Vinyl flooring’s biggest pro is how easy it is to deal with. It’s waterproof, comfy to walk on, and it doesn’t cost a bomb. You get that timber or tile look without needing to worry about scratches, moisture, or maintenance. It’s also great for apartments because it’s quiet underfoot and works well with underlay. On the flip side, vinyl isn’t quite as tough as hybrid or timber if you’re dragging heavy furniture across it. Some lower-end vinyl can dent or mark more easily, especially if you don’t use felt pads. And while it holds up really well, it’s not usually a lifetime product like hardwood. But for most people—especially families, renters, or renovators—it ticks the boxes for practicality, price, and style.

Yep—proper vinyl flooring is fully waterproof. That’s one of the reasons it’s so popular in kitchens, laundries, and even bathrooms. You don’t need to stress about spills or humidity—it won’t swell like timber or fall apart like some cheap laminate. Just make sure it’s installed properly, especially around edges and joins. Vinyl planks, loose lay, and sheet vinyl are all designed to handle moisture, but sealing around the skirting or transitions can make a difference in high-moisture zones. If you’ve got pets or kids, or you just want flooring you don’t have to babysit every time something gets spilled, vinyl is easily one of the best waterproof options out there.

You can definitely install vinyl yourself, especially the plank and loose lay stuff. It’s designed to be DIY-friendly. As long as your subfloor is clean, dry, and level, you can lay it straight over the top with minimal tools. Most people just need a utility knife, tape measure, and a bit of patience. Loose lay vinyl literally sits in place without glue in smaller areas, and click-lock vinyl works just like laminate or hybrid. Sheet vinyl is a bit trickier—it’s one big roll, so lining it up and trimming the edges can be a pain. That’s usually better left to a pro, especially in bathrooms. But for most areas, vinyl’s one of the easiest flooring types to install yourself and a good way to save on labour.

Pretty much every look you can think of. Timber-look vinyl is the most popular—think oak, blackbutt, spotted gum, and greys—but you can also get vinyl that looks like stone, concrete, or even patterned tile. The printing and texture tech has come a long way, so it actually looks realistic, especially in matte finishes with a bit of grain texture. You’ll find light tones for coastal or Scandi looks, mid-tones for that natural timber feel, and dark tones for something more moody or modern. Whether you want wide planks, herringbone, or something classic, there’s a vinyl floor that’ll fit the style you’re going for—and because it’s affordable, you don’t have to compromise to stay on budget.

Vinyl’s about as low-maintenance as flooring gets. You don’t need to seal, polish, or do anything special. Just sweep regularly and give it a mop with a damp cloth and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner when it needs it. Avoid steam mops and soaking it—while it’s waterproof on top, you still want to look after the joins and edges. Also, chuck some felt pads under your furniture to avoid dents and scratches. Vinyl can handle a fair bit, but it’s not indestructible. Doormats at entrances are a good idea too—they help stop grit from scratching the surface over time. If you keep up with light cleaning and a few simple habits, vinyl flooring can look great for years without much effort.