Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring (and some advantages)

If you’re looking at saving some money and time on new flooring, vinyl planks offer a practical solution as they can be easily laid making DIY feasabile or saving on labour costs if hiring a flooring company or handyman. 

In addition to cost advantages, vinyl planks are water resistant, relatively easy to clean compared to carpet and durable through normal use over time.

However, they aren’t for everyone, here’s a list of disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring ordered by most commonly complained about issues:

• Vinyl floor planks have a “cheap” look and feel, and can lower your home’s value if they do not match the quality of the rest of the house’s fixtures and fittings.
• The surface of vinyl floor plans can be prone to damage from sharp objects and heavy objects dropped or placed on it over time, more so compared to harder materials such as timber floors which are more likely to retain their shape up to a certain level of force.
• Repairs can be awkward and difficult as the planks are glued on to the sub floor. Similarly, replacing vinyl floors with another flooring material at a later date is equally difficult.
• Vinyl as a material is not biodegradable or recycable, therefore making vinyl floors less sustainable as an option in the long term.
• Vinyl is an inorganic material and over time is susceptable to chemical release through gassing. This can affect people with very sensitive allergies and cause respitory problems due to sustained exposure living in the home.
• Sub floor imperfections such as surfaces that are not completely level, or have small bumps or grains can cause visible issues on the vinyl plank flooring surface above as it is relatively soft compared to other materials like hard wood. 
• Discolouration over time especially in areas when exposed to direct sun light.