Parrys answer all your vinyl flooring questions

As one of the largest retailers of flooring products in Perth and industry leader for many years, our experts get asked questions about vinyl flooring every day! We have compiled the most frequently asked questions in this guide so you have all the answers in one place.

Choosing vinyl flooring for your project

• How to choose vinyl flooring?
• Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?
• What are the different types of vinyl flooring?
• Can you use vinyl flooring in a bathroom?
• Is vinyl flooring good for soundproofing?

Cleaning and maintaining vinyl flooring

• How to clean vinyl floors?
• Can you paint over vinyl flooring?
• Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?

Installing and repairing vinyl flooring

• Can you install vinyl plank flooring over: tiles, vinyl tiles, hardwood, carpet, etc?
• Do you need to use underlay with vinyl flooring?
• How to fix vinyl flooring?
• How to install glue down luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Choosing vinyl flooring for your project

How to choose vinyl flooring?

The best way to choose vinyl flooring for your home or project is to:

• Determine which rooms need vinyl flooring
• Calculate the amount of product you’ll require
• Assess what level of wear/foot traffic you’ll likely have in these spaces

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to choose the right vinyl product for your needs.

---

Read more:
How to choose hybrid flooring for your home?
What to look for when buying vinyl flooring?

---

Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?

It really depends on what you’re trying to achieve for your project, and the type of product that will suit your home environment. Both vinyl and laminate are inexpensive options that are easy to install and require low maintenance.

If you’re looking to increase your home resale value, it can be helpful to know what flooring products are currently trending.

Laminate can become damaged by moisture, whereas vinyl can be installed throughout your home, so if you believe spills will be a problem – stick with vinyl.

It’s also important to understand what type of wear and tear your flooring will be subjected to. If you have an active family, pets or lots of visitors, you may want to consider a product that has more wear layers.

---

Read more: Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: What’s Best?

---

What are the different types of vinyl flooring?

There are three types – luxury vinyl, vinyl planks and vinyl sheets. Each option has different features and unique characteristics.

---

Read more: Types of vinyl flooring for your home: sheets, planks or luxury vinyls

---

Can you use vinyl flooring in a bathroom?

Yes – unlike laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is exceptionally durable when it comes to withstands the water usage of kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms. Mop up spills as soon as they happen to ensure your vinyl flooring will continue to look great for years to come.

Is vinyl flooring good for soundproofing?

Your subfloor will play a part in how soundproof you can make your space – but yes, vinyl can be used as part of a soundproofing solution. Additionally, acoustic underlay will ensure even better noise reduction with your vinyl flooring.

Cleaning and maintaining vinyl flooring

How to clean vinyl floors?

Vinyl floors are easy to maintain, and with the right care they’ll continue to look great for years. To keep them looking their best:

• Wash your flooring with hot water, and a neutral detergent
• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Wipe up spills immediately
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, wax or solvent-based polishes, or alkaline ‘floor strippers’

---

Read our comprehensive vinyl cleaning and maintenance guide.

---

Can you paint over vinyl flooring?

You could – but it’s not worth the time and hassle, because it won’t last long.

Vinyl surfaces don’t take paint very well, and paint won’t hide any holes or dents on the flooring – which might make your paint job look even more obvious. You are better off tearing up the old flooring and replacing it.

Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?

Heavy furniture can be used on vinyl plank flooring, but we recommend using felt or rubber furniture protectors to prevent scratching or scuffing of your flooring. Heavy furniture should be lifted and carried, instead of dragged or pushed on vinyl plank flooring to ensure the integrity of the flooring remains intact. You can read more about caring for your vinyl flooring here.

Installing and repairing vinyl flooring

Can you install vinyl plank flooring over: tiles, vinyl tiles, hardwood, carpet, etc?

Before installing vinyl plank flooring, the subfloor must be flat, smooth, dry and clean. It is not recommended to install vinyl planks over carpet or uneven surfaces, as this can lead to noticeable raised areas and faster wear and tear.

As most of our vinyl planks need to be glued down to the subfloor, harder surfaces – like concrete – is the best option. If you’re unsure, speak with one of our friendly experts.

---

Read more:
How to install luxury vinyl plank flooring?
How to prepare a concrete floor for vinyl flooring?

---

Do you need to use underlay with vinyl flooring?

Underlay is not necessary for vinyl flooring, but you can prepare a type of underlayment to create an extra vapour barrier above your subfloor and provide extra cushioning. To prepare your room for vinyl flooring, you can follow our easy guide here.

How to fix vinyl flooring?

You can fix minor tears in vinyl flooring by:

• Using a spare piece of flooring to blend into the space
• Carefully cut out the damaged piece of vinyl with a utility knife
• Fit the vinyl patch into position, measuring and trimming it if it isn’t exact
• Apply floor vinyl adhesive to the gap
• Place the vinyl patch on top of the glue
• Mix a vinyl seam sealer and apply

You can follow our complete guide to caring and maintaining your vinyl flooring here.

How to install glue down luxury vinyl plank flooring?

To install luxury vinyl plank flooring:

• Prepare you work area
• Apply the adhesive glue
• Lay down the planks
• Finish the floor

---

Read our comprehensive guide to installing luxury vinyl plank flooring will take you through the process in greater detail.

---

Have some more questions? Feel free to get in touch with one of our Parrys experts today!

---

Read More Blogs