Sometimes what we’d like to have is mostly outweighed by how much we can actually afford. Looking at alternatives that are easier on the pocket, especially when you’re starting out or on a budget, can be your only choice in the matter. What’s great today compared to when I bought my first flat 26ish years ago is that going cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean you have to lack on style either. Flooring can be hugely expensive, so I thought we’d take a look at Vinyl today and why it’s a really cool alternative to other cheaper flooring solutions.
Affordable, Versatile & Stylish Flooring – Vinyl Is King
Starburst in Green Starburst is an Art Deco Tile Vinyl Flooring design Available in Lime Green, deep Navy, neon Orange and Mustard Yellow – Available from Atrafloor
Vinyl has always been an affordable flooring solution, but boy has it moved on from the standard black and white vinyl squares I stuck down in my dinky kitchen all those years ago. With some pretty damn cool designs out there, you’re going to be spoilt for choice too. Whats great is you don’t have to compromise on style or functionality!
ABOUT VINYL FLOORING
Image – Creativepro
But first a little history behind this versatile flooring and, before you ask, no that’s not me in the picture above, I’m old but not that old (winks).
Believe it or not, vinyl flooring has been around since the 1930s and was invented by accident by Waldo Lonsbury Semon, a researcher, who was trying to develop an adhesive to bond rubber to metal. By the 1950’s, vinyl surpassed its competitor linoleum, becoming the best low-cost water-resistant and durable flooring. Further advancements in technology by the 1960’s, produced a vinyl that was easy to maintain and more comfortable to walk on. Vinyl literally became the second most popular flooring to carpet.
TYPES OF VINYL
Vinyl flooring can be installed as either sheet, tile or plank:
- Sheet – Sheet vinyl is ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms because it can be installed seamlessly.
- Tile – Manufactured to exact dimensions and thickness to give the finished floor a uniform appearance. Self-adhesive tiles are the easiest to install. Precision cut tiles also make replacing damaged tiles easy.
- Plank has the look of hardwood but is much easier to install and maintain. It’s a lot less expensive too.
LVT (LUXURY VINYL TILE)
LVT floor tile available from Co-dunkall
WHY CHOOSE VINYL
Quickstep Livyn Balance Pearl Oak Beige BACL40131 Vinyl Flooring – Available from Flooringsupplies
BOUNCEABLITY
I’m putting this one right up there as a self-confessed serial dropper of plates, cups and, well anything that is considered fragile. If you’re the same, vinyl may be your new best friend. Unlike tiles, vinyl has the bounce factor and therefore fewer, if any, breakages which ultimately means you’ll make a huge saving on replacements alone.
COMFORTABLE UNDERFOOT
Image – Premiumfloors
If you’re looking for affordability, there’s a chance you won’t have underfloor heating (although it’s not a problem if you do as most vinyl can cope with it). You’ll be pleased to know then that vinyl doesn’t get cold underfoot so your tootsies will stay nice and toasty during the winter months. Vinyl is actually a great insulator, as we as being softer to walk on than hardwood flooring solutions.
BUDGET CONSCIOUS
Vinyl flooring can be easier on the pocket as you don’t necessarily have to get the experts in so you save on laying costs. From as little as £5.99 m2, vinyl rules as the cheapest flooring option available, although it’s good to bear in mind, the more you can afford to pay the better the quality vinyl.
DIY ENTHUSIAST
How to lay vinyl tiles – B&Q
You don’t necessarily have to get the experts in to lay it either so it’s perfect for DIYers. Just make sure your subfloor is completely level and dry before laying vinyl on top of it. If in doubt, check out the many YouTube videos and other readily available information out there on the web to get you on your way.
EASY TO MAINTAIN
Image from Northlodgeflooring
Printed vinyl tiles and sheets have a clear wear layer that acts as a surface barrier which protects your floor from stains and spills. Easy to maintain, it’s waterproof and slip-resistant.
DURABILITY
If properly installed and maintained, vinyl can last upto 10-20 years. Printed vinyl is only as durable as the clear wear layer that protects it. It will basically last less than solid or composite vinyl which is homogeneous as colours permeate every layer of it. Another great advantage of vinyl tiles is that you can replace damaged tiles relatively easily, just ensure you order a few extra from the outset.
