Vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for kitchens due to its durability, affordability, and easy maintenance. Resilient vinyl, in particular, offers great benefits for busy kitchen spaces. Here is an in-depth look at resilient vinyl flooring and what makes it a great option for kitchen installations.
What is Resilient Vinyl Flooring?
Resilient vinyl is a type of vinyl flooring that contains added layers to make it more durable and resilient. The key components of resilient vinyl floors are:
- Vinyl Wear Layer – This clear top layer protects the floor from scratches, stains, and wear. It is urethane-coated for extra durability.
- Printed Vinyl Layer – This layer underneath the wear layer contains the vinyl floor’s design. Modern printing technologies allow for realistic wood and stone looks.
- Vinyl Backing – This bottom layer gives the flooring its shape and structure. It is usually infused with minerals for fire and moisture resistance.
Resilient vinyl comes in two main types – luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Both provide the look and feel of natural materials like hardwood, stone, and ceramic at a fraction of the cost.
Benefits of Resilient Vinyl for Kitchens
There are several reasons why resilient vinyl works well in kitchen installations:
Durability
The durable vinyl wear layer can withstand dropped pots, pans, appliances, and other heavy objects. It resists scratches, scuffs, and stains while retaining its beauty over time. This makes it ideal for heavy traffic spaces like kitchens.
Water Resistance
Resilient vinyl is waterproof, making it resilient against spills, leaks, and flooding. The seams can be welded together for a completely waterproof floor. This prevents water from seeping underneath and causing mold or mildew growth.
Comfort Underfoot
Vinyl floors have a slight bounce or cushioning thanks to their layered construction. This makes them comfortable to stand on for long periods, unlike harder surfaces like tile or stone. The comfort factor is appreciated by cooks and chefs.
Affordability
Vinyl floors provide the look of premium floors at a fraction of the price. Resilient vinyl planks and tiles are very budget-friendly compared to solid hardwood, natural stone, or porcelain. Installation costs are also low.
Low Maintenance
Keeping vinyl floors clean simply involves sweeping and mopping with vinyl-safe detergent. Their durable finish resists stains, scuffs, and scratches, so they retain their like-new look with minimal upkeep.
Wide Range of Looks
Print technology allows vinyl floors to mimic hardwood, tile, stone, and other natural looks. From rustic wood visuals to sleek concrete aesthetics, resilient vinyl comes in countless design options to match any kitchen decor.
Considerations for Choosing Resilient Vinyl Flooring
Here are some tips on selecting the best resilient vinyl floor for your kitchen:
- Pick a Wear Layer Thickness – Look for vinyl plank and tiles with a wear layer of at least 20 mil for kitchens. Commercial kitchens may require 30 mil wear layers or more.
- Choose a Waterproof Core – Opt for vinyl floors with a waterproof core, usually indicated as WPC (waterproof core) or SPC (stone plastic composite). This prevents moisture damage.
- Consider Texture and Embossing – Textured vinyl with embossed surfaces have anti-slip properties important for kitchen safety. They also better hide scratches and scuffs.
- Complement Cabinetry – Match vinyl wood plank colors to your cabinetry for a cohesive look. Grey stone and concrete visuals pair well with modern kitchen designs.
- Install Underfloor Heating? – Resilient vinyl works well with underfloor radiant heating systems due to its conductive layers. Consult your installer first.
- Check VOC Emissions – Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) vinyl floors are better for indoor air quality. This is especially important for well-ventilated kitchens.
How to Care for Resilient Vinyl Floors
Caring for vinyl floors properly ensures they remain beautiful and functional:
- Sweep and mop regularly using vinyl-safe cleaners to prevent dirt buildup. Frequency depends on traffic, spills etc.
- Spot clean spills quickly to avoid stains setting in. Use damp mops and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- Add floor mats in high traffic areas. They help capture grit that can scratch floors. Use non-staining vinyl-safe mats.
- Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scuffing and scratching from dragging. Replace pads periodically.
- Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or acidic products as they can dull and damage the protective wear layer over time.
- Consider reapplying polish occasionally to renew worn areas in high traffic zones. Use dedicated vinyl floor polish.
Proper installation also helps vinyl floors last. Acclimate the planks or tiles to room temperature before installing. Allow proper expansion gaps at edges and use quality vinyl-friendly underlayments.
Resilient Vinyl Flooring FAQ
Q: Is resilient vinyl flooring a good choice for kitchens?
A: Yes, resilient vinyl is one of the best kitchen flooring options due to its durability, waterproof properties, affordability, comfort, and low maintenance needs. It can withstand heavy appliance use and foot traffic.
Q: How long does vinyl flooring last in kitchens?
A: With proper care and maintenance, quality resilient vinyl can last 15-25 years in kitchen installations. Commercial grade vinyl wears even longer. The durability depends on the wear layer thickness.
Q: Can you install vinyl flooring over existing floors?
A: In some cases, vinyl planks and tiles can be installed over existing flooring like concrete, plywood or tile. The subfloor must be even, dry and firmly attached. An underlayment will be required.
Q: Is vinyl flooring resistant to pets?
A: Resilient vinyl is very pet-friendly. Its durable, scratch-resistant wear layer holds up well to pets. It is also easy to clean pet accidents like urine. Antimicrobial vinyl is available too.
Q: Can you refinish vinyl floors?
A: No, resilient vinyl floors cannot be refinished like hardwood when worn due to their layered construction. However, worn areas can be restored using floor polish to renew the protective coating.
Conclusion
Resilient vinyl flooring makes an excellent choice for busy kitchen spaces that see heavy daily use. Its durability, waterproof properties, comfort, affordability and low maintenance needs make vinyl ideal for cooks, chefs, and home kitchens alike. Following proper selection, installation and care methods allows resilient vinyl floors to provide many years of beautiful, worry-free performance.
