Back then, when people upgrade their flooring, they either choose ceramic tiles or natural stone flooring. Their options are quite limited. Some, because of the lack of variety, keep their rough floor and just style it with a rug or carpet. Then again, the homeowners’ options widened with the introduction of newer and more stylish flooring options like vinyl flooring.
Aside from the availability of such flooring options in different colors and styles, these newer flooring materials are more versatile and durable. Plus, they are even waterproof, lessening the risk of having damaged floors due to water spillage or submersion.
One of these newer and more innovative flooring options introduced to the market is MultiCore vinyl planks. This is one of the premium products of PT. Tri Harmoni Antar Benua, an Indonesian-based family-run solutions provider that has a global network of internationally-renowned industrial partners.
They specialize in construction supplies and interior decoration for both real estate and residential projects. They source their materials and products globally and they also accept special projects. Aside from PT. Tri Harmoni Antar Benua, there are also other brands carrying MultiCore waterproof vinyl planks.
MultiCore refers to the technology used in making their vinyl planks revolutionary. The company is marketing its vinyl flooring line as 100% hard, waterproof, and extremely stable. It’s made through the rigid thermoplastic extruded core.
Indeed, modern flooring options have gone a very long way. From a simple bare and rough floor, now, homeowners have the choice to use formaldehyde and Phthalate-free floors that are 100% waterproof and sturdy.
What Is MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
If you think that you have to sacrifice appearance for quality when it comes to your flooring materials, think again. You can get both with MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank flooring. Aside from being easy to install and maintain, these planks are rigid and have no wooden interior.
As such, you can ensure that it’s 100% waterproof. No need to worry about flooring expansion and contraction whenever it gets exposed to water and other environmental conditions. MultiCore vinyl planks take pride in the following features:
- Urethane coating enhanced by quartz: This gives the floor added protection from scuffs and daily scratches.
- 100% water-resistant flooring overlay: Regardless of the volume of foot traffic in your room, your floor stays protected. This also gives the floor a higher and better wear layer.
- Embossed styling film: Enjoy the structure, look, and feel of real hardwood.
- High-density vinyl material: This makes your floor more resistant to impact and structurally strong.
- Rigid composite core: The base of the floor is already structurally strong, thus providing rigidity and support to the floor’s overall structure.
- Hypoallergenic backing: The floor’s made of cork, thus making it thick enough to be sound-resistant.
Aside from all these, MultiCore vinyl planks are also sustainable and safe. Since the home’s flooring is something that people walk and live with every day, they must also be safe.
MultiCore does not only comply with the most stringent health standards, but it even exceeds them. In fact, it is compliant with European E0, Floorscore, Prop 65, and Americal Carb2 standards. You can ensure that it is formaldehyde and Phthalate free.
An honest review about Mannington vinyl plank would reveal how easy to manage and maintain vinyl is. A review of Shaw’s vinyl product would also reveal this fact – Shaw luxury vinyl planks are extremely durable.
Take those review points into consideration and you add 100% waterproof, cheaper cost, and rigidity to the equation and you get the perfect plank for your home – MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank.
Benefits of MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
The mere description of MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank might be more than enough to speak about its benefits and advantages. However, just when you think you already know everything about this product, you’ll be surprised to know that there’s, even more, you can take advantage of it. Check the following benefits out:
Easy and Quick Installation
You can install the planks in five easy and simple steps that involve plank laying, pounding, cutting, connecting, and sealing. You won’t need any dangerous, complicated, or expensive tools to install it. Plus, your installation project doesn’t need to leave a messy room, too.
Sound-Resistant
Because the floor’s backing is made of cork, you can contain loud noises within the room, and also keep the room from being disturbed by loud external noises. You can enjoy a karaoke session every night until the wee hours in the morning without disturbing your neighbors or people in the next room.
No Need for Transition
If you need to install the planks in a wide area, you can just cut the pieces and match together with ease. No need to use an angle grinder to cut the planks. Also, the design won’t vary that much because these planks are like pieces of one big jigsaw puzzle — they just fit perfectly when joined or connected.
Non-Hygroscopic
Your flooring won’t react adversely to humidity because there’s no wooden component in its interior.
Impact-Resistant
It doesn’t matter if your kids run around your house with your pets. Your floor remains scratch-free even with high foot traffic and high activity volume.
