You’ve worked hard to make your house vinyl flooring like home: a gorgeous wall color, envy-inducing furniture, and a chandelier that makes everyone gasp in awe. Unfortunately, your floors may not look as fabulous as the rest of your space. Perhaps they’re scratched, stained, or just a little worn down. This is when it’s time to consider vinyl flooring.

Most people think of the standard vinyl sheet flooring Mom had in the kitchen or the stick-down tiles that you used to torture yourself with in college – but these days, the technology behind vinyl is far superior. Today, the newest vinyl flooring products come in a variety of shapes and sizes that resemble different natural materials at a lower price point.

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring: Is It the Right Choice for Your Home

These floors are also super durable and easy to clean. Unlike some hardwoods and stones, which are hard on feet, vinyl has plenty of give, making it a great choice for families with kids or pets. It also resists the absorption of stains and liquids, so it stays looking beautiful with minimal maintenance.

There are 3 main types of vinyl flooring: vinyl planks (LVP), vinyl tile (VCT), and vinyl sheet flooring. Each is made of multiple layers that work together to create resilient and low-maintenance floors. The base layer is a flexible PVC that provides stability and waterproofing. The design layer is printed with the material it’s meant to resemble, and the wear layer covers it all for added durability. Some LVP products are even designed to appear “antiqued” or “hand-scrapped”, a nice touch for those who want a more authentic look.