Vinyl flooring: Wood effect or tile effect?
Wednesday, 16 March 2011 7:23 PM
There's a lot to like about vinyl flooring. It is cheap yet tough, waterproof yet can be gentle on the feet, particularly if it is of the cushion vinyl variety. It lasts for many years, is easy to clean, straightforward to maintain, will not stain and is simple to install.
What is more, the development of the technology used to create vinyl flooring means that it has become increasingly possible to enjoy a range of different designs and effects, with these looking increasingly realistic.
But with that comes a problem - a nice one, admittedly, but a conundrum nonetheless. Should one opt for wood effect vinyl flooring or go for vinyl flooring tiles?
Wood effect vinyl comes in planks, just as a real wood floor does and this is of course part of the effect. Those who enjoy such effects can have fun choosing between designs that mimic oak, ash, beech, walnut and all sorts of other woods. Moreover, they can emulate the various finishes that can be given to real wood, from bleaching to charcoal effect, containing many rings and knots to very few.
For those who like tile effect vinyl, there is also great choice. One option is the chessboard style of alternating black and white squares, although this is not the only colour combination.
Others come in Tuscany style, with coloured diamond shapes at the corners. A further range of choice is based around various types of stone, metal, lava or suede.
All this means that those looking to buy vinyl flooring have plenty of choice. The truth is that it is ultimately a matter of personal taste. Because tiled vinyl offers synthetic effects as well as a wide variety of shades and colours, it may be the best option for those who want to match up their favourite colour. And it also suits those who like the effect of stone.
Wood, on the other hand, may certainly be well suited to those who have a lot of wooden furnishings in the kitchen, such as roof beams or countertops. Equally, it may work well in a home where there is real wooden flooring or other wooden or wood-effect elements.
But the best thing of all is that whichever effect is chosen, it will still offer all the practical qualities and low cost that vinyl provides.
