Due to its waterproofing, appealing appearance, and durability, luxury vinyl plank flooring has become increasingly popular. Duralux is one brand that has grown significantly. However, despite its popularity, complaints about its sturdiness, appearance, and water resistance have occurred.
Although the products made by Duralux are intended to look like wood, they are not a replica. People who would mistake Duralux for natural wood are unfamiliar.
Duralux comes in two main varieties: Duralux and Duralux Performance. We will discuss its features, cost, durability, and installation considerations in our review. To thoroughly evaluate Duralux, we will then present a list of advantages and disadvantages.
What is Duralux?
The flooring category known as luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) includes Duralux. It is renowned for its robustness, resistance to water, and design versatility. Modern manufacturing processes combine multiple layers of materials to create the high-performance flooring option, Duralux.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or another composite material frequently makes up the core layer of Duralux flooring, which offers stability and strength. An additional wear layer, resistant to stains, impacts, and scratches, is placed on top of the core layer. The wear layer also gives Duralux flooring a realistic appearance, simulating organic materials like stone or wood.
Because of its reputation for withstanding high foot traffic, Duralux flooring is appropriate for both residential and commercial settings. Its waterproof qualities make it especially suitable for basements, bathrooms, and other moist environments. Duralux offers a variety of design options to fit different interior aesthetics thanks to its extensive selection of colors, patterns, and textures.
Duralux Flooring Features Reviews
1. Flooring Range
Duralux was constructed with a solid stone core to give the plank excellent strength. It has multiple layers, similar to most luxury vinyl products, including the core, a vinyl layer with the design, and a wear layer for increased resistance to normal wear and tear.
The 100% waterproof rating of Duralux makes it suitable for installation throughout the entire house, including basements and bathrooms. For residential use, it has a 30-year warranty; however, there is no warranty for commercial applications.
About design, Duralux Basic provides a condensed range of twelve faux-wood appearances, ranging from lighter options like Alpine Frost and Platinum Wheat to darker tones like Midtown Charcoal. Each plank is 48.03 cm x 5.91 cm in size and has micro-beveled edges.
2. Installation
It is possible to install Duralux over various subfloors, including tile, plywood, and even slightly uneven surfaces like concrete. The planks and tiles securely click into place during installation using the floating technique, which does not require adhesives or fixings. However, for added stability in sunrooms, glue-down installation is suggested.
An underlayment like Eco Ultra Quiet is necessary when using Duralux. Contrarily, Duralux Performance has an attached underlayment. However, if you’d like better acoustic properties, you can add another layer.
3. DuraLux Performance
Duralux Performance uses an additional anti-microbial IXPE foam underlayment in addition to the basic version’s construction to improve stability, hygienic conditions, and acoustics. According to luxury vinyl plank (LVP) standards, Duralux Performance planks have an overall thickness of 4mm or more, which is not particularly thick.
Duralux Performance offers stain resistance in addition to the advantages of the standard Duralux line, such as 100% waterproofing and dent resistance. With 62 different options, it provides a broader range of finishes, including wood looks like Washington Park and light options like Willow Bianco.
Duralux Performance also features tile patterns like the 23.74 cm x 12.01 cm Marble Bianco. Like the Duralux bare planks, the wood effect planks measure 59.92 cm x 7.09 cm and have micro-beveling and texturing.
4. Durability
Three crucial elements determine durability: waterproofing, wear layer thickness, and warranty duration. Positive features include guaranteeing it will be completely waterproof, starting with Duralux basic. The wear layer thickness is a problem, though. Compared to the industry standard of 1220 mil, the Floor and Decor website’s stated range of 18 mil is ambiguous and thin.
Further research reveals that the product datasheet has a six mil wear layer. This discrepancy casts doubt on Duralux Basic’s robustness.
In conclusion, while the wear layer thickness of Duralux is uncertain, the waterproofing it provides compromises the product’s overall durability. For customers to make educated decisions about the product’s longevity, clear and accurate information about this crucial aspect is essential.
5. Maintenance and Protection
The longevity and appearance of your luxury vinyl floor depend heavily on proper care and maintenance. To prevent floor scratches and furniture damage, don’t vacuum too quickly.
Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, steam mops, beater bar vacuums, and all-purpose/multipurpose cleaning products.
To guard against dents and scratches when moving furniture legs, affix large-diameter felt pads to the legs. Place walk-off doormats at the front of the house to reduce dirt entry.
To avoid tracking dirt and debris onto the floor, avoid wearing shoes indoors and choose socks instead. Use protective chair mats or rubber wheel casters to avoid office chair scuffs on floors.
To avoid moisture-related problems, keep the room temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider putting rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floor and trimming your dog’s nails to stop them from scratching the floor.
Maintaining your luxury vinyl floor using these cleaning and maintenance techniques will help it look great for many years.
6. Pricing
Compared to Duralux Performance and other luxury vinyl brands, Duralux offers a more affordable option in terms of price. The breakdown of average costs per square foot is as follows:
- Duralux standard: Approximately $2 per square foot.
