Vinyl 101

Here at Bestlaminate, we want to provide you with all of the vinyl flooring information you need – introducing Vinyl 101! Learn everything about vinyl flooring whether it’s from the brands, the history, or even the basics of the installation process. Anything you need, you will find it right here with Bestlaminate, your source for the best information about vinyl flooring. You can easily learn the basics below.

Learn the Basics:

Basic Information

1What is vinyl flooring? How is it made? What is a wear layer? Do you have questions? We have answers. Start exploring and begin your journey now with Bestlaminate!

Basic Info

How It’s Made

2How is vinyl flooring made? What materials go into it. Learn all about it! Explore all interesting topics related to the the making of vinyl flooring. 

The Making

The Benefits

3What are the benefits of vinyl flooring? What makes it better in some situations than others? Learn all about the benefits of vinyl flooring.

The Benefits
WARRANTY: You have to know that warranty claims against flooring products usually turn out to be damage caused by wrong installation, rather than faulty material. You will have manufacturer warranty coverage as long as you follow manufacture’s instruction.

Shop & Compare:

Vinyl flooring offers great style, durability, DIY friendly installation, and almost no maintenance! Flooring reviews and comparisons can be very helpful. Bestlaminate’s resources are at your fingertips, they will help you to make an educated decision and provide you with the information you are looking for.

Explore More Articles

Vinyl Flooring Reviews:

You have decided it is time to update your home with new flooring, and you are wondering what product will be the best solution for you. Look no longer, Bestlaminate always has flooring reviews ready for you to explore. Now, itʼs up to you, to explore it. Flooring reviews can be very useful… when you take the time to read them. As with anything, it is totally up to you to make the renovations happen.

Explore 3 very popular reviews for vinyl flooring:

FEATHERWEIGHT
1

Featherweight Greenwich Oak is a new, click-lock vinyl flooring from this reputable company. Read the review here…more

FEATHER LODGE
2

Feather Lodge Knock-Out is a beautiful, glue-down vinyl flooring. Glue-down is perfect for installations where there is risk of water damage…more

TIMELESS DESIGNS
3

Timeless Designs makes realistic wood-like, click-lock vinyl flooring. Several designs are available for those who are looking for a waterproof solution at any style…more

Watch Video Reviews:

For more video reviews visit our YouTube Channel.

Vinyl Flooring Installation:

Most vinyl flooring installation is not very complicated. Actually, this is one of  DIY projects that you can easily do it yourself.  Bestlaminate is here for you providing useful “How to” tutorials and guides to support you in the process. So,  if  you decided to install your floor by yourself use our resources today.

Start now and read How Should I Prepare for my Vinyl Flooring Installation?. We put together important key points, that you should not ignore; especially if you are a first time installer.

Warranty claims against flooring products usually turn out to be damage caused by wrong installation, rather than faulty material. It is essential to follow manufacture’s instruction, so make sure to read installation instructions provided by manufacturer before laying your floor, as different vinyl may require different techniques.

Click-Lock

1Click-Lock vinyl flooring is the perfect DIY flooring. Learn what needs to be done before installation.

Click-Lock

Glue Down

2Glue down vinyl flooring may take a little time to figure out, but don’t worry! Learn how to install it on Bestlaminate’s blog.

Glue Down

Loose Lay

3Loose lay is the easiest to install of all the vinyl flooring! This doesn’t mean that there isn’t installation tips you should know not about. Learn all about the installation.

Loose Lay

Installation Tips:

Preparing for the vinyl installation process is made easy when you have a team on your side. We are here to guide you along the way and answer any questions you may have, saving you time and money. There are a few things you want to consider before installing your vinyl flooring. Below you can find installation tips ranging from: what to consider before the installation, the actual installation itself, and the supplies that you need for the process. Review our tips below to save yourself time and money.

Explore More Installation Tips

When vinyl flooring is installed, you will have given your home a whole new look without all of the hassles of a total remodeling project. Vinyl flooring is the new wave of flooring, offering waterproof, durable options, in a variety of colors and textures. And Bestlaminate is here for you in your journey to achieve it.

20 comments

  1. Hi Janet! If you used a glue down installation, you would be able to install cabinets on top. If you had installed using a floating method, you would not be able to install cabinets on top. We would recommend using heavy cardboard or moving blankets when moving large cabinets or furniture over the flooring.

  2. Hi, I installed a loose lay vinyl sheet flooring in the kitchen. I now want to add new cabinets. Will this cause any damage to the flooring?

  3. Hi Vince. First you will want to know if the material you are installing already has a pre attached pad. If it does, you would have to contact the manufacturer and see if you are able to use additional underlayment. Most attached underlayments will have an IIC/STC rating. If that rating is still not high enough for the HOA, you may be able to have an additional LVT underlayment under the floor. We’d recommend Floor Muffler LVT. You would even be able to use this underlayment with a floor like Coretec that has attached cork padding. The Floor muffler would act as a vapor barrier, protecting the cork from any moisture. But always check with the manufacturer to see if that type of installation is accepted by their standards.

