All about vinyl sheet flooring

When it came to the US market in the 1930s, vinyl floors were highly praised for their affordability, durability, water-resistant and easy care. Standard sheet vinyl floors are a version of that, and now, thanks to modern technology, it is far from the vinyl you may remember from decades ago. Today, it’s a modern, higher quality product that comes in a wide variety of wood, stone, and tile looks, available in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs.

Vinyl sheet flooring is a layered product that comes in large rolls. The backing is the first layer, providing the foundation of the floor. The backing is available in four materials: Fiberglass, the most popular, keep the sheets flat and non-curling. It can be installed as a loose lay (hovering over the subfloor without nails or glue). Foam and felt are softer and more comfortable, and the installation method is glue-down. A vinyl sheet with vinyl backing is something you see mainly in commercial installations or very highly foot trafficked residential rooms. It gives an all-in-one, more solid foundation with extra durability. This needs to be glued down. The design image follows all the current trends. For example, wood floors are trending, and that’s expected to last at least 15 years, but wood can be damaged by excess water and moisture. As a result, it’s not recommended for baths or below grade rooms, such as the basement. Wood-look vinyl flooring is good alternatives. The wear layer protects the floor from scratches and scuffs and should be as thick as possible. Measurements range in increments from 10-mils to 20-mils. If you’re installing in a busy room with a lot of foot traffic, such as the kitchen, consider a wear layer that measures at least 20-mils.