If you’ve recently moved to another house or want to renovate your old house to give it an elegant look and are wondering what material should be used outdoors, you must consider vinyl as an option for outdoor flooring.
Can vinyl flooring be used outdoors?
Vinyl flooring can be used in temperature-controlled outdoors like a sun lounge, enclosed porch, and so on. Vinyl is 100% waterproof which makes it perfect for outdoors. However, you have to keep control of the temperature changes or it might crack or swell in high temperatures.
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Now, if you have already chosen vinyl for outdoor flooring, you’ll be surprised to know the diversity and flexibility of vinyl.
Vinyl can not only be used for outdoor flooring but also deck and porch. The durability and water-resistant quality of vinyl make it perfect for deck and porch.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using vinyl flooring outside?
Advantages:
Resistant to moisture:
The biggest advantage of using vinyl flooring outside is that it is 100% water repellent. Decorating outdoors with vinyl means you’ll have pets running over it, or there may be water spills.
Be it an accident with your kid, pet, or water, you can clean it off effortlessly and it won’t even get damaged like laminate flooring.
Very little maintenance is needed:
You don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning and stain-free the floor. Basic cleaning procedures periodically will be enough to maintain the floor and give it a shining beautiful look.
Durability:
Since vinyl flooring is moisture resistant, it doesn’t attract mold or mildew and is also immune to water damage making the floor last for years.
Moreover, the vinyl floor can withstand a lot of weight at a time. Hence, you can arrange social gatherings without having to worry about the floor.
Comparatively easy to install:
The vinyl flooring installation process is simpler than laminating or tile flooring. You need to level and smooth the layers, place the planks; after that strengthen the area.
Furthermore, you can also choose to install loose lay installation, glue down, or press lock.
Pretty affordable:
Vinyl flooring installation expenses are quite cheaper than other flooring materials, for instance, hardwood, tiles, or carpet, you can afford it even if you’re on a tight budget and give your outdoors a preferable aesthetic look.
However, prices may fluctuate depending on the texture, design, and brand you’re choosing.
Flexible and substantially versatile:
Vinyl flooring options come in a wide range of textures, colors, and designs.
You can choose from traditional wooden texture to classic hand scraped texture; not to mention the durability is outstanding whatever design or texture you choose.
Its flexibility will allow you to install this floor even with any underlayment issues. You can effortlessly match it with your outdoor furniture without any breaks or cracks; this floor will blend itself with whatever given environment.
Disadvantages:
Difficult to remove:
You may have a hard time while removing vinyl flooring since they’re glued down and won’t come off easily. This flooring doesn’t have a press-lock method.
So either you have to glue it down or use adhesive to install it; which might leave you with a stained surface when you pull it off.
Not eco-friendly:
Vinyl flooring might not be an option for you if you’re a cultural activist or environmentally-conscious consumer. Since vinyl flooring is not degradable and difficult to recycle.
Delicate and fragile:
Vinyl flooring may easily get dented by heavy objects since it is softer than tiles or hardwood. Dropping knives or sharp objects will leave a mark on the flooring.
Color fades if gets exposed to sunlight:
The top coating of vinyl flooring may fade over time when exposed to UV rays. Even if you use it in the sunrooms, you’ll notice discoloration if there’s too much sunlight.
Can waterproof laminate flooring be used outdoors?
You can use waterproof laminate flooring outside, but it is recommended not to. Laminate flooring is waterproof from top to bottom but not bottom to top which makes it vulnerable to mold, mildew, or water damage.
Laminate flooring was designed for the indoor purpose in the first place. But if you want to use it outdoors anyway, you’ll be responsible for any damage and the warranty will not be valid anymore.
However, you can use waterproof laminate in the sunrooms or patios, but you have to keep the temperature controlled. Too much temperature or low temperature can damage the laminate flooring.
Moreover, you need to have a keen idea about the heat expansion and contraction of the laminate and accordingly keep some gaps. Despite using a waterproof laminate, you have to keep it away from moisture as it is not as water repellent as vinyl flooring.
Can luxury vinyl be used outdoors?
