Glossary
Get familiar with the terms! We’ve created this glossary to help explain any flooring terminology that might be new to you, ensuring that all the features and advantages of Infinity Flooring are easy to understand.
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100% Virgin Vinyl
High-quality vinyl flooring made from pure materials, ensuring durability, flexibility, and ease of installation. This type of flooring offers a premium Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) option with advanced technology for long-lasting performance.
A
Acclimation
A critical step in flooring installation, acclimation allows materials to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity before installation. This ensures the flooring’s stability over time, preventing unwanted expansion or contraction.
Acoustical Cushion
A foam underlayment that comes pre-attached to flooring planks, offering sound-dampening benefits and extra cushioning. Its built-in design simplifies installation while improving sound absorption.
Aluminum Oxide
A durable ceramic coating applied to the surface of flooring for increased scratch resistance, durability, and UV protection. This ensures your floors remain resilient against everyday wear and tear.
Angle/Angle
A click-lock technology where flooring planks are angled and locked into place for a tight, secure fit. This installation method provides stability and ease for DIY or professional installers.
Antimicrobial
Flooring treated with antimicrobial materials that resist the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on the surface. This ensures a cleaner, healthier environment..
ASTM F1869
A standard test used to measure the Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) of concrete slabs. It is crucial for determining if the surface is ready for flooring installation.
ASTM F2170
A standard test that measures the moisture content within a concrete slab. This helps determine whether the concrete is suitable for flooring installation.
C
Calcium Chloride Moisture Test
This test, also known as ASTM F1869, measures moisture vapor emission in concrete slabs, ensuring proper moisture levels before installing flooring.
Ceramic Bead
An additive in flooring finishes that enhances surface hardness and durability, while providing a slip-resistant texture for safer flooring.
Click Lock/Floating
An installation method where flooring planks are locked together without being glued to the subfloor. This creates a floating floor that can be installed over various surfaces.
D
Drop/Lock
An advanced locking system in flooring installation where planks interlock using click profiles and tongue-and-groove connections, creating a secure, stable fit.
E
EIR Embossing
A process that gives flooring a realistic 3D texture by aligning the embossed surface with the printed design. This adds depth and visual appeal, mimicking the natural look of wood or stone.
End Cap
A finishing trim used to close off the edge of a flooring installation, particularly where the flooring meets a wall or another fixed surface.
Enhanced UV Polyurethane
A clear finish cured with UV light, offering superior protection against wear and tear. This treatment ensures flooring maintains its appearance longer by resisting scratches and daily use.
EVA Pad
An underlayment attached to Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring that provides cushioning, sound-dampening, and moisture resistance. It enhances comfort and improves overall floor durability.
Expansion Space
The gap left between the flooring and walls or objects to allow for natural movement due to temperature and humidity fluctuations. This prevents the flooring from buckling or warping.
F
Fiberglass Layer
An added layer in vinyl flooring that enhances dimensional stability, making it more durable and resistant to impacts and everyday use.
FloorScore
A certification program that tests and certifies flooring products for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring they contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
G
Glue Down
A method of flooring installation where planks are adhered directly to the subfloor using adhesive. This provides a stable, long-lasting fit.
GREENGUARD Gold
A certification program that ensures flooring products meet strict standards for low chemical emissions, making them safe for use in sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities.
I
IXPE Pad
A high-density foam underlayment that provides sound-dampening, moisture resistance, and durability. It's often used in high-traffic areas for additional comfort and noise reduction.
L
Loose Lay
A flooring installation method where planks or tiles are laid loosely on the subfloor without being fastened, relying on a high-friction backing to prevent movement. Adhesive may be used in high-traffic areas for extra security.
M
Micro Bevel
A subtle beveled edge on flooring planks that creates a seamless, sophisticated look. It adds a small detail that mimics the appearance of natural wood floors.
Mil
A unit of measurement for the thickness of a flooring’s wear layer, typically used to gauge durability. One mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch.
MM
A millimeter-based measurement of the thickness of flooring planks, which affects both sound insulation and the ability to cover imperfections in the subfloor.
P
Painted Bevel
A design feature where the edges of flooring planks are painted, adding a defined, contrasting look to highlight design elements.
R
Reducer
A type of molding used to transition between floors of different heights, providing a smooth and gradual height difference between surfaces.
RH (Relative Humidity)
The amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature, an important factor in flooring installations to avoid moisture-related damage.
S
SPC
Stone Polymer Composite flooring is highly durable and features a stone composite core that provides added strength and stability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Square Edge
An edge profile where the planks’ edges are straight and flush, creating a smooth, seamless look when installed.
Substrate
The underlying surface where flooring is installed. Proper substrate preparation is crucial for a successful flooring installation.
T
T-Molding
A molding used to transition between two flooring surfaces of the same height, commonly placed in doorways.
U
Underlayment
A layer of material installed beneath the flooring to provide cushioning, sound-dampening, moisture protection, and insulation.
Unipush
A unique click-lock flooring installation technology that features a strong, secure locking system for a tight fit between planks.
Urethane
A protective coating applied to flooring for enhanced durability and scratch resistance, available in both glossy and matte finishes.
W
Wear Layer
A subtle beveled edge on flooring planks that creates a seamless, sophisticated look. It adds a small detail that mimics the appearance of natural wood floors.
WPC
Wood Polymer Composite flooring, known for its strength, stability, and sound-absorbing properties, offering comfort and durability underfoot.
X
XPS Pad
An extruded polystyrene foam underlayment that provides cushioning, sound-dampening, and insulation, making it suitable for various flooring types.
