Vinyl flooring first received national attention in 1933 at Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition. It was there that
vinyl composition tile was introduced, an easy–to–install variation on vinyl flooring. Known for its resilience,
ease of maintenance, and low cost, vinyl flooring can be made to resemble
much pricier types of flooring like stone, wood, and concrete. This made it popular in high–traffic commercial spaces.
Vinyl Flooring didn't see a great deal of marketing until late in the 1940s after vinyl production picked up again
post–World War II. Its reintroduction into the flooring market found almost immediate success, making vinyl flooring a
major competitor against other types of resilient flooring. While remaining a popular choice for commercial and
institutional spaces, vinyl flooring also caught on for use in residential applications.
Vinyl floor's popularity only continued to grow throughout the next few decades. Vinyl flooring could stand up to heavier
volumes of traffic, and the low price point made it an attractive option in the sometimes lean post–war years. The
1960s saw further advances in vinyl flooring technology like cushioned vinyl floors and "no–wax" floors for a
comfortable feel and easier maintenance. These new features made vinyl flooring even more appealing to the consumer,
allowing vinyl flooring to keep its place in the flooring market.
Vinyl Flooring Today
Until the mid–1980s, almost all vinyl tiles contained asbestos. These
asbestos–containing tiles were available in 9x9 and 12x12 sizes with widths of 1/8" or thinner. If your
pre–existing vinyl floors date back to the 1980s or before and you plan to remove them before installing new ones, it's
important to contact a professional to do so.
Vinyl flooring's popularity has remained consistent up to the modern day. Ongoing advances in vinyl flooring technology
like slip resistant surfaces and static conductivity have kept vinyl flooring relevant to the modern flooring consumer. With
its easy installation and maintenance, wide selection of color and pattern choices, and long–lasting durability, vinyl
flooring is expected to remain at the forefront of the resilient flooring industry for years to come.
