Choose from Three Types Vinyl flooring can be installed as either sheet, tile or plank: Sheet comes in 6- or 12-foot widths cut to measurements or in prepared rolls. The adhesive types and methods will vary by floor style. Sheet vinyl is ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms because it can be installed seamlessly. Tile is manufactured to exact dimensions (12- or 18-inch squares) and thickness to give the finished floor a uniform appearance. You can also choose from a variety of different patterns. Self-adhesive tiles are the easiest to install. Precision cut tiles also make replacing damaged tiles easy. Plank is commonly manufactured four or six inches wide by three or four feet long. It has the look of hardwood but is much easier to install and maintain, and is a lot less expensive. With proper surface preparation, vinyl flooring can be installed over any standard underlayment, concrete, old ceramic tile, wood or non-cushioned vinyl flooring. Stability and water resistance make vinyl a good choice for any room at, above or below grade level.

You Can Count on Low MaintenanceHomes For Sale Arequipa Peru No-wax surfaces and easy cleanup make vinyl flooring even more appealing. Yorkie Puppies For Sale Nova ScotiaRegular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are all you need to keep your floor looking like new. Window Cleaning BaysideSpills are no problem, simply wipe them away with a damp cloth. The Importance of Wearlayer Aside from obvious color and pattern variations, the biggest difference between vinyl tiles is the surface coating, or wearlayer. Tiles are covered with one of three surface coatings to resist dirt, stains and scuff marks: • Vinyl No-Wax is good for areas with light traffic and minimal exposure to dirt. • Urethane is good for areas with normal to heavy traffic.

Urethane also resists scuff marks, scratches from sliding chairs and cleans up easily. • Enhanced Urethane is considered the highest quality surface coating. Enhanced urethane holds up to the heaviest traffic, offers the greatest stain and scratch resistance, and maintains its original luster longer than other coatings. There are two ways that color and patterns are applied to vinyl flooring: • Inlaid vinyl imbeds color granules into the vinyl sheet for a richer finish. Colors are an integral part of the floor. • Printed vinyl is produced much like a magazine page. Colored inks are printed onto the flooring sheets. What you don't see is just as important as what's on the surface. The backing on vinyl flooring provides additional moisture and mildew resistance, ensures the resiliency that vinyl is noted for and determines the type of adhesive required for installation. In general, a thicker floor is a better floor.Durable vinyl floors are a good economic alternative to wood, tile and laminate flooring

These days, vinyl flooring is nearly indistinguishable from some of its more expensive counterparts, such as ceramic or stone. Vinyl is highly resilient, providing a supple cushion that gives under weight for greater comfort, and then springs right back into form. It is available in both sheets and tiles for versatile installation options. Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of colors, from light to dark. Depending on how you plan to decorate the rest of the room, lighter colors can help create a more expansive feel while darker colors can bring intimacy to larger rooms. Look for vinyl with large patterns for bigger rooms and smaller, more intricate patterns for smaller rooms. Large patterns can overwhelm smaller rooms, so keep that in mind when making your selection. This buying guide highlights the different types of vinyl floors, along with information on the wear layer and installation and care tips. SHOP ALL VINYL FLOORS Choosing between vinyl sheets and tiles is simply a matter of taste and installation preference

Sheet vinyl works best in larger rooms while tiles are easier for smaller, do-it-yourself jobs. In either case, you will be able to choose from an array of different patterns and colors to find the perfect fit for any room. Modern vinyl designs can mimic stone, ceramic and even metallic elements at prices that won't break the bank. Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl often comes in rolls measuring 6' or 12' wide, which enables you to quickly and easily cover large rooms. There are two different kinds of sheet vinyl, inlaid and rotogravure. Inlaid vinyl sheets feature a color pattern that goes all the way through the entire sheet. They may require a larger up-front investment, but they provide higher durability. Rotogravure is a more economical choice that consists of a foam base that is printed with ink and covered with a wear layer. Once you have decided which type of sheet vinyl you would like to install, you may need to choose between perimeter bond and fully bonded. You will also have to select a type of backing.

Felt-backed sheet is the most common. It features a felt layer that adds strength and cushion and requires the entire floor to be covered with adhesive. Vinyl-backed sheets are glued at the edges and are generally professionally installed. Modified loose-lay sheets feature a fiberglass backing that adds strength and stability, doesn't require adhesive and is the easiest to install. Inlaid vinyl is thicker and has richer colors Inlaid floors easily hide nicks and scratches Rotogravure sheets are also referred to as printed or soft-good vinyl Rotogravure vinyl offers a wide range of patterns and designs Perimeter-bond vinyl must be glued around the outside edges Fully-bonded vinyl requires adhesive to be applied to the back of the entire sheet Tile Vinyl: Tile vinyl is usually purchased in 12-inch squares that feature adhesive backing. The thicker the tile is, the better it will hold up over longer periods of time. Installing tile is an ideal project for do-it-yourselfers, particularly in smaller rooms.

When purchasing, make sure all of the tiles you purchase are from the same dye lot. Dye lots determine the color and pattern of vinyl tile. It is important to purchase all tiles from the same lot because, while other lots may be labeled as being the same pattern and color, slight differences in shade may occur. Tile is appropriate for both residential and commercial uses It often features peel-and-stick backing, making it easy to install Choose a sturdy wear layer if tile is being installed into a high-traffic area Line up tiles at room edges and make precise cuts to ensure proper fit Choosing the right finish for the wear layer will help ensure high-quality, long-lasting performance The wear layer is crucial to ensuring the longevity of vinyl flooring, helping to protect the surface and enabling it to withstand scuffs, dents, scrapes and stains. Thicker layers tend to provide better protection. Thickness is measured in mils, with 1 mil being approximately equal in thickness to a page in a telephone book.

It may cost a bit more to purchase a thicker wear layer, but the increased durability can save you money later on.Consult the chart below to learn about the different types of finishes available for wear layers. Remains shiny without polishing or buffing More resistant to scuffing Resists scuffs and scratches Retains shine longest without buffing or polishing If you plan to install vinyl flooring yourself, make sure you have the right tools for the job You may need basic items such as a pry bar, utility knife, handsaw, hammer, scissors, ruler, rolling pin, chalk line and carpenter's square. The floor underneath the vinyl should be perfectly level in order to prevent unevenness, so be sure to fill in holes and smooth out rough areas. Keep a clean, damp rag handy to wipe up excess adhesive during installation and take proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and providing proper ventilation. If the wear layer becomes dull, use an electric buffer or renewing solution to restore its shine.