FAQs
We have pulled together a set of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other queries though please complete the form further down the page and we will come back to you, or call us on 020 3917 5550.
Connecting one vinyl panel to the next is relatively straightforward. You simply click one board into the next. But for the best results, you should hire a professional flooring installer. There are several tasks involved in the installation of vinyl click flooring, including the use of spacers and the creation of expansion gaps. And while the process of ‘clicking’ the boards together might be simple, you still need to cut them to length when you hit walls and doors — which requires skill and a range of specialist tools.
LVT and LVP are both types of luxury vinyl flooring, but they deliver very different aesthetic outcomes. Luxury vinyl tiles are designed to look like tiles — they’re similarly shaped and very often feature a classic tile effect. Luxury vinyl plank, however, is designed to closely resemble a traditional hardwood floorboard. A lot of customers prefer LVT in a bathroom or kitchen and LVP in a living space.
We believe luxury vinyl floors are cost-effective, robust and low-maintenance, which is why we recommend them to so many of our customers. While it is possible to scratch luxury vinyl, hardwood flooring scratches a lot more easily. Easy to install, hard-wearing and available in a multitude of designs and finishes, luxury vinyl is a fantastic choice for people in search of a relatively affordable floor that’s easy to clean.
You may have heard both terms used to describe vinyl flooring, and that’s because LVT is a type of luxury vinyl. The great thing about this versatile flooring is that it can be fitted in any type of space. But if you want to create a tiled effect in your bathroom, for example, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a great way to do so with hard-wearing vinyl. We supply luxury vinyl in tiles and planks, including herringbone. But the great thing about choosing LVT is they can be easily replaced when they get damaged. You don’t need to replace the entire floor if you notice a scratch.
A far cry from the sheet or tile vinyl of the 60s and 70s, engineered vinyl, or click vinyl, flooring is constucted from multiple layers, giving it strength and stability. It comes in a wide range of designs and colours including marble, slate and travertine, as well as traditional wood effects, with authentic textures as well as colours.
This sturdy flooring replicates all the aesthetic benefits of real wood flooring, whilst offering a host of benefits, including being waterproof, easy and quick to install and easier to maintain, making it a great alternative to not only wood flooring but other engineered flooring types, such as engineered wood and laminate. For further information, check our guide.
All Pro-Tek™ flooring has a built in underlay and can be laid directly onto even sub-floors, including concrete. You may find the fitting guide useful to read, which talks about any preparation needed before installation.
No additional underlay is required though.
Yes, all our flooring is constructed with a revolutionary waterproof core, making it ideal to use in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
As with any engineered or solid wood floor, use a soft vacuum extension or broom to keep debris off the floor and a pre-finished floor cleaner is also recommended. Do not buff, wax or use any cleaning products that contain surfactants and never use a steam mop to clean the floor.
The anti-scratch, commercial-grade wear layers provide outstanding protection, but you should still treat the floor with some care, such as avoiding the use of outdoor/high heeled shoes, keeping pet nails trimmed and sweeping up debris regularly to keep it looking new and preventing damage. See our full guide to looking after your new engineered vinyl floor.
Most types of vinyl flooring, including sheet, plank, and tile, come with a built-in underlay that serves both to cushion the floor and to provide some degree of sound-dampening. If they do come with built-in underlay, they do not require additional underlay underneath. You just need to make sure to have a solid, flat, dry and stable sub-floor.
At Pro-Tek(TM) we recommend that you do not use a steam mop with vinyl plank flooring as high temperatures can cause issues with the adhesive between the layers.
Vinyl plank flooring is completely waterproof thanks to a core component of wood plastic composite (WPC), stone plastic composite (SPC), or 100% vinyl. This makes it an ideal option for wood-look flooring in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of your house which can get wet and humid.
"The truth is that there are some differences. However, the terms are used interchangeably.
Both are made of plastic, and both are waterproof however, “Resilient flooring” is a term more relevant to flooring with some bounce or “give.” Vinyl floors are much more complex than other types of resilient flooring. There are also differences in how they are laid and the floor surfaces required. Resilient flooring comes in more forms than just vinyl, such as cork, rubber, and linoleum. If you have concerns regarding any particular resilient flooring, a Pro-Tek™ employee would be delighted to assist. Give us a call or visit today to talk with one of our experts."
If you use furniture pads or sliders under furniture, over vinyl tiles and planks (not sheet vinyl), you can put heavy appliances on them.
Use felt furniture pads beneath the legs of your furniture to avoid scraping the floor. Never use rubber, as it may mark vinyl flooring.
Most vinyl flooring can be placed under kitchen units/plinths and appliances; however, it's a good idea not to have excess weight on top of worktops as this may cause additional strain which may damage the floor. We also suggest that if you are installing a kitchen island, the flooring be installed around the island as opposed to fitting the island on top of the flooring.
