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Everything you need to know about vinyl flooring; provide an affordable and durable solution for busy households.

Vinyl flooring is an economical and durable way to imitate more expensive materials and flooring styles such as hardwood, marble or ceramic tiles. There are wood panels, sheets or tiles to choose from, and advances in vinyl design have brought a lot of color options, embossed surfaces and natural effects.

Carpetright’s hard floor buyer David Snazel said: “Vinyl flooring is an excellent and inexpensive way to add color, pattern and personality to a room without compromising safety or quality.” “In recent years, design and style have been developed. Many developments mean that the effects vinyl can create, such as tiles or wood, are very realistic."

Vinyl is very hard-wearing, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas, bathrooms and kitchens. “For busy families with children, this is a good choice because it is very durable, moisture-proof and non-slip, while being softer and warmer than laminate,” explains David.

When choosing vinyl flooring, it is important to consider the quality of the design and details. To ensure that it effectively replicates elements in wood, stone or porcelain, check the design of nodules and textures, the color and gloss of the finishes, and the reproduction of natural defects such as cracks and textures. "Choosing a slightly worn design will make any flaws less obvious," David added.

Due to its relative ease of installation, vinyl sheets are the most affordable option. There are many designs to choose from, and the vinyl sheet will cover most of the floor in one piece with very few seams. The soft surface is waterproof and comfortable to walk on. Care must be taken when laying vinyl boards, because incorrect cuts cannot be undone. Similarly, tears or damage cannot be repaired seamlessly.

Vinyl plank flooring is usually designed to look like real wood or stone-the more expensive options usually have textured non-slip finishes and beveled edges. Vinyl planks are both beautiful and hard-wearing, and can be used in areas that are not recommended for wood, and use the correct adhesive for floor heating. Vinyl is softer than stone and ceramics, so it is more comfortable under your feet and more tolerant of anything that falls on it.

Except for size, vinyl floor tiles are largely similar to vinyl sheets. The tiles will be cut individually, always installed with adhesive, or occasionally installed with a peelable backing. Vinyl floor tiles are very lightweight and easy to use-you usually only need a craft knife to cut them-and self-adhesive vinyl floor tiles make installation particularly easy.

As David explained, there is a difference between standard vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl tiles (often called “LVT”): “Luxury vinyl is a high-quality option that can be effectively used using wood or tile installation techniques. Simulates expensive floor materials. This provides the same durability and low-maintenance advantages as vinyl, while being compatible with underfloor heating, adding a touch of luxury and warmth.

LVT is usually much thicker than standard vinyl and is semi-rigid. People pay great attention to imitating more expensive materials, which have textured surfaces and beveled edges similar to solid wood, or natural inconsistencies in color and tone to resemble ceramics or stone.

Although it is certainly the best choice aesthetically, there are a few things you should consider. "Although it is usually easy to maintain, please carefully consider the products you use because not all chemicals are suitable and may cause discoloration," David said. Of course, luxury vinyl tiles are the more expensive option.

Vinyl flooring should be laid on a clean, flat surface, so you may need to prepare a subfloor, which will require additional costs and longer time. This step should not be ignored, because the quality of the subfloor will affect the appearance and service life of the vinyl floor.

'Whenever possible, it is best to have a professional surveyor and a suitable floor, because they will ensure that all measurements are accurate. Any mistakes may result in additional costs, which may offset any savings that you have made by choosing an affordable vinyl," David said.

This is a relatively easy method because vinyl materials are durable, heat and moisture resistant, and are usually easy to clean. David said: "Warm water and light soap are usually sufficient to remove stains, but sodium bicarbonate can also be used to remove stubborn stains. Loose debris, dust and dirt can be removed regularly with a gentle vacuum or a soft brush.

• Buy beautiful vinyl flooring for the house at Carpetright

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