After a summer of projects designed to beautify your patio, garden and home exterior, attention typically turns indoors once September arrives.
For many homeowners, that means looking at what’s underfoot, especially in areas like a basement or rec room. Where utilitarian laminate or berber carpeting have been the basic choice for many, recent years have brought a welcome option: vinyl.
The Pros & Cons
• A great look: Vinyl comes in various style options, but among the most popular offer a look similar to wide-plank wood. In fact, “we carry nine different wood-look varieties, in addition to six different vinyl ‘tile’ options,” says Joshua Farquharson, manager of Windsor Plywood Keating, which has been selling the Vinloc vinyl for six years. Also an easy-care option, vinyl cleans up with a sweep and simple soap and water.
• Water and moisture-resistant: Unlike other flooring options, quality vinyl like the 10mm Vinloc brand at Windsor Plywood Keating stands up to moisture, making it a popular choice for basements.
“We sell a very specific type of vinyl flooring with this unique locking system,” Farquharson notes.
If homeowners experience water issues, the flooring can simply be pulled up, then relaid once the substrate is dried out. “It’s the most durable material you can get in terms of wearability because there’s give and flexibility.”
• Warm and soft underfoot: A layer of air formed beneath Windsor’s vinyl plank creates a warm-on-the-toes experience – another bonus for outfitting a colder basement when you don’t want the added expense of in-floor heat. That same air layer also offers increased sound absorbency appreciated by those who find laminate noisy.
• Know what you’re getting: Like any type of flooring, vinyl comes in various qualities, and the level you choose will have a bearing on its longevity, ease of installation and overall look. “If you’re buying a floor to put down, you want it to last,” Farquharson says.
For those looking for a harder-wearing commercial application, loose lay vinyl has a thicker wear layer that can stand up to heavier foot traffic.
• Installation DIY? While other types of flooring can be challenging for the home installer to lay themselves, Windsor’s Vinloc vinyl plank and tile is a snap – literally. “It’s the simplest floor to install that I’ve ever worked with. My seven-year-old daughter helped install ours,” Farquharson says.
For more information about flooring options for your home, visit windsorplywood.com and follow on Facebook for all the latest news.