Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular floor coverings – and for good reason. It combines an attractive appearance with practical advantages such as durability, versatility, and ease of installation. In particular, click vinyl flooring stands out as an exceptional option, as it marries cutting-edge technology with stylish design.
In this guide, we not only explain what to look for when choosing click vinyl flooring, but also recommend what we consider to be the best click vinyl flooring. Our recommendation is based on a combination of quality, robustness, ease of installation, and an attractive design that suits virtually every room. We will show you why this product impresses and how it stands out from the rest – so you can be sure you’re making the right choice.
Content
- 1 Why Click Vinyl Flooring is the Best Choice for Your Floor
- 2 How to recognise high-quality vinyl flooring?
- 3 What Does a Good Rigid Vinyl Floor Cost?
- 4 Our Top Recommendation: The Best Rigid Vinyl Floor for Your Home
- 5 How to Properly Install Rigid Click Vinyl Flooring
- 6 Conclusion
- 7 Experience the Best Service with planeo – Because You Need It!
Why Click Vinyl Flooring is the Best Choice for Your Floor
Click vinyl flooring offers several distinct advantages over other floor coverings. It combines appealing designs with robust characteristics and is surprisingly easy to install. Particularly, rigid vinyl flooring stands out here. But what exactly makes this variant so special? Let’s take a look at the advantages of rigid vinyl flooring compared to other types of vinyl.
The Advantages of Rigid Vinyl Flooring Over Other Types of Vinyl
Rigid vinyl flooring has established itself as one of the most modern and versatile options among vinyl floors. Compared to solid vinyl flooring, vinyl flooring with HDF core, multilayer vinyl, and glue‐down vinyl flooring, it offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice – particularly in terms of stability, suitability for wet areas, and ease of installation. In this section, we focus exclusively on the advantages of rigid vinyl flooring over other types of vinyl flooring. This is by no means to suggest that the other variants are inferior. Each type of vinyl flooring has its own strengths and areas of application, which will not be discussed in detail here, as the focus is on the specific advantages of rigid vinyl flooring.
Rigid Vinyl Flooring vs. Solid Vinyl Flooring
Solid vinyl flooring is made entirely from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is installed using a click system, which simplifies installation compared to glue‐down vinyl flooring. However, due to its flexibility, solid vinyl flooring is more susceptible to imperfections in the subfloor. To achieve a flawless result, the subfloor must be particularly level and carefully prepared.
Rigid vinyl flooring, on the other hand, features a sturdy SPC core (Stone Plastic Composite) that can better compensate for minor irregularities in the subfloor, thereby facilitating installation. Moreover, rigid vinyl flooring remains more dimensionally stable even with temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight, whereas solid vinyl flooring tends to shrink or expand slightly under such conditions.
Rigid Vinyl Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring with HDF Core
Vinyl flooring with HDF core utilises a core made from high-density fibreboard (HDF), which provides the floor with stability. However, HDF is susceptible to moisture, as it can swell when water penetrates. This makes vinyl flooring with HDF core unsuitable for wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. Rigid vinyl flooring, by contrast, is completely waterproof and therefore fully suitable for wet areas, without the risk of swelling. In addition, rigid vinyl flooring is generally thinner, making it better suited for renovation projects where floor height is limited.
Rigid Vinyl Flooring vs. Glue‐Down Vinyl Flooring
Glue‐down vinyl flooring must, as the name implies, be fully adhered to the subfloor. This requires careful preparation of the subfloor as well as the use of specialised adhesives. Installation is time-consuming and difficult to reverse. Rigid vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is equipped with a click system that makes installation quick, clean, and easy – even for DIY enthusiasts. Moreover, rigid vinyl flooring can be easily removed and reinstalled, making it a more flexible option – suitable for nearly any room.
Which Rooms Are Suitable for Rigid Click Vinyl Flooring?
