GENERAL FLOORING TERMS
Abrasion Resistance:
A material's ability to withstand wear and tear from foot traffic.
Acclimation:
Allowing new flooring materials to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the installation environment.
Moisture Barrier:
A material used to prevent moisture from migrating through the subfloor and damaging the flooring.
Plank:
An individual board used to construct some types of flooring (hardwood, laminate, vinyl).
Square Footage (Sq. Ft.):
Unit of measurement used to calculate the area of a floor.
Square Yard (sq. yd.):
Unit of area commonly used in the flooring industry, equal to 9 sq. ft.
Subfloor:
The structural base beneath the underlayment and flooring material.
Tile:
A square or rectangular piece of flooring material (ceramic, stone, vinyl).
Underlayment:
A layer of material installed beneath the flooring to provide cushioning, moisture protection, and sound insulation.
Wear Layer:
The top surface of some flooring materials, responsible for resisting scratches, stains, and fading.
FLOORING MATERIAL TYPES
Carpet:
Soft floor covering made from woven fibers, providing warmth, comfort, and sound insulation.
Ceramic Tile:
Natural clay-based tiles known for their durability, water resistance, and wide variety of styles.
Cork:
Sustainable and naturally water-resistant flooring material offering comfort and sound absorption.
Engineered Hardwood:
Wood flooring with a real wood veneer top layer and a plywood core, offering stability and moisture resistance compared to solid hardwood.
Hardwood:
Natural wood flooring planks, known for beauty, durability, and value retention.
Laminate:
Synthetic flooring planks with a photographic image layer topped by a wear layer, offering a wood-like aesthetic at a lower cost.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):
Durable and waterproof vinyl planks mimicking the look of wood or stone, ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone environments.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT):
Similar to LVP but in tile form, offering various design options.
Porcelain Tile:
A denser and more water-resistant type of ceramic tile, ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor applications.
Stone Tile:
Natural stone tiles like granite or slate, offering a luxurious look but requiring special care and maintenance.
Vinyl Sheet:
Affordable and water-resistant flooring material available in various colors and patterns, commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms.
FLOORING INSTALLATION TERMS
Click Lock:
A modern installation method where planks simply click together for a fast and easy installation process.
Direct Glue Down:
Installation method where flooring material is adhered directly to the subfloor with adhesive.
Floating Floor:
Installation method where flooring planks are connected but not glued down, allowing for natural expansion and contraction.
Grout:
A material used to fill the spaces between tiles, providing stability and a finished look.
Tongue and Groove:
A joining system where one plank has a protruding "tongue" that fits into the groove of the next plank, creating a seamless connection.
ADDITIONAL FLOORING TERMS
Cashmere Backing:
A soft, felt-like backing on carpets for added comfort and sound absorption.
Janka Hardness Test:
Measures the resistance of wood to indentation and wear.
Lead Time:
The time it takes for a flooring order to be manufactured and delivered.
Mil:
Unit of measurement used to measure the thickness of flooring materials (1 mil = 1/1000 of an inch).
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):
Minimum amount of flooring material that must be purchased from a supplier.
Molding:
Decorative trim used to conceal expansion gaps and create a finished look along walls and baseboards.
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC):
Indicates a material's ability to absorb sound.
Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) Rating:
Industry standard for ceramic tile's wear resistance in different traffic areas.
R-Value:
Measures a material's thermal resistance, indicating its ability to insulate against heat loss.
Transition Strip:
Connects different flooring types at doorways or between rooms, providing a smooth and even surface.
Wear Layer Thickness:
Thickness of the protective layer in laminate, LVP, and LVT flooring, impacting durability.
Arko Flooring is a locally owned Pennsylvania flooring store. We offer a wide range of products from the top flooring manufacturers, at wholesale prices.