Durability Considerations for Luxury Vinyl Tile
By Brian Berson,
You might not consider it too much, but the flooring you select for your home plays a significant role. As one of the most prominent elements in any room, it's a substantial component of any home's decor. Of course, you want it to be long-lasting, so it should be durable. Let's talk about the remarkable innovation of luxury vinyl tile flooring.
Durability
Luxury vinyl planking and tile flooring are long-lasting and durable. Vinyl flooring is exceptionally water-resistant, unlike wood flooring, which is susceptible to moisture. Hence you can use it in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone rooms.
Particular commercial grade types of luxury vinyl flooring are durable enough to withstand the heavy traffic seen in commercial spaces without losing their elegance. Different types are more durable such as those with a rigid core, an attached underlayment, or extra thicknesses over 8 mm. These will be more expensive but will offer increased durability.
Luxury vinyl is not indestructible but will endure years of normal wear and tear. Unlike flooring materials like hardwood, luxury vinyl is softer and more comfortable to walk on. But, it is more vulnerable to being damaged by impacts or punctures. For example, pointed objects like knives can puncture the flooring and damage it enough to need replacing. In addition, dropping heavy objects can leave small gouges or indentations in luxury vinyl flooring.
Installation
Comparing flooring and shopping around for the right price can be difficult. It isn't just about colors and styles. There is a wide variety of luxury vinyl planking and tile. You can select various finishes, thicknesses, and installation methods. Each component can impact the quality of the final product. They market luxury vinyl planking that clicks together to make installation easy for DIYers. However, installing ANY flooring can be problematic. An incorrect installation will compromise the integrity and durability of the floor. Hiring a professional for design and installation will ensure you choose the correct flooring for your situation. Our knowledgeable Flooring Consultants understand which products will best fit individual needs.
Maintenance
Luxury vinyl doesn't require extra work to maintain. The manufacturers use protective finishes to get the gorgeous sheen on top. Beyond daily cleaning, you'll want to clean up accidents as they happen. Vinyl is highly resistant to moisture, and the topcoat protects it from staining. However, acidic liquids or chemicals can still cause discoloration if allowed to sit for an extended period.
Like wood floors, vinyl flooring can get scratched or scuffed by dragging furniture across it. A simple solution is to put pads on the feet of all couches, chairs, and other furnishings.
Variety
The design options are endless with luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring. Manufacturers use a photographic imaging technique to replicate almost any type of flooring. You can enjoy the look of hand-scraped wood or natural stone without the cost and upkeep of these flooring types.
Luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring are excellent options whether you need to floor your entire house or just a single room. Creative Carpet & Flooring can help you design and install your dream flooring. With 30+ years in the flooring industry, we will ensure your project exceeds your expectations. Contact us today to begin your flooring project.