The kitchen is one area in the home which is especially prone to spills and breakage. For homeowners with pets and children, or who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, durability of material and ease of maintenance are important considerations. Vinyl flooring has quickly gained popularity amongst homeowners as it is able to mimic the look and feel of virtually any natural material, while making sure you don’t break the bank. Should you opt for vinyl flooring in your kitchen? Whether you are a new homeowner or thinking of remodeling your home, this article will tell you everything you need to know about vinyl flooring for your kitchen
If price is a primary consideration, vinyl flooring is easily one of the most economical options for your kitchen on the market. The price of vinyl flooring can range from $2.70-$6.50 psf. Within the price spectrum of vinyl flooring, the price can differ depending on whether you choose sheet, plank, tile, or click-and-lock vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring with ServiceBack.com for HDB flats can go as low as $2.70 psf.
There is an upward trend of homeowners opting for vinyl flooring even in the kitchen as it can mimic the look of materials such as hardwood, which you would normally pay a premium for. It is worth taking note that the material cost above may not include the cost of the subfloor (usually cement screed) that is underneath it.
The feel of vinyl is comparatively softer underfoot next to other types of flooring, such as marble or ceramic. If you are going to spend a lot of time on your feet in the kitchen, you may want to consider opting for vinyl flooring.
Vinyl also has poorer heat transfer compared to materials such as ceramic. If you have an open-concept kitchen in your home, vinyl flooring will not feel cold underneath your feet should you leave the aircon running.
Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain. Thus, it can withstand frequent spills and splashes and makes cleaning and regular upkeep of your kitchen a breeze. Click-and-lock vinyl installation solutions are an added bonus in your kitchen since your vinyl flooring will be fully waterproof. Without the seams present in traditional flooring that are potential weak points that water can seep through, there will be no penetration of moisture that can affect the appearance and integrity of the flooring. This also means that you do not have to worry about mould or mildew growth in your kitchen if you opt for vinyl flooring.
You will not be short of design options when it comes to selecting the look and feel of vinyl that matches your interior design aesthetic. Vinyl flooring for your kitchen is available in a variety of colours, patterns, and finishes. Refined engravement processes also mean that many on-the-market vinyl options can give realistic finishes that resemble natural materials. Popular choices for the kitchen include vinyl flooring that mimic stone or wood looks. With plenty of design options, vinyl flooring gives good value for your money as you can stay within budget without compromising on style.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a category of harmful emissions that can affect the skin and respiratory system over time. Compared to adults, children and pets are especially susceptible to these chemicals due to their smaller organs and body mass. However, many vinyl flooring brands have passed the minimum health standards and regulations. If you intend to install vinyl flooring in your kitchen, be sure to look out for these certifications as they mean that the particular brand is within an acceptable range of VOC emissions. All vinyl floors carried by Serviceback not only passed but surpass the minimum health standards and regulations.
While vinyl flooring is reasonably durable for use in the kitchen, it is still less resistant to damage compared to materials such as marble or ceramic. However, its softer surface also means that fragile kitchenware is less likely to break upon impact.
If your household has children or pets, or sharp objects are dropped at substantial velocity, it can result in scratches, punctures, or dents to the vinyl flooring. Frequent moving of heavy furniture in the kitchen could be another hazard that can potentially result in scuffing of your vinyl flooring. Lifting your furniture off the ground instead of dragging it, or utilising felt covers is a good way to preserve the longevity of the vinyl flooring.
Given its desirable material properties and its versatility, homeowners who are shopping around for flooring may want to consider vinyl flooring for a modern and budget-conscious kitchen.
