When it comes to flooring options for your home, vinyl plank flooring in Canada has emerged as an increasingly popular choice. Vinyl flooring has come a long way from the basic linoleum of the past, with modern luxury vinyl planks and tiles offering a wide range of style options and impressive performance benefits. If you’re renovating or building a new home in Vancouver, here are seven compelling reasons to consider vinyl flooring.
Durability and Longevity
Vinyl plank flooring in Canada is renowned for its exceptional durability and longevity. According to the World Floor Covering Association, well-maintained vinyl floors can last 20-30 years or more. The multi-layered construction of luxury vinyl planks and tiles, including a rigid core and wear layer, provides exceptional resistance to scratches, dents, and impact.
A 2020 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that vinyl flooring has an average lifespan of 25–30 years. This lifespan surpasses other flooring materials such as laminate, hardwood, and carpet. This durability ensures that vinyl flooring can withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, and other daily wear and tear common in Vancouver homes. As a result, it maintains its appearance for many years.
Table 1: Lifespan Comparison of Common Flooring Materials
| Flooring Type | Average Lifespan (years) |
| Vinyl Flooring | 25-30 |
| Laminate Flooring | 20 |
| Hardwood Flooring | 15-20 |
| Carpet | 10-15 |
Water Resistance
Vinyl plank flooring stands out for its full water resistance. Consequently, it’s an ideal choice for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Additionally, the American Society of Interior Designers reports that vinyl can resist water damage for up to 72 hours. This makes it a dependable option for Vancouver’s wet climate. This resistance to moisture helps prevent common issues like warping, cracking, or mould growth, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.
Comfort and Soundproofing
Vinyl flooring offers superior comfort and noise-dampening properties compared to harder flooring materials like tile or hardwood. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are designed with a resilient, cushioned core that provides a soft, forgiving feel underfoot. This helps reduce foot and joint fatigue, making vinyl a comfortable choice for busy Vancouver households. Vinyl’s comfort and noise-dampening qualities are especially advantageous for multi-story Vancouver homes, where sound transmission between floors can be problematic. These features make vinyl plank flooring in Canada a smart selection for homes with young children, elderly residents, or individuals with mobility issues.
Endless Design Possibilities
One of the biggest advantages of modern vinyl flooring is the sheer variety of design options. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles now replicate the look and feel of natural materials like hardwood, stone, and ceramic tile with remarkable realism. Vancouver homeowners can choose from a vast array of colours, patterns, textures, and wood species to complement any interior design style. Beyond classic wood visuals, vinyl flooring also offers contemporary interpretations of natural stone, concrete, and even abstract geometric looks. This expansive design flexibility allows Vancouver homeowners to curate the perfect flooring to suit their unique tastes and home decor.
Easy Maintenance
Vinyl flooring is highly favoured for its ease of maintenance. It does not require the frequent sealing or polishing that materials like hardwood and tile demand. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are generally sufficient to keep the flooring in pristine condition. Studies indicate that the total maintenance cost for vinyl over a 25-year period is approximately 75% less than that for hardwood, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and low upkeep.
Table 2: Average Maintenance Costs Over 25 Years
| Flooring Type | Average Maintenance Costs |
| Vinyl Flooring | $1,500 |
| Hardwood Flooring | $6,000 |
| Tile Flooring | $4,800 |
| Carpet | $3,900 |
Affordability
Vinyl offers a more budget-friendly option for Vancouver homes compared to premium materials like hardwood, natural stone, or high-end tile. Home Advisor Canada reports that the average cost for installing luxury vinyl plank flooring in Vancouver ranges from $3 to $10 per square foot. This includes both materials and labour. Meanwhile, hardwood floors may cost between $8 to $25 per square foot, and prices for natural stone tile start at $15 per square foot. Additionally, a 2022 study by the NAR shows that the average ROI for hardwood flooring installation in Canada is only 70-80% of the project cost. However, vinyl’s lower initial cost, combined with its superior durability and low maintenance, often results in a much stronger return on investment. Consequently, vinyl becomes an appealing choice for those renovating on a budget or furnishing a new home in Vancouver.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
Historically perceived as environmentally unfriendly, vinyl plank flooring in Canada has seen significant improvements in sustainability due to modern manufacturing processes. Many of today’s luxury vinyl products are made with recycled content. They are also 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. A 2021 study by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute found that the average vinyl flooring product contains 30% recycled materials. Some premium vinyl manufacturers even use up to 50% post-consumer recycled content in their formulations. This closed-loop recycling helps divert waste from landfills and reduces the industry’s reliance on virgin raw materials.
Final thoughts
Overall, vinyl flooring offers compelling benefits for today’s homeowners. As an increasingly sustainable and high-performing material, vinyl is a smart choice that can elevate the look and function of any indoor living space. For those embarking on a home project in Vancouver, vinyl flooring is well worth serious consideration.