Waterproof
Getting your floor damaged because of water sipping through the floor surface is just one part of the problem. Mold growth is another. If water or moisture stays in one area of your home for a long time, molds can thrive. Soon, these molds can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
This can cost you thousands of dollars for repair and refurbishment. The more unfortunate news is your home insurance might not compensate you for the cost of the damage if it will be proven that such damage was caused by molding.
Pros and Cons of MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
To help you weigh your options better, here are some of the pros and cons of MultiCore waterproof vinyl planks that we have compiled for you.
Pros
- No sweat installation
- Safe for the kids
- Durable
- Less costly in the long run
- Water-resistant
- Sound-resistant
- Scratch and scuff-resistant
- Compliant with various safety and quality standards
- Resistant to minor floor imperfections
- Sustainable because it does not support the use of composites
- Minimal underfloor preparation
- Volatile Organic Compound-free
- Cheaper than other laminate flooring options
Cons
- Can discolor if exposed to the scorching heat of the sun for an extended period of time
- Not biodegradable because of its composition
- Can be damaged if the impact is too strong (breaking a glass, dropping huge sharp items)
MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring Lines
MultiCore is divided into two product lines — Standard and Premium. Though both are newer and more innovative versions of wood-plastic composites (WPC), they differ in various aspects like overall thickness and wear layers. Their differences clearly speak why one is considered standard, and the other as premium.
MultiCore Standard
MultiCore Standard and Premium are similar. They both do not contain wooden fibers, making them free from legal certifications like Prop 65, Lacey, FSC, and so on. Both are also 100% waterproof, stable and rigid and feature a urethane coating enhanced by quartz.
They are also similar in the fact that both of them come with a cork backing and lifetime residential warranty. In terms of use and texture, both lines are also equipped with rigid cores that minimize uneven subfloor issues.
They are ideal for basements, full bathrooms, and kitchens because of their comfortable and warm underfoot. On the other hand, what sets MultiCore Standard apart is the fact that it does not come along with a vinyl that’s glued to the top.
Aside from that, its wear layer is only at 12 mils, ten mils lower compared to the Premium line. It also has an overall thickness of 5.0mm, 1.5mm lower than the Premium line. Lastly, compared to MultiCore Premium, MultiCore Standard does not come with a commercial warranty.
MultiCore Premium
Aside from the points of similarities mentioned in the preceding paragraph, MultiCore Premium is called as such because of its likelihood with traditional WPC products. It also has a thickness of 6.5mm, making it sturdier and more shock, sound, and scratch absorbent compared to its Standard contemporary.
It also comes with the EIR layer glued to the vinyl top. Its wear layer is also at 22 mils, making it an ideal flooring option for commercial structures and residential structures with higher foot traffic. Aside from its lifetime residential warranty, the Premium line also comes with a 15-year commercial warranty.
Features of MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
To get to know MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank flooring even better, let’s tackle each of its salient features.
More Rigid
Lifeproof vinyl plank has a rigid, sturdy core. The same goes for other brands. In fact, a vast majority of the vinyl plank flooring available in the market today have a wooden fiber core. This means that even if they are water-resistant, they’re not 100% waterproof.
This is not the case with MultiCore vinyl planks. The said planks are made with a thermo-composite extruded core. This composition makes the plank more rigid compared with other vinyl flooring options, even at 6.5 mm and 5 mm thickness.
Since the wood fiber core is removed, the floor can no longer react to humidity, along with the contracting and shrinking that accompany it. This woodless core also makes the planks extremely stable, and installable across different large spaces. You also won’t see transition pieces typical among laminate floors.
Doesn’t Shrink or Contract
As mentioned above, MultiCore waterproof vinyl planks don’t have a wooden fiber core, thus making them more rigid. And because there is no longer a wooden component on it, it cannot absorb moisture. This makes it not prone to shrinking and contracting.
Extremely Stable
This feature is also related to the fact that these planks are no longer containing wooden fiber at its core. As previously stated, this woodless core also makes the planks extremely stable and installable across different large spaces.
Easy Installation
You can install the planks in five easy and simple steps that involve plank laying, pounding, cutting, connecting, and sealing. You won’t need any dangerous, complicated, or expensive tools to install it. Plus, your installation project doesn’t need to leave a messy room, too.
