Here’s a question for you: Is sheet vinyl still in style?
If you’re here and have asked that question yourself as you shop for new flooring, you’ll be happy to know the answer is: Yes!
Sheet vinyl tends to be overlooked with the nearly constant PR flooring choices like hardwood, tile, or even luxury vinyl gets. But in some areas, sheet vinyl can be a great addition.
Those traditional flooring options like hardwood and tile can be expensive, and require more care than we have the time and energy for. You want something installed quickly. You want it to be resilient against dragging in dirt and moisture from the outside, and provide a slip-resistant, cushiony feeling without costing an arm and a leg.
Yep, that’s the reason so many homeowners end up installing sheet vinyl, usually in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and entryways.
Ready to learn more?
Understanding Sheet Vinyl A Little More
Digging a little deeper into sheet vinyl, it might help you get more comfortable getting to know a little more about it. Sheet vinyl flooring is composed of six distinct layers, each contributing to its durability, comfort, and appearance:
- Top Coat: This clear protective layer shields the vinyl from scratches, stains, and wear, ensuring the flooring retains its pristine look for longer.
- Wear Layer: Beneath the top coat, this layer provides additional protection against daily wear and tear, enhancing the floor’s durability.
- Pattern Layer: This decorative layer features the printed design or pattern, giving the vinyl its aesthetic appeal and mimicking the look of natural materials like wood or stone.
- Cushion Layer: Adding comfort underfoot, the cushion layer provides a slight give, making the floor softer and more comfortable to walk on.
- Fiberglass: This layer offers stability and strength, preventing the vinyl from curling or warping and ensuring it lays flat on the subfloor.
- Base Layer: The foundational layer provides additional support and structure, contributing to the overall resilience and longevity of the sheet vinyl flooring.
What Are The Advantages Of Installing Sheet Vinyl?
We’ll admit it – sheet vinyl often gets lost in the shuffle. People talk all the time about the advancements in hardwood, laminate, and luxury vinyl. But don’t think manufacturers have sat back and ignored sheet vinyl. There have been a lot of advancements here to, which gives sheet vinyl distinct advantages if you’re ready to bring it into your home.
- Durability: Sheet vinyl is highly durable and resistant to wear, tear, and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its multiple layers, including the top coat and wear layer, protect it from daily damage.
- Water Resistance: One of the standout features of sheet vinyl is its excellent water resistance. It is a great option for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, as it prevents water from seeping through and causing damage.
- Easy Maintenance: Maintaining sheet vinyl is simple and hassle-free. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are typically all that is needed to keep it clean. Its smooth surface resists stains and spills, which can be easily wiped away.
- Comfort: The cushion layer in sheet vinyl adds comfort underfoot, making it softer and more pleasant to walk on compared to harder flooring materials like tile or hardwood. This feature is especially beneficial in areas where you stand for extended periods.
- Cost-Effective: Sheet vinyl is an affordable flooring option that offers great value for money. It provides the appearance of more expensive materials like wood or stone without the high cost, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Versatility in Design: Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, sheet vinyl can mimic the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, and ceramic tile. This versatility allows for creative design possibilities to suit any decor style.
- Quick and Easy Installation: Sheet vinyl is relatively easy to install, especially for professionals. It comes in large rolls that can cover a room seamlessly, reducing the number of seams and potential weak points where moisture could penetrate.
- Allergen-Friendly: Homeowners often look for options to keep a house dust, allergens, and pet dander-free. Sheet vinyl has a smooth surface that doesn’t harbor these particles. This makes it a good choice for households with allergy sufferers.
- Stability and Resilience: The fiberglass layer in sheet vinyl provides stability and helps prevent the flooring from curling or warping over time, ensuring it remains flat and secure.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Modern sheet vinyl has advanced significantly in design, offering realistic textures and patterns that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any room. It allows homeowners to achieve the look they desire without compromising on practicality.
What About Off-Gassing?
One of the main selling points of sheet vinyl is it’s easy to clean, which is a plus for health benefits. Some manufacturers are now adding in antimicrobial coatings or embed wear layers with silver particles, which is a potent germ killer. That can be exciting to some homeowners.
However, they often hear about indoor air quality too. Sheet vinyl is synthetic, and in the past many have been crafted with VOCs, which are known to cause health problems including lung irritation and headaches. The glues to hold it in place can also add into the problem.
There are manufacturers that are paying attention to advancements in technology, and produce products with low VOCs in the materials and installation process. A good place to start is by looking for FloorScore-certified flooring materials and adhesives, which meet the building industry’s most stringent indoor air quality standards.
I’m Ready For Sheet Vinyl – So Many Design Options
If aesthetic appeal is holding you back from finalizing your decision on sheet vinyl, rest assured you’ll be surprised at the looks. Wood-look vinyl mimics the look of hardwood floors with realistic wood grain and patterns. Stone and tile-look replicates the appearance on natural stone or ceramic tile, and includes marble, slate, granite, and travertine. Textures and patterns are available to, to match any decor option you’re considering.
If you know sheet vinyl makes sense in whatever area you’re considering adding new flooring, it’s time to give sheet vinyl another look. Today’s sheet vinyl is fantastic in so many areas of the home. We’re happy to show you our complete selection, and help you pick one out for your home.
How can we help you?