I frequently encounter questions about resilient flooring from people who worry it won't look authentic or wear well. I was aware that this type of flooring has come a long way — the latest products look great, even beautiful — but I didn't know much more about it.
The arrival of marketing materials and large-scale samples of a relatively new fibreglass-based sheet flooring called FiberFloor by Tarkett gave me the impetus to educate myself. Stores near me have been selling the product for about a year. Distributors say their customers like the wide range of looks available and the product's feel underfoot.
Briefly, Tarkett says its newest product comes in widths of 1.6 and 3.6 metres, is made using water-based inks only and is 100-per-cent recyclable. It is certified in the United States as having a low rating for emissions of volatile organic compounds, which adversely affect air quality. Testing for such a rating from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. has been completed and certification is pending.
FiberFloor also has sound-absorption qualities, won't foster the growth of mould or mildew and, even if you've laid the product in, say, your basement, you can reuse it if you move elsewhere because installation requires no glues or adhesives.
Fibreglass-based sheet flooring by Tarkett, seen above and at left, is made using water-based inks, has sound-absorption qualities and is 100-per-cent recyclable. (TARKETT)
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After dancing around on my samples for a day, I can confirm it is cushy underfoot and feels warm to the touch. In the interests of due diligence, I then launched an unscientific analysis comparing Tarkett's product to those of its competitors. I called a few of my local distributors, and they came up with three comparable products: Armstrong's CushionStep flooring and Mannington's Sobella line, both of which are vinyl-based, and Armak Floorcovering's Flexitec, another fibreglass-based product. (FiberFloor is the only one of the four produced in Canada.)
There are a few additional things to keep in mind, however. Some vinyl flooring has a paper backing, which can make it vulnerable to moisture. This isn't the case with fibreglass-based flooring, or at least not with FiberFloor and Flexitec. Further, fibreglass is said to offer greater dimensional stability, meaning it will not contract or expand, curl or slide around once it has been laid.
The four companies seemed equally concerned about the environmental impact their products would have, although it was easier to find supporting documentation of their "green-ness" for some than others. Over all, however, the products appeared to be on par with respect to environmental certifications.
All four offered some stunning aesthetic options and enough variety to satisfy every taste. There were great impersonations of natural stones, woods, ceramics and even some metals. A personal favourite is Tarkett's FiberFloor Easy Living collection for its myriad and what appeared to be unique design options for the young or young at heart.
Pricing among the four was competitive and budget-friendly. For example, FiberFloor's options range from $1.65 to $2.99 a square foot, which is in line with the others.
Additional savings can be had on labour, given some of these products are supposedly easy for the do-it-yourselfer to install.
But this is where things became confusing. Tarkett markets FiberFloor as a "loose lay" product, meaning you cut it to the size and shape of your room and lay it down. Armak's Flexitec is also loose lay, but technical information found online includes advice on other methods, too, such as semi-loose lay (using double-sided tape at the seams) and full spread, where you use a seam sealer and/or a pressure sensitive adhesive. I couldn't tell whether you could choose your method or it depends on the subfloor composition.
Then I stumbled on a contractors' website with a discussion thread titled "FiberFloor versus Flexitec." It was an interesting read, and not only for the colourful language. Several participants, professional contractors all, were debating the pros and cons of the recommended installation methods. Some had experienced problems with one or both, citing wrinkling, bubbling or buckling, especially in front of large appliances.
Others testified to having had no issues with either, suggesting other possible causes, such as the skill level of the contractor or the temperature of the home during installation, a factor several contributors said was key.
I couldn't find a definitive answer on the installation issue so raise it as merely something you should know about. Therefore, when considering resilient flooring, I recommend you look at warranties closely, confirm the recommended installation method with your suppliers, tell them you've heard of problems with wrinkling, bubbling, and buckling, and find out whether they guarantee their installation work. Otherwise, know you're getting an economical product that can look amazing and fresh without substantially increasing your home's carbon footprint.
Pros and cons
Some benefits of fibreglass flooring:
- Wide range of colours, textures and patterns
- Competitively priced
- Quiet, comfortable and warm underfoot
- Requires little maintenance
- Resistant to water, mould and mildew
- Can be installed in any room and over most existing floors
- Installation can be quick and is generally dust- and noise-free
- Six and 12-foot widths mean minimal seams
On the other hand:
- Won't add the same value to your home as natural stone or wood flooring
- Potential to rip or gouge
- Some installation methods involve using double-sided tape or sealants. May need to prepare the subfloor
- Potential for other post-installation issues such as wrinkling, bubbling or buckling that some contractors have reported.
Reno Adventures appears weekly, covering all aspects of home renovation. Send your feedback and suggestions to ERand-Watkinson-@globeandmail.com.
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