This is a two-part answer. First, the vinyl is made with a synthetic material that combines polyvinyl chloride resins (PVC) with resins, plasticizers, and stabilizers. It's heated, pressurized, then added to the backing. This compound becomes vinyl, a layered material that includes the backing, core, image layer, and top protective wear sheet.

Once you have the vinyl, images are created with 3D photography. They are incredibly realistic, mimicking wood, tile, and stone. Every image is ultra-clear; you will see knots, grains, swirls, and veining variations. The flooring material comes in an almost unlimited number of colors, patterns, designs, and species.

Embossing adds depth and dimension. Textured appearances, such as wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered or distressed, are available.

Comparing vinyl plank and tile construction


The luxury version of vinyl has a magnificent design option; that is, it can be cut into planks to mimic hardwood boards or square, groutable, tile-sized pieces for LVT construction. Many feel the extra seams add to the realism.

Images, again with 3D photography, are taken. The vinyl is cut into strips and mounted on boards. Although the planks are most often associated with wood, many do prefer to use them when simulating stone, as the large format gives it more of a quarried appearance.

Luxury vinyl is thicker than standard and comes with a dense clear melamine wear layer that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs. It also adds to the easy cleanability factor, because it keeps spills sitting at the top waiting to be wiped off. All it takes to clean is a daily sweeping and periodic mopping. Installation is the floating floor technique where the pieces click together, form a mat, and then hover over the subfloor. If you’re looking for vinyl plank in Webster, NY, let us show and tell you more about this terrific product.

For more information about luxury vinyl flooring come into the Christian Flooring showroom in Webster or Spencerport, NY. The company serves the Greater Rochester area. Ask about our estimates.