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| | | Vinyl and linoleum are not the same, but either one provides flooring in a range of colors or simulating the look of wood, brick, stone or marble, with a durable, low-maintenance finish. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Vinyl tiles are 12x12- or 18x18-inches; vinyl sheets are either 6 or 12 feet wide. Prices can start at less than $1 a square foot for inexpensive tiles, but decent vinyl runs $2-$5 a square foot or $162-$405 for a 9x9-foot bathroom, with the higher-end products offering extremely durable and realistic simulations of stone, tile or other materials. Vinyl installation (which may be included in the price) starts at less than $1 a square foot and goes up depending on the complexity of the project.
- Whether tile (usually 12x12-, 13x13- or 20x20-inches) or sheets, linoleum prices usually include installation and range $3-4 a square foot or $250-$350 for that 9x9 room, but high-end linoleum can run well over $4 a square foot.
What should be included: | - Vinyl flooring is plastic made from petroleum, usually with the color and pattern printed on top of the material. Vinyl floors have either a felt or vinyl backing; vinyl backings resist dents better. Some tiles come with a self-adhesive back and are a relatively easy do-it-yourself project; visit Hometime.com for details. Installing sheets of vinyl is more difficult, but FamilyHandyman gives step-by-step instructions and the Armstrong company offers a guaranteed install-it-yourself vinyl sheet kit. Vinyl floors last a maximum of about 15 years.
- Linoleum is manufactured from linseed oil (some people are sensitive to this) and other natural products, making it biodegradable. The color and pattern is part of the manufacturing process and goes all the way through, so light scratches don't tend to show. Linoleum flooring can last up to 40 years. Developed in the late 1800s, linoleum lost favor in the 1950s, but enjoyed renewed popularity in the 1990s as a "green" building product and an authentic restoration material. Installing linoleum properly requires skill and special tools, but the EnvironmentalHomeCenter.com gives directions for do-it-yourself linoleum tiles.
- Whether vinyl or linoleum, the subfloor needs to be properly prepared. The glue used to install the new flooring should be only the type recommended for that brand. If replacing an old vinyl or linoleum floor, you may need to check if there's asbestos in the flooring or in the glue used to hold it down.
Additional costs: | - Unusual room shapes can add to the bottom line and there may be additional fees for moving furniture or removing fixtures.
Discounts: | - If you're flooring a small space, ask about vinyl sheet remnants or the bolt ends of linoleum which can be up to 50 percent off, and BizRate.com lists miscellaneous lots of "overstocked" vinyl tiles.
Shopping for vinyl flooring: | - Vinyl manufacturers include Stainmaster and Congoleum; linoleum suppliers include Forbo and Armstrong. These sites offer referrals to installers.
- Read all care-and-maintenance descriptions and warranties before you buy. Check the company with the Better Business Bureau and ask the installer about training, licensing, bonding and insurance.
- The written contract should include how the old floor will be removed and the subfloor smoothed and prepped, whether furniture moving or fixture removal is included, specific products to be installed, and all labor and materials costs, including edging and doorway trim. If the floor is wider than the flooring sheet, where seams will be and how they will be sealed.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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Recent Posts |
| Amount: $1,000.00 |
Great Floor
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| Posted by: JoJo in Moonachie, NJ. | Purchased: April, 2006 |
| Sq Ft of Flooring: 10x10 | Installer: Excellenace Flooring |
| Brand: DuPont |
| I Love my Vinyl flooring for my kitchen, it looks like random tile in browns, greens & tans, people think it is real tile and it is just beautiful and wears so well, very happy with it! |
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| Amount: $2,500.00 |
Kitchen and 4 Bathrooms
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| Posted by: Patrick Phasey in Atlanta, GA. | Purchased: November, 2007 |
| Sq Ft of Flooring: | Installer: Atlanta Mobile Flooring |
| Brand: Domco Vinyl |
| Fantastic!!! We were remodling our investment property for us to move into and we were on a TIGHT budget. This company is family owned and each and every one of them are professional and funny. Very trustworthy. They gave us a break because of our budget, and the work is exceptional. 678-365-7692 |
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| Amount: $870.00 |
vinyl flooring
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| Posted by: blucleff in Albion, IN. | Purchased: June, 2009 |
| Sq Ft of Flooring: 170 sq. ft | Installer: Miracle Contracting |
| I was suprized to replace my dining/kitchen floor due to a patio door leak repair. I did not have time to investigate types and differences in vinyl flooring. I let the contractor pick out the flooring. The first week I dropped a glass and it put a big cut in the floor. Be aware of the kind of vinyl that you are putting in. |
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| Amount: $750.00 |
Vinyl Flooring - Bath & Laundry
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| Posted by: Josalyn in Hollister, CA. | Purchased: November, 2009 |
| Sq Ft of Flooring: 85 | Installer: Empire Today |
| Brand: Empire Today |
| Combined square footage of master bath and laundry room - 85 sf. Was done in one day and included nice new 3" baseboards and removing, replacing toilet. |
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