132 Vinyl, Laminate, Linoleum, Rubber & Cork

Getting to Know Your Flooring Choices

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring can be described as a synthetic product that is appreciated for its strength and versatility. It's a popular flooring option due to its resistance to moisture. Additionally, it's among the most economical flooring alternatives. Vinyl flooring can be a realistic imitation of marble, stone, wood and a myriad of other luxurious flooring materials.
When they are combined, these materials create a waterproof, durable, long-lasting and reasonably priced flooring covering.

Different types of vinyl flooring include: 

Vinyl Flooring Planks: Vinyl planks are created to look like hardwood floors. Unlike wood planks, they are stain-resistant, waterproof and easy to clean. This kind of flooring is suitable for high-traffic areas that are prone to wear and tear.

Vinyl Floor Tiles: Vinyl tiles are made to look like stone or ceramic tiles. Similar to vinyl planks, they are available in a range of colours and patterns that resemble their natural counterparts. Grout can be installed to further create the illusion of ceramic or stone tiles. A lot of people prefer vinyl tiles for smaller spaces because, unlike ceramic tiles, vinyl tiles can be quite easily cut down to fit.

Sheet Vinyl Flooring: As opposed to tiles and vinyl planks, vinyl sheets are available in rolls that are up to 12-feet long and are put down in one go. Many people prefer vinyl sheets for huge areas of their houses due to its low cost and long-lasting nature.
Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tiles: Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are about five times thicker than standard vinyl planks and tiles. Luxury vinyl tiles and planks are created with 3D printing, and, with a lifespan of approximately 20 years, they tend to last longer than regular vinyl flooring.

Laminate Flooring

In addition to being a quick and simple installation, laminate flooring comes in a variety of styles and colours. They are able to mimic ceramics, wood and even stones. The characteristics of laminate mean they can perfectly complement any room in a home, or any public space.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum has a warm, soft feeling underfoot. The majority of manufacturers' warranties for linoleum are between 5 and 15 years, depending on the brand; however, it is likely that linoleum can last for even longer. Although linoleum was previously criticised for yellowing, new formulations have been developed to help prevent this issue. 

Rubber Flooring

Flooring made of rubber is quite resilient and has great advantages. Similar to other resilient materials such as linoleum and vinyl, flooring made of rubber is an easy-to-clean, durable surface that's ideal for hardwearing areas like gymnasiums, basements, playrooms, rec rooms, laundry rooms and other utility spaces.
Rubber is quite a niche material in the flooring market; as such, there are fewer dealers and manufacturers. It also has fewer applications for homes.

Cork Flooring

Cork is an eco-friendly and renewable resource. It is derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, indigenous to Spain, Portugal and Tunisia, and it has been used in the construction industry for many centuries. Cork flooring is gaining popularity in the United States as a flooring option due to its long-lasting and beautiful "green" qualities. 

Cork flooring is offered in planks and tiles in a myriad of colours, styles and dimensions. Utilise planks to create a nearly seamless flooring, or choose tiles that are single or in alternating shades to create an unusual look.

There are two common finishes for cork flooring: polyurethane/acrylic-based and water-based. The polyurethane/acrylic finish is stronger and, consequently, is a more durable flooring option. 
Water-based finishes are more eco-friendly and are less likely to yellow upon exposure to sunlight. The water-based finishes are more expensive than polyurethane/acrylic counterparts.

Cork flooring can be described as:

Durable: It resists cracking and abrasions as well as being impermeable to liquids and gas. Cork flooring bounces back, which means that indentations made by furniture aren't likely to last forever. If properly maintained cork flooring will last at least 40 years.

Healthy: Cork is naturally resistant to mildew, mould and termites. It also has anti-microbial properties. Cork flooring doesn't emit microfibres which adversely affect the indoor air quality.

Secure: In the event of fire, cork produces lower levels of smoke as well as releases less harmful substances than vinyl flooring.

Comfortable: A cork floor gives a soft cushion beneath your feet due to the fact that cork "gives" when compressed. Its acoustics and thermal insulation mean that rooms that have cork flooring are quite comfortable and peaceful.

Practical: Unlike vinyl, the patterns and colours of cork permeate the surface which is why they are retained even as it wears. This extends the lifetime of the flooring.

Archify is a architecture and design platform for product sourcing and  specification . We are proud to have a large selection of vinyl flooring, laminate, linoleum, rubber  and cork from trusted flooring suppliers, brands and manufacturers.

Flooring Categories

• Architectural Floor Mat
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• Vinyl, Laminate, Linoleum Flooring
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