For many years now there has been a trend towards wood designs for flooring in areas such as lounges and hallways. Whilst real wood flooring is beautiful and can last for many, many years, it can also be an expensive option, particularly if you want a change in 10 years or so. The emergence of laminate flooring around thirty years ago provided a product that fitted that choice perfectly and has proved to be a very popular choice in many homes. We now also have the choice of Luxury Vinyl Tiles. Whilst Amtico and Karndean have always been regarded as the market leaders in this area, many flooring manufacturers have seen the ever-growing interest in this type of flooring and there are now many more products on offer.
There is, however, a third choice that has been around for many years – cushioned sheet vinyl. Over the years, vinyl flooring has evolved from oil cloth and linoleum, through shiny cushioned vinyl, to the product we have today. Many have felt-backs to provide more comfort, are slip-resistant and also have the feel of wood grain. This product is no longer the mainstay for bathrooms and kitchens; I have seen good quality cushioned vinyl laid in lounges and have to say that, at first glance, you would think that it was wood! Other benefits of cushioned vinyl flooring are that they are easily maintained, have great resistance to water, they don’t hold dust like fabrics and the overall cost, installed, is more favourable than other wood look floorings!