When you do any preliminary research into DIY flooring installation, it’s practically impossible not to run into homeowners singing the praises of vinyl floors, especially click-installation models. But what is vinyl-click flooring? And why are so many home improvement aficionados banging on about it?
Good thing you asked. Because we’re about to spill the tea on click vinyl; what it is; its history; how it’s made; and why, in our expert opinion, it’s the ideal option for those setting out on their first self-fitted floor.
Skip to:
- A brief history of vinyl
- What is vinyl click flooring?
- What makes this flooring type tick?
- How to fit vinyl click flooring
- The final verdict
A brief history of vinyl
When vinyl was first invented, researchers didn’t know what to do with it; there was no clear use or application. Back then, in the 1800s, it was simply a hard-wearing material created from vinyl chloride gas. Skip ahead to the 1960s, with its modernised technology and ramped-up mass production, and this hard flooring is ubiquitous in well-looked-after homes. Nowadays, you can even find varieties that challenge natural wood’s visual appeal.
It’s predecessors
But what happened between these periods? In order to trace back the history of vinyl as flooring we need to take a look at some of its predecessors – namely, PVC and linoleum.
The story of linoleum, one of the first man-made resilient floors, begins in 1860 when Englishman, Frederick Walton, discovered the material by happenstance. His discovery of a solidified oil film from a tin of linseed oil he forgot to seal led to the creation of linoleum, which quickly gained popularity for its strength and versatility.
PVC, another key material in vinyl production, has similar origins. Coming about around the same time, but taking a while to find a commercial application, it was accidentally synthesised when recently discovered vinyl chloride gas was exposed to sunlight. Over time, its flexible properties – rivalling those of linoleum and laminate – made it ideal for flooring, and by the 1930s, vinyl flooring began to take shape.
When vinyl kicked off
Vinyl flooring, as we know it today, began to take off in the 1960s, with its design evolving in the 1970s to include plank formats, which brings us to modern vinyl click flooring. It’s this evolution that has made vinyl an enduring choice for homeowners seeking both practicality and style.
So, what is vinyl click flooring?
Vinyl click flooring, often referred to as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT), is a type of vinyl floor that uses a simple tongue-and-groove system for installation. This system allows the planks or tiles to “click” together, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick and easy DIY flooring fix.
Unlike traditional vinyl sheets, click vinyl comes in separate planks or tiles that mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone. Its structure is formed of multiple layers, including a protective wear layer, a design layer, a core and then a backing, making it highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
It’s composed of PVC for the core, plasticides that are added to the vinyl, pigments for its colouring and then the backing is made of a felt/paper, wood pulp and calcium carbonate mix.
What makes LVT click flooring tick?
One of the reasons vinyl click flooring has become such a popular choice compared to other options like laminate is its versatility. It offers a wealth of features that make it suitable for various applications, from kitchens to living rooms and even bathrooms. With a range of styles that can mimic the appearance of natural wood, stone or tile, vinyl click flooring can fit seamlessly into nearly any interior design scheme.
However, like any flooring option, it comes with both advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether vinyl click flooring is the right fit for your home. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Pros
- Easy installation: One of the most appealing aspects of vinyl click flooring is its simplicity. With no need for glue or nails, you can achieve a professional-looking floor with minimal effort.
- Durability: Vinyl click floors are resistant to stains, moisture and scratches, making them a great option for high-traffic areas or homes with pets whose paws run up and down the room.
- Variety of designs: Available in a wide range of finishes – from authentic wood to stone-look designs – there’s something to suit every taste.
- Cost-effectiveness: Vinyl click flooring offers a more affordable alternative to engineered wood, natural stone, or ceramic tiles, without compromising on appearance or performance. For a deep dive into the cost of LVT and regular vinyl flooring check out our dedicated blog post on the subject.
- Comfort: It has a softer feel underfoot compared to harder surfaces like stone or ceramic, which can make a significant difference in comfort, especially in rooms where you stand for long periods.
Cons
- Subfloor preparation: While installation is relatively simple, a smooth, level subfloor is essential for a flawless finish. This might require extra work if your subfloor is uneven.
- Susceptibility to higher levels of heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high heat sources can cause vinyl flooring to warp or expand, so it’s worth considering where you install it.
- Limited lifespan for budget options: While high-end vinyl click flooring is incredibly durable, cheaper alternatives may wear more quickly, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic. If you’re deciding between vinyl and other flooring types, it’s worth exploring LVT vs engineered wood to understand how they compare in terms of longevity and performance.
Compatibility
The real question is this: What room is vinyl click flooring not suited to? The truth is, this type of flooring is incredibly versatile and works well in most areas of the home. It’s perfect for living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms – pretty much anywhere you want a durable, stylish floor that’s easy to maintain. Our favourite bit? It’s resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for spaces prone to spills and humidity.
And don’t forget about your stairs. While not all flooring types are great for staircases, vinyl click has the durability to withstand the traffic and wear that stairs endure. So if you’re looking to refresh your stairs, vinyl click could be just the solution you were after.
How to fit click vinyl
We’ve briefly mentioned how installing vinyl click flooring is a walk in the park for experienced flooring fitters and newbies alike, but what does the process look like in practice? Well, let’s stop beating around the bush. Here’s a mini walkthrough to give you a good sense of the skill level required.
- Measure the dimensions of the room to work out how much flooring you need.
- Take the necessary steps to ensure the subfloor is properly prepared, clean and level. (If extensive work is required, it’s best to call in the experts).
- Purchase the desired vinyl click design and model, and then acclimatise them to your room for at least 24 hours or as directed by the LVT manufacturer.
- Gather your tools.
- Install a suitable underlay.
- Begin placing the planks in one corner, with the click-lock system facing the wall and using spacers to accommodate any expansion. Tap with a mallet to achieve a snug fit.
- Continue installing the planks row by row until the whole floor is covered, slotting them together using the tongue and groove edges.
- Remove the spacers from between each plank carefully.
- Clean up any mess and tidy up the space.
- Enjoy your new vinyl click floor!
For more comprehensive instructions, take a look at our full vinyl click installation tutorial.
The final verdict
While picking out your next flooring option for a renovation can feel like choosing between children, all the deliberation is worth it in the end. Besides, we’ve found that weighing up all the considerations laid out in this blog post makes it so much easier. So going through each factor methodically and attentively is a must.
As for vinyl click flooring, now you know what it is, how it works and its benefits you should have a good idea whether it’s suited to your requirements. We recommend it for people who prefer a DIY approach and even home improvement newbies, given its straightforward installation. Otherwise, check out our other suggestions for hardwood flooring alternatives. Whatever your choice, good luck with the project!
