The history of vinyl flooring is living proof of the amazing human ability for inventing. A French engineer created the first sheet of vinyl in 1835, as a result of an accident when trying to develop a new type of rubber. Decades later, in 1926, another chemist created PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, which is the key material used in today’s vinyl flooring.

Subsequently, a Swedish business initially released vinyl flooring in 1947. They created it using a rotogravure technique, in which an image is transferred to the flooring material through a high-pressure process. The very first vinyl floors were sold in rolls and used primarily in commercial settings. Since then, vinyl has slithered its way into domestic homes around the world and has become one of the most popular types of flooring on the market.

What Are the Advantages of Vinyl?

Vinyl is a fantastic material for flooring for a multitude of reasons and has many advantages over other types of flooring, such as laminate, hardwood, carpets or rugs. If you’re looking to install sturdy rolls of vinyl flooring in your home, here are some reasons why you should:

Cost-Effective Solution

When it comes to outfitting larger areas with flooring, vinyl is an excellent choice because you get great value for your money. After all, it’s not like any of us have an unlimited budget and are willing to change our flooring every other year. You want something that will last, looks great and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

The price tag associated with vinyl flooring sheets is what gives it the advantage over other types of flooring. We often think that the more we spend, the better quality we’re getting. However, this is not always the case. In fact, vinyl flooring can give you most of the advantages of more expensive options but at a fraction of the price.

Wide Selection Of Finishes

Diversity is the spice of life, and that’s especially true when it comes to flooring. No two homes are exactly the same, so why should all the flooring be the same? Most traditional options like wood and laminate only come in a limited number of colours and finishes.

When you get rolls of vinyl flooring, you’re basically getting a blank canvas that you can then design and customise to your heart’s content. The world is your oyster when it comes to picking out the specific patterns and colour hues you want.

Marble finishes, wood-look planks, and even mosaic tile patterns are popular choices that can give your home that unique and luxurious edge. This can give you more freedom to let your creativity shine through and really make your mark on the aesthetic of your home.

Water-Resistant and Durable

One of the main reasons people choose vinyl flooring for their homes is because it’s an incredibly tough and durable material. It’s designed to withstand heavy traffic and everyday wear and tear, so it’s ideal for homes with kids and pets.

This is largely due to its composition, as it’s made from multiple layers of tough PVC. The top layer is a clear film that protects the design layer beneath, which is where all the beauty and style of the vinyl flooring comes from.

Beneath that is a middle layer that contains all the stabilising materials that give vinyl its strength and durability. This includes fillers, reinforcement fibres, and stabilisers. The final layer is the backing, which is a thick coating of felt or foam that provides cushioning and absorbs impact.

Vinyl is also naturally water-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about any liquid spills or accidents. This is great news for homes with kids and pets, as accidents are bound to happen from time to time. You can rest assured knowing that your flooring can take a beating and still look as good as new.

Low Maintenance and Easy To Clean

Nobody wants to spend hours slaving away cleaning their floors, especially if they have better things to do with their time. Thankfully, vinyl flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to keep clean and maintain.

All you really need to do is give it a regular sweep and mop with some warm water and a mild cleaning solution. You can also use a vacuum on the vinyl sheets, but make sure to use the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the surface.

Vinyl is also resistant to staining, so you won’t have to worry about any spills or accidents leaving behind unsightly marks. If something does manage to stain your vinyl flooring, a simple spot cleaning with some soapy water should do the trick.

Simple Installation

If you’re looking for a DIY project you can tackle over the weekend, then you should look no further than vinyl floors. Their straightforward installation process makes them the perfect option for anyone who wants to save some money on professional installation costs.

Vinyl sheets can be cut to size and then laid directly over an existing floor, which means you won’t have to go through the hassle of removing your old flooring first. Simply remove the peel-off backing and lay the sheet down in your desired location.

The adhesive backing will then take care of the rest, bonding the sheet to the floor and creating a strong and long-lasting connection. You can then use a roller to remove any air bubbles and ensure that the vinyl properly adheres to the floor.