Both LVT and laminate flooring have the same architectural foundation and installation process, and both are available with very lifelike-appearing and feeling coverings. Roll or sheet vinyl also offers a lot of variety in terms of colour, pattern, and design. Vinyl flooring is at its best in rooms where there's a risk of moisture or temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl flooring reigns supreme in these situations!
Yes, as long as the manufacturer says they are colourfast. We recommend non-staining, vinyl-backed or woven rugs instead of rubber or latex-backed mats because the chemical (antioxidant) used to keep the backing from becoming brittle can stain your floor permanently.
The core structure is made of a plastic composite layer, which is an extremely sturdy, 100% waterproof material that allows the flooring to be utilised in any location rather than other flooring such as laminates.
Vinyl flooring can be installed in any room of the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. It is also a popular choice for commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, and restaurants. Vinyl flooring is durable and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
Luxury vinyl flooring is not designed to withstand direct sunlight or extreme weather conditions, therefore we don't recommend that LVF be installed outdoors. It is important when shopping to choose an LVF that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Not all LVF products are created equal, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
WPC stands for “wood plastic/polymer composite”.
WPC is a composite material made of thermoplastics, calcium carbonate, and wood flour. It is used for flooring and is regarded as waterproof, highly durable, and stable.
The Pro-Tek™ Excel collections all have a WPC core. The WPC structural layer makes Pro-Tek™ Excel much thicker and more rigid than traditional vinyl and other types of engineered flooring, providing waterproof benefits making the flooring ideal for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, as well as strength and stability.
WPC is waterproof and can be installed over the majority of subfloors without requiring significant preparation and are much thicker than LVT, while on the other hand, traditional LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is flexible and may transfer subfloor defectiveness like infiltrations to the surface.
Yes, WPC is rigid, waterproof, and dimensionally stable.
Both floorings are durable and are considered low-maintenance options - WPC is waterproof, while laminate flooring is typically less expensive and provides water resistance capabilities. Compared to laminates, WPC is more appropriate for locations with a chance of moisture infiltration.
Yes, WPC can be used in high-moisture environments like bathrooms and basements since it is waterproof.
It can be tricky to keep your grey vinyl flooring looking streak-free after cleaning. Here are a few tips:
Use a gentle cleanser specifically designed for vinyl floors.
Mop in the direction of the flooring grain.
Rinse your mop frequently while cleaning to avoid streaks.
Dry the floor with a clean, dry towel after cleaning to prevent streaks.
We’re often asked to recreate the look and feel of a real wood floor on a budget. We believe one of the best ways to do this is with engineered vinyl flooring. This ultra-realistic material is comprised of a vinyl top layer that’s usually designed to look just like hardwood or tile. But at the core of engineered vinyl flooring is MDF or DHF. The layers are securely fastened together and mounted onto a secure backing — giving you a highly durable and aesthetically pleasing floor surface.
Vinyl flooring is a highly durable, waterproof flooring material made by combining two or more layers of man-made substances. The layers are ‘sandwiched’ together to increase strength and durability. The top layer is designed to recreate the look or feel of a premium flooring material, such as hardwood, stone or tile. High-quality vinyl also delivers cushioning and sound-absorption qualities — at a fraction of the cost of real stone, wood or tile floors.
LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is usually produced in the shape as tiles, and it is often designed to ‘click’ together during the installation process. Versatile, hard-wearing and very easy to clean, LVT gives people the option of premium floor surfaces at affordable prices. For example, if you want a stone floor in your kitchen but you don’t have the required budget, stone-effect LVT will deliver the look without the price tag. LVT is one of the most popular flooring materials on the market today because of its practicality, durability and cost-effectiveness.
Very! All Pro-Tek™ flooring has a click lock system to make it quick and easy to fit together with no need for gluing or drying time. The Excel and Editions ranges have slightly different click systems, both from Unilin, experts in designing innovative technologies for flooring.
In addition, a premium, IXPE underlay is built-in and the flooring can be laid directly on most sub-floors as long as they are even, including existing flooring. Check out the installation guide, including pictures and videos, for more information.
Flooring is based on a m2 measurement and then the number of packs you need is calculated by this divided by the pack size. First measure the width and length of your space and multiply them to get the basic square meterage. If there are recesses, fireplaces, bay windows or other obstructions on the room you will need to allow for these in your calculation. Check out our measuring guide for more information.
Always allow an extra 5-10% to your measurements to allow for resizing planks and wastage.
Yes, all collections of Pro-Tek™ flooring are compatible with wet underfloor heating systems. In addition, the Editions collections can also be used with dry systems - see our guide for further information.
It is advisable though to check with a professional flooring fitter, heating contractor or the manufacturer of your heating before installing any flooring.
