How To Choose The Right Vinyl Flooring For HDB?

How To Choose The Right Vinyl Flooring For HDB? Years ago, if you were to ask a homeowner what kind of flooring they’d like in their HDB. Chances are, the majority would go with the usual carpets and tiles. However, this has changed over the years as homeowners begin to switch to vinyl flooring. Why? The answer is simple: it’s easier to maintain and is less hassle.

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

As the name suggests, its floor covering is made up of thin sheets compressed together with heat and pressure to form a solid material, much like how a vinyl record is made. Vinyl flooring can be spotted easily, as it usually comes in long strips of slabs with the same shape and size on them.

HDB is responsible for providing Singapore’s residents with affordable homes. To ensure that housing units are kept in a decent living condition, HDB carries out renovation work regularly on flats under its management. With the renovation work done by HDB to our homes, many have been asking whether vinyl flooring for HDB flats (significantly cheaper ones) is environmentally friendly.

When it comes to flooring, HDB dwellers often turn to vinyl for its durability and low maintenance. But with so many types of vinyl floorings out there, how do you choose the one that is right for your HDB home? Here are some factors you might want to consider before making your purchase.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Vinyl Flooring

1) Porous or Non-Porous?

Non-porous vinyl is an excellent option for homes with high humidity. The surface of the flooring will not absorb moisture, so it is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. However, non-porous vinyl floors tend to be more slippery. They also may give off an unpleasant smell when they are new or if you try to clean them with excessive water.

Porous vinyl flooring is generally more suitable for living room and bedrooms because they allow air to flow through. They tend to be less slippery compared to non-porous vinyl floors. However, porous surfaces do not resist water, and non-porous ones; may get damaged if you try to mop the floor too vigorously.

2) Check the Material

Some vinyl floors are made of 100% polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is highly durable, dirt-resistant, and easy to clean. On the other hand, vinyl flooring that contains polyurethane tends to be more resistant to dents caused by furniture glides. This type of flooring is also more elastic, so it has a higher compression threshold. Hence, if you weigh heavier than the average person, vinyl flooring with polyurethane might be a better choice for you.

3) Look at the Joints

Many people prefer floors that do not require caulking or grouting because traditional methods can leave unsightly joints in the bed. If you are not fond of visible seams, then choose vinyl that has invisible seams. It is specially designed for easy installation with no grout or caulk required.

4) Choose a Thickness

The thickness of the vinyl flooring influences both appearance and performance. Generally, thicker floors tend to be more durable and offer better sound insulation. However, they also tend to be more expensive and harder to clean than thinner flooring options.

5) Consider The Cost

Some types of vinyl floors can be pretty pricey; non-porous ones, for example, tend to be more costly due to the manufacturing process involved.

If you are on a budget or do not want to spend too much money on your floor, try shopping for vinyl floors during the closing-out sales. You might be able to get a fantastic deal on discontinued flooring options with some scuffs and dents, but they are still perfectly useable.

Which Vinyl Flooring to choose?

Whichever type of vinyl flooring you choose, ensure that it is durable enough for your HDB home.

Why are homeowners opting for vinyl flooring over other more traditional choices? Well, firstly, they are easier to maintain than carpets. Where carpets may form clumps over time, this is much less likely to happen with vinyl. Vinyl flooring is much easier to be cleaned, as it’s simply the matter of using the vacuum cleaner or mop.

Furthermore, homeowners can also choose which color they would like their floors to be tiled with. The options are usually limited, but still, it gives the homeowner more options to choose from.

Vinyl flooring, just like carpets and tiles, does not require homeowners to get new ones once they start wearing out. The solution is simple: covers and tiles can be easily replaced with a DIY kit bought from hardware stores.

Will Moisture Destroy Vinyl Flooring?

Some might question what happens if there’s moisture on the floor from a leak in the pipes. Can it be repaired if damaged? Well, this is an area where vinyl flooring scores high marks. In comparison to tiles and carpets, vinyl floors are less likely to get damaged by water.

When choosing the suitable material for your HDB floors, the choice would generally depend on the individual’s preferences. Some may prefer to stick to what they know and go for carpets flooring or tiles, while others might want something different and choose vinyl flooring instead.

How To Choose The Right Vinyl Flooring For HDB? – Conclusion

Vinyl flooring is a modern option for floors in HDBs, which can be easily maintained without too much hassle. So the next time you’re thinking of getting new flooring for your HDB, why not consider trying vinyl? Vinyl flooring is popular among families because it is cheap and easy to maintain. Ceramic tiles are sturdy but more expensive compared with vinyl.