Durability and award-winning design are the hallmarks of Rigid Core flooring. They have a multi-layered structure combining the best attributes of several types of flooring, including luxury vinyl and laminate. Rigid Core flooring has many of the features of traditional luxury vinyl tile, but with superior notch resistance and a realistic design.

Because it’s a solid plank rather than flexible like regular vinyl, rigid core is an engineered product that’s an improvement over traditional vinyl. For added durability, it may be made of wood or stone plastic composite core, with a wear layer that protects the planks from scratches and stains. There is also an underlayment, which is not always included, that may be made of cushioning material or sound absorbing material.

In which spaces can Rigid Core flooring be installed?

You can enjoy the benefits of these flooring in any room in your home. They combine both durability suitable for the most frequented areas of the home and those rooms most exposed to humidity, and an aesthetic appeal that enhances the style of your main living spaces and bedrooms with its patterned pattern. realistic wood look.

Colors, styles and textures can be customised to look like hardwood or natural stone tile, for example. Water-resistant vinyl flooring like rigid core vinyl is well-known for its ability to be installed just about anywhere. Rigid core vinyl, on the other hand, offers products that are completely waterproof. Planks will not swell or warp if exposed to moisture or humidity, which can be a concern for families with children or pets. The tongue and groove or click system makes it simple to put in by yourself.

How durable is this type of flooring?

Unlike many other types of flooring, Rigid Core flooring offers maximum resistance to nicks when subjected to falling objects or the passage of high heels. Completely waterproof, these coatings do not swell, buckle or lose their integrity when exposed to water.

Using a wet mop and cleaner or a dust mop and broom are good options for daily cleaning, as detergents leave a cloudy film on the vinyl flooring. Protect your new vinyl floors by placing felt pads under large furniture and by avoiding wearing high heels indoors, which can dent the vinyl.

Vinyl flooring is a great option if you’re looking for something long-lasting, low-maintenance, and resistant to moisture. The choice between rigid core luxury vinyl planks and other options may be influenced by the size of your room and whether you plan to do the installation yourself or hire a contractor. Long-lasting luxury vinyl is a no-brainer, no matter which type you go with.

What styles of Rigid Core coverings are available?

Our award-winning designs come in ultra-realistic visuals and textures that mimic real natural hardwood. Treat yourself to the look of traditional wood flooring or the trendy look of rustic, reclaimed or brushed wood.

Innovations in design have resulted in affordable vinyl sheet flooring that will last for years, besides being so stylish you’ll be glad you could keep them for that long! To help you begin your research to find the best sheet vinyl flooring, let’s go over the basics. 

Vinyl sheets are often used as alternatives to natural stone, ceramic tile, or even hardwood, especially in rooms like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms that are more prone to moisture. Layered construction provides stability, cushioning and a protective finish for durability.

It comes in rolls 12 feet wide that the flooring company will cut to size. Depending on the size of your room, you might need just one roll, but regardless, this type of flooring leaves very few (or none) seams.

Can I get sheet vinyl flooring that looks like hardwood or natural stone?

When thinking of vinyl sheets, most people imagine kitchens from decades past. Things have definitely changed. Innovative technology allows us to create vinyl sheets with patterns and textures so realistic that they can be mistaken for real hardwood, ceramic or stone flooring. Homeowners with great taste choose premium vinyl sheet over other types of flooring because of its winning combination of realism, trendy elegance, and practical durability.

What are my design options for vinyl flooring?

“Natural realism” is a popular trend in sheet vinyl flooring. Many homeowners want to replicate the look and feel of objects found in the natural world, but also want the hassle-free maintenance of vinyl.

Range of Color Options

There is no shortage of color options in sheet vinyl floors. For looks inspired by natural materials like hardwood, stone, and slate, you’ll find shades of white, beige, red, orange, brown, green, blue, and gray. Other styles such as geometric patterns and black and white checkerboards are also available.