  4. Our HOA sound transmission code compliance for vinyl flooring wants STC/IIC of 68 or higher, this will installed onto a concrete slab floor.
    We can not use any cork on the backing. Hope you can help. Thank you

  5. Hi Christian! If you are installing a floating vinyl that is over 4mm thick, then yes, you can use an underlayment. Vinyl specific underlayment is 1.5mm or less, so it isn’t a huge height addition, but could help. You can see our vinyl underlayment options here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/accessories/underlayment/vinyl-underlayment/

  6. Hello, I am looking to install Vinyl planks in my apartment with a cement floor and I am wondering if i can add any kind of underlay? so far people tell me to just seal the concrete and then stick the planks down. The issue i have is that there is a decent size height discrepancy between my kitchen and this floor, plus i would like it to be a bit softer to walk on.

  7. Hey LaD, we appreciate you reaching out to us about your concerns. While every brand is different, it is generally not recommended to put a heavy, stationary object like a stove on top of a floating floor. I would recommend checking with the manufacturer first to make sure you do not void any warranty! Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

  8. can I install stove and refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring?

  9. Hi Karen Lee, thanks for your comment. Our recommendation for your project would definitely be vinyl, it is waterproof, durable and is available in many stylish designs. To answer your questions…

    1) Generally speaking, the higher the wear layer, the tougher the flooring will be. If you have a space that will need a high resistance to scratches and wear, a higher wear layer, such as a 12 mil or 20 mil, would be best for your application. Commercial vinyl flooring applications will usually require a 20 mil top layer. You can learn more about the wear layer here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/wear-layer-vinyl-flooring/
    2) Vinyl is waterproof and stain resistant. A dog that throws up should not be a concern, as long as the mess is cleaned up in a timely manner. If the mess is left on the floor for extended periods of time, there is a risk of your floor becoming temporarily hazy from the moisture exposure.

    If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can order free samples of Coretec and other vinyl flooring on our website so you can see and feel the floor in your own home.

  10. I live in a flood prone area and am being pushed by local dealers to choose vinyl planks over laminate or engineered wood. I’m a bit ambivalent but am trying to be open. I have a small dog (25 lbs) so I’m not too worried about claw scratches, but she does frequently throw up so water resistant is important. As are looks. My two big questions are:
    1/ is there any reason I should select a 20mm vs 12mm wear layer for my residence? I’m looking at some Hallmark, Impressions, and Coretec products and they seem to really vary.
    2/ I just assumed vinyl would be as stain resistant as my old, cheap laminate. But then I read it is not, and that spills must be wiped up ASAP. Is that true? That would not be good with a dog that throws up!

  11. Hi Danny, thanks for your comment. Since vinyl plank flooring is a floating floor, we do not recommend installing heavy cabinets on top, as it will prevent the floor from floating. Are you installing new kitchen cabinets? If so, we would recommend removing the vinyl from beneath the cabinets to prevent damaging your floor. If you would like to discuss this in more detail, please give us a call at 1-800-520-0961. Thank you!

  12. I have a problem. I had Vynal planking flooring install over intire floor. Now I am ready to install new cabinets. Should I mark the flooring scribe it and place 1/4 plywood strips to set cabinets on?

  13. Hi Bryan! We usually recommend anything over a 4mm. Durability is measured in the wear layer, so you will want to look into that specification as well. The higher the wear layer, the tougher it is. You can read more about that here: https://www.bestlaminate.com/blog/wear-layer-vinyl-flooring/. If you have any other questions, let us know!

  14. What is the best thickness to use when installing vinyl flooring for the kitchen, dining and living room?

  15. Hi Maryellen – Great question! If your hardwood flooring is installed by nailing it down, then yes, you can seal it under the cabinets.

  16. Do you water seal hardwood floors under cabinets in cabinets he kitchen

  17. Hi, Laureen! That’s a really good question. You would want to have your floor as level as possible when installing your vinyl flooring. We recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your vinyl flooring, so that you do not void your warranty. We do have a supplemental step-by-step vinyl installation guide to help you make the best decision http://www.bestlaminate.com/help/ultimate-guide-to-vinyl-flooring-installation/. Let us know if you have any additional questions!

  18. laureen mendelero

    I am considering putting floating vinyl planks over my hardwood floors. I figured it would be more time consuming then ripping up the hardwood. There is one section of the room that has a slight dip so it is not 100% level going across the room. Will a slightly un-level floor be noticeable? will the planks not stay together?

  19. Hi Henry! We do have a couple glue down vinyls, as well as floating vinyl and loose lay vinyl flooring available on our website! Please feel free to click the links and take a look at what is available on our website. If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call and one of our knowledgeable sales reps can help you – 1-800-520-0961

  20. the page for glue down installation was not available ….am interested in the glue down vinyl tile

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