Flooring Glossary

Abrasion
The wearing down or damage to the surface of a floor due to friction, scratches, or other forms of physical wear.

Acclimation
The process allows flooring materials to adjust and adapt to the environmental conditions of the space where they will be installed. It is a crucial step to ensure the stability and performance of the flooring once it is in place. Flooring materials, such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and even certain tiles, may require acclimation before installation.

Back Layer
The material that is attached to the bottom side of the flooring product. The back layer provides additional support and stability. 

Bevelled Edge
A bevelled edge adds a visual element to the flooring, creating depth and definition. It can give the flooring a more rustic or traditional look and simulate the appearance of natural wood or tile by accentuating each plank or tile.

Carpet Backing
The material that is applied to the underside of a carpet. It serves as a support layer, providing stability, durability, and other functional properties to the carpet. The specific type and composition of the carpet backing can vary depending on the style, quality, and intended use of the carpet.

Ceramic
Tile is made from clay which is pressed or moulded into various shapes and sizes and then fired at high temperatures. This process makes the tiles relatively resistant to moisture and heat. Ceramic tiles are often glazed with different colours and patterns for aesthetic reasons and improved moisture resistance.

Decorative Layer
The decorative vinyl or laminate flooring layer is situated between the transparent surface wear layer and the inner core, providing the desired visual appearance, design, and texture. It contains a printed or photographic design that often imitates the look of wood grain, marble, or ceramic tile.

Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is constructed with a natural hardwood veneer on top and multiple layers of high-quality plywood or fiberboard underneath. It is designed to provide the natural beauty and warmth of hardwood flooring while offering enhanced stability and durability. 

Finish
The final coating or treatment is applied to a flooring material's surface to protect and enhance its appearance. Hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl floors are coated with clear finish to protect the surface from scuffs and wear.

Floating Floor
A method of installing certain flooring materials where the individual planks or tiles are not directly attached to the subfloor or underlayment. Instead, they are joined using a click-lock or tongue-and-groove system, creating a "floating" floor that rests on the subfloor or underlayment. This type of floor is typically quicker and easier to install than an attached floor.

Glaze
Glaze is a type of finish applied to the floor's surface to create a decorative or protective layer. Glazes can provide several benefits, such as enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the floor, improving its durability and resistance to stains, and facilitating easier cleaning and maintenance.

Gloss
Floor gloss level refers to the degree of shine or reflective quality of a finished floor surface. Standard gloss levels include satin or matte—which have little or no reflection—semi-gloss, and high gloss.

Grade Level
The level of construction in comparison to the ground surrounding it. On-grade flooring installation is at ground level. Below-grade is below ground level, and above-grade is above ground. Certain types of flooring have limitations on which grade they can be installed; for example, solid hardwood cannot be installed below grade.

Grain
The visible pattern or texture created by the arrangement of fibres in a wood floor plank. Grain is a distinguishing characteristic of wood and plays a significant role in the appearance and overall aesthetic of the floor. 

Grout
A material used in tile installation to fill the gaps or joints between tiles. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing stability to the tile installation and enhancing the overall appearance of the tiled surface. Grout is typically a cement-based mixture consisting of cement, sand, and water, although epoxy-based grouts are also available.

Impact Resistance
Impact resistance measures how well a floor can withstand the force of dropped items. Floors with good impact resistance can withstand such forces without significant damage, maintaining their integrity and appearance over time.

Laminate
Laminate flooring is synthetic flooring that replicates the appearance of natural materials, such as hardwood, stone, or tile. It comprises multiple layers fused together through lamination, resulting in a durable and versatile flooring option.

Mosaic
Small pieces of glass, stone, marble, tile, or other hard substances form a mosaic. These small pieces are typically square or rectangular and arranged to form a larger design or picture.

Porcelain
Porcelain tile is known for its durability, strength, and versatility. It is made from fine-grained clay fired at very high temperatures, producing a dense and hard material.

Radiant Heating
In-floor radiant heating is a system installed below flooring designed to keep floors warm and comfortable underfoot.

Tile
Tile is a floor, wall, countertop, and shower covering made from ceramic clay or stone and then cut into squares or other geometric shapes. Tile is often treated to resist moisture, stains, and slipping.

Tongue and Groove
Laminate or hardwood planks manufactured with this type of edge protrude in a tongue on one side and a groove on the other. Here, the tongue of one plank fits into the groove of the next for a seamless installation.

Underlayment
The thin layer of material installed between a finished floor covering and the subfloor below is called the underlayment. It can improve acoustic values, helps to level out subfloor imperfections, and provides additional support, cushioning, and insulation.

Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a waterproof product which consists of multiple layers of synthetic materials, which provide resilience and resistance to scratches, stains, and other wear. You’ll find vinyl plank that imitates wood, vinyl tile that mimics ceramic or stone, and vinyl sheet that can cover wide areas of the floor. Sheet vinyl can feature solid colours, patterns, or wood and stone looks.

Waterproof
Waterproof floors are either produced from waterproof materials or can be treated or sealed to resist water damage altogether. Specifically, ceramic tile, vinyl and some laminate products are waterproof.

Wear Layer
The top layer of vinyl flooring is a transparent surface finish called the wear layer, which protects the decorative layer below from damage. Wear layers are made from urethane and are often enhanced with aluminum oxide for added durability. They can vary in ability to resist foot traffic, scratching, and wear.