Compared to other vinyl planks, the installation of a MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank is easier. In fact, it’s the easiest vinyl plank to install. With these traditional planks, the first thing that you should do is to ensure that your subfloor is equal in level.
Once you’ve checked the subfloor, you can now start the installation process with a self-leveling concrete or a leveling compound. Wait for the concrete to dry or set. After this, you need to install the underlayment that will serve as the flooring’s cushion.
This is not the case with MultiCore vinyl. Since MultiCore vinyl comes with a cork backing on every plank, you no longer need to add an underlayment, check uneven subfloor spots, and levelers. The cork is already a great underlayment. Aside from that, since the cork is hypoallergenic, it will feel soft and warm underfoot.
You won’t be needing saws, either. Since there’s no wood on the core, you don’t need to run to the garage every time you need to cut the next board down to the right size. You only need a good and straight-edge utility knife when you cut and fit the plank pieces.
Realistic Wood Look
The goal of MultiCore manufacturers is to replicate hardwood perfectly. This was made possible with the use of embossed-in-register technology. The ridges and ruts embossed on the vinyl match the grain patterns of the wood being replicated. Laminate looks like an expansive wooden flooring, Shaw Floorte flooring looks elegant, but MultiCore looks like real hardwood.
Variety of Sizes
MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank comes in two different grades — standard and premium. The former is a narrower, thinner plank that measures about six inches wide and 5mm thick. The latter grade, on the other hand, provides a thicker and wider board, about 6.5 mm thick and over 7 inches wide.
Variety of Colors
Brown is not the only shade you can find in the MultiCore waterproof vinyl line. In fact, you can see shades of red, blue, gray, and a million versions of the color brown. You can go all out in your color and style choices. You can choose the right color that will complement well with your room decor and theme. If you want to go for the classic look, the different shades of brown will help you achieve such a look.
Affordable
If you think of all the advantages and technology infused into making this waterproof vinyl plank, you can assume that it’s pricier compared to other flooring materials. Surprisingly, these planks are really affordable. In fact, its price is one of its most lucrative selling points.
Currently, you can buy these planks at either $2 or $3 per square foot. This is way cheaper than the high-end laminate planks that can run as high as $5 per square foot. Plus, both the standard and premium grades carry with it a lifetime residential warranty. Aside from its lifetime residential warranty, the Premium line also comes with a 15-year commercial warranty.
How to Install MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
As mentioned above, compared to other vinyl planks, the installation of a MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank is easier. With the traditional planks, you should first ensure that your subfloor is equal in level.
After that, you can now start the installation process with a self-leveling concrete or a leveling compound. Wait for the concrete to dry or set. After this, you need to install the underlayment that will serve as the flooring’s cushion.
This is not the case with MultiCore vinyl. Here are the steps in installing the MultiCore waterproof vinyl planks.
Step 1 – Prepare the cork
Since MultiCore vinyl comes with a cork backing on every plank, you no longer need to add an underlayment, check uneven subfloor spots, and levelers. The cork is already a great underlayment. Aside from that, since the cork is hypoallergenic, it will feel soft and warm underfoot.
Step 2 – Get your utility knife ready
You won’t be needing saws, either. Since there’s no wood on the core, you don’t need to run to the garage every time you need to cut the next board down to the right size. You only need a good and straight-edge utility knife when you cut and fit the plank pieces.
Step 3 – Lay the planks on the floor
You can now lay the first row of the planks on the floor. Cut planks to fit the area with the use of a utility knife.
Step 4 – Secure all planks
With the use of a rubber mallet, secure all planks in place to avoid it from running and displacing.
How to Clean and Maintain MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
Cleaning your MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank flooring is easy. Though no specific guidelines are set on how to maintain and clean these planks, here are some cleaning and maintenance tips you can follow:
Step 1 – Sweep your floor regularly
This will remove dirt and grit. Wipe all spills on the floor immediately.
Step 2 – Clean thoroughly
Make sure to use a MultiCore surface cleaner to clean your floor thoroughly.
Do’s and Don’ts With MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
Here are some common dos and don’ts you need to observe to keep your vinyl plank in pristine condition for a long time.
Do’s
- Read the product label before you try to install the vinyl planks by yourself.
- Think of the theme of the room, its size, and the style you want to achieve before choosing the style and color of the vinyl plank you’ll buy.
