Vinyl flooring is a beautiful and cost-effective flooring option. But like any other flooring option, vinyl floors can be susceptible to damage.
Vinyl floors can scratch. As flooring options go, vinyl floors are durable and don’t require much maintenance to maintain. They are waterproof, with strong surfaces. Still, like any floor, they are susceptible to damage.
Don’t fear, though! There are preventative measures you can take to prevent scratching your floors. Keep reading to know about preventing scratches on your vinyl floors.
Vinyl Flooring Basics
There are many different kinds of vinyl floors. The most popular are luxury vinyl tile, vinyl sheet flooring, and regular vinyl tile. If you’re considering redoing your floors, you may be wondering what the best vinyl flooring is for you.
The most durable and protective vinyl floors have a sturdy, thick top layer. Most vinyl flooring consists of four layers: a vinyl backing, a vinyl color layer, a design layer, and the final protective layer.
Vinyl Plank
Vinyl planks will make your floors look like hardwood for a fraction of the price. Vinyl planks are resilient and resist water damage and stains.
Vinyl planks were designed to be an ecologically friendly alternative to hardwood floors. They are designed to look exactly like real wood flooring, and in recent years the technology has improved to produce stunning, authentic-looking floors that mimic real wood colors and textures.
Some prefer vinyl planks to hardwood floors because they are waterproof; the planks can be sealed to prevent moisture from seeping through the floor, unlike wood, which is more porous. In addition, vinyl planks are cheaper than traditional hardwood floors.
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile is another variety of vinyl that is meant to mimic ceramic or stone tile floors. Like regular tiles, vinyl tiles come in various sizes, generally square-shaped. When installed, they give your floors the look of a real tiled floor.
A major benefit to tile flooring is that if a single tile is damaged, it is easy to replace. You can also fit the tiles into any shape or design, so they’re excellent for uniquely shaped spaces.
You can also find peel and stick vinyl tiles that make the application process a breeze. If one tile gets scratched or damaged, simply pry it off the floor and replace it with another!
To give your vinyl tiles a realistic edge, fill grout between the tiles. This will make them appear like real stone or ceramic tiles.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Another popular vinyl flooring option is vinyl sheet flooring. Vinyl sheet flooring usually consists of a roll of flooring, typically spanning 6 to 12 feet in width. Vinyl sheets have a low number of seams, and so are great at keeping moisture out.
Modern technology has advanced the aesthetic of vinyl sheet flooring, and these floors can now mimic stone, tile, and hardwood floors. For the untrained eye, the difference is indistinguishable!
What Causes the Scratching
The first step to preventing scratches on your vinyl floor is to eliminate the source of the scratching. Despite vinyl flooring’s general sturdiness and durability, tears, scratches, and rips can occur.
Usually, damage to vinyl floors is caused by something heavy, like a piece of furniture being dragged across the floor. Other times, water may accumulate beneath the floor, causing it to bubble up. The bubbles then make the floor more susceptible to damage.
Shoes are common culprits for scratching, as are pet nails. And while vinyl flooring is an extremely durable flooring option, it still can be scratched or torn. Even common everyday dirt can wind up leaving a scratch. As dirt is abrasive, it can cut through your floors, leaving marks and lines.
Preventing Scratches on Your Vinyl Flooring
To prevent scratches on your vinyl floor, there are a few easy steps you can take:
- Rugs and mats are an easy way to make sure your floor stays damage-free.
- Daily cleaning – Don’t underestimate the power of sweeping and mopping your floors regularly. By eliminating dirt, small rocks, and debris, you can greatly prevent major damage to your beautiful floors.
- Adding furniture pads to your furniture – Adding small rubber pads to your chair and table legs can help prevent scratching. Furniture pads are especially helpful for dining room chairs or furniture that gets a lot of movement.
Conclusion
That is all you need to know about how vinyl floors can scratch, and what you can do to prevent potential damage. While vinyl floors are designed to be durable, it’s always good to be diligent!
