Vinyl flooring reviews: the common problems and how to avoid them

When choosing vinyl flooring, it is worth weighing not only the look and the price but also the practical questions: will gaps open up, will subfloor imperfections show through, will furniture leave dents, and how will the floor react to heat.

This article looks at four problems vinyl flooring owners may run into. Their causes can differ, so the specific product, the condition of the subfloor, the quality of installation and the conditions of use all have to be assessed.

1. Gaps appeared between the planks

Why can this happen?

Gaps can result from temperature changes, incorrectly joined or damaged locking joints, subfloor irregularities or other installation and use circumstances. For glue-down flooring the choice of adhesive and how it is applied also matter. A defect in the flooring itself cannot be ruled out either – the cause has to be established by assessing the specific situation.

Vinyl flooring can expand or contract as the temperature changes. That is why the acclimatisation and temperature requirements of the specific manufacturer must be followed before installation. There is no single acclimatisation time that applies to every collection.

Floating floors also need the expansion gaps specified by the manufacturer at walls, pipes and other fixed structures. The movement of the floor must not be restricted by badly fixed elements or heavy stationary furniture, where the manufacturer sets such a limitation.

How to reduce the risk?

Check the subfloor before installation, follow the installation instructions of the chosen collection and make sure the joints are properly locked. If gaps appear, photograph the problem and contact the seller or installer before trying to fix it yourself.

More in our guide How to install vinyl flooring.

2. Subfloor irregularities have shown through

Why can this happen?

Thin glue-down vinyl hugs the subfloor closely, so defects in its surface can show through after the floor is laid. They are especially visible in side light.

What matters is not only the overall flatness of the subfloor but also local bumps, dips, seams and surface quality. The subfloor must be sound, dry, clean and prepared to the requirements of both the flooring and the adhesive manufacturers.

Does SPC let you skip subfloor levelling?

Rigid SPC floors with a locking system can be less sensitive to some minor subfloor irregularities than thin glue-down vinyl. They do not, however, replace subfloor preparation.

SPC can be laid without additional levelling only when the existing subfloor meets the requirements of the chosen collection. Excessive irregularities can lead to floor movement, noises or damage to the locking joints.

How to reduce the risk?

Assess the flatness and moisture of the subfloor before buying the flooring. Check the permitted deviations in the specific manufacturer's instructions – a single universal standard should not be applied to all vinyl floors.

3. Furniture legs have left dents

Why can this happen?

The risk of dents depends on the construction of the flooring, the size and duration of the load and the contact area of the furniture legs. A heavy piece of furniture on narrow legs creates high pressure on a small area.

It is important to distinguish two properties: wear resistance and indentation resistance. The thickness of the wear layer matters for the longevity of the surface, but on its own it does not tell you whether furniture will leave a dent. For that, technical documents give a separate residual indentation value.

How to choose the flooring?

Look at the manufacturer's stated use class and the suitability for the specific room. A thinner wear layer does not by itself mean the floor is only suitable for a bedroom, and a thicker one does not guarantee protection from dents by heavy furniture.

Use classes indicate different applications:

21–23 – residential;
31–34 – commercial;
41–43 – light industrial.

The same product can carry several classes, for example 23/33/42. This means suitability for different areas of use, not three different quality levels of the same product.

How to reduce the risk?

Use the furniture leg protectors recommended by the manufacturer, and under heavy furniture use suitable load-spreading supports. Lift furniture rather than dragging it across the floor. For an office chair choose castors suitable for the flooring and, if needed, a protective mat.

4. The floor has deformed by the window or above underfloor heating

Why can this happen?

Deformation can be caused by overheating, sudden temperature changes, insufficient expansion gaps or restricted movement of a floating floor.

Underfloor heating and direct sun are different heat sources. Sun through large windows can strongly heat a single patch of floor even when the air temperature in the room is not high.

What should you know about underfloor heating?

Many vinyl floors are suitable for underfloor heating, but the compatibility of the chosen product and the heating system must be checked. Manufacturers often state a maximum floor surface or contact temperature of +27 °C, but the exact limit and where it is measured must be checked in the specific instructions.

