Is Vinyl Plank Flooring the Best Choice for Your Home?
If you’re currently in the process of replacing your flooring at home, you might be curious to know what options are available. There are several different types of flooring, and one of the most popular choices is vinyl plank flooring. You can find this type of flooring in most traditional flooring stores. Alternatively, you can head to a specialist vinyl plank flooring store for a wide range of options.

Vinyl plank flooring offers a wide number of benefits. However, as with any other kind of flooring, it also has potential drawbacks. It’s important to be aware of the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring before you lay it down in your home.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Before we delve into the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring, let’s discuss what it is and how it differs from other types of flooring on the market. Vinyl plank flooring is a type of resilient flooring designed to mimic the look and texture of natural hardwood flooring. It comprises several layers of synthetic materials, usually including a scratch-resistant wear layer, a printed design layer, a core layer, and a backing layer. The wear layer protects the flooring and prolongs its lifespan, whereas the upper printed design layer creates the visual appearance of realistic wood grain.
Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Here are some of the main benefits of opting for vinyl planks when replacing the flooring in your home.
It’s relatively affordable
Compared to other types of flooring, vinyl plank flooring is relatively inexpensive. Despite having a more affordable price tag, it looks just as good! Therefore, it’s a great option if you’re renovating on a budget.
It’s highly durable
Vinyl plank flooring is highly durable and scratch resistant. Because it can withstand heavy foot traffic, it’s the perfect choice for busy areas in your home like hallways or the living room. It’s also perfect for when you’re enhancing your kitchen area for this reason.
It’s water-resistant
Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, so it’s a good choice for moisture-prone rooms in your home, such as the kitchen and utility room. Although we still recommend that you wipe up any liquid spillages as quickly as possible to prolong the lifespan of your vinyl plank flooring, it will keep moisture out for a few minutes, giving you time to grab a clean cloth.
It’s easy to maintain
Another pro of getting vinyl plank flooring over other options is that it’s really easy to maintain. So, if you’re on a busy schedule and have limited time to clean, you’ll enjoy having vinyl plank floors in your home. Because of its water resistance, it’s easy to clean and wipe if you spill something. You won’t have any trouble keeping your flooring clean when you’ve got vinyl planks.

Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Let’s now take a look at the potential drawbacks of choosing vinyl flooring over other options.
It’s not eco-friendly
Vinyl plank flooring is usually made out of synthetic materials that aren’t considered eco-friendly. These synthetic materials aren’t biodegradable, meaning they won’t decompose naturally. Some vinyl plank flooring may also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when first installed, which can risk your and your family’s safety.
It’s difficult to repair
Vinyl plank floors can be difficult to repair if they get damaged. In most cases, you’ll need to replace the whole plank, even if just a corner is scuffed or cracked. It can also get damaged quite easily. If you accidentally drop something from height onto your vinyl plank flooring, it’s likely to get dented or marked. You’ll need to be careful and cautious not to damage your flooring, especially when you first lay it down.
It might be slippery to walk on
When wet, vinyl plank flooring can be very slippery, and there’s a risk of you falling over and injuring yourself if you’re not careful. If you do spill anything on your vinyl plank flooring, you should always wipe it up as quickly as possible and then dry the flooring afterward to prevent slips and falls.
It may fade over time
Over time, your vinyl plank flooring can begin to fade, particularly in areas that receive a high volume of foot traffic each day or in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight. This can lead to color inconsistencies across your flooring, making it look messy and unsightly.
Generally, vinyl plank flooring is durable but not as durable as some of the more expensive flooring options. It’s not as long-lasting as natural hardwood and can start to show signs of wear and tear with extensive use. As a result, you’ll need to replace it more frequently than hardwood.
About the author
The Handyman Tips Team is a group of authors that provides tips on the Handyman Tips website. The Handyman Tips team consists of real handymen, contractors, carpenters, woodworkers, and experts in home repairs, appliance repairs, and landscaping. The team is always there for visitors to the Handyman Tips website. If you can’t find the answer to your question on the Handyman Tips website, one of them will reply to you almost immediately if you contact them through the Ask the Handyman page!