Vinyl Flooring Guide

Quick links:

• Questions about vinyl flooring
• Fitting information
• Maintenance information

Vinyl flooring is a man made product, designed to replicate other materials you might consider to use as flooring, but can't due to their suitability. Vinyl floors are very strong, stronger than their natural equivalents because they are made to withstand cracks, chips, scratches and things being dropped. This means vinyl flooring is very durable, you can't get that sort of durability from a ceramic or stone floor.

The reason for this is to do with the wear layer. Every vinyl floor has a wear layer, which is responsible for taking on the daily wear and tear of use as a floor. One factor when choosing a floor might be the wear layer thickness. Usually, the thicker the layer, the more expensive the floor but also the longer the warranty and quite simply the longevity of the floor.

The next layer of vinyl flooring is the photographic layer. This is the most appealing part to the eye, as this will be your chosen style of floor. There are wood effect, stone, slate and concrete styles along with more abstract ones such as treadplate, metallic, stardust and glass effects. Whilst these layers are reproduced to a high standard, there are subtle differences between manufacturers regarding pattern repeats. The more expensive vinyl floors will also have a larger number of different photographs applied, thus creating a more realistic looking floor.

The base layer, never seen but equally important as the others is a stabilising layer, the photographic layer needs to be adhered to something, it would not be very useful without it, because any imperfections in the subfloor would show through. The base layer is designed to function as a barrier between the subfloor and the top layers, adding to the strength of the top layer.

Simple vinyl frequently asked questions

What is vinyl flooring made from?
Vinyl flooring is made from pvc resin and plasticisers – a modern, durable and adaptable plastic.

Is vinyl water resistant?
Vinyl floors are resistant to spillages making them ideal for use in kitchen and bathroom areas.

Do you offer samples of vinyl flooring?
Yes, you can order samples and brochures online, visit our range of Amtico Spacia vinyl flooring or Karndean vinyl flooring to choose which samples you require.

Is vinyl customisable?
The exciting thing about choosing a vinyl floor above everything else is its versatility. All of our options available are customisable during the installation, and the way in which you install the products (ie. different cuts, directions, etc.) is entirely your own preference.

Along with the borders you can make your floor the only one of its kind. Our vinyl tiles have a comprehensive selection of borders, design strips and features that will ensure your floor is like no one elses.

• Feature strips: solid colour strips that can be used between vinyl tiles. Quite often used as a grouting effect, without the mess.
• Design strips: these are cut from the same vinyl as the flooring, but in strips. Again these are meant to be used between tiles, or as a simple border design.
• Borders: set designs where you choose the colours. Quite often the colours coincide with the flooring, however there are no limitations on this.
• Motifs: a chance to add a focal point to your floor. These are set designs that you pick the colours for, and it is supplied ready to be fitted within your main floor.

Is my vinyl guaranteed?
Both Karndean and Amtico offer guarantees with all of their products. For more information on these please visit the manufacturers websites for more information at Amtico or Karndean.

Is vinyl cold underfoot?
Vinyl flooring is much warm to the touch unlike ceramic or natural stone floors which can also become really cold in winter months.

Is vinyl noisy underfoot?
Once vinyl tiles are stuck down they are extremely quiet underfoot making them an ideal product if you need to consider this aspect for your neighbours, perhaps.

Is vinyl slippery?
When kept clean and dry, vinyl floors have excellent slip resistance. However water and other liquids such as grease etc spilt on the floor can make them slippery. Overspray from aerosol sprays containing silicones will cause the floor to become slippery, please take care when using these products. Any spillages must be cleaned up immediately.

Poor maintenance can also lead to a slippery floor, which can cause accidents. Please ensure you choose the correct maintenance products carefully.

Do you supply sheet vinyl?
No, our manufacturers supply individual tiles/plank designs which are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes.

Is vinyl flooring environmentally friendly?
Nowadays vinyl flooring is produced using organic plasticisers, which are also found in things like life-saving medical devices, or the cables and wires that bring power and tv signals into your home. Manufacturers are aware of the obligations of being sustainable, and recycling waste products to protect the environment.

Do you sell black and white vinyl tiles?
Whilst the plain black and white vinyl tiles are not immediately available these days, both of our recommended manufacturers produce black & white patterned vinyl flooring tiles for a modern update to the classic look. Please see the links below for some inspiration:

Black:

• Amtico Spacia Ceramic Flint
• Karndean Knight Tile Midnight Black

White:

• Amtico Spacia Ceramic Light
• Karndean Knight Tile Carrara

What is a wear layer? A layer of material applied to the top surface of vinyl flooring. The thickness of the wear layer varies with each vinyl product and is generally measured in millimetres. Thicker wear layer’s offer superior resistance to stains, scuffs and scratches. Our vinyl floors have different wear layers, outlined below;

• Amtico Spacia 0.5mm
• Karndean Knight Tile 0.3mm
• Karndean Opus 0.5mm
• Karndean Van Gogh 0.5mm
• Karndean Michaelangelo 0.5mm
• Karndean Da Vinci 0.7mm
• Karndean Art Select 0.7mm

Fitting information

Where can I install vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring can be installed in almost any situation. It is ok to use in bathrooms, basements and kitchens due to its water resistant properties. You can install vinyl over concrete, hardwood or plywood but not over carpet. Make sure you install over a subfloor that is free of bumps and imperfections as these will often show through your vinyl floor.

Can I install vinyl on underfloor heating?
Yes, vinyl flooring is suitable for use on under floor heating. The manufacturers advice is to use the high temperature adhesive for the installation.

Can I install vinyl in a commercial area?
Yes, both Kardean and Amtico offer products suitable for installation in both residential and commercial areas and offer warranties to suit.

Can I install vinyl on my walls or ceiling?
Unfortunately not, these are designed only as a floor covering only.

Can I lay my flooring outside?
No, it is not recommended for outdoor use.

Can I lay the floor myself?
Karndean and Amtico are not DIY products. You will be able to find approved installers in your local area. If you wish to consider installing vinyl flooring yourself please take a look at how to lay vinyl flooring.

Is there anything I need to do before my floor is laid?
You need to ensure your goods are acclimatised before installation. Keep the materials within the property for a minimum of 24 hours before installation. You need a constant temperature between 18C-26C which will need to be maintained throughout the installation and for at least 24hrs after installation.

Do you need to leave an expansion gap when fitting vinyl?
With the traditional glue down method no expansion gap is required.

Maintenance information

It is important to keep your vinyl floor maintained, most spillages can be cleaned off quickly however, please ensure that the correct steps are taken to keep you floor in good condition. You can purchase the necessary aftercare cleaners from us.

One important note: it is advised by the manufacturers that you do not wash the floor for at least 24 hours after installation and follow the manufacturers care & maintenance guides on the best cleaning methods.

Our vinyl tile floors are extremely hardwearing making them ideal for all areas of your home including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas. However, even this tough surface can be scratched and marked by sharp grit or other objects.

Simply vacuum or sweep the floor with a soft, clean brush to remove any loose grit and dirt as necessary. Occasionally, around once a week, mop the floor with a damp mop using the manufacturer’s specific floor cleaner.

Basic precautions will help keep your floor looking good such as a door mat at entrances, and regular sweeping to avoid grit being walked into the floor.

If the floor has been dressed, the finish will need to be stripped off and reapplied from time to time, please visit the manufacturer’s website or call for further details