The floor is the foundation of any room design and one of the most expensive components of any space. Feel confident about your investment test vinyl flooring samples to know they are right for your taste and your space. Putting them through some easy tests will help you decide if they are right for you. When browsing the materials available, make sure to choose samples in various color tones, finishes, and styles. Sometimes, the colors you are drawn to online aren’t the ones you fall in love with when they are in the space. Branch out and choose some samples you may not initially be thinking about.

Once samples are in hand, put them through a variety of tests to make sure they will hold up to the rigors of daily life. Before you begin, make sure to really think about how the space is used and what you need the floors to hold up to. Make your tests the most extreme of circumstances and you’ll have the peace of mind that you chose the ideal vinyl floors for your space. Not sure if vinyl is the right option? Complete these same tests against multiple flooring types, including engineered hardwood and hardwood. Then you can see how the products stack up against one another.

Test Vinyl Flooring Samples Before You Commit

Can it Resist Stains?

Whether you live alone or have a brood of children, spills are inevitable. Take the flooring samples and test them against coffee, mud, drinks, and spaghetti sauce. Clean up the spills right away and then repeat the test. Allow the stains to stay on the surface of the vinyl for longer the next time. Make sure to clean up the mess using the same cleaners you would typically choose for your floors. Make sure the cleaners themselves don’t alter the look of the finish or leave a residue that would be problematic if the floors were running throughout the whole room.

Is it Durable?

Daily life can be hard on floors. Test the durability of your flooring samples by putting them through the paces with a variety of different situations. Walk on them in high heels, scratch them with keys or something pointy, try dropping something like a weight on them, or jump on them in cleats. Inspect each sample after your tests to see what, if any, marks are showing. It is one thing to read about the durability of a product but seeing it for yourself is something entirely else.

Subject it to Temperature Changes

Every climate is different. Subject your samples to a variety of temperatures and humidity levels. Make sure that the flooring does not buckle, swell, or warp in the various temperatures. If you are using vinyl in a specific room, make sure to place the samples in that room for a day or two to see how the flooring reacts in the space. This is especially important if the flooring is intended for a basement.

Compare Colors in Various Lighting

The look of the vinyl flooring is incredibly important. Because flooring is an investment, it is important to select a color that looks great now but will also stand the test of time. Place each sample in different rooms of the home. Compare them against the wall color, trim color, cabinetry, and furniture in your home.

Natural light and artificial light can cause the color of the flooring to look very different. Move the samples throughout the home and look at them in various lighting situations. Samples placed under a window or in front of a sliding glass door will look different than samples placed in a laundry room or closet void of natural light. The light can also vary greatly at different times of day. Look at them in the morning, mid-day, and evening to make sure you like the look of the color at all times.

Consider Comfort

Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of different finishes. Make sure it is comfortable in shoes, socks, and bare feet by walking over the flooring samples. Some vinyl flooring features an integrated underlayment while others require additional underlayment. Keep this in mind when walking over the samples. Some vinyl flooring is smooth while others feature more of a textural design to mimic the look of wood or stone. Smooth floors can be slick if you walk around in socks. Textured floors can sometimes feel a little rough on bare feet. Test them out to see which finish you prefer.

Is It Waterproof?

Many types of vinyl flooring boast waterproof designs. This feature can be incredibly important when they featured in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Pour water on top of the sample and allow it to sit. Come back and look at the product later to see if the water caused any damage. Check out any integrated layers with the sample and make sure the water didn’t damage any portion of the construction.

Selecting flooring can seem like an overwhelming decision but when you take the time to test the possible flooring samples in a variety of ways, it is easy to know you are making the right decision with your material selection. Take a few minutes to consider how the use of the space and put your samples through any tests that reflect how the flooring will be treated when it is fully installed in the home.

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When you’re deciding what type of flooring to get, you need to consider several options. Waterproof flooring has many advantages, but so does water-resistant flooring options. Knowing what these differences are and what will be best for the area you’re installing it can save you time and money.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant: What’s the Difference?

First, you need to know what waterproof vs water resistant means. Both terms refer to a material that can prevent or repel water, which is great for bathrooms or kitchens. However, they’re not interchangeable terms.

Waterproof refers to a permanent material, which means water won’t penetrate the flooring, no matter how much time goes by. For example, waterproof flooring can be installed in any room, but it’s more expensive than water-resistant flooring. A water resistant floor refers to how flooring material protects flooring substrate from water infiltration.

