Vinyl Plank Flooring. Are Vinyl Planks Just What You're Looking For?So, you may be considering vinyl plank flooring. Like every other type of flooring the selection is quite large, from simulated wood to the traditional symmetrical pattern designs. This type of floor, vinyl planks, have some great advantages in the kitchen. Here are a few questions you may be asking yourself:
Are vinyl plank floors durable? First pf all the vinyl planks used in this style of flooring, like every other floor, comes in different grades and thicknesses. The thicker the flooring, the better it will stand up to everyday uses. Also the warranty is a good indication of the quality of the flooring. If a manufacturer is willing to give a long term warranty they believe their product will stand up for at least as long as the warranty period. Manufactures also have to conform to regulations when it comes to warranty claims. They also have to test their products in controlled conditions to determine the warranty that that particular floor requires. Are they easy to install? Absolutely! This floor is probably one of the easiest floors to install. The Self stick planks will require only a few tools and minimal time to apply these tiles to the subfloor. The more labor intensive planks are the ones who require them to be glued down with vinyl floor adhesive, because they do not come with the adhesive already applied to the back of the planks. I personally prefer the vinyl that is not self stick. Why? Because the entire subfloor is covered in adhesive which I believe helps to keep moisture from affecting the underside of the planks. Although moisture is not a problem for the planks themselves, the adhesive on the self stick planks can be affected. As long as the directions that come with the vinyl plank flooring is followed the installation is a breeze. This flooring can be cut with a simple utility knife or a tile saw if you already have one but the utility knife will work just fine but require more elbow work. Are vinyl planks inexpensive? Yes and no. Yes because the less expensive residential floors with ten year warranties can cost as little as 99 cents per square foot. The most expensive commercial type vinyl plank floors can cost as much as $5 per square foot. Even at $5 per square foot the price is quite reasonable. The traffic your kitchen will encounter on a regualr basis will be the best judge of what floor you should purchase. In a home with a single person a vinyl plank floor in the ten year residential warranty range could be sufficient. In a home that regularly entertains parties, or has a large family with many small children, will require a higher quality floor. Also if your kitchen, or home, is built on a concrete slab you will have to use a vinyl plank that is approved for installation over concrete. Do They look like real wood? Believe it or not to the untrained eye these planks look like real wood. Probably as realistic as a man made product can be. But, there's always a but right, the less expensive planks will be less realistic than the planks that are on the upper end of the price scale. Of course more engineering and more expensive equipment is required to make the planks look like wood will raise the price. There is also quite a large selection of different wood species, and color variations, to choose from. There is one to match your personal taste and your kitchen style. The more exotic woods can also be found in vinyl plank flooring and the price will be much less expensive than solid hardwood or even laminate flooring. Are they waterproof? Yes they are. But the adhesive may not be. The planks themselves will not absorb water or moisture and are waterproof. The adhesive on the other hand can be affected by moisture, but not all of the adhesives are. Armstrong, for example, uses a two part epoxy for their adhesive. An epoxy is not affected by water and will give the absolute best protection. The waterproof nature of vinyl is a great advantage in the kitchen. No longer will you have to panic after you spill your drink or your children decide to have a water fight with the kitchen sink sprayer. The flooring will be safe and your worries will disappear. Are they easily cleaned? Yes they are. You can wash them like any other vinyl floor. A mop and a bucket of suds is you need to clean them. You can purchase "special" vinyl floor cleaners but a simple mixture of vinegar and water or Simple Green (my favorite cleaner) will do the job. No need to buy the expensive stuff. But please read the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure and agents just to be sure. Are they environmentally friendly? No, I am sorry to say, they are not. The vinyl is not biodegradable and there is no way to recycle them. So if this is a concern for you then you may want to consider other flooring options. Visit my kitchen flooring page for help with other flooring options. So in closing. If you are still interested in vinyl plank flooring then I say go for it. The advantages far outweigh any disadvantages. The warranties and the durability are outstanding and you will not be sorry. Return From Vinyl Plank Flooring To Kitchen Flooring Ideas
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