If you’re planning a home renovation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing new vinyl flooring. Vinyl is a smart and affordable option that can add style, value and convenience to any room in your home. Here are some tips to help you select the right vinyl flooring for your renovation project.
Determine Your Vinyl Flooring Budget
Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of prices depending on the material, pattern, etc. Knowing your budget up front will help narrow down your options. Measure the square footage of each room getting new floors to estimate material costs. Basic vinyl tile or sheet floors start at $2-3 per square foot while luxury vinyl planks average $4-6 per square foot. High-end designs may reach $8-10 per square foot. Factor in underlayment, moldings, adhesive and labor in your budget too.
Consider Durability and Foot Traffic
How much wear and tear will the floor see? Heavy foot traffic areas like kitchens and entryways demand a more durable floor. Look for wear layer thickness – the top protective clear or colored layer over the design. Thicker wear layers of 20 mils or higher will hold up best against scuffs and dings in high-traffic spaces. For light to moderate traffic areas like bedrooms, a thinner 12-20 mil wear layer will suffice.
Vinyl Flooring Style and Design Options
Browsing design options is probably the fun part! Vinyl comes in everything from realistic woodgrains and stone visuals to tile looks and abstract patterns. Traditional plank styles simulate oak, hickory and other wood varieties. For a more contemporary space, marble, granite and slate reproductions provide a crisp luxury feel. Beyond solid colors, there are also multi-width plank designs and visuals with built-in scuffs for an already-used look. Be sure to pick a style that matches your home’s interior aesthetic.
Decide on Foam-Backed or Attached Underlayment
Not all vinyl floors require separate underlayment – it may already be attached or foam-backed as part of the flooring material. This one-step installation is easier but limits repositioning abilities during setup. Peel-and-stick floors have removable underlayment backing that provides extra sound reduction and a softer feel underfoot compared to bare vinyl. It does mean laying down the underlayment before floor planks or tiles.
Consider Your Subfloor and Needs
Take stock of your subfloor – is it concrete, wood or perhaps an existing difficult floor like ceramic tile? Vinyl can go over most surfaces but some preparation may be needed. For example, smoothing over rough concrete with a self-leveling underlayment. You’ll also want to determine needs like whether to address moisture mitigation for a bathroom. Quieter sound reduction or insulating qualities are other factors based on the room’s purpose.
Choose the Right Thickness
Most quality vinyl flooring falls within the 0.020 to 0.040 inch thickness range, or approximately 5.5 mils to 12 mils. Thinner floors have their place but shouldn’t be used in heavy traffic zones prone to indentations or gouging. 7-12 mil thin-gauge flooring is better suited for bedrooms while 12-20 mil floors provide optimum durability for high-traffic kitchens and family rooms. Anything over 20 mils is considered luxury vinyl and extremely wear-resistant.
Look at Vinyl Flooring Installation and Seams
Sheet vinyl offers the advantage of seeming continuous floors, while other styles require seaming planks together. Choose flooring and adhesives suitable for floating, glue-down or nail-down installation as this affects labor costs and suitability for your subfloor. Exposed seam vinyl isn’t ideal for open-concept floorplans – opt for materials with invisible welded seams if seams will show between rooms.
Consider Special Needs
Does the room require extra slip resistance for a bathroom or kitchen? Choose vinyl with a textured embossed or otherwise slip-proof surface. Are there large windows where UV exposure is a concern? UV-cured urethane floors help protect against fading. Do you have radiant heat? Make sure to select radiant heat-approved vinyl as not all types can transition temperature changes safely.
Consult Local Codes and HOA Rules
Some areas have specific codes on low-VOC emissions or flooring flammability standards. Also be aware of any community association rules regarding installation types or acceptable designs if you live in an HOA neighborhood. Getting the right flooring the first time saves headaches down the road if a certain type or system is prohibited locally.
Ask for Vinyl Flooring Samples
No matter how good the product photos look online, take time to request and examine vinyl samples in person before making a final selection. This allows you to compare details like color, texture and thickness. View samples in daylight by a window to ensure you love the hue. Some vinyl looks different depending on lighting conditions in the room. Samples let you do a trial installation to test pattern matching as well.
Conclusion: Vinyl Flooring In Singapore
With so many durability, design and installation options available for vinyl flooring, it’s important to understand your priorities and needs before launching into your renovation project. Careful consideration of the above factors will ensure your new floors enhance your home’s style and value for many years to come within budget.
Whether you’re renovating one room or your whole home, Wood Origins offers an extensive collection of luxury vinyl flooring, engineered hardwood floors and wall panels that will seamlessly accentuate any interior space. As a leading flooring supplier and installer, Wood Origins is dedicated to bringing the natural beauty of wood and stone into any environment. Our expert installation team can professionally install your new flooring from start to finish. Contact Wood Origins today to schedule your free design consultation and flooring sample selection. We look forward to transforming your space with the premium, beautifully realistic flooring offerings that Wood Origins is renowned for.