When it comes to vinyl flooring, some homeowners have begun to question its longevity. This is especially true of old, boring styles. But the good news is that there are new trends that are still hot. For example, long-plank herringbone patterns are hot with younger homeowners, and chevron tiles are expected to be a mainstay of kitchen design for the foreseeable future. Wider planks, meanwhile, tend to look more open and spacious, and they help rooms look less cluttered and busy.
Blue vinyl flooring
Blue vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for a bathroom. Its soothing hue evokes feelings of tranquility and peace, making it ideal for creating an atmosphere of relaxation. Installing blue vinyl flooring in your bathroom will turn it into a spa experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The sound absorption of this type of flooring will also make it suitable for sound-sensitive areas such as the bedroom. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before installing blue flooring in your home.
If you’d like to try out blue vinyl flooring, make sure to choose it in light grayish-blue shades. Light blues are more common in geometric or graphic patterns. While blue flooring may look outdated now, it’s likely to be in style in five or ten years. This means it will be an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile floor. You may be tempted to opt for this color as it can be a good choice if your room gets plenty of natural sunlight.
Concrete-look vinyl flooring
The concrete-look vinyl flooring trend has come and gone, but not forever. The popular material is limited to a few industries, such as corporate office space, hospitality, and retail. However, luxury vinyl flooring can recreate this look. Although concrete flooring is not as versatile as luxury vinyl tile, it is easier to care for and offers a wider range of design options. It is also much easier to clean than concrete. Read on to learn about the benefits of luxury vinyl tile and the pros and cons of choosing this material.
Another advantage of vinyl flooring is its ease of installation. Most manufacturers recommend that it not be installed over more than one layer of concrete or wood, because it will show flaws after some time. However, if the concrete is flat and level, you can install vinyl over it. You may need to add a layer of plywood between the old floor and the new flooring to avoid cracks and ensure that the floor looks uniform and feels better underfoot.
Loose-lay vinyl flooring
Although you might be tempted to go with the cheapest option, vinyl flooring with loose-lay is an outdated option. You have to pay a lot more for a product with a thin wear layer and poor quality prints. Fortunately, there are some brands that offer high-quality, thicker options. For example, Southwind makes six different choices in their loose-lay line, with each product boasting a 20-mil wear layer.
A common misconception about loose-lay vinyl flooring is that it’s easy to install. The fact is, if it is installed incorrectly, it will not last long. This type of flooring is not for high-traffic areas. Loose-lay flooring is best suited to rooms that see very little traffic. To avoid this problem, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the flooring. Even if you’re a handyman, you should still hire a professional installer.
Engineered vinyl planks
While engineered vinyl planks may be considered outdated, they do have many advantages. These floors can be installed on either plywood or concrete sub-floors. Some types of engineered flooring can be installed with ease, while others can be difficult. US Floors’ Coretec Plus line is easy to install. It has an attached cork backing and is waterproof when water is placed on top of it. This makes installing it easy even for people who aren’t handy.
In terms of looks, there are several major differences between engineered vinyl planks and other types of flooring. For instance, oak wood-look vinyl features straight grains in light brown tones, while pine has a richer variety of color and prominent knot textures. Hickory and walnut wood-look vinyl have subtle grain and occasional knots. Finally, acacia wood-look vinyl features a bold, rustic grain and occasional knots.
Engineered vinyl tiles
If you are considering installing luxury vinyl tiles in your home, you should consider the pros and cons of this type of flooring. It looks and feels like wood or stone, but is an affordable alternative to linoleum. Some of the options are Luxe Plank, which simulates the appearance of Italian slate tiles or rustic timber. These products are also made to be durable and require little maintenance. However, they may be outdated in a few years.
Luxury vinyl flooring is installed with a click-clock system, making it easier to lay. It is less difficult to install than standard vinyl sheets, which are often tricky to handle. It is best to hire a professional to install these floors. Moreover, you will have to pay for floor prep if your floors are uneven. In some cases, it is necessary to install a self leveling mix, which is more expensive than glue down installation.