Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide - MSI Surfaces

Like you, many homeowners are eager to add beautiful wood or stone-look vinyl flooring to their abodes. That’s because vinyl has become one of the most popular flooring choices, and for lots of stellar reasons. 

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We’ve come up with an in-depth guide full of helpful and informative details on vinyl flooring so that you can make the best decision for your space. But, before you start tearing up your carpet or old tile, you’ll want to learn about the characteristics, style choices, and installation methods of waterproof vinyl flooring. 

Get ready to increase your knowledge and excitement for your new waterproof floors!

What Is Waterproof Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is partly comprised of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. This durable plastic makes up one of the several layers that comprise the planks or tiles. 

There are multiple options for waterproof vinyl, but not all options are going to give you the moisture-resistance you need. Before we get into the different types of flooring, let’s discuss some key commonalities among all vinyl planks and tiles. 

Windsor Isle Luxury Vinyl Tile

Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Thickness

The thickness of vinyl flooring is measured in millimeters. Previously, vinyl planks with a hefty thickness indicated that your flooring would be sturdier and stronger. Yet, newer technology has changed the need for super thick floors with the creation of stone-plastic composite (SPC) vinyl flooring. Since the core is created from a stone-plastic composite, it’s an extremely durable option that comes in thin planks, so you get the strength without the bulk.

Since thickness doesn’t always indicate sturdiness, you shouldn’t always go with the thickest flooring. One of the most important factors regarding the density of vinyl is to choose flooring that matches with your existing floors to keep everything as level as possible without a noticeable transition.

Waterproof Vinyl Flooring Wear Layer

One of the most important features of your new waterproof vinyl flooring is the wear layer. This durable coating is the outermost layer and helps protect your vinyl floors from things like scratches, scuffs, dents, and even stains. 

There are different ratings for how thick the wear layer is, and it’s measured in mil, not millimeters. A rating of 6 mil, 12 mil, or even 20+ mil for high-traffic areas is suitable for residential use. A rating of 12 mil is suitable for light commercial use, while 20+ mil is commercially rated and best for businesses with high-traffic areas. 

Whether you have rough and tough kids or pets or constant foot traffic, the thicker the wear layer, the longer your vinyl flooring will last. Choose the thickest one that your budget allows, no matter if it’s for a residential or commercial project. 

Driftway Smithcliffs

Underlayment for Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Some luxury vinyl products come with an attached underlayment. If your flooring doesn’t, then adding one will help with sound dampening, protect the subfloor, and make it softer underfoot. Both foam and cork underlayment options are common picks. However, they do come in various thicknesses, and adding underlayment or even one that is too thick could void your warranty. Please make sure to check with your manufacturer first before adding an underlayment. 

Types of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Initially, you may think all vinyl is the same, but there are some critical differences in terms of its construction. Vinyl flooring is, for the most part, water resistant, with new and improved technologies creating floors that are more resistant to water and moisture than they have been in the past. 

With three main categories available, you’ll learn about luxury vinyl planks (LVP), stone-plastic composite vinyl planks (SPC), and wood-plastic composite vinyl planks (WPC). 

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl planks have a rigid core construction that’s very durable. Luxury vinyl is available in the easy locking system or glue-down installation methods. Interestingly, there are even some luxury vinyl peel-and-stick types, but it should be noted that there isn’t an industry standard for what defines “luxury” in luxury vinyl. Typically, LVP includes a durable wear layer, a realistic design, a thick vinyl layer, and attached backings that are not included on all LVP products. 

Most luxury vinyl planks are 100% waterproof, but it may vary per brand or installation method. LVP is a strong material that can handle the everyday wear and tear from kids, pets, and high traffic. They come in a wide range of design styles, including realistic wood or stone looks as well as decorative designs. DIYers of any level should be able to install the easy interlocking planks, yet professionals are recommended for glue-down planks because of the more intensive subfloor prep and longer installation time. 

Wood-Plastic Composite Vinyl Flooring

Wood-plastic composite vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof luxury vinyl flooring. What sets this product apart is its waterproof core that combines wood with plastic. The four-layer WPC vinyl construction is extremely tough yet flexible enough to offer a little give below your feet. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Waterproof WPC Flooring. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

It can be installed in any room or level of the home, including wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms as well as basements. Because of its thick construction, it can be installed on top of imperfect subfloors. It’s one of the most popular choices for commercial installations because of its durability. 

Stone-Plastic Composite Vinyl Flooring

Stone-plastic composite vinyl flooring is another 100% waterproof option. The difference between SPC and WPC vinyl flooring is the core. This rigid core features a super dense stone-plastic core, so it’s very tough. But, because of its strength, it won’t provide as much softness as WPC.

SPC vinyl planks can also be installed anywhere because of its waterproof properties, so it can easily be installed in wet areas or basements. Its durability and rigid core make it ideal for commercial spaces or other high-traffic areas, and heavy furniture isn’t likely to dent or damage the flooring, which makes it an even more ideal option. 

Ashton Maracay Brown Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Styles of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

No, vinyl flooring doesn’t all mimic wood! It actually comes in a wide spread of colors, styles, and designs. It’s a very versatile flooring option; you’ll be able to choose from wood looks, stone styles, or decorative patterns. That means there’s something for every design aesthetic!

Wood-Look Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Yes, wood-look vinyl planks are definitely a popular style when it comes to vinyl flooring. One of the biggest benefits of luxury vinyl tile is the look of real hardwood without the worry of warping or maintenance required by actual wood. 

Wood-look waterproof vinyl comes in various shades and wood-inspired types that mimic maple, oak, teak, hickory, and many more. You can also choose from light blondes to gray tones to rich hues, and in addition to the coloring and patterns making you do a double take, the textures will have you completely convinced. From more simplistic styles to beachy vibes to super rustic, there’s something for your modern and contemporary, coastal, and farmhouse designs. 

