Popular because of its low price, vinyl is a versatile floor covering sold in either rolls or tiles.

Use

• Vinyl is recommended for the following rooms:
• Vestibule
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Basement

Advantages

• Easy installation
• Easy maintenance and care
• Affordable
• Large choice of patterns and colours
• You can stand for long periods of time on vinyl floor covering without getting back or knee aches.

Considerations

• Rather thin
• Extensive damage cannot be repaired

Dimensions
Vinyl is mostly sold in 12 foot long rolls or as precut adhesive-back 12 in. x 12 in. tiles.

Vinyl is available in an impressive array of colours, patterns and finishes, sometimes successfully imitating more expensive floor covering such as ceramic, stone, and even wood.

Available brands

• Armstrong
• Domco
• Tarkett
• Mannington
• Congoleum
• Amtico
• Nafco
• Gerflor

Calculation of quantity

Before starting your project, make sure you carefully calculate the quantity of material you will need. Here's how to do it:

1. Calculate the area to be covered in square yards, by first taking your measurements in square feet and then dividing by 9.
   
   
2. Add about 10% to the total in square yards. Some factors such as roll width and matching of patterns may introduce waste of 5 to 20%. The larger the room, the less waste there is.
   
   
3. Multiply your result by the unit price of your selected product, adding the cost of installation, if any.
   
   
4. Have your calculations verified by a specialist before ordering. This first step basically helps you draw up your budget.

Product cost

The price of vinyl varies from $1 to $5 per square foot.

Vinyl floor covering doesn't need waxing or polishing. All you need to do is to sweep and wash it once in a while using a vinyl cleaner.

IMPORTANT

• Do not use detergent, abrasive cleaners or product applied with a mop.
  
  
• Do not use a vacuum with a beating brush (electric broom); it may damage the surface of the floor covering.
  
  
• Do not use abrasive scrubbers.
  
  
• Do not move heavy appliances immediately after installation. The adhesive needs several days to dry completely and your appliance casters may cause permanent damage. If you must do so, then raise the appliance or slide it on plywood scraps in order to lighten the load.

In case of damage or if the vinyl loses its sheen:

• Wipe the surface as soon as possible after food, liquid or other spills. Remove dry residues with a clean cloth soaked in a floor stripping and cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer (e.g., New Beginning by Armstrong).
  
  
• Wash the floor with the cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer (e.g., Once'n Done by Armstrong) or any equivalent no-rinse cleaner.
  
  
• If the floor is very soiled, or if it needs a thorough cleaning, use the floor stripping and cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer (e.g., New Beginning by Armstrong)..
  
  
• To restore the original sheen of a floor covering that has faded over time, apply a floor polish (e.g., Shinekeeper by Armstrong).