Trending Styles

Nowadays, several collections of sheet vinyl flooring have improved color clarity and relief that create a texture that matches the patterns. This is what makes many wood or stone look vinyl sheet floors look a lot like real materials.

The level of realism of some of these collections is truly incredible. The same goes for the range of on-trend styles you can get:

• Traditional hardwood

• Exotic wood species

• Rustic and weathered wood

• Worn wood

• Limestone

• Sandstone

• Slate

• Decorative geometric patterns

• Checkerboard

Where can I install sheet vinyl flooring?

Versatile vinyl sheet flooring is perfect for any room in the house. You can install it on any floor of the house: above ground, at ground level or below it. It is a good choice especially for high traffic areas like kitchens and playrooms, or rooms prone to humidity like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Vinyl sheet is designed for flat and level surfaces. No stairs unfortunately!

How long will the vinyl sheet flooring last?

Vinyl sheets can be quite durable. In fact, many Armstrong Flooring vinyl sheet products are warranted for 25 years or even lifetime for residential use. For floors designed to last the longest, look for sheet vinyl collections that have the highest resistance to scuffs, stains and wear

What are my installation options for vinyl flooring?

We offer you two installation options for Armstrong Flooring vinyl sheets. Which method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and what is suitable for the product. For example, Armstrong Flooring’s fiberglass and StrataMax products can be installed using either of these two methods, while felt-backed vinyl sheets can only be installed with adhesive tape. full display.

Modified Loose Lay – vinyl is cut in place and secured with double-sided tape in heavy traffic areas.

Full -spread adhesive – You spread a peel-off or permanent adhesive over the existing subfloor or floor, then lay the vinyl sheet flat.

Of course, there is always the option of professional installation which might be worth your while, despite the additional costs, if you are not an experienced handyman. 

This type of flooring made of 70% limestone and other resilient materials is the perfect alternative to natural stone, porcelain or ceramic tiles. Engineered tile has the character and durability much appreciated by traditional tile, but is warmer and smoother underfoot.

In Which Spaces Can You Install Engineered Tile Flooring?

Engineered tile can be installed in any room of the house, with or without grout. They are ideal for spaces with high humidity exposure like kitchens, bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms, and can even be installed on a wall as backsplashes or contrasting walls! And unlike ceramic tile, engineered tile can be installed over slightly uneven sub-floors without the risk of cracking.

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What Are The Advantages Of Engineered Tile Over Natural Stone Or Ceramic?

Many people love the luxurious and upscale look of a natural stone, ceramic or porcelain tile floor, but these have certain drawbacks. Fortunately, engineered tile is a great alternative.

More Comfortable

Traditional tiles have a hard, cold and unforgiving surface that it can be uncomfortable to stand on. Engineered tile looks like natural stone or ceramic tile on the surface, but is actually warmer to the touch and softer underfoot. In the rooms where you are most often standing, i.e. the kitchen or the bathroom, you will be happy to have a floor that is more pleasant on your feet.

Resists Cracking

If a hard object falls on a natural stone, ceramic or porcelain tile floor, you are dealing with a crack that is difficult and expensive to repair. Engineered tile is more tolerant of drops and accidents and is not susceptible to cracking due to minor irregularities in the subfloor. If for some reason a tile is damaged, engineered tile is much easier to replace.

Faster Installation

Engineered tile is easier , faster and cleaner to install than natural stone, ceramic or porcelain. With engineered tile, installation can be completed in one day creating less mess, while it takes three to five days to install traditional stone tiles.

Easy Maintenance

Engineered tile is easy to clean and highly resistant to stains and scuffs. It’s no wonder it’s a popular floor covering for active households!

How Durable Is This Type Of Flooring?

This type of material is designed to provide the level of resistance you expect from your flooring, whether in high traffic areas, or against small daily accidents, spills and dirt. Even the grout is stain resistant. And if heavy objects fall on the engineered tile, this type of material is not susceptible to cracks like natural stone can.

