Vinyl and lino flooring, waterproof and wipeable

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl is a resilient, multi-layer floorcovering made from PVC. It comes as continuous sheet vinyl or as individual planks and tiles (LVT), and both are built up in layers.

1. 1Wear layer: a clear protective top coat — the thicker it is, the better the floor resists scratches and scuffs.
2. 2Design layer: a printed layer that creates the wood, stone or patterned effect, often embossed to match the grain.
3. 3Core layer: the body of the floor, giving stability underfoot; cushioned sheet vinyl has a softer, warmer core.
4. 4Backing layer: the base that grips the subfloor and adds comfort and sound absorption.

Sheet vinyl or LVT?

Both are vinyl, but they behave differently in a room and are priced differently.

• Sheet vinyl — usually laid in one continuous piece, so an average room has no seams at all. Cushioned, soft underfoot and the most cost-effective option.
• LVT (luxury vinyl tile) — individual planks or tiles with deeper embossing and bevelled edges for a more realistic finish, and the option of herringbone or parquet layouts.
• Click LVT floats over the subfloor and can be walked on straight away; glue-down gives the flattest, most permanent result.

Key benefits for busy homes

• Waterproof — unaffected by spills, splashes and mopping, which is why it suits kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms.
• Easy maintenance — sweep the grit away and mop with a well-wrung mop; no grout to scrub.
• Warm and quiet — noticeably warmer and softer than ceramic tiles, especially cushioned sheet vinyl.
• Design choice — wood planks, stone and slate effects, and traditional patterned tiles for period hallways.

Choosing the right specification

The wear layer thickness is the number worth checking — it tells you how much traffic the floor will take before it starts to show.

For wet rooms and bathrooms used by older family members, slip-rated safety vinyl adds grip underfoot.

• Thinner wear layers suit bedrooms and other light-use rooms.
• Thicker wear layers are the sensible choice for kitchens, hallways and homes with pets and children.
• Check underfloor heating compatibility — most vinyl and LVT is suitable up to a maximum surface temperature, usually around 27C.

Subfloor preparation matters most

Vinyl is thin and flexible, so it follows the shape of whatever is underneath it. Any lump, screw head or gap in the subfloor will eventually telegraph through to the surface.

• Timber floors are normally plied over to give a smooth, flat base.
• Concrete floors may need levelling compound, and a damp-proof membrane where moisture is a risk.
• Old tiles and uneven surfaces usually need covering rather than fitting straight over.
• Edges and seams are cut, scribed and bonded neatly so water cannot creep underneath.

Caring for your vinyl floor

• Sweep or vacuum regularly — grit is the main cause of surface wear.
• Mop with a well-wrung mop and a pH-neutral cleaner; avoid steam mops, which can lift seams and edges.
• Avoid abrasive pads, bleach and solvent cleaners on the wear layer.
• Fit felt pads under furniture legs and wide castors on office chairs.
• Use a doormat rather than a rubber-backed mat, which can occasionally discolour the surface.

Local vinyl flooring advice in Wrexham

At Cefn Carpets we help customers across Wrexham, Rhosymedre, Chirk, Ruabon and Llangollen choose vinyl flooring and LVT that suits the room, the subfloor and the budget.

Visit our showroom in Rhosymedre or get in touch to see full-size samples and arrange a free measure and estimate for your home.