By Ken Ryan—Rigid core products offering hygienic properties to protect children and pets was a growing trend in flooring even before COVID-19, but in the months following the pandemic’s arrival the trend toward healthier floors has accelerated in response to consumer concerns.
As Doug Jackson, CALI president, explained: “There’s not much point to installing rigid core if it can’t be fully and reliably lived on.” CALI is among several companies offering rigid core products that are engineered for a healthier home environment.
Here are 14 that offer some type of hygienic property.
ARMSTRONG—EMPOWER RIGID CORE
Empower Rigid Core flooring is built using Armstrong’s innovative Reinforced Mineral Core (RMC) to provide optimal performance in terms of both indentation resistance and stability while remaining 100% waterproof. Armstrong’s Diamond 10 technology keeps floors looking newer and longer while making them easy to clean.
CALI—CALI VINYL
An extra durable, kid/pet-friendly construction comes standard in all CALI vinyl flooring. CALI vinyl makes for a healthier home environment with planks that are easy to clean and cut down on the allergens trapped in some types of materials. A rigid core construction also means far less maintenance and potential for damage.
CORETEC ADVANCED+
Consumers can enjoy expanded design possibilities with fewer pattern repeats and a sophisticated color palette with COREtec Advanced+. Innovative engineering combined with natural artistry provides next-level protection. A recent breakthrough in core technology results in a mineral core that offers a 100% waterproof, kid-proof and pet-proof floor.
CREATE FLOORING—MARITIME
Maritime from Create Flooring is a high-performance floor providing the durability needed for everyday life. The line aims to deliver features that allow consumers to realize a greater return on their flooring investment. The MSPC collection, with a 20-mil wear layer and aluminum- oxide finish, is waterproof, stain- and scratch-resistant
THE DIXIE GROUP—TRUCOR
Trucor Applause, made in the USA, delivers peace of mind for active families. Whether it’s the Truwear Advanced Performance Finish that provides scratch resistance, durability under high foot traffic and repellency to spills and accidents—or the 1.2mm attached pad that creates a quiet floor underfoot— Trucor Applause delivers
ENGINEERED FLOORS—ENSIGNIUM
The two main features that draw consumers to Ensignium are its natural aesthetic and waterproof property. Ensignium also boasts impressive scratch resistance thanks to EF’s Evertuff coating. Unlike traditional wear layers that can produce a shiny film under certain lighting conditions, Evertuff’s matte finish gives the product a more natural look.
INHAUS—SONO ECLIPSE, ELANDURA
Inhaus’ Sono Eclipse and Elandura are ideal for those seeking durable, functional and good-looking products. Sono Eclipse and Elandura are free from plasticizers, phthalates and contain no PVC. The core’s proprietary process combines natural mineral powder and polypropylene under heat pressure; that’s it—no other additives
LIONS FLOOR—NATURAL ESSENCE PLUS
Lions Floor produces high-quality SPC rigid core flooring that is pet-friendly and child-protected. Its SPC flooring uses the Uniclic system, allowing it to be densely packed and pressurized to create a 100% waterproof surface. A 20-mil wear layer offers a non-slippery, scratch- resistant surface. The foam backing works as a sound suppressant .
MANNINGTON—ADURA RIGID
Adura Rigid floors are kid- and pet-friendly because they are waterproof, scratch- and indentation-resistant and easy to maintain. In addition, Adura Rigid floors feature Microban, which helps protect the surface of the floor 24/7 against the growth of bacteria and remains 99% cleaner than untreated surfaces.
MSI—EVERLIFE
MSI’s Everlife Rigid Core collection provides on- trend elegance and durability. Everlife LVT is 100% waterproof and protected with CrystaLux, a wear layer that guards against everyday scratches, spills, pet accidents, indentations and sun damage. Dunite Oak from Everlife Rigid Core is 100% waterproof
PERGO—PERGO EXTREME
Featuring new wood and stone collections, multiple pricing tiers and an assortment of authentic styles and textures, Pergo Extreme offers customers extreme durability at any price point. And since Pergo Extreme is dent-proof, kid-proof, pet-proof and waterproof, you’ll have fewer customer claims.
PHENIX—MICROBAN
With the built-in protection of Microban, Phenix Rigid Core offers a floor that is suitable for homes with kids and pets. The addition of Microban is the finishing touch that makes it the ideal choice for busy families. Phenix floors are easy to install and resistant to indentation and scratching.
REPUBLIC FLOOR—PURE SPC MAX
Republic’s Pure SPC Max planks feature the company’s Bio-Guard anti-bacterial acoustic EVA underlayment to prevent mold and mildew growth. Pure SPC Max carries a limited 25-year residential warranty and a limited 10-year commercial warranty. It is ideal for settings requiring maximum durability.
SHAW FLOORS—FLOORTÉ ELITE
Elite in design and performance, retailers don’t have to sacrifice with the new Floorté Elite series. Styles are 100% waterproof and feature Enhanced Natural Realism technology that closely mimic hardwood visuals. PAWdefense technology guards against pet nails and other common household activity.