Vinyl floors can be an excellent design option for your home. Not only is vinyl a budget-friendly flooring, but it’s also durable and water resistant. And its versatility is unmatched, as it can realistically imitate wood, stone and marble, all of which can create a vastly different look and feel in your space. With vinyl flooring, the sky is truly the limit for design.
Vinyl flooring comprises several layers of materials sandwiched together to form a highly durable, practical and affordable floor covering. Vinyl is a type of resilient flooring engineered with comfort, flexibility, and design in mind.
Most of us are familiar with vinyl sheet flooring, which has been around for decades and installed in most residential kitchens and bathrooms. Newer vinyl products have entered the market and are known as Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). You get the best of all worlds with vinyl plank flooring: it is waterproof, durable, and can mimic wood flooring, porcelain, and stone tile.
This versatile product can be used almost anywhere in your home, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and basements. Many people use it in these rooms because it can mimic high-end materials like tile or hardwood at a fraction of the cost.
Is it possible to install vinyl flooring on stairs?
Yes, you can even use it on stairs! Vinyl on stairs is a practical choice as it’s easy to clean and protects against the heavy traffic the stairs see on a daily basis.
Which type of vinyl flooring is the best for stairs?
LVP is the best option for stairs because it can be installed just like hardwood planks. LVT will also work, though it will require more measuring and cutting. Vinyl sheet must be glued down in one giant piece, which is nearly impossible on stairs.
These LVP flooring materials are recommended for stairs.
Pros of vinyl flooring for stairs
Vinyl is a good material for stairs because it is easy to clean (unlike carpet which can be difficult to clean) and it is not slippery, which can help protect against injuries. It is also an affordable option that offers an easy installation process.
Durability
Vinyl flooring is highly durable and can withstand the heavy traffic that stairs see daily. This type of flooring can last 10 to 20 years when installed and maintained correctly. Also, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer that protects against scuffs and scratches typical with pets, kids, and everyday use.
vinyl flooring has a wear layer that protects against scuffs.
Stain resistance
Vinyl flooring is the most stain-proof flooring available on the market. Since it’s moisture-resistant, you won’t have to worry about spills and accidents if you’re tidying up regularly.
Slip resistance
Many vinyl tiles have a slip-resistance feature, which makes them perfect for staircases. You can also apply a coat of anti-slip topper or a non-slip spray. Another option is to select an embossed vinyl floor, adding grip to your stairs.
Easy maintenance
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain because it’s resistant to dust and dirt, unlike other flooring options like carpet or hardwood. In addition, vinyl floors don’t require refinishing like hardwoods, and tile may, depending on the traffic they incur from dogs and kids.
Easy installation
Luxury vinyl flooring is a DIYer’s dream. Tiles and planks come with a peel-and-stick feature, meaning the average homeowner can install them without hiring a professional. LVP has a click-and-lock system that allows the planks to settle as “floating” floors.
Waterproof
Vinyl flooring is waterproof and won’t absorb liquids easily when spilled, whereas spills
need to be cleaned up quickly on hardwood or they cause damage over time. If not
installed correctly, water or moisture could seep into vinyl flooring seams between planks or tiles.
Cons of vinyl flooring for stairs
Not sturdy
Vinyl is less robust than wood on stairs. Therefore, it’s more prone to tearing and damage than wood flooring. When damaged, it can be challenging to repair. Typically, the only option to fix a vinyl floor is to replace it.
In addition, while vinyl flooring is more economical, these savings often come at the cost of a shorter lifespan than natural materials. Some hardwood floors can last more than a lifetime, while vinyl will last 10 to 20 years.
Aesthetic design
Vinyl flooring must be installed correctly to look good and maintained to keep it attractive in high-traffic areas like stairs. While vinyl flooring is available in many patterns and colors, it’s still easy to tell it apart from natural hardwoods and other materials. In addition, like most flooring, vinyl will fade when exposed to continual direct sunlight, which can be a significant drawback for homeowners.
vinyl flooring can look attractive in places with high traffic, such as stairs
How to install vinyl flooring on stairs?
The first step to installing vinyl on stairs is to inspect your underlayment. Vinyl has to be installed over a smooth, hard surface. If you have wood stairs, you may need to put down a layer of plywood to get the best results from your installation.
From there, you have two options for installation: using pre-made vinyl stair treads and risers or install the same vinyl plank or tile that you’ve already installed on the floors. Installing the pre-made vinyl stair treads and risers is quick and easy and does not require special tools. Many manufacturers sell these to match their vinyl flooring, but this is more expensive than planks from your flooring.
If you’re looking to be efficient with your budget, installing planks from your existing flooring may be the route to take. This process will be more time-consuming as it requires more cutting. You’ll also need to purchase specialty pieces like stair nose and molding and have tools like a jigsaw, drill and nail gun on hand.
Points to Note when Installing Stair Flooring
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Vinyl flooring is an excellent pick for installing on your stairs, as it is easy to clean, is stain resistant, and will last a long time. It’s also a cheaper way to get a hardwood or ceramic tile look.
If you want to install vinyl flooring on your stairs, contact the experts at LX Hausys via our contact form and tell us more about your project. You can also visit us onlineto learn more about our LVP and LVT flooring options.
