Resilient FAQs

Check out our Resilient FAQs for simple answers to your questions about resilient flooring.

Q. What is the difference between resilient and vinyl flooring?
A. Resilient and vinyl flooring are the same. They are simply different terms used to describe the same type of flooring.

Q. Where Can Resilient Vinyl Be Installed?
A. You can install vinyl anywhere in your home because of its superior water resistance and durable construction. It is suitable for kitchens, baths, entryways, basements, mudrooms, laundry rooms and more.

Q. Is Resilient Vinyl Hard to Maintain?
A. Resilient vinyl requires only regular sweeping and damp mopping to keep it looking its best. Spills clean up very easily with a damp cloth, even if you neglect to get to them right away.

Q. Which is Better, Laminate or Resilient Vinyl?
A. Laminate floors are stiffer than resilient vinyl because they are made with a hard wood core, so laminates hide imperfections in the subfloor better. They also have a harder wear layer, so laminates resist scratching and denting better than vinyl. The wood core makes laminates more vulnerable to damage from water and other liquid spills than vinyl, however. Because vinyl is made completely of vinyl, which is water resistant, it will not cup or warp when exposed to water.

Q. How Can I Choose the Best Resilient Vinyl for My Specific Situation?
A. The biggest variable to consider when choosing resilient vinyl is the thickness, and it will pay you to invest in the thickest vinyl floor you can afford. The very thickest grades of vinyl offer the substance and durability of laminates without the vulnerability to water. They also offer dimensional detailing that can mimic hardwood and ceramic very well. Thicker vinyl’s will also do a better job of hiding seams and other surface imperfections in the subfloor.

Q. Is Resilient Vinyl Good for Households with Children and Pets?
A. Resilient vinyl is an excellent choice for homes with pets and children because it is so easy to clean and resists stains. It will hold up in muddy entryways and in kitchens where frequent messes occur. It requires little care once it’s installed, making it a forgiving floor that’s easy to live with. Vinyl is also relatively soft and sound absorbent, providing a comfortable surface for playing and helping to quiet the chaos in your home.

Q. What Type of Mat Can I Place on My Resilient Floor?
A. To prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, and driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor we highly recommend that you place a doormat outside each entrance to your home. Use non-staining mats on your floor. Do not put latex-backed or coco-fiber mats on your floor because they will stain or damage the surface.