Vinyl Flooring Guide
Sophisticated manufacturing techniques are now used to make vinyl flooring. This means manufacturers can create extremely realistic, often three-dimensional patterns, which rival the look of natural materials such as ceramic and slate. Most vinyl flooring utilizes a top wear layer, resulting in a very tough and easy-to-clean floor surface.
Thanks to these new developments, what once considered appropriate flooring only for damp or heavy-use areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, is now a versatile option that works virtually anywhere. Long esteemed for its durability and resistance to water damage, vinyl flooring is now considered a budget-friendly to achieve an upscale look. Alexanian’s experts will walk you through this vinyl flooring guide to help you make the right choice.
Whether you’re remodeling the bathroom, finishing a basement or seeking cost-effective flooring for almost any other room, vinyl floors can be the perfect choice. This type of flooring is durable, long lasting, and easy to install. They are also water-resistant and can be used throughout the home.
Vinyl floors come in various sizes and can be used in any room in your home. In the vinyl flooring buying guide, we’ll describe some popular styles to help you choose the right vinyl floors for your space.
Shop by Type
Vinyl Plank
Enjoy the benefits of a wood look-alike in wet spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms or mudrooms. When you want the texture and appearance of hardwoods, but at a lower price point, vinyl planks are a great solution. Laid like wood floors, they showcase rich texture and are available in a wide variety of hues.
Vinyl Tile
Using vinyl tiles means getting a cost-effective, durable, moisture-resistant tiling option that can work anywhere. Vinyl tiles are available in either peel-and-stick or groutable varieties. For your convenience, this flooring choice comes in a wide variety of styles and design
Vinyl Sheet
When you want a durable, affordable vinyl option to complete a living or utilitarian space, vinyl sheeting is a smart choice. Made in rolls that measure either 6- or 12-feet wide, this material has a fibreglass core. Even over long periods of time, you can trust it to resist cracking, expanding, shrinking, curling and other damage.
Luxury Vinyl
If you are looking for a durable and moisture-resistant flooring option, consider luxury vinyl plank flooring. It’s low maintenance and easy to clean, which makes it a great flooring option throughout the house across many different rooms.
Shop by Colour
Vinyl Appearances
Wood – Available in both tile and plank. It provides the same look of a hardwood floor with better durability at a lower cost.
Ceramic/Porcelain – Available in tile. it provides the same look and textures of ceramic or pocelain tile, providing a high-end apperaance with the benefits of vinyl.
Patterned Ceramic/Porcelain – Available in tile. Combining styles and patterns with a variety of textures and colours can make any room look more interesting.
Stone/Slate – Available in both tile and plank. It provides same look and textures of nature, providing a stunning and natural appearance with the benefits of vinyl.
Marble – Available in tile. It provides same look and textures of nature, providing a high-end appearance with the benefits of vinyl.
Vinyl Construction
Plank & Tile | Loose-Lay, Glue-Down & Click-Together
Vinyl flooring is one of the most versatile and durable flooring options available today. It offers the look of natural wood or stone with excellent water resistance, easy maintenance, and comfort underfoot. This guide will help you choose the right vinyl plank or vinyl tile, and the best installation method for your space.
Vinyl Flooring Styles: Plank vs. Tile
Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, basements, condos, open-concept spaces
- Designed to mimic hardwood flooring
- Available in a wide range of wood colours, grains, and textures
- Typically installed with wider and longer board planks
- Creates a warm, continuous look
Why choose vinyl plank?
If you love the look of wood but want something more durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance, vinyl plank is an excellent choice.
Vinyl Tile Flooring (LVT)
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, entryways, commercial spaces
- Mimics stone, ceramic, or concrete tile
- Available in square or rectangular formats
- Can be installed with or without grout lines
- Often used for modern or classic tile aesthetics
Why choose vinyl tile?
Vinyl tile delivers the appearance of stone or ceramic with a warmer feel underfoot and less risk of cracking or chipping.
Installation Types Explained
Loose-Lay Vinyl
Best for: Quick renovations, apartments, temporary spaces, commercial areas
How it works:
Loose-lay vinyl planks or tiles use their weight and a non-slip backing to stay in place—no glue or locking system required.
Pros
- Fast and easy installation
- Can be installed over most existing floors
- Individual pieces are easy to replace
- Minimal subfloor preparation
Things to consider
- Best suited for smaller or enclosed areas
- Some manufacturers require adhesive application, perimeter or full spread
- Not ideal for heavy rolling loads or large open spaces
Glue-Down Vinyl
Best for: High-traffic areas, commercial spaces, kitchens, multi-room installs
How it works:
Each plank or tile is adhered directly to the subfloor using a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Pros
- Extremely stable and durable
- Excellent for large spaces
- Thin profile allows smooth transitions
- Resistant to shifting and movement
Things to consider
- Subfloor must be clean, flat, and properly prepared
- Installation is more permanent
- Removal requires more effort
Click-Together (Floating) Vinyl
Best for: DIY projects, homes, condos, basements
How it works:
Planks or tiles lock together with a click system and float over the subfloor without glue.
Pros
- Easy and clean installation
- No adhesive required
- Can be installed over many existing floors
- Comfortable underfoot
Things to consider
- Damaged planks usually require partial floor removal to replace
- Requires expansion gaps around walls
- Some locking mechanism can break on thinner products
- Not ideal for areas with extreme temperature changes
What to Look for When Buying Vinyl Flooring
Wear Layer
- Measured in mils (e.g., 12 mil, 20 mil)
- Thicker wear layers provide better scratch and stain resistance
- Higher traffic areas benefit from thicker wear layers
Water Resistance
- Most vinyl flooring is waterproof
- Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
Comfort & Sound
- Look for attached underlay or cushioned backing for comfort
- Important for condos or multi-level homes
- Check ICC ratings for specific condo-board requirements
Design & Finish
- Matte finishes hide dust and scratches better than high gloss
- Embossed textures add realism
Final Tips for Consumers
- Always check the warranty and usage rating
- Proper subfloor preparation is key to long-term performance
- Choose installation type based on traffic, space size, and permanence
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