Vinyl Planks

General

What is vinyl?

Vinyl is not a natural material, but a synthetic manmade 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.

General

What are the advantages of vinyl flooring?

One of the main advantages, next to offering a great price/quality ratio, 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. Vinyl floors are also one of the easiest types of flooring to self-install, and vinyl flooring can last over a very long time.

General

Is vinyl an environmentally friendly material?

Vinyl is an environmentally friendly material. 57% of vinyl is made from common salt, which is a renewable natural substance. Non-renewable 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 fewer natural resources, uses less energy for 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. Our PURE vinyl planks are 100% recyclable.

General

Do vinyl planks have an effect on indoor air quality and are they suitable for people with allergies?

Our vinyl plank floors comply with and even exceed all the European health requirements for indoor air quality: they carry the labels: E1 (Europe), A+ (France) and U (Germany). On top of that, our vinyl planks are suitable for people with allergies. A floor that has been installed perfectly is easy to clean and won’t allow dust to cling to it. Dust mites or other allergy-causing organisms do not survive on a clean and well-maintained vinyl plank floor. In order to keep your floor properly cleaned, it is important to use cleaning products that do not contain wax or form sticky layers that attract dust. We advise you to use our vinyl plank cleaner for regular maintenance of your vinyl plank floor.

Installation

Can I install a vinyl floor above underfloor heating?

All BerryAlloc® 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 be allowed to exceed a surface temperature of 27°C. In the case of electrical underfloor heating, we recommend not exceeding 60W/m2. For more detailed instructions, please read our installation manual.

Installation

Is a vinyl floor the right floor for my home?

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 (only GlueDown Vinyl planks), living room, bedroom or hallway. BerryAlloc® has an extensive collection, so you are sure to find a design that matches your taste and the rest of your interior. Because it is quiet underfoot, vinyl is sound absorbing, which makes it ideal for apartments or upstairs bedrooms.

Installation

Is a vinyl floor suitable in areas such as a bathroom or a kitchen?

All BerryAlloc® GlueDown vinyl floors are water-resistant and suitable for installation in bathrooms and kitchens. Our GlueDown vinyl planks resist moisture thanks to their vinyl top layer and the RCB base board. On top of that, vinyl planks have a PU lacquer top layer that increases durability and easy maintenance.

Installation (PURE)

Can I install my PURE floor myself?

Installing PURE Click vinyl planks is very easy, thanks to our DreamClick® locking system. For GlueDown vinyl planks you need a perfectly even subfloor. Working with a professional ensures a perfect, high-quality installation.

Installation (PURE)

Which subfloor do I need to install under my PURE floor?

PURE vinyl planks can be installed much faster than any other floor, thanks to their levelling properties. Almost any subfloor will do. You can install PURE directly on top of an existing tile floor, without print-through of the tile joints. Other suitable subfloors: surfaces with small residues of glue and ordinary screed. All this is made possible thanks to our advanced RCB technology (Rigid Composite Board). No dust, no mess, just cut the planks to the right size with a Stanley knife.

Maintenance

How can I best clean and maintain my vinyl plank floor?

Immediately after installation, clean your vinyl plank floor thoroughly. To keep your floor in good condition, place doormats at all entrances to eliminate the risk of scratches from sand, dust or grit that sticks to the soles of your shoes. BerryAlloc® vinyl floors are designed to last, but to ensure that your floor stays at its best, clean your floor regularly. The proper cleaning routine is easy: wipe away dust with an ordinary broom, microfibre cloth or vacuum cleaner and clean the floor with a damp mop and regular cleaning products. Spills and stains should be wiped up as they happen. We advise against using aggressive cleaning products or steam cleaners. Also avoid letting puddles of water stand on the surface after cleaning. The protective PU finish of the wear layer eliminates the need for any special treatment but, over time, a polymeric dispersion or a PU gloss polish may help to keep your floor looking gorgeous. For more detailed information, please read our maintenance instructions.

Maintenance

Can I place rugs and mats on my vinyl floor?

Yes, but only if the rugs have been labelled 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-term contact with rubber can permanently stain your floor.

Maintenance

Can I place heavy objects on my vinyl plank floor?

Placing heavy objects, like bookcases or wardrobes on vinyl plank floors is no problem, provided that the subfloor is resistant to pressure. A proper subfloor retains its thickness and pressure resistance over time. Make sure to avoid point loads (a heavy load resting on one point) on your vinyl plank floor. The installation of the floor must be the last operation in the project. Kitchen cabinets, fireplaces, etc., cannot be installed on top of the flooring.

Maintenance

Are vinyl plank floors suitable for pets?

It’s perfectly possible to have pets and keep your vinyl plank floor beautiful at the same time. Our vinyl plank floors are easy to clean, so dirt from paws or hairs can be swiped away easily. Although our vinyl planks are scratch-resistant, they are not scratchproof. Minimise the possibility of scratches by regularly cutting your pets’ claws.

Maintenance

Is my vinyl plank floor scratchproof?

The hard top coating of all our vinyl planks is scratch-resistant, according to European regulations. This does not mean that the floor is scratchproof though! Sharp objects can scratch the floor, so take the following into account: Use a non-rubber doormat or entrance mat to reduce the risk of sharp objects like sand or little stones coming into the house. Do not use rubber backed mats, as long-term contact with rubber can cause permanent stains. Place protective felt pads under furniture legs (chairs, tables, cabinets, etc.). The wheels and nozzle of your vacuum cleaner should not have sharp edges or be too hard, and should rotate freely.

Maintenance

Can I use office chairs with wheels on my vinyl floor?

Yes, but do take the following into account: Use soft non-rubber wheels. Rolling office chairs, furniture legs, fitness appliances etc. should be fitted with non-rubber casters, to avoid permanent damage to your floor. Use soft, non-rubber felt protector pads under the feet of furniture and chair legs. Place a modified transparent mat under your chair to increase the life of your PURE floor and keep it looking good for a longer time. Rubber can permanently damage the vinyl, so make sure to avoid rubber wheels, rubber furniture legs or mats with a rubber lining. Long-lasting contact with rubber can cause permanent damage to your vinyl plank floor.

Maintenance

Do I need to wax my vinyl 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 pages.