When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are usually just two options you’re weighing: sheet vinyl versus vinyl tile. They’re normally just great options if you try to find something tough that will not break the bank.
Each one has different pros and cons, so let’s dive in head-first to see what each type brings to the table and how that will work out for different rooms in your home.
First Things First: What is the difference between Sheet Vinyl and Vinyl Tile?
Sheet vinyl is produced in large, continuous rolls that can be installed in a whole room with one run.
It’s laid out as one big piece, only having a few seams here and there, which gives your floor a seamless look. Vinyl tile, on the other hand, is made of smaller individual tiles in standard square or rectangular shapes. You install each piece one at a time, which opens some cool design possibilities, like creating checkerboard patterns or mixing different colors.
The Look: Style Options with Sheet Vinyl and Vinyl Tile
Both sheet vinyl and vinyl tile bring a lot to the table in terms of style; the right choice just depends on the vibe you’re going for. Sheet vinyl has a continuous design with fewer seams, which works great if you want a very clean, polished look. It’s often printed to mirror natural materials like wood or stone but sans the hefty price tag.
With vinyl flooring, on the other hand, it’s choices and more choices: the ability to mix and match tiles for custom patterns or stick with one color for a classic look, put in a border, or create an accent area. Which is pretty easy with vinyl tiles. If you happen to be one of those who relish changes, vinyl tile should give you greater latitude to experiment with diverse looks.
Installation: Do-It-Yourself or Call a Pro?
A big difference between the two is that of installation method. Sheet vinyl, since it is a bear to cut and install in single pieces, is really best left to the pros. As it is laid down in one big roll, a mistake in cutting can be very hard and expensive to fix. You’ll spare yourself some headaches if you want to get a perfect fit around those trickier corners and edges by hiring pros.
Vinyl tile is a do-it-yourselfer’s dream. Because each tile goes down separately, one mistake doesn’t necessarily trash the whole floor. You can replace that one. You literally just peel off the backing and press the tile into place. You can tackle an entire room alone without special tools or abilities, which explains why it’s an extremely budget-friendly choice for any DIY enthusiast.
Durability: Which one tends to hold up better over time?
Both sheet vinyl and vinyl tile are rather resilient to the brunt of everyday wear and tear. They do not scratch or stain easily; generally, both are easy to keep looking new. However, sheet vinyl has an advantage when it comes to water.
Vinyl tile, though also water-resistant, has more seams that will allow moisture to penetrate over time, if seams are not properly sealed. Applying vinyl tile to a wet area, it’s worth spending a bit more time sealing those seams to prevent issues from having to be fixed later.
Maintenance: Keeping Them Clean and Pristine
Both types of vinyl flooring are similarly low-maintenance and part of the reasons they are so well-liked. Generally, sweeping and mopping are enough to keep vinyl floors in great shape. Still, sheet vinyl does win a few points for being the ultimate low-maintenance choice.
With vinyl tile, you do have to pay a bit more attention to the seams, especially in high-traffic areas of your home that tend to collect dirt. Of course, it will continue to keep your vinyl tile looking fresh with regular mopping and an occasional deep clean. It does, however, take a little more in the way of elbow grease than sheet vinyl.
Comfort Underfoot: How Do They Feel?
Comfort might not be the real first consideration when choosing a floor, but it’s one factor worth investigating if you are going to spend plenty of time on your feet. Overall, sheet vinyl is a bit softer than vinyl tile, especially with its cushioned backing. It’s perfect in the kitchen, where you will do plenty of standing while cooking or washing dishes. Vinyl tile is a little bit firmer underfoot simply because it’s installed directly onto the subfloor.
Cost Breakdown: Which One is Lighter on the Wallet?
Of the two options, sheet vinyl and vinyl tile are relatively easy on the wallet when compared to other options like hardwood and ceramic. With the exception of the cost for professional installation being a bit higher because cuts and waste will be greater if your room is in an irregular shape, it is generally an affordable option, taking into consideration its durability and how long it lasts.
Vinyl tile is usually the cheaper option, which accounts for many instances when one does a self-installation. The material itself is generally cheaper, and with the ability to handle the installation yourself, you will not necessarily have to create a line in the budget for labor costs. In addition, when the replacement of a tile becomes necessary, it is much, much cheaper to just swap out a single tile than to replace a whole sheet.
Wear and Tear: Repairs and Replacement
In the case of repairs, vinyl tile is far and away the clear winner. Once that single tile is scarred, for instance, it’s pretty easy to replace. For this fact alone, vinyl tile is a good option for high-traffic areas where wear and tear may be problematic. Vinyl sheeting isn’t really quite so cut-and-dried. If vinyl tears or bubbles, repairs can be involved, sometimes requiring a professional. Sometimes, it is easier, though more expensive, to simply replace the whole sheet.
Which Should You Choose?
So, which do you choose: sheet vinyl or vinyl tile? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. Suppose you are looking for something that can be less fussy with installation. Perhaps vinyl tile is your best match. You will like the flexibility in design, and this is an option that is very easy to repair should there be any damage to the tiles.
If you are looking into something seamless, especially for areas with high moisture content, then sheet vinyl is the way to add a touch of finesse. It is durable, low in maintenance, and gives a polished look that can imitate high-end materials without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Both are practical, stylish, and affordable floorings that work in a number of settings. Think about your needs, the room you’re upgrading, and whether you’re looking for something very DIY-friendly or are hiring a professional. Whichever one you move toward, you’ll find yourself with an easy-to-clean floor that will be durable and made to last-without necessarily spending a fortune.