8 Types of Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring is a category of flooring materials that are designed to be durable, versatile, and low-maintenance, while offering comfort underfoot and resistance to wear and tear. This type of flooring is known for its ability to bounce back and withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for commercial and residential settings alike. Its characteristics include a flexible yet durable composition and the capacity to absorb impact, thus maintaining its original form and appearance even after years of use.

There are several types of resilient flooring available in the market, each with its own unique set of features, benefits, and applications. Common examples include vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and cork flooring. Homeowners and commercial property owners can choose from these options based on factors such as budget, aesthetic preferences, and specific performance requirements.

When deciding on the right resilient flooring for a space, it’s essential to consider attributes such as ease of installation, water resistance, environmental impact, and overall cost of purchase and maintenance. By understanding these factors, one can make an informed decision on the most suitable type of resilient flooring to meet their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a lasting and functional surface.

1. Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Planks

Rigid core luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are a type of resilient flooring known for their durability and ability to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone. This type of flooring offers homeowners a high-performing, low-maintenance option that is suitable for various spaces throughout their home.

Rigid core LVP is composed of multiple layers, including a wear layer on top for added protection against scratches and spills. The core layer, which is the key differentiating factor between LVP and traditional luxury vinyl flooring, is typically made from a blend of limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and stabilizers. This combination creates a denser, more stable core that resists expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

Rigid core LVP is ideal for high-traffic areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, where durability is essential. This flooring type is also suitable for commercial spaces due to its wear-resistant properties. Installation of LVP is generally easier and more cost-effective than natural materials, as it can be floated or glued down on various subfloor types without requiring additional underlayment. The cost of rigid core luxury vinyl planks ranges depending on the brand, design, and thickness, but overall, it’s known for being an affordable, attractive option for many homeowners and businesses.

2. Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Tile

Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a type of resilient flooring known for its durability and realistic appearance. It is constructed with a rigid core layer that provides excellent dimensional stability, making it suitable for various environments, including high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.

The materials used in Rigid Core LVT typically consist of a blend of vinyl and limestone powder, forming a dense and stable core. This core is then covered by a high-resolution digital image layer, capturing the look of natural materials, such as wood or stone, and is topped with a protective wear layer for added scratch and stain resistance.

Rigid Core LVT is best suited for residential and commercial applications, as it is easy to install and adapts well to various subfloor conditions. Its floating installation system allows for minimal subfloor preparation and rapid installation, reducing labor costs. In general, Rigid Core LVT is considered an affordable flooring option, with cost varying depending on brand and product line.

3. Flexible Luxury Vinyl Planks

Flexible luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are a popular choice among resilient flooring options due to their durability, realistic appearance, and relatively low cost. They are made to mimic the look and texture of natural wood, stone, or ceramic tiles, providing an elegant yet practical flooring solution. LVP is designed with a multi-layer composition, offering a stable and reliable surface underfoot.

The materials used in the construction of flexible luxury vinyl planks typically include a core layer of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) for strength and flexibility, followed by a design layer that provides the realistic visuals. A high-quality wear layer is then applied on the surface to ensure resistance to scratches and wear. These layers work together to create a flooring option with notable resilience and longevity.

Flexible luxury vinyl planks are best suited for residential or commercial spaces that require a visually appealing and hard-wearing flooring solution. They can be installed using a glue-down or floating method, depending on the specific product and subfloor requirements. The cost of LVP ranges from moderately affordable to high-end, with factors such as thickness, wear layer quality, and manufacturing origin playing a role in price differentiation.

4. Flexible Luxury Vinyl Tile

Flexible Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a type of resilient flooring that combines the durability and ease of maintenance of traditional vinyl flooring with the aesthetics and luxury of hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles. This versatile flooring option offers a realistic look and feel of various natural materials while providing enhanced comfort underfoot, water resistance, and exceptional wear resistance.

The primary materials used in the production of Flexible LVT include PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resins, plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, and a protective wear layer that can be reinforced with fiberglass or other materials. These components work together to create planks or tiles with remarkable stability, flexibility, and realistic surface designs. Some products also feature an additional acoustic backing to reduce noise transmission.