SOUND PROOFING
Image – Bespoke printed vinyl flooring from Printedspace
Vinyl flooring is perfect for those of you living in flats/apartments as it’s a great sound absorber so your neighbours won’t be calling around anytime soon. Open plan spaces also benefit from it too. (You can find out more about Sound and Open Plan Living here.
ECO-FRIENDLY
You may have been put off by vinyl and it’s not so impressive past environmentally friendly credentials. However, you’ll be pleased to know that there is some eco-friendly vinyl flooring available on the market today.
Some of you may also be concerned that vinyl flooring contains VOC’s (Volatile Organic Chemicals), but Co-founder of Greenpeace Dr Patrick Moore has defended PVC, from which vinyl flooring is made. In one interview he said: ‘There is absolutely no evidence that vinyl damages human health or the environment. PVC is durable, low maintenance, recyclable and performs well on life cycle assessment tests.’
SOME OF LATEST STYLES
LATTICE IN HAY FIELD BY DEE HARDWICKE
Available from HarveyMaria
There’s nothing stopping you from combining two vinyl flooring styles like this versatile Dee Hardwicke’s Lattice in Hay Field design which compliments the antique oak vinyl creating a contemporary and stylish look to any living space. It comes in 6 colour ways so there’s sure to be one that compliments your home decor. Manufactured using an eco-friendly formula and is ISO approved which means it’s better for our environment. Price: £44.80 m².
POLYFLOR CAMARO – WHITE LIMED OAK
Available from Dmsflooringsupplies
Camaro Loc PU in white limed oak is LVT luxury floor tile that replicates the natural beauty of wood and has been designed for use in residential as well as light commercial areas. It’s also suitable for underfloor heating to a max of 27º. Part of a collection of luxury interlocking vinyl flooring tiles, Camaro replicates the natural beauty of wood and stone, designed for use in residential interiors and light commercial areas. Price £20.99 m²
Tarkett Starfloor
Tarkett Starfloor Click 30 “Retro Black White” – Available from Bricoflor
You’ve got to love this Tarkett Starfloor vinyl flooring as it mimics tiles perfectly, whilst also being easy to install with its Click-System installation. It is available in two different qualities: 30 and 50. The Tarkett Starfloor 30 is a robust and trendy flooring option. This particular vinyl flooring carries an extra protective PUR coating, which makes the vinyl planks and tiles easy to clean and extra durable. The Starfloor Click 30 is fire resistant, compatible with under-floor heating systems, and is suitable for castor chairs. On an eco-friendly note, it’s 100% recyclable and is produced with minimal emissions. Price: £24.50 per m²
GRANADA
IMAGE – Zazous
Bold and dramatic, Granada adds a wonderful black and white pyramid design that would look stunning in any room. Perfect for bathrooms as it’s available as sheet vinyl. It’s also slightly cushioned providing comfort for your tootsies. Price from £16m².
RHINO CLASSIC FLANDERS BEIGE BROWN VINYL
Available from Carpetright
Want to create the illusion of antique wooden floor without the huge cost, then look no further than this Rhino classic vinyl. Large panels of rustic, period-looking timber make up this very effective cushioned vinyl flooring. It also comes with a 5-year guarantee. Price £17.99 m2
RAVA 1
Available from Zazous
Right on trend Raval 1 by Zazous comes in 5 colour ways. I love this patchwork effect sheet vinyl which is perfect for a relaxed styled space. Price – £16 m².
1603 TRACK MULTICOLOURED VINYL FLOORING
Available from Vinylflooringuk
Lastly not forgetting the little ones with the 1603 Track Multicoloured Vinyl Flooring. Guaranteed to entertain your kids for hours as well as brightening up their room, whats not to like. It’s slip resistant and absorbs up to 17-20db of sound so you won’t hear a thing and because it’s easy to care for any spills can be easily cleaned up without fear of staining. Available in rolls of 2m, 3m and 4m widths. Price: £11.34 per m2.
So what do we think, is vinyl a winner in your books?
Thanks for stopping by today, but before you go, can I ask an incy wincy favour, (if you haven’t already), to vote for my pride and joy this blog, of which I get my fix of sharing everything interior related with you. I’ve been nominated in the Best Newcomer Category in the Amara Interior Blog Awards and voting ends on the 15th September. I’d be truly grateful for your votes. Thank you so much in advance!!
Click here to vote (it literally takes seconds to do!)
Until next time…….
Maria x
SaveSave
SaveSave
No Comments