materials that could leach into soil or water sources if not disposed of correctly. Instead, take them to a local recycling centre where they can be recycled or reused for other purposes, such as playground surfaces or artificial turf fields. Additionally, some manufacturers offer take-back programs where consumers can return used vinyl planks for free recycling.