The versatility of rigid click vinyl flooring makes it an excellent choice for almost every room in the home. Thanks to its SPC core and suitability for wet areas, rigid click vinyl flooring can be installed without hesitation in bathrooms and kitchens. It is completely waterproof and does not swell, even when wet. This makes it the ideal solution for rooms where traditional wooden or laminate floors quickly reach their limits.
But rigid click vinyl flooring is not only impressive in wet areas. Its attractive appearance, realistic surface texture, and pleasant feel also make it the perfect choice for living areas such as living rooms and bedrooms. In high-traffic areas such as hallways, corridors, and entrance areas, it also proves its worth through its high resistance to daily wear and tear. Furthermore, the optionally integrated underlay for sound insulation contributes to pleasant room acoustics and a homely ambience.
How to recognise high-quality vinyl flooring?
Rigid click vinyl flooring is available in a wide variety of versions. But how does one truly recognise high-quality vinyl? Besides the price, various factors influence the quality and durability of the floor. The following presents the most important quality criteria for rigid click vinyl flooring. Afterwards, we explain what is meant by "vinyl" and how the term has evolved over time.
Key Quality Criteria for Rigid Click Vinyl Flooring
Rigid click vinyl flooring is a modern floor covering that impresses with its robust construction and versatile applications. To ensure you choose the best quality, you should consider the following criteria:
1. Thickness of the Backing Board
The backing board, also known as the rigid board, is the heart of rigid click vinyl flooring. Its thickness has a direct impact on the stability and durability of the floor. A thickness of at least 4 mm ensures that the floor is more durable and can withstand high loads. Thicker backing boards also reduce the risk of the floor breaking during installation or everyday use, and they improve the stability of the click connections. Particularly on slightly uneven subfloors, a thicker backing board offers an advantage by compensating for minor irregularities more effectively.
2. Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the topmost layer of the floor and protects the underlying decorative layer from scratches, abrasion, and other damage. The thicker the wear layer, the better the protection, as it provides more leeway before the decorative layer is damaged. It is, however, important to note that the wear layer cannot completely prevent scratches – this is also true for other types of flooring such as laminate, hardwood, or linoleum. Rather, the wear layer ensures that minor damages are less noticeable and that the floor retains its attractive appearance for longer.
For living areas with normal usage, a wear layer of approximately 0.3 mm is sufficient. In high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, or commercial spaces, a thicker wear layer, for example 0.5 mm, is recommended as it is more resistant to wear and makes the floor more durable.
3. Surface Embossing
The appearance and feel of a rigid click vinyl floor are largely determined by the surface embossing. Synchronous embossing, in which the grain of wood or the texture of stone is replicated in detail, results in a particularly natural appearance. This technology not only gives the floor a realistic look but also an authentic feel that is close to real wood or stone. A floor with high-quality surface embossing is particularly suitable for prestigious spaces such as living rooms or offices.
4. Absence of Harmful Substances
Another important aspect is the absence of harmful substances in the floor. High-quality rigid click vinyl floors are free from health-hazardous plasticisers such as phthalates. Instead, safe alternatives are used that ensure a healthy indoor climate. Check the technical data sheets or certificates provided by the manufacturer – they indicate whether the floor is free from harmful substances.
5. Click Systems
Nowadays, most click systems are based on two proven techniques: drop-down and angle-angle.
Drop-Down System (also known as Fold-Down): In this system, the planks are angled lengthwise, and the end sides lock in place by being pressed down. The 5G system, a modern advancement, further facilitates installation: a flexible clip on the end side ensures that the planks automatically snap together and are particularly securely connected. Thanks to this technique, the 5G system is simple, quick, and user-friendly – our clear recommendation.
Angle-Angle System (also known as 2G): In this system, the planks interlock at an angle both lengthwise and across the end. It provides a robust and durable connection, but requires more effort and the use of tools such as a tapping block and pull bar during installation.
