How long does vinyl flooring last?
When buying a new floor, a common question is how long the flooring will last. Since floors are a significant investment in either a home or commercial premises, this is an important point to know before any buying decision is made. Obviously, cheaper floors like lower end laminates will have shorter lifespans, and pricey solid woods can last well over 50 years. But how long does vinyl flooring last?
First of all, it's important to establish that there are different types of vinyl flooring. Old style roll vinyl, which comes on a sheet much like a carpet. The newer, more stylish vinyls are LVT floors, or Luxury Vinyl Tiles. Also known as vinyl click flooring. They come in planks and are built to resemble wood, tiles, or stone. Vinyl floors are easier on the average person’s budget, while still remaining a competitive, high-quality flooring option when compared to high-end real woods. This is because they are fully waterproof, hard wearing, feel like natural material, and durable. A good, well maintained vinyl floor should last over 20 years.
Let's take a look at the factors that affect how long a vinyl floor will last.
Picking the right product among the wide range of vinyl flooring choices is the most important decision. A good, high quality LVT vinyl click floor will go a long way in your home, and be almost indistinguishable from real wood, stone, or tiles (depending on the style you choose). At Timba Floor, we offer two high quality vinyl flooring ranges. The Aquacore Range, which offers built-in underlay to save money for every meter of flooring bought, and makes installation even easier. And the Next Step Richline Range - SPC rigid core vinyl flooring that features an array of modern, trendy colours and a durable core.
Installation
Ensuring the vinyl flooring is installed properly will affect its longevity. Vinyl click floors are very easy to install. Manufactured with modern click systems, and most products now coming with built in underlay, it is simply a case of ensuring the subfloor is level, taking the planks out of the box, cutting them appropriately to create a staggered pattern across the length of the room, and clicking each board in place. Easy enough for an enthusiastic DIYer and a professional installer alone.
Having said that, if you are not confident in your ability to fit the flooring, it is safest to entrust the task to a professional flooring fitter.
Foot traffic and wear
This is a given with any flooring, but the higher the foot fall, the quicker the flooring will wear out. LVT is manufactured with a durable wear layer that is suitable for high foot traffic areas, but vinyl flooring in a quieter room will last longer than vinyl flooring in a busy room.
Other advantages of vinyl flooring
Fully waterproof
Built-in underlay on a lot of products
Very easy maintenance
Easy installation