What is Resilient Flooring?

Resilient flooring is a durable and versatile option for residential and commercial spaces. It is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist damage from daily wear and tear, making it a popular choice among homeowners and business owners alike.

There are various types of resilient flooring, including vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and cork. Each material offers its unique benefits and aesthetic appeal, catering to diverse preferences and functional requirements.

In summary, resilient flooring is a practical and stylish choice for a wide range of applications. With various materials available, homeowners and business owners can select the type of resilient flooring that best suits their needs and design preferences, creating comfortable and functional spaces.

What is Resilient Flooring?

Resilient flooring is a type of flooring that is made out of materials designed to be durable, flexible, and comfortable underfoot. This category of flooring includes several types of materials such as vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and cork. Not only is resilient flooring comfortable to walk on, it is also practical for areas subjected to high foot traffic or where moisture and spills are common.

What is Hybrid Resilient Flooring?

Hybrid resilient flooring is a recent innovation in the flooring industry, combining the best characteristics of multiple types of resilient flooring materials. This type of flooring typically has a rigid core made from a mixture of materials, such as stone plastic composite (SPC) or wood plastic composite (WPC). This core provides the flooring with extra stability and strength, making it even more resistant to damage and wear. Hybrid resilient flooring often features a wear layer on top, which provides additional protection and makes the product more visually appealing.

What is Eco Resilient Flooring?

Eco resilient flooring refers to environmentally friendly, sustainable options within the resilient flooring category. These floors are constructed from materials that have a lower environmental impact, such as rapidly renewable resources or recycled content. Examples of eco resilient flooring options include:

• Cork: Harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without harming the tree, cork is a renewable and sustainable option. It has excellent thermal insulation, noise reduction, and comfort properties.
• Linoleum: Made from natural materials like linseed oil, wood flour, and jute, linoleum is biodegradable and has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
• Rubber: Recycled rubber flooring can be made from used tires, reducing waste and providing a durable, water-resistant surface suitable for various applications.

When selecting resilient flooring, it’s essential to consider factors like durability, comfort, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Both hybrid and eco resilient flooring options offer unique benefits that cater to different needs and preferences.

Types of Resilient Flooring

The aforementioned types of resilient flooring – vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and cork – are merely a few of the options available. Each type has its unique benefits and characteristics, making it suitable for different spaces and uses. To give you a more comprehensive understanding of your choices, we’ve prepared a detailed 8 types of resilient flooring to explore more.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice due to its durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. It comes in two forms: sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Both options provide resistance to stains, scratches, and moisture, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for versatile design possibilities.

Linoleum

Linoleum is a natural, eco-friendly resilient flooring option. Made from linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour, and cork or jute, linoleum is both biodegradable and recyclable. This material is known for its long-lasting durability, easy maintenance, and resistance to stains and scratches. Linoleum comes in various colors and patterns, providing design flexibility.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is a durable, slip-resistant, and cushioned option, making it an excellent choice for commercial settings and gyms. It is available in both tile and sheet form, with a variety of thicknesses and colors to suit various applications and aesthetic preferences. Rubber flooring also boasts excellent sound absorption and insulation properties, contributing to a more comfortable environment.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is environmentally friendly and comfortable underfoot due to its natural cushioning properties. Derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, this material is renewable and recyclable. In addition to its sustainability, cork flooring offers thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as natural resistance to mold and mildew. It is available in tiles or planks, with various colors, textures, and finishes to accommodate different design styles.

Selecting Resilient Flooring

When selecting resilient flooring, consider the following factors:

Room Type

Different rooms have specific flooring requirements. For kitchens and bathrooms, choose a water-resistant material like vinyl or linoleum. In high-traffic areas like hallways, durable options such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or rubber flooring are recommended. For children’s rooms, consider cushioned materials like cork or foam tiles to provide safety and comfort.

Budget

Budget plays a critical role in your flooring decision. Compare the material costs and maintenance requirements for each option.

Material	Price Range	Maintenance
Vinyl	$-$$	Low
Linoleum	$$	Low
Cork	$$-$$$	Moderate
Rubber	$$-$$$	Low

Installation Options

Resilient flooring offers various installation methods, depending on the material and room requirements:

• Glue down: Suitable for sheet vinyl or linoleum, this method involves applying adhesive directly to the subfloor. Ensure proper ventilation during installation and allow sufficient time for the adhesive to cure.
• Floating: A popular choice for LVT and cork, this method allows the flooring to “float” above the subfloor without the adhesive, making it easy to replace or update.
• Interlocking: Ideal for rubber or foam tiles, this method utilizes puzzle-like connections that fit together, providing easy installation and removal when needed.

When selecting resilient flooring, consider the specific needs of your room, budget, and installation preferences to make an informed decision.

What is Non-Resilient Flooring?

Non-resilient flooring refers to rigid and durable flooring materials that lack the flexibility and cushioning found in resilient flooring. These types of flooring are known for their longevity, strength, and resistance to wear and tear, making them suitable for high-traffic areas in both commercial and residential spaces. They may not provide the same comfort as resilient flooring, but they offer an elegant, timeless appearance and are highly sought after for their aesthetic qualities.

One primary example of non-resilient flooring is natural stone. Coming in various types such as granite, marble, slate, and limestone, natural stone flooring offers unmatched durability and elegance. Its resistance to moisture and scratches makes it a popular choice in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. However, natural stone can be expensive and may require specialized maintenance to retain its beauty.

Another example of non-resilient flooring is ceramic and porcelain tiles. These materials are created by molding clay, which is then fired at high temperatures to create a strong, rigid surface. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are known for their water and stain resistance, making them ideal for use in wet areas and outdoor spaces. They are available in an array of designs, colors, and textures to complement various interior styles.

Hardwood flooring is also a common non-resilient option, valued for its warmth and natural beauty. Made from timber planks, hardwood flooring can be found in numerous species such as oak, maple, walnut, and cherry. Besides its aesthetic appeal, hardwood floors are known for their durability and can last for generations if properly maintained. However, they are more prone to scratching and damage from moisture than other non-resilient flooring types.

Lastly, concrete is another non-resilient flooring option that has gained popularity for its industrial and contemporary appeal. Concrete, a mix of cement, sand, and water, can be poured and styled to create a sleek or rustic appearance. This type of flooring is exceptionally durable and easy to maintain, although it can be quite cold and hard underfoot.

In summary, non-resilient flooring materials such as natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, hardwood, and concrete offer unique advantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, and resistance to wear. Although they may not provide the same level of comfort as resilient flooring, their enduring appeal and practicality make them a popular choice for various applications.