Composite

Composite

In the context of floor covering, the term "composite" refers to a material made from two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties. When combined, these materials create a product with characteristics different from the individual components. Composite flooring materials are engineered to offer a combination of benefits, such as enhanced durability, aesthetic appeal, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.

Common types of composite flooring include:

  • Engineered Wood Flooring: Made of a top layer of real wood veneer adhered to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This structure provides stability and resistance to moisture compared to solid wood flooring.
  • Luxury Vinyl Composite (LVC): This includes products like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which consist of multiple layers including a wear layer, a photographic layer for appearance, and a backing layer. These floors are highly durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain.
  • Laminate Flooring: Composed of a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer, laminated to a core layer made of fiberboard materials. Laminate floors are known for their durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Composite Decking: Though primarily used for outdoor decking, composite decking materials can sometimes be used in flooring applications. These are made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, offering durability and resistance to weather and wear.

Composite flooring is designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials such as wood or stone while providing enhanced performance characteristics, making it a popular choice in both residential and commercial applications.


Related Articles Using the Term: composite
Top exterior trends to inspire your 2019 home projects
...ls, because the last thing you want is to spend excessive time and money on routine maintenance. Instead of using natural wood, opt for a premium composite decking, such as Zuri Premium Decking, that combines the natural beauty of exotic hardwood with the unsurpassed and exceptionally low-ma...
How big of a deck do I need?
...pending on the size. The deck material will also affect the final cost. Pologruto uses traditional wood boards and high-end ENVISION composite decking by TAMKO Building Products, and says if homeowners are already preparing to spend the money to build a large deck, they should g...
Material Matters
...h pale tones or choose a finish that adds dimensional character. When your kitchen requires both rich color and a rock solid design, a composite sink will deliver. An option like Kohler's Cairn sink offers a transitional style to suit contemporary and traditional kitchens alike, but i...
Black is the new black: Black makes a comeback as a major home improvement trend
...as the traditional color for asphalt roofs. Homeowners, seeking to mimic the look of expensive wood shake shingles, started to opt for brown and gray composite shingles. Black shingles began to fall out of popularity. But today, homeowners are looking to stand out rather than fit in....
Trends to Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space
...re spending more time on their decks doesn't mean they're willing to put in extra hours for maintenance. Wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites, are especially popular due to their low-maintenance features. Unlike wood, composite decking such as Trex Transcend, resists fading, stain...
Simply sleek: How to create today's top shower design
...ves to create sleek shower designs, and Kohler's Choreograph collection is a popular solution. The collection features Serica material, a proprietary composite material that precisely combines crushed stone and fiber reinforcement to create unparalleled durability and beauty. The Ser...
Exterior home improvements yield higher ROI for less money, report shows
...> By contrast, exterior projects like adding a deck or replacing a garage door deliver similar high rates of return, but for far less cost. Adding a composite deck can cost around $17,000 and yield an ROI of more than 65 percent, while a garage door typically costs less than $2,000 and returns near...
Deck Design Made Easy
... material and labor costs and peer into the future. With wood decks, the costs of sanding, staining and painting add up over time. Over the life of a composite deck, the reduced maintenance costs of simple soap and water cleanings add up to a greater return on investment – not to mention the value o...
Get Inspired by Outdoor Living Ideas
... more time enjoying their outdoor living space than maintaining it. This motivation has contributed to the continued innovation and popularity of composite decking and railing. Unlike wood, high-performance wood alternative decking such as Trex resists fading, staining, scratching and mold. Upke...
Planning an Outdoor Oasis
...hether you want to make some improvements for selling your home, or just to enjoy for yourself, the planning experts at Fiberon, makers of innovative composite decking, railing and fencing products, have some tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor oasis. Define the Space. An outdoor room could...
Divine Deck Design
...? Treated lumber is a common choice for decks. While wood has its advantages, maintenance can become a chore that adds up in terms of time and money. Composite decking is a lower maintenance option that more and more homeowners are choosing. When it comes to the design stage of the process, a new...