Vinyl flooring usually consists of four layers of materials, the bottom layer being the backing layer made of cork or form, this layer serves as the underlayment of the vinyl flooring and functions as a cushion to make walking on the floor comfortably and keep noise at bay. The top of the vinyl floor is clear wear with a high-definition photographic layer just below it. A thick core layer forms the majority of the vinyl floor. Vinyl flooring refers to a synthetic flooring material made from polyvinyl chloride plastic that is heated and pressed into thin layers and adhered to form vinyl tiles or planks which feature photorealistic visual layers that mimic hardwood, natural stone, or ceramic. Vinyl flooring in Kenya is often confused with other flooring types like laminate flooring. Despite their many similarities with laminate flooring, vinyl floors have significant differences in their manufacturing that set them apart from each other.
Important factors to know about vinyl flooring in Kenya.
Is the vinyl floor the suitable choice for you to install in your residential home? if this is the question you are asking yourself then stick around to find out the answer. Below are some of the things you need to know about vinyl floors before making the decision:
Cost
Vinyl flooring in kenya is one of the most cost-effective flooring solutions for your home compared to other flooring types like hardwood, stones, or ceramic tiles. its ease of installation saves some coins because it can be done as a DIY depending on the complexity of the project, and it is also not as labor intensive as other floors.
Vinyl floors in kenya cost about 2100/- KSH per square meter.
Types of vinyl
Vinyl flooring in kenya is available in two distinct types which are sheet vinyl and tile vinyl. Sheet flooring is laid down in sheets that are 6-12 feet wide. Tile flooring comes in sizes of 9-12 square inches and resembles ceramic tiles but is more economical. Luxury vinyl tiles that mimic stone or wood come in plank shapes often 7 by 48 inches.
Vinyl finishes
Vinyl flooring comes in 3 different finishes which are;
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Vinyl no-wax finish
This l floor finish is suitable for areas with low foot traffic, minimal moisture, and exposure to dirt. This finish is the lightest type.
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Urethane finish
This floor finish is heavier and more durable can withstand moderate foot traffic and is resistant to scuffing.
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Enhanced urethane finish
This floor finish is the toughest of them all and can withstand the heaviest foot traffic and is highly resistant to scratches and stains.
Design.
The versatility of the vinyl flooring system makes it a homeowner’s favorite flooring system because it offers plenty of designs, patterns, colors, and styles to choose from, making the options nearly endless
Durability
Vinyl flooring is highly durable and can last up to 10-20 years when installed and maintained properly because it has a wear layer on top that resists scratches and stains.
Some vinyl floors offer a warranty of upto 15years which shows to tell you how durable they can be
CONS OF VINYL FLOORING IN KENYA
Like everything else, vinyl flooring also has some disadvantages which are:
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Difficult to remove
Vinyl flooring can be difficult to remove because of its strong adhesives which harden against the floorboards and can also damage the existing floor.
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Can emit volatile organic compounds
vinyl flooring can emit volatile organic compounds which can be very harmful to human health.
Takeaway
Vinyl flooring is an adaptable, cost-effective, and durable option to consider for your residential home floors in Kenya. With a variety of options to choose from, it is not going to be an uphill task to find the type of vinyl flooring suitable for your home and which spaces of the house are the best candidates for this floor system.
