Import, distribution, and installation system for vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, sheet vinyl, and carpets
Priced at only 1/4 of natural wood or high-end laminate flooring, cheap vinyl flooring quickly attracts the attention of many people looking to renovate their living spaces on a low budget. However, “cheap” sometimes comes with hidden risks: poor quality, short lifespan, safety issues, or lack of aesthetics.
So, should you use cheap vinyl flooring? The answer lies not only in the price but also in how you choose the material and install it correctly. In this article, Thien Ha Floor will help you distinguish between types of cheap vinyl flooring, analyze their pros and cons, and offer practical advice to help you choose wisely and save effectively.
Cheap vinyl flooring is a strategy by manufacturers to increase market competitiveness while meeting the practical needs of the majority of ordinary consumers. Most cheap vinyl flooring is affordable for 3 main reasons.
More common raw materials: Using virgin plastic mixed with additives in a moderate ratio (instead of premium materials like 100% pure plastic).
Large-scale production process: Modern assembly lines producing in large quantities help reduce costs per m² of flooring.
Simplified structure: Some models omit the soundproofing, UV protection, or premium coating layers to save costs while still ensuring a certain level of quality.
Cheap vinyl flooring is used to attract consumers
Many domestic vinyl flooring manufacturers or importers from China currently adopt a direct distribution model – from factory to dealer or end consumer – without multiple intermediary levels. This significantly reduces operating costs, logistics, showroom space, and sales personnel.
Additionally, these distributors also cut down on advertising budgets, not investing too much in brand communication or image marketing. As a result, they can bring products to market at competitive prices, focusing on practical usability rather than a premium experience.
The flooring material market is extremely competitive, especially in the budget segment. Therefore, many companies have to offer cheap product lines to attract new customers, then upsell to higher-end lines if needed. Moreover, not everyone needs overly premium flooring or has a large budget. For rental rooms, rental houses, small offices, shops, etc., cheap vinyl flooring is suitable.
At the same time, to compete with other alternative materials like ceramic tiles or cheap laminate flooring, vinyl flooring manufacturers must have comparable product pricing.
Not all cheap vinyl flooring means poor quality. In fact, vinyl flooring is cheap for 2 main reasons:
Clearly distinguishing these two groups will help you make smarter choices – saving money without compromising on durability, safety, and user experience.
Some cheap vinyl flooring lines have optimized costs through large-scale production, application of advanced technology, reduction of intermediaries, or simplification of structure. Despite the cost, these products still meet basic technical standards and offer stable durability. If chosen correctly, users can still save significantly without worrying about “losing money and getting sick.”
Characteristics of reliable cheap vinyl flooring:
Manufactured in Vietnam or China with a clear quality control process.
Stable core, 3–4mm thick, with a solid backing layer.
Installation does not require glue (cheap SPC) or uses high-quality specialized adhesive.
Has a market brand and a basic warranty of 2–5 years.
Designs are not overly luxurious but still ensure aesthetics and easy interior matching.
Cheap glue-down vinyl flooring
In today's market, many ultra-cheap vinyl flooring products are sold widely online or in small retail stores, with unclear origin – uninspected – no warranty. These floor planks are often made from recycled plastic, lack a protective layer, or use cheap adhesives that easily peel off. The consequence is that the vinyl flooring quickly deteriorates and can even affect users' health.
Signs of poor quality cheap vinyl flooring
Unclear origin, no brand, often sold online (cannot view samples directly).
Recycled plastic core, less than 2mm thick, poor elasticity, prone to warping or breaking.
Uses weak adhesive, easily peels off, difficult to clean, quickly loses its bond.
No waterproof – scratch-resistant – UV protection layer – deteriorates quickly in actual use.
Has a strong plastic odor due to unsafe additives, affecting the respiratory system.
Therefore, instead of completely avoiding or being attracted by cheap vinyl flooring, what you really need is the knowledge to correctly identify the type worth using. The difference lies in the internal quality, not just the external price and appearance.
