Flooring is an important part of any home. You walk on it and see it everywhere you go in your house. So, choosing the right floor is not a decision to take lightly. In recent years, many people are opting for vinyl tile for their floors.
Why has this old standby become popular again? According to Mandy Goodwin, sourcing director for Strong Built Floors (NOLA Flooring is a local retailer of their tiles), there a number of reasons. First, affordability is a big selling point, with Goodwin noting it is roughly one-third the price of true hardwood floors and roughly half the price of engineered hardwood. Former “This Old House” host Bob Vila’s website (BobVila.com) estimates luxury vinyl tile costs between $2 and $5 per square foot, including installation, while wood floors and carpeting can cost anywhere between $3 and $10 per square foot.
Since vinyl is more affordable than other options, it gives customers more flexibility with options, especially since vinyl tile no longer requires glue making it easy to install and remove on top of hardwood, according to Goodwin.
Another selling point is that it remains a DIY-friendly option for homeowners. Many tiles are either self-adhesive or lock together, therefore not requiring adhesive or glue of any kind. There are still instructions a person will need to research and follow, but a non-expert can complete an installation.
“You don’t have to be a professional to lay it,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin also added that vinyl tile floors are easy to clean and maintain once installed. Homeowners can use a Swiffer WetJet, a mop, a vacuum, or gentle household cleaners. Pet accidents can easily be cleaned, and few lingering smells or stains from any accident or spills will be left behind. This also makes it easier to maintain than many other flooring options.
“Hardwood requires more specialized cleaners,” Goodwin said.
For homeowners concerned about the aesthetics of vinyl tile, Goodwin said customers can now choose from a variety of different looks, from faux marble, stone or wood, among other options.
“If someone comes into your house after it’s installed and they’re not in the flooring business, they often won’t know it’s vinyl,” said Robert Simoneaux, project manager for Bonitz, a commercial flooring company.
Vinyl tile is often described as “waterproof,” but Simoneaux warns that this can be slightly misleading. Vinyl tile can withstand simple water issues like spills without buckling, he said, however, if there is flooding or any other form of standing water, mold can still form quickly and the tile and subfloor would need to be dried off or replaced.
Goodwin recommends installing a visqueen liner between the slab and any vinyl tile for extra insurance and longer lasting materials. An additional cost of $80-100 to a vinyl tile installation will protect from New Orleans’ moisture and humidity.
According to BobVila.com, vinyl tiles can vary wildly in quality, even in highly-rated brands such as Shaw, Armstrong and Mannington so be sure to do your research in advance. Thickness of vinyl tiles can range from 2 mm to over 8 mm, with thinner vinyl more easily damaged and prone to indentation marks from furniture. Thicker vinyl often offers more cushioning and stability.
“The thicker the layer, the better it will withstand the wear and tear of high traffic situations,” Goodwin said.
A final note and selling point of vinyl tile is a softer, more cushioned floor feel as opposed to harder, less giving materials such as ceramic tile. This can be important for people suffering from knee and back issues as they age, according to Simoneaux.
“When you walk on it, it’s not rigid…it’s easy on the joints,” he said.
