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Why Choose Rigid Core
What You Need to Know About Rigid Core Flooring
What are the benefits of rigid core flooring over traditional wood or tile?
Rigid core flooring is designed to give you the look you love in traditional wood or tile flooring, but with the advantages of being waterproof, scratch, stain and dent-resistant as well as being quiet and comfortable underfoot.
Outstanding in High Moisture Areas
Rigid core flooring is 100% waterproof, which means planks won’t swell, buckle or lose integrity in high moisture/wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Natural hardwood is a poor option in these areas and even tile brings issues with mold and mildew in grout and porous textures. Rigid core floors are 100% waterproof and include mold and mildew-resistant formulas in their construction.
Durable
Do you have kids? Pets? Wear high heels? Drop things? Rigid core floors are built for real life. Its sturdy construction ensures you won’t see dents from sharp heels or dropped pans, and its scratch and stain-resistant layer means sliding a chair across the room won’t leave a permanent impression (nor will that spilled marinara sauce!). The protective wear layer is super easy to keep clean and maintain over time. Some products even have a commercial-grade wear layer to take on the toughest challenges.
Livable
Included in the multilayer construction are layers to make the floor sturdy, yet comfortable, so it’s easier on your feet and easier on any breakable objects that get dropped on it. There’s no floor cracking even if the subfloor is a bit uneven - something that can easily happen with tile floors.
Stylish
Forget the vinyl of your grandmother’s kitchen floors – today’s luxury rigid flooring comes in an endless array of trendsetting designs that mimic natural wood, stone and tile, not only in look, but in imprinted feel. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how authentic these floors look.
Affordable
Wood, stone, and ceramic tile can be cost-prohibitive, not to mention the additional expense of special care and upkeep needed to keep them protected and looking their best. Rigid core flooring was built for real people, with real lives who don’t want to compromise on aesthetics or their budget.
Constructed to Last
Many Congoleum rigid core flooring products have lifetime warranties, as well as products that come with 30-year warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best collection for durability?
Every rigid core collection is perfectly suited to install in busy homes, but Triversa Prime offers unmatched scratch, stain and dent resistance thanks to its commercial-grade surface and solid polymer core. Bonus: it's backed by our lifetime warranty!
What is the best waterproof floor in the rigid core line?
Easy answer: all of them! Each is 100% waterproof, meaning planks won't swell, buckle or lose integrity when exposed to water.
Where can it be installed?
Install at, above or below ground level — anywhere you have floors! It’s the perfect choice for frequently used gathering spaces like playrooms and kitchens, where there's plenty of foot traffic (and easy cleanup and comfort are key). Bathrooms, mudrooms, utility areas, laundry rooms and basements are also a good match since these floors perform superbly in high-moisture, high-use areas.
But don’t limit yourself to utilitarian-only spaces! With so many gorgeous styles to choose from, you’ll be sure to find a floor that takes center stage beautifully in your living room, dining room and bedrooms.
Are rigid core floors a good alternative to hardwood?
Yes! Homeowners especially love that you can get really authentic looking wood styles, and have them be durable enough for rooms where moisture can be a concern. Hardwood isn't a good choice for bathroom and laundry room installations, but because rigid core flooring is one of the best waterproof floor options, it's a perfect way to get gorgeous hardwood style in high-moisture areas.
Are these also a good alternative to natural stone?
es! The tiles in our Triversa Prime collection look and feel like natural slate or travertine, but have additional advantages — like not cracking beneath uneven subfloors, having no messy grout to maintain, and feeling warmer and softer underfoot (great for bare feet and crawling kids and pets).
What kind of design styles are available?
Anything you want – traditional, farmhouse rustic, mid-century modern, Scandi, cottagecore – you name it – there’s a Congoleum rigid core floor that meets all of your needs, from design to performance.
See for yourself - you'll notice every style is designed with great attention to detail, creating wonderfully realistic looks to go with any decor imaginable.
Choose from:
- Hardwood styles – Classic oak, American elm and hickory, exotic woods with vivid grain patterns, all in a wide spectrum of gorgeous hues.
- Textures and effects – Embossed textures, white-washing, liming, and brushed and reclaimed looks — plus multi-width planks or multi-colored patterns to add depth and drama.
- Classic stone styles – Slate and travertine lookalikes or concrete-inspired planks.
Where can I find the best rigid core flooring to fit my décor and lifestyle?
You’ll be glad to learn that many of Congoleum Flooring's most exciting and on-trend styles feature rigid core construction for outstanding durability and performance. Check out our rigid core floors, then visit a local retailer to get started.
What about installation options?
Do it yourself or have it done for you. We've rated this flooring "DIY Level: Beginner”, so if you're pretty handy with tools and cutting, you may feel confident tackling installation on your own. You can also consider the benefits of hiring a pro. Either way, we offer tips and step-by-step instructions that will help.
For rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight, we sometimes recommend that certain rigid core products be installed using a glue-down application – a traditional full-spread adhesive that you apply over the subfloor with a trowel before laying down boards. We’re here to help you find your best option for outstanding results.