What is static load resistance in vinyl flooring?

Static load resistance describes how much a flooring material deforms when a defined weight is applied for a defined period under laboratory conditions.

Is static load the same as indentation resistance?

They are closely related. Static load typically refers to the applied weight over time, while indentation resistance describes the resulting deformation measured after the test.

Does a better static load rating mean no dents?

No. Static load tests are controlled laboratory measurements and do not guarantee that a floor will not dent under real-world conditions.

Which flooring specs should be considered alongside static load?

Static load is best read alongside core type, total thickness, wear layer thickness, and dimensional stability to understand the full construction.

Indentation & Static Load Resistance Explained LVT / LVP • What the Test Measures • What It Doesn’t

Static load and indentation resistance are common performance-related specs listed on vinyl flooring technical data sheets. This page explains what these measurements actually describe, how they’re tested, and why they should be interpreted carefully. Reference-only: no product or installation advice.

Quick answer

Static load resistance measures how much a floor deforms when a specific weight is applied for a specific amount of time under controlled lab conditions. It helps describe how a product behaves under sustained pressure, but it does not guarantee dent-free performance in real use.

Test Overview Explainers FAQ

How Static Load / Indentation is Typically Described

Item	What it refers to	Why it matters	Limitations
Static Load	A defined weight applied to the surface for a defined duration.	Helps describe sustained pressure behavior.	Does not account for moving or uneven loads.
Indentation Depth	Measured deformation after the load is removed.	Shows how much the surface changed shape.	Measured under specific lab conditions.
Test Duration	How long the load is applied (hours or days).	Longer durations simulate sustained pressure.	Real-world loads vary widely.
Recovery Time	Time allowed for the material to rebound.	Shows elastic vs permanent deformation.	Recovery varies by material and environment.

Quick explainers

What Static Load Tests Actually Simulate

Static load tests simulate a fixed weight pressing on a small surface area for a set amount of time. They are useful for controlled comparisons, but they do not simulate rolling loads, furniture movement, or point impacts.

Why Results Vary Between Products

Results depend on core type, density, thickness, backing layers, and formulation. Two floors with the same core label (SPC/WPC) can show different indentation results.

Static Load vs Real-World Use

Real-world conditions involve uneven loads, temperature changes, and movement. Static load values should be treated as descriptive data, not performance guarantees.

FAQ

Is a lower indentation number always better? ⌄

Generally lower deformation values indicate less visible indentation under test conditions, but they must be compared using the same test method and conditions.

Do static load ratings apply to glue-down LVT? ⌄

Static load tests are more commonly associated with rigid core/floating products, but similar indentation concepts may appear on some glue-down technical sheets.