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 that resemble real hardwood planks or tiles. Unlike sheet vinyl, LVP and LVT must be glued directly to the floor, making them ideal for commercial applications.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring consists of up to 75% limestone, giving it a denser core without foaming agents. This density enhances impact and dent resistance but may reduce comfort underfoot. SPC is suitable for both commercial and residential use.

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) features a vinyl top layer over a waterproof, foamed core, often with an attached pad. The foamed core adds comfort, quietness, and warmth compared to SPC. WPC is perfect for residential and light commercial settings.

Rigid Core Rigid Core refers to vinyl products with a stiff or rigid core, such as WPC and SPC. These products typically click together and float over the subfloor, making them easy to install. LVP and LVT do not fall into this category due to their flexibility.

TILE

COF (Coefficient of Friction) COF measures the slipperiness of a surface. Ratings are:

• Slip Resistant: COF of 0.60 or greater (wet), meeting ADA and OSHA standards.
• Conditionally Slip Resistant: COF of 0.50 to 0.59 (wet), meeting OSHA standards.
• Questionable: COF less than 0.50.

PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Rating PEI ratings determine tile durability:

• PEI 0: Wall tiles only, not suitable for floors.
• PEI 1: Light-use areas with soft footwear, like bedrooms and bathrooms.
• PEI 2: Light-traffic areas, excluding kitchens and entrances.
• PEI 3: Light to moderate traffic areas, including kitchens and hallways.
• PEI 4: Moderate to heavy traffic areas, suitable for residential, medium commercial, and light institutional use.
• PEI 5: Heavy to extra heavy traffic, appropriate for all residential, heavy commercial, industrial, and institutional spaces.

Water Absorption Rate

• Non-vitreous (Low Density): Water absorption over 7%.
• Semi-vitreous (Medium Density): Water absorption between 3% and 7%.
• Vitreous (High Density): Water absorption between 0.5% and 3%.
• Impervious (Extremely Dense): Water absorption of 0.5% or less, typical for porcelain tiles.