Adhered
Refer to Perimeter Adhered for specific installation details.
Aluminum Oxide
A high-performance additive included in the urethane finish to significantly increase the abrasion resistance of the vinyl wear layer.
Backing
The base layer of vinyl construction. Vinyl is made of multiple layers: the wear layer, decorative layer, inner core, and the backing. The type of backing material determines the appropriate installation method.
Cork
A natural, hypoallergenic flooring material harvested from the bark of the Mediterranean Cork Oak. It is naturally resistant to mold and mildew.
Decorative Layer
The layer created via the rotogravure printing process that provides the visual appearance of the floor, including patterns, wood grains, or natural stone designs.
Floating
An installation method where the vinyl flooring is not bonded to the subfloor with adhesive, allowing for easier replacement and movement.
Full Spread
A professional installation method where adhesive is spread across the entire substrate using a trowel before the vinyl is laid.
Inlaid
A traditional manufacturing process where solid-colored vinyl chips are bonded together with heat and pressure, typically resulting in geometric designs.
Inner Core
The central layer of vinyl flooring that provides essential durability, insulation, and walking comfort.
Linoleum
A natural resilient flooring made from linseed oil, cork, and wood flour. Unlike vinyl, the color of linoleum goes through the entire thickness of the material.
Perimeter Adhered
An installation method where adhesive is applied only to the seams and the perimeter edges of the room.
Resilient
A category of flooring (including vinyl, cork, and rubber) defined by its elasticity and "give" underfoot.
Rotogravure
The most common residential manufacturing process, involving a print cylinder that applies colored dyes to a gel coat core layer to create detailed patterns.
Rubber
A virtually indestructible flooring material that is quiet, waterproof, and dent-resistant. Ideal for high-performance and commercial utility.
Seams
The points where two rolls or planks of vinyl meet. Seaming is common in rooms wider than 6’ or 12’.
Seam Sealer
A specialized liquid adhesive used to lock vinyl edges together to prevent raveling and moisture penetration.
Substrate
The actual surface (wood or concrete) on which the new vinyl flooring is installed.
VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile)
Resilient floor tiles made from a blend of vinyl and limestone. VCT is highly durable and commonly used in high-traffic residential and commercial spaces.
Wearlayer
The top-most surface of the vinyl floor measured in mils. The quality of this layer determines resistance to stains, scuffs, and fading.