While the concept of installing a floor without the use of adhesives is no longer new to the industry, the idea of “floating” the floor has become all the rage in the resilient category. Thanks to advances in technology, as well as the acceptance of floating floors by retailers, installers and consumers, manufacturers continue to bring out innovative installation systems to help make the overall process of selling and buying a resilient floor easier and less stressful.
In fact, the thought process for many companies is despite consumers becoming more thrifty and cost conscious in recent years, sooner or later they are going to have to replace their floors. Since the economic downturn, the category has gained market share as consumers “rediscovered” the value-to-cost benefits associated with resilient floors.
As such, manufacturers are preparing retailers for when the tide turns with a bevy of products that feature “easier-than- ever” installation concepts from which to choose.
Armstrong
Luxe Plank features new pressure-sensitive adhesives, making these floors simple to install. Because each plank attaches to the planks beside and above it, it installs quickly and easily over practically any surface.
Armstrong’s Luxe Plank with Lynx Technology allows the installer to reposition planks as many times as needed and still maintain the integrity and appearance of the installation—a practice unheard of until now.
“Numerous floating LVT products have hit the market, but none have performed up to expectations except Luxe Plank, which improves upon existing technology to offer the retailer a truly unique product—realistic looks, superior performance and an easy installation,” the company said. “Luxe Plank fills a gap in the market by being more than just about installation; it clearly establishes a style/beauty-first position that appeals to the consumers.”
For more information on Luxe Plank, call 800.233.3823 or click the name above.
Congoleum
The exclusive patent-pending SmartLink Glueless System sets Connections apart from the competition and makes installation quick and easy. The SmartLink system features aerospace-proven technology with a pre-applied adhesive film that locks the planks together and allows for installations over almost any subfloor with no messy adhesive and a tight secure bond between the planks.
Connections is .16 inches thick in a 6 x 48 plank size and available in 15 realistic wood looks and textures. The low-gloss urethane and aluminum oxide finish provides durability and wear resistance. It is backed with a 25-year residential warranty and 5-year light commercial warranty.
IVC
For consumers seeking an easy and cost effective way to update a small kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, IVC’s Flexitec vinyl floors are a great solution. The fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl can be installed using the loose-lay installation method in spaces that are 25 square yards or smaller and have one or no seams. This warranted option allows installation of exceptionally durable flooring without any adhesive.
With 168 SKUs in total, Flexitec by IVC offers an extensive range of designs and patterns that feature strikingly realistic color and texture. Plus, Flexitec is exceptionally durable and resistant to rips, tears, scratches and gouges. It is also resistant to water, mold and mildew, making it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Flexitec’s double encapsulated fiberglass base is a key component in making the product both durable and attractive. An advanced urethane layer, SuperGuard adds to its performance and allows for better definition and color of the design.
For more information, call 888.225.8287.
Karndean
This month Karndean International unveiled its newest innovation with the launch of its floating floor, Looselay. Unlike other floating LVTs, Looselay, manufactured using Karndean intellectual property, requires no clicking, locking or gluing at the seams. Planks are butted against each other and are sealed together by the substrate.
The initial launch of Loose-lay features six designs from the company’s best-selling Van Gogh series. An expanded assortment of designs is scheduled for debut in 2012.
Each style features a 20mil wearlayer with Karndean’s proprietary K-Guard+ Coating and limited lifetime residential warranty.
For more information, call 888.266. 4343 or click the heading above.
Mannington
Last fall Mannington introduced Adura with Locksolid Technology. Coupled with Mannington’s award-winning styles and designs, it created what the company calls “the best-performing luxury vinyl floating luxury vinyl. Ever!” Utilizing Mannington’s extensive locking system experience, Adura with LockSolid Technology delivers superior joint and shear strength versus the competition, according to the company. This proprietary locking system is fully licensed, patented and has other patents pending.
The exceptional strength of the joint alleviates the inherent problems of the adhesive-based floating systems currently on the market, the company added. In fact, Mannington is so confident in the system, the product comes with an industry first in the luxury vinyl category: a “No-Gap Guarantee.”
Those familiar with the simplicity of today’s laminate locking systems will also find Adura with LockSolid very easy to install—no heavy tools, adhesives or underlayments are required.
To demonstrate the ease of installation, Mannington created an installation video, available on the main Adura web page and via the “Mannington Flooring” channel on YouTube.
Metroflor
Konecto is Metroflor Corp.’s patented floating luxury vinyl floor system that features grip strip technology for a quick and easy glue-free installation.
Featuring realistic stone, ceramic and wood looks that meet the styles consumers want, Konecto is constructed to compliment today’s demanding lifestyles.
In fact, Metrofloor has reinvented Konecto from the core up to deliver better performance than ever. In fact, it is suitable for residential and commercial applications. Konecto is moisture-resistant, extremely durable and most collections have a ceramic bead finish and a 12mil or 20mil wearlayer.
For more information on Konecto, call 203.662.0650, or click the heading above.
Tarkett
For design-savvy consumers who desire flooring with an edgy, fashion-forward flair, Tarkett’s FiberFloor Ambiente collection is a high-style solution. Imported from Tarkett’s European facilities, the collection includes variable wood plank sizes and layouts; modern metallics, and earthy, organic designs.
Ambiente is a collection retailers can offer consumers wishing to make a design statement while still living up to the day-to-day lifestyle needs of their families, according to the company. It is scientifically engineered to resist water, scratches, indentations and stains. And, with no glue required for installation, Ambiente Fiber- Floor is not only trendy; its looselay installation method makes it simple to install.
For more, call 877.827.5388 or click the heading above.
-Matthew Spieler