Modern vinyl flooring is more realistic and diverse than ever before, with an array of incredible effects that look indistinguishable from real tiles, while being a fraction of the price.
Vinyl flooring is popular because of how easy it is to install and how great the effect can look. It's also easy to remove compared to tiles and wood flooring - many types of vinyl flooring only need adhesive around the perimeter, so don't worry if you're looking to make a few changes.
Related: The best way to clean laminate floors without ruining them
What tools do I need to fit vinyl flooring?
Depending on what vinyl flooring you choose, you'll need the right tools for the job.
Most importantly, you'll need a sharp Stanley knife to remove any excess vinyl flooring, but you'll also need a form of adhesive to ensure your vinyl flooring is smooth and stable. Some vinyl flooring has a sticky back, so installation is as easy as peeling the paper from the back of the individual tile sheers, and sticking them down.
You'll also need measuring tape to ensure you have enough vinyl flooring to cover the desired space.
Before placing anything at all, make sure your floor is completely flat. That means no screws poking out or no lumps and bumps in the flooring, as anything like this will undoubtedly appear through the vinyl. You also should ensure that the floor is damp-free, as any water can cause mould to grow underneath your flooring. Plus, it can ruin any adhesive, which can become hazardous.
When flooring your bathroom, use a hygienic sealant around the base of your toilet or faucet to prevent any leaking or moisture build-up, you'll thank us later!
How to apply vinyl flooring (standard lino method)
As mentioned before, you must ensure you've got the correct amount of vinyl flooring for the space you wish to cover. It is easily calculated by working out the room's area (length x width).
Once your lovely vinyl flooring arrives, roll it out in the room, getting it as flat as possible.
If you're flooring the bathroom, it may be a little tougher due to your faucets and toilet getting in the way, but fear not, there's a solution for that too.
Simply use your Stanley knife to create a series of cuts around the edge of your toilet into triangular shapes, forming flaps that allow the vinyl flooring to lie flat. Then, once you can place the vinyl flooring completely flat, trim the excess triangles around the rim of the toilet.
Once you've got your floor flat and happy, and you've trimmed the excess from the sides and any other adjustments you may have needed, it's time to glue it down.
It varies entirely with the type of vinyl flooring you need to do. Many vinyl floors require only glue near the perimeter, so it's a simple case of using some double-sided tape around the perimeter, ensuring it's flat (you can use a piece of wood in this step), and peeling when ready.
We'd recommend lifting the vinyl flooring in sections around the room - that way you're certain it's lined up well.
And it's as simple as that! It's far less time-consuming or as expensive as fitting real wood floors and isn't going to be affected by any spillages, as wood often is.
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The best vinyl flooring available now:
Best overall vinyl flooring
victoriaplum.com
Now I know what you're thinking; this isn't your typical vinyl flooring. And you're right! This is a bit of a recent development in the vinyl flooring world, and it's called rigid vinyl.
It's an incredibly realistic alternative to traditional vinyl flooring, using a click method setup that gives you an embossed looks around the edges that is indistinguishable from real tiles.
And yes, it's pretty pricey. A lot of standard vinyl sheets can be pretty weak, any furniture on top of them is bound to leave indentations within a couple weeks at best, so in our opinion, paying a little bit extra for something that'll last for a minimum of 15 years (guaranteed), is bound to be great value.
This beautiful, premium tiling set is bound to look fantastic in the kitchen, bathroom, or your living room, we think it's a no brainer.
Review: "Easy to fit. Nice quality. I’d use again. Best on a level base - if not it’s a fiddle to connect them. Overall I’m impressed."
| Coverage per unit: | 1.37m2 |
| Tile size: | 457 x 300 mm |
| Tile thickness: | 5mm |
| Flooring installation method: | Click joint |
| Suitable for: | Kitchen, bathroom, lounge |
| Material: | Luxury vinyl flooring |
| Texture: | Textured |
| Finish: | Matt |
Best grey vinyl flooring
Grey wood flooring has been hugely popular for a good while now. It's eye-catching, modern and looks incredible in its vinyl form.
247Floors has nailed this grey wood floor look with their value vinyl flooring that requires very little trimming. Each 'plank' has a self-adhesive base, so you just simply peel, and place. It's quick, it's mess-free and is perfect for first-time DIY enthusiasts.
And best of all, a single pack covers 5m², so you're getting a total bargain at its price. It is one of the best reviewed vinyl flooring packs on Amazon, and it's easy to see why. The individual wood plank pieces create an embossed edge that vinyl floors rarely can pull off
| Coverage per unit: | 5m2 |
| Sheet size: | 914.4 x 152.4 mm |
| Sheet thickness: | 2mm |
| Flooring installation method: | Peel and stick |
| Suitable for: | Kitchen, bathroom, lounge |
| Material: | PVC |
| Texture: | Textured |
| Finish: | Matt |
Related: Best tile paint for DIY
Review
"I was a bit sceptical when buying this as they were quite cheap but I am very happy with the result."
