Vinyl makes a modern comeback

Since its invention in the 1930s vinyl flooring has come a long way. It first made an impact on the architectural world following World War II and by the '50s was considered the best option against other resilient options and had toppled linoleum's previously held title as king of low cost water resistant flooring.

Moving in and out of vogue more frequently than short skirts, it has completely transformed over the years and is almost unrecognizable next to the original vinyl flooring of the '30s. Today, it boasts super-realistic designs that make it difficult to differentiate it from the real thing. One of the most distinguishing features of vinyl flooring is that it is completely waterproof – making it an ideal option for bathrooms, covered patios and kitchens.

Mimics nature
Although vinyl flooring is available in an incredibly wide selection of colours and designs, the latest trend in vinyl flooring are designs that mimic natural flooring, such as wood and stone. The latest faux wood vinyl flooring boasts a texture that closely resembles the natural timber, and it comes in tiles that replicate floorboards – giving it a super realistic aesthetic.

Easy to clean
Should your vinyl floor get dirty, it is very easy to clean making it popular for areas where children play. One of vinyl flooring’s most popular traits is how hygienic it is and how easy it is to clean. With vinyl flooring there are few places for bacteria to hide and grow. The seams joining pieces are themselves also sealed so that bacteria cannot get in. Also, since it is so resilient, you can sanitise the flooring using disinfectants and other chemicals without any risk of damage – which is a great option for allergy sufferers.

DIY Installation
While each type of vinyl flooring might have slightly different installation instructions, almost all types can be installed by home owners themselves who are keen on a little DIY. Recent innovations in vinyl sheet include fiberglass backing for “loose lay” installation without adhesive which is proving popular with DIY enthusiasts. Vinyl flooring also gives you options to express your creativity using different colours and designs of easyto-install vinyl tiles enabling people to create beautifully patterned floors to their unique taste and style.

Low maintenance
Vinyl flooring is relatively easy to care for, a regular sweep to rid the floor of drip and dirt is all that is needed. For any spills, a damp mop and approved vinyl floor cleaner works wonders. If laid correctly, vinyl flooring is incredibly resilient and it will last for years – only requiring the minimum amount of maintenance. It is a great option for heavy traffic areas, as it is hard-wearing and stain-resistant with the latest types of vinyl floors available today able to last up to 20 years.