What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl Flooring in Plain English

Vinyl flooring is a durable, water‑resistant surface made from layered synthetic materials. It’s designed to look like wood, stone, or tile, while being easier to maintain and typically more budget‑friendly.

Main Types

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): wood‑look planks that click together for floating installs.
• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): stone‑ or tile‑look pieces (some with beveled edges that mimic grout).
• Sheet Vinyl: large rolls with minimal seams—great for bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Rigid‑Core vs. Flexible

• SPC (stone‑plastic composite) rigid‑core: very stable, good over minor subfloor imperfections, popular for kitchens and baths.
• WPC (wood‑plastic composite) rigid‑core: a bit softer underfoot with good sound absorption.
• Flexible LVP/LVT: softer feel and quiet with the right underlayment; requires a flatter subfloor.

Where Vinyl Works Well

• Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms (handles splashes well).
• Basements (with proper moisture management).
• Entryways and living spaces (easy cleaning and good durability).

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent water resistance for everyday life.
• Comfortable underfoot and quieter than tile.
• Huge style range; DIY‑friendly options.

Cons

• Not a replacement for waterproofing in constantly wet zones.
• Can dent if heavy items are dragged (use sliders/plywood).
• Cheaper finishes may scuff more and fade in strong sun.

How to Choose

• Wear layer: 12–20 mil for busy homes; 20–28 mil for pets/heavy use.
• Core: SPC/WPC for stability; flexible LVP for softer feel with flat subfloors.
• Texture and sheen: light texture and matte finishes hide scuffs better.
• Pad: many rigid‑core planks include an attached pad for sound/comfort.

Installation Basics

• Most homeowners use click‑lock floating installs.
• Keep expansion gaps at walls and fixed objects.
• Subfloor flatness matters—patch low spots, sand down high spots.

Learn more: how to install vinyl planks and how to cut vinyl planks.

Care and Longevity

• Sweep or vacuum grit; damp mop with pH‑neutral cleaner.
• Use mats at doors and felt pads under furniture.
• Avoid steam mops and harsh solvents.

See how to clean vinyl flooring and how long vinyl flooring lasts.

Costs

Prices vary with brand, thickness, wear layer, and finish. Vinyl often delivers the look of wood or stone with lower cost and easier upkeep, especially in moisture‑prone spaces.

FAQs

Is vinyl waterproof?

Many rigid‑core planks are marketed as waterproof. Still, protect seams and edges and clean spills promptly. Read our waterproof guide.

Do I need an underlayment?

Only if your brand allows it or your subfloor requires sound/moisture control. See underlayment guide.

Vinyl vs laminate—what’s better?

Depends on moisture and feel. Compare in vinyl vs laminate.

Related Reads

• What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
• Is Vinyl Flooring Waterproof?
• How Thick Should Vinyl Wear Layer Be?
• Vinyl in Kitchens

Bottom Line

Vinyl flooring offers realistic looks, strong water resistance, and easy care. Choose the right wear layer and core, prep the subfloor well, and follow simple cleaning habits for long‑lasting results.