It wasn’t so long ago that people had
only two choices if they wanted
waterproof flooring: tile and
luxury vinyl. These products are stylish, durable, easy to clean, and
affordable but, as technology evolves, so do flooring products. We
now see an
even newer generation with more realistic visuals and enhanced
waterproof capabilities, stability, durability, and stain-resistance.
Both new products are terrific alternatives for those who want the
beauty of wood looks without water issues.
This is engineered luxury vinyl. While
vinyl itself repels water, this flooring comes with a technologically
advanced core, the WPC (wood plastic composite) or SPC (stone plastic
composite), that won’t peel or ripple no matter how much water
there is or for how long it’s submerged. While both cores have the
same functional capabilities, the feeling underfoot is different,
with WPC being softer and more resilient while SPC is firmer and more
rigid.
As for style, it’s the same as for
luxury vinyl, whether it’s in plank or tile form. Images are
taken with high-definition photography and available in an almost
unlimited number of colors. Micro beveling and embossing add depth
and dimension and textured appearances, such as wire-brushed, hand
scraped, weathered, or distressed.
When it comes to performance, we
explain to our customers that heavier vinyl is sturdier and more
durable, less noisy, and provides more comfort. The wear layer should
also be 20-mil in thickness, especially if it’s in a busy room with
a lot of foot traffic. Wear layers are the top, clear, strong,
melamine sheets that protect the floor from scratches and scuffs, so
bigger is better.