When you need new flooring, first consider the broad range of vinyl flooring available. Vinyl flooring provides a durable, cost-effective, easy-to-maintain and attractive way to cover floors and enhance the look of your facility. Vinyl floor makers manufacture flooring to resemble tile, wood, stone and other natural materials. You can even purchase styles that suit your particular business, like graphic vinyl floor tiles, puzzle vinyl flooring and vinyl planks.

Vinyl flooring also provides other benefits. Some can save time during installation compared to other types of floors -- whether you install it yourself or get forced out of your building while someone else takes care of the job. Additionally, vinyl floors don't require much extra time and effort to protect and maintain. Keep the following in mind while shopping for vinyl flooring products:

1. Buy vinyl flooring only from authorized dealers to protect the warranty.

2. Ask for all costs embedded in the total cost of the vinyl flooring; these should include the flooring, installation, accessories and shipping.

3. Wet vinyl floors can get slick, so consider waterproof vinyl flooring that's also slip resistant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase vinyl flooring styles that appeal to you

Whether you prefer the look of a vinyl flooring tile, vinyl sheets or vinyl planks, you'll find many designs and options available.

I recommend: Start your vinyl flooring search at FastFloors.com where they boast a 110% price match guarantee. Order the Konecto line of waterproof vinyl flooring at FloorMall.com or the Trafficmaster Allure waterproof vinyl flooring planks at The Home Depot; this interlocking vinyl flooring system lays over your existing floor. If you frequently participate in trade shows, think about rollable tradeshow vinyl flooring from GREATMATS.COM to make your display stand out.

Make your vinyl flooring relevant to your company or customers

Use your flooring to make a statement and add life to your facility or room.

I recommend: Go to www.hotelfun4kids.com to purchase graphic vinyl flooring mats that provide the perfect solution for your office's waiting area if you don't want to change out the existing flooring; they stock a great selection of colorful mats in various sizes, shapes and themes. Contact Logoflex about the graphic vinyl floor tiles they can install for your retail store, dance studio, market, auto shop or special event; or add your company logo on the floor in your facility's foyer or include it in your vinyl event flooring or tradeshow flooring. Before adding your logo or other graphic design to your company's floor, you should also contact Creative Edge Mastershop. If your business caters to children or people who love puzzles, scroll through the vinyl selection at Carpet Corporation of America to see their available puzzle vinyl flooring.

Install vinyl flooring in your facility

Not all companies that sell vinyl flooring actually install it, too. If they don't provide that service, you can either install the flooring yourself or hire a contractor.

I recommend: Go to Lowe's for step-by-step instructions on vinyl floor installation. If you don't want to install it yourself, visit ServiceMagic to find local, pre-screened contractors to lay the vinyl for you.

Clean and protect your vinyl flooring

Vinyl floors don't really require any more attention than you'd give other floor types. You should sweep regularly to help maintain shine and prevent scratching, and you can also find products designed specifically to help maintain the look and wear of vinyl flooring.

I recommend: InstallerStore.com provides a varied selection of vinyl floor protection, cleaning and maintenance products to include floor stripper, cleaning kit, anti-slip film and a routine floor cleaner. You'll also find a line of Armstrong care and maintenance products for vinyl floors at Riemer Floors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you shop vinyl floor makers, you want a floor that lasts for years, so look for vinyl floors with a high-quality urethane or enhanced urethane wearlayer; manufacturers apply the clear wearlayer over the vinyl's inlaid or printed surface for protection.