what is the difference between rigid core and luxury vinyl plank

Rigid core is click-type plank vinyl flooring that doesn’t require any adhesives, and it’s quickly becoming the top choice for homeowners and business owners because of its many benefits. These budget-friendly options come in a wide range of styles and realistically mimic the looks of both hardwood and tile. They are 100% waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and easy to maintain. They’re also the easiest to install with its tongue and groove system and floating installation, so it’s perfect for DIY projects. In this article, we’ll compare the differences of rigid core vinyl and glue-down luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and why rigid core is perfect for residential and commercial applications.

WHAT IS RIGID CORE?

An improvement on traditional vinyl, rigid core is an engineered product with a rigid core construction for added stability, and because it’s a stone plastic composite plank, it has less flexibility than regular vinyl. It’s constructed of three to four layers, including the wear layer that protects the planks from scratches and stains, a thin layer of vinyl over the core, the strong rigid core that could be made from a wood or stone plastic composite core for added durability, and a not always included attached underlayment for extra cushion and sound absorption.

BENEFITS OF RIGID CORE 

It comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures to realistically mimic the looks of hardwood and natural stone tile. Vinyl flooring is known for its ability to be installed just about anywhere because of its water-resistant properties, but rigid core vinyl goes one step further offering products that are 100% waterproof. For those with messy kids and pets, you won’t have to worry about moisture or humidity ruining your planks or causing them to swell. The tongue and groove or click system makes it easy to install on your own.

RIGID CORE VS. GLUE-DOWN LVT

Rigid core products have a floating LVT installation method, which means that they float over the subfloor without any glue or vinyl floor adhesive tape. It becomes a very easy DIY project for many and could be installed in any room of the home but is more ideal for smaller areas since the floors could potentially lift or have vulnerable seams if in a large room. However, rigid core LVT is better suited for high-moisture subfloors like in a basement because a below-grade room could be constantly damp or become flooded.

Glue-down LVT, like its name states, is glued down to the subfloor using glue or double-faced acrylic tape. The key to installation is starting with a flat, even subfloor since any imperfections could show through and even cause damage to the underside of your LVT over time. Because it’s harder to work with, it’s recommended that a professional install glue-down LVT. It can also be installed anywhere in the house but may be more durable for larger rooms or areas with higher traffic since it’s attached to the subfloor. This also is a benefit for any rolling traffic, such as furniture on wheels or those with wheelchairs.

If for some reason a plank or portion of the flooring needs to be replaced, they’re both pretty easy to do. However, a floating rigid core product may be a little more complicated since the planks interlock with each other. This means that each tile or plank in its path will need to be removed before you can replace the damaged section. But, glue-down flooring is simpler because you can replace individual tiles or planks or put in a whole new floor by installing it on top of the old one.