Resilient floor covering is a very popular type of flooring that is versatile and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Many people put resilient floor covering in kitchens, utility rooms and other high-traffic areas. Here are a few of the most common types of resilient floor covering available on the market.
1. Vinyl
One of the most common types of resilient floor covering available is vinyl. Vinyl is a very durable and flexible substance that is great for a number of different applications. It is good with water, and it can withstand quite a bit of abuse. Some of the new vinyl products look so realistic that you can't tell the difference between it and the real thing unless you get down on the ground. Vinyl comes in wood patterns, tile patterns and stone patterns. Many of the new vinyls are very soft underfoot and provide some comfort for your joints when walking on them constantly. Vinyl comes in a variety of different price ranges and can be one of the most affordable flooring options available. Vinyl requires a very smooth subfloor in order to be installed. Therefore, you will commonly have to install plywood before you can install vinyl, unless you are working on a concrete subfloor.
2. Vinyl Planks
Another type of resilient flooring is vinyl planks. Vinyl planks come in individual boards and traditionally look like wood. With vinyl planks, you can avoid buying a lot of extra waste like you are sometimes forced to do when buying sheet vinyl. Some of the newer vinyl planks available even come with a floating installation system. This means that they attach to one another but they do not attach to the floor. This makes it one of the easiest floors to install and does not require any adhesive. This is an ideal solution for areas where moisture from the subfloor could be a problem. These planks are typically made out of a very hard type of vinyl that can withstand a lot of punishment.
3. Cork
Cork is another type of resilient flooring that is growing in the marketplace. Cork flooring is made from the bark of a cork tree and provides a very unique look. When cork is dented it will often return to its original shape over time. Cork flooring is commonly installed in a floating manner, although it can be glued or nailed down as well. This is a very popular option for those that are concerned about the environment.
4. Linoleum
Linoleum used to be the most popular resilient flooring option available. However, when vinyl came along it was surpassed in popularity. In recent years, linoleum has experienced a resurgence in the market. Because of the fact that it is made of natural materials such as linseed oil and wood flour, it is very popular within the "green" community.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
