Choosing vinyl flooring for your bathroom and kitchen

Why choose vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is ideal for rooms in the home that are subject to a lot of water and wear. Vinyl floors can last longer than many other materials, and often have easy-to-clean surfaces. As vinyl flooring is waterproof, it can be a good choice for rooms that are constantly exposed to water and moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
 
Key features of vinyl flooring are:
Waterproof – Vinyl flooring is resistant to dirt, grease, oil and other liquids.
Non-porous – vinyl floors resist stains easily since they do not absorb liquids or odours. Non-slip–Vinyl floors are smooth enough for easy walking even when wet.
Scratch-resistant – Vinyl floors are less likely than some other materials to show marks from scraping objects across them.
Easy DIY installation - You can install most vinyl floors with relative ease, making it a good choice if you're looking to save money on labour costs during your home renovation project.
Variety of styles and colours - Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of colours and styles, making it easy to match the style of your home.
Versatility – While vinyl flooring is most commonly used for kitchens or bathrooms, you can also use it anywhere else that you need water-resistant floorings such as patios, mud rooms and laundry areas. It's also a great choice for basements since moisture can cause damage to other types of flooring materials over time.
 
Laying Vinyl Flooring
There are some key steps to follow while laying vinyl flooring.
Measure the length and width of your room, deducting 15 per cent for waste when pre-cutting your flooring.
 
Additional accessories like mouldings must be calculated into the measurement to ensure a perfect fit. Once all cuts are made, lay out the pieces in the room and mark any cutouts needed with a scratch pencil.
 
Once you've cut away any obstructions, begin installing the vinyl tiles starting from one corner of the room. Be sure to keep them aligned correctly until you reach your first outlet or drain which will require special attention.
 
For Bathroom flooring, useful tips include:
Slopes – Some bathrooms have slopes so if this is your situation you may need to use transition strips that will connect two of the same type of vinyl tiles.
Waterproofing – If you are installing in an area where there is a lot of water like a shower or Jacuzzi tub, be sure to waterproof the floor with a coat of polyurethane and install using special adhesive designed for wet areas.
Non-slip vinyl tiles - Non-slip bathroom flooring is essential if it's going to be used by children, pets or elderly adults as even with regular matting they can become slick when wet. Another good tip for non-slippery bathrooms is to have your floor installer seal some tile spacers (cut from extra material) into appropriate corners before installation begins which will prevent any curling that may occur during excessive wear.
 
Non-slip bathroom flooring is essential if it's going to be used by children, pets or elderly adults as even with regular matting they can become slick when wet. For non-slip bathroom flooring, ask your floor installer to seal some tile spacers (cut from extra material) into the right corners before installation starts. This will prevent curling that could occur during excessive wear.
 
For kitchen and living areas, vinyl tiles are available in many different patterns and styles including wood finishes such as oak, hickory, oak, bamboo style and slate. The larger tiles (12" x 12") provide a wonderfully resilient surface underfoot for heavy traffic areas so would be ideal for kitchens and hallways. Vinyl is also available in a variety of colours with 5mm being the most popular for floors.
 
If you like the look of tiles but want something easier to install and less expensive then Vinyl Plank Flooring is a good choice which comes in 12" x 12" planks. These also come in wood effect versions which simulate the look of hardwood flooring without the maintenance and cost. Non-slip vinyl tile systems are also available, these will have an anti-static back coat applied at installation time so that they remain stable on smooth surfaces, making them ideal for bathrooms if you do not currently have any non-slip floor covering. Non-slip vinyl tiles can be used both indoors and outdoors as they provide excellent traction even when wet.
 
Is vinyl or laminate flooring better for your bathroom or kitchen?
If you're looking to replace the flooring in the bathroom or kitchen, choosing a material that will stand up to regular foot traffic and water spills can be a tough decision. Vinyl flooring is waterproof, so it's one of the best options for busy bathrooms and kitchens since it can withstand frequent use without showing signs of wear.
 
Vinyl flooring has many benefits when compared with other types of materials such as natural stone tiles, ceramic tiles or laminate wood flooring. However, before choosing this type of material, you should consider these aspects:
Cost - Vinyl flooring tends to cost less than most types of hardwood or laminate floors.
Water-resistance - Non-slip flooring is very good at resisting water damage. Vinyl tile is also a great solution for bathrooms and kitchens due to its waterproof property. Non-slip vinyl tiles were developed specifically for areas where slip-resistance is more important than looks, like kitchen floors or bathroom shower floors. Non-slip surfaces will reduce the chances of slipping on wet surfaces.
Floor safety - Non-slip flooring means you can walk barefooted across slippery surfaces without getting hurt, so it's the best option for families with kids. Anti-Skid Flooring products can be used in any area of your home or business which includes stairwells, entrances, basements, garages and even offices.
 
What is the best vinyl flooring for your bathroom?
In your bathroom, moisture is the main issue and you must choose flooring materials that will resist any type of water spillage. You should not compromise on quality here as cheap products can destroy easily. Vinyl floors are resistant to just about anything, including high humidity, spills, and exposure to damp environments. Keep in mind that they can be slippery if installed without a good underlayment or when there's oil residue on their surface - especially when cleaning them with harsh chemicals. Non-slip tiles or sheets are therefore recommended if you're going to purchase vinyl for your bathroom flooring project.
 
When installing vinyl flooring in a wet area like a kitchen or bathroom, make sure to leave the protective backing on until after installation so that it's not damaged. Vinyl flooring can also get slippery when it's new, so be careful that you don't slip and fall until you get a feel for how much traction it has. Non-slip products are usually applied to these types of floors at the time of their installation so that they have an anti-slipping surface from the beginning. It's also possible to purchase non-skid pads as replacements if some should wear out over time or if your vinyl floor is particularly prone to slippage.
 
Sinks and cabinets are generally installed on top of vinyl flooring, but this isn't always the case; some people choose underlayment instead. Vinyl underlayment works by providing extra insulation against cold surfaces such as tile or concrete. Non-slip underlayment can also be purchased if a vinyl floor might have an uneven surface, such as if tiles were initially used and a new vinyl floor was laid across them.
 
What is the best vinyl flooring for your kitchen?
This will depend on your taste and your lifestyle. Non-slip vinyl flooring in the kitchen can be great if you cook a lot, or if you have small children who spend much of their time exploring while crawling. Non-skid kitchen floors also make it easier for adults to move about without fear of slipping.
 
So how do you determine what kind of non-slip floor is right for your family? It is vital you check with the different manufacturers and compare each materials specifications on wear and tear in the long run. Consumer reviews are also a good way of determining which brands last long enough to merit extended warranties, as well as which types are prone to warping. Non-skid kitchen flooring is a good investment for anyone who uses their kitchen regularly, and it provides both security and overall value to your home's resale potential.
 
If you are unsure about using non-slip vinyl flooring for your bathroom or kitchen or you can't find professional vinyl flooring installers in Bedford then contact Bedford Flooring, the specialist floor fitters in Bedford and the surrounding areas. We have a solution for you that takes into account the aesthetics of your home and your budget. Our goal is to deliver flooring that is functional for your home. Call now or complete the contact form and a member of our staff will be in touch.