Loose Lay is a luxury vinyl format that can be installed without glue or locking system. One advantage it has over other formats is that if one plank is damaged, it can be removed and replaced easily. It will telegraph if the subfloor isn’t prepared correctly. It comes in 2 – 4 mm thickness, has 12 – 30 mil wear layers but more subfloor prep is required than the other formats. Glue Down luxury vinyl is mainly used in commercial and is ultra-durable, installed in strips and glued to the subfloor.

These better systems can keep spills and moisture from seeping to the subfloor for up to days at a time. Some locking system names to look for are UniClic, Valinge, Tap-n-fold and Angle/Tap among others. They aren’t all the same and some are better than others. Formats – Click, Glue Down, Loose LayĬlick-together luxury vinyl floors are rigid core floors that can be clicked together with a tongue and groove. This is a top-of-the-line product available in up to 9” widths and 86” lengths.

It will not warp or shrink and is 100% waterproof. This type of core contains no plasticizers. It has a more laminate-like finish that’s also very scratch resistant. It’s ultra-durable, strong, nearly dent proof and even provides protection against fire. MgO, also known as Mineral Core, got its start in commercial applications but is a relative newcomer in flooring. SPC began its life in the commercial market but moved quickly into residential due to the fact it was less expensive and very durable. The stone in the core is calcium carbonate also known as limestone mixed with plasticizers and PVC. SPC’s core exchanges the wood of WPC for stone making a harder, more dent resistant floor. SPC came next in the evolution of rigid core flooring. WPC is typically only installed in residential homes. Most installations are floating that means they are not glued or stapled to the subfloor. It can be installed over many existing floors without telegraphing what’s underneath. This softness allows deeper texturing for more realism, but it can be dented slightly easier. Compared to SPC, WPC is thicker, softer, warmer underfoot and quieter. This core is made of wood dust, plastic and foaming agents. This core was introduced in vinyl flooring form by US Floors around 2012. The Core Differences – WPC, SPC, Mineral Core (MgO) Some benefits will cross over WPC, SPC and MgO cores and there will be differences where one will slightly outshine the other. When selecting the right rigid core floor for your customer or client, consider several factors including application and performance expectations in addition to their preference. EIR – Embossed in Register (the embossing follows the wood grain).LVF – Luxury Vinyl Flooring (some use this term to refer to the entire category).LVT – Luxury Vinyl Tile (may or may not be tile looks because in the beginning this is what people called the entire category).You may have heard terms like LVT, LVP, LVF, WPC, SPC and MGO but were at a loss as to their meanings. The rigid core category has been around for only about 10 years but its rapid growth and innovations have led to some manufacturers using different names and acronyms, causing some confusion. Rigid core flooring is what most people think of these days when they consider luxury vinyl flooring that will go in their home or office. Here, we explain the features and benefits of rigid core vinyl flooring to help you make an educated selection. With so many Luxury Vinyl Flooring options, you need an expert to guide you – and with CarpetsPlus COLORTILE retailers, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Waterproof vinyl flooring colors