What Is Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring

Why Use Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring?

 

Are you trying to decide which flooring will work best for your home? If you prioritize superior performance for an attractive price, then rigid vinyl plank (RVP) flooring might be an excellent option for you. Generally, vinyl is well-known for its waterproof properties, dent resistance, and ease of installation. RVP enhances these features and combines them with a few other benefits that make it a stand-out option for many homeowners.

For instance, RVP flooring offers easy click-lock installation that simplifies the process for DIY experts and makes it manageable for beginners. Additionally, the strong, stone polymer composite (SPC) core offers incredible stability and dent resistance, even in the busiest areas of your home. Let's take a closer look at what modern RVP flooring has to offer.

 

The Rigid Vinyl Difference

First, it's important to understand that there are two main categories of vinyl flooring: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and rigid vinyl plank (RVP). They're both stylish, hard-wearing, and affordable flooring choices. They also offer superior resistance to normal wear and staining and are straightforward to keep clean and maintain.

However, RVP offers a few extra advantages that could make it the better option for you, depending on your project. First, while both LVP and RVP offer many colors and styles that mimic the look of wood or tile flooring, RVP's wider range of available textures gives you even more opportunity to find the perfect match for your décor. But perhaps the most substantial benefit of rigid vinyl plank is its construction. These planks have a stone-based polymer composite (SPC) core which makes them both more resistant to denting from accidental knocks or heavy furniture, and more effective at hiding any subfloor imperfections. This stable core also gives RVP an advantage in areas that experience the heat of direct sunlight or contrasting seasonal temperatures. Meanwhile, LVP's PVC-based core is generally a more economical option with additional flex in each plank.

The Benefits of Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring

RVP flooring is well equipped to bring eye-catching and functional charm to your bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, or mudroom. In addition to its other benefits, rigid core vinyl flooring can still be an affordable option for your home. Here are a few reasons why you might choose rigid core vinyl flooring:

 

Waterproof Planks

A primary reason homeowners choose rigid vinyl plank flooring is that it withstands the typical spills and splashes that the average household faces—especially where there are kids and pets. Accidental drops of moisture on your floor aren't anything to worry about with vinyl flooring in general, and rigid vinyl planks are no exception.

 

 

Versatile Styling

You'll have plenty of options when choosing between rigid core luxury vinyl plank styles. In fact, this type of flooring offers some of the most realistic textures that emulate genuine hardwood or stone when installed. Do you want an upscale look in your modern bathroom? Try wide-plank travertine RVP flooring. Or, fit your flooring into your living room's traditional look with wood-look vinyl plank. Choose free samples of a couple of different options to see what works best in your space.

 

Helps Hide Imperfections

It's not uncommon for the subfloors in homes to have minor imperfections. However, these can pose a challenge when you're laying new flooring. Fortunately, as the name suggests, rigid vinyl planks have less flexibility than other vinyl planks, which helps them sit firm without as much contouring to the subfloor. Additionally, some RVP flooring includes a pre-attached pad. Not only can this extra insulating layer help reduce unwanted sound, but it can also help hide imperfections in the subfloor. So, even if your subfloor has minor flaws, you could still enjoy high-performance and attractive new flooring when you choose RVP flooring. For best results, you could even consider installing an extra layer of underlayment or padding.

 

Budget-Friendly

Most vinyl flooring is available at a lower price point than typical hardwood or stone flooring. Although RVP flooring typically costs more than LVP, it could be worth the extra expense if you need an extra degree of resilience. Plus, many options include attached pads to keep your overall costs down.

 

Easy to Maintain

You want to be able to enjoy your new flooring without needing to spend hours cleaning and maintaining it. A rigid core vinyl floor lets homeowners do just that, with its nearly effortless maintenance. You'll have time to mop up any kitchen spills or bathroom splashes, knowing that RVP's waterproof technology will help to keep your floor protected. These waterproof properties also mean you can wet-mop your floor whenever you need a deeper clean. Otherwise, keep the boards clean with regular vacuuming and our specially developed Bellawood Floor Care Maintenance Kit, which includes everything you need for quick and convenient floor refreshing.

 

LL Flooring's Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Options

Explore LL Flooring's rigid vinyl planks and see the variety of colors, styles, and patterns this type of flooring offers. In addition to planks that mimic authentic hardwood patterns and colors, you can choose from flooring with the ever-popular marble or stone-look. Go as rustic or as modern as you'd like, as our options includes rich brown hues, bright, crisp whites, and every shade of gray or blonde in between.

 

 

Rigid core vinyl floor planks can give any room a design upgrade, but their resilience is what sets them apart. This flooring can be an excellent addition to your bathroom, entryway, kitchen, or other high-traffic and water-prone areas. Why not install it across multiple rooms to unite your interior design? Shop our vinyl flooring selection today to add long-lasting reliability and beauty to your home.