Pro-Tek™ has the widest range of complete match accessories of any engineered vinyl flooring range, ensuring that any project can be finished professionally.
There are five profiles available in all finishes and colours - T, Ramp, End, L-Shape and Stair Nosing.
Within minutes! Vinyl flooring is very easy to install and can be walked on almost immediately.
To remove stains from vinyl flooring, start by mixing a few drops of dish soap with some warm water in a bowl. Next, use a soft cloth or sponge to dab the mixture onto the stained area and then allow it to sit for a few minutes. Finally, rinse the area with cool water and blot it dry with a soft cloth.
No, they are not. While both resilient flooring products are created from similar materials, they are produced from different substances. Linoleum is constructed of natural elements like linseed oil, tree resin, cork dust and wood flour, whereas vinyl flooring is composed of vinyl, felt, and fibreglass.
Linoleum:
Made of natural substances
Anti-microbial
Anti-static properties
Every year, it needs to be sealed
Requires expert installation
Luxury Vinyl Flooring:
Made of durable PVC
Protective wear layer
Backing options for fiberglass, foam, or felt
DIY-friendly installation
Virtually no maintenance
It's a good idea to put a mat beneath desk chairs, even though vinyl flooring has a tough wear layer. Rolling desk chairs can cause some wear and tear over time. It's better to be safe than sorry!
If wet: Use a clean, white towel to lightly massage the affected region with neutral detergent and water. The area should be allowed to dry fully.
If dry: Mineral spirits should be used to lightly dampen a clean, white cloth. Blot the affected region (do not rub), changing the cloth every now and then to avoid reapplying any residue to the floor. After the residue has been removed, rinse the area with clean, warm water for 30 minutes before walking on it again."
There are a few different ways that you can clean your vinyl floors, and the best method will depend on the type of dirt or stain that you are trying to remove. If you have general dirt and grime build-up, you can sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to keep them clean. If you need to deep clean your floors, you can mop them with a mild soap and water solution. For tougher stains, you can use a vinegar and water solution, or a commercial vinyl floor cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner to avoid damaging your floors.
We advise using vinegar to clean your vinyl floors and not bleach as it is a very harsh product which may damage the floors in the long run. Please follow the same cleaning instructions of using soapy water with a mixture of one cup of vinegar and 3 litres of warm water to clean your vinyl floor after it has been vacuumed. The vinegar, a more gentle and natural disinfectant, will evaporate when the floor dries. However, it’s still best to rinse your floors afterwards using clean water and a mop, trying not to leave any water residue behind.
"Vinyl flooring is a widely popular flooring option for both residential and commercial properties. There are many advantages to choosing vinyl flooring, including its durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Vinyl flooring is extremely durable and can withstand heavy traffic. It is also resistant to stains and spills, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Vinyl flooring is easy to install and maintain, and does not require special treatments or cleaners.
Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of colours and patterns, making it a versatile option for any space. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers."
Pro-TekTM vinyl flooring is designed to last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The average lifetime of Pro-TekTM vinyl flooring is about 30 years for commercial. However, some factors such as the amount of foot traffic, the type of climate, and the cleaning methods used can affect the lifespan of the flooring. With proper care and maintenance, your Pro-TekTM vinyl flooring should last for many years.
SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite and is the material used for the core layer in SPC engineered flooring - The Pro-Tek™ Editions collections all have an SPC core. It offers all the same waterproof benefits as WPC, but is heavier.
The Editions SPC collections have less layers overall than the WPC Excel collections and is therefore thinner, but at a lower cost as well it offers an excellent value alternative, especially for larger housing projects and spaces.
Suppliers offer WPC products with various names just for branding purposes of their products or to make them distinguishable from others, i.e. enhanced vinyl plank, waterproof vinyl, and engineered luxury vinyl flooring.
WPC is a relatively new product category, and research into its effects on the environment is ongoing. According to the supporters of WPC, a lot of WPC products are created from recycled components, which can make them more environmentally friendly than other types of flooring.
WPC is frequently viewed as a subtype of LVT and is sometimes exhibited with LVT goods.
WPC is highly durable, water resistant, and the best alternative to wood. WPC is trustworthy, as evidenced by the sales and profits it brings in for floor-covering retailers.
Yes, WPC can typically be installed over most existing flooring giving them a smooth appearance.
Certainly, WPC is a good flooring option as it has gained popularity due to its sales and profitability for floor covering retailers as well as the significant amounts of money manufacturers are putting into its design innovation and development.
WPC can unquestionably grow to be the dominating player, according to Eric Mondragon, a hard surface buyer for R.C. According to Piet Dossche, CEO of USFloors “WPC will forever change the landscape of LVT and several other flooring categories”.