If you're thinking of installing new flooring, you might want to think beyond carpeting, tile, and hardwoods. There are some excellent new flooring options on the market that are comparable if not superior to traditional flooring in terms of aesthetics, pricing, and durability.

First, it's important to define such flooring options, which fall into a couple of different categories: vinyl tile and vinyl plank. Before you make too many assumptions based on the term "vinyl," you should understand the material in the context of flooring.

Vinyl tile recalls the look and feel of stone, slate, or tile – even mimicking quartz, ceramic, and marble. Vinyl plank, meanwhile, creates the impression of hardwood flooring and is available in varying hues, textures, lengths, and widths. Essentially, both choices imitate anything you might expect from a wood or tile floor.

Vinyl flooring is ideal for high-traffic areas in a home, especially when kids or pets are in the mix. Its durability and long life lend it to busy homes with occupants who can be rough on floors. Since it is resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, it is less likely to warp, crack, or discolor than traditional flooring.

So how do you decide whether vinyl plank or vinyl tile is right for your home? Since both are comparable in terms of composition, the choice rests primarily on your personal preference and the area in your house you are planning to floor.

Think about the different areas within your home. Traditionally, many people choose to use tile flooring in high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms, while hardwoods are arguably more common in living and bedroom areas. The beauty of vinyl flooring is that its care remains consistent no matter where it is installed in a home; moisture that tends to gather in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas is no longer a concern, so if you would prefer the luxurious appearance of hardwoods in any of these rooms, vinyl plank is an excellent solution to the water damage that could occur when installing wood rather than vinyl.

Since vinyl tile is designed to recreate a variety of looks from ceramic to marble, you can use this versatile material anywhere you desire the appearance of stone flooring. When considering possible options, there are virtually limitless designs and patterns to choose from. 

Similarly, vinyl plank comes in an array of widths and lengths, colors and grains. Choose a look that complements cabinetry and upholstery, and don't worry about scratches and blemishes. It might look like wood, but it certainly doesn't require the same amount of maintenance.

If you're uncertain about the look you're going for in a particular area of your home, consult one of our flooring specialists to learn more about your vinyl flooring options. You're sure to be surprised by just how many different look are available to you.

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