Pros & Cons of Resilient Plank Flooring

Resilient Plank Flooring

• Resilient plank flooring is constructed from vinyl. Long available for flooring uses in sheets or tiles, the plank form is a recent innovation. Resilient flooring is usually utilized in high traffic areas, especially if there is a strong possibility the floor could come in contact with water or other liquid spills. Vinyl comes in a wide range of available colors and designs and can be crafted to look like stone or ceramic tiles. In plank flooring, it is usually crafted to look like wooden planks.

Pros

• Resilient plank flooring is easy to install; you can do it yourself instead of hiring professionals. Each plank consists of two off-set layers, creating a grip strip on each side of the plank. The grip strips interlock tightly to form a waterproof floor. Resilient flooring is quieter to walk on than tile or hardwood. Because it has more give than hard surface flooring, it is more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. And if you drop a glass, it is less likely to shatter when it lands on resilient plank flooring.

Cons

• While attractive, resilient plank flooring doesn’t sound or feel the same as a real wood floor. Vinyl dents easily under directed pressure. Someone standing on it in high heels can cause damage; furniture, like chair or table legs, can also dent it. Resilient plank flooring can be scratched and torn, so high traffic areas will show wear.

Considerations

• A more cost-effective choice than wood or tile flooring, resilient planks can be installed by professionals if you have no interest in doing it yourself. Because the planks lock together, you don’t need to apply adhesive to the floor to get them to stay in place. While vinyl flooring is usually used in kitchens and bathrooms, you can use it in any area in your home that you think would be attractive.