Vinyl plank flooring is an alternate and aesthetic option of natural hardwood. But even vinyl plank flooring has some types. Beveled and non-beveled vinyl is pretty famous and familiar among customers. But in the comparison of beveled vs. non-beveled vinyl plank flooring, which one will suit your home?
Beveled vinyl has a 45-degree cut at the edge, and non-beveled vinyl has a straight 90-degree cut at the edges. But the beveled vinyl has more aesthetics in design than the non-beveled plank. This aesthetic comes with a high cost and installation effort. The non-beveled vinyl will provide a seamless and sleek look to the floors, while the beveled edges have a hand-scraped effect.
But both of them will provide proper finishing and a fresh, natural look (just like real hardwood) to your floors. So, choose after an adequate comparison.
An Overview of Beveled Edge Vinyl Flooring
The bevel is usually indicative of the edges of vinyl or hardwood flooring. It means there are grooves at the borders between the planks. But the bevels can also be present at individual tiles.
Typically, the edge has a 45-degree cut on each tile. So, when all the tiles are set together on the floor, they provide an aesthetic and mesmerizing look to your floor.
Pros
- Misalignment can’t be noticed easily.
- Aesthetic looks.
- Safer design choice.
- Can be used in industry standards within average subfloor variance.
Cons
- Need to be concerned about the dust.
- Visible lines between the tiles or boards.
An Overview of Non-Beveled Vinyl Flooring
The non-beveled vinyl flooring is also known as square edge vinyl. That means it has a 90-degree cut at the edges.
The square or non-beveled tiles can be fit over the floor without any trace of starting and ending points. There is less possibility of getting visible lines between the vinyl boards.
Before the advent of a beveled design, this square edge vinyl was preferable to the customers. And still, its popularity is no less in the market.
Pros
- Provide sleek and clean finish.
- Less chance of trapping dust at the edges.
- No visible line between tiles.
Cons
- Lacks modern aesthetics.
- Damage possibility is higher.
- Misalignment is easily visible.
Differences between Beveled and Non-Beveled Vinyl Flooring
The competition gets trickier when you have to choose between square and bevel-edged vinyl flooring. That’s because the differences are pretty tight. So, observe carefully and then choose.
Design Aesthetics
The square edge or non-beveled vinyl plank dominated the market until the beveled and micro-beveled design had come.
If you notice the designs, the beveled edges have more aesthetics. But the non-beveled vinyl plank has some simple designs. That’s why the beveled vinyl is preferable to most of the customers.
Outlook
The beveled vinyl plank is way more eye-catchy than the non-beveled. As you know, there’s a 45-degree cut at the edges, and there won’t be any smooth finishing. The grooves will easily distract your sight.
On the other hand, the non-beveled don’t leave lines between the tiles because of their perpendicular edges. Smooth and seamless edges are their specialty.
Dirt Reserve
The beveled vinyl catches dirt quickly inside the edges. There’s a “V” shape between the boards called the “valley of dirt.” This is where all the dust, solid, and liquid particles stay.
But the non-beveled vinyl plank has no such spaces between the boards. Their seamless design doesn’t approve of the dust at the edges. Therefore, no dust reservation occurs in the non-beveled vinyl plank flooring.
Cleaning
The more dust on the floor, the more hassle it is to clean them. So, you will need to give extra effort in cleaning if you install the beveled vinyl plank.
Dirt will try to stay on those grooves. You will need a vacuum cleaner and a special brush to clean those grooves and gaps.
On the other hand, if your floor has a non-beveled vinyl plank, there will be no space for the dirt. You can easily wipe them with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
Damage Possibility
Suppose you install a non-beveled vinyl plank, and after some weeks, the edges are getting cracked or ripping off. The borders are wide open, and any pressure or force will easily shatter the boards.
But the beveled tiles can absorb such forces. Therefore, there will be less chance of getting cracks or damages.
Cost
You may think that beveled vinyl plank flooring may cost higher than non-beveled vinyl plank. But that’s not true at all. The square edge vinyl plank will cost you more!
Just because the edges of the tiles have to be perpendicular to the ground, it needs more effort to manufacture than the beveled vinyl. That’s why the selling cost is also higher for non-beveled vinyl.
Effort to Install
After you buy specific boards, you need to install them properly. Self-installation will require skills and experience.
As the square edge vinyl has more possibility of misalignment that will also be eye catchy, you can’t install it yourself. On top of that, you can easily demolish the design of the floor if you need any replacement.
But the beveled vinyl will take less effort to install.
Safety Fact
The beveled edges are way more of a safe choice than vinyl flooring. If there’s a subtle change in the arrangement of beveled vinyl flooring, you won’t be at risk of getting hurt.
On the other hand, the unnoticeable change during installation or after pressure differences may be a hazard in the future.
The non-beveled tiles decrease the possibility of gravity accidents. They are also ideal for wheelchairs or other moving objects.
Similarities of Beveled and Non-Beveled Vinyl Flooring
Despite having such differences, the similarities between both flooring variants will attract you to them. They will show you how much the beveled and non-beveled can offer you.
Nice Finishing
Both vinyl plank flooring is famous for their proper finishing to your floors. They are also ideal as subfloors rather than other alternatives in the market. The borders of both edges will adapt to your floors.
Fresh Look
Both vinyl flooring will provide you with a fresh and natural look like real hardwood. The surface structure of these vinyl planks is pretty premium. Sometimes the irregularities will also prove as new designs because of their quality.
Which One Is A Better Option For You?
So, the big decision- which one will be appropriate for your house? It depends on your choice. If you want a seamless look with no grooves, the square edge vinyl is the best option. It won’t help the dust to hide inside the edges.
But if you want some aesthetic looks on the floor and the slightly visible lines won’t be a problem, you can get the beveled tiles. And remember the extra efforts to clean those valleys of dirt. Installation won’t be a fact as long as you ask for professional help.
Bottom Line
Vinyl plank as subfloors is an exquisite choice. Both beveled and non-beveled are in demand to the customers. But you have to install only one of those. Therefore, the discussion on beveled vs. non-beveled vinyl plank flooring would be helpful. Both of them will look great in your house. It’s just these facts that help you to choose. Wish you good luck in decorating your home!