6. Integrated Underlay for Sound Insulation
Many rigid click vinyl floors come with an integrated underlay for sound insulation, which increases walking comfort and reduces noise. This feature is particularly beneficial in multi-family houses, flats, or rooms with sensitive acoustic requirements. Although an integrated underlay is not a direct indicator of quality, it makes a significant price difference. When comparing floors, you should always check whether an underlay is already integrated or if it needs to be installed separately.
What Does a Good Rigid Vinyl Floor Cost?
Rigid click vinyl flooring is priced in a range of approximately €15 to €50 per square metre, depending on material quality, wear layer thickness, and additional features.
Affordable Options (15–25 €/m²): Affordable options in the range of €15 to €25 per square metre are generally equipped with thinner wear layers of about 0.3 mm and typically feature less elaborate designs. They are well suited for living areas with normal usage, although they often do not offer an integrated underlay for sound insulation or particularly realistic surface textures.
High-Quality Options (25–50 €/m²): In the higher price bracket of €25 to €50 per square metre, rigid click vinyl flooring impresses with thicker wear layers of up to 0.5 mm, authentic synchronous embossing, and often an integrated underlay for sound insulation. These floors are ideal for high-traffic areas or households with children and pets, as they are more durable and resistant to wear.
Our Top Recommendation: The Best Rigid Vinyl Floor for Your Home
Now that we have familiarised you with the key quality criteria of rigid click vinyl flooring, we would like to introduce you to our favourite: a floor that excels in every category and is ideally suited to your home. In the following, you will learn why this rigid vinyl floor is our top recommendation and the benefits it offers. And to let you experience the quality for yourself, we offer you the opportunity to order free samples.
Planeo Rigid Click Vinyl (P02206U)
The Planeo Rigid Click Vinyl 1.82m XL plank (P02206U) impresses with state-of-the-art technology and stylish design – an ideal choice for any living space.
What makes this floor so special:
• Rigid SPC with 7 mm overall thickness: The SPC core ensures exceptional stability, shape retention, and durability, providing extra strength and longevity.
• 0.55 mm wear layer: Offers enhanced protection against wear and helps maintain its appearance even in high-traffic areas such as hallways or busy kitchens.
• Synchronous embossing: Impressively realistic wood or stone appearance with a natural feel.
• Phthalate-free: Free from harmful plasticisers, safe for children and pets.
• 5G Click System: Easy to install, seamlessly joinable, perfect for DIY enthusiasts.
• Integrated underlay for sound insulation: Reduces noise and improves room acoustics.
• Slip resistance R10: Provides safety in wet areas, ideal for families with children and the elderly.
• Underfloor heating (warm water): Compatible with warm water underfloor heating and provides cosy warmth.
• XL planks: Extra-long planks create a modern, spacious feel.
Design variations for every taste:
This rigid vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of designs that can perfectly match your style. There are 10 different oak looks to choose from, ranging from timelessly classic to modern interpretations:
• Thessaloniki Oak (Item No. P02206U)
• Athens Oak (Item No. P12206U)
• Piraeus Oak (Item No. P22206U)
• Kavala Oak (Item No. P32206U)
• Corfu Oak (Item No. P42206U)
• Rhodes Oak (Item No. P52206U)
• Volos Oak (Item No. P62206U)
• Chania Oak (Item No. P72206U)
• Patras Oak (Item No. P82206U)
• Larissa Oak (Item No. P91206U)
Free Samples to Help You Decide
Choosing the perfect floor covering is an important decision. With up to 7 free samples, we support you in finding the right click vinyl flooring for your home. Experience various designs, colours, and textures firsthand before making your final choice.
Test the samples under realistic conditions
To ensure that the selected floor perfectly suits your space, you should test the samples in different locations and under varying lighting conditions. Hold the sample up against your furniture or doors to see how well the colour harmonises. Place it on the floor to check the texture and effect of the synchronous embossing. This way, you can be sure that the floor meets your expectations both visually and tactilely.
