Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl Products FAQ
Q: What is SPC made of?
A: SPC flooring is made of several different layers:
Vinyl Top Coat – This is the top coating of the flooring. This waterproof layer is very thin and helps to protect the wear layer from scuffs and scratches.
Wear Layer – This transparent layer is stain-resistant and protects the film layer from scratches and wear from high traffic. It is underneath the top coat layer.
Vinyl/Film Layer - This layer shows the color style and design of the floor and comes in various patterns. Films often duplicate the natural look of hardwood as well as stone and tile.
SPC Core – The core is made of limestone powder and stabilizers to create a waterproof core that is dimensionally stable.
Attached Underlayment – Most SPC vinyl floors come with an attached underlayment pad that helps ease the installation process and improves sound reduction.
Q: What are the benefits of SPC flooring?
A: There are several benefits of SPC flooring:
Waterproof: SPC flooring is 100% waterproof and can be installed in a variety of spaces. For best performance, we recommend a temperature and humidity-controlled environment.
Stable: SPC flooring is more stable and can be installed in areas with changing environments and temperatures.
Stylish: SPC flooring offers a wide variety of up-to-date looks, textures, and styles.
DIY-Friendly: SPC flooring has a click-lock installation system that makes your installation quick and easy. There is no need for glue, staples, or nails when installing this flooring.
Comfortable: Due to the thickness of the plank and the attached underlayment, SPC flooring feels more comfortable than a traditional vinyl floor.
Quiet: SPC has a dense core and padded underlayment, which create a quieter sound when walking on the floor.
Affordable: SPC flooring is budget friendly. You will find a variety of pricing options depending on the brand and any additional features of the flooring.
Low Maintenance: Maintenance is easy with SPC. The planks can be cleaned by regularly sweeping and mopping with a vinyl-approved floor cleaner.
Q: What kind of carpet pad can I use for my new floor?
A: We do not recommend any specific carpet pads. However, make sure your padding is 100% virgin material, non-petroleum mix. Some recycled material contains old, dyed foam that can discolor wood or vinyl, if it sits on top for extended periods of time.
Q: Where can I find trim pieces to match AXISCOR Performance Flooring?
A: Visit Versatrim Moldings to find the right moldings and transition pieces for your space.
Q: Can I put vinyl flooring outdoors?
A: Vinyl flooring is not recommended for outdoor use. UV rays from the sun and constant changes in weather will damage the floor over time. Using vinyl flooring outdoors voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: Will pets’ nails scratch vinyl flooring?
A: Vinyl flooring has a protective wear layer that will help prevent scratches; however, no floor is 100% scratch proof. We recommend purchasing the thickest wear layer available and keeping pets’ nails trimmed on a regular basis to help lessen the number of scratches.
Q: Can I put vinyl flooring in my basement?
A: Waterproof vinyl flooring can be installed on any level of the home, including basements. If your subfloor is concrete, we recommend using a vapor barrier underneath your vinyl floor. This will prevent moisture from coming up through the concrete floor into your space.
Q: Can heavy appliances be placed directly on vinyl flooring?
A: Heavy appliances and heavy furniture can be placed on vinyl flooring; however, be sure to place pads or protectors underneath them to prevent scratching. For heavy appliances, use a non-staining large surface floor protector. For heavy furniture, felt furniture pads are the best products to use, as rubber can stain the vinyl flooring.
Q: Can cabinets be placed directly on vinyl flooring?
A: Vinyl flooring rests on subfloors which often expand and contract with temperature variations. Great Lakes Vinyl Flooring is a floating floor and needs to be able to move freely with the subfloor as the temperature changes seasonally. For this reason, Great Lakes Vinyl cannot be installed under cabinets or kitchen islands.
Q: Do I need a protector for a rolling desk chair on vinyl flooring?
A: Yes, the wheels on rolling desk chairs can cause scratching over time. We recommend that you purchase a flooring protector to place underneath any rolling desk chairs.
Q: Will vinyl flooring expand or contract?
A: Unless it is under extreme temperature conditions, vinyl flooring will not significantly expand or contract. At the same time, vinyl needs to be able to move with the subfloor and surrounding environment, which will shift and change with the seasons. Leave an expansion gap equal to the thickness of the flooring around all vertical obstructions and walls to allow for proper movement.
Q: What is IXPE pad?
A: IXPE (Irradiated Cross-Linked PolyEthelene) is the latest advancement in foam technology that is 100% waterproof and resistant to mildew, mold, rot, and bacteria. This closed-cell foam offers protection against moisture and absorbs shock, which is beneficial for sound control.
Q: What is the difference between WPC, LVF, and SPC?
A: WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite Vinyl Flooring / Waterproof Core Vinyl Flooring) is 100% waterproof and known in the industry as the top luxury vinyl flooring. It is sometimes called engineered vinyl flooring.
SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite / Stone-Polymer Composite) is also known as Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl flooring. It is a waterproof material that contains an ultra-dense stone plastic core for stability.
LVF (Luxury Vinyl Flooring) is the overall term for vinyl flooring. Both WPC & SPC fall under this category; however, in industry terminology, LVF is luxury vinyl flooring that is not waterproof and does not have a rigid core. LVF is usually installed with a glue down or interlocking method.
Q: What is LVP and LVT?
A: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks) indicates the shape of the vinyl floor. LVP is made in the shape of wood planks and often features a wood look.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) likewise indicates the shape. LVT is shaped in smaller, identically shaped tiles and often features a stone look.
Q: Are vinyl flooring and linoleum the same?
A: Vinyl flooring and linoleum are not the same. Linoleum is made of natural materials with anti-static and anti-microbial properties. It requires professional installation and needs to be sealed every year.
Vinyl flooring has three forms: sheet, plank, and tile. Each has multiple layers of construction for maximum stability and durability, and each form is DIY friendly.