Many of us are familiar with the way vinyl flooring looks and performs. However, not many of us actually know how vinyl flooring is made. This versatile, attractive flooring option has been around for nearly a century. It seems to improve more and more as the years pass. Are you considering adding vinyl floors to your home or business? Taking a little bit of time to find out how vinyl floors are produced can help to give you a fresh appreciation for this convenient option. Take a look at the basics of how vinyl flooring is made.
The Versatility of Vinyl
It’s important to discover why vinyl is so popular before diving in to learn about its production process. Vinyl has gained popularity as a flooring option because of the fact that it can be manipulated in so many different ways. This means that vinyl flooring can easily be designed to mimic the appearance of other popular flooring options like wood and tile. This is also why you can choose from a limitless selection of colors and patterns when purchasing modern vinyl floors. Vinyl’s biggest benefit is its water-resistant nature. In fact, some styles of vinyl are actually completely waterproof. This makes vinyl flooring an ideal option for the home. People who choose vinyl floor for areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, basement, foyers and bathrooms can rest assured that they won’t need to take on expensive and time-consuming repairs and replacements when water issues occur.
The Different Forms of Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring typically comes in two different forms. The most common form is sheet vinyl floor. This style is made in big rolls that can be cut to provide a custom fit for a room of any size or layout. Vinyl tiles have also become popular in recent years. LVT option can be purchased in squares that resemble individual porcelain tiles or planks that look very similar to wood flooring. The individual tiles or planks can be purchased to fit the size of a room and pressed together to create a cohesive look during the installation process. Many people are excited by just how realistic and rich vinyl styles that are created to look like other materials appear when installed in a home. However, there are many important components just below the surface of the shiny, textured designs that are available.
A Deeper Look at Vinyl Flooring
The beautiful pattern you see at your feet when you step inside a home with vinyl flooring is actually just the top layer of an intricate design. Vinyl floors actually consists of several layers. The bottom layer of vinyl flooring is comprised of a plastic design that has been placed over a backing made of fiberglass or felt.
The layer that is placed next is the layer that features the design that gives each piece of vinyl its distinctive look. A process that uses a rotary press is what’s responsible for creating the beautiful designs that we see on vinyl flooring. Colors and patterns are transferred to the surface of that layer. You’ve probably seen vinyl designs that are almost indistinguishable from materials like hardwood or tile. Those impressive styles are created through this process. The cost-effective nature of the process means that you can get the look of high-end materials at a fraction of the cost of actually installing them. Some vinyl floor is created in a slightly different way. Inlaid vinyl floors actually takes on a more vivid look than standard vinyl flooring because colors and patterns are injected into the sheet of vinyl. Many people prefer the look of inlaid vinyl flooring and appreciate the fact that colors and patterns have better longevity when this process is used. However, you will find that there are fewer pattern options and colors to choose from when shopping around for inlaid vinyl.
It’s now time to talk about the top layer of vinyl flooring. This third layer is responsible for giving vinyl so many of the qualities that people love. The top layer of vinyl flooring is also what gives this flooring style its strength. However, you probably won’t even notice that it’s there. That’s because the top layer of vinyl is clear. This clear layer is created to protect flooring against dents, scratches and stains. It is also responsible for preventing moisture from seeping in and causing big problems. What’s more, the coating on the top layer also makes it easy to mop and clean vinyl flooring. It all comes together to create a glossy, rich look that lasts.
A Flooring Option That Is Made for Every Home
The production process for vinyl floor is the secret behind why this option is so affordable and convenient. Vinyl floor is a durable, high-quality product that can be made relatively quickly and inexpensively when compared to other available options. The savings don’t end when it comes to purchasing and installing vinyl floor. Vinyl is an option that doesn’t require the careful maintenance and repair work that many other flooring options do. Many people end up spending a lot of money to fix tiles or wood planks due to everything from general wear and tear to flooding issues. The interesting production process behind vinyl flooring gives us a peek into why this option is a good choice for our homes and wallets.
