Vinyl plank flooring has surged in popularity in recent years as homeowners discover its many benefits over traditional hardwood. Most people are familiar with the affordable cost and easy maintenance of vinyl floors. But there are some unexpected advantages that may surprise you.
Noise Reduction
One major yet rarely discussed advantage of vinyl plank flooring is noise reduction. Vinyl naturally dampens sounds better than hard surfaces like wood or tile. The soft, resilient core absorbs impact noise from footsteps and falling objects.
It also reduces ambient noise transfer between rooms. This makes vinyl an excellent choice for multi-level homes and apartments. With vinyl plank flooring, you can walk heavily or drop things without disturbing people below you.
Comfort Underfoot
Unlike wood or laminate, vinyl plank flooring gives slightly under pressure. This makes vinyl more comfortable to stand and walk on for long periods. The subtle softness is easier on the joints, feet, and back compared to unforgiving hard floors. This advantage makes vinyl suitable for rooms where people spend much of their time on their feet, like kitchens. The extra comfort can even reduce fatigue.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The flex and cushioning of vinyl plank flooring also increase accessibility for wheelchairs indoors. Vinyl provides less rolling resistance, making self-propelling easier without straining the wrists over time. Seams are also less bumpy compared to other floating plank floors. This helps stabilize wheelchairs crossing seams, decreasing the chance of tips and falls. The shock absorption additionally lessens joint pain and muscle fatigue for wheelchair users.
Stability for Elderly Residents
For similar accessibility reasons as wheelchairs, vinyl plank flooring adds stability for elderly people using walkers or canes. The surface flexes slightly under each step, gently supporting unsteady gaits. The cushioning also makes falls and injuries less severe. Vinyl as well has antistatic properties potentially preventing dangerous slides from friction built up crossing carpet. With premium vinyl plank flooring rated for commercial use, elders can feel confident staying independent at home.
Moisture Resistance
Vinyl plank flooring resistance to water makes it perfect for damp areas prone to spills, flooding, or leaks. Kitchens, basements, and bathrooms all benefit from vinyl’s waterproof structure securing the floor beneath. Moisture permeating traditional hardwood or laminates causes irreversible warping, mould growth, and decay.
But vinyl planks are non-porous, blocking moisture from penetrating seams. Even if subfloor damage already exists, installing vinyl plank flooring provides a protective barrier from worsening while hiding underlying flaws.
Hides Subfloor Flaws
Speaking of subfloor defects, vinyl plank floors conceal cracked concrete, uneven surfaces, and old water stains better than hard surface flooring. The flexibility of vinyl works with minor indentations rather than amplifying them visually. Vinyl is less rigid than materials like engineered wood needing perfectly smooth, flat subfloors. By bridging small gaps and irregularities, you avoid having to level subfloors before installing vinyl. This saves enormously on renovation costs.
Quick Installation
Installing vinyl plank flooring is straightforward enough for ambitious DIY enthusiasts to tackle. Click-fit planks use a floating installation method requiring no nails, glue, or heavy equipment. Repurposing rooms with vinyl plank flooring can often install over existing floors in a single day. Prepping the subfloor properly is still essential, but the installation itself is achievable for non-professionals. And mistakes are easier to correct by just lifting and relocking misaligned planks.
Low Commitment Styling
Vinyl presents essentially limitless options to match your interior décor preferences. Realistic wood look planks mimic almost any domestic or exotic hardwood species in colour, grain, and texture. Stone and tile visuals also abound without their hefty price tags.
But unlike permanent finishes like stained oak flooring or natural stone, refreshing your vinyl planks’ appearance is straightforward whenever tastes change. Coordinating to new furniture or paint colours just means installing a new vinyl floor in as little as an afternoon.
Environmentally Friendly Material
While plastic products often harm the environment, vinyl plank flooring has worked to greatly improve its eco-friendly credentials. Through responsible manufacturing and recyclable materials, many vinyl plank brands minimize ecological impacts. Compared to hardwood harvesting nitrogen-fixing trees like oak or hickory, vinyl preserves forests as a sustainable alternative. Vinyl also lasts for decades, avoiding repeat flooring replacements creating unnecessary construction waste. And with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and antimicrobial properties, vinyl plank flooring improves indoor air quality.
Impressed by the Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Hopefully the unexpected advantages highlighted here give you a new appreciation for this underrated resilient flooring. Vinyl plank flooring deserves consideration alongside more coveted materials for outstanding performance, customization, and eco-consciousness. When chosen and installed correctly, few other flooring options match vinyl plank flooring for versatility and unexpected benefits tailored to modern lifestyles.