Vinyl sheet flooring has been around for 60 years. It superseded linoleum as a resilient floor type along with rubber, plastic and PVC. Of them, all vinyl has proved to be more eco-friendly. Over time its reliable performance has made it a popular flooring choice particularly in kitchens and bathrooms as it is water-resistant, reasonably tough and resists marks and stains. It is also easy to maintain and generally only requires a wipe over to keep clean. Commercially vinyl wears well in high footfall areas and is chosen where a static-free environment is required at an economic price.

Vinyl has a durable wear layer on the surface, a printed layer, a fibreglass stability layer and a base layer of insulating foam. This bottom layer is available in various thicknesses and some are referred to as being ‘cushioned vinyl’. This makes the material comfortable underfoot. It is a good heat insulator and helps to reduce noise. Dishes and tableware, if dropped, are more likely to bounce than break.

Vinyl is good to look at. The printing techniques used are now so superior that stone, ceramic, tile and wood planking designs can be superimposed within the material with great realism. Vinyl flooring is less expensive than some flooring options. It is also relatively easy to fit. However, it does not stand up well to heavy loads and can be damaged by sharp objects. Some colours can fade in strong sunlight and therefore it is not recommended for conservatories where extreme temperatures can prevail.