• Sheet vinyl and vinyl composition tile (VCT) are often called linoleum, but this is INCORRECT. Linoleum is comprised of natural components while vinyl flooring is comprised of synthetic materials.
• Vinyl flooring is also known as “resilient flooring” because of its hard durable qualities and ease of maintenance. It expands and contracts with temperature changes, is water-, and stain-resistant, provides significant sanitary advantages, and is available in various colors and designs.
• Sheet vinyl usually comes in 6 and 12 foot rolls. Vinyl tiles are normally available in 9, 12, 14, 16, or 18 inch squares, but manufacturers’ specifications may vary.
• Vinyl and laminate flooring are similar in regard to the fact that they are both inexpensive alternatives to real tile, stone, and wood. Vinyl flooring is available in patterns and textures that resemble authentic ceramic tile, stone, and wood.
• Vinyl tile cartons are marked with dye lot numbers – distinctions based on pattern, color, and manufactured timing. Make sure that your installation involves product with the same pattern, color, and dye lot number. (It is recommended that extra be kept on hand for future repairs/replacements as well.)
• In the home, vinyl flooring can be used with area rugs and mats in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and other rooms. In the workplace/commercial world, it is often used in schools, health care facilities, stores, laboratories, computer rooms, bathrooms, lobbies, spas, dormitories, libraries, and restaurants.
• Vinyl flooring is good in homes inhabited by persons with allergies and other health issues. The floors can be easily disinfected and do not hold dust and other toxins that can produce allergens and other microbial contamination.

VINYL FLOORING CONSTRUCTION:
There are two methods of vinyl flooring construction: inlaid construction and rotogravure construction.

The oldest method is INLAID CONSTRUCTION, where solid colored vinyl granules are laid on top of a clear durable wearlayer/top layer sheet and then bonded to it using heat and pressure. This method is usually used to produce geometric patterns.

The newer, and more common, method is ROTOGRAVURE CONSTRUCTION/PRINTED CONSTRUCTION. A cylinder printing various color ink patterns spins around as the vinyl’s core layer passes underneath. After this process has been completed and the print dyes are set they are affixed to a clear durable wearlayer/top layer.

NOTE: The thickness of the wearlayer is important. The thicker the wearlayer, the more durable the vinyl flooring is. Similarly, the thicker the wearlayer, the more costly the flooring will be. The wearlayer thickness will vary from manufacturer-to-manufacturer and from product-to-product. Ask your flooring professional/retailer for recommendations of the vinyl flooring that is best for your home improvement project.