What is rigid core flooring?
If you’re shopping for the best water-resistant flooring, this flooring should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a hybrid luxury flooring that includes the best attributes of different flooring types: waterproof, scratch-, stain- and dent-resistant, and quiet and comfortable.
It’s a smart choice for shoppers who want the look and feel of natural wood or stone, plus peace of mind that floors will hold up beautifully in high-traffic or high-moisture areas. Plus, this flooring comes in a huge variety of hardwood and stone-inspired designs, some with visuals and textures so realistic you’d believe it was the “real thing.”
What is the difference between rigid core and vinyl flooring?
Rigid core’s construction is similar to vinyl tile or luxury vinyl — a wear layer, image layer, resilient core and attached underlayment. Unlike typical vinyl planks that are more flexible, rigid core’s thick, sturdy boards allow for an easy floating-floor installation. Planks simply snap together instead of adhering to the subfloor.
This “rigid” construction also gives the floor another installation advantage: it can be placed over subfloors with minor irregularities without the risk of telegraphing (when markings appear on floors due to flexible boards being installed over uneven subfloors).
Is it durable?
Yes, it’s incredibly durable in a couple of important ways:
- 100% waterproof – Like luxury vinyl, it’s 100% waterproof, so planks won’t swell, buckle or lose integrity when exposed to water. Install it anywhere in your home!
- Scratch and stain resistant – The wear layer protects against everyday wear and is super easy to keep clean and maintain over time. Some products (PRYZM and Luxe Plank with Rigid Core) even have a commercial-grade wear layer to take on the toughest challenges. Think kids and pets.
- Dent resistant – The firm core provides superior resistance to things like pointy shoes, dropped objects and heavy furniture.
Many Armstrong Flooring rigid core products have a lifetime warranty for residential use, and we also offer products with 30-year warranties.
