Multilayer Flooring in the Spotlight

Courtesy of The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)

Luxury vinyl flooring is rapidly growing and remains a top choice for homeowners today. Despite its many benefits, its composition and construction continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, making it one of the most popular and versatile product categories in the floor covering industry. As a result, various categories of vinyl flooring have emerged, referred to as acronyms, such as LVT, LVP, WPC, SPC, and MLF. Although it can be confusing, hopefully we can help you understand the fundamental differences in product construction and performance so you can select the right solution for our home and your lifestyle. Regardless of the name, luxury vinyl’s stunning visuals and real-life designs combine with powerful performance to create an unbeatable high-end floor.

What is MLF?

As the name suggests, multilayer flooring is composed of multiple layers to form one flooring material. This family of LVT products has a rigid core and has two subcategories within the multilayer flooring family: WPC and SPC. Homeowners love MLF because it is waterproof/water-resistant and has design versatility, affordability, and ease of care and maintenance.

Luxury vinyl flooring is rapidly growing and remains a top choice for home- owners today. VINYL

Sheet Vinyl, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Composite Tile

Flexible LVT

Luxury Vinyl Tile

Rigid Core

Rigid Core

SPC WPC

What is LVT/LVP?

Luxury vinyl is often referred to as LVT or LVP, depending on whether it is in tile or plank format. It is an innovative, upgraded vinyl product that features a heavier vinyl substrate that provides increased dimensional stability, is water-resistant and sometimes waterproof, and lends itself to deeper embossing and better visuals that mimic the look of real wood, ceramic, or stone flooring while still being affordable.

Luxury vinyl gets its performance from a solid vinyl core, backing, and a superior wear layer. LVT is usually installed fully adhered to the subfloor, although some offer floating floor installation. However, vinyl flooring materials have a “drape,” which means they will conform to the surface they are applied to, and any irregularities in the subfloor will telegraph through.

Perhaps the most popular vinyl plank flooring product on the market today is rigid core luxury vinyl flooring. Comprised a more solid or “rigid” polymer core for added durability, Rigid Core can be WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite, or Wood-Polymer Core) or SPC (Stone-Polymer Core). While most frequently designed to look like traditional hardwood flooring, the first letter — “W” or “S” — refers to the composition of the core layer alone.

What is WPC?

WPC or Wood Plastic Composite flooring was developed to reduce LVT telegraphing and floor prep. Rigid core vinyl flooring material construction includes a foaming agent, creating air pockets in the core that function as heat and sound insulators for ultimate comfort underfoot and noise mitigation.

What is SPC?

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite or Solid Polymer Core) vinyl flooring is an upgraded version of engineered vinyl flooring. Because SPC’s core comprises limestone, polyvinyl chloride, and plasticizers, it offers even greater dimensional stability than WPC, making it ideal for large spaces with high-temperature fluctuations — such as sunrooms and foyers — and areas where cabinets, appliances, and islands will be set upon the floor. This core also gives it superior dent resistance and often features enhanced wear layers to protect against scuffs and staining. ■

Which Option is best for You?

Fade Resistance

Wear Resistance

Stain Resistance

Dent Resistance

Scratch Resistance

Moisture Resistance

Care WPC

Moderate

High

Moderate

Moderate

High

High

Easy SPC

Moderate

High

Moderate

High

High

High

Easy LVT

Moderate

High

Moderate

Low

Moderate

High

Easy

Beautiful Flooring

Begins with the WFCA

Our retail members abide by a code of conduct focused on integrity, trust and a high quality experience for customers. So, when it comes to a WFCA retailer, a quality customer service experience is not just a guarantee, it’s a requirement.

Our thousands of WFCA retail members display our seal of recognition on their front doors. You can fi nd your local WFCA Retailer through the only unbiased resource in the industry, The World Floor Covering Association.

Visit wfca.org and learn everything you need to know before you buy, learn how to care for and clean your fl ooring and get connected with a qualifi ed WFCA retailer near you. Wfca.org. Your search for beautiful fl ooring begins here. 6 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.comPhoto courtesy of Mannington Mills, Inc.