✓ UK's Trusted Flooring Specialist
Everything you need to know about vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring has become one of the most versatile and practical options available, offering the look of real wood or stone with the added benefits of full waterproofing, scratch resistance, and easy maintenance. Whether you're fitting out a bathroom, a busy family kitchen, or a commercial space, this guide covers the questions we hear most often.
Is vinyl flooring fully waterproof?
Yes. Vinyl flooring is fully waterproof. Unlike wood or laminate, it does not absorb moisture, which means it will not warp, swell, or become damaged when exposed to spills, humidity, or standing water.
This makes it an excellent choice for rooms where water exposure is a regular consideration.
Bathroom
Fully waterproof and comfortable underfoot, with good slip resistance when properly specified.
Kitchen
Easy to clean and resistant to spills. Low maintenance in a high-use space.
Utility room
Handles heavy foot traffic and moisture from washing machines and sinks without issue.
For the best waterproof performance, ensure edges and joins are properly sealed during installation.
Does vinyl flooring need an underlay?
It depends on the product. Most of our vinyl flooring comes with an underlay already attached to the back of the plank, providing cushioning, sound insulation, and comfort underfoot without any additional preparation. This also makes installation quicker and more straightforward.
With attached underlay
No additional underlay needed. Lay directly onto a clean, level and dry subfloor for best results.
Without attached underlay
A thin underlay may be added for extra comfort or sound insulation. Always check manufacturer guidelines first.
In all cases, the subfloor must be smooth, dry, and level before installation. Any significant dips or raised areas should be addressed with a self-levelling compound beforehand.
How hard-wearing is vinyl flooring? Understanding wear layers
Vinyl flooring does not use the AC rating system that applies to laminate. Instead, its durability is determined by the thickness of the wear layer - the clear protective coating on top of the printed design. The thicker the wear layer, the more resistant the floor is to scratches, scuffs, and everyday use.
0.2mm
Light residential
Suitable for low-traffic rooms such as guest bedrooms.
0.3mm
Medium to heavy residential
Suitable for living rooms, kitchens, and hallways.
0.5mm
Heavy residential / light commercial
Good for busy family homes and light commercial settings like small offices or retail.
0.7mm
Heavy commercial
Designed for high-footfall environments such as restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Compared to other floor types, vinyl also benefits from being fully waterproof, impact resistant (more flexible than laminate, so it absorbs knocks better), and highly resistant to staining. These properties make it particularly well suited to homes with pets and children.
Can vinyl flooring be used with underfloor heating?
Yes, most modern vinyl flooring is compatible with underfloor heating. A few straightforward guidelines will ensure it performs well and lasts.
Check compatibility before purchasing
Always confirm that your chosen product is approved for use with underfloor heating. Most click and glue-down vinyl floors are designed to handle heat, but it is worth verifying.
Keep surface temperature below 27°C
Exceeding this can affect the stability of the floor or cause discolouration over time.
Increase temperature gradually when first switching on
Sudden changes in temperature can cause the floor to expand or contract unevenly during the first few heating cycles.
Ensure even heat distribution
Hot spots caused by uneven heating can lead to warping. A well-balanced underfloor heating system avoids this.
Acclimatise the flooring in the room for at least 48 hours before installation, and do not switch the heating on until the floor is fully laid and settled.
How do you clean and maintain vinyl flooring?
Vinyl is one of the easiest floors to look after. Its non-porous surface resists staining and does not require specialist products or treatments.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit and dust, which cause surface wear over time. Use a soft attachment on hard floor setting.
Mop with a lightly damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral floor cleaner. Wring the mop out thoroughly - the floor does not need to be soaked.
Wipe up spills straight away. Although vinyl is waterproof, liquid should not be left sitting on joins or at edges where it could work underneath.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach, and solvent-based products. These can dull or permanently damage the surface finish.
Fit felt pads under furniture legs and use mats at entrances to reduce the amount of grit being tracked across the floor.
Never use a steam mop, as sustained heat and moisture at the surface can damage the finish or cause edges to lift.
