Due to its affordable and versatile nature, commercial vinyl flooring is a popular alternative for those who want a realistic look for their floors without compromising quality or their budget.

When it comes to commercial use, its popularity is on the rise – as advancement in technology now makes vinyl flooring up to par to their more expensive counterparts.

Here is a list of factors you need to consider before installing vinyl plank flooring. Taking these into account may help you decide if it’s the type of flooring that is best suited for your needs.

WHAT TYPE OF VINYL FLOORING TO INSTALL

First, you need to consider where you’re installing the vinyl planks and what your needs are – as each type has different characteristics.

Here are the 3 types of vinyl plank flooring available on the market:

LUXURY VINYL PLANKS

This type of vinyl plank flooring is perfect for use in high-traffic areas. It’s designed to be durable and handle the wear and tear associated with heavy foot traffic. It also perfectly mimics the feel and looks of hardwood floors which will give your space a sophisticated and elegant look – without breaking your budget. Luxury vinyl planks are made to be high-quality and extremely durable.

WATERPROOF VINYL PLANKS

This type of vinyl plank flooring is perfect for areas that are prone to spills and moisture. Its waterproof core prevents any liquid from ruining the structural integrity of your floors. It’s highly durable and can be installed anywhere you wish due to its waterproof design. Its waterproof nature gives it increased durability and longevity.

RIGID CORE VINYL PLANKS

Rigid core vinyl offers the durability of luxury vinyl planks and the waterproof nature of waterproof vinyl planks. Its stone-plastic composite core is designed to endure the exposure associated with high-traffic areas. Making it ideal for commercial and industrial facilities. It’s also completely waterproof, helping increase its durability and longevity. With this type, you can avoid costly maintenance and replacements – usually associated with high-traffic areas.

QUALITY OF THE FINISHING

The quality of your vinyl flooring’s finishing will greatly affect its durability, longevity, and even its appearance. Depending on the foot traffic you expect to have on the area where you will install your vinyl planks, you can choose among these 3 different finishes for vinyl flooring:

NO-WAX

If the area you’re installing the vinyl plank flooring has minimal foot traffic and limited exposure to moisture and dirt, this finish will be sufficient for your vinyl floors.

URETHANE

If you’re expecting slightly more foot traffic in the area, you will need to seal your vinyl floors with a urethane finish. This is slightly more durable and scratch-resistant so it’s more long-lasting than an unsealed floor. Moreover, it’s easier to clean compared to unfinished vinyl.

ENHANCED URETHANE

The thickest finish among the 3, applying enhanced urethane on your vinyl floors will make it incredibly resistant to scrapes and stains. It allows the floor to stay pristine even without constant cleaning. This type of finish is best for vinyl flooring that experiences heavy foot traffic.

THICKNESS

Another vital factor you need to consider before installing vinyl plank flooring is the thickness of each plank. The thicker the plank, the sturdier and more durable it is. However, this depends on your needs as not all require the thickest vinyl plank available.

The most common thicknesses of vinyl plank flooring are:

  • 2 mm
  • 2.5 mm
  • 3 mm
  • 3.2 mm
  • 4 mm
  • 5 mm
  • 5.5 mm
  • 6 mm
  • 8 mm
  • 8.5 mm

For areas with low traffic, a thickness ranging between 2 to 3 mm is enough. However, for moderate traffic such as those in the common areas of houses, a thickness of 3.2 to 4 mm will be enough for your needs.

The thicker planks such as those ranging from 5 to 8.5 mm are more reserved for areas with high foot traffic such as in commercial spaces. These areas require thicker planks to withstand the wear and tear of constant activity.

DURABILITY

Durability is another factor you need to consider. After all, you wouldn’t want to invest in something you will only have to replace sooner than expected.

As mentioned – the constant advancement of technology has allowed manufacturers to create vinyl flooring that’s highly durable and long-lasting. When regularly and correctly maintained, vinyl flooring can last anywhere between 10 to 20 years, sometimes even more.

This type of flooring, then, is perfect for areas with increased foot traffic, both in residential and commercial spaces.

COST

Vinyl plank flooring is ideal for those who want a durable and high-quality type of flooring that appears like the real thing without breaking the bank. For vinyl planks, it can range somewhere around from $24 per square meter to as high as $90 per square meter.

Vinyl plank flooring may cost more than your typical vinyl floor but its enhanced durability and superior quality build ensure that you enjoy these floors as long as possible, making them a worthwhile investment.

MAINTENANCE

Another essential factor you need to consider is the maintenance of your floors. This is where vinyl floors shine. Compared to other floor types, vinyl floors are fairly easy to maintain, requiring minimal cleaning to preserve its quality.

All you need to do daily is sweep or vacuum it to remove dust and dirt and prevent it from building up. Mopping it can be done weekly to help keep it pristine.

Moreover, vinyl flooring is generally stain-resistant, especially the waterproof type of vinyl. It also depends on the finish you chose for your vinyl.

THE INSTALLATION PROCESS

Another essential factor to consider is the ease of the installation process. Compared to other types of flooring, vinyl plank flooring is fairly easy to install. They can be installed even over other types of pre-existing flooring such as concrete, wood, among others.

However, despite this, it’s not recommended that you install vinyl planks when you have 2 or more layers already installed.

To ensure that the installation process goes as smoothly as possible, consider having a professional team to install your vinyl planks. This will help avoid potential issues and ensure that they are properly placed.

From homeowners to business, vinyl became a popular choice, offering durability and versatility. When it comes to achieving a sophisticated look in a cost-effective manner, vinyl planks are currently second to none. They are easy to maintain and depending on the type of vinyl plank and finish you use, they can be waterproof and highly stain-resistant as well.

Due to these reasons, vinyl flooring became AFloor‘s go-to option when it comes to flooring for commercial amenities.

For more information about vinyl plank flooring, get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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