- Install DuraLux vinyl plank if you want a waterproof flooring
- Regularly clean your floor to keep it in great condition.
- Go for easy to install Karndean vinyl plank flooring
- Understand the difference in wear layers between different plank grades and choose the one that fits the traffic and volume of activity in your house.
- Use the world’s best mop for laminate floors to clean your vinyl flooring
- Install comfortable laminate underlayment
Don’ts
- Not use a premium carpet vacuum to clean the planks
- Buy these vinyl planks without understanding its features and specifications.
- Not check Mohawk vinyl plank reviews and reviews of other brands before purchasing
FAQ About MultiCore Waterproof Vinyl Plank
Lastly, to answer all the most commonly asked questions about MultiCore waterproof vinyl plank flooring, check these out:
What is the best waterproof vinyl plank flooring?
Shaw Floorte, Mohawk WPC, and Mannington Vinyl are the three leading brands when it comes to waterproof vinyl plank flooring. These three top brands possess the following traits:
- Urethane coating enhanced by quartz: This gives the floor added protection from scuffs and daily scratches.
- 100% water-resistant flooring overlay: Regardless of the volume of foot traffic in your room, your floor stays protected. This also gives the floor a higher and better wear layer.
- Embossed styling film: Enjoy the structure, look, and feel of real hardwood.
- High-density vinyl material: This makes your floor more resistant to impact and structurally strong.
- Rigid composite core: The base of the floor is already structurally strong, thus providing rigidity and support to the floor’s overall structure.
- Hypoallergenic backing: The floor’s made of cork, thus making it thick enough to be sound-resistant.
Is vinyl plank flooring really waterproof?
The vast majority of the vinyl plank flooring available in the market today has a wooden fiber core. This means that even if they are water-resistant, they’re not 100% waterproof. This is not the case with MultiCore vinyl planks.
The said planks are made with a thermo-composite extruded core. This composition makes the plank more rigid compared with other vinyl flooring options, even at 6.5 mm and 5 mm thickness.
Since the wood fiber core is removed, the floor can no longer react to humidity, along with the contracting and shrinking that accompany it. This woodless core also makes the planks extremely stable, and installable across different large spaces. You also won’t see transition pieces typical among laminate floors.
How do you keep vinyl planks from separating?
Humidity and moisture cause these vinyl planks to separate. The best resolution to keep your vinyl planks from separating is to use a MultiCore waterproof vinyl instead of regular vinyl planks. Here, the planks are made with a thermo-composite extruded core. This composition makes the plank more rigid compared with other vinyl flooring options, even at 6.5 mm and 5 mm thickness.
Since the wood fiber core is removed, the floor can no longer react to humidity, along with the contracting and shrinking that accompany it. This woodless core also makes the planks extremely stable, and installable across different large spaces. You also won’t see transition pieces typical among laminate floors.
What brand of vinyl plank flooring is the best?
Shaw Floorte, Mohawk WPC, and Mannington Vinyl are the three leading brands when it comes to waterproof vinyl plank flooring.
Can you put heavy furniture on vinyl plank flooring?
It depends on the wear layer of your vinyl planks. MultiCore Premium is called as such because of its likelihood with traditional WPC products. It also has a thickness of 6.5mm, making it sturdier and more shock, sound, and scratch absorbent compared to its Standard contemporary.
It also comes with the EIR layer glued to the vinyl top. Its wear layer is also at 22 mils, making it an ideal flooring option for commercial structures and residential structures with higher foot traffic.
Aside from its lifetime residential warranty, the Premium line also comes with a 15-year commercial warranty. If your room has heavier foot traffic and you’ll need to put heavy furniture in it, go for MultiCore Premium vinyl flooring.
Conclusion
Choosing the right flooring material can be tedious. You need to consider the design of the room, the theme you’re aiming for, the decors, and furniture you’ll add. Aside from these, you also need to check if the material you’re planning to use is sustainable, safe, waterproof, and durable.
All these items on your checklist can get longer if you choose to become more meticulous. The process can take its toll on you; however, if you think of the outcome and the fact that you’re making the best decision, all of these efforts will be truly worth it.
Photos from: vovan13 / depositphotos.com, kalinovsky / depositphotos.com, siam.watsadudd@gmail.com / depositphotos.com, Malleo / depositphotos.com and Verrone / depositphotos.com.