In What Styles Can I Choose Engineered Tiles?

Engineered stone is available in a number of styles such as classic slate, terracotta, travertine and marble, but also in tiles that mimic the look of reclaimed wood or linen fabric. Explore all the options for patterns and looks to hang on the wall, and how different sizes and shapes of tile can dramatically transform your home.

This type of vinyl tile flooring offered in wood or stone look is designed to withstand moisture and daily wear and tear in the busiest homes.

Is luxury vinyl tile an alternative to hardwood?

Yes! Homeowners especially love that they can get authentic looking styles of wood that are durable enough for rooms where humidity can be a problem. Hardwood is not recommended for installation in bathrooms and laundry rooms, while luxury vinyl tile flooring is waterproof, making it a great choice (with a great appearance) for siding. of soil in these places.

Is luxury vinyl tile an alternative to ceramic?

Yes! People love that luxury vinyl provides a more warm and pleasant feeling underfoot than hard surface flooring like ceramic tile. It’s an ideal surface for regular home use: lots of foot traffic, crawling children, pets, dropped dishes and spills, to name a few. Additionally, the styles of stone tiles that are available (including marble, slate, and travertine) look and feel incredibly real, but do not cause the same issues as natural stone, that is, that is, the potential for cracking over uneven sub-floors and maintenance of grout lines.

What styles can I achieve with luxury vinyl tile flooring?

The beauty of vinyl tile is its versatility. It is actually possible to achieve a look that mimics hardwood or natural stone, but with the performance of vinyl flooring. During the design process, we take great care to create patterns and textures that mimic real materials.

Here are some things you can choose from once you start your research.

Realistic-looking Wood Species – Everything you could want from oak, walnut and birch, to realistic exotic woods with spectacular grain.

Textures and Finishing Effects – Looks reclaimed in worn washed white, limed and wan wood.

Classic Stone Styles – Marble, slate and travertine tiles and concrete inspired planks.

In Which Spaces Can Luxury Vinyl Flooring Be Installed?

Particularly ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, basements and laundry rooms, luxury vinyl tiles can be installed in any room of the house. They even come in options that make it easy to install on slightly uneven sub-floors.

How Durable Is This Type Of Flooring?

Luxury vinyl is very durable and easy to clean. In fact, because our luxury vinyl product collections are completely waterproof, they will not swell, buckle or lose their integrity when exposed to water. Resistant to scratches, stains and wear, all of our luxury vinyl tiles come in a choice of different performance levels. Some feature Diamond 10 ® technology for superior scuff and smudge resistance, making them tough enough to be covered by our lifetime warranty!

What Styles Of Luxury Vinyl Siding Are Available?

These luxury vinyl flooring is available in the same trends as hardwood planks and natural stone tiles. Traditional, rustic and exotic woods in plank sizes as wide as 7 inches. Tiles imitating travertine or marble. Modern industrial styles inspired by concrete or petrified wood. With such a plethora of options, it’s easy to find a floor covering to suit your needs and style.

The Maintenance Of Multilayer Flooring is: As with all wooden surfaces, the care will depend largely on the finish used. As we have already pointed out, the two main finishes are varnish and oil.

Others, like wax, have fallen into disuse. What’s more, I don’t know of any multilayer flooring manufacturer that markets their products with this finish. Which does not mean that we cannot wax a multilayer parquet bought raw.

With regard to daily cleaning, there are no big differences. It will be enough to mop or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch our floor. And from time to time pass a well wrung mop with a specific product.

As for the maintenance itself, there are important differences. With normal use, a varnished multilayer floor can last for many years without the need to renew the finish. When the time comes to do it, the process is relatively complex and laborious. It will be necessary to sand and reapply the varnish (stab).

In the case of oil, the finishes need to be renewed every 6-12 months. Something more if the use is reduced. Although it is also true that for the application of a new layer of oil it is not always necessary to sand.

