Fed up with forever vacuuming your carpets?
While a deep pile is a beautiful thing, it’s also a high-maintenance one. Outside dirt can easily get tracked onto it, and it’s a magnet for dust, spills and stains which are far more challenging to remove from the fibres. With a warmer year-round climate in the UK, it’s no wonder that most new-builds and DIY renovation projects favour hard floors and easy-clean vinyl over fitted carpets.
Vinyl is a particularly sound installation for high-traffic, damp-prone areas like the hallway, bathroom and kitchen. And there are plenty of designs available from the wacky - lemon print, anyone? - to the hyper-realistic that look just like wood or marble.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring can be presented in a number of ways: as planks, tiles, or one large sheet of linoleum, or lino.
Vinyl is a highly durable synthetic flooring option, with sheets superior to unyielding tiles and interlocking planks. Applied and sealed correctly, it can last up to 20 years. Vinyl sheets are flexible and can be cut to fit any room shape or obstacle. As long as the edges are sealed properly, the surface underneath will remain pristine and free from mould and other nasty surprises.
Why choose vinyl flooring?
Furthermore, vinyl is stable, moisture-resistant and won’t warp in changing climates. And you can simply run a mop over it to keep it clean.
It’s a great option if you’re after a low-cost option as vinyl flooring is among the most affordable types of flooring out there.
How to fit vinyl flooring yourself
Whether you’re a pro DIYer or you fancy learning new skills, laying vinyl flooring is a straightforward process. The most important thing is making sure floors are level and clean before you get started.
DIY expert B&Q has this helpful guide for installing vinyl floors. This is for the bathroom, but the same steps can be applied to other areas including the kitchen.
If you’re feeling inspired for your next DIY project, we’ve rounded up the best vinyl designs to update the floors of your home. From sheet vinyl to tiles and planks, there’s something for every taste and every space.
See the best vinyl flooring options below
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FloorPops FP3931 Biscotto Floor Tiles, Black
WallPops has revolutionised the DIY scene with its huge range of sticky tile designs that can give kitchens and bathrooms a quick, easy (and cheap) uplift.
Each pack contains 10 tiles measuring 12 x 12 inches each and there’s no need for grout or special tools to apply. Simply peel back the protective film on the back and fix into position on a clean, flat floor.
The glossy water-resistant and washable tiles can also be used on sink backsplashes, offering more decorating options than just the floor.
Find the full range of WallPops designs here.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
Livelynine White Vinyl Flooring Tiles
Mimic the effect of a marble tiled floor at a snip of the cost. How? These sticky flooring tiles made from vinyl make it oh-so simple. Each purchase is for four tiles measuring 12 x 12 inches and can be fixed in a similar way to lino flooring. Make sure your floor is clean and completely flat before your start or you might find you get air bubbles that water can then find its way into. Properly fixed, the tiles are easy to care for; just run a damp mop over them to keep clean.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Flooring Superstore Terracotta Mosaic Vinyl Tiles
Offering a smooth finish and 2.8mm cushioned backing to give comfort when you’re stepping out of the shower, this colourful Moorish-inspired roll of tile-patterned vinyl flooring is an easy way to give your bathroom or WC floor new life.
It boasts a slip-resistant finish to curb accidents and falls, making it a hardworking, durable choice for high-traffic rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
The price is for a roll, which will cover a metre squared. If you’re planning to DIY, you’ll need vinyl adhesive and a vinyl cutter to neaten the edges around your toilet and bath or shower. Comes with a five-year warranty.
Buy now £23.99, Flooring Superstore
Iris Room Self Adhesive Floor Tile Vinyl Flooring Wood Planks Peel and Stick Floor Tile
Love the look of wood flooring, but not the cost of getting genuine timber installed? Go faux instead! These waterproof tiles comes with a super-sticky backing, cutting out the need for grout, additional glue or any other tools. The robust, long-lasting tiles measure 40 x 15cm each, with 20 pieces per pack. Measure your floors twice to be sure how many packs you’ll need to cover it properly - better to have over-ordered than be left with gaps.
Buy now £18.49, Amazon
Elffloor Peel and Stick Floor Tiles
With such an intricate, pretty design, there's no way visitors will be able to guess that your new bathroom floor comes courtesy of vinyl peel-and-stick tiles. This black, yellow and white mosaic look is available in two sizes - 20 x 20cm or 30 x 30cm squares with 10 tiles in each bag, which can cover 0.4sqm. The waterproof tiles are made from a six-layer construction that the company says has been through rigorous friction tests to ensure it's up to scratch.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Imperia Remmington Tiles Vinyl Flooring
Love the look of stone flooring? Get the aesthetic without the price tag thanks to this natural-effect vinyl roll, which mimics the usually-pricey look for a fraction of the cost.
The slip-resistant design looks just like the real thing with a multi-tonal palette of slate, taupe and hints of smokey blue coming through and is even 100 per cent recyclable. Comes with a six year warranty.
Buy now £14.49, Flooring Superstore
Flooring Superstore Patterned Tiles Powder Blue
Statement floors are in the bag over at Flooring Superstore where you can pick up these vinyl tiles in a cool pale blue geometric pattern.
Crafted from slip-resistant R10-rated vinyl, it’ll stand up to every day wear and tear beautifully, and is simple to keep clean. It’s water-resistancy makes it an ideal choice for bathrooms as well as busy homes with pets and small children.
An expensive-looking floor at a snip of the cost.
Buy now £11.99, Flooring Superstore
B&Q Colours Vinyl rolls Natural Herringbone Wood effect Vinyl Sheet vinyl, 6m²
For a faster route to wood-effect floors, this roll of herringbone-patterned vinyl offers a minimalistic, contemporary look. The splashproof gloss surface offers good sound absorption and is comfortable to walk on. This is one for the hallway or living room, but not for those who have underfloor heating.
Buy now £65.00, B&Q
Remland Carpets Moonlight Koi Carp Fish Vinyl
The magic of vinyl is that you can find really wild designs to add an unexpected twist to your home. One for lovers of maximalist decor, this look allows friends and family to walk on water with a koi carp gliding alongside as a theme.
The 3D digital print is perfect for heavy-duty use and comes with an anti-slip surface, while the underside of the 2.5mm thick vinyl has a textured backing for comfort and modest warmth.
It's available in a range of sizes and comes with a seven-year warranty for peace of mind.
Buy now £19.95, Remland Carpets
