Flooring Definitions

Flooring definitions provide simple answers to customers questions about the types of flooring available at our store, from hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and more.

Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood floors are cut from a single piece of timber. They are one piece of solid-cut timber.

Engineered Wood Flooring: Flooring made from multiple layers of wood, with a natural wood veneer on top. It offers the appearance of hardwood with increased stability.

Sawned Cut Engineered Wood Flooring: Sawned cut refers to the top veneer layer for the engineered hardwood planks. This method involves cutting the log into thin, parallel slices to create the top layer of the flooring. Sawned cut veneers typically showcase the timber’s natural grain patterns and characteristics.

Rotary cut Engineered Wood Flooring: Rotary cut refers to the top veneer layer for engineered hardwood planks. In this process, a log or timber is mounted on a lathe and rotates while a saw blade peels a continuous, thin sheet of wood from the timber in a spiral fashion. This method produces veneers with a unique appearance characterized by pronounced, broad grain patterns. The result is an irregular grain pattern with visually distinct looks that can be striking.

Sliced-cut Engineered Wood Flooring: Sliced-Cut: Sliced cut refers to the top veneer layer for engineered hardwood planks. In this process, a large log or timber is placed horizontally and sliced into thin, parallel sheets of wood. These sliced sheets become the top layer of the flooring. Sliced-cut veneers typically preserve the timber’s natural grain patterns and character, unlike rotary-cut veneers; they offer a balanced and uniform appearance. Sliced-cut veneers are thinner cuts and are not as thick as sawn-cut veneers.

Vinyl Flooring: Flooring made from vinyl materials that can mimic the look of various natural materials. Vinyl flooring comes in multiple forms, including luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl sheet flooring.

Laminate Flooring: Laminate consists of multiple layers, including a printed image layer, a core layer, and a protective wear layer. A synthetic flooring product that mimics the appearance of natural materials, such as wood or stone.

SPC: SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite in the context of flooring materials. SPC flooring is a type of rigid core vinyl flooring that combines limestone powder and plastic to create a highly durable and water-resistant flooring product.

LVP: LVP stands for “Luxury Vinyl Plank.” LVP is part of the broader category of vinyl flooring and is known for its durability, water resistance, and versatility.

WPC: WPC Flooring, which stands for Wood Plastic Composite Flooring, is a type of luxury vinyl flooring that incorporates a composite core made from wood fibers or wood flour mixed with thermoplastic polymers. WPC flooring is designed to offer the aesthetic appeal of hardwood or stone, along with enhanced durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance.

Ceramic Tile: A type of tile made from fired clay. It is durable, moisture-resistant, and comes in various shapes, sizes, and patterns.

Porcelain Tile: A type of ceramic tile, porcelain tiles are denser and less porous, making them highly durable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Natural Stone Tile: Includes materials like marble, granite, travertine, slate, and limestone. Natural stone tiles have unique patterns and colors.

CARPET: A soft flooring material made from various fibers, such as nylon, polyester, or wool. Carpeting provides warmth and comfort underfoot.

Subfloor: The structural layer beneath the visible flooring material. It provides support and a level surface for the flooring. It is crucial you follow the manufacturers guidelines for subfloor prep!

Underlayment: A layer of material is installed between the subfloor and the finished flooring. It can provide additional cushioning, sound insulation, and moisture resistance. Always read the installation guidelines before you install your flooring!

Grout: A mixture of cement, sand, and water used to fill the gaps between tiles in tile flooring. It provides stability and prevents moisture penetration.

Seam: The joint or line where two pieces of flooring meet, typically relevant for sheet flooring, carpet, or tile installations.

Floating Floor: A flooring installation method where the flooring material is not glued or nailed to the subfloor but instead “floats” on top, often using an interlocking mechanism.

Grain: The visible pattern in wood flooring created by the alignment and appearance of wood fibers.

Pattern Matching: The process of aligning and arranging flooring materials to create a specific design or pattern, often used in hardwood or tile installations.

Finish: A protective topcoat applied to hardwood or engineered wood flooring to enhance its appearance and durability.

Tongue and Groove: A method of joining flooring planks or boards where one edge has a groove, and the other has a corresponding tongue, allowing them to fit together securely.

Sealer: A protective coating applied to some types of flooring, such as natural stone or concrete, to prevent staining and damage.

Abrasion Class (AC) Rating: A rating system used to assess the durability of laminate flooring. It indicates the level of wear and tear the flooring can withstand.
Pile: The surface of a carpet made up of looped or cut fibers. Pile height and density can affect the look and feel of the carpet.

EIR: EIR (Embossed in Register) means the vinyl is imprinted to match the design or texture found in nature, creating a more realistic look and feel in the flooring.

Copper State Flooring
We have a wide selection of flooring products in our showroom. Please contact us to learn more or visit our showroom to see samples. Our flooring experts will guide you in finding the right floors for your needs and lifestyle.

3164 S Country Club Dr Unit 10
Mesa, AZ 85210

Phone: 480-500-5690

Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM | Sat. 10AM – 3PM | Sun. Closed