Vinyl flooring glossary
Aluminum oxide
Used to add durability to the wear layer and is added to the urethane.
Backing
One of the many layers within vinyl. The style of backing governs how it can be installed.
Decorative layer
Patterns, geometrics, natural stone designs and more are offered in vinyl as the decorative layer. The printing process that is used created these looks with exceptional realism.
Floating
This is a method of installation where the new flooring is not attached to the substrate by any adhesive.
Full spread
This is an installation method where the adhesive is used over the entire substrate.
Inlaid
This is a manufacturing process for vinyl in which colored chips are laid over a carrier sheet. The two are then merged together with heat and pressure. This method has been around for a long time, and causes designs in geometric shapes or patterns.
Inner core
This is one of any layers within vinyl in which it provides durability, insulation and comfort.
Linoleum
A type of flooring made of natural materials. The color penetrates all the way through, making it extremely wearable and strong.
LVT
Luxury vinyl tile. LVT has the same benefits of vinyl, is offered in many colors, and can be used in any room. Spare luxury vinyl tiles can be used for over worn areas that may need to be replaced down the line. The LVT setup has unlimited possibilities to create patterns and styles that best suit your home.
Perimeter adhered
A vinyl flooring installation process in which the adhesive is only applied to the perimeter and the seams of the flooring.
Vinyl
These floors have some flexibility or elasticity when you walk on them. This category includes linoleum, rubber, and specialty vinyl.
Rotogravure
In making residential floors, this is the most commonly used method.
Rubber
Rubber flooring is tremendously tough, practically indestructible, quiet, and warm to the touch when walked on. It also is resistant towards stains, indentations, and is a waterproof surface with an anti-slip finish. In order to get maximum performance, rubber floors need to be installed by a technician with experience and can be expensive, overall.
Seams
Depending on your specific area that is being covered, there may be some need for seems. This is another consideration to keep in mind when looking at pattern options because certain patterns are capable of hiding the seams better than other.
Seam sealer
A thin liquid adhesive that can be applied on edges of flooring to lock in the tufts and prevent edge ravel in carpet. Seam sealers may be visible in contrast with different vinyl finishes or textures.
Subflooring
A rough floor in which lies underneath the new vinyl floors.
Substrate
The surface on which the vinyl flooring will be laid overreach substrate has different requirements in order to prep them for the vinyl flooring.
Vinyl
Made from polyvinyl chloride and plasticizer, it is usually malleable and non-porous. Color pigments can be added to create designs and patterns.
Wear layer
This is a layer of material added to the exterior surface of vinyl. The thickness of the wear layer will vary according to each vinyl product collection or series. Generally, this is measured in mils. The highest quality wear layers offer superior resistance to stains, scuffs and scratches.
