1. Repair or Replace?

If you already have vinyl flooring that you like except that it has gotten damaged, then answer these questions:

• Is the damage to one section, or is there wear and tear over a large area of the flooring?
• Is the flooring that is damaged still produced by the brand manufacturer? If the same model is still in production, is it the exact same style and color as what is on your floor?
• If the flooring is no longer in production, do you have any of the flooring in storage? If so, is the stored piece as large as the damaged area?

Bottom line: if the flooring is in production or if you have enough stored to repair all of the damage, you may want to consider repairing your existing vinyl or resilient flooring. Whether you are a do-it-yourself "expert" or you use a flooring professional, the damaged area needs to be compared to the available materials, and an evaluation needs to be made as to how effective the repair will be. Since the repair should be practically invisiblle and the flooring should appear undamaged after the repair, evaluate whether this is possible before you start work.

2. Brand

The top three are Armstrong, Mannington, and Tarkett. Several of the top vinyl flooring brand manufacturers are household names with a number of lines of vinyl flooring products for a variety of applications and budgets. Many of these manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development, and have patented improvements to their products that make them more comfortable, durable, beautiful, or cleanable. We encourage you to evaluate the products from several brand manufacturers; when you understand your options you're more likely to be truly satisfied with the purchase you make.

3. Get Help or Do It Yourself?

There are several factors to take into consideration if you are considering tackling this project yourself:

• How experienced or "handy" are you?
• How complicated is your installation? My last kitchen was shaped like a French horn, and the shape added a lot of complexity to the installation.
• Are there any special complications to the project, like fixing or installing a new subfloor?
• If you are going to install vinyl tiles, this may be an easier project than installing sheet vinyl in an oddly shaped room. Also, if you are not sure of your abilities and are new to vinyl installation, you might consider the risk and cost of ruining a large sheet of vinyl. On the other hand, if you ruin a handfull of vinyl tiles, it is easier (and cheaper) to chalk that up to experience.

4. Subfloor

Your subfloor needs to be in an appropriate condition for the vinyl flooring that will cover it. Read your manufacturer's specifications. If you are working with a flooring professional on the installation, discuss the condition of your subfloor and see if your installer thinks it needs to be improved prior to laying the vinyl.

5. Materials

Sheet vinyl: Sheet vinyl is a flexible and non-porous sheet made of polyvinyl chloride and plisticizer. It usually comes in 6' or 12' widths, so if the room is wider than the vinyl sheet, sheets are laid side-by-side and connected with a discrete seam.

Vinyl composition tiles (VCT): Vinyl composition tiles are tiles that are laid over the subfloor, one at a time, to build an integrated vinyl floor. Tiles possess most of the advantages of sheet vinyl, are easier to install than sheet vinyl (particularly for do-it-yourself installers), and it is easy to replace tiles that get damaged.

6. Installation Method

There are a number of methods for installing sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles. Each variation usually involves a different way to apply the adhesive in the process. However, the installer should only use methods approved for use by the manufacturer. If you are interested in using a particular type of adhesive or applying it using a specific technique, check the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure that your method is compatible with the flooring you are installing.

7. Design/Style

There is a vast array of designs and patterns for you to choose from, whether you are shopping for sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles. Please keep these factors in mind as you shop:

• There is more to vinyl than meets the eye. It is important to consider the thickness of the wearlayer, the length and terms of the warranty and the manufacturer’s specifications about installation.
• There are some patterns that are very common. If you find a pattern you like, but are not content with the wearlayer, the price, or the warranty, keep shopping. You may find that another manufacturer makes vinyl flooring that looks the same but has different features.
• When you are shopping for vinyl, it is fine to use decorating magazines for ideas, and Web sites for guidance. But you want to actually see and touch any vinyl flooring prior to purchasing.
• In addition to inspecting vinyl flooring in the store or showroom, you should try to get samples of your favorite few designs. They may look different in your home than in the showroom (different light and surroundings).

8. Cost

Vinyl flooring is relatively inexpensive, compared to most other flooring alternatives. If you are going to the trouble to install vinyl flooring in your home, we recommend that you not buy the cheapest product available. It is important to get a product that is well manufactured, has a generous wearlayer, and looks great. Those who sacrifice quality for low price can end up installing vinyl that starts looking worn soon after it is installed.