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The market for vinyl flooring has exploded in the last 40 years or so and the demand is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As one of the largest suppliers of vinyl flooring in Bristol we have certainly witnessed this demand in both commercial and domestic fit-outs. With leading brands such as Karndean and Amtico constantly developing and improving their ever-growing selection of tiles, vinyl flooring now offers an easier, cheaper and increasingly more realistic alternative to hardwood or stone.

What Is Vinyl & When Was It Invented?

Chemistry apparatus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vinyl (or Polyvinyl chloride) is a multi-purpose plastic used for a variety of purposes. It was actually discovered by mistake in the 1920s by a chemistry teacher who was experimenting in the hope of finding an adhesive that would bond metal and rubber. Whilst he did not discover such an adhesive, he did discover a plastic that was moisture resistant, low cost and easy to colour.

Since its discovery, Vinyl has been used in a variety of ways aside from flooring tiles. The material’s durability has seen it used in just about every application such as electronics, construction, records, the medical industry, packaging and transportation.

Although Vinyl was invented in the early part of the 20th century, it didn’t gain its foot in the consumer industry until around the late 1940s. The Second World War saw the production and use of plastic skyrocket and the versatility of vinyl meant that there was little left in the post-war years for domestic consumption. As industry began to pick up in the later post-war years, so did the production of vinyl and by the mid-1950s it had been employed as a form of flooring.

Why Use Vinyl As A Flooring Option?

Fitting vinyl flooring tiles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physically Stong – Vinyl is physically robust and can withstand the rigours associated with coming into contact with other materials. This makes it perfect at withstanding the wear and rigour of being in a high traffic area

Comfortable underfoot – Flooring has to also have a degree of comfort especially if you are walking around barefoot. Scientists soon discovered that vinyl can be manufactured into a tough but soft form which is inviting when walked on without shoes.

Resistant To Moisture – What better to have a flooring option that is totally immune to the damage caused by spillages and walked-on moisture. Vinyl flooring’s resistance to the day to moisture problems make it the number one functional choice for those that also value a strong visual aesthetic.

Visually Stunning – Vinyl flooring is at a standard now where tiles are so convincing in their imitation of natural textures that they can transform the appearance of a room beyond recognition. Manufacturers are now able to print these textures to an incredible degree of detail and with thousands of different ranges and designs to choose from, you can be sure to find vinyl tiles to compliment your room perfectly.

Cost Effective – Inventor Friedrich Klatte found out that vinyl could be produced relatively inexpensively and this has certainly been a huge benefit for those looking for a durable and attractive flooring option. To fell, saw, process and transport hardwood you will be paying a premium price and the same applies to limestone or granite slabs. The lightweight nature of vinyl flooring makes it easy to move which further contributes to its affordable pricing.

Planning A Residential Or Commerical Fit-Out?

Are you currently considering flooring options for a residential or commercial vinyl fit-out in Bristol? Prestige Flooring Ltd is based in Thornbury and are Bristol’s foremost flooring contractors. For more information on vinyl flooring and great discounts book an appointment with one of our consultants.