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Frequently Asked Questions

Rigid Core Flooring

Q: What is the difference between traditional or Flexible LVT and the new Rigid Core LVT?
A: The main difference between the two is that Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring includes an extruded polymer-based core layer that gives the flooring a more rigid characteristic. This helps the LVT plank or tile hide some common subfloor imperfections that could transfer or “telegraph” up to the floor’s surface, which can be common with traditional flexible LVT in certain circumstances.
Q: What are the advantages to Rigid Core LVT flooring?
A: The rigid core hides most common subfloor imperfections, making installation easier and ensuring a smoother finished appearance after installation. Rigid Core LVT is also waterproof, so it can be installed in water prone indoor areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and entryways. Rigid Core LVT is a floating floor that’s installed with a locking system, so you do not use an adhesive. Also, a rigid core allows for the pre-attachment of an underlayment on some styles that helps soften sound and creates a cushion underfoot. Also, there’s less subfloor prep than with a flexible LVT.
Q: What tools are needed to install this flooring?
A: Not including any subfloor preparation tools, you will at least need the following:
• Hand saw, jamb saw or multi-tool (for door jambs)
• Tape measure and pencil
• Utility knife and blades
• Speed square (or similar)
• Wedge spacers (for perimeter gap)
• Pull bar (for edge pieces)
• Dead blow hammer (preferred) or rubber mallet
• A jigsaw with a carbide blade (for complicated cuts)
Q: Are there concerns about moisture within concrete?
A: As long as the concrete is at least 28 days old and is porous and absorbent, there are no concerns with concrete moisture. If concrete cannot be made porous, we require that a 6 mil or greater plastic polyethylene sheet (available at Lowe’s) be installed over all on and below grade concrete prior to flooring installation.
Q: Do I need to leave an expansion gap around the edge?
A: Yes – all vinyl flooring will contract in colder temperatures and expand in warmer temperatures or direct sunlight. Leaving an expansion gap around the perimeter of the installation will allow the flooring to naturally expand and contract as conditions change. If the length and/or width of the installation is less than or equal to 50 feet, a 1⁄4 inch minimum expansion gap must be created around the entire perimeter. If the length and/or width is between 50 and 85 feet, or if the area is a three season rooms, the gap must be increased to at least a 1⁄2 inch.
Q: What kind of Rigid Core LVT Flooring does DuraDecor make?
A: The DuraDecor core that’s solid, is called “High Density Core” (HDC).
Q: Is a Rigid Core LVT more difficult to cut than Flexible LVT?
A: In a manner, yes. It can still be scored and snapped but will take multiple passes with a utility knife to score, especially with thicker constructions. Use of power saws is recommended; use of a saber saw is best when scribing or making intricate cuts.
Q: Does Rigid Core LVT need special handling or more or less acclimation than Flexible LVT?
A: Careful handling is necessary with all floating flooring to avoid damaging the locking mechanism during transport and moving, etc. Regarding acclimation, please consult the installation instructions for each product as to the specific conditions for storing, transport and installation.
Q: Should I use an underlayment with Rigid Core LVT?
A: No, Additional underlayments are not to be used with flooring that has a factory attached acoustical backing.
Q: Will my pets damage my floor?
A: Most common household pets will not damage the floor, but keep in mind that some animals, such as large dogs, may have tougher, sharper nails that may be used to grip or maintain traction on vinyl flooring. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed and filed will enable your pet to stay on the pads of their feet, which will help prevent this type of scratching.
Q: What are “common subfloor imperfections?”
A: Common subfloor imperfections include, but are not limited to, minor cracks, pock/spalling marks in concrete, certain grout joints and small deviations in flatness of the subfloor. Complete subfloor preparation requirements can be found in the product installation guide.
Q: If Rigid Core LVT is waterproof, can I use it outside?
A: Rigid core flooring will not be harmed by water when exposed to it from spills and normal cleaning. However use of the flooring outside exposes it to other elements which will damage the flooring and is not covered by your warranty.
Q: Can I use grout with Rigid Core LVT?
A: Rigid Core flooring is designed as a floating floor which does not allow for the application of grout.

