Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still not sure whether a vinyl floor is the right option for you? Take a look at our list of frequently asked questions (FAQ). If you can't find the answer you were looking for, please contact us.

Vinyl is not a natural material, but a synthetic man-made type of plastic. It is made from ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in regular salt). When processed, these substances are combined to form Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin, commonly referred to as vinyl.

It was originally invented in 1920 by scientists who wanted to develop a material that was more durable and cheaper than what was available at the time.

Vinyl flooring is one of the most common applications of vinyl.


One of the main advantages, next to offer a great price/quality, is the hygienic aspect of this type of floor. It's the ideal floor for homes with families or people with allergies.

Another great advantage is that it replicates the real natural look of wood and tiles, without the disadvantages (such as hard to clean and maintain) or cost of the material.

Cushion vinyl rolls consist of large sheets of vinyl on rolls, available in sizes 2, 3, 4 or even 5 metres wide. Cushion vinyl is glued to the subfloor.

A roll of cushion vinyl consists of multiple layers that add to its durability. (Note: every vinyl roll product can be different: please check the technical datasheets for more detailed information)

Cushion vinyl consists of the following elements:

  • Backing (+ a felt backing for some products)
  • Glass fiber interlayer
  • Print layer
  • Foam layer
  • Impregnation layer
  • Wear layer on top of the print layer
  • An optional PU lacquer to increase the durability and hygiene

PVC floor coverings are classified as antistatic or static-dissipative depending on their electrical resistance, both surface resistivity and volume resistivity. 

In order to be installed in areas where there is sensitive electrical equipment, the resistance of a floorcovering must be no greater than ca 107Ω.

To be installed in an environment where there are flammable gases, the floor covering must have a resistance of no more than 105Ω. In both cases special installation techniques must be used. Measured against EN 1081 Beauflor resilient vinyl has a surface and volume resistance of between 1011Ω and 1012Ω and is not suitable for installations of this type.

You can install cushion vinyl almost everywhere: in the living room, bedroom or even in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. However, some adhesives used for installation are water-soluble and should not be exposed to water for an extended period of time.

For full information on installing cushion vinyl rolls, please check our installation guide here.

We distinguish 2 types of vinyl flooring: homogeneous and heterogeneous vinyl flooring.

Homogeneous vinyl is made of one single layer that offers vibrant and deep colours. Heterogeneous vinyl is a multi-layer flooring. This allows to create the look and feel of natural flooring materials.

Beauflor® produces heterogeneous vinyl.

The best way to calculate how much vinyl you need, is to measure the size of the room and add an additional 5 to 10% to cover any irregularities or shortages (by cutting up the vinyl for corners for example).

Our rolls come in widths of 2, 3, 4 and even 5 metres. Depending on the size of the room, this should generally allow you to create a seamless floor.

Someone with experience in installing floors can install cushion vinyl himself. However, we advise to contact a professional installer to get a perfect result and a high-quality installation.

Please check our installation instructions for additional information.

In the unlikely event that water has seeped through to the subfloor, make sure to lift the vinyl and let the subfloor dry out completely.

Water standing on the surface of your vinyl floor can occasionally cause it to turn a little white. This effect is reversible: as soon as the water has been removed and the surface has dried, the floor returns to its normal state.

In case your water is “hard water”, the white discolouration is likely to be due to a buildup of limescale. You can remove the limescale with any liquid bathroom cleaning product designed to remove limescale. Do not use an abrasive cream, as this could damage the floor.

 

If you are looking for a durable floor that is easy to clean, silent and comfortable to walk on, then vinyl is the right floor for your home.

You can install a vinyl floor anywhere: in the kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom or hallway. Beauflor® has an extensive collection, so you are sure to find a design that matches your taste and the rest of your interior. Because of its quiet underfoot vinyl is sound absorbing, which makes it ideal for apartments or upstairs bedrooms.

Yes, we offer vinyl floors with a high wear layer, which are perfectly suited for use in commercial/profession environments.

Vinyl is an environmentally friendly material. 57% of vinyl is made from common salt, which is a renewable natural substance. Non-replenishable resources, such as crude oil only account for 43% of vinyl resin. In comparison to various other materials used by the flooring industry, vinyl requires less natural resources, utilises less energy to manufacture and also releases lower emissions into the environment.

On top of that, vinyl is a material that can last for decades. And when its lifetime is nearing an end, the material can be recycled.

All Beauflor® vinyl floors are suitable to be used in combination with underfloor heating systems, given that the heating system has been installed properly.

The heating system should never allow to exceed a surface temperature of 27°C. In case of electrical floor heating, we advise not to exceed 60W/m2. For more detailed instructions, please read our installation manual.

All Beauflor® vinyl floors are water resistant and suitable for installation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Some cushion vinyl rolls and vinyl planks have a PU lacquer top layer that increases durability and easy maintenance.

In the unlikely event that water has seeped through your cushion vinyl floor, lift the vinyl and make sure the subfloor can dry properly. If not, the trapped water can cause mould, bad odours and discolouration of the floor.

No, vinyl floors do not need waxing. Unlike hardwood or tile floors, there is no special treatment required for vinyl. For information on vinyl maintenance, check our Installation and Maintenance page.

Yes, but only if the rugs have been labeled as 'colourfast' by the manufacturer. It is also recommended to use non-staining polypropylene backed mats or woven rugs. Do not use rubber or latex backed mats, as long-lasting contact with rubber can permanently stain your floor.

 

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