It is also important to follow the manufacturer's procedure for switching the heating off, starting it up and raising the temperature.

Is SPC the better choice next to panoramic windows?

The label "SPC" alone is not enough. You need to check the permitted conditions of use for the specific collection, its requirements regarding direct sunlight and expansion gaps. In some cases additional sun protection or a different flooring solution may be needed.

How to reduce the risk?

Tell the seller about large south-facing windows and underfloor heating while you are still choosing the flooring. Plan for proper temperature control and, if needed, curtains, blinds or other protection from direct sun.

What are the advantages of vinyl flooring?

Properly chosen and installed vinyl flooring can be a practical solution for homes and commercial premises.

Resistance to everyday moisture. Most vinyl floors tolerate ordinary splashes of water well. Still, the water resistance of the flooring does not mean the whole floor construction is watertight or suitable for any wet room.
Easy care. For daily cleaning a vacuum cleaner or broom and a damp cloth with a suitable cleaning product are usually enough. Cleaning methods and products should follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Comfort underfoot. Vinyl is often more pleasant for bare feet than ceramic tiles, although the feel also depends on the subfloor and the room temperature.
A choice of acoustic properties. Footstep noise within the room and impact sound transmitted to other rooms depend on the whole floor construction. If quiet matters, compare the acoustic values of specific products.
A wide choice of designs. Wood, stone and other patterns are available, as well as different installation methods.

What to ask the seller before buying?

Is this collection suitable for my room and the expected intensity of use?
What are the wear layer thickness, the use class and the indentation resistance?
What are the requirements for subfloor flatness, moisture and preparation?
Is the flooring suitable for my underfloor heating system and for a room with large windows?
What warranty applies and what does it cover?

The need for subfloor preparation cannot be reliably determined from the room area or a floor plan alone. It requires an assessment of the subfloor condition and measurements.

Warranty and service life

The warranty period depends on the manufacturer, the collection and the intended use. Different conditions may apply to residential and commercial premises.

The warranty period is not the same as the actual service life of the floor. Longevity depends on the right choice of flooring, subfloor preparation, installation and care.

Read the warranty conditions before buying, and after the purchase keep the invoice, the product information and the installation and care instructions.

How to choose the right floor for your room?

Browse the vinyl flooring catalogue, rigid floors with a locking system or glue-down LVT.

Send us the room area or a floor plan, your budget, whether there is underfloor heating and the current condition of the subfloor. We will help you compare suitable options and discuss what needs checking before installation. The final need for subfloor preparation can only be determined after inspecting and measuring it.

See flooring samples in the Openini showroom, T. Ševčenkos g. 19, Vilnius.

Frequently asked questions

Can furniture leave dents in vinyl flooring?

Yes, especially under a heavy load on a small contact area. The risk depends on the flooring construction, the weight of the furniture, the shape of the legs and how long the load is applied. Wear layer thickness alone does not indicate indentation resistance.

Why do gaps appear between vinyl planks?

Possible causes are temperature changes, installation errors, damaged joints, subfloor irregularities or defects in the flooring itself. For glue-down flooring the right choice and use of adhesive also matter. The exact cause has to be established by assessing the floor.

Can SPC be laid on an uneven subfloor?

Only when the subfloor irregularities are within the limits allowed by the manufacturer of the specific collection. SPC can compensate for some minor irregularities but does not solve the problems of an improperly prepared subfloor.

Is vinyl flooring suitable for underfloor heating?

Many collections are, but their compatibility with the specific heating system must be checked and the temperature limits observed. A +27 °C limit is often quoted, but the chosen manufacturer's instructions are what count.

Is vinyl flooring completely waterproof?

The water resistance of the flooring and the watertightness of the whole floor construction are not the same thing. Water can get into the joints, under the flooring or at the walls. Suitability for a bathroom or other wet room must be checked against the installation conditions of the specific product.

How many years does vinyl flooring last?

There is no single figure for all vinyl floors. Service life depends on the product, the intensity of use, subfloor preparation, installation and care. The manufacturer's warranty period and conditions should be assessed separately.

Sources

The instructions for a specific collection apply only to the products listed in it. Before installation, always check the latest documents for the chosen collection.