Vinyl flooring is trendy because of its many perks, like versatility, cost-effectiveness, and various designs and styles. You’re probably one who wonders if you can extend this great material to your walls. We’ve researched if you can, and have the answer below:
Yes, you can cover your walls using vinyl flooring. You have a wide variety of styles to choose from to give your home a nice fresh touch-up without risking any danger to the area since it is overflowing with benefits.
You can use vinyl tiles in small areas or vinyl sheets for larger spaces.
Wait! That’s not all you need to know if you plan to put one in your home. There are things you need to consider and materials that will match the area where you’ll locate it. We will also teach you how to install them properly and how much this project will cost you. Let’s start!
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Using Vinyl Flooring On Walls
People started using vinyl flooring on their walls to extend the benefits it can give your floor. It has different designs that instantly turn your plain area into a textured, accented corner.
Vinyl flooring’s also very easy to install and has a different method to make it stick on the wall the way it will on the floor.
You only have the skills to clean, unscrew, sand, measure, cut, and stick a plank using adhesive.
And the list of good things goes on and on. We will talk more about this, starting with the advantages of having vinyl flooring cover your wall.
Advantages Of Using Vinyl Flooring On The Walls
Here’s a list of reasons why homeowners love this wallpaper alternative:
Water-Resistant And Scratch-Resistant
Due to the core materials used in vinyl, it’s possible to be used in places with high humidity, like the basement or bathroom, and even as a backsplash in your kitchen.
It’s also not prone to scratches or dents if furniture bumps into it. But what exactly are the core materials which make vinyl flooring resistant?
- SPC/Rigid cores – made of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers.
- WPC – is made from a combination of recycled wood pulp and plastic composites.
- Hybrid – a combination of SPC and WPC, hybrid cores are engineered to cater to the common complaints of the two types above. It’s made of natural wood and a rigid core.
Won’t Absorb Odors
Vinyl flooring is non-porous. Therefore, it can’t store foul smells, so you can not be worried that it might be a source of unwanted scents in your home.
Easy To Maintain
Although it needs to be cleaned regularly, vinyl flooring doesn’t require unique treatments or techniques. Don’t worry! We will help you with how to do this later.
Best Alternative Vs. Other Flooring
Since vinyl flooring looks like the other flooring, you might not expect it to be fake.
Vinyl planks mirror the same image as wood, while its tile type is a replica of stone or ceramic tiles. Nowadays, customized prints are getting popular aside from the usual Moroccan or floral patterns.
Is Super Durable
Thick vinyl parts can last up to 25 years, while thin ones can run for ten years. Some manufacturers offer a long-time warranty, so your first purchase can make up for the money you spent on it.
Increases Home Value
Vinyl flooring can increase your home value since it is cost-effective.
The flooring has an affordable price point and can present you with many benefits, making it on par with high-end materials like real hardwood.
Most of the time, even better since vinyl flooring has characteristics, they don’t have.
Is Relatively Inexpensive
Vinyl flooring can range from $0.50-$5 per square foot, while vinyl sheets can be purchased for as low as $0.5o to $2.00 per square foot.
This price may increase depending on if you’re going to acquire professional help, which vinyl sheets need since it has a complex installation technique, unlike vinyl planks which range up to $5.
Is Easy To Install
There are different methods to hang your vinyl floor on the wall. All are relatively simple and easy, which makes it a DIY project you can add to your free schedule.
However, amidst all these great things, vinyl flooring can omit VOC or volatile organic compounds, harming human health. One more thing, it is hard to repair or remove because of the adhesive.
Vinyl Tiles Versus Vinyl Sheets
Although vinyl tiles and sheets have a good list of advantages, they have their respective differences, making them an excellent option for homeowners. Here is why:
Vinyl Sheets
- Vinyl tiles are bought in bulk (6 or 12-foot rolls), which gives you limited styling patterns.
- It has a seamless finish since it is installed in large, wide pieces.
- Difficult to repair.
