We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Vinyl Floor?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,155
Share

Vinyl flooring is an inexpensive floor covering that is often used in kitchens and bathrooms. Composed of polyvinyl chloride and various types of plasticizers, it is possible to purchase vinyl floor covering in solid sheets as well as vinyl tiles. Because of the low cost and ease of installation, vinyl flooring is a favorite option when the budget is tight.

While many people think that linoleum and vinyl flooring is the same product, that is not the case. Linoleum is usually composed of organic materials while vinyl is made with synthetic materials. The color and pattern on a vinyl floor is imprinted on the surface, whereas the colors run all the way through linoleum flooring. Both types of flooring are durable, available in wide range of colors and resist stains better than many other floor covering options.

Because it is possible to purchase vinyl squares as well as vinyl sheets, homeowners can easily use vinyl floor products to create a finished and professional look. The sheets work very well in spaces that are square or rectangular, while the peel and stick tiles are ideal for working in spaces with an array of angles and various architectural features. Both types of vinyl floor products can easily be trimmed with the use of a utility knife, making it easy to fit the edges into corners or work around fixtures.

Unlike some of the other options for kitchen and bathroom flooring, installing a vinyl floor takes very little time. The first step is to make sure the floor is clean and free of any type of dust. If desired, a thin cushion can be laid on top of the floor, although many people find that the cushioning of the vinyl floor sheets is usually sufficient. Make sure the cushioning is cut to cover the floor wall to wall, then secure using staples or carpet tacks.

When using the sheets, all that is required is to take accurate measurements of the floor, then trim the sheeting to the proper size. The trimmed sheet is put into position and then secured to the floor. It is possible to use adhesives, carpet nails, or finishing nails to secure the vinyl floor. Once the flooring is in place, simply install quarter round trim to cover the area where the flooring and the walls meet. This added touch will cover any edges that are not completely clean and give the room a finished look.

Vinyl floor tiles are great for both bathroom and kitchen flooring. This is especially true when there are somewhat awkward angles in the space, such as around built-in cabinetry. As with any type of tiles, it is important to start by laying a line of tile down the middle of the space, then work toward the opposing walls. Since the tiles can be cut to fit around any obstacle, it is possible to completely cover the space and still have the look of one unified floor covering. Since the tiles are available in peel and stick versions, just about anyone can give the floor of an average sized kitchen or bathroom a new look in no more than a few hours.

Vinyl floor materials are sold at most home stores and hardware stores. Precut sheets are sometimes available at discount retail stores, although many outlets of this type tend to carry linoleum rugs instead. Since the two terms are often used interchangeably, make sure the product you are considering is composed of polyvinyl chloride if you prefer to go with vinyl flooring.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-vinyl-floor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.