PROS and CONS
PROS AND CONS / Tile vs. Vinyl
Tile
Durability
Many homeowners appreciate not having to do any maintenance for tile flooring. If you live a busy lifestyle, you may be more inclined to pick a home flooring option that doesn’t require much maintenance. Other than the occasional mopping, tile flooring doesn’t require maintenance.
Stain and Water Resistant
Installing tile flooring in kitchens or bathrooms is a wise choice. It’s not uncommon for people to spill things while preparing meals in the kitchen. Likewise, water spillage on the floor is common when people take baths or showers. For these reasons, installing a stain and water-resistant tile floor makes sense.
Tile flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns so you can find the right residential flooring to complement your home’s unique style. Spills aren’t a problem when they happen on tile floors.
Noise Level
If you’ve ever had tile flooring in your home before, you know that it doesn’t muffle sound very well. For this reason, tile flooring may not be the best option for rooms on the second floor. For example, bedrooms or hallways may be better suited with carpet.
Comfort
Without radiant heating, tile floors can be a cold walking surface during the winter months. If you are someone who likes to walk barefoot throughout the house, you may not want to install tile extensively throughout your home. Tile flooring also makes for a hard walking surface.
Vinyl Plank
Durability
While considerably durable, vinyl plank is not as durable as some other types of flooring, such as hardwood or tile.
How long will vinyl plank flooring last? It depends on the quality of the product itself, the quality of the installation, and its maintenance.
Wear and Tear
High-quality vinyl plank flooring has exceptional durability and resilience to wear and tear. But like most other flooring options, it is susceptible to wear and tear from foot traffic over time. The surface of the planks may become dull or scratched if they are not properly maintained or protected from heavy objects being dragged across them.
Scratches and Dents
Vinyl planks are generally more resistant to scratches than other types of floors like laminate or wood, but they still have their limits when it comes to resisting deep scratches caused by pets’ claws or sharp objects dropped on them.
Also, dents can form in areas where heavy furniture has been placed for extended periods of time, causing an uneven surface texture on your vinyl planks which could be difficult to repair without replacing them entirely.
Water Damage
Vinyl planks are water resistant, and some are even considered waterproof. They can withstand water and other spills for a certain period. However, standing water can still seep through and damage the glue and the subfloor so it necessary to wipe the spills right away. If you live in a flooding-prone area, you should consider installing waterproof underlay to prevent potential water damage down the line.
Resistance to Fading
Vinyl planks are designed to resist fading but be aware that they may fade over time if they are installed in areas exposed to full strong sunlight.
Appearance
Vinyl planks come in a wide variety of incredibly life-like finishes allowing you the look and feel of luxury at a fraction of the price.
Comfort
Vinyl plank flooring is made of multiple layers, with an outer layer composed of PVC plastic and a core made from foam or similar material. Though not as soft and comfortable as carpet, vinyl planks are softer underfoot and are more comfortable to walk on compared to tile and hardwood flooring.
Noise Level
Noise level is another factor to consider when choosing a flooring material. Luxury vinyl planks have thicker cores that help reduce noise levels, and are much quieter than tile or hardwood.
Initial Costs of Vinyl Plank Flooring
When purchasing vinyl plank flooring, there are several factors that will affect the overall cost such as size, style, thickness, and installation method. The larger the area being covered by the planks, the more expensive it will be due to increased material costs and labor hours required for installation. Additionally, certain styles or patterns may require additional cutting or trimming which could add extra time and expense to your project. Lastly, thicker planks tend to have higher price tags than thinner ones but they also offer greater durability over time so this should also be considered when budgeting for your new floors.
Long-Term Costs of Vinyl Plank Flooring
At first, vinyl plank floors may seem cheaper than other types of floor coverings such as hardwood or tile. However, they do require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best over time. Cleaners specifically designed for use on vinyl surfaces should always be used to avoid damaging the finish or causing discoloration due to harsh chemicals found in generic cleaners. Additionally, periodic waxes may need to be applied depending on how much traffic your floors receive and any repairs that may arise from accidental scratches or dents caused by furniture movement or pet claws. These added expenses should all factor into your total cost calculations when deciding if this type of floor covering is right for you and your home’s needs.
Vinyl plank flooring may be an attractive and cost-effective option for your home, but it’s important to consider the initial and long-term costs associated with installation and materials. In the next section, we’ll explore the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring.
Need Solox Tile And Flooring Installation?