Flexible Luxury Vinyl Tile is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, and healthcare spaces. The installation process can involve either floating, glue-down, or loose-lay methods, depending on the product’s design and specific requirements of the project. The cost of LVT varies depending on the quality, features, and style, but it is generally considered a highly cost-effective option when compared to traditional hardwood or ceramic tile options. Its long-lasting performance, low maintenance, and vast selection of designs make it an attractive and efficient choice for many projects.

5. Sheet Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl flooring is a popular and versatile choice for residential and commercial applications. It is composed of multiple layers, including a printed design layer and a clear protective layer on top. This flooring option is known for its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance.

Materials used in sheet vinyl flooring typically include PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as the primary material, giving it flexibility and resilience. To create the design layer, digital printing or rotogravure printing techniques are utilized. In some cases, additional layers like backing materials or fiberglass layers may provide extra support and stability.

Sheet vinyl flooring is best suited for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and retail spaces. It is available in various installation methods, including loose lay, glue down, and click lock, allowing for implementation according to preference or space requirements. The cost efficiency of sheet vinyl makes it an attractive choice for those on a budget, as it offers a stylish and durable flooring solution without breaking the bank.

6. Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT)

Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) is a resilient flooring option made from a combination of vinyl resins, mineral fillers, and pigments. This type of flooring is popular due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and vast range of design possibilities. VCT is widely used in commercial spaces such as schools, hospitals, and retail stores as well as in residential settings.

The materials used in the production of VCT include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, limestone, plasticizers, stabilizers, and color pigments. These components are mixed and heated, then pressed into tiles through a process called calendaring. The result is a tough, long-lasting flooring material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist stains, scratches, and moisture.

VCT is best suited for areas with high foot traffic and where low maintenance is desired. It can be installed using either glue-down or peel-and-stick methods. The cost of VCT is generally lower than other resilient flooring options, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, it is essential to consider factors such as installation costs, maintenance requirements, and long-term durability when selecting the most suitable type of flooring for a particular space.

7. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is an eco-friendly and sustainable option made from the bark of the cork oak tree, without causing harm to the tree. This type of resilient flooring offers a soft, cushioned feel underfoot, making it comfortable to walk on. Known for its excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties, cork flooring also provides a natural resistance to mold, mildew, and insects.

The primary materials used in cork flooring production are cork granules and a binding agent, typically a water-based or solvent-based adhesive. The manufacturing process involves grinding the cork bark into granules, mixing them with the adhesive, and compressing the mixture into sheets or blocks. These sheets or blocks are then cut into the desired flooring dimensions, such as tiles or planks.

Cork flooring is best suited for residential and light commercial settings, including living rooms, bedrooms, and office spaces. Easy-to-install, it is available in a variety of installation methods, such as glue-down, floating, and click-lock systems. The cost of cork flooring ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot, depending on the quality, thickness, and finish of the product. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and environmentally responsible nature make it an attractive option for conscious consumers.

8. Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is a durable and eco-friendly flooring option made from natural materials. It gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a versatile and resilient choice for both residential and commercial spaces. Today, it remains an attractive option for those seeking a sustainable and long-lasting flooring solution.

The materials used in linoleum flooring predominantly consist of linseed oil, wood or cork powder, limestone dust, and natural pigments. These components are combined on a backing made of jute or another similar material. The result is a product that is renewable and biodegradable, contributing to a reduced environmental impact over its lifespan.

Linoleum flooring is best suited for areas subject to moderate foot traffic, such as kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. It is suitable for both glue-down and floating installation methods, depending on the specific product chosen. The cost of linoleum flooring varies depending on the quality and design but is generally considered to be an affordable option within the resilient flooring category.

9. Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is a durable, resilient, and versatile flooring material made from natural or synthetic rubber. It is known for its impressive qualities such as slip resistance, shock absorption, and noise reduction, making it a popular choice for various commercial and residential applications.

