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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about flooring.

 

Because we know choosing a new floor is a big investment. Partnering with a new distributor can be scary. And you want to make the right decision. Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions our Pacific Interiors clients have.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

LVP, is Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. It is made of compressed layers of vinyl with a high-quality resolution image overlay. These mages can mimic wood, stone, tile, and various other materials. LVP is significantly more flexible than WPC and SPC, and can be both water proof or 100% water resistant depending on the finish. WPC vinyl means wood-plastic composite vinyl flooring. Also known as waterproof core vinyl flooring. WPC vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. WPC is also referred to as engineered vinyl flooring. SPC means stone-plastic composite or stone-polymer composite. SPC is also referred to as Rigid Core luxury vinyl flooring. The stone-plastic composite core in this luxury vinyl is ultra-dense. It is also known as engineered vinyl flooring. SPC is also 100% waterproof.

When you are looking to put flooring in areas that are prone to get wet, such as a bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom, it is a good idea to consider flooring options that can hold up to water. Water damage can occur from water sitting on top of the floor (standing water), heavy moisture in the air, or water seeping from underneath such as in a basement. Our luxury vinyl floors are 100% waterproof.

First, LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank and LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. As the name implies, Luxury Vinyl Planks look like planks of hardwood floors; and Luxury Vinyl Tile looks like Tile (or natural stone). They are individual pieces of vinyl (not sheet vinyl), that interconnect so they look very similar to the real thing.

Absolutely! InstallingLuxury Vinyl Floors is simple and efficient. Many people DIY Luxury Vinyl Floors without any issue. At Pacific Interiors our Luxury Vinyl floors have a click-lock system, which is simple and easy to use. Theclick lock strategy provides excellent stability and a robust and rigid core that is extremely durable.

Vinyl is known as a resilient flooring option and has been designed to last for an incredibly long time. Luxury Vinyl flooringhas higherdurability and longer life expectancies than mostother flooring types. Wear layers, and protective backings provide excellent strength. Our high-quality selection of Luxury Vinyl flooring is also designed to have sound absorption, which helps to contributes to a quiet and peaceful space, and a softer/warmer underfoot feel.

Carpet

A good cushion is important, but keep in mind that you walk directly on the carpet, so you want carpet constructed to meet your needs and lifestyle. If you buy a cheaper carpet that does not meet your needs, you will have a cushion that feels great, but you may not be satisfied with the look or wear of your carpet. You know what they say? You get what you pay for.

All carpets should be professionally cleaned a minimum of every 9-12 months to maintain the warranty, their appearance, and improve indoor air quality.

New carpet is prone to chemical off gassing. It is a best practice to opt for lower VOC-emitting adhesive when installing, and letting the carpet air out first. Installing carpet in the spring, summer, and fall allows for you to open windows to help reduce the adhesive aroma.

Today, carpets are most commonly made in one of two ways – by weaving or tufting. Weaving involves using a loom, similar to the loom for weaving fabric, whereas tufting involves pulling fibres through a backing material. Woven carpets are typically of better quality than tufted carpets.

Tiles

Tiles are the number one choice of wall and floor covering in bathrooms because they are easy to clean, non-porous when glazed, mold resistant, and look incredible.

Yes. Tiles can be made of porcelain, ceramic, stone, marble, and vinyl. Porcelain tiles cost more than ceramic, but tend to be stronger, more durable, and better for higher traffic areas. At Pacific Interiors our porcelain tiles are available in larger than average sizes, up to two square feet! Real stone and marble tiles are much more expensive and more difficult to work with. They can also be porous and may need to be sealed. There are, however, some very realistic and well-designedvinyl tiles, that are much easier to install than traditional tiles and at a reduced price point.

Porcelain, ceramic, stone, and marble tiles must be installed on flat surfaces, or over time they crack and loosen. Self-leveling cement compounds can fix uneven floors, whereas walls can be filled or plastered if there are small holes or imperfections. For large issues, it may be necessary to re-hang new drywall. Tradition tiles also require grouting and sealing. Our professional Pacific Interior opinion: consult a professional to do your tiling.

Tiles are very strong and durable when properly installed. There’s a reason why ancient tiles and tile mosaics are often found in near-perfect condition.