Choose Your Vinyl Flooring: Tiles or Planks
Flooring is probably the most essential aspect of any interior design. It complements other interior home features, but more importantly, it brings everything together. Although, as you enter your house, your gaze may set upon multiple characteristics of your home, your first physical interaction with your home is when you take your first step on that awe-inspiring floor. Almost every flooring option catches the eye, but it’s crucial to keep practicality in mind. The flooring you choose must withstand constant traffic while keeping its appearance intact. As a result, flooring transforms your home from average to spectacular. After all, flooring is an investment that affects the resale value of your house and that’s why vinyl flooring must be your choice.
Flooring comes in various materials, shapes, sizes, and colours. Among others, vinyl tile flooring and vinyl plank flooring have been popular for a long time. However, both options have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the right flooring depends on your taste and needs.
AESTHETICS
Vinyl flooring is available as vinyl floor planks and vinyl floor tiles. Vinyl floor planks mimic the look of hardwood floors while vinyl floor tiles mimic the look of tile floors. Vinyl planks come in standard lengths of 36 and 48 inches, while the most common widths are 6 and 9 inches. Vinyl tiles are also available in varying sizes. Vinyl tiles and planks are available in varying degrees of texture. For example, vinyl floor tiles can provide a look and feel ranging from smooth like granite and marble, to rough like slate. Tiles are available in various materials, shapes, colours, and sizes. Tiles are commonly made of porcelain or ceramic. However, porcelain tiles are the most popular ones due to their strength and longevity. In addition to colour, tiles are also available in various designs. Lately, tiles are available in wood-look designs, ranging from subtle wire-brushed looks to rustic hand-scraped looks.
DURABILITY
Both types of vinyl flooring are highly durable. Vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years, depending on proper care and installation. Vinyl flooring is water-resistant. It is a good option for high-traffic areas, as it can plenty of wear and tear. It is also stain-resistant, provided it has a wear layer. Its shock-absorbing quality makes it safe for children. However, dropping a sharp object on vinyl flooring can cause irreparable damage. As mentioned earlier, porcelain tiles are known for their strength and longevity, thus making them durable. This is due to the fact that they are made from dense clay fired at high temperatures. Therefore, with proper care and maintenance, tiles can last over 20 years, providing a timeless look for years to come. Tiles are smooth and slippery, making them unsafe for small children. On the downside, tiles are prone to dents and scratches. In addition, tiles do not muffle noise and can be annoying whenever there is heavy foot traffic.
INSTALLATION
Tile flooring installation is best left to professionals, as incorrect installation may lead to cracking. Depending on the preparation work required to install tiles, the cost of tile flooring installation can be anywhere between $5 to $10 per square foot. For stability, tiles are installed on top of cement boards secured by mortar adhesives. Cement boards are available in varying amounts of thicknesses. Cement boards will add durability. Furthermore, cement boards prevent mould and rot. Vinyl flooring can be installed without professional help as it doesn’t require much pre-installation preparation. However, if you are not DIY-savvy, leave it to professionals for the best results. Vinyl flooring installation cost is between $1 to $3 per square foot. Most vinyl floorings do not require an underlay as they are designed with a base layer. This base layer adds to the durability and makes the vinyl flooring comfortable to walk on. All you need is a good pressure-sensitive adhesive applied on the subfloor before vinyl plank installation. When your flooring is done right, the whole house feels warmer.
MAINTENANCE
Tiles are generally stained and water-resistant due to the glazing on their surface. It is easy to clean tiles as they can be mopped, swept, and vacuumed. In addition, tiles are safe from mould and fungal development. However, grout sealer is a must after installation to prevent mould and mildew build-up. Additionally, scrubbing the grout areas with warm water and vinegar mixture will prevent mould and mildew build-up. Vinyl planks and vinyl tiles are easier to maintain. Regular mopping will ensure your vinyl flooring stays clean and hygienic. First, mop with a warm water and soap mixture, then mop with a warm water and vinegar mixture for best results. Please avoid dragging heavy furniture across any kind of floor to prevent damage. No matter how sturdy the flooring is, nothing can withstand intentional damage.