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Vinyl Flooring FAQ

We’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions on Vinyl flooring to help your buying process.

By now, you probably know a thing or two about vinyl flooring, but there are still a few pressing questions on your mind.

Here, we’ve compiled our most common questions.

Let’s take a look:

Use & Durability

When you’re purchasing your next home flooring, you probably want to make sure it can hold up to the wear and tear of your home. Here, we answer a few of your most important questions about vinyl flooring.

Will my dog’s nails scratch vinyl flooring?

The good news is that vinyl flooring has a wear layer that protects the flooring from scratches. If you have a particularly rambunctious dog (think large and tearing through the house like a lightning bolt) you’ll want to get the thickest wear layer option.

While vinyl products do have a wear layer, no vinyl product is 100% scratch proof. Over time, scratches may occur. We recommend trying to keep the dog’s nails trimmed to help lessen the number of scratches.

Can I put heavy appliances down directly on my vinyl floors?

You can! For furniture, we recommend that you use felt furniture pads under legs to prevent scratching the flooring surface. Never use rubber, as rubber can stain vinyl flooring.

For heavy furniture and appliances, use a non-staining large surface floor protector.

Do I need a protector on my vinyl floor for my rolling desk chair?

Even though vinyl flooring has a tough wear layer, it’s a good idea to use a mat under desk chairs. Over time, rolling desk chairs might cause some wear and tear. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Can I put vinyl flooring in my basement?

Waterproof vinyl flooring can be used in basements. It can generally be installed in moisture-prone areas and even over uneven subfloors.

Can you install luxury vinyl flooring outdoors?

Even if using waterproof vinyl flooring, we do not recommend vinyl flooring for outside or semi-outside areas. UV rays can cause fading and continuous weather can damage the flooring over time. Using vinyl flooring outside may also void the manufacturer warranty! For these reasons, stick to using vinyl flooring indoors.

Will vinyl flooring expand?

Some vinyl flooring will not expand and contract like other flooring types unless under extreme conditions. We will recommend leaving a small expansion gap around the perimeter for such extreme conditions, but the likelihood for expansion is very small.

Shopping

What is the difference between WPC, LVF and SPC?

WPC vinyl technically translates to wood-plastic composite vinyl flooring. However, many people use the acronym as waterproof core vinyl flooring. Both meanings are correct. WPC vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. It’s known as the best of luxury vinyl flooring, but in the industry, it’s referred to as engineered vinyl flooring.

SPC stands for stone-plastic composite or stone-polymer composite. Both of these terms are used interchangeably. SPC is also sometimes referred to as Rigid Core luxury vinyl flooring. That’s because the stone-plastic composite core in this luxury vinyl is ultra-dense. In the industry, it’s also known as engineered vinyl flooring. SPC is also 100% waterproof.

LVF is the acronym for luxury vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl flooring is sort of the umbrella term that often encompasses WPC and SPC. Though in the industry, luxury vinyl flooring often refers to vinyl that is not waterproof or rigid core. It has a higher-quality visual, and usually a basic glue down or interlocking installation mechanism.

Are vinyl flooring and linoleum the same?

No! They’re actually very different! At one time the only vinyl anybody knew about was sheet vinyl, which has an appearance fairly similar to linoleum. Because of this, a lot of people confuse the two. Now that sheet vinyl is no longer the norm, it’s a bit easier to see and know the difference.

Installation

Can vinyl planks or tiles be installed over radiant heat?

Yes, most vinyl planks and tiles can be installed over radiant heat. However, it’s a good idea to check manufacturer instructions before doing so.

Can I install vinyl plank flooring over tile?

Thicker vinyl plank flooring can be installed over existing tile flooring surface, provided that there are no major imperfections. Thinner luxury vinyl flooring is not recommended over tile, as telegraphing (an imprint from the subfloor on the main floor) may occur. Be sure to double check with the manufacturer recommendations to be certain.

Do I need an underlayment?

Some products have an underlayment attached, so you will not need to purchase additional underlayment with those products.

If there is no attached underlayment, usually one is purchased. Underlayment has sound dampening properties, protects your subfloor and flooring, and makes your vinyl flooring softer underfoot. The experts at MR Flooring & Remodeling can help you pick the right underlayment for your flooring.

Cleaning & Maintenance

How do I clean my vinyl floors?

The good news is, vinyl flooring is a low maintenance product.

To clean your vinyl floors, be sure to vacuum up any dust, dirt, or debris.

You can also use a damp mop to keep your vinyl flooring clean. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately to prevent damage to your flooring.

How do I keep my vinyl flooring looking great?

To keep your vinyl flooring looking its best, we have a few tips:

  • Use felt pads under chair and furniture legs to prevent scratching of the flooring surface.

  • Place door mats at all entrances to prevent tracked in dirt, rocks, moisture, and other debris.

  • Avoid using rubber backed mats as they can stain the flooring surface over time.

We hope this helps. If you have any questions you need answered give us a call today or visit our showroom!

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