Vinyl flooring – A comprehensive guide

The ultimate guide to vinyl flooring: everything you need to know

Vinyl flooring has rightly become one of the most popular choices for homeowners across the UK, offering a perfect combination of style, durability, and low maintenance. Whether you’re re-flooring a single room or upgrading your entire home, vinyl flooring provides a practical and stylish solution that works in every space, from kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms, hallways and dog rooms.

At Floors for Paws, we specialise only in high-quality vinyl flooring that not only enhances your home’s aesthetic but also provides a comfortable, pet-friendly, and long-lasting surface. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about vinyl flooring, including its benefits, types, installation methods, and maintenance tips.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a flooring material made primarily from safe PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin, along with other compounds to improve its flexibility, durability, and water resistance. It is designed to mimic the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, or ceramic tile, but with added benefits such as easier maintenance, softer underfoot feel, and enhanced durability.

There are several types of vinyl flooring available, including:
• Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are high-end vinyl flooring that closely replicates natural materials while providing excellent durability and design versatility.
• Vinyl planks are designed to look like hardwood flooring, vinyl planks offer the warmth of wood with superior water resistance.
• Sheet vinyl is a budget-friendly option that comes in large rolls, providing a seamless and waterproof surface.
• Rigid core vinyl is a tough, durable version of LVT flooring with enhanced stability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Why vinyl flooring is the best choice for homes:

Exceptional durability and a long life expectancy

One of the main reasons homeowners choose vinyl flooring is its exceptional durability. It is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and daily wear and tear, making it perfect for both residential and commercial settings.

With a protective wear layer, high-quality vinyl flooring can resist:

Scratches and dents
Stains from food, drinks, and pet accidents
Water damage and warping
Daily foot traffic in busy households

When properly maintained, vinyl flooring can last 20 years, making it a great long-term investment for any home.

Water-resistant and ideal for the whole house

Unlike hardwood or laminate, roll vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as:
Kitchens: Spills and splashes won’t damage the surface.
Bathrooms: No risk of warping or swelling from humidity or steam
Utility rooms: Handles spills and heavy foot and paw traffic

For homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, water-resistant solution, vinyl flooring is the best option available on the market.

Floors for paws is Pet-friendly and slip-resistant

At Floors for Paws; The world's best flooring for pets® we understand that pet owners need flooring that can handle the demands of our furry friends. Our Pawsafe vinyl flooring ranges are designed with:
A non-slip surface to prevent accidents and prevent injuries in dogs
Scratch-resistant layers to withstand claws and zoomies.
Waterproof and stain-proof technology for easy cleaning and zero maintenance.
A 30 year domestic product guarantee.

Whether you have dogs, cats, or other pets, our vinyl flooring ensures a safe and comfortable environment for pets and zero maintenance satisfaction for owners.

Affordable and cost-effective:

Compared to hardwood, natural wood, ceramic tiles, and natural stone, vinyl flooring is much more budget-friendly while still delivering a high-end appearance.
• Lower material costs: High-quality vinyl flooring is significantly cheaper than real wood or stone.
• Easier installation: Our vinyl flooring options can be installed without professional help, saving on labour costs.
• Minimal maintenance: No need for expensive polishing, sanding, or special treatments.

For homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring without spending a fortune, vinyl flooring offers the best value for money over the product lifetime.

Different types of vinyl flooring and how to choose the best one for you:

Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) vs sheet vinyl

Feature: Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Appearance: High-quality, realistic wood and stone designs
Durability: Thick wear layer for long-lasting performance
Water Resistance: 100% waterproof
Installation: Glue-down or with LVT underlay
Best for: High-traffic areas, pet-friendly homes

Feature: Sheet vinyl
Appearance: Simple designs, fewer texture options for modern homes.
Durability: Softer but less resistant to damage
Water Resistance: 100% waterproof
Installation: Roll-out, requires adhesive
Best for: Budget-friendly, pet-friendly renovations

LVT flooring is the superior choice due to its realistic aesthetics, superior durability, and ease of maintenance.

Installation methods: which one is right for your home?

Floors for paws has two installation options for it's vinyl flooring:
1. Glue-down vinyl flooring
• Secured using adhesive for a permanent, stable fit.
• Ideal for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces.
3. Loose-lay vinyl flooring
• Uses LVT underlay to stay in place without glue.
• Perfect for temporary installations or rental properties.

Choosing the right installation method depends on your budget, skill level, and the intended use of the flooring.

How to maintain and clean your vinyl flooring:

One of the biggest advantages of vinyl flooring is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Follow these simple steps to keep your floor looking brand new:

Daily cleaning tips revealed:

Sweep or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
Use a microfibre mop with warm water for everyday cleaning.

Deep cleaning tips:

Use a pH-neutral floor cleaner for a deeper clean.
Avoid highly abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals.
Place felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches.

By following these maintenance tips, vinyl flooring will stay in top condition for years.

Why choose Floors for Paws vinyl flooring?

At Floors for Paws, we specialise in high-quality, pet-friendly vinyl flooring that combines style, comfort, and durability. Our flooring is designed to be:
100% water-resistant – Ideal for homes with pets and children.
Scratch-resistant – Tough enough to withstand daily wear.
Slip-resistant – Reduces the risk of falls for both pets and humans.
Realistic and stylish – Available in a variety of wood and stone finishes.

Whether you’re looking for luxury vinyl tiles, vinyl planks, or sheet vinyl, we offer the best options for every pet-friendly home or business.

Excellent floors and team

Really happy with our new flooring, we wanted a floor that was easy to clean but had avoided wood floors due to our dog having hip displaysa. So happy with our choice! The floor looks amazing, the team from quoting to installation were great and our pets approve too. Thank you to Tracy, Mo and Jamie, excellent service and floors.

Date of experience: November 21, 2021

Conclusion:

Vinyl flooring is the ultimate solution for homeowners looking for style, durability, and zero maintenance . Whether you need a waterproof floor for your kitchen, a scratch-resistant surface for your pets, or a comfortable option for high-traffic areas, Floors for Paws offers the best vinyl flooring in the UK.

Explore our range today and order a free sample to see why more homeowners are choosing Floors for Paws vinyl flooring.