Vinyl flooring has long been a staple in home design across the decades, but is this inexpensive, yet durable, material making a comeback in 2017? We asked local design professionals to share their opinions.
Classic
“CLASSIC...While all vinyl may not be created equal, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) has a photographic image layer between the backing and clear wear layer and is by nature resistant to moisture. Because of this quality, it is a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and lower-level applications. A luxury vinyl plank, requested by my client for their lower-level rustic remodel, was hard to discern in appearance from hardwood plank flooring. It is a durable and stable product, with little to no upkeep. In addition, LVT can be installed directly over the subfloor or over existing vinyl or linoleum.” Joyce Mathis, MJM Design Company.
“Vinyl flooring is a classic in the making. With the advent of so many different vinyl designs and the advances in technology that have made vinyl so durable, it is quickly becoming a go-to flooring option for me. It is perfect for concrete floors, for anyone who has knee or back problems. It is sound-absorbent and doesn’t get cold like porcelain tile. It can look so much like real wood or real stone that you can’t tell the difference until you step on it, and there are endless choices beyond the wood or stone also. And let’s not forget it is a quick installation and easy to take care of. What’s not to like?!” Marcia Moore, Marcia Moore Design.
“It looks like vinyl flooring may be here for a while! Today's vinyl allows you to achieve almost any look at a fraction of the cost of other alternatives. It's waterproof, stain and scratch resistant. You can duplicate the look of wood with plank flooring or ceramic tile with 12-inch peel-and-stick squares. We've been using it in basements for years because most of it is recommended for below-grade surfaces that usually have to fight off dampness and sometimes flooding. However, today vinyl flooring is being used in new construction as a replacement to hardwood floors all over the home. It's very practicable because if a portion does get damaged, you can simply pull it up and replace it. For that very reason, I encourage my clients to order a bit extra. With the wide variety of styles and versatility, I think vinyl floors are classic.” Joni Spear, Joni Spear Interior Design.
"This type of tile is a classic look when grouted like ceramic tile because the appearance can be close to identical. The only way this could go by the wayside is if new technology, such as a waterproof floor, may be invented to replace it." Richard Haar, Mid-West Floor.
"We think this is going to be a classic as vinyl flooring has grown tremendously the last several years. The visuals, colors, texture, widths and lengths have improved drastically as the product increases in demand. With the changes in the family unit to include two working individuals, kids in sports and pets becoming family members there is a need for a product to fit your style and design as well as fitting your lifestyle by being easy to clean and maintain." Laura Modica, Ambassador Floor Company.
