Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring On Stairs

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pros and cons of vinyl flooring in stairs

Vinyl flooring can be a great option for flooring due to its affordability and relatively high-end looks. 

However, when it comes to using any kind of flooring on stairs, it is best to do your research. Knowing what to expect from a flooring is important, especially when safety is dependent on it. 

Understanding the pros and cons of vinyl flooring on stairs can help you make the right decision. 

By weighing the good and bad of this flooring type, you can get a final product you are happy with. You can also be sure that your stairs will be safe for anyone living in or visiting your home. 

In this article, we have listed some of the pros and cons of vinyl flooring on stairs. This should help you get a good understanding of what to expect and whether it is a good idea. 

Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons: Basic Idea

As with anything, there are good things and bad things about putting vinyl on your stairs. 

These pros and cons include: 

Pros

  • Cost-effective 
  • Easy to install 
  • Durable 

Cons

  • Easily soiled 
  • Hard to remove
  • Not environmentally-friendly

Why Use Vinyl Flooring?

why use vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a fantastic alternative to some of the more expensive flooring options. Because of the way it is manufactured, it is relatively cheap and can look quite nice.

Vinyl flooring is also incredibly durable for how inexpensive it is. It can last a long time and can withstand quite a bit of abuse. 

Even though it has a reputation for being inexpensive, it can be an attractive option. 

With upgrades in technology, luxury plank vinyl, or LVP, has become a very good flooring choice. It is a great alternative for people who don’t want to spend so much money on hardwood floors. 

Knowing the pros and cons of using vinyl flooring on stairs can help you make the best decision for your home. 

Pros 

Affordability 

One of the biggest benefits of vinyl flooring is its affordability. 

Unlike a lot of different flooring options, vinyl is very accessible. This is because of the material itself and its ease of manufacturing. 

If you have been putting off flooring your stairs for financial reasons, vinyl could be a great option. 

You can usually cover your stairs for close to a tenth of what it costs to use hardwood. This opens up a lot of options for people who might be on a budget. 

Easy Installation

Vinyl is also incredibly easy to work with, which is a major benefit if you are a beginner. 

Vinyl can be easily cut to size and doesn’t require much in the way of tools. It is simply cut and glued to the surface of the stairs with little skill required. 

Because of this, you can probably install your vinyl flooring yourself. This can save you a lot of money on installation. 

Durability 

Vinyl is an incredibly durable material for how inexpensive it is. Its makeup is very shock-absorbent and will last a long time if properly installed. 

If you are looking for a flooring that will stay in good shape for a long time, this could be a good option. 

Cons

Gets Dirty Easily

One of the downsides of vinyl flooring is that it can get dirty quite easily. 

This is because of its pliable nature. It will absorb dirt and grime, which will stick to it, unlike most other flooring types. 

Spots and stains will also show up much more noticeably on vinyl than most other floorings. 

If you are going to have vinyl on your stairs, you should be prepared to clean it often. 

Difficult to Remove 

Once vinyl is installed on your stairs, it can be very difficult to get rid of. 

This is due to the fact that it will have to be glued down with adhesive. Once the adhesive is down, it is a fairly difficult process to remove it. 

If you are considering getting vinyl flooring for your stairs, you should think long and hard about it. You may end up spending quite a bit of money removing the adhesive in order to put new flooring down. 

Not Eco-Friendly 

Perhaps one of the biggest downsides of putting vinyl flooring on stairs is the fact that it isn’t eco-friendly. 

Unlike hardwood flooring and even laminate, vinyl is made from synthetic materials. While this can make it more sustainable in the long run, it makes it much less environmentally conscious. 

If you want an option that is totally natural, cork can be a good choice. This is one of the most eco-friendly materials for flooring and can also be very safe on stairs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring On Stairs

  • Which flooring is best for stairs?

When it comes to safety, cork or carpeting is your best option on stairs. 

While these choices might not be as aesthetically-pleasing, they are very sustainable and comfortable. They can also be less expensive than other high-end options. 

  • What is the safest floor covering for stairs?

Carpet is by far the safest option for stairs. Because of how your feet can grip it, you have less of a chance of slipping. 

If safety is your number one goal, carpeting will be your best choice

  • How do you upgrade stairs on a budget?

If you are looking to jazz up your stairs, a carpet runner could be a great choice. 

Carpet runners are very easy to install and can be put in with just a few spare minutes. Plus, you have all kinds of options when it comes to colors and textures. 

Conclusion

If you are thinking of putting vinyl flooring on your stairs, it’s important to know your options. 

Understanding the pros and cons of this flooring type is very beneficial. It will allow you to make the most informed decision possible so you can be happy with your stairs. 

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AUTHOR

Michael J. O’Connor is a writer and marketing specialist from the Bay Area of California. A graduate of Sonoma State’s Creative Writing program, he spent many years as a contractor and carpet layer, learning the ins and outs of flooring and general contracting. When he’s not typing away at his desk, he enjoys hiking with his dogs, woodworking and collecting rare books. See full biography here.

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