Vinyl Flooring

Frequently asked questions

What is the hardest wearing vinyl flooring?

For heavy-traffic areas, commercial-grade vinyl is the most durable option. Longevity depends on the wear layer and use-class rating, rather than the overall thickness of the flooring. At Factory Direct Flooring, our commercial vinyl flooring has an EN33 rating for heavy commercial use, despite being only 2mm to 2.5mm thick. Cushioned domestic vinyl can be up to 4.3mm thick and feel softer underfoot, but it is not designed to withstand the demands of a busy commercial space.

Do you need underlay for vinyl flooring?

Whether you need underlay depends on which type of vinyl you're laying, because sheet vinyl and click LVT need opposite things. Sheet and roll vinyl doesn't require underlay, since underlay underneath lets the sheet move and crease over time. Instead what's needed is a level base that's smooth and dry, which means 3.2mm hardboard or 6mm plywood over floorboards and a self-levelling compound over uneven screed. Click LVT works the other way round and should be laid over a thin high-density underlay of 1mm to 2mm. Our guide to subfloor prep and underlay walks you through both.

How long does vinyl flooring last?

In a busy kitchen or hallway, vinyl flooring lasts 10 to 15 years. In lower traffic spaces like bedrooms, it can last up to 20 years. How thick the vinyl is plays a big role in how long it will last, rather than just the price. At Factory Direct Flooring, you'll find vinyl from 1.9mm to 4.3mm, which means you can choose thinner 2 to 2.5mm for a bedroom and 3mm or thicker for a kitchen. Our vinyl buying guide explains how to read a wear layer, and our free samples give you a chance to compare.

Which is cheaper, lino or vinyl?

Vinyl is the cheaper of the two, although the naming catches a lot of people out. True linoleum is a different product made from natural materials, and it typically starts at around £25 per m². Most UK shoppers who ask for lino actually mean sheet vinyl, which is exactly what we sell, and is priced between £7 and £30 per m².

Is vinyl or laminate flooring better?

Neither one wins outright, so the choice really comes down to the room. In kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl is the better pick because it handles water far better and feels softer underfoot. In living rooms and bedrooms, laminate tends to win, since it resists scratches better and gives you a firmer, more solid feel. Standing water still needs wiping up promptly on laminate either way. You can order free samples from both this range and our laminate flooring, then compare them under your own lighting before deciding.

How much does vinyl flooring cost per square metre?

Vinyl flooring is priced between £7 and £30 per m². What moves a floor up or down that scale is mostly its thickness and backing type. Roll width makes up the rest, since choosing the right width from our 2m to 4m range cuts down on offcut waste. Measure your room at its widest points in both directions and add 10cm for trimming, so you order enough to work with. Our guide to the cost of vinyl flooring breaks the pricing down in more detail, and free samples let you compare before you commit.