How Long Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Last on Average?
There are several advantages of vinyl floors, but how long does vinyl plank flooring last? Our guide right here has you covered.
Hardwood floors have an undeniably sleek and classy aesthetic. The problem is, they are often unaffordable. By the time you install it and take precautionary measures to protect it, this flooring can break the bank.
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to authentic hardwood. Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent alternative for hardwood flooring. It is affordable, attractive, and durable, which is just the combination you want for your home.
If you're wondering, "how long does vinyl flooring last," you're not alone. Many people worry that vinyl is weaker than hardwood and easier to damage. However, vinyl plank flooring proves itself to be a durable alternative.
If you're considering vinyl flooring for your home design, read on to learn all you need about its benefits!
How Long Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Last? It Depends on What Kind
While this may seem like a vague answer to the question, it does matter. Most people who think of vinyl flooring think of a very particular kind of flooring.
However, in reality, there are three different kinds of vinyl flooring.
The three types are as follows: vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl plank flooring, and vinyl tile flooring. Their lifespans are typically 10-20 years for vinyl sheet flooring and 15-20 years for vinyl plank flooring and vinyl tile flooring.
If you're considering a vinyl floor for your home, both vinyl plank flooring and vinyl tile flooring are far better than the vinyl sheet.
Benefits of Vinyl Floors
If you choose vinyl plank flooring for your home, there are several benefits beyond their durability. One of the biggest reasons for choosing vinyl is that they are fairly low maintenance.
For instance, vinyl planking floors are waterproof. This makes them ideal for places like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. In addition to being safe for those places, it is very pet-friendly.
If you have a puppy that is still learning to use the bathroom outside and has the occasional accident, vinyl floors remain undamaged by them. It also serves to protect the floor from external moisture.
Another benefit of vinyl flooring is how easy to clean it is. Unlike hardwood floors, you never have to wax these floors.
Their maintenance is straightforward; a vacuum cleaner, broom, or microfiber sweeper is all you need to keep the surface spotless. For a deeper cleanse, all you need is a good scrub with the mop. Alternatively, you can use a mild cleaning solution.
Yet another benefit of this flooring type is how adaptable the look is. Vinyl floor planks can look like several different materials, from wood to marble. This gives you several options in aesthetic design while sparing you the cost of the authentic materials.
Finally, vinyl beats other types of flooring in its resistance to outside damage. Our vinyl planks provide a rigid core that is perfect for heavily trafficked rooms, like your living room or hallway.
The more flexible core of vinyl planks also makes them less likely to break fragile objects. On a hardwood floor, dropping your plate or glass is a death sentence. With vinyl floors, that's no longer the case.
Ways To Prevent Damage
While vinyl plank floors are durable against many threats, other things can still damage them. For instance, it's best to avoid moving heavy furniture on vinyl. Doing this is likely to scuff the planks and leave noticeable scratches.
So, in this next section, we'll break down some of the methods and products you can use to protect your floors against such damages.
Invest In Quality Doormats
For as many doors as you enter the house from, you should place high-quality doormats there. While vinyl is easy to clean, you don't want to do it all the time. Besides, if you have materials stuck to your shoes, it could result in scratches or scuffs on the vinyl.
Look for a doormat that will do well against materials common to your region and climate. For instance, if you live in a desert region, look for doormats that stand up to dirt and rocks.
Furniture Pads Are Life-Savers
If you've never considered these products before, now is the perfect time to investigate them. Furniture pads are just what they sound like. They are small pads you place on the feet of your furniture. This pad then prevents furniture pieces from scratching or denting your floors.
These come in many forms, but there are certain common factors to look for. One of these is a durable rubber backing to prevent heavy furniture, like your couch, from sliding around the floor when you sit down.
Another sign of a useful furniture pad is universality. Look for pads compatible with whatever furniture you happen to own. Whether you own a grand piano, a heavy bookstand, or have lots of chairs sliding in and out of the dinner table, these furniture pads should protect against them.
In general, these pads shouldn't cost too much. Regardless of budget, you should be able to find some pads to work for you.
Find a Cleaning Solution
Cleaning vinyl flooring is a straightforward task, as mentioned before. However, some tools do better in this than others. When you look for a useful cleaning solution, look for one that does the following.
First, make sure the solution doesn't do more harm than good. You want shiny floors, not floors stained with residue or streaks. Also, make sure the solution doesn't make the floor too slippery.
Find an Installation Service
Using all of the methods and products used above, the answer to "how long does vinyl plank flooring last" suddenly changes. You can extend its lifespan by years, maybe even decades.
So, now you know the benefits of vinyl and how to protect it. All that's left is for you to install the vinyl. This can be a DIY project, or you can rely on our installation services at Eagle Flooring West for guaranteed satisfaction. Either way, get your vinyl today!
