Everything You Need to Know About Resilient and Vinyl Flooring
Welcome to the unique and surprising world of resilient and vinyl flooring. Whether you are shopping for ideas or ready to install, our goal is to provide the expert information you need to make a smart decision. Carpet Exchange proudly serves Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Cheyenne, and the surrounding Front Range communities.
We call on our decades of experience to provide valuable information delivered in an easy-to-understand way, so you make the smartest flooring decisions for your family and home.
Clearing Up the Terminology: What is Resilient Flooring?
Resilient floors, as the name implies, possess "give" or elasticity. This makes them exceptionally comfortable to walk across and highly resistant to moisture, making them the primary choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
While these floors are incredibly durable and easy to clean, their main enemy is grit or sand. Proper care is essential to maintain their finish (see our Maintenance section for more details). No matter which style you choose, resilient flooring offers high performance and tremendous value.
Vinyl vs. Resilient: Understanding the Difference
It is important to note that while most vinyl floors are resilient, not all resilient floors are vinyl (other examples include cork, rubber, and linoleum). However, vinyl remains the most common material in this category.
There are two primary formats of vinyl flooring:
Sheet Vinyl: Often referred to simply as "vinyl flooring," this comes in large rolls and offers a seamless look.
Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCT): Known for durability and an endless array of customizable patterns. VCT is easy to repair, as individual tiles can be replaced if worn.
The Evolution of Vinyl: Mimicking Natural Stone and Wood
Thanks to advancements in 3D printing and manufacturing technology, today's waterproof vinyl flooring can realistically mimic the look and texture of real stone, hardwood grain, and ceramic tile. These replicas are so realistic that most people cannot tell the difference between vinyl and the natural materials they emulate.
A Note on Linoleum, Cork, and Specialty Products
Linoleum is often confused with vinyl, but it is actually a "natural" material made from linseed oil and wood flour. While it is enjoying a renaissance, vinyl remains the most popular choice for modern homes due to its superior moisture resistance and styling options.
Explore our Specialty Products section to learn more about cork, rubber, and other unique resilient solutions. Today’s vinyl flooring offers a wide spectrum of exciting design choices for any lifestyle—and at Carpet Exchange, we want you to be in the know!
