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If you’ve ever worked on any home improvement project, you’ll agree that flooring takes up a large part of your budget. That is reinforced by the fact that you probably won’t change your floors for a long time. They are meant to last for decades.
Now, you’re no longer limited to only a few options. There is a lot to choose from! Some flooring is less expensive while other types are higher-quality. There is also a wide variety of designs.
Vinyl flooring is a great option if you’re looking for durability and low maintenance. It works best in kitchens, small bathrooms, entry areas, and mudrooms. In short, in rooms with a lot of mess and water.
Vinyl is a very versatile and affordable material. Peelandstick vinyl tiles come in a variety of different styles. Self-adhesive tiles are great if you have a very low budget. You can also use them in your rented apartment where you don’t plan to spend the rest of your life. Stick the tiles of your choice, and then remove or replace them once you get tired of the design or decide to move out.
Of course, peel and stick vinyl tile is not perfect for all types of spaces. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to decide whether peel and stick vinyl will work for your home.
What is Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile?
Peel and stick vinyl tile flooring is made from a vinyl material that is approximately between 0.3 and 0.5 mm thick. It is much thicker than the average wallpaper. Peel and stick tiles are also referred to as vinyl plank flooring and vinyl tiles.
The tiles are adhesive, which allows for a quick and easy DIY installation. You can choose from an array of colors, designs, and durability levels.
Unfortunately, peel and stick vinyl is not the perfect flooring solution. It has its pros and cons. Read the guide before you choose to invest in some vinyl tiles.
Here are some things to consider before committing to peel and stick vinyl tiles for your home:
How much does it cost?
Image source: Martin Interiors
As with other types of flooring, the cost is calculated per square foot. The final cost will differ from one manufacturer to another. A square foot can cost anywhere between $0.20 and $2.50. The average lies between $0.60 and $1.20.
Design options
Image source: Jabro Carpet One Floor & Home
The first layer of any vinyl flooring consists of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. Other compounds are added to it to create the final product. They also help create the right texture, color, flexibility, and hardness.
You can choose from a variety of patterns and designs. Peel and stick tiles are very affordable, and they will look great if your house is big or small. Tiles are also durable and easy to install. If you’re looking for an interesting design, you can get vinyl flooring with mineral particles. Those make the floor look and feel just like natural stone.
How long does peel and stick flooring last?
Image source: Longmont Lowes Flooring
Generally speaking, vinyl tiles will last you between 5 and 25 years. The final lifespan will depend on a variety of factors. For instance, how much foot traffic the floor gets, whether it is exposed to water, and how well it was installed. To get the best results from the installation, the subfloor needs to be in good shape before you get to sticking the vinyl.
Installation
Image source: Longmont Lowes Flooring
If you’re working with a traditional vinyl floor, you will need a professional. It is very messy and difficult, so it’s no DIY project.
Peel and stick vinyl, on the other hand, is very easy to install yourself. If the room isn’t too big, it will take you less than an hour. You can share the workload with your family or roommates, and get the whole house done in only one day. The only thing standing in your way will be furniture, which you’ll need to move.
Available sizes
Image source: Longmont Lowes Flooring
Most tiles come in the following sizes: 12” by 12” and 16” by 16”. Some of the most popular styles come in 4” increments too, so 20” and 14”. Some options don’t fit these measurements and have strange shapes. Ultimately, it depends on the manufacturer and the design you choose.
When it comes to tiles, the thicker the better. The thickest ones usually reach 6 mm. Tiles that are 4 mm thick are more common and still suitable for your needs.
The surface that you’re installing the tile over
Image source: NewLinkz
The hardest part of floor installation is removing the existing floor and checking the subfloor. This is a job for a professional.
Luckily, self-adhesive vinyl flooring doesn’t require any of that. The tiles can go over your existing floor. Of course, ideally, you would install the tiles over the subfloor or concrete.
Peel and stick vinyl is very versatile. It can also be used on walls.
Stain and water resistance
Image source: Barnards Carpet One Floor & Home
People tend to use vinyl tiles in places with a lot of moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms. One of the main advantages of vinyl is that it’s easy to clean and stain-resistant. If water affects the performance of one tile, you can easily change it.
Peel and stick vinyl is not waterproof. It’s not usually recommended to use tiles near a sink. If you’ve decided to do that anyway, use a clear silicone caulk of a non-sanded grout in between the tiles. This way water won’t break down the adhesive. Thus, the tiles will be able to resist moisture.
Will the color remain?
Image source: Jabro Carpet One Floor & Home
Vinyl tiles are made of multiple layers. Even after years of wear and tear, they will still maintain their vibrant colors. This is especially useful in areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
Of course, any type of vinyl flooring will fade eventually and need replacing. However, you can rely on it to keep its colors for quite some time.
Impact on your home’s resale value
Image source: Jabro Carpet One Floor & Home
Peel and stick vinyl is fun and inexpensive. Unfortunately, it’s not considered a luxurious or high-quality flooring material. If you’re going to sell your home, many buyers would want to replace the vinyl with a different type of flooring. Your home might fall in value just a bit as a result.
At the same time, peel and stick vinyl is very easy to remove, so it won’t be a hassle for the buyer.
Warranty/return/damage policies
Image source: Longmont Lowes Flooring
Even though the material is inexpensive and easy to install, you should still pay attention to the warranty. The small manufacturers with cheaper tiles will offer warranties of 5 to 10 years. The warranty shows how much trust the manufacturer is willing to put in their product.
Ending thoughts on peel and stick vinyl tile
Base your final decision on your budget, space, and preference. It’s good to know what type of room you’re going to be dealing with in advance.
Peel and stick vinyl is cheap and easy to install. Use it as a temporary solution when you’re saving money for a more durable floor.
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