Repairs And Stabbing

Most of the damage that arises in wooden floors as a result of use and the passage of time, are scratches. These can be repaired through what is popularly called “slashing a parquet.” It basically consists of:

Sanding the surface with sandpaper of different grain. The thickest for greater wear, and the thinnest in the last passes to obtain a smoother surface.

Plaster or fill in case of particularly deep cracks or scratches. These areas should be sanded before applying the finish. If there are particularly deteriorated parts, and more complex repairs or replacement are necessary, we must have a professional.

Apply the varnish or oil as recommended by the manufacturer (number of coats, sanding between coats, drying times…).

Sanding wears down the hardwood surface or layer of our multilayer decking. Approximately 1.5-3mm per stab. Therefore, the number of times we can stab our pallet is limited, normally to 2.

According to this, and taking into account a stab every 10 years, the useful life of a multilayer deck is approximately 30 years.

When the hardwood layer is not thick enough, slashing the multilayer deck will damage it. We would be facing a product that does not allow repairs and that in case of deterioration it would have to be replaced. Something very similar to what happens with laminate floors.

There Are Different Ways Of Laying:

Multilayer laminate flooring . In the vast majority of cases, this type of platform is mechanized to join pieces by means of a click system, similar to that of laminate floors.

Glued . Specific glues are used to glue the laminate flooring to the existing floor.

Each method has its advantages. Here we discuss them so that the owner can choose the installation method that suits him best.

Multilayer flooring is a type of floor or pavement made up of several layers of glued wood. It is an option of quality, durability and enormous decorative presence due to the use of noble woods.

How is it different from other types of laminate flooring or laminate flooring? There are two big differences. The first is that all the layers that make up the platform are made of wood, or at least derivatives of it. And the second difference, derived from the first, is that the outer layer is a natural wood veneer and not a printed design, with all the advantages and disadvantages that this implies.

Composition Of Multilayer Floor

As can be seen from its name, multilayer flooring is made up of different layers. These are glued and pressed, obtaining a product of great stability and resistance. Typically, the thickness of the sandwich is between 12 mm and 16 mm.

The Layers Are As Follows:

Back side . This layer, normally formed by a veneer of coniferous wood such as pine and about 2 mm thick, has the function of stabilizing the slat.

Intermediate layer . It is the core of our multilayer flooring. It has an approximate thickness of 10-6 mm and is the layer with the mechanization of the anchoring or click system.

It can be composed of different materials or derivatives of wood:

Plywood. It is a very stable and resistant solution . Woods such as poplar, birch or eucalyptus, and adhesives or phenolic glues are used, which improves resistance to humidity.

MDF – HDF. Medium or high density fibreboard. Higher density is always preferable. It offers good performance, significantly reducing the price compared to plywood.

Solid Wood Slats. Also called blind. Something less common today, since it is not a uniform surface, it can generate waves in the noble layer after slashing.

Noble or Wear Cloak . It is the natural wood veneer that will give the appearance to our floor. Hardwood species specially selected for their decorative qualities are used. Some of these can be: walnut, oak, merbau, jatoba, mahogany, iroko …

The type of veneer or species used for this layer and its thickness are one of the determining factors in the price of multilayer parquet. The more exclusive the wood and the greater the thickness, the higher the price.

The thickness of this layer is also important from the point of view of the useful life and durability of the deck. It will determine the number of times our floor can be stabbed (sanded and varnished). The most economical ranges have such a thin layer that they do not even allow a slash, around 1 mm. The most common thicknesses are between 3.2 and 4 mm.

The design can be monolame, that is, the sheet covers the entire plank, or mosaic to achieve smaller table designs.

Surface Treatment . Multilayer flooring is not always marketed with an applied treatment, many times it is done raw, although it will finally have to be applied to protect the wood.

The two most common treatments are oil and varnish. You will find more details in the finishes section.