What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl is a synthetic floor covering made from PVC, sold as large sheets or as click-together planks and tiles. It is completely waterproof, warm underfoot and one of the most cost-effective floors available, which makes it a mainstay of UK kitchens and bathrooms.
Key features
- Fully waterproof, so it suits any room including wet areas.
- Soft and quiet underfoot compared with tile or laminate.
- Sheet vinyl has almost no seams, limiting where water can get in.
- Modern printing gives realistic wood and stone looks.
- Simple to clean with a damp mop.
Where vinyl works best
Vinyl is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, hallways and cloakrooms — anywhere that sees moisture or heavy footfall. Sheet vinyl is the most water-tight option for bathrooms, while click-vinyl planks give a more premium feel in living spaces.
Caring for vinyl
Sweep or vacuum to remove grit, then clean with a damp mop and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents, which can dull the wear layer. Felt pads under furniture prevent dents in softer vinyls.
What vinyl costs
Sheet vinyl is among the cheapest floors at £7–£20/m². Click-vinyl planks run £18–£40/m². Fitting adds £5–£12/m² depending on subfloor prep. See the full breakdown in our vinyl cost guide.