Top 10 Sheet Vinyl Questions Answered

Your questions about sheet vinyl flooring' answered with a smile.

Sheet vinyl' so many questions, so many decisions to make about your floors! We are here to save you time by answering your most commonly asked questions about vinyl sheet flooring. If you don't see your question answered in our list, one of Coles Fine Flooring experts can answer it personally.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Xinyue.

1. What is sheet vinyl?

Sheet vinyl (also known as vinyl flooring) is a type of waterproof flooring made with PVC, plasticizers, fillers, colorants, and other synthetic ingredients. It comes in a wide roll that can be cut to size to fit your space. 

Thanks to its waterproof construction, many homeowners use vinyl as an alternative to hardwood or tile in rooms that may become susceptible to moisture: kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

2. What's the difference between sheet vinyl and linoleum?

While vinyl and linoleum may look similar, they differ in terms of their make-up. Linoleum is made from natural materials, such as cork and wood. 

On the other hand, sheet vinyl is made from synthetic materials, such as PVC. This difference in construction is why sheet vinyl is waterproof, and linoleum is sensitive to water.

 3. Does vinyl sheet flooring look like hardwood?

Even though vinyl has improved over the years, it does not replace the warmth, look, and underfoot feel of natural hardwood floors. 

However, if authentic hardwood is out of the question, you can find vinyl sheet flooring that mimics the look of hardwood'or stone, for that matter.

There are dozens of patterns, textures, and visuals to choose from, whether it be a light wood look or a grainy, dark stone look. You can opt for directional or non-directional patterns as well.

 4. Where should I install vinyl floors?

You can install vinyl flooring anywhere inside your home, from the main level to the basement. Many homeowners choose to install vinyl in high-traffic areas that may be susceptible to water and dirt or messes from children. Think of bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, drop zones, and similar spaces. 

Commercial spaces even use vinyl in high-traffic areas that need waterproof, resilient, durable floors. Think of hospital hallways, airports, school cafeterias, shopping malls, and hotel lobbies.

 5. How long will sheet vinyl last?

The good news is that sheet vinyl is highly durable and built to last a long time. If installed and maintained properly, sheet vinyl will last upwards of 20 years! The better the quality of vinyl, the longer it will hold up to wear and tear. Look for vinyl sheets that have extra-strong resistance.

6. Do you need underlayment for sheet vinyl floors?

Underlay (underlayment) is plywood or fiberboard that acts as a buffer between the subfloor and the visible floor surface. 

You won't need underlayment since you can glue down the sheets directly on top of most flooring surfaces. A few common flooring surfaces that can take the direct application of vinyl include linoleum, concrete, and old vinyl. 

Suppose your floor's surface is uneven (bumps, dips, buckles, or unleveled). In that case, you may need to install an underlayment layer before installing the vinyl sheets, even if you have a direct-application-compatible surface. 

Keep in mind that luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and click & lock vinyl will have different installation requirements. LVP usually comes with an underlayment attached to the bottom of the planks, so adding an additional underlay is unnecessary. Click & lock vinyl may need an underlay to enhance soundproofing and serve as a moisture barrier.

7. Do you need to glue down vinyl sheet floors?

The question above goes hand-in-hand with this commonly asked question about sheet vinyl. Yes, your new vinyl sheet floor will need to be glued down. Applying an adhesive is part of the installation process. 

For a full-bond floor, the surface area of the entire sheet will need adhesive. If you are doing a perimeter-bond floor instead, then adhesive will only need to be applied around the edges of the sheet from corner to corner.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Vinyl Sheet Flooring Manufacturers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

8. How do you maintain vinyl sheet flooring?

Vinyl sheets are famous for easy cleaning and effortless maintenance. This is music to the ears of busy homeowners. There are no grout lines to scrub and no real wood to polish. On top of that, vinyl is waterproof and resistant to scratching, bacteria, and fungal growth. 

So, when a liquid spills on the floor and settles into a sticky puddle, a quick swipe with a Clorox wipe is usually sufficient. 

As far as routine cleaning, simply sweep the floors with a regular broom and occasionally mop with a standard mop or Swiffer WetJet.

9. Is it hard to install sheet vinyl flooring? 

If you have never participated in a DIY floor project, you may feel inclined to steer clear from installing vinyl sheet flooring under the impression that it is hard to install. While that impression is understandable, sheet vinyl flooring is quite easy to install once you get the hang of it. 

With that said, you may scratch your head a few times in the beginning, especially figuring out where (or if) to start cutting the huge roll. The roll may also be heavy for one person to maneuver around.

10. What are the drawbacks to installing vinyl floors? 

One of the most notable drawbacks to installing vinyl flooring is its negligible impact on your home's value. It will neither raise nor lower your home's resale value when it comes time to sell. 

Since sheet vinyl is applied on your existing floors via glue, it is also not easy to remove if you decide you aren't in love with it anymore.

Get Better Floors With Less Hassle

5 Things to Know Before Buying Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Whether you're getting new flooring in your kitchen and bathroom or are replacing the floors in every room of your home, sheet vinyl is an excellent choice. Before ordering any materials, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the material.

A Beginner's Guide to Vinyl Sheet Flooring 

Not sure where to begin? With four decades of experience in the home improvement industry, our Portland flooring company has all the information you need to make a decision. Find answers to five crucial questions about sheet vinyl flooring below.

1. What Is Sheet Vinyl Flooring Made Of?

Let's start with the basics. Sheet vinyl is a synthetic floor-covering product made up of mostly PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resins, as well as some solvents, stabilizers, and pigments. The material is covered in UV-cured urethane, making it uniquely resistant to water damage, scratches, scuffs, and stains. 

2. Is it a Good Choice for Moisture-Prone Rooms?

As a highly water-resistant (and sometimes even waterproof) product, it's ideal for moisture-prone spaces, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and basements. Since hardwood and other natural flooring materials are more prone to water damage, they usually aren't recommended use in an entire home. 

3. Is This Flooring Material Expensive?

Sheet vinyl is one of the most affordable flooring materials you can buy. It's relatively easy to produce since it comes in large rolls instead of individual planks and tiles. Many homeowners choose the material because it's a budget-friendly alternative to real hardwoods or ceramic tile. Floor Factors often has vinyl flooring remnants left over from larger projects ' sometimes enough to cover a full room or even a small home. You can purchase flooring remnants from us at a substantially discounted rate.

4. What Is the Best Sheet Vinyl Flooring?

Though all sheet vinyl flooring is made of PVC plastic and comes in rolls, it can vary slightly among manufacturers. That said, if you're looking for a product with lasting power, your best bet is waterproof sheet vinyl. Floor Factors partners with the top flooring manufacturers, and we can recommend an option to align with your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.

5. What's the Difference Between LVT & Sheet Vinyl?

Another option is luxury vinyl tile (LVT). It's fabricated out of the same materials, but luxury vinyl flooring comes in planks or tiles instead of sheets. Both products can imitate natural flooring materials, though LVT can have an almost uncanny resemblance to real hardwoods.

With proper upkeep, LVT can last as long as 50 years, whereas the lifespan of sheet vinyl usually caps at about 20 years. As an impermeable product, most LVT on the market today is waterproof, stain-proof, antimicrobial, and sound-absorbent. It's also resistant to fading, discoloration, and scratches.

Thank You All for Making Us Your Flooring Store of Choice for 40 Years!

Over the last four decades, Floor Factors has been proudly serving homeowners and businesses with top-rate products and customer service. Our locally-owned flooring store in Portland carries a wide range of flooring materials, from bamboo and cork to hardwood and linoleum. 

The company is the world’s best Sponge Vinyl Flooring supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.