LVT • Floating format
Rigid Core (Floating) LVT, Explained
Rigid core LVT is a common luxury vinyl construction that typically installs as a floating floor using a locking system. This page explains the format and the specs you’ll see on technical data sheets — reference-only, no product or install advice.
What is rigid core LVT?
“Rigid core” generally means the vinyl product has a stiffer internal core layer (often labeled SPC or WPC). Many rigid core products are designed to connect plank-to-plank with a mechanical locking system, which is why they’re commonly described as floating.
Rigid core is a construction style. “LVT” is the category. “LVP” is often used for the plank shape — so you’ll see some overlap in how brands label the same concept.
Related pages
How floating (rigid core) differs from glue-down
Technical sheets for floating rigid core products often emphasize specs tied to locking performance, stiffness, and dimensional stability of the plank system.
Glue-down LVT sheets often emphasize specs tied to adhesive compatibility, flexibility, and certain static load measurements.
Common rigid core terms you’ll see
- SPC / WPC (core type family)
- Click / lock (locking system terminology)
- Attached pad (underlayment factory-attached)
- Dimensional stability (movement under heat/moisture cycles)
- Indentation / static load (lab measurements, not a guarantee)
Rigid core LVT specs glossary
One-sentence explanations of common data sheet specs, with links to deeper pages.
| Spec | What it means (1 sentence) | Where it appears | Deep dive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total thickness (mm) | The overall thickness of the plank including core and any backing/pad layers. | Product specs / construction | Total thickness explained |
| Wear layer (mil) | The clear top protective layer thickness measured in mil (0.001 inch). | Construction / performance | Wear layer thickness explained |
| Core type (SPC / WPC) | A label for the core family that generally relates to stiffness, density, and construction approach. | Construction | SPC vs WPC explained |
| Locking system | The edge profile that allows planks to mechanically connect when installed as a floating system. | Installation / construction | Locking systems explained |
| Acoustic rating (IIC/STC) | Lab ratings that describe sound transfer under specific assemblies and test methods. | Performance testing (sometimes) | Acoustic ratings explained |
| Static Load Resistance | A lab measurement of surface deformation under a defined load for a defined period. | Performance testing | Static Load Resistance ratings explained |
FAQ
What does rigid core mean in LVT? ⌄
Rigid core generally means the product uses a stiffer internal core layer (commonly labeled SPC or WPC), which helps planks hold shape and connect through a locking system in floating installations.
Is rigid core LVT the same as LVP? ⌄
Rigid core is a construction type; LVP is often used to describe plank format. Many rigid core products are sold as LVP, but labeling varies by manufacturer.
What specs matter most on a rigid core technical data sheet? ⌄
Common specs include total thickness, wear layer thickness (mil), core type (SPC/WPC), locking system type, dimensional stability, indentation resistance, and sometimes acoustic ratings when an attached pad is used.
Does thicker rigid core automatically mean better performance? ⌄
Not automatically. Thickness can affect feel and certain lab measurements, but performance depends on the full construction: wear layer, core type/density, backing, and manufacturing tolerances.
Reference-only note
This page provides general informational reference about rigid core (floating) LVT terminology and specifications. It does not provide installation instructions, professional advice, or product recommendations.