Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

By Floor & Decor

When it comes to a vinyl flooring, there's much more to consider than just the aesthetic appeal. This versatile and cost-effective flooring option offers numerous benefits for homeowners, making it an increasingly popular choice in home renovations. This comprehensive luxury vinyl flooring buying guide will help you make the best selection for your home.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Let's first understand the various types of vinyl flooring available.

Hybrid-Resilient Flooring

[Hybrid-resilient flooring](https://www.flooranddecor.com/eco-resilient-flooring) mimics the appearance of wood while providing exceptional durability. This 100% waterproof material is pet-proof, dent-resistant, and gouge-resistant. Hybrid-resilient floors are ideal for homeowners seeking a waterproof floor with optimal performance.

Rigid-Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring

[Rigid-core luxury vinyl flooring](https://www.flooranddecor.com/search?q=Rigid-core+luxury+vinyl+flooring&search-button=&lang=default&tab=search-tabs-products) features a core construction engineered to provide added stability. As a result, these vinyl planks or tiles tend to be less pliable but sturdier than other options on the market. With their enhanced strength and resilience, rigid-core luxury vinyl floors can withstand heavy foot traffic in busy households.

Durability: Choosing the Right Vinyl Flooring for Your Home

When selecting vinyl flooring for your home, durability is a crucial factor to consider. The floor's wear layer plays a significant role in determining its ability to withstand daily use and resist scratches, stains, and dents.

Understanding Wear Layers

The wear layer refers to the vinyl plank or tile's top surface that protects against everyday wear and tear. It directly impacts the floor's lifespan and performance over time. Generally speaking, higher-traffic areas require thicker wear layers for increased resistance.

• 6 mil: Suitable for low-traffic spaces such as guest rooms or closets.

• 12 mil: Ideal for moderate traffic areas like bedrooms or living rooms.

• 20 mil: Perfect choice for high-traffic zones, including hallways or kitchens.

Techtanium Plus Coating: The Ultimate Protection for Your Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to protecting your vinyl flooring from everyday wear and tear, Floor & Decor's exclusive Techtanium Plus coating is the ultimate solution. This innovative technology protects against scratches, stains, and dents, ensuring that your floors maintain their beauty and durability for years to come.

An entry way with herringbone vinyl flooring, a cabinet, and glass door.

Comfort Underfoot

When selecting vinyl flooring, it's essential to consider the comfort underfoot. This refers to how soft and quiet your floor will feel when you walk on it. Several factors can impact this aspect of your flooring choice, including whether or not a pre-attached pad is included with your purchase.

Pre-Attached Pad Options

Vinyl floors come in various options regarding padding. Some products have no pad attached, while others include foam or natural cork pads.

• No Pad: These floors provide basic durability but may lack some cushioning and sound absorption qualities.

• Foam Pad: Floors with an attached foam pad offer improved noise reduction and increased softness compared to those without padding.

• Natural Cork Pad: For maximum comfort underfoot, opt for vinyl flooring with an attached natural cork pad. Not only does this material provide exceptional warmth and cushioning, but it also boasts mold and mildew resistance properties.

Warranty: Lifetime Peace of Mind for Your Vinyl Flooring

"Your floor warranty guarantees peace of mind."

One essential aspect to consider when purchasing vinyl flooring is its warranty. A robust warranty guarantees you peace of mind, knowing that your investment in quality flooring is protected against defects and other issues.

At Floor & Decor, we take pride in offering a lifetime residential warranty on most of our vinyl and resilient selection.

Explore our wide range of [vinyl flooring options](https://www.flooranddecor.com/vinyl-flooring) today.

Low VOCs: The Healthier Choice for Your Home

At Floor & Decor, we prioritize the aesthetics and durability of our products and their impact on your home's indoor air quality.

Our vinyl and resilient flooring options are Greenguard Gold Certified for low VOCs, ensuring they meet industry standards for minimal chemical emissions.

Schedule a Design Appointment with Us

Vinyl flooring can be an excellent option for your home, bringing long-lasting quality and many design possibilities.

At Floor & Decor, we offer free design consultations so that you can get personalized guidance for your renovation project.

[Schedule your meeting](https://www.flooranddecor.com/contact-a-designer) with one of our design experts today to learn more about what types of vinyl flooring best suit your needs, budget and lifestyle.