Alexei Volkov
Optimax Performance is a hybrid resilient flooring solution that promises durability, style, and affordability. It is a product of Floor & Decor, a retailer specialising in hard-surface flooring. Optimax Performance flooring is 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, dent and gouge-proof, eco-friendly, and easy to install and maintain. While it is a popular choice for high-traffic areas, busy families, and pet owners, the question remains whether it contains stone plastic composite (SPC). SPC flooring is known for its rigid core, utilising limestone (calcium carbonate), and offering toughness and water resistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flooring type | Hybrid resilient flooring |
| Flooring material | Vinyl plank |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Scratch protection | Techtanium Plus coating, twice the scratch resistance of a 22-mil wear layer |
| Durability | High |
| Installation | Tap-down click mechanism, floating (locking) method |
| Eco-friendly | Yes, PVC-free, GreenGuard Gold Certified |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, vacuum regularly |
| Temperature resistance | -30 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit |
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What You'll Learn
Optimax Performance is not vinyl flooring
Optimax Performance is a hybrid resilient flooring that offers maximum scratch protection with its Techtanium™ Plus coating. It is a highly durable, trendy, and affordable flooring option. It is installed using the floating (locking) method, which does not require glue or nails. Optimax Performance flooring has a thickness of 7 to 8 mm, which is similar to the thickness of rigid core luxury vinyl planks.
However, Optimax Performance is not vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring is composed of several layers of different materials sandwiched together to form a durable, practical, and affordable floor covering. The primary element in vinyl flooring is a vinyl sheet, which is made by suspending vinyl in a liquid mixture and spreading it into a thin layer that dries into a tough, durable sheet. Vinyl flooring can be installed as tiles or sheets, with the sheet form having the advantage of fewer seams to collect dirt and moisture.
Vinyl flooring comes in various types, such as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and vinyl roll, which are made from the same materials but constructed differently. LVT is designed to mimic natural flooring options like hardwood and ceramic tile, while vinyl roll, or vinyl sheet flooring, provides a continuous covering without seams or grout lines.
While Optimax Performance may have a similar thickness to vinyl planks, it differs in its composition and installation method. Optimax Performance has a composite core consisting of a 50/50 ratio of polymer and wood, which is less moisture-resistant and less dense than a stone-polymer core (SPC) commonly found in vinyl flooring. The installation of Optimax Performance using the floating method, specifically the 5G tongue and groove system, is also distinct from the installation of vinyl flooring, which can be installed with a click-lock system or with glue or nails.
Therefore, while Optimax Performance shares some similarities with vinyl flooring in terms of thickness and durability, it is not vinyl flooring due to its distinct composition, installation method, and core material.
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It is eco-friendly, scratch-resistant, and pet-proof
Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) flooring is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood floors. SPC flooring is crafted from a combination of limestone powder and plastic, which gives it a sturdy and dense core structure. This composition makes SPC flooring highly scratch-resistant and durable, allowing it to withstand high traffic and heavy loads without showing signs of damage. While SPC flooring is scratch-resistant, it is not entirely scratch-proof, and sharp objects can still cause scratches if dropped. However, with proper care and maintenance, SPC flooring can maintain its look and feel for many years.
Optimax Performance is a type of hybrid resilient flooring that offers maximum scratch protection with its Techtanium™ Plus coating, providing twice the scratch resistance of a 22 mil wear layer. While Optimax does not disclose the thickness of their wear layer, their flooring range consists of around 20 unique vinyl plank products with a 5-layer structure. The core of Optimax flooring is composed of a 50/50 ratio of polymer and wood, which makes it less moisture-resistant and dense than SPC flooring. Nevertheless, Optimax Performance is a durable and affordable flooring option that can withstand the test of time, even in high-traffic areas.
In terms of being pet-proof, SPC flooring is a good option for pet owners as it is scratch-resistant and free from toxic chemicals. The composite board contains wood fibres and recycled plastics, which are eco-friendly and safe for pets. Composite decking is also resistant to cracks and splinters, providing a safe and comfortable surface for pets to walk on. Additionally, it is slip-resistant, preventing injuries from slips and falls.
Optimax Performance flooring is also marketed as pet-friendly, offering scratch protection and durability. While it is not explicitly stated if Optimax Performance is free from toxic chemicals, the flooring does not require an underlayment, which can be beneficial for pets as it creates a smoother surface. The floating (locking) installation method of Optimax flooring creates a seamless surface, and regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep the floor in good condition, even in high-traffic pet areas.
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It is easy to install and clean
Optimax Performance flooring is easy to install and can be a straightforward process for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. The floating (locking) method is used to install Optimax, which requires no glue or nails. Instead, the planks are locked together using the 5G tongue and groove system, with cutting to size at the edges. It is important to leave an expansion gap of at least 8mm at the edges, and to install the floor before kickboards to hide this gap. Alternatively, moulding and trimmings can be used to conceal the gap.
