Sometimes it can be difficult to understand the differences and similarities between different types of floors. A Dryback Vinyl floor is glued to the surface, while a Rigid Click Vinyl floor can be installed by yourself using the handy click connection. In this new episode of FloerTube, Guido explains the differences between adhesive Dryback Vinyl and Rigid Click Vinyl floors in more detail.
The differences between Dryback and Rigid Click Vinyl floors
One of the significant distinctions between Dryback and Rigid Click Vinyl floors is the installation process. Since a Rigid Click Vinyl floor has a click connection, it is installed similarly to a laminate floor. On the other hand, a Dryback Vinyl floor plank has no click-connection, which means that it requires a completely different installation approach. If you want to learn more about the differences between these types of vinyl floors, you can read about them here!
Dryback Vinyl floor
Let’s talk about Dryback Vinyl floors! As you may know, a slab vinyl floor requires a different installation process than a plastic click floor. Vinyl floors are glued directly to the substrate, usually without the need for an underlay. However, it’s important to note that the surface on which the vinyl floor is placed must be even. Because vinyl strips are thin, even small irregularities in the bottom floor may be noticeable. Before installation, it is recommended to level the surface if it is uneven or has small irregularities. To ensure the best results, we suggest hiring a professional to handle both surface leveling and vinyl floor installation.
One of the major advantages of using this installation method is its tight grip. In addition, dryback vinyl floors have the lowest thermal resistance of any type of flooring due to their material composition and 0.25mm thickness. This makes them an excellent choice for underfloor heating systems as they provide little to no resistance to the heat released. In other words, the lower the thermal resistance, the faster the house can heat up!
The primary distinction between dryback and rigid click vinyl flooring is the click connection mechanism on the boards. With click vinyl, since there is no click-connection, it is theoretically possible to install these strips in any pattern you desire. Do you adore Whalebone Vinyl, but not in your preferred color? It is also feasible to install one of the Village Vinyl floors in a herringbone pattern! Dryback Vinyl floors can be installed without skirting as well.
Rigid Click Vinyl floor
Rigid Click Vinyl flooring, also known as do-it-yourself vinyl flooring, has a big advantage: you can install it yourself. No need to seek help from a friend, handyman, or professional. This is because rigid click vinyl flooring has a click connection similar to that of laminate flooring. If you want to know the differences, check out our blog post on the differences between herringbone laminate and herringbone vinyl.
The Floer Nature Rigid Click Vinyl floors, Herringbone Rigid Click Vinyl, and Tile Rigid Click Vinyl are composed of a mix of vinyl and stone minerals, creating a strong intermediate layer that makes the floors extra stable. Leveling the subfloor is usually unnecessary for installation, but it is important to ensure it is as even as possible. To properly support the click connection of these durable vinyl floors, we strongly recommend using the Rigid Click Vinyl Underlay. Only when used in combination with this underlay you can receive a 20-year guarantee. These underlay rolls are designed specifically to support the click connection of rigid core vinyl floors, providing sufficient compressive strength.
Vinyl Laminate
Rigid Click Vinyl is often referred to as Vinyl Laminate due to its combination of the best features of both vinyl and laminate floors. With Rigid Click Vinyl, you get all the benefits of a vinyl floor and the added bonus of a super convenient click connection. So, if you come across the term Vinyl Laminate, it most likely refers to a Rigid Click Vinyl floor!
5 similarities between Dryback and Rigid Click Vinyl flooring
Now that you know about the main differences between Dryback and Rigid Click Vinyl flooring, it’s time to discuss their similarities, because there are some!
- Vinyl floors are 100% waterproof
- Rigid Click and Dryback Vinyl is durable and features a strong wear layer
- Dryback and Rigid Click Vinyl floors are ideal in combination with underfloor heating
- The floors are of very high quality
- All finished with a realistic oak or stone design!
Are you curious about the differences between laminate and vinyl flooring? Or would you like to learn more about the three structures of both types of flooring? Check out our FloerTube videos for more information!
If you’re interested in one of our floors, you can order a sample of your favorite floor and experience the advantages of dryback and rigid click vinyl floors for yourself.
If you happen to scratch your favorite vinyl floor, don’t stress! Read our guide on how to remove scratches from a vinyl floor. This is especially useful if you have a scratch in your Floer Tile Rigid Click Vinyl – Lemelerberg Light Grey.