Glossary / Key Terms to Know
WATERPROOF FLOORS
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are individual pieces of vinyl (note sheet vinyl) so they look like real hardwood planks or tile. Single LVP and LVT need to be glued directly to the floor, this type of flooring is usually specified for commercial applications.
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
Stone Plastic Composite. SPC is up to 75% limestone with no foaming agents added to the core, making it denser than WPC. The higher density provides better impact and dent resistance but at the expense of comfort under foot. SPC is an excellent choice for commercial applications as well as residential applications.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)
Wood Plastic Composite. WPC is composed of a vinyl top layer applied to a waterproof, foamed core and usually has a pad attached. Foamed cores (adding air to the core) are more comfortable under foot, quieter and warmer than SPC. WPC is perfect for residential and light commercial settings.
Rigid Core
Rigid Core is simply an industry term for any type of vinyl product that has a stiff/rigid core such as WPC and SPC. Virtually all rigid core products are click together, floating type products that are easy to install. LVP and LVT do not fall in this category because they are flimsy and bendable.
TILE
COF
Coefficient of friction, or COF, is an objective standard of rating the slipperiness of an item.
- Slip Resistant: COF is equal to 0.60 or greater (wet). Meets or exceeds general safety and health regulations, as well as ADA and OSHA requirements.
- Conditionally Slip Resistant: COF is 0.50 to 0.59 (wet). Meets or exceeds general safety and health regulations, as well as OSHA requirements.
- Questionable: COF is less than 0.50.
PEI
PEI is a rating used to determine the placement and use of tiles. The ratings are as follows:
- PEI 0: Wall tiles only. Not suitable for floors
- PEI 1: Tile for use on extremely light-use areas using only soft footwear (bedrooms and bathrooms without direct access from exterior areas of the home)
- PEI 2: Tile for use on light-traffic areas with normal or soft footwear, besides the kitchen, entrances and other areas with higher traffic
- PEI 3: Tile for use on light to moderate used areas. Ex.) kitchen, entryway, hallways and balconies
- PEI 4: Tile for us on moderate to heavy traffic. This tile can be used anywhere residentially, in medium commercial settings and light institutions, such as hotels, offices, commercial kitchens or foyers.
- PEI 5: Tile for us on heavy to extra heavy traffic for all residential, heavy commercial, industrial and institutional spaces. Ex) stores, schools, shops, airport concourses, hotel floors and public walkways
Water Absorption Rate
- Non-vitreous (Low density) – Tile with water absorption of more than 7%
- Semi-vitreous (Medium density) – Tile with water absorption of more than 3%, but not more than 7%
- Vitreous (High Density) – Tile with water absorption of more than 0.5%, but not more than 3%
- Impervious (Extremely dense) – Tile with water absorption of 0.5% or less. This is where porcelain tile is generally categorized.
Shade Variation