No sooner had I decided that tiles would look great downstairs than I changed my mind. What was I thinking? I freeze in winter. I needed something else.
Though vinyl had been on our list from the beginning, we weren't totally convinced. It could have been the image of scruffy, peeling lino in our student digs, or the idea that vinyl was cheap, nasty, non-durable and definitely non-green.
A little research paid its dues. Once the rental floor staple, vinyl has moved upmarket both in design and practicality. Thanks to modern technology and an image overhaul, it is now a real 'look' alternative to the habitual wood or tile option. I've seen it installed in restaurants and trendy boutiques. More lately it's showing up in designer houses and commercial premises looking for a hip edge whilst maintaining the look and ease of use. Some vinyl has been certified as environmentally-friendly, getting brownie points for renewable constituents and lack of chemicals required to clean it - an important consideration for us, who wince at the suggestion of maintenance and housework.
Vinyl can no longer be characterised in general terms. Each manufacturer, including Polyflor, Forbo, Gerflor and Amtico, makes a different product with different credentials. Vinyl now comes in both commercial and residential grades. Products range from luxury tiles to planking and funky modern textures. Forbo offers Linoleum Global 3, made from natural renewable resources and boasts an Environmental Choice award. Polyflor's Expona residential vinyl plank has a non-wear/fade guarantee of 15 years with a photo - accurate likeness to wood or stone and a polyurethane finish to aid with wear and cleaning. These floors rate highly in the medical and childcare industry too with certified non-slip finishes.
So is vinyl the retro-modern floor cover? It's a deliciously different and brave choice for the upmarket home... but would I choose to install it over tiles or wood?
The answer is yes. And when you have seen it, walked on it, cleaned it and paid for it, you will see why.