The materials used in rubber flooring can either be natural rubber, which is obtained from the sap of rubber trees, or synthetic rubber, which is derived from petroleum-based products. Natural rubber offers better elasticity, while synthetic rubber is known for its resistance to oil, grease, and chemicals. These materials can be combined with various additives and color pigments to create a wide range of rubber flooring designs and styles.

Rubber flooring is best suited for high-traffic areas, gyms, playgrounds, and other spaces where safety and durability are crucial. It can be installed using various methods, such as interlocking tiles, rolled sheets, or glue-down installations. The cost of rubber flooring varies depending on factors like material quality, thickness, and installation method. Generally, rubber flooring is considered a cost-effective option in the long run due to its low maintenance requirements and longevity.

Pros and Cons of Resilient Flooring

Advantages

Resilient flooring offers a variety of advantages that make it a popular choice for many homeowners and commercial property owners.

• Durability: Resilient flooring materials, such as vinyl, linoleum, and rubber, are known for their long-lasting durability. They withstand heavy foot traffic, resist stains, and are relatively easy to maintain.
• Comfort: Resilient floors provide a comfortable walking surface, as they are more forgiving on the joints and feet compared to harder materials like ceramic or stone.
• Affordability: Compared to other types of flooring, resilient floors are often more cost-effective, especially when considering their longevity and low maintenance requirements.
• Water-resistance: Most resilient flooring materials, such as vinyl or rubber, are highly resistant to water and moisture, making them suitable for areas prone to spills or high humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Easy installation: Many resilient flooring options come in easy-to-install forms, such as tiles or planks, enabling DIY installation and reducing professional installation costs.

Disadvantages

Despite the advantages, resilient flooring also has some drawbacks that should be taken into account before deciding on this type of flooring.

• Environmental concerns: Some of the materials, such as vinyl, are made from non-renewable resources and may release harmful chemicals during production or disposal. However, there are eco-friendly options like linoleum, which is made from natural and renewable materials.
• Scratches and dents: While resilient flooring is durable, it can be prone to scratches and dents, especially from heavy furniture or appliances.
• Limited design options: Although there is a wide range of colors and patterns available, the design options for resilient flooring may not be as extensive as other flooring types, such as hardwood or ceramic tiles.
• Susceptibility to fading: Some resilient flooring materials may fade or discolor over time, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight, which can affect the flooring’s overall appearance.

In summary, resilient flooring has a range of advantages and disadvantages. The key is to carefully consider the specific needs and preferences of the property and weigh these factors to determine if resilient flooring is the best choice for the project.

Resilient Vinyl Flooring vs Laminate

Resilient vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are popular options for homeowners and commercial spaces due to their durability, affordability, and wide range of styles. Both options have their unique advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering when deciding on the perfect flooring solution.

Resilient Vinyl Flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials and includes multiple layers, such as the base layer, design layer, and wear layer. This flooring type is known for its water resistance, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It is also versatile in design, offering numerous colors, patterns, and textures to replicate the look of natural materials like wood and stone.

Some advantages of resilient vinyl flooring include:

• Water resistance
• Easy maintenance and cleaning
• Comfortable underfoot
• Affordable pricing

However, there are some drawbacks, which include:

• Potential off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Susceptibility to dents and scratches
• Not typically biodegradable

Laminate Flooring, on the other hand, consists of fiberboard core, a decorative layer, and a clear protective layer. It is engineered to resemble the appearance of wood, stone, and other materials. While it is not as water-resistant as vinyl, it is still relatively moisture-resistant and can be used in spaces without high exposure to water.

Advantages of laminate flooring include:

• Attractive and realistic designs
• Easy installation with click-lock systems
• Durability and resistance to scratches
• A more eco-friendly option

However, there are some disadvantages:

• Less water resistance compared to vinyl
• Can be noisier underfoot
• The need for a separate underlayment for added comfort

When comparing resilient vinyl flooring and laminate flooring, consider your specific needs, the location of the flooring, and your budget. Vinyl flooring may be better suited for moisture-prone areas, and laminate flooring may provide a more eco-friendly and realistic design. In the end, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preferences and priorities.