Peel & Stick

Q: Can I install this in wet areas of the house?
A: Our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks are water-resistant, perfectly suitable for kitchens and baths. Water/moisture will not affect the surface, but if submerged, the adhesive on the backing could be affected. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: Can I install this over my existing flooring?
A: For best results with our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks, we do recommend that the surface you install on must be moisture free, clean smooth, structurally sound, tightly secured, and flat and level. Existing floor coverings must be tightly secured and bonded. Remove any contaminants, waxes, sealers from the surface and cover with a suitable cementitious embossing leveler. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: Can I use this for my counter top?
A: Our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks are manufactured for floor & wall use only and would not be warranted for use on the counter top, sorry. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: Can I put this on my wall?
A: Yes, our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks are specially manufactured with increased bond strength allowing for both Floor & Wall use! Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: Is this product waterproof and do I need to seal it?
A: Our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks are inherently water resistant = water/moisture will not affect the surface, but if submerged, the adhesive on the backing could be affected. In order to “seal or polish”, you would have to sand the surface of our planks and then apply the secondary coating. We do not recommend this because it’s not only difficult to do, but costly and will void the product warranty completely.

One thing to keep in mind is that once you put a finish on a floor it becomes part of the maintenance routine. Additional coats will be necessary to keep the shine and stripping of the floor with a cleaning and reapplication of the finish will be required periodically.

Q: Can I install over my existing vinyl?
For best results with our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks, we do recommend that the surface you install on must be moisture free, clean smooth, structurally sound, tightly secured, and flat and level. Existing floor coverings must be tightly secured and bonded. Do not cover loose-lay, floating flooring or cushion backed vinyl with DIY Self-stick flooring. Remove any contaminants, waxes, sealers from the surface and cover with a suitable cementitious embossing leveler. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide .
Q: Can I put this over my old hardwood?
A: For our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks, we approve installing over existing hardwood flooring, but it must be covered with a suitable underlayment grade plywood panel as specified in the full installation guide; do not install self-stick products over finished (varnished or polyurethane coated) hardwood flooring. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: Will this scratch easily?
A: In our Full Installation and Care Guide, we list that use of nylon or felt-type furniture guides is required under all furniture. All types of furniture glides/protectors should be changed regularly to prevent scratching from embedded debris in the glide. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a brushless vacuum will keep dirt and debris off the vinyl floor. Ensure all furniture and fixtures have the appropriate floor protectors installed and are changed regularly. Damp mop the floor weekly to remove dirt; a small amount of a neutral pH cleaner can be used to help remove dirt and buildups. A white scrub pad can be used on heavy deposits. Do not use multi-surface or ammoniated cleaners.
Q: How many cases will I need for a 12×15 room?
A: For a 15×12 room, you will need at least 9 cases of our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks, but I would suggest getting 1 extra case to have a little extra on-hand during the installation process. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: How thick is it?
A: Our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Plank is 1.5mm thick and features a very durable UV coating on top. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: Can I put this on my basement floor?
A: We do not recommend installing our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks in a below grade environment. FOR CONCRETE installation: The prepared substrate must be and remain surface dry, clean (without contaminants, mold or mildew), be structurally sound, smooth (ridge-free) within a flatness tolerance of ≤ 1/16-inch over 6-foot and 3/32-inch over 1-foot in all directions. If required, smooth using a suitable leveling or patching underlayment, following the written instructions from the manufacturer. Do not install DuraDecor if hydrostatic pressure exists. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: I am renting my house and wondered if this is easily removable?
A: Our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks are renter friendly and fairly easy to remove, however we would caution that the adhesive may leave a sticky residue & possible repair will be needed on whatever you are installing over. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.
Q: I have children and pets. Are there any harmful materials in this product?
A: Our DuraDecor Peel and Stick Vinyl Planks are eco-friendly and are made with a bio-based (soya) plasticizer; no harmful plasticizers or chemicals involved whatsoever.
Q: How do I clean it?
A: Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a brushless vacuum will keep dirt and debris off the vinyl floor. Damp mop the floor weekly to remove dirt; a small amount of a neutral pH cleaner can be used to help remove dirt and buildups. A white scrub pad can be used on heavy deposits. Do not use multi-surface or ammoniated cleaners. Please refer to our full Installation and Care Guide.