Invincible Luxury Vinyl Tile/Titanium series questions
Invincible Luxury Vinyl Tile/Titanium series questions
"Invincible Luxury Vinyl Tile/Titanium series questions," in the Vinyl Flooring Q&A forum, begins: "I am looking to install durable, quality vinyl tile in my kitchen and bathrooms that is waterproof or relatively waterproof. ..."
Invincible Luxury Vinyl Tile/Titanium series questions
I am looking to install durable, quality vinyl tile in my kitchen and bathrooms that is waterproof or relatively waterproof. I want to do it myself, so that means no glue if possible. I am impressed with the UniClic™ system such as Quick-Step flooring after my friend put it in her foyer about 5-6 years ago in a house with teenagers and dogs. The only waterproof floor I could find using that patented system is made in Belgium and is called Aqua-Step (made by www.parcolys.be) and does not seem to be available anywhere in the USA - big bummer.
Home Depot's Allure Ultra Plank was a contender for a while, but after several tries at getting help and info from them and having them look at me like I was speaking Martian (they didn't know squat about the product) and seeing one sample that was a bit thin, I have given up on that. I even called Halstead to ask about it and they deferred to the Home Depot rep - and were "sorry" when I explained that that was useless.
So, I considered Karndean, which is not DIY, but looks good and went to my local Carpet One store to check it out. Lo and behold, I see this Invincible Luxury vinyl floating floor system. It looks really good, is thick, waterproof, etc. I asked to take a sample home - yeah- overnight to be returned by morning (!). Seriously, if any retailers are reading this post - do you actually think I am going to plunk down a thousand dollars on flooring after just looking at a sample in the store?!?! I won't. Their website does not offer samples either. Geez...people! I digress...Anyone have experience with this flooring as far as durability, installation issues and waterproof qualities?
Welcome to TFP. We have a number of Carpet One dealers here and I doubt you would have had that same experience with any of them. You may not be able to take a sample home free of any obligation, but a small deposit shouldn't be too objectionable. It encourages people to return these small items many think are disposable, but in fact, cost retailers quite a lot.
If this is something you think you'll like, you'll only be able to get it from Carpet One. See the excerpt and article link below. I don't know any more about it, but I think one or more of our other members, hopefully even a C1 dealer will share some information with you. In the mean time, I'd like to see you go back to the store and tell them you came to us for guidance. Share the link to your topic here with them (TheFloorPro.com/community/vinyl-flooring-q-and-a/12459-invincible-luxury-vinyl-tile-titanium-series.html). See if they won't agree that it would be beneficial to you both if you would be allowed to take a sample home for 24 hours or so, provided you leave a reasonable deposit.
From my experience with C1 dealers here on TFP, they are a retailer I wouldn't hesitate to do business with. Maybe your C1 dealer would like to join us and other C1 dealers here. They can help each other and help consumers like you who are ready to make a purchase.
Please let us know how it goes.
Jim
Excerpt from: Steve Feldman, Floor Covering News
Invincible luxury vinyl tile
It has been a year and a half in the making, but Carpet One now has its proprietary luxury vinyl tile collection with a click locking system. CCA Global tapped IVC, whose fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl has been hugely successful for the group, for the exclusive line that will be branded Invincible.
Thanks for the link, Jim, and for your thoughts on Carpet One. Actually, the store I went to is quoted in the article! The people were very nice and knowledgeable - but the sample issue is a pain. I offered to buy some samples, but they didn't have any for sale at the store or online. The store is not near to me, so a 12 hour turnaround is a pain, do-able, but a pain. If I decide on this flooring, I will just do the 12 hour shlep before investing, but there has to be a better way (Carpet One people who are reading these forums!)
From the article, it seems that the Invincible line has been available for about a year or so, so I hope someone who has installed it and lived with it can share their experiences.
Couple pictures of Invisible installed in our showroom, as a veteran myself i will say that i struggled with the assembly TAP lock! meaning the material was so flimsy it was like locking 2 wet noodles together, and the tongue was real soft, Tapping could NOT be done with a block, Must use cutoff of stock as tapping block, It went real slow unlike a Laminate install that would have true solid straight planks that would snap together with ease! this pattern here shown looks like plastic in my opinion,, 1000 s/f next week on the books in a basement, really not looking forward to it. JMHO
Thanks, Scribe! I could see how the flexablity could slow the install down. I too would prefer a true snap in place waterproof system. Aqua-step seems to be the only one and it is not available in the US. I don't know why. If I dealt in flooring I would try to scoop up distributorship real fast.
I saw the sample of the color/style you installed and I can see and agree about the plastic look. the "wood" shades were more matte and had a pretty realisitc look though.
Stullis, the problem I encountered was not being able to sign out or purchase a sample of the Invincible product. I want to see a sample up against my existing cabinets and wood trim, and at different times of day to see how the light affects the color.
I am not new construction, but a remodel, with exisiting Merrilat cabinets that are 23 years old and doing just fine after I did a little refinishing. I want to be able to pick a flooring that will go well and blend with the colors and finishes of my home.