Cheap vinyl flooring helps optimize budgets effectively while meeting basic usage needs.
Prices range from only 79,000 – 205,000 VND/m², much lower than laminate flooring or high-end ceramic tiles. Suitable for projects requiring cost optimization such as rental houses, rooms for rent, shops, offices.
If chosen correctly, cheap vinyl flooring still has stable durability, requiring no complex or costly maintenance like real laminate flooring.
As a budget-friendly line, the flooring structure is usually simple and easy to install – helping to save labor costs and installation time.
Cheap SPC click-lock vinyl flooring and glue-down vinyl flooring do not require complex tools.
No need to remove old flooring, further reducing renovation costs.
Although cheap, many wood-look vinyl flooring, stone-look vinyl flooring, and cement-look vinyl flooring designs are modern and attractive.
Can be matched with various interior styles from budget to modern.
Available in light, dark, and neutral colors to choose from based on the room's size and lighting.
Cheap vinyl flooring often uses thin materials and coatings, making it difficult to be durable if used for a long time or improperly.
Average lifespan is only 3–5 years, wears out quickly in high-traffic areas.
Easily scratched, faded, or blistered if exposed to prolonged moisture or direct sunlight.
The cheap vinyl flooring market has many floating products – unexplained price differences can lead to significant risks.
Some types use recycled plastic, less than 2mm thick, without a protective surface layer.
After installation, it easily peels off, breaks at the click joints, or emits an unpleasant odor due to cheap additives.
Cheap vinyl flooring typically has a moderate thickness, so it doesn't provide the same comfortable feel underfoot as laminate flooring. Additionally, to reduce costs, many cheap vinyl flooring types omit underlayment, sound insulation, and thermal insulation layers, causing discomfort during use.
Prone to echoing when walking (lacks a foam underlayment).
Poor thermal insulation, floors can get hot in summer – especially on the top floor.
The answer is: Yes – if you understand your usage needs and choose the right product.
Not all cheap vinyl flooring is of poor quality. In fact, many cheap products are manufactured on a large scale, with optimized processes – still meeting usage standards for common projects.
However, you should note:
Choose cheap vinyl flooring from reputable suppliers, with clear brands like Galaxy Eco, Galaxy Gold, etc., and a basic warranty policy (2–5 years).
Determine the correct purpose of use: For high-end homes or high-traffic areas, you should consider mid-range or premium flooring. But for rental rooms or small shops, cheap flooring can be an economical and reasonable choice.
Stay away from unbranded products, less than 2mm thick, with a strong plastic odor, or unclear construction – these are common signs of poor quality goods.
Cheap vinyl flooring has diverse designs
When buying cheap vinyl flooring, many people are attracted by the low price and forget that "cheap" does not always mean "economical." If not careful, you might make mistakes that increase the actual cost or result in unsatisfactory quality. Here are 3 common mistakes when buying cheap vinyl flooring:
Many people choose cheap vinyl flooring without checking its origin, structure, thickness, or protective coating. As a result, the floor deteriorates or peels off after just a few months. The advice is to choose flooring with a minimum thickness of 3mm and check if it has a complete waterproof/scratch-resistant layer.
Some products sold online or in material markets lack labels, technical specifications, or warranty commitments – posing high risks. It is best to prioritize branded flooring that is well-reviewed by many users, or purchase from authorized dealers.
A good price without a warranty for product defects is a risk many encounter when buying cheap vinyl flooring. Therefore, do not forget to ask the seller clearly about the warranty period, return policy, and technical support during installation.
Cheap vinyl flooring is an economical and suitable solution if you know how to choose and use it appropriately. However, set the criterion "good price but sufficient for use" instead of "the cheapest." If you are tempted by low prices and choose poor-quality goods, you may end up paying for repairs or replacements shortly after. Consider the product quality carefully and look at factors such as origin, safety certifications, and full warranty for peace of mind.
Thien Ha Floor – A leading distributor in Ho Chi Minh City for affordable wood-look, stone-look, and carpet-look vinyl flooring with over 12 years of experience.
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