Multilayer Resilient Flooring (WPC)

Multilayer resilient flooring planks and tiles are hard-surface flooring products composed of several layers. The number of layers can vary among products, but generally they consist of an LVT layer, a core layer, and an underlayment. The LVT layer is composed of a vinyl backing covered in a printed decorative layer under a transparent wear layer. A protective polyurethane coating is then applied to the wear layer. Sometimes there is no separate decorative layer and a design is printed directly on the wear layer. The LVT is layered on top of a composite, water-resistant core, which is then placed on top of an underlayment, such as cork, to provide cushioning and acoustic insulation. Products are divided into two broad categories, wood plastic composite (WPC) and stone plastic composite (SPC). Traditionally WPC floors contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a plant-based filler like wood or cork dust, while SPC floors contain PVC and a mineral filler, such as calcium carbonate. However, many WPC floors no longer contain plant-based fillers and the primary distinction between WPC and SPC floors is that the former contains a lighter extruded or foamed polymer core, while the latter contains a solid denser core. Multilayered flooring products are marketed as alternatives to laminate flooring because they are waterproof. They also are an alternative to standard vinyl floors because less subfloor preparation is required. They expand and contract less than standard luxury vinyl tile (LVT), thus they can be installed over any hard surface. These products are floating floors so flooring adhesives are not typically required for installation. The edges of the rigid core are formed into a tongue and groove design that allows adjacent tiles to be attached to each other. This Common Product describes a light or neutral-colored WPC floor. Inks, dyes, and veneers will vary across products and could introduce additional hazards.