- Stuck down by applying glue only.
- Professionals usually install it since it requires precise cutting and application.
Vinyl Tiles
- Can be bought in small square pieces, allowing you to mix patterns and designs.
- There are many seams between tiles, giving the water a chance to seep in.
- Very easy to repair.
- Can be applied with glue or peel-and-stick.
- Can be installed by DIY-ers.
How Do You Install Vinyl Flooring On A Wall?
First, prepare the wall area where you’ll hang the vinyl flooring. The goal is to make sure it’s smooth and clean. Remove the old cover if there is as well as the picture frames or hooks.
Sand or spackle the bumpy spots and wipe all the dust and dirt you’ll spot. Better to include the whole area with a clean cloth to be sure.
If your wall is painted, you might want to consider priming it to make the adhesive stick strongly. Make sure it’s completely dry since the wet surface makes it hard for the vinyl to cling firmly.
Check out this adhesive on Amazon.
Spread the adhesive where you’ll put the first vinyl plank or tile. It’s recommended to start at the bottom part of the wall because starting it from the ceiling may cause it to slip.
If you’re following a pattern, start at the center.
Wait for an appropriate moment to give way for the “open time,” or the time when the adhesive creates adhesion. If you’re using the peel-and-stick type, peel off the backing paper and press it on the wall.
You do not need to put an adhesive if you’re using this.
Run a rubber roller on the pressed vinyl’s surface, especially on the edges. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the row and eventually fill the whole area you want to cover.
Use a straightedge or a sharp utility knife if you need to cut. Do not forget to wear protective gloves.
Check out this rubber roller on Amazon.
Put a space around the wall area since vinyl flooring expands as it adapts to your home’s temperature. You can use a spacer for this. Secure a 3/16″ distance between the last row of planks and the ceiling.
Read more here: Vinyl Plank Flooring Shrinkage; What To Do?
Things To Consider When Buying Vinyl Flooring
Here are some things you should decide on before installing vinyl flooring on your wall:
- How big is the area of the wall you’ll cover with vinyl flooring?
- Type: traditional vinyl or luxury vinyl tile (LVT)?
- Kind of vinyl: plank, sheet, or tile?
- Size, shape, and color
- Design: stone, tile, wood, Moroccan, printed, or other?
- Pattern: offset, herringbone, soldier, grid, quarter turn, corridor, weave, etc.
- Method of installation: peel and stick, glue down, floating, or loose lay?
- Warranty coverage (how long does it last?)
- Pricepoint (Are you covering a large wall?)
Meanwhile, below are some points you should know before installing vinyl floors:
- It’s better to buy more than the amount or length of the vinyl you need. That way, you have excess material if you ever make a mistake on the cut or another accident.
- You should not put vinyl flooring over paneling or wallpaper.
- Avoid situating it in an area where it can be exposed to sunlight because it can fade its color away.
How To Maintain Vinyl Flooring On Your Walls
Maintaining your vinyl flooring can keep it looking new for a long time. Take note of the following tips to take care of your newly covered wall.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning.
- Do not wipe it with a cloth damped on hot or warm water.
- Use soft cloth or bristles when cleaning.
- Clean the dirt the moment you see it.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Vinyl Flooring On Your Walls?
Many factors go into pricing the installation, like the project range, materials to use, type, style, local labor cost, brand, etc. However, here is the estimated cost, including all the factors:
- National average cost: $1,400
- Low-end: $400
- Average range: $600 – $2,000
- High-end: $2,800
Learn more here: How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost For A Whole House? [Including Installation]
Can I Hire Someone To Install My Vinyl Flooring?
Yes. even if this task is easy, some homeowners still prefer to hire a contractor to do the job since they are more experienced and can assure you that it will be installed perfectly with their knowledge and skills.
In Conclusion
Vinyl flooring can upgrade your wall since it can stick well on the floor. Also, it is safe to do so since it’s packed with benefits, making it a good investment for your home.