Waterproof Flooring

Long-Term Cost

Waterproof flooring is more expensive, but it has benefits that water-resistant flooring does not. While waterproof costs more than water-resistant flooring options initially, the cost can be worth it depending on where you’re installing them. If water absorbs into certain types of flooring, such as hardwood, the flooring material could swell and eventually crack, ruining the floor. When this damage occurs, you’ll need to replace the flooring. This is why it may be easier to install waterproof floors from the start. You can purchase waterproof hardwood, but this type of flooring will be more expensive.

Durability

Rigid core vinyl flooring is a durable waterproof option, as it won’t deteriorate if it’s exposed to water for an extended period. Additionally, the color of the floor will remain and won’t fade. You won’t need to worry about click-lock vinyl flooring curling up at the edges or the composition of the flooring breaking down to the waterproof properties of the flooring material.

A waterproof floor can prevent moisture in the air due to climate or flooding from infiltrating the flooring material. None of these events will damage the floor, which is important to consider if you live in an area prone to humidity or flooding.

Versalitity

Waterproof flooring can be installed in any room of your home. It’s great in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and basement. However, it is not recommended for any outdoor installation. Waterproof indoor floorings are not typically resistant against sun damage or any other weather elements.

While many luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood floors are waterproof, you shouldn’t assume they all are. The ones labeled as 100 percent waterproof are what you want to look for. You should also keep in mind that while your flooring can be waterproof, the subfloor underneath may not be. As a result, you’ll need to keep water from getting under the flooring to prevent subflooring damage.

Water-Resistant Flooring

When it comes to waterproof vs water resistant, waterproof flooring has many benefits – but it’s not always necessary to use it in every room.

Initial Cost

Water resistant flooring like laminate or vinyl tile are typically less expensive to purchase than waterproof engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl planks. These flooring materials are also easy to install, so you likely won’t need to hire installation experts.

Absorbtion Rate

One point to keep in mind about water resistant flooring is the time you can allow water to sit on top of the floor. As long as you mop up water on the floor somewhat quickly, it won’t have time to absorb into the floor and impact the material underneath. Water doesn’t go through water resistant flooring as quickly as it does with something like wood flooring. Since water resistant flooring can handle small spills on occasion, this flooring option will last longer.

While you can install water resistant flooring in a kitchen, you want to be attentive to water collecting on the flooring itself. If you are considering laminate, make sure it has a water resistant core in addition to a protected top layer. The seams between the planks can leave it vulnerable to any water that may enter through the seams. A roll-on moisture barrier can be applied when installing the flooring. This moisture barrier can help keep the subfloor protected from extra moisture and ensure the bonding adhesive is strong.

Appearance

While hardwood floors is more natural than water-resistant floors, hardwood will eventually absorb water that sits on it. Hardwood isn’t a good option for many parts of a house, as only the top finish will resist water. You might actually be surprised at the beauty of modern water resistant flooring. It closely mimics real hardwood, and is available in many shades and even textures.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant: Do the Research

It’s important to do your research before deciding to buy any type of flooring. Consider where the flooring is installed and if water has a high chance of being on the floor. You’ll also need to consider your overall budget for your flooring project, since waterproof flooring can cost more than water resistant flooring. If you try to save money by installing water resistant flooring in an area that gets frequent spills, you could end up spending more money in the future on flooring replacement.

Waterproof flooring can be used in all rooms. However, you may want to avoid installing water resistant flooring in rooms where water frequently collects on the floor, such as mudrooms. When you’re considering a flooring choice for your home, use this guide to help you decide between waterproof vs water resistant flooring options for your intended space.

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Vesdura Vinyl Planks – 7.5mm WPC Click Lock SKU: 15163556

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. Learn more about WPC to find out if it’s the right fit for your home.

What is WPC Flooring?

Azusa / 8.5mm / WPC / Click Lock SKU: 15181324

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.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/what-is-engineered-vinyl-flooring/

https://www.builddirect.com/blog/7-inexpensive-home-decor-ideas-that-look-upscale/

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One of the lasting modern trends in home design is rigid core vinyl flooring. Many homeowners are choosing this stylish and relatively affordable option to give their home a fresh new look. There are two main types of rigid core flooring from which to choose: SPC vinyl flooring and WPC vinyl flooring. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks that homeowners should consider before choosing between the two. Learn more about WPC and SPC vinyl floors to figure out which one is the best fit for your home.

