When you install a new vinyl plank floor, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. One of the major decisions is what kind of backing needs to be used. There are many options when it comes to the backing of your new floor. Backing contact with the subfloor increased comfort or shock absorption. Different materials are used in floor backing most common baking are jute, rubber, and cotton.
Cotton backing has a high wear resistance as compared to cotton. Cotton backing is suitable for high traffic areas in your home. Another benefit of using cotton backing is it is soft and hence stands out in the wet area. Rubber backing gives the floor a luxurious feel. The rubber backing is a good choice to use on all types of floors, however best suited for both low and traffic areas. The rubber backing is easy to clean.
The jute backing has moderate wear resistance hence it is suitable for use in medium traffic areas. Jute backing feels soft when you walk on it, it is also easy to maintain just sweep and mop once in a while.
Some people prefer a padded vinyl floor because it is easy to install and perfect for those areas that may be subject to excessive wear. Padded floors are an especially good choice for bathrooms or kitchens. They also work well in laundry rooms where there is a lot of moisture and humidity.
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What is the best backing for vinyl plank flooring?
It is important to know what is the best backing for vinyl plank flooring. Choosing baking for vinyl plank flooring depends on the type of vinyl. Not require the same baking for vinyl sheet and vinyl tile or plank. Because vinyl sheet and vinyl tile making properties and membranes are not the same at all.
Vinyl sheet backing:
There are also some backings used on vinyl planks, these are felt backing, cardboard backing, and vinyl backing.
Felt backing:
Popular for attractive looking, comfort and warmth. If your subfloor has minor imperfections felt backing recover this fault. Another interesting fact if installed on a small surface not require any glue or adhesive. Smartly absorb sound and vibration so safe for your home.
Cardboard backing:
This is less popular baking used on vinyl flooring. This flooring warp in humid weather and backing in hot weather. another problem is glue require during installing floor and takes time for installation.
Vinyl backing:
Vinyl backing does not require any glue if installed on a small surface. This type of backing is suitable for kitchen floors and bathroom floors. Less comfortable than a felt backing and doesn’t cover imperfections on the floor.
Vinyl tiles and plank backing:
This kind of backing gives the flooring an elegant look. Vinyl tiles and planks have two baking one hard backing and another cushioned backing.
Hard backing:
Normally hard backing is installed as floor coverings do not have any backing. This floor covering is rigid so categorized as hard backing. Do not require any membrane on the subfloor while installing this flooring. If want to minimize moisture problems on your floor this flooring is strongly recommended.
Cushioned backing:
Two types of backing cushioned backing are used as a subfloor, they are synthetic cushions and cork cushions. These two types of baking are soundproof, warm, and insulated floors. More expensive than hard backing for it’s complex composition and excellent comfort.
Is rubber backing safe for vinyl plank flooring?
Natural and synthetic rubber backing is not safe for vinyl plank flooring. This type of backing is also not safe for kitchens and bathrooms. Some rubber backing reacts with vinyl chemicals and leaves a permanent stain on the floor surface. Also, rubber backing can cause an allergic reaction to your skin.
Does luxury vinyl plank with cork backing need underlayment?
Cork backing can easily be installed without any glue or special adhesive. It is naturally rigid and suitable for high traffic areas. Natural cork backing has a thick surface, so it provides excellent comfort for your feet. Cork backing is also very easy to clean with a simple mop and a bucket of water. While you install LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor you don’t need any underlayment.
Conclusion:
It is not a simple task to find out what is the best backing for vinyl plank flooring. There are different types of backing available. Before choosing a back you need to know about your flooring option and surface condition. Some backings are unsafe for vinyl flooring. So you need to be careful before choosing any baking.