Optimax Performance flooring is also PVC-free, which makes it an eco-friendly flooring option. It is also GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning it adheres to stringent indoor air quality standards and emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other flooring options.
Underlayment is not required for installation as the planks come with pre-attached underlayment, unless you are installing over concrete floors, in which case a vapor barrier underlayment of no more than 1mm thick is required. Optimax Performance flooring is also one of the few vinyl plank products that does not require an acclimation period.
Optimax Performance flooring is also easy to clean and sanitize, and can be cleaned with a wet, steam, or jet mop. Regular cleaning is essential for a long-lasting hard-surface floor. It is recommended to vacuum the floor regularly, even every day, using a hard-surface-approved vacuum. Dirt and dust can cause scratches and scuffs, so proper maintenance is crucial.
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![EP Decking 6.0mm SPC Click Lock Vinyl Planks, [3 Inch Sample, W115 - American Oak]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71dkfGHhOiL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
It is made of a composite score of polymer and wood
Optimax Performance is a hybrid resilient flooring that offers maximum scratch protection with its Techtanium™ Plus coating. It is a statement flooring that combines cutting-edge designs with unparalleled durability. However, it does not contain stone plastic composite (SPC).
Optimax flooring consists of around 20 unique vinyl plank products, including hardwood-look planks and tile-look planks. All Optimax vinyl planks have a 5-layer structure, with a transparent wear layer, a wood texture design layer, a 50% wood-based rigid core, a balance layer, and a wood fibre-based acoustic underlayment pad.
The core of Optimax flooring is made of a composite of 50% polymer and 50% wood. This composite core is less moisture-resistant and less dense than stone-polymer cores (SPC), which are used by most leading brands offering durable rigid core floors.
A composite score of polymer and wood, also known as a wood-polymer composite (WPC), is a man-made material created with an engineered mix of ingredients. It is an umbrella term for manufactured products made with a blend of wood fibres and inorganic materials like plastic. Wood-polymer composites are fully waterproof, have low moisture absorption, and are sturdy against ecological impacts such as insects and fungi. They are also affordable and have superior efficiency, making them attractive to manufacturers and researchers.
The process of creating wood-polymer composites involves grinding wood scraps into small particles that can be combined with plastic or other additives. The wood fibres can be mixed with thermoplastic resin, or the mixture can be formed into composite pellets that are used to create the final product. While some wood-polymer composites look more plastic than wood, advancements in composite technology have allowed for the replication of a stunning real wood look.
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SPC core is more durable than Optimax's core
SPC (stone-polymer core) flooring is a popular choice for those seeking a highly durable flooring option. Its solid, waterproof core is designed to maintain its form and stability even over uneven subfloors, making it suitable for installation on any level. The SPC core is ultra-dense and will not ripple or swell, even when exposed to liquids. This feature enhances the flooring's durability and makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Optimax flooring, on the other hand, offers a range of vinyl plank products that provide a hardwood or tile look. While Optimax flooring is also known for its durability, there are concerns about the quality of its wear layer. Optimax does not disclose the thickness of its wear layer, instead referring to it as Techtanium Plus. Internal testing has revealed that the wear layer is of the lowest quality. Additionally, Optimax flooring has a core composed of a 50/50 ratio of polymer and wood. While this composition contributes to the product's overall durability, wood is less moisture-resistant and less dense than stone.
The core composition of a flooring product is a critical factor in determining its durability. SPC flooring, with its stone-polymer core, offers superior moisture resistance and density compared to Optimax's wood-based core. Stone is inherently more resistant to water absorption and swelling than wood, making SPC a more favourable choice for areas prone to moisture or water exposure.
Furthermore, the SPC core's ultra-dense construction enhances its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The absence of foaming agents, commonly found in traditional WPC flooring, contributes to its toughness. While the SPC core may provide slightly less softness underfoot, its increased durability ensures that the flooring can withstand heavy-duty use and maintain its form over time.
In summary, the SPC core's combination of a solid, waterproof design, density, and resistance to rippling or swelling makes it a more durable option than Optimax's wood-based core. SPC flooring is purpose-built to handle high-traffic areas and uneven subfloors, providing a long-lasting and stable flooring solution. While Optimax flooring offers reasonable durability, its wear layer and core composition fall short of the superior performance and resilience of SPC flooring.
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Frequently asked questions
Optimax Performance is a type of flooring that is 100% waterproof, dent and gouge-proof, eco-friendly, and easy to install, making it perfect for high-traffic areas, busy families, and pet owners.
No, Optimax Performance is not considered vinyl flooring, but its performance attributes are comparable.
Optimax Performance consists of around 20 unique vinyl plank products. Most of these are hardwood-look planks in dark, light, and grey shades. Optimax also offers tile-look planks that resemble ceramic or stone tiles such as marble.
No, Optimax Performance does not contain stone plastic composite. Its core consists of a 50/50 ratio of polymer and wood.
