Vinyl Types

Sheet

Most popular type of vinyl flooring
Great for covering large areas without having a lot of seams where dirt and moisture can gather
Moisture-resistant

Tile or Planks

Easier to replace than vinyl flooring
Available in a variety of colors and patterns

Construction

Homogenous/Solid

Uniform in structure and composite throughout
No added backing

Inlaid

Granules of vinyl added to a vinyl backing and heated with the surface layer
This creates colors and patterns that last even if the surface layer begins to wear down

Layered Composite

Most common type of vinyl flooring
Consists of 4 distinct layers: backing (bottom vinyl, fiberglass, or felt layer), core layer (liquid PVC and filler),
topped with a decorative layer, and a wear layer (protective clear vinyl)

Patterns

Inlaid

Vinyl granules or chips make up inlaid vinyl floors
These materials go all the way to the floor's backing layer, making this type of vinyl floor especially durable

Rotogravure

Also called rotovinyl
A pattern is printed on the vinyl floor's core layer, with a clear wear layer added on top
The durability of the wear layer will affect how long the floor maintains its original appearance

Wear Layers

Enhanced Urethane

Most durable of wear layers
Resists staining from many common household elements
Only maintenance needed is an occasional sweep or mopping
Fading may occur if the vinyl floors are exposed to strong sunlight

Urethane

Keeps its "like new" appearance longer than most vinyl no–wax surfaces
Resists stains, scrapes, scuffs, and heel marks
Has a more textured surface, which sometimes simulates tile or stone patterns

Vinyl No-Wax

The least durable of the three
The floor will nonetheless resist scrapes, scuffs, and some stains
Sports a much smoother finish
Required maintenance includes regular washing and a good polishing from time to time to restore shine