Choosing the right type of flooring can feel overwhelming. After all, you don’t want to make the wrong decision and wind up with floors that don’t suit your needs. That said, we’ll discuss important considerations when researching the pros and cons of vinyl floors so you can feel confident when selecting your preferred flooring material.
We’ll review everything you need to know about vinyl flooring starting with its benefits and drawbacks. If you have additional questions about vinyl flooring’s pros and cons after you finish reading, please use the comment section below and we’ll do our best to provide concise answers.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

The Benefits of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has many alluring qualities including being waterproof, easy to install, and cost-effective. Let’s review what makes vinyl floor a great choice for a variety of situations.

Vinyl Flooring Is 100% Waterproof

Careless fumbles with water glasses and leaky appliances are no match for vinyl flooring—the waterproof top layer prevents any damage from occurring in these instances. This characteristic makes vinyl flooring ideal for moisture-prone places like kitchens and basements.

Vinyl Flooring Is Pet & Scratch-Resistant

Four-legged family members tend to scratch up flooring, but high-quality CALI vinyl uses a scratch-resistant 20mm wear layer to protect your vinyl planks from pets. This durability ensures you don’t have to worry about dog paws and cat claws damaging your new flooring.

Vinyl Flooring Is Easy to Clean

The smooth surface of vinyl flooring makes it incredibly easy to clean regularly. Sweep with an ordinary or microfiber broom daily will keep vinyl flooring looking brand new. Plus, for a more thorough cleaning, a dry or damp mop will do the trick.

Vinyl Flooring Is Cost-Effective

Vinyl flooring is far less expensive than other similar-quality flooring options. For example, hardwood or tile flooring materials can be between $5-$20 per square foot, but the total cost of both material and installation for vinyl may be between $3-10 per square foot.

Vinyl Flooring Is Customizable to Your Style

The sky’s the limit in terms of what you can achieve with vinyl plank flooring aesthetically. Different colors and textures are all well within reach, and with the added durability compared to hardwood, it can thrive in any room.

Vinyl Flooring Simulates the Look of Real Wood

Although vinyl flooring isn’t authentic wood, high-quality vinyl flooring can be practically indistinguishable from the real thing based on available colors, patterns, and textures.

Vinyl Flooring Is Quick and Easy to Install

Vinyl can be installed right out of the box because it doesn’t need to be acclimated. Plus, the sturdy click-lock design makes installing vinyl planks an absolute breeze.

Vinyl Flooring Is Quieter

Many types of vinyl flooring are placed with a cork underlay which serves to dampen sound, including walking and dropped items. Products like Cali Vinyl Pro maximize the benefit of sound suppression thanks to its rigid core.
For most people, cost-effectiveness and convenience are among the most enticing benefits of vinyl flooring.

The Disadvantages of Vinyl Flooring

No one flooring material is perfect for every situation. so it’s only fair to discuss the cons of vinyl flooring in more detail, too.

Vinyl Flooring Can Fade in The Sun Over Time

When exposed to direct light for extended periods, vinyl flooring can begin to lighten just like other types of flooring. This can be managed by using blinds and curtains for rooms with sun exposure.

Low-Cost Vinyl Flooring Can Emit VOCs

Low-grade vinyl flooring will emit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) which can be harmful to your family. These VOCs are left behind by the low-cost materials used to manufacture poor quality vinyl. Fortunately, high-quality vinyl flooring production methods have nearly eliminated the presence of harmful chemicals in vinyl. You won’t encounter this concern when using high-quality vinyl flooring products (like CALI’s).

Vinyl Flooring Can Be Damaged by Heavy or Sharp Objects

Lower-quality vinyl can be easily ripped or punctured when it comes up against a particularly worthy opponent; this is far less common with higher quality vinyl plank. Limit the likelihood of damaging your vinyl floors by using felt pads on chairs and tables and lifting instead of sliding furniture.

Vinyl Flooring Cannot Biodegrade

Unlike wood, stone, and other flooring materials such as bamboo or eucalyptus, vinyl flooring will never decompose naturally in a landfill. Use high-quality vinyl to extend the life of your flooring between replacement or repairs.

Vinyl Flooring Can Have an Artificial Wood Look

Some low-cost vinyl flooring options may look like photocopies of wood and appear cheap or outdated. For a waterproof wood-alternative that achieves a similar look, explore premium vinyl flooring options.

Vinyl Will Not Increase Your Home’s Value

Unlike both engineered and solid hardwood flooring, vinyl floors will not increase the resale value of a home. Depending on the project, the benefits of vinyl plank flooring, such as affordability or water-resistance, may outweigh this reality. Remember to keep the goals of your project in mind when selecting flooring material.
As with any flooring material, there may be some disadvantages to vinyl flooring, but these can be minimized with a high-quality product, proper installation, and regular care. Ultimately, your vision and goals should guide your decision.

Common Vinyl Flooring Questions

Are There Different Types of Vinyl Flooring?

There are several different types of vinyl flooring to be aware of as you browse selections, each with a unique appearance and structure.
• LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)
This type of vinyl floor comes in a long vinyl plank, making it almost aesthetically indistinguishable from hardwood.
• LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
LVT features technologically advanced printing options with highly durable functionality.
• Rigid Core Vinyl/SPC (Stone/Plastic Composite)
Exceptionally strong and waterproof, this type of vinyl flooring is an incredibly durable option.
• Vinyl with Cork Underlay
Highly comfortable and noise reducing, vinyl with cork underlay offers a luxury feel at an affordable price.

How Does Vinyl Compare to Other Types of Flooring?

As you consider the pros and cons of vinyl flooring, you’re no doubt questioning how vinyl stacks up against other flooring options. Let’s dive into some of the differences between vinyl and other flooring materials.

Vinyl Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring

The biggest difference between vinyl and laminate flooring is that vinyl is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), whereas laminate is made from compressed wood. The compressed wood composition is why laminate is susceptible to water damage, but vinyl is not. Laminate also typically lacks the overall appeal of vinyl from an aesthetic standpoint.

Vinyl Flooring vs. Hardwood Flooring

Vinyl flooring is much more cost-effective than hardwood. Hardwood is also vulnerable to water damage, and more challenging to install; whereas vinyl is waterproof and easy to install. Hardwood flooring, however, can increase the value of a home while vinyl does not.

Vinyl Flooring vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Like traditional hardwood, engineered hardwood is more costly than vinyl, and more susceptible to water damage. While Vinyl is easier to install and care for than engineered hardwood, it does not increase the value of a home, unlike engineered wood.

Vinyl Flooring vs. Linoleum

Unlike vinyl, Linoleum is made from natural materials. Unfortunately, linoleum is not water-resistant and can scratch easily, making it less durable than vinyl.

Vinyl Floors Are a Great Option When Properly Maintained

Remember, proper care is key to enjoying your vinyl floors for years to come. For more information on enjoying your new floors explore the vinyl floor maintenance and care guide and share any questions or comments in the section below.
After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl flooring, and comparing it to other flooring materials, you may have found that it’s cost-effectiveness, durability, and easy installation make it a perfect choice for your next flooring project.

I’m ready to explore high-quality vinyl flooring for my home. What’s next? Browse our Vinyl Flooring Products or
Contact CALI to Request a Quote.