Before we take a look at the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring, let’s understand what it is. To begin with, there is a difference between vinyl planks and vinyl sheets. Often when drawbacks of vinyl are discussed they refer to vinyl sheets rather than vinyl planks.There is also a difference betweenLuxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). While an LTV looks like a tile, an LVP looks like a wood plank.
Before purchasing or even deciding on vinyl planks it helps to speak to a flooring expert. There is a range to choose from at vinyl flooring ocean grove to suit your budget and design needs.
Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring
A big advantage of vinyl planks is that they are water-resistant and often waterproof, something hardwood floors can’t offer and this is because vinyl planks are made out using a type of plastic. For the homeowner who is thinking of a flooring upgrade, this means vinyl planks can be used anywhere in the home without the worry of moisture damage.
Vinyl planks are also scratch-resistant making them an excellent choice for homes with pets and young children. The planks have a durable wear layer that protects them from scratches and dents. Vinyl planks can take many years of use without showing any wear and tear. The planks have a no porous surface that won’t absorb odours – great for the kitchen, mudroom and if you have pets.
Maintenance is also easy, apart from regular cleaning nothing special needs to be used on the floor and you don’t need to schedule maintenance and repair work every few years like you would with wooden floors. They can last you a lifetime.
Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Among the disadvantages is discolouration due to sun damage. Some planks tend to fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight over some time. It’s something to keep in mind and discuss when planning for flooring in areas where this might be a concern. Ask your flooring supplier about a UV-resistant coating for the planks.
Because vinyl planks are made of plastic there is the drawback of the floor off-gassing VOCs (volatile organic compounds), while many VOCs are not hazardous in small measures, an entire floor however can be a concern to vulnerable groups. There are other environmental concerns to consider as well. It’s not a ‘green’ material because it’s plastic and it doesn’t decompose for the same reason.
Although vinyl planks are highly durable and wear-resistant they can be dented if something heavy or sharp falls on them to penetrate the top protective wear layer. If dented the plank(s) cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Even placing heavy furniture on the planks for long periods can cause dents. Once dented the planks are difficult to remove because the installation is either glued down or snapped together. Because the planks are interconnected or glued it is difficult to remove one plank without damaging the planks around it.
