You might think that vinyl flooring went out of style years ago, but this hardy material is back better than ever. In fact, it's the perfect choice for homeowners looking for a flooring upgrade that combines affordability, durability, and a wide range of design options.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring made from a combination of synthetic materials, primarily PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It comes in a few different forms, including sheets, tiles, and planks.

All of these different types of vinyl flooring are:

• Durable: Water resistant, scratch resistant and perfect for high traffic areas
• Cost-effective: Vinyl flooring is a cost effective option, especially when compared to timber flooring installation
• Realistic look: Another selling point of vinyl flooring is its ability to mimic the look and texture of natural materials such as wood, stone, or tile
• Low maintenance: You can get that 'real wood' or 'real stone' look without the higher maintenance usually associated with those materials

Vinyl flooring installation process

Although it might be tempting to DIY your vinyl flooring installation, opting to hire a professional to install vinyl flooring is always a smart choice. That's because the consequences of getting it wrong can be costly in time and money.

Think gaps, buckling, wrinkles, and miscut pieces which lead to wastage. Although it might seem simple, there's a lot to think about when laying vinyl flooring, such as leaving a sufficient expansion gap and accurate measurements.

In terms of process, professional installers will typically do the below:

• Prep the subfloor: The first step of vinyl floor installation is making sure that the surface where the vinyl is about to be placed is perfectly level and clean as a whistle. That means giving the floor a proper scrub and removing any traces of contaminants such as grease, oil, dust, and loose particles
• Lay the vinyl: Once the subfloor is squeaky clean, vinyl flooring installers will begin the meticulous process of laying the vinyl sheet, vinyl plank, or vinyl tile flooring, using adhesives where necessary
• Seal or polish: Depending on the type of laminate you've chosen, it may be recommended to add a seal or polish to protect the floor and keep it looking great for as long as possible (you'll also need to reapply this as part of the maintenance)
• Disposal of existing flooring: You'll need to ask your installer about this one, but many offer to dispose of existing flooring (for an additional cost) as part of a new flooring quote

Questions to ask before choosing your vinyl flooring installer

Whether it's transforming your kitchen space with vinyl tiles or adding some style to your living room with vinyl plank, you'll need an installer you can trust. Here are some of the questions you should ask when requesting quotes from vinyl flooring installers near you:

• Experience and qualifications: How long have you been installing vinyl flooring? Are you licensed and insured?
• Portfolio and references: Can you provide examples of previous vinyl flooring installations? Do you have any customer references I can contact?
• Type of vinyl: What vinyl do you recommend for my project (sheets, tiles, planks)? What brands or types should I consider for durability, style and soundproofing? These types of questions are especially useful if you're not quite sure what you want
• Subfloor preparation: How do you get the subfloor suitable for installation? Is this included in the cost? Is there anything I need to do first?
• Timeline and schedule: How long will the installation take? Can you provide a project timeline?
• Cost and pricing: What are the itemised costs for material and labour? Are there any additional fees or hidden charges? Does your cost include disposal of my old floor, and the work needed to remove this (if you can't lay your vinyl flooring over the top)
• Warranty and guarantees: Do you offer warranties on installation or the vinyl flooring itself? How do you handle post-installation issues?

Make sure you get at least three quotes before making your mind up. Luckily, our directory is the perfect place to find rated vinyl flooring installers and get your new floor journey off to the perfect start.

FAQs about vinyl flooring installation

What is the average labour cost to install vinyl flooring?

Installation and labour costs for vinyl flooring usually sits around the $30-$50 per hour, although some tradies will charge by the job, especially if they are providing the materials.

What is the best installation method for vinyl flooring?

Vinyl planks are very versatile when it comes to installation — there are floating, glued-down, and even peel-and-stick options available. The best choice for the DIY-er is floating, but those using a pro installer can go for glued-down options.

Does vinyl flooring need to be glued down?

Not all vinyl flooring needs to be glued as there are floating options available that can be installed directly over the existing floor. One downsize is slippage or shifting over time, so be sure to chat with a commercial vinyl flooring supplier for their advice.

What's better, laminate or vinyl flooring?

A premium vinyl takes the crown when it comes to durability, even above and beyond the properties of laminate. This makes it ideal for families with kids and pets who want a fuss-free floor that looks great and will last for years.

How long does it take professionals to install vinyl flooring?

The timeline for vinyl flooring installation varies based on project size and complexity. Installing vinyl tiles and planks might take between one to three days. However, sheet variations will be much quicker.