Vinyl flooring has become the go-to choice for many homeowners looking to restore their homes. Its affordability, durability, and versatility make it an irresistible option in the home restoration industry.
Although Menards is a popular home improvement retailer, its vinyl flooring selection has received negative feedback for various reasons. Some worries arise from the quality of the mil layer protection, which can affect the flooring’s durability and lifespan. Additionally, there are limited installation options, particularly with a lack of glue-down products. Another problem is the absence of well-informed staff to assist consumers in making informed choices.
What Are the Main Issues with Menards’ Vinyl Floor?
Inferior Mil Layer Protection
“Mil” stands for one-thousandth of an inch and is used in vinyl flooring to measure the thickness of the wear layer. This transparent, protective wear layer shields vinyl flooring from stains, scratches, and general wear and tear and lengthens its lifespan. The flooring has a thicker wear layer, making it more resilient and long-lasting. A foundation layer of vinyl flooring provides stability and structural support. These layers determine the longevity and performance of vinyl flooring.
Base layer
The base layer of vinyl flooring holds the structure together. Materials that are stiff or semi-rigid, such as PVC or fiberglass, offer stability and maintain a level surface. Because of this layer, the vinyl flooring is stronger and more resilient, allowing it to withstand foot traffic and the indentations made by large furniture and appliances. The quality and composition of the base layer determine the longevity and appearance of vinyl flooring.
Industry’s standards for mil layer thickness
The typical wear layer thickness for vinyl flooring is 18–20 mils, according to industry standards. This thickness is perfect for household use due to its strong durability and affordable price. In commercial or high-traffic locations, it may be recommended to consider a 20-millimeter wear layer to enhance wear resistance. The thickness of the wear layer has a significant impact on the lifespan of the flooring. Thicker layers provide better protection against scratches, scuffs, and other types of damage.
Comparison of Menards’ products with industry standards
Mil layer protection on Menards vinyl flooring typically falls below industry requirements. While industry guidelines for residential vinyl flooring wear layer thickness are 18 to 20 mils, many Menards products include a 4 mil base layer and a 12 mil wear layer. Their flooring may be less durable and wear-resistant than standard-thickness alternatives. Menards’ mil layer advertising may not be transparent or accurate, leaving buyers with questions about the product’s specs. This might cause frustration and raise flooring performance concerns.
Implications of inferior mil layer protection
Thinner mil-layer protection in vinyl flooring makes it more susceptible to scratches, scuffs, and dents, decreasing its lifespan. Flooring with inadequate protection may need more regular repairs and care to retain its beauty. Such flooring may wear out faster, reducing its aesthetic appeal. Poor flooring might also affect long-term resale value. Thus, vinyl flooring must have enough mil-layer protection to be durable, attractive, and valuable.
Lack of glue-down options at Menards
At Menards, most of the vinyl flooring choices are click-in styles, which are popular because they are easy to put down. This does, however, mean that there aren’t many glue-down choices. There are some benefits to glue-down vinyl plank flooring, such as a more permanent placement and better protection from water. However, glue-down options are not as popular or easy to install yourself as click-in options, so Menards only has a limited selection of them. This can annoy people who want a flooring option that will last longer and avoid water damage.
When to seek advice from an expert
Limitations of Menards’ staff knowledge
Have you ever heard the expression “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”? This saying applies because many people, including employees at Menards, may have some knowledge about vinyl flooring but not enough to give reliable advice to customers. As a result, their recommendations may not be accurate or helpful and could potentially cause problems for the customers.
Staff can find it challenging to respond to technical inquiries about flooring products, such as material compositions and production procedures. This may hinder consumers’ understanding and decision-making process.
Tips for consumers to ensure they get reliable information
Conclusion:
While Menards offers a wide range of flooring options, customers may encounter limitations in the staff’s knowledge, particularly regarding specialized products like glue-down vinyl plank flooring. To ensure they receive reliable information, consumers can take proactive steps such as researching flooring options, seeking multiple opinions, and consulting with professional services like Bubblegum Flooring. By doing so, customers can make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls when purchasing flooring products.
