Jargon Buster

Cushioned Vinyl

The usual sheet floorcovering used in homes. It is made from layers of reinforced PVC. One layer is foamed to provide the cushioning. The design image is printed onto the PVC and then a clear solid layer is applied over the print to provide the wearing quality. Available 2,3,4 and 5 metre wide. Cushionflor and Rhinofloor are well know brands.

Luxury Vinyl Tile or Plank

Vinyl tiles or planks made from a vinyl base then a printed sheet with the design that is covered with a clear wear layer. Usually installed professionally using adhesive, though some self adhesive brands are available. Karndean and Amtico are well known brands.

Laminate

Planks or tiles made from a MDF or equivalent base, topped with a sheet printed with the design image and then a hard wear layer, often melamine based. Edges of the tiles or planks have a profile so that they connect together normally without the need for adhesive. Quickstep and Balterio are well known brands

Solid Wood

Planks, tiles or parquet, products are 100% wood that has been dried and treated to minimise movement. Lacquered or oiled are typical finishes and edges often have profiles to lock planks together, but installation usually involves nailing or adhering the floor and is carried out by professionals.

Engineered Wood

3 or more layers of softwood are stuck together at right angles, (like plywood) with the top layer being the desired hardwood, usually oak. Lacquered or oiled are typical finishes and edges have profiles to lock planks together so that installation is normally without adhesive or nailing.

Carpet - Loop pile

An older method of manufacturing carpet where the yarn is held by being woven between 2 layers of backing (warp and weft) and then cut to the required pile depth if required. Axminster, Wilton are examples.

Rugs – Hand knotted

Traditional method of making rugs, where the yarn is pushed through the backing and knotted into place.

Carpet – Tufted

Tufts of yarn are pushed through the backing and held in place by adhesive.

Carpet – Cut pile

Looped construction but the loops are cut to create upright fibres. Saxony, Velvet, Shag pile are examples.

Subfloor

The floor onto which the floor covering is to be placed. All floor coverings need flat, smooth and dry subfloors, with minimal rising moisture. Screeding, hardwood or plywood are the usual methods of achieving smooth flat floors.

Latex Screed

Thin layer of cement and latex mixture used to level uneven concrete floors

Underlay

Material, often rubber based with a vapour check, placed between the floor covering and the subfloor.

Uniclick

Unilin’s Proprietary profile used to link plank and tile flooring

Please note that this is “work in progress” and will be expanded over time. The information is given in good faith but we cannot accept responsibility for any statements made or omissions. Please see our terms and conditions.