WPC flooring stands for Wood Polymer (Plastic) Composite. These 100% waterproof engineered luxury vinyl planks and tiles are DIY-friendly, featuring an effortless interlocking system that can be installed over most existing subfloors. Subfloor flatness typically needs to be within 3/16” tolerance in a 10 foot span. Subfloors DO NOT have to be smooth since the WPC will be laying on top. WPC vinyl flooring is extraordinarily durable and known for its gorgeous, realistic aesthetic. Using advanced technologies, manufacturers are able to beautifully mimic the look and feel of natural wood and stone at a lower price point.
WPC waterproof flooring is typically comprised of 4 layers.*
*Can vary between manufacturers.
Backing Layer
This layer is typically cork or neoprene foam. Cork is a more dense option and will hold performance over a longer period of time. However either choice will provide many years of use. Most manufactures use the foam option to try and hold costs down.
WPC Core
WPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof WPC core. It won’t ripple, swell or peel no matter how much liquid you subject it to. Simple: a thicker plank is denser and will sound more solid. It’s going to feel sturdier, and more substantial beneath your feet, as well as covering up for a less-than-stellar subfloor imperfections. It will also provide more resiliency and durability, making it more comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time. All of our WPC vinyl flooring is relatively thick and definitely dense and durable enough for entire home use. If you’re trying to determine the best quality and longer durability, you’ll want to look more at the wear layer than plank thickness. Plank thickness typically ranges for WPC between 5 mm and 12 mm thick. The minimum thickness of any floating locking floor that we will sell at Honest Fred’s Flooring is 4 mm due to the fact that anything thinner will not likely stay together in normal typical home. VERY important to look at this number without the backing layer and make sure it is 4.0 mm at a minimum.
Printed Vinyl Layer
This is where you get your gorgeous photo imagery that makes the vinyl look (nearly) identical to natural materials like stone and wood. Often, WPC Vinyl Flooring is the highest quality vinyl on the market. This means you get the most realistic looks that people will swear are real wood/stone! This is a paper thin digital media product that is protected by the wear layer.
Wear Layer
Just like with traditional vinyl, the wear layer is what protects your protect and is the main reason why products last longer in the house. Wear layers are measured in mils and typically comes standard as 6 mil, 8 mil, 12 mil, 20 mil, and 30 mil. Honest Fred’s recommends a residential job having a minimum of 12 mil wear layer where a commercial job needs a minimum of 20 mil wear layer. The thicker the wear layer, the longer the product will last in your home. Wear layer is like your bodyguard; it helps protect your floor from dents, scratches, wear, etc. The thicker the wear layer, the stronger your bodyguard, you feel me? When you look at vinyl flooring, it’s just as (if not more) important to look at wear layer thickness as plank thickness.
Where can you put WPC flooring in your house?
The beauty of this type of flooring is that it can go ANYWHERE in the house. Bathrooms, kitchens, utilities, bedrooms, family rooms – there is not a room where this floor would not be a good choice to use. Because it is 100% waterproof – not just topically (like laminates), but the entire core whether is it cut or not is 100% waterproof. It is a no brainer for wet areas but also has the durability to perform in the high traffic areas of family rooms and hallways. Some manufacturers have even come out with one piece stair treads that you can put on your stairway system.