Luxury vinyl can be used outdoors since it is highly durable, water-resistant, easy to maintain and install.
You can effortlessly install luxury vinyl in the sunrooms, patio, or porch. However, you have to keep in mind the temperature issues. Luxury vinyl may crack or swell in too hot or cold temperatures.
With laying luxury vinyl outside, you don’t have to worry about the kids or pets ruining it while having fun; you can clean it off with wet mopping. Not to mention the liquid spills since luxury vinyl is highly moisture resistant.
Furthermore, mold or mildew also don’t get attracted towards luxury vinyl because of its water-resistant property.
With just a small perimeter gap, you’ll have a clean and beautifully decorated outdoors.
Can permanent vinyl be used outdoors?
Permanent types of vinyl are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The stronger adhesive on it makes it last for a long time. You’ll most likely damage the surface of the object if you’re trying to pull it off forcibly.
You can use permanent vinyl for car decals adding different pictures and logos. Permanent vinyl can endure a rough and harsh outside environment.
Permanent vinyl would be perfect for your themed parties or decorations outside.
Furthermore, if you want to make a sign for outside use, you should opt for permanent vinyl. Since permanent vinyl won’t come off easily and can last up to 8 years.
During summer many of you carry water bottles to stay hydrated. Permanent vinyl can effectively customize your bottles according to your preference.
Not to mention, you can use permanent vinyl on the doors, welcome mats, work wares, watercraft and likewise outdoor products and it will not come off easily.
Can vinyl flooring withstand cold temperatures?
Vinyl flooring can be a pretty decent option to withstand cold temperatures. The durability and moisture-resistant features make them suitable for use all season. It also does the work of insulating the floor.
To protect yourself from winter chills, you may use a thermal underlay while installing the vinyl floor. It might be a bit expensive.
But you’ll have a warm floor and feel comfortable even when the cold breeze blows. On top of that, the underlay also prevents the floor from contracting and expanding.
What temperature can vinyl flooring withstand?
Vinyl flooring can typically withstand the temperature between 65 and 85 degrees. Temperature below and above this level will have the effect of thermal expansion and contraction on the flooring.
However, vinyl flooring doesn’t go well with harsh temperatures. Too much hot temperature will cause the floor to expand, and it will contract on cold temperatures. In such scenarios, your company warranty will also be voided.
How long does outdoor vinyl last?
Usually, outdoor vinyl flooring will last for 10-20 years if you install it accurately. But the life expectancy will vary depending on the brand, quality, and texture.
If you’re onto a long-term project, then you must opt for the thick types of vinyl. They last roughly for about 25 years.
However, if you’re on a budget and choosing thin vinyl, then you’ll have attractive flooring for 5-10 years. After that, it will start losing color and may crack or swell.
Is outdoor vinyl waterproof?
There is outdoor waterproof vinyl available for your balconies, sunrooms, patios, closed porch, doors, stairs, walkways, and so on.
Waterproof types of vinyl are manufactured with strong adhesive and typically last longer than the usual vinyl.
You can also make your vinyl water by laying a subfloor underneath the vinyl which will make it water-resistant from bottom to top.
However, outdoor vinyl cannot be fully waterproof. And you must keep it under maintenance if it gets exposed to water or moisture frequently.
What is the best flooring for an outdoor patio?
There are varieties of materials available for the outdoor patio, for instance, wood, ceramic tiles, natural stone, concrete, vinyl flooring, and so on.
Choosing the best flooring option for the outdoor patio, however, depends on your preference and budget.
If you’re on a budget and want to install the flooring by yourself then ceramic tiles are the best option for you, commonly made of PVC. These are easier to install and much cheaper.
Again, if beauty is a priority, you should opt for wooden flooring. The wooden texture will give you an aesthetic and traditional look to your patio. But these might be quite hard to install and high maintenance.
That being said, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, you must choose natural stone. Natural stone is resistant to all weather conditions and easily maintained.
Nevertheless, vinyl flooring is an outstanding option for indoors and outdoors. You can add a more exquisite look to your outdoors with vinyl making it ideal for commercial or social gatherings.