Vinyl Floor Installation Salem, OR

Are you planning to install new floors in any part of your Salem house? Maybe consider opting for vinyl flooring. It’s easy to install and water-resistant. Low maintenance needs are another bonus. 

Before you go on to make any decisions about vinyl floor installation in Salem, you should know a bit about the material. What makes it such a good pick? What are its pros and cons? More importantly, how do you find reliable vinyl floor installation Salem services? Time to give you some answers. 

What Are Vinyl Floors? 

Vinyl flooring, also called LVP (luxury vinyl planks) or LVT (luxury vinyl tiles), is made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other polymers. It comes in the form of long planks or tiles with various patterns and colors. 

Four-Layer Structure of Vinyl Flooring 

Part of the reason vinyl flooring is so durable and feature-rich is its four-layer structure. Here are the layers: 

  • Wear Layer: It’s the top layer that you come in contact with. The wear layer is transparent and resistant to wear and scruff. It has a urethane sealant for adding durability. The water resistance of vinyl flooring is also due to this layer. 
  • Print Layer: The layer underneath the wear layer is for aesthetics: the print layer. The transparency of the wear layer makes it possible to print any pattern on the vinyl. You can have vinyl flooring that looks like hardwood, ceramic, stone, or even abstract designs. In some instances, the print layer also has registered embossing, which gives the vinyl planks a realistic texture. 
  • Core Layer: The core layer is for structural stability. It may be flexible or rigid, depending on the type of vinyl flooring. Some planks are made of pure vinyl, while others also include limestone or fiberglass for added durability and stability. 
  • Underlayment: It’s the bottom layer that provides properties like sound absorption and insulation to the material. The underlayment may be made of foam, fiber, or rubber. 

Types of Vinyl Flooring 

When you’re planning on vinyl floor installation Salem, you need to decide which type of vinyl flooring you want. 

Vinyl Tiles 

Vinyl tiles are a common type of vinyl flooring. They come in squares measuring 9 or 12 inches on each side. You can get vinyl tiles with or without adhesive backing. The latter offers easier installation. 

When to Choose: Opt for vinyl tiles if you want a stone or porcelain tile look but without the coldness and hardness of these materials. You can also use them for upheaved surfaces. 

Vinyl Rolls/Sheets

Vinyl rolls or sheets are more common in residential settings. The sheet comes in 6 or 12-foot widths and can measure up to 75 feet long. The thickness varies from 2.5 to 3mm. 

When to Choose: Since vinyl rolls are relatively inexpensive, you can use them for kitchen or bathroom floors. 

Vinyl Planks 

Since they’re longer and wider than vinyl tiles, planks give a more realistic look of hardwood. They are also quicker to install. The average dimension of a vinyl plank is 6 inches wide by 36 inches long. 

When to Choose: Choose vinyl planks if you prefer a wooden look for your floors. 

Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile

The luxury version of vinyl flooring comes in both plank and tile forms. Apart from being thicker than standard vinyl (up to 5 times), it’s also more expensive. 

Luxury vinyl is 3D printed and can mimic natural materials such as wood and stone. The core layer usually comprises fiberglass. However, premium luxury vinyl can include special materials such as WPC (wood plastic composite) for stability. 

When to Choose: If your budget allows, select luxury vinyl. It’s also suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.

Pros of Vinyl Flooring 

Whether you want to go for vinyl flooring planks installation Salem or prefer sheets, it’s essential to understand the advantages of vinyl flooring. 

  • Resilience: Vinyl floors will last the test of time. That means less money is spent on replacement and repairs. 
  • Water Resistance: Since vinyl flooring is water resistant, you can use it for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, too. 
  • Affordability: Unlike actual stone or hardwood floors, vinyl flooring comes at a fraction of the price. But it looks the same! 
  • Low Maintenance: It’s relatively easy to clean vinyl flooring. A quick sweep and mop will do the trick. 
  • Variety: You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting vinyl flooring styles and patterns. 

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Let’s look at the other side of the coin now. 

  • Discoloration: Vinyl floors, when exposed to too much sunlight, can fade and discolor over time. 
  • Difficult Repairs: Repairing vinyl floors is difficult and costly. So, avoid placing heavy furniture or sharp objects that can damage the flooring. 
  • Poor Recyclability: Vinyl flooring isn’t exactly an eco-friendly option as it cannot be recycled. 

Types of Vinyl Floor Installation 

The way vinyl floors are installed varies depending on the type of flooring and your preference. Some common methods are as follows. 

Interlocking Vinyl Installation

It’s also called the tongue and groove method. In this process, the planks are snapped into place, making a tight fit between them. Think of it like a puzzle. Each plant is a puzzle piece, and the pieces stay connected with click-locks. 

Glue-Down Vinyl Installation

In this installation method, the vinyl sheets are glued directly to the subfloor. It creates a permanent bond, making it a very durable installation process. 

Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Installation

Some vinyl floors already have an adhesive backing. It’s sort of like peeling a sticker and sticking it to the ground. You’ll need to peel off the protective film and place it on your subfloor. The installation process is more comfortable, but it may not be as long-lasting as the other methods. 

Consult Professional Vinyl Floor Installation Salem Services 

Self-installation might seem like an attractive option. But there’s always a risk of making mistakes and causing damage to the flooring. 

Instead, contact a professional service like Willamette Hardwood Floors to do the job for you. Specializing in both residential and commercial flooring, our team caters to all your flooring needs, be it vinyl flooring planks installation Salem or luxury vinyl tile installation. Get in touch to learn more. 

 

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