Your personalised quote – better than any discount code!
After receiving and reviewing your free samples, you can easily create a personalised quote with just a few clicks – or request one directly. This quote guarantees you the best possible price, better than any discount code.
How to Properly Install Rigid Click Vinyl Flooring
The installation of the recommended rigid vinyl flooring is quick and straightforward thanks to the practical 5G Click System. To ensure a perfect result and long-lasting floor, careful preparation and the right technique are crucial. In the following, we explain step by step how to properly install our recommended rigid vinyl flooring – from subfloor preparation to the final assembly.
Preparation of the Subfloor
A proper preparation of the subfloor is the foundation for a successful installation. An uneven or damp floor can later lead to damage or unwanted noise. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or loose particles. Irregularities, such as dents or bumps, should be levelled out using filler or sanding. This prevents the planks from bending or lying unevenly later on.
Tip: Use a spirit level to ensure that the subfloor is even. Deviations of more than 2 mm per metre should be corrected.
Ensure you have the necessary tools at hand:
• Measuring Tape: For precise measurement of the rooms and the planks.
• Cutting Tool (cutter or vinyl cutter): For trimming the planks.
• Spirit Level: To check the evenness of the subfloor.
• Rubber Mallet: For easily locking the connections.
• Spacers: To maintain the expansion gaps along the walls.
• Pencil: For marking cutting lines on the planks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installation
Once the subfloor is prepared, you can begin the installation. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect result.
1. Acclimatisation of the Planks
Before installation, the planks should be stored for at least 48 hours in the room where they will be installed. This allows the planks to adjust to the room temperature and humidity.
2. Planning the Installation Direction
Always install the click vinyl flooring parallel to the main light source (for example, towards the window) to make the seams less visible. Also, consider where to begin the installation – usually, you start at the longest wall.
3. Installing the Expansion Gaps
Place spacers between the wall and the planks to ensure an expansion gap of 8–10 mm. This gap allows the floor to expand with temperature fluctuations without warping or buckling.
4. Installation of the First Row
Begin with the first plank in the corner of the room. Lay the first row from left to right. The first plank is placed with the tongue side facing the wall. Check the correct alignment with a spirit level. Trim the last plank of the row with a cutter or vinyl cutter to fit.
5. Installing the Subsequent Rows
Begin each new row with the offcut from the previous row (at least 30 cm long) to create a staggered joint. This ensures stability and an attractive appearance. Click the planks together along the long side before joining the short ends. Use a rubber mallet to lock the connections.
6. Trimming and Adjusting the Planks
Adjust the final row to the wall by marking the width of the planks with a pencil and cutting them with a cutter. Ensure that the expansion gap is maintained even in the final row.
7. Finishing Touches
Remove the spacers and install the skirting boards to conceal the expansion gaps. The skirting boards also ensure that the floor has a clean finish.
Conclusion
In our view, the Planeo Rigid Click Vinyl 1.82m XL plank (P02206U) is the best click vinyl floor and comes highly recommended. With its high-quality craftsmanship, robust SPC core, and natural appearance, it combines everything that makes for the perfect floor covering. The easy installation thanks to the 5G Click System and its versatile applications make it the ideal choice for almost any room.
With this floor, you are guaranteed to make the right decision. If you want to save time and effort, you can confidently choose this option, secure in the knowledge that you have made a top choice for long-lasting quality and stylish design. See for yourself – order free samples and find the perfect floor for your home.
Experience the Best Service with planeo – Because You Need It!
No matter what challenges you face in your project, planeo provides the right solution for you. Benefit from the advantages of our services:
• Free Samples⁴ for many of our products: Order up to 7 samples for free, e.g. from our vinyl floors, click vinyl, glue-down vinyl or rigid vinyl.
• Expert Advice¹ - We offer professional consultancy via our contact page or answer your questions directly in the comments.
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