Q-I am considering alternatives for a new kitchen floor. A surface that is virtually maintenance-free would be highly desirable. Is such a material available? I’m not interested in hardwood or ceramic materials. Can you suggest alternatives?
A-You are the perfect candidate for “resilient flooring,” a generic term for all vinyl flooring products, including vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl flooring.
Many homeowners still use the term “linoleum” for resilient sheet vinyl, but this flooring has come a long way. Today’s materials include a wide variety of styles, patterns and colors. Incorporating modern plastics, they can be extremely durable.
Modern sheet vinyl flooring is manufactured in layers, much like a layer cake. Colors and patterns are incorporated in the middle layers.
Sheet vinyl flooring derives its durability from its upper layer, often called the “wear layer.” This layer, in many cases, is a clear vinyl resin available in different thicknesses. Generally speaking, the thicker the wear layer, the more expensive and longer lasting the product will be. The thickness of wear layers can range from .005 to .025 of an inch.
Many of the sheet vinyl floors have a very high gloss, which is often achieved by adding urethane on top of the clear, vinyl wear layer. These urethanes often are as durable as the urethanes used on hardwood flooring.
Depending upon the size of the room, you may be able to install sheet vinyl flooring in one giant piece. Many patterns and styles are available in 12-foot widths. But wider rooms are not a problem. Because the flooring is, for the most part, plastic, special glues have been developed to join pieces together. This glue, or seam sealer, actually welds the two pieces of flooring together into one solid piece.
Many “resilient” flooring products are just that. They have a “bounce,” or cushioning, quality. This is achieved by incorporating a thin layer of foam in the bottom of the product. If you spend a great deal of time standing or walking in your kitchen, your legs and back may find some relief with this flooring.
Vinyl tiles are also an alternative. The tiles often are one foot square and commonly offer a choice of two thicknesses, 1/16 or 1/8 inch.
Vinyl tile floors can withstand tremendous amounts of abuse. They, too, have a clear vinyl or urethane finish, which makes them easy to clean and care for. Some manufacturers go to great lengths to precision grind the edges of each tile. This produces a floor that looks much like one-piece sheet vinyl.
Because the upper layers are plastic, these floors rarely are harmed by household spills. Simply wipe up spills with a damp mop or cloth and remove dust and grit on a regular basis. This simple, ordinary maintenance will reward you with a brilliant floor for many years to come.
———-
Have questions about the remodeling process? Write to Tim Carter, c/o The Chicago Tribune, P.O. Box 36352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-0352. Questions will be answered only in the column.
For more information on resilient flooring care and maintenance, wear layer characteristics, manufacturers and sources of literature, send $1.50 and a business-size, stamped, self-addressed envelope to the above address. Ask for Builder Bulletin No. 130.