Most realistic lino vinyl flooring
Our first true lino vinyl sheet, 247Floors once again are crushing the competition with their sublime vinyl flooring collection. This Forli wood plank vinyl flooring is easy to fit, durable, and looks incredibly convincing.
It's available in an array of colours, from black, to brown, beige, and grey, choose the perfect colour to complement your lounge. A great floor will make all the difference in your home.
Review: "Arrived 2 days early and was exactly as advertised, easy to cut and fit, looks good once down."
| Coverage per unit: | 4m2 |
| Sheet size: | From 2m x 2m |
| Sheet thickness: | 2.3mm |
| Flooring installation method: | Lino sheet vinyl installation |
| Suitable for: | Kitchen, bathroom, lounge |
| Material: | PVC |
| Texture: | Textured |
| Finish: | Matt |
Best bathroom vinyl flooring
victoriaplum.com
Victoria Plum vinyl flooring makes yet another return to our list, but can you blame us?
This premium vinyl flooring is, admittedly expensive. It's a rigid vinyl flooring that slots together for easy installation, giving you a stunning finish that looks just like real tile.
Unlike ordinary tiles, however, these tiles won't scratch or chip away, they're water-proof, flame-retardant, and slip resistant. Victoria Plum are so certain of its quality, they've given the flooring a fifteen year guarantee, what an absolute bargain.
Review: "Tried a lot of places and a lot of them places tried to sell me different items to what I wanted manufacturer informed me Victoria plum product went on line ordered & was delivered next day very quick very easy brilliant."
| Coverage per unit: | 1.37m2 |
| Tile size: | From 457 x 300mm |
| Sheet thickness: | 5mm |
| Flooring installation method: | Click joint |
| Suitable for: | Kitchen, bathroom, lounge |
| Material: | Luxury vinyl |
| Texture: | Textured |
| Finish: | Matt |
Best value option
Our final spot on the list goes to Casa Pura's Oak Gold vinyl sheet flooring, and deservedly so. Casa Pura has an array of beautiful colours and designs that are ready to order at the click of a button, each and every one of them is unique and looks phenomenal in its own right.
It's easy to install, it's tough, and despite not being the cheapest of choices, it's still worth it.
Review: "Lovely flooring; used this in my hallway, and it looks lovely. Feels very padded when walking on. Arrived on time too."
| Coverage per unit: | 1m2 |
| Sheet size: | From 1 x 1m |
| Sheet thickness: | 2.7mm |
| Flooring installation method: | Lino vinyl flooring method |
| Suitable for: | Kitchen, bathroom, lounge |
| Material: | PVC |
| Texture: | Textured |
| Finish: | Matt |
FAQs
What's the difference between lino vinyl flooring and rigid vinyl?
Standard lino vinyl, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, is a large roll of the vinyl material that creates the illusion of either ceramic or tile. It's incredibly easy to install and is often pretty resistant to most wear and tear.
Rigid vinyl flooring goes that additional step further in imitating wood or tiling. It's composed of singular units that clip together easily, creating a seamless finish. These pieces are rigid, they do not roll like vinyl and are usually thicker. A ton of manufacturers give you great advice in installing these. You'll probably need some form of adhesive to ensure your flooring doesn't slip, which is largely inexpensive.
You may need to cut down your vinyl pieces to fit alcoves around the house, so you might need a circular saw to get a clean finish.
Related: Best way to clean laminate floors without ruining them
What if you only need adhesive around the floor perimeter?
If, however, your vinyl flooring is a lino sheet, you might want to consider picking up some double-sided flooring tape. It's quick, convenient, and relatively inexpensive.
Do I need an underlay for my vinyl flooring?
Underlay is not required for most vinyl flooring, but it can be beneficial in making your floor much more comfortable to walk on, as well as protecting it from any potential wear and tear.
How long does vinyl flooring last?
Vinyl flooring should last between 10 and 20 years, given its fitted properly and treated well. Rigid vinyl flooring is even more durable, lasting for at least 15 years.
Best spray adhesive sealant
This adhesive is incredibly quick to apply, and once applied, you'll find that it's incredibly strong. Admittedly, choosing your glue isn't the most exciting part of choosing your future flooring, but it's nevertheless important!
Review: "I purchased the lino flooring glue and am glad to say it arrived on time, and fulfilled all the descriptions given. I am very pleased with the purchase - the lino is well stuck down and looking good."
Best adhesive tape
It's great value, tough and won't leave a trace when you want to get rid of it. Simply apply around the corners of the room you're flooring, smoothing out the tape with a piece of wood or any flat object, and you're good to go. When you're ready to lay the vinyl flooring, peel off the paper from the tape and lay it flat, using your feet to ensure it's completely flat and air-free while it's being placed.
Review: "Used it to stick loads of stuff up. It is a lot thicker than double-sided tape but it's great for picture frames, notice boards, etc. Seems to take a fair bit of weight too."