Stone-Look Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl stone looks are available in both floor tile and plank form. Natural stones, such as travertine to slate, are becoming more popular in plank form, and it gives a twist on these mimicked natural materials that are considered more traditional. You’ll even see concrete styles in vinyl flooring, which is perfect for those wanting something super industrial or majorly modern. Soon, you can expect to see more stone planks taking over some of the wood-look market.

Decorative Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

When a space needs something more distinctive or bolder than hardwood or natural stone styles, look to decorative vinyl planks. These waterproof flooring options come in such a wide variety, from geometric patterns to metallic looks to stained glass styles. It’s an excellent choice for someone who doesn’t want to stick with neutrals, as it will definitely set your residential or commercial space apart from the rest with unique designs, colors, and patterns. 

WPC stands for “Wood Plastic Composite” and is the type of core used in a very durable, water resistant type of engineered vinyl flooring. Though it has a lot in common with standard vinyl, WPC vinyl flooring does have some unique features you’ll want to consider. Essentially, WPC is recycled wood pulp and plastic composites that are combined to create a special material that is used as the core for the standard vinyl that forms the top layer. So even if you choose WPC flooring, you won’t see any wood or plastic on your floors. Instead, these are just the materials that provide a base for the vinyl to sit on.

From top to bottom, a WPC vinyl flooring plank will typically consist of the following layers:

• ·  Wear layer:  This thin layer on top helps to resist stains and excessive wear. It also makes the floors easy to clean.
• ·  Vinyl layer:  The vinyl is a durable layer that features the flooring color and pattern.
• ·  WPC core:  This is the thickest layer in the plank. It is made of recycled wood pulp and plastic composites and is stable and waterproof.
• ·  Pre-attached underpad:  This adds extra sound insulation and cushioning for the floors.

Pros and Cons of WPC flooring
Benefits of WPC Vinyl

There are quite a few benefits to choosing WPC vinyl flooring over other types of flooring, including:

• ·  Affordable:  WPC flooring represents a step up from standard vinyl without inflating the cost too much. You will spend less on this type of flooring than if you had selected hardwood floors , and some varieties are also cheaper than laminate or tile. Many homeowners opt for DIY installation with WPC flooring, which also helps to save money.
• ·  Waterproof:  Laminate and hardwood floors are not waterproof. Even standard vinyl is only water-resistant, not waterproof. But with WPC vinyl flooring, you’ll get completely waterproof floors that can be installed in areas where these other flooring types should not be used, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. The wood and plastic core also prevent the floors from being warped by moisture and temperature fluctuations. This allows you to keep a stylish and uniform look throughout the home without having to place different flooring types in different rooms based on potential moisture exposure.
• ·  Quiet:  Compared to traditional vinyl, WPC vinyl flooring has a thicker core that helps to absorb sound. This makes it quiet to walk on and eliminates the “hollow” sound sometimes associated with vinyl floors.
• ·  Comfort:  The thicker core also creates softer and warmer flooring, which is much more comfortable for residents and guests to walk on.
• ·  Durability:  WPC vinyl flooring is highly resistant to stains and scratches. It will resist wear and wear, which is great for busy households and families with pets and kids. It is easy to maintain by regularly sweeping or vacuuming and occasionally using a damp mop with a diluted floor cleaner. If a certain spot is seriously damaged, it’s easy to replace a single plank for a budget-friendly repair.
• ·  Ease of Installation:  Standard vinyl is thin, which leaves any unevenness in the subfloor exposed. Since WPC flooring has a rigid, thick core, it will hide any imperfections in the subfloor. This makes it easier to install, since no extensive subfloor preparation is necessary before laying the WPC flooring. It also allows WPC vinyl flooring to be more easily installed in longer and wider areas of the home. Homeowners can also install WPC flooring over many types of existing floors, and it typically doesn’t need to sit in the home for several days to acclimate to moisture and temperature like other flooring types.
• ·  Style Options:  One of the biggest benefits of choosing any type of vinyl flooring is that there are practically limitless design options. You can buy WPC flooring in just about any color and pattern you like, many of which are designed to look like other flooring types, such as hardwood and tile.

Drawbacks of WPC Vinyl

While WPC flooring does offer some excellent benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before selecting this flooring option for your home:

• ·  Home Value:  While WPC flooring is quite stylish and durable, it doesn’t add as much value to your home as some other flooring styles, especially hardwood.
• ·  Repeat pattern:  WPC can be made to look like hardwood or tile, but because it is not a natural product the digitally imprinted pattern can repeat every few boards or so.
• ·  Eco-Friendliness:  Although WPC flooring is phthalate-free, there are some concerns that vinyl flooring is not especially environmentally friendly. If this is something that concerns you, be sure to do your research and search for WPC floors that are made with eco-friendly practices.

WPC Vinyl Buying Help

Pay attention to thickness when shopping for WPC vinyl flooring. The thicker the planks are, the sturdier and more durable your floors will be. Generally, these floors are available between 4-8 millimeters thick. You can also look for different thicknesses for the wear layer on top, with those generally varying between about 8 millimeters and 20 millimeters.

In some cases, companies have marketed their WPC vinyl flooring under different names that emphasize the benefits that come with using this type of flooring. Some of the other names that may be used for WPC include:

• · Enhanced vinyl plank
• · Engineered luxury vinyl flooring 
• · Waterproof vinyl flooring.

If you’re not sure whether a certain variety of vinyl flooring is a WPC version, ask a salesperson or a customer service representative what composes the plank core. If it is made from wood and plastic materials, it is WPC vinyl flooring.

Give your home a DIY update with WPC vinyl flooring. It’s an affordable and attractive option that will hold up well for years to come.

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