12X12 Vinyl Squares vs. Vinyl Sheet Flooring

Installation

• Vinyl tiles, usually sold in 12-by-12-inch squares, are easy to install. Affix tiles to a smooth, flat subfloor using adhesive tabs or spray adhesive. Peel-and-stick tiles are particularly popular with do-it-yourselfers. Simply peel away the backing and stick the tile in place. Tiles allow for a variety of design possibilities. Choose several different styles and create your own pattern. Sheet vinyl is usually sold in 6- or 12-foot widths. Sheet vinyl is not easy to manipulate and usually looks best if installed by a professional.

Care

• Wipe up spills immediately if you have vinyl tiles on your floor. Moisture can seep into the tiny crevices between tiles. Moisture can cause the wood underneath it to rot. Sheets are also susceptible to moisture damage along the outer seams. Follow manufacturer's instructions for sweeping and mopping vinyl.

Durability

• Squares and sheets are durable and ideally suited for homes with children and pets. Tiles have a slightly shorter lifespan because of the possibility of individual tiles becoming loose due to moisture or damage. However, damaged tiles are easy to replace. Sheeting is much harder to repair because it is all one big piece.

Cost

• Vinyl is one of the more inexpensive flooring choices. Costs for tiles and sheets vary depending on textures and designs. Squares and sheets cost about the same, but sheeting adds more to your budget if you are planning to have it professionally installed.