vinyl flooring

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 Vinyl flooring is a product composed of several layers of different materials sandwiched together to form a highly durable, practical and affordable floor covering. The two main types of vinyl flooring are Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl roll. Both LVT and vinyl roll are made from the same materials, however, they're constructed differently to produce different effects. For example the plank format is ideal to imitate natural wood. 

 Vinyl roll is fibreglass-cushion-backed flooring that comes in large, continuous, flexible sheets, and is available in an almost limitless number of styles, from timeless and realistic to more playful designs. Vinyl rolls are also one of the most affordable flooring solutions for homeowners. Also, Vinyl rolls are 100% phthalate-free and have low VOC and formaldehyde emissions, and UK allergy certified, which contribute to healthier indoor environments. 

Vinyl flooring is generally considered to be a highly durable material. There are, however, important factors that determine how well your floor lasts over time. For instance, the quality of the material, how it was manufactured, and how well it was installed, will all impact the durability and life expectancy of your vinyl flooring.

All Tarkett vinyl floors, both our LVT and vinyl roll ranges, are treated with a special PUR surface treatment, which provides extreme protection and makes them even more durable and resistant to scratches or stains. They also have a transparent wear layer, which provides additional durability. Our Rigid LVT also has an enhanced rigid core construction, providing extra resistance and excellent dimensional stability. As a result, it won't ripple or swell, and there won't be any expansion or contraction of the floor over time. The product will hold its shape and size against moisture or temperature variations. Water, cold or heat, won’t alter Rigid LVT’s appearance. In fact, its top coat is so durable it helps protect it against all kinds of damage. Also, it’s a great flooring option for high traffic areas and for anyone looking for a high quality but low maintenance floor.

Yes, all vinyl flooring products are waterproof because they're composed primarily of PVC. However, the quality of installation can affect their level of water-resistance. For instance, LVT comes in planks or tiles that sit side by side, resulting in multiple seams. So, while the planks and tiles themselves are waterproof, if you install them incorrectly, there's the possibility of water or moisture seeping through the seams. Vinyl roll, on the other hand, comes in sheets and there are usually very few, if any, seams when installed.

By carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions, both LVT and vinyl roll can be used in areas subject to moisture, such as the bathroom and kitchen.

The advantage and disadvantages of vinyl flooring vary significantly depending on the type and quality of the product you choose.
The well-known advantages of vinyl flooring are many. It’s comfortable and quiet underfoot, resistant to damage and moisture, easy to install and maintain, affordable, and available in a large number of colours and designs. This makes vinyl flooring a popular choice with a range of consumers, particularly the design and budget-conscious DIY consumer. Also, vinyl floors are asustainable flooring solution as most large brands they are strongly committed to the responsible use of PVC. We apply Cradle to Cradle® principles, choosing EPEA (Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency) assessed materials for all our vinyl flooring products to ensure complete transparency throughout the production chain. Vinyl rolls are ReStart® Ready* meaning they can be part of most recycling program, depending on certain countries. Where possible, we also use materials that are both recycled, recyclable, with as low an environmental impact as possible to produce our vinyl rolls. On top, all our plants use 100% green energy.

 On the downside, vinyl flooring can be difficult to remove if it’s glued down, it can dent with heavy objects on top of it, and it can be punctured with very sharp objects. Another disadvantage of vinyl flooring is its inability to support very high temperatures and a tendency to show fading and discolouration with excessive UV exposure. For these reasons, vinyl is generally not recommended in rooms with exposure to too much direct sunlight, such as verandas.

However, new technologies mean that vinyl flooring continues to evolve in both its design and construction, with some products now able to counter the disadvantages mentioned above.