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Floor Trends: Vinyl Plank Remains Popular in Multifamily Industry


Vinyl plank has quickly become a mainstay in the flooring industry. By providing a combination of key features, it has gained popularity to become one of the dominant flooring options in multifamily, often replacing soft-surface alternatives such as carpet.

The rise of vinyl plank follows the move away from soft- to hard-surface alternatives, and plank is fast covering entire units or replacing flooring in areas that have traditionally been topped with carpet.

“One major trend we see is the shift from soft-surface goods like carpet into the realm of hard-surface throughout the unit,” said Justin Brazie, director of marketing-applicators and decorative products at Sherwin-Williams. “Apartment owners continue to replace carpet with vinyl plank in all areas of a space.”

Why vinyl plank? This growth in popularity is caused by several factors, including cost savings and the right combination of features. Below are a few reasons it is a smart choice for facility managers working on a new property or planning a refresh.


Improving Technology

To steal a phrase from the World Floor Covering Association, this is not your grandmother’s kitchen flooring. Since becoming a household fixture following Chicago’s Century of Progress Exposition in 1933, vinyl flooring technology has improved drastically. Today’s vinyl plank options are much higher quality than even what was available five to 10 years ago.

Modern vinyl plank stands up to heavier traffic volumes and is easier to maintain than its predecessors. Additionally, water-resistant finishes are becoming more and more sophisticated, with many manufacturers now selling 100 percent waterproof vinyl plank. This makes vinyl plank a particularly attractive option for property owners as growing volumes of people move to the city—many wanting to bring their pets. Having a floor covering that can stand up to pets and high-volume traffic has never been more important.


Longer Lifetime

One of the biggest benefits of vinyl plank is its longevity. While floor coverings like carpet last around two to five years, the average life of vinyl plank is 10 or more years. This enables a better return on investment for property owners than many other flooring options and is why around half of the top real estate investment trusts in the country are installing vinyl plank at properties in varying scales. In fact, in 2017 carpet accounted for only 51 percent of flooring in residential units compared to 2006, when it made up 62 percent.

“For apartments that are frequently replacing carpet as units turn, vinyl plank may be a good option,” said Brazie.

Sherwin-Williams, which provides flooring services to multifamily buildings, is fielding more requests from properties that want to transition away from carpet. All or portions of units are frequently recovered with vinyl plank, which is installed in areas where carpet is the traditional selection. From an ownership perspective, the long-term cost savings provided by vinyl plank create an appealing option despite upfront costs that can be up to three times greater in comparison to carpet.


Installation and Repair

Vinyl plank is also incredibly easy to install. Much like wood flooring, the product is installed piece by piece and has an adhesive backing that secures the material to the floor. This also makes for efficient repair. When a piece of vinyl plank is damaged, it can be easily replaced instead of replacing the entire floor.

“One of the pros from the management company perspective is the ease of repair for this product,” said Brazie. “When using carpet, if it’s damaged or stained, the entire unit must be replaced. With vinyl plank, if there is a board that is damaged or scratched, just the one board can be replaced, providing significant long-term cost savings per unit as it relates to repairs and replacement.”


Stylish, Trendy Look

Another significant benefit of vinyl plank is the wide variety of colors, finishes and textures that it’s offered in, with many high-end styles offering the look and feel of stone, wood and ceramic tile. Currently, gray is the color of choice for many, with natural, wood-colored options not far behind. This product variety helps to provide an even better investment for property owners as tenants look for stylish, trendy options that also help to justify higher rent prices. Some leading manufacturers even offer more than 100 options for color and style, making it easy to select a look that matches the building’s aesthetic and the tenant’s preferences.

“In the long run, vinyl plank may be a wise flooring solution over carpet for some properties,” said Brazie. “From a resident perspective, hard-surface flooring is more aesthetically pleasing than carpet, is easier to maintain and has a more home-like feel. In many cases, this provides a better product for both the owner and resident.”

More than 130 Sherwin-Williams Floorcovering Centers offer a complete selection of brand-name options of vinyl plank and sheeting, wood and ceramic flooring and carpeting, plus reliable installation and fast turns. Call 888-375-5902 to reach the Floorcovering Center nearest you.

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