Everything you need to know about finding a Vinyl and Laminate Installer

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is durable and attractive, and is relatively inexpensive, compared to other flooring types.  Vinyl flooring has a certain amount of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in it, and it is sometimes referred to as PVC flooring.  Vinyl flooring is “resilient” as it has more give than other forms of flooring such as timber, ceramic or terracotta tiles, or laminated timber floors.

© Solomons Flooring - vinyl allows you to get the look and feel of tiles without the cost.

Vinyl products are made from a combination of vinyl resin and additives.  Such additives may include plasticizers which are used to soften the vinyl and add flexibility; stabilizers to reduce discolouration from heat or light and to minimize the vinyl degrading; pigments to add colour; and fillers such as clay or limestone.  Vinyl flooring comes in two types, tiles and sheets.  Vinyl tiles are solid vinyl or vinyl composition and sheet vinyl can be homogenous, inlaid or layered composite. 

Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of styles and colours and tiles are available in custom shapes that can be cut to suit.  Almost any look can be created – even the simulation of natural materials such as wood, ceramic or stone.

There are many benefits to vinyl flooring, such as:

• noise insulation
• comfortable underfoot
• durable
• moisture and stain resistant
• cheap to repair
• well suited to heavy traffic areas of the home
• economical
• available with slip-retardant surfaces for added safety

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring looks like a real wood or stone floor and it has the advantages of superior durability, being low maintenance, being cheaper to install than the “real thing” and can last a lot longer than natural floors.  Most laminate floors also come with an excellent warranty.  The wood or stone finish is created by taking a photograph of natural wood or stone.  The laminate flooring itself is created by having an inner core surrounded by an outer layer of either wood or plastic veneer that simulates wood or stone.

© Solomons Flooring

Laminate flooring is affixed to the top of your existing floor and is available as planks, strips or tiles.  The flooring has traditionally been glued to existing floors but the newer flooring systems can be pre-glued or even glueless, making installation a lot faster.  The traditional laminate floors are glued in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Pre-glued floors have planks that are wiped with water to activate the glue before the plank is set in place.  Glueless floors are held in place by locking mechanisms or joints and are as secure as the glued forms of laminate flooring.

Once your laminate floor has been installed, there are some steps to undertake to ensure that it stays looking its best.  Firstly, ensure that you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and ask if there’s anything you need to do after the floor has been installed.  Never use a wet mop to clean laminate floors as water may seep through and cause damage.  Vacuum and damp mop floors only.  Don’t use wax or other acrylic finishes on the floor as they may damage the surface.  Also consider using protective pads underneath the feet of chairs and other furniture to avoid scratching the floors.

Other Laminate Products

Laminate can also be used on doors, benchtops, cupboards, and wardrobes etc.  It can be used in wet areas but it important to make sure that it is correctly sealed.  Laminate can be bought in sheet form and glued to a variety of substrates including particleboard, medium density fibreboard, plywood, hardboard, corestock, aluminium and paper honeycomb.  Laminate expands in humid weather and shrinks in dry weather so laminate and the substrate used needs to acclimatize to the conditions in which they will be used for at least 48 hours before the laminate is laid.

Laminates are commonly used in kitchens and bathroom and they are available in a huge range of styles, colours and finishes, from a plain finish to photographic reproductions of granite, marble and so forth.

Hiring a Vinyl or Laminate Professional

When installing a vinyl or laminate floor, or any other laminate product, you should only use a professional to ensure that you get the best results.  Ensure that the professional is fully qualified and experienced.  If possible, ask for references from previous customers.  If the flooring project is a large one, ensure that the professional has the insurances necessary for both your protection and theirs.

The professional should be willing to provide you with an obligation free quote that includes both materials and installation.  They should also be able to provide some ideas on which products and colours will go well with your existing home and décor.