If your home's floors are looking worn or dated, installing new vinyl plank flooring can completely transform the look and feel of a room. Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most popular flooring options today because it is durable, easy to maintain, and available in a wide variety of attractive and realistic wood and stone looks. Read on to learn more about how refreshing your rooms with new vinyl plank flooring can give your home a stylish updated look.
Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring offers many benefits for homeowners looking to update their flooring. Some of the main advantages include:
· Durability – Made from PVC vinyl layers on top of a sturdy core, vinyl plank flooring stands up well to heavy foot traffic, drops, scratches, moisture, and daily wear-and-tear. It can last for decades with proper care.
· Water-resistance – The layered construction of vinyl plank creates a waterproof barrier that prevents spills, moisture, and accidents from seeping through to the subfloor. This makes it a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
· Affordability – Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options. It provides the look of real wood or stone for just a fraction of the cost.
· Low maintenance – Keeping vinyl floors clean is simple since the surface resists dirt, stains, dents, and scratches. Just sweep and mop occasionally.
· Comfort and noise reduction – Vinyl plank flooring has some give when stepped on, making it softer and quieter underfoot than alternatives like tile or laminate.
· Easy DIY installation – Many homeowners opt to self-install vinyl plank flooring due to its simple floating click-and-lock system with no nails, glue, or mess.
Visual Options and Versatility
One of the best parts of choosing vinyl plank flooring is all the available options for colors and patterns. Planks are designed to mimic popular natural flooring looks like:
- Hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, exotic woods
- Stones like slate, travertine, marble, concrete
- Ceramic or porcelain tile visuals
The level of detail and realism with modern vinyl plank flooring is truly impressive. You can find planks with distinctive wood grains, knots, mineral streaks, and other characteristics to match your decor.
Beyond just looks, vinyl plank floors offer versatility in terms of household uses. They are suitable for nearly any room in both main living areas and light commercial settings. You can use vinyl planks to refresh spaces like:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Bedrooms and kids’ rooms
- Basements
- Offices and small businesses
Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof and family-friendly for active households, but also provides the warmth and visual interest needed for more elegant formal spaces.
Installation Tips
Installing vinyl plank flooring is a project that many DIY homeowners take on successfully. If you want to install your new vinyl planks, keep these tips in mind:
· Prepare the subfloor properly - Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and flat to prevent imperfections from showing through the finished floor. Self-leveling concrete or underlayment can help smooth uneven areas.
· Allow planks to acclimate - Keep the vinyl planks in the installation room for at least 24 hours before installation so they can adjust to the temperature and humidity.
· Stagger planks randomly – Avoid discernible patterns by varying each row's end-seam placement and using cut pieces from multiple planks.
· Follow manufacturer spacing guidelines - Leave small expansion spaces around the perimeter and between planks to allow room for natural floor movement. These will be concealed by baseboards and floor trim.
Adding beautiful new vinyl plank flooring lets you revamp the look of tired rooms while enjoying easy-care floors that stay looking sharp for years. With the wide variety of colors, patterns and realistic looks, vinyl plank floors open up many design possibilities.