Vinyl panels are becoming increasingly popular as a flooring option in bathrooms. They are mainly valued because vinyl is a completely waterproof material. One must also not forget the exceptional aesthetic effect.
If you are in the process of renovating or finishing a bathroom, be sure to pay attention to vinyl panels, available in a wide selection of colours and patterns.
Are you wondering if vinyl flooring will work in your bathroom? In this article, we will try to prove that it is probably the best solution.
Vinyl panels - what exactly is this modern solution?
Vinyl floor panels are made of several layers of durable PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and their most important element is a mineral core (polymer-stone composite), making them water-resistant and deformation-proof when in contact with moisture.
The layered construction of vinyl panels makes them flexible and resistant to mechanical factors such as abrasion.
Advantages of using vinyl panels in the bathroom
The bathroom is a place where humidity is elevated and temperature fluctuates, and floors and walls are exposed to splashes. Therefore, when finishing the bathroom floor, it is worth opting for vinyl, a material that copes with such conditions much better than traditional laminated panels.
In the case of bathrooms, most professionals recommend only vinyl panels. Why? Here are the main arguments supporting this choice:
- moisture resistance – vinyl panels are waterproof, making them an ideal solution for bathrooms – even under the shower. You don't have to worry about flooding the floor during a bath;
- stain resistance – the construction of the panels means that not only water but also other substances such as grease and dyes from juices and fruits do not seep into them;
- durability – vinyl panels have a high abrasion class. One of the latest solutions is panels with a hard core, identified by markings like HD Mineral Core, SPC, or RIGID. They are characterised by a hard core, the most important part of the floor. They are suitable for rooms with both medium and high traffic;
- ease of installation – the Uniclick system allows for the self-installation of vinyl panels, saving money on professionals. Laying the panels involves connecting the boards by sliding one into the other until a characteristic clicking sound signifies the correct connection of the panels;
- non-slip properties – the top layer of the panels ensures safety and protects users from slipping, even when the panels are wet;
- possibility of laying over underfloor heating - LVT panels can be safely installed over underfloor heating. Higher temperatures do not affect changing the shape of the boards;
- aesthetic appearance – vinyl panels available at mexen.pl come in a wide selection of colours and designs - you'll surely find a pattern that perfectly complements your bathroom décor;
- easy maintenance – vinyl floors are very easy to keep clean; regular vacuuming and wiping with a damp cloth or mop is sufficient.
As you can see, vinyl panels are an excellent solution that will successfully work in your home. Such boards are also suitable for the kitchen, which is also exposed to moisture.
Why are vinyl panels a better option than other floor coverings?
For many years, ceramic floor tiles ruled in bathrooms. Nowadays, this solution is still used, but more and more often, customers are opting out of tiles in favour of vinyl panels.
Vinyl flooring is not only more durable and resistant but also much more pleasant to the touch, especially compared to cold tiles or stone floors.
The durability of vinyl panels is just one reason to choose them. Their complete waterproofness is the most important.
Another important aspect is the easy installation. If you know how to lay vinyl panels, you can successfully install them yourself. In the case of ceramic tiles, it is easy to make a mistake, which can result in an unsightly floor.
Can vinyl tiles be laid without chiselling?
Many people associate bathroom renovation with chaos and mess, but if you decide to choose vinyl panels, it may turn out that you can avoid chiselling the ceramic tiles on the floor.
If you decide to pair vinyl panels with underfloor heating, you cannot avoid making a proper screed. In other cases, you simply need to prepare a clean and uniform surface to lay the panels.
On which surfaces can LVT panels be laid in bathrooms?
When renovating an apartment, you do not necessarily have to remove the existing bathroom floor. If you are not opting for underfloor heating, the old floor covering will then serve as an additional insulating layer.
This brings us to another advantage of vinyl panels – you can lay them on virtually any substrate. During bathroom finishing, it can be a classic concrete screed, and in the case of renovation, the already existing floor.
Vinyl panels can be laid over ceramic tiles, stoneware, and even parquet or wooden boards. Thanks to this, you can quickly and relatively easily achieve a new, elegant floor covering.
Importantly, when laying LVT flooring, the appropriate base must be used. Which underlay for vinyl panels works best? The one specifically designed for this type of board. A well-chosen underlay will affect their longevity and also their acoustic properties.
Vinyl panels — aesthetics and functionality
When considering what flooring should be in the bathroom, it's also worth considering aesthetics. Modern technology makes it possible for vinyl panels to be decorated with virtually any design or embossing. Most often, LVT floors imitate wood, but shades inspired by natural stone and even raw concrete colours can also be found.
Using vinyl panels in the bathroom is not just about aesthetics but also functionality. In the bathroom, panels with non-slip surfaces that ensure complete safety in the use of the floor, even when it’s wet, work well.
What makes vinyl panels better than traditional floor panels?
Vinyl panels are an excellent alternative to traditionally used floor panels. They are a durable, high-quality product that closely resembles natural boards. Traditional panels can't always be used over underfloor heating and often warp when exposed to water.
Many people highlight that vinyl panels are very pleasant to the touch, and a vinyl-laid floor gives a warm feel – similar to that emanating from natural wood. Laminated panels, ceramic tiles, and other finishing materials used in bathrooms are definitely colder to the touch.
Are vinyl panels suitable for bathrooms? Summary
Renovating a bathroom is a real challenge, during which many important decisions must be made. One of these is the choice of floor and wall coverings. Nowadays, previously used solutions such as ceramic tiles or linoleum, not to mention wooden floors, which are unsuitable for bathrooms due to their absorbency, are being abandoned.
Among the solutions currently chosen, vinyl panels stand out. This modern material allows for the creation of a bathroom floor that will be not only aesthetically pleasing but also very comfortable to use.
In summary, let's list once again the crucial user properties of vinyl floors:
- waterproofness – vinyl panels are completely water-resistant;
- resistance to mechanical factors such as abrasion;
- elegant appearance – vinyl panels are available in a very wide range of patterns and colours;
- compatibility with underfloor heating – vinyl floor panels conduct heat excellently;
- easy installation – both click-mounted and glued panels can be installed independently;
- ease of maintenance – vinyl flooring only needs to be cleaned with warm water and regular detergent – there's no need for scrubbing, polishing, etc.
Vinyl panels are a modern and functional solution – with them, you can create trendy interiors, and replacing the floor can prove to be really simple without requiring the chiselling of ceramic.
If you are looking for a suitable material to finish your bathroom, be sure to check out the full range of vinyl floor panels available in our online store mexen.pl.