Types of Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tiles are a favorite choice for do-it-yourself remodelers. This type of flooring is attractive, waterproof, low cost and low maintenance. It is also now available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and designs. One of the benefits of vinyl tiles is that, if one gets damaged, it is fairly easy to peel up just that tile and replace it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Solid Vinyl Tile
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This type of tile is made of homogeneous vinyl, which means that it is made of a single layer. These tiles have little to no design built into them; however, the colors that are available are rich and vibrant. This is a favorite commercial flooring choice as it a high performance floor covering. Regardless of the product level chosen, these tiles show wear less than some other vinyl tiles.
Inlaid Vinyl Tile
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With inlaid vinyl tile, vinyl chips are placed on a vinyl backing to make distinctive designs. One of the benefits of inlaid vinyl is that the patterns and colors do not wear away. These tiles can be made to look like wood, ceramic or marble flooring. Some manufacturers have designed the wood-like tiles in the shape of wood plank flooring, strengthening the illusion of a wood floor. This is a good alternative to wood floors in areas where wood flooring is not practical, such as bathrooms.
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Composite Vinyl Tile
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Composite vinyl tiles can also be made to look like a number of other flooring products. This tile is made of both organic and inorganic products, which make the tiles harder than traditional vinyl tiles. One of the advantages to this type of tile is that it can be buffed to a high shine and has very little flex to it. Because of the rigidity of this tile, the subfloor that it is installed on may need more preparation and levelling than with other vinyl tile options.
Choosing a Vinyl Floor
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Examine the area where the new flooring is needed. If the floor is below grade, vinyl is a good choice. Since it is waterproof, it can withstand overflowing drains, failed sump pumps or other water problems. It also lays nicely over concrete subfloors that are found in rooms that are below grade. Rooms with wooden subfloors can also be laid with vinyl tile, and some tile can be installed over radiant heat systems. Also factor in the amount of wear the floor will receive, which will also help to determine the type of vinyl floor to choose as it is the thickness of the tiles that determines the wear life of the tile as well as its ability to muffle sound.
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References
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