Resilient Flooring: Versatile and Durable Solution for Flooring Woes

by Basant K. Global Market Research Reports

Resilient flooring is a term that covers a wide range of flooring types. Basically, a flooring that exhibits the properties of both hard and soft floors falls in the resilient flooring category. According to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), a resilient floor is something which is firm, yet has a “give or bounce back”. The high durability, versatility, comfort, and ease of maintenance are the highlights of resilient flooring.

Types of Flooring that Adhere to the Resilient Tag

Vinyl

Vinyl is the most popular type of resilient flooring that accounts for the majority of the resilient flooring market share. Its subcategories include solid vinyl tile, luxury vinyl tile, and vinyl composition tile. Recent times have seen a major resurgence in the demand for the resilient flooring type. Vinyl is a synthetic alternative of linoleum.

Linoleum

A major constituent of vinyl, linoleum is a natural flooring manufactured using linseed wood, cork, resins, wood, limestone, and wood. However, linoleum’s usage is restricted in recent times and it is termed as a vintage or retro entity.

Cork

Known as an eco-friendly flooring product, cork flooring is manufactured using the thinly sliced cork from the trees.

Rubber

Rubber floorings are used popularly in gyms and yoga studios. Formerly organic rubber was used in the manufacturing of flooring. However, synthetic rubber has replaced organic rubber as the raw material used in the manufacturing of rubber flooring in recent times.

Asphalt

Asphalt flooring failed to gain popularity due to its brittle nature. Although resistant to fire and rot, asphalt flooring easily fell prey to solvents such as oil, grease, and gasoline and was soon deemed less resilient than linoleum and cork.

Polymeric Poured Seamless Floors

Polymeric poured seamless floors are floors without ridges, joints or seams. The floors are manufactured by pouring a formulation of epoxy, methyl methacrylate or urethane and harden to form a natural part of the building structure. Polymeric poured seamless floors offer a smooth, seamless surface which is preferred in hospitals. Further, the sleek and sheen look offered by the flooring makes it a preferred flooring type in commercial institutions.

Decoding the Resurgence in Demand for Vinyl Flooring

As stated earlier, recent times have seen a resurgence in the demand for vinyl floorings across the world. The reasons why an increasing number of people are opting for vinyl flooring over other resilient, hard, and soft flooring are:

Moisture Resistant

Moisture can often deteriorate floorings of kitchen, washrooms, and laundries. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to mold, fungi, and mildew growth in the flooring. Vinyl floorings are inherently resistant to water which makes them a perfect flooring material for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. The moisture resisting nature of vinyl floorings prevents water from seeping into the underlayer of the flooring and thus keeps it mold free. Therefore, vinyl floorings are a perfect solution for beach homes or houses in tropical regions.

Durability

The most appealing attribute of a flooring system is its durability. When buying or choosing a flooring for a commercial or a residential property, consumers are sure to inquire about the durability that the flooring has to offer. Vinyl floorings sport exceptional durability. With a variety of companies coating vinyl floorings with protective materials, the flooring can endure anything from wine spillage to muddy dog paws without losing its luster and style. Supreme quality vinyl floorings can last up to 20 years after initial installation.

Stain Resistance and Hygienic

Majority of the population around the world live a fast-paced life. It is very rare for people to find time to clean the floors of their houses. Due to the hectic lifestyle that is prevalent these days, consumers opt for floorings that are easy to clean and do not stain easily. All that is required to keep a vinyl floor clean is periodic vacuuming and mopping the floor with a damp cloth to keep the floor rid of any dirt or grit. Further, the clear layer of vinyl floorings acts as protective barriers against stains and spills.

Supreme Aesthetical Versatility

Vinyl floorings are the perfect design solution for virtually any style or décor. The durable, and water-resistant flooring can mimic attributes of natural materials and warm textures. Vinyl floorings offer residential and commercial owners to choose from an array of layouts and patterns to choose from especially when consumers are looking to mix one flooring option with another.

Easy Installation

Vinyl flooring comes in planks, sheets, and tiles which are easy and quick to install. In the case of vinyl sheets, the flooring just needs to be glued while in case of tiles, a peel-and-stick mechanism offers an incredibly easy solution for installing vinyl flooring. Installing vinyl planks is done in a similar manner as laminating a floor. The planks fit in similar-shaped grooves which immensely simplifies the installation process.

Underfoot Comfortability

Vinyl floorings are a popular choice because of the supreme comfort they offer. The floorings do not get cold during the winter months like other hard or marble floorings. Further, when laid with a foam-type underlay the flooring can provide extra comfort especially in areas like the kitchen where people spend a long time standing. The foam-like underlay beneath the flooring also provides for soundproofing and insulation.

Due to all these factors vinyl floorings have emerged as the most popular resilient flooring and are continually replacing hard and soft floorings.