Vinyl Glossary

Vinyl remains a popular material for flooring. Although we have seen an increase in buyers wanting hardwood flooring and consistent sales in carpeting, vinyl is holding its own. Vinyl is actually quite durable, easy to clean, affordable, and in today's market, available in a wide array of colors and patterns. As with any flooring material, the more you know about the better the buying process. For this reason, we have pulled together a glossary that could be used as a reference point.

Aluminum Oxide - This chemical is used with a urethane finish, which improves the vinyl's capability of resisting abrasions on the wear layer.

Backing - Vinyl flooring has a number of layers to include the wear layer, which is the layer walked on, the decorative or printed layer that has the actual design on it, the inner core, made of foam, and the backing. The installation process associated with vinyl flooring will vary depending on the type of backing.

Cork - Grown as Cork Oak in the Mediterranean, this has become a highly popular material for flooring, often used with vinyl. Interestingly, the bark from the tree can only be split every nine to fifteen years but even more fascinating is that the tree is not harmed during this process. With cork being a hypoallergenic material, one that has mold and mildew resistant qualities, is what makes this the perfect choice for many families.

Decorative Layer - Also referred to as the "print layer," this is the part of the vinyl flooring with the design. Today, you will find some amazing results that create vinyl that looks exactly like natural stone. However, you could also choose from floral, geometric, patterns and other styles depending on your personal preference.

Floating - A popular installation process for vinyl is called floating, a method whereby no adhesive is used.

Full Spread - Another installation process for vinyl, this one uses a trowel to apply the adhesive over the substrate.

Inner Core - Vinyl consists of several layers, one being the inner core, which is typically made from foam. The benefit of the inner core is better durability, comfort, and insulation.

Linoleum - This material is made from all natural ingredients to include wood flour, cork, oil, limestone, and tree resin. Additionally, linoleum is one of the most durable and wearable, flooring solutions since color penetrates completely through.

Perimeter Adhered - With this installation process, adhesive is not spread out over all the substrate but just to the flooring perimeter and at the seams.

Resilient - A resilient floor is great in that it offers elasticity when being walked on. As a result, the floor is more comfortable. Typically, a resilient floor is made from rubber, cork, or linoleum.

Rotogravure - Of all methods for making vinyl flooring, this is the most popular. With this process, a print cylinder spins while the core layer of the vinyl is passed underneath. The process then prints a variety of colored ink dyes, which is what creates the different patterns.

Rubber - If you want a durable flooring material, rubber is incredible. In fact, this particular material is indestructible, making it ideal for high traffic areas or homes with children and/or pets. Other benefits to rubber include warmth, quietness, and a surface highly resistant to stains, water, and dents.

Seams - Vinyl flooring is made in six and twelve-inch widths. To cover the subfloor, these pieces must be connected, resulting in seams. To reduce the appearance of seams, you could choose a pattern with grout line or go with vinyl flooring that rolled, rather than pieces.

Seam Sealer - To prevent cut edges of carpeting and vinyl from rolling or raveling, you could use a type of seam sealer, which is simply a liquid form of adhesive.

Subflooring - The subflooring is the under floor on which vinyl flooring is applied.

Substrate - This is the under flooring surface on which vinyl flooring is laid.

VCT - The acronym for Vinyl Composition Tiles, VCT is made from vinyl or vinyl composition materials, which are more resilient than vinyl while still sharing all of the benefits.

Vinyl - This material is made from plasticizer and polyvinyl chloride. When blended, you end up with a flexible and non-porous flooring material. If color is wanted, pigmentation can be added.

Wear Layer - The top surface of vinyl flooring has a layer of material applied, which is known as the wear layer. The thickness of this layer would depend on the actual vinyl flooring, although all are very thin. The benefit to choosing high quality wear layers is a floor that looks great but also is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.