Modern vinyl flooring comes with a long list of pros that can make it perfect for any room. This popular flooring looks great, is incredibly durable and water-resistant, and is easy-to-clean and maintain. Vinyl flooring can withstand high-humidity and moisture, making it a good choice for basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Just as with any type of flooring, however, vinyl flooring comes with a small list of cons that can deter homeowners.
Types of vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is typically available in three types of flooring products:
Luxury vinyl plank. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is available in planks similar to hardwood flooring. LVP floors are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, many of which closely resemble wood flooring. These floors can be easily installed without adhesive. Luxury vinyl plank flooring installation is fairly easy and only involves cutting and piecing the planks together.
Vinyl sheet flooring. Vinyl sheet floors come in large sheets that are usually installed with adhesive. Vinyl sheets come in a large variety of styles and colors. They are fairly easy to clean and maintain, though any indents may need to be scrubbed.
Luxury vinyl tile. Luxury vinyl tile looks similar to stone tile; some luxury vinyl tiles can even be installed with grout. Other LVT products resemble wood, though these tiles are water-resistant (like all vinyl flooring) and easy-to-clean.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Looks great and just like wood flooring | Can scratch |
| Easy to install as floating floor | Does not add value to home like wood |
| Water resistant | May contain VOCs |
| Durable | |
| Easy-to-clean | |
| Suitable for basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens | |
| Pet-friendly |
Vinyl sheet flooring pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Available in a wide variety of styles and colors that fit with any décor | Can scratch |
| Water resistant | Does not add value to home like wood |
| Durable | May contain VOCs |
| Easy-to-clean | Harder to install (usually uses adhesive) |
| Suitable for basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens (can even withstand minor flooding) | Harder to remove |
| Pet-friendly |
Luxury vinyl tile pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Looks great (may resemble wood or stone tiles) | Can scratch |
| Easy to install as floating floor | Does not add value to home like wood |
| Water resistant | May contain VOCs |
| Durable | |
| Easy-to-clean | |
| Suitable for basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens | |
| Pet-friendly |
Tips for cleaning vinyl flooring
- Place mats and rugs by the door and in high traffic areas to protect the floor from dirt and chemicals that get tracked in.
- Clean off bottom of shoes (and paws) to prevent gravel and dirt from coming in.
- Put felt pads on furniture and chairs to protect vinyl flooring from scratches.
- Sweep vinyl flooring with a soft-bristled broom or dry mop.
- Mop or wipe up spills ASAP.
- Add window treatments that block direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Before vacuuming, choose a vacuum designed for hard floors.
- Do not clean the vinyl floor immediately after installation; wait 48 hours (ask your installer for an exact time frame) to allow adhesives to dry before you mop the floor.
- Use vinyl flooring manufacturer-approved cleaners to avoid voiding the floor warranty; warranty information can be obtained
- from the manufacturer or a local flooring store.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the vinyl flooring.
- Always sweep to remove debris before mopping vinyl flooring.
