By Megan Salzano-Birch— Rigid core flooring has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds of late and shows no signs of slowing down. That’s why rigid core flooring suppliers continue to launch advancements within their product lines that aim to capture the hearts (and wallets) of consumers nationwide. One such innovation is the development of unique surface technologies that aim to provide enhanced benefits.
Following is a sampling of the new and innovative surface technologies currently available.
ARMSTRONG FLOORING WITH DIAMOND 10 TECHNOLOGY
Armstrong’s Empower Rigid Core flooring —with its new Reinforced Mineral Core
(RMC)—features Diamond 10 Technology, a patented innovation that uses cultured diamonds—with all the properties of real diamonds— to provide the ultimate in scratch, stain and scuff resistance. Suitable for commercial and residential settings.
CALI VINYL LONGBOARDS WITH SURFACE SHIELD
Each of Cali’s Longboards planks features a diamond finish surface shield that aims to make the flooring easier to keep clean and looking like new. Like all Cali Vinyl collections, Longboards also passes the ASTM F3261 resilient flooring standards for surface integrity, resistance to chemicals, resistance to heat and resistance to light. Planks are 100% waterproof.
CFL FIRMFIT WITH SCRATCH SHIELD MAX
Scratch Shield Max is made from a proprietary formula of active ingredients bringing extreme hardness to the surface of the floor. Scratch Shield Max brings the possibility for rigid core flooring to perform better on all fronts. The result is a coating that is said to outperform traditional technologies in the three areas that matter: scratch, wear and stain resistance.
CORETEC ADVANCED+
COREtec Advanced+ is the highest-performing COREtec floor yet and boasts superior scratch-resistant surface protection, made possible by its 100% waterproof mineral core. The innovative technology, backed by a 15-year residential scratch warranty, promises the most pet-friendly hard surface flooring available.
ENGINEERED FLOORS’ ENSIGNIUM WITH EVERTUFF
Unlike traditional protective coatings, Evertuff has a matte finish designed to give the product a more natural look when compared to traditional, glossy film.
Evertuff is available in EF’s Ensignium line, seen here is Avant Garde in Hawthorne. Evertuff is AC4 rated, meaning it is suitable for residential and even commercial applications.
FLOORTÉ ELITE WITH PAWDEFENSE
New Floorté Elite styles from Shaw feature PAWdefense technology, a proprietary topcoat that provides elite protection from pet nails and other scratches and is backed by a 15-year residential scratch warranty. Floorté Elite also boasts Enhanced Natural Realism technology that more closely mimics hardwood visuals.
HAPPY FEET WITH ZEROMARK
ZeroMark Stain Resistance is crafted using proprietary compounds that are specially formulated for demanding environments. Unlike traditional coatings, Happy Feet’s ZeroMark is said to give unprecedented protection against almost any type of scuff, mark or stain.
INHAUS SONO ECLIPSE
Sono Eclipse is finished using a proprietary system that utilizes multiple technologies to create a surface that is visually appealing, comfortable underfoot and robust. The advanced surface finish offers durability while providing the ultimate blank canvas for designers.
KARNDEAN K-GUARD+
K-Guard+ surface protection provides a hygienic, easy-to-clean and scratch-resistant finish. K-Guard+ uses polyurethane technology to provide a hygienic and durable finish that is both flexible and tough and has a history of proven performance. K-Guard+ will not turn white when scratched or leave stress marks when handled and is still able to be cut with a simple utility knife.
MANNINGTON ADURA WITH MICROBAN
All of Mannington’s Adura-branded floors, including Adura Rigid, feature Microban antimicrobial surface protection. Microban helps to keep floors cleaner longer by not allowing bacteria to grow, floors are said to be 99% cleaner 24/7 for the life of the floor. The protection is built into the wear layer and won’t rub or scratch off.
PERGO EXTREME WITH WETPROTECT TECHNOLOGY
Pergo Extreme features WetProtect waterproof technology. With water-tight joints that prevent subfloor damage and the unique waterproof finish that traps spills and splashes on the surface, WetProtect is full-coverage waterproofing that is not only backed by a lifetime waterproof warranty, it comes with a lifetime subfloor warranty, too.
MSI EVERLIFE WITH CRYSTALUX
CrystaLux is a proprietary technology developed by MSIthat offers industry-leading protection against everyday wear, including scuffing, scratching, UV and pet accidents. CrystaLux is included in every Everlife product— across LVT, hybrid rigid core and WoodHills.
TDG’s TRUARMOUR/TRUGLASS
Available with The Dixie Group’s TRUCOR 3DP collection, TruArmor state-of-the-art performance finish provides exceptional stain repellency and wear resistance with an antimicrobial coating while TruGlass provides superb durability, wear resistance and increased clarity.
UNILIN ACTIVEGUARD
Activeguard built-in antimicrobial protection aims to make cleaning the surface of flooring effortless. Activeguard prohibits the growth of microorganisms and actively attacks microbes to clear out unwanted bacteria while neutralizing odors.
WELLMADE HARDMAX NANO FINISH
HardMax Nano Finish Technology provides extraordinary hardness, superior abrasion resistance and crystal-clear visuals. Greenguard Gold certified, HardMax finishes are rated for commercial and residential applications and may be damp mopped for easy care and maintenance.