SPC vs WPC Overview

Before going into the details, it’s important to understand the basics about stone plastic composite (SPC) rigid vinyl flooring and wood plastic composite (WPC) vinyl flooring. These two types of engineered vinyl flooring are quite similar, except for what composes their core layer.

For SPC floors, the core consists of natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizers.

In WPC vinyl floors, the core is made of recycled wood pulp and plastic composites. Both core layers are completely waterproof.

Besides the core, these two types of flooring are essentially the same makeup of layers. Here’s how a rigid core flooring plank is constructed from top to bottom:

• Wear layer: This is the layer that provides resistance to scratches and stains. It is thin and completely transparent.
• Vinyl layer: The vinyl is durable and strong. It is printed with the flooring pattern and color.
• Core layer: This is the waterproof core made from either stone plastic composite or wood plastic composite.
• Base layer: EVA foam or cork forms the base of the plank.

Main Differences between WPC and SPC Vinyl Floors

Besides the materials used to create the core of this flooring style, the following are the key differences between WPC vinyl flooring and SPC vinyl flooring.

Thickness

WPC floors have a thicker core than SPC floors. Plank thickness for WPC floors is generally about 5.5 to 8 millimeters, while SPC floors are usually between 3.2 and 7 millimeters thick.

Foot Feel

When it comes to how the flooring feels underfoot, WPC vinyl has the advantage. Because it has a thicker core compared to SPC flooring, it feels more stable and cushioned when walking on it. That thickness also helps to provide insulation to keep the floors warmer.

Sound Insulation

The thicker core of WPC floors also makes them superior when it comes to sound insulation. The thickness helps to absorb the sound, so it’s quieter when walking on these floors.

Durability

You might think that WPC flooring would offer improved durability since it is thicker than SPC flooring, but the opposite is actually true. SPC floors may not be as thick, but they are considerably denser than WPC floors. This makes them better at resisting damage from impacts or heavy weights.

Stability

WPC floors and SPC floors can both be installed in any room with moisture exposure and temperature fluctuations. But when it comes to extreme temperature changes, SPC flooring tends to offer superior performance. The denser core of SPC floors makes them even more resistant to expanding and contracting than WPC floors.

Price

SPC floors are more affordable than WPC floors. However, don’t pick your floors based on price alone. Be sure to consider all the potential benefits and drawbacks between these two flooring options before choosing one.

Similarities Between WPC and SPC Vinyl Flooring

While there are some important differences between SPC vinyl floors and WPC vinyl floors, it’s important to note that they also have quite a few similarities:

Waterproof

Both of these types of rigid core flooring feature a completely waterproof core. This helps to prevent warping when exposed to moisture. You can use both types of flooring in areas of the home where hardwood and other moisture-sensitive flooring types are not typically recommended, such as laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Durable

While SPC floors are denser and resistant to major impacts, both flooring types are resistant to scratches and stains. They hold up well to wear and tear even in high-traffic areas of the home. If you’re concerned about durability, look for planks with a thicker wear layer on top.

Easy Installation

Most homeowners are able to complete a DIY installation with either SPC or WPC flooring. They are made to be installed on top of just about any type of subfloor or existing floor. You won’t have to deal with messy glues either, since the planks easily attach to one another to lock into place.

Style Options

With both SPC and WPC vinyl flooring, you’ll have a huge range of style options at your fingertips. These flooring types come in just about any color and pattern since the design is simply printed onto the vinyl layer. Many styles are made to look like other types of flooring. For example, you can get WPC or SPC flooring that looks like tile, stone, or hardwood flooring.

How to Shop for Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring

To get the best results with this type of flooring, look for planks that have a high thickness measurement and a thicker wear layer. This will help your floors look nicer and last longer.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re seeing all your options when you shop for SPC or WPC floors. Some companies and retailers have other labels or names attached to these products, such as:

• Enhanced vinyl plank
• Rigid vinyl plank
• Engineered luxury vinyl flooring
• Waterproof vinyl flooring

Be sure to look at the details about what the core layer is made from to discern whether any of these flooring options feature a core made from SPC or WPC.

To make the right choice for your home, be sure to do your homework when it comes to different flooring types. While SPC vinyl flooring may be a better choice for one home, WPC flooring may be a better investment for another. It all depends on what you and your household require when it comes to a home upgrade. Regardless of whether you choose WPC or SPC flooring, however, you’ll get a durable, waterproof, and stylish flooring upgrade that’s easy to install using DIY methods.

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