WPC vinyl is quickly becoming one of the most popular flooring choices with the fastest growth in the flooring sector in 2017. This product is revolutionizing the future of flooring. WPC stands for wood polymer composite. It is completely waterproof, including having a waterproof core. The visuals are stunningly real in the ultra-high definition and require very little maintenance. It might be the perfect flooring option for you. Here is what you need to know about WPC floors…
Layers
WPC vinyl is known for its layers, which are what help it provide superior comfort and stain resistance. Most often, there are four layers. The top layer is known as the “wear” layer. It is what protects your floor from everything life throws at it. It will guard against scratches, dents, stains, and general wear and tear. The printed vinyl layer lies just below the wear layer. This is the layer that shows the beautiful design and colors. It looks realistic and vibrant. Under that is the waterproof core, which is the biggest benefit of WPC flooring when compared to other Vinyl products improving the stability in construction. It never buckles or ripples or shows any other sign of liquid damage regardless of the amount of moisture. The final layer contains a padded underlayment making it ideal for floating installation.
WPC vs. LVT
You may have also heard of Luxury Vinyl Tiles/Planks or LVT. These tiles are sometimes also waterproof but are not the same as WPC. All WPC products fall into the LVT category, but not all LVT products are WPC. At the very least, a luxury flooring product should be thick, durable, and have multiple layers offering protection and aesthetic appeal. WPC is the next evolution of LVT technology and offers a more stable rigid core which allows it to be produced in wider formats without complications.
WPC Vinyl Thickness
Thicker is generally better when it comes to flooring. Thicker flooring is denser, and it will feel stronger under your feet. A thick flooring option can make up for slight flaws in subfloor defection and make for an easier interlocking system. Standard WPC flooring comes in thickness options of anywhere from 4mm to 8mm. Here is an example of a WPC product we carry.
Realistic Look
One of the common complaints about conventional vinyl flooring is that it can look man-made or fake. This has been heavily improved with high-resolution digital photography capturing true wood grains. WPC vinyl flooring can provide very realistic imitations of natural materials. The texture is added to the grains to give it a distinct feel of a character flooring.
Resiliency
Stone and SPC flooring can also be waterproof, just like WPC. However, the thing that many people do not say about those flooring options is that they can be uncomfortable on your joints and feet when standing on for longer durations causing long-term damage. WPC vinyl flooring is much more resilient and forgiving to your feet. This means that it is a lot more comfortable and easier on your joints and provides added health benefits.
Maintenance
Some floors need a lot of maintenance to keep their appearance. With WPC, all that’s needed is to vacuum occasionally and to spray mop regularly. That is it. If you have pets, then of course you will need to vacuum more often. It is much more forgiving on stains as well, because of the top layer. Stains are not able to set in and become permanent, so even if you come home hours later after the dog knocks something off a table, you will still be able to get it back to its original condition.
When you are thinking of flooring options, WPC vinyl has become a go-to option for consumers everywhere.
Since 2003, Unique Wood Floors has served home and business owners in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area. Contact our company online or by phone, or visit one of our two Twin Cities showrooms in Bloomington & Hopkins. We are looking forward to hearing from you!