6 Tips to Prevent Dents in Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for homes thanks to its durability, low maintenance, and the huge range of styles it offers. But like any surface, it isn’t indestructible. Heavy furniture, sharp objects, or even regular foot traffic can leave dents or tears if you’re not careful. The good news? With a few simple habits and protective measures, you can prevent vinyl floor denting and keep your vinyl looking fresh for years.

What is Vinyl Floor Made of? 

Vinyl flooring consists of a wear layer and a foam backing. The wear layer is thin (typically between 0.1mm and 0.7mm thick) but durable, essentially acting as the flooring’s protective shield, helping to prevent scratches, stains, and scuff marks on the surface. If this top layer is perforated, that’s when issues like denting can arise. 

For spaces that are looking to minimise the likelihood of denting in vinyl flooring, we’d suggest going for options with wear layers anywhere between 0.3mm and 0.5mm thick for areas in homes that will experience significant foot traffic, such as kitchens, living rooms, and hallways; to 0.6mm and 0.7mm thick for commercial settings like shops and offices.

Why Vinyl Floors Dent and Tear

Vinyl may be tough, but it’s still a resilient surface, unlike tile, which is hard. So, when you put weight on a small area, like the leg of a chair, a table, or an appliance, that pressure can compress the flooring over time, creating dents or even punctures. Dragging furniture across the surface can also cause rips or scuffs.

Understanding what causes the problem makes it easier to prevent. So, what can you do to reduce the likelihood of vinyl floor denting? 

How to Prevent Dents in Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to preventing dents in vinyl flooring, a little care goes a long way. By following these six tips, you’ll give your vinyl floor the best chance at a longer life. 

1. Use Protective Pads Under Furniture

One of the easiest ways to prevent dents in your vinyl floor is to add protective pads to the feet of your furniture. Felt pads, rubber caps, or specially designed floor protectors spread the weight out more evenly and reduce pressure points, minimising the chances of your furniture leaving a dent in your vinyl floor.

Check these pads regularly, as dust and grit can build up underneath them and scratch the floor if left for too long.

 

4. Place Rugs in High-Traffic Areas 

Hallways, entryways, and spots in front of sofas or desks tend to receive more foot traffic. Adding rugs or runners in these areas not only helps protect from vinyl floor denting, grit buildup, and general wear and tear, but they also add a stylish element to your décor. For extra protection, choose rugs with non-staining backings or use a rug pad specifically recommended for vinyl flooring. 

5. Mind Sharp Objects 

Be wary of sharp items like high heels, pet claws, or dropped tools, which can puncture and leave dents in vinyl flooring. An easy way to avoid damage is to encourage guests to remove shoes with spike heels and keep pet nails trimmed. If you want extra protection, try placing mats in areas where you handle heavy or sharp objects, like in utility rooms or a workshop space. 

6. Regular Cleaning Helps 

The dust and grit that can naturally build up essentially act like sandpaper on vinyl floors. To avoid potentially damaging your vinyl floor, we recommend regularly sweeping or vacuuming without a beater bar to keep the surface smooth while minimising those frustrating micro-scratches. You can also mop occasionally with water and a small amount of soap, or a specific cleaner made for vinyl flooring to keep the floor’s finish looking its best.

Is it Possible to Remove a Dent in a Vinyl Floor? 

If some damage has already been done to your vinyl surface, you may be wondering: Is it possible to remove dents in vinyl flooring? Luckily, there is a method you can try to help get your lino looking back to its top condition. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A heat gun or a hairdryer
• The flat edge of a putty knife/filling knife

Let’s break the process down, step-by-step.

• Step 1: Heat up the area where the dent is located on your vinyl floor, taking extra care not to overheat or scorch the surface.
• Step 2: Work the surface with the flat edge of the putty knife, pushing around the dent to manipulate the vinyl to ultimately work the indentation out.
• Step 3: Repeat this process until the indentation is no longer visible.

It’s important to note that although this method can work, there’s no guarantee it will remove dents on all vinyl floors.

Our Top Vinyl Flooring Picks 

At Online Carpets, you get to pick from a huge range of vinyl floors, varying in style and colour. Whether you’re after a cheaper, low-maintenance option to wooden flooring, want the look of stone without the big price, or want to recreate a classic herringbone pattern flooring, we’ve got quality styles at prices you’ll love.

Here are some of our top picks:

Rimini Vinyl Flooring 

Aged Oak 271M - Rimini Vinyl Flooring

Featuring a combination of realistic wood finishes, authentic tiles, and striking patterns, this collection offers designs that suit any room style or colour scheme. The vinyl is designed with a matte surface, enhancing its lifelike appearance while providing a comfortable feel underfoot!

Star Vinyl Flooring

Lara 999E - Star Vinyl Flooring

Enhance the charm of any modern or traditional room with the stunning wood and stone designs available in this lino collection.

Vintage Herringbone Vinyl Flooring

Lido 570 - Vintage Herringbone Vinyl Flooring

Whether you lean towards a cosy natural shade, a rustic painted appearance, or a stylish contemporary colour, this realistic selection offers a variety of choices. Achieve the look you love with this easy-to-maintain vinyl flooring, featuring an R10 slip resistance rating for added safety.

Explore our whole range of vinyl floors to find the perfect style for your home.

Preventing Dents in Vinyl Flooring: Small Habits, Big Impact

Vinyl flooring can last for many years when you properly look after it. Adding protective pads, lifting instead of dragging, and keeping it clean are simple steps that prevent vinyl floor denting and tearing. With a little care, your floor will stay as good-looking as the day it was installed. Find the perfect vinyl floor for your home at Online Carpets, and benefit from our sample service to get your hands on up to six different styles to see what best suits your taste.