- Planks made of Duralux Performance cost about $2.90 per square foot.
- Tiles made by Duralux Performance cost between $2.79 and $3.49 per square foot.
Against comparable luxury vinyl brands:
- Priced at $2.79 to $4.99 per square foot, NuCore.
- Optimax: Usually ranges between $4.99 and $5.99 per square foot.
Overall, Duralux offers affordable luxury vinyl flooring, which makes it a desirable option for consumers looking for such flooring.
6. Duralux Customer Reviews
There are few reviews of Duralux flooring online, and sadly, most of them are unfavourable, especially regarding installation. A Facebook discussion thread highlights customers’ installation challenges and dissatisfaction with the colour, durability, and 100% waterproof claim.
To see how the Performance variant fared in rigorous testing, watching some Duralux reviews on YouTube might be worthwhile. However, it only received a modest 7 out of 15, which, to be completely honest, is quite generous.
What are the Pros and Cons of Duralux Flooring?
Due to its distinctive qualities, Duralux flooring offers several significant benefits. First, Duralux flooring is incredibly durable, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas or rooms subject to wear and tear. Its durable design and resistance to dents, spills, and impacts ensure dependable performance, lowering the frequency of replacement or repair needs.
The superior water resistance of Duralux flooring is the second benefit. Its waterproof qualities make it especially well-suited for damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. This feature not only lengthens the flooring’s lifespan but also makes cleaning and maintaining it simpler.
Additionally, various design options are available with Duralux flooring, enabling adaptable and attractive installations. Due to its adaptability, it is a desirable option for both designers and homeowners because it provides both functionality and style.
Although Duralux flooring has many benefits, it’s essential to consider some potential disadvantages. The cost of Duralux flooring can be a significant disadvantage compared to other flooring choices. Although premium materials and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques increase the product’s durability and water resistance, they also raise the price, which may be prohibitive for those on a strict budget.
Another factor to consider is the potential for VOC emissions from Duralux flooring and many other types of vinyl flooring. Although manufacturers make every effort to reduce VOC emissions, it is still advisable to ensure adequate ventilation during and after installation to minimise any potential health risks related to VOC exposure.
What Duralux Flooring Lacks to Make Better?
It would be advantageous to add better soundproofing capabilities, especially in multi-level buildings or locations where noise reduction is a top priority.
Enhancing the flooring’s resistance to extreme temperature changes would make it more suitable for locations that experience both cold and hot winters and summers.
Increasing the thickness of the wear layer would increase its durability and make it even more resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs.
Giving customers more environmentally friendly choices, like recycling materials or using fewer harmful chemicals, would satisfy the rising demand for eco-friendly flooring options.
Offering more straightforward and adaptable installation techniques, like click-lock systems or improved adhesive options, would simplify the process for both DIY enthusiasts and installation experts.
These possible upgrades address some typical issues and improve the overall functionality and appeal of Duralux flooring.
FAQs Related to Duralux Vinyl Flooring
Who Makes Duralux Flooring?
Floor Decor, a reputable company in the flooring industry, produces Duralux flooring. For residential and commercial spaces, Floor Decor offers a broad selection of flooring options. One of their well-known flooring lines, Duralux, provides customers with a rugged and fashionable answer to their flooring needs.
Is Duralux Waterproof?
Yes, Duralux is waterproof. It can withstand water exposure without causing any harm to the flooring. Its design and construction ensure it is water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for moist environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. However, consumer feedback paints a different picture of its water resistance abilities.
How Thick is Duralux Flooring?
Depending on the particular product line, Duralux flooring comes in various thicknesses. Compared to Duralux Performance planks, which are listed as having a thickness of 4mm or more, Duralux bare planks have an overall thickness of 3mm. Compared to other luxury vinyl flooring options, these thicknesses are relatively thin, but they still provide stability and durability for various applications.
How Do You Clean Duralux Floors?
To Clean Duralux Floors Effectively:
- Sweeping or vacuuming up any loose debris.
- Apply a PH-neutral cleaning agent to a damp mop.
- To avoid stains, clean up spills right away.
- Steer clear of abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring pads.
- After cleaning, give the floor a thorough drying.
- For detailed instructions, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Abstain from using steam or a lot of water.
- For a shine that lasts, maintain and clean frequently.
Is Duralux Suitable for Bathrooms?
Duralux is appropriate for bathrooms, yes. Its waterproof qualities make it a good option for damp areas because they defend against water damage. It is a resilient and helpful flooring option because it can withstand the moisture and humidity frequently present in bathrooms.
What is the Duravana Floor Made of?
The materials used to create Duravana flooring are wood, vinyl, and laminate hybrid. It combines the best aspects of each material to produce a unique and superior flooring product. Hardwood, specifically oak or maple wood, is the main component of sustainably managed forests. Adding vinyl and laminate improves the product’s toughness and environmentally friendly attributes.
Does Duralux Require Underlayment?
Underlayment is only sometimes necessary for Duralux flooring. Duralux Basic, the entry-level model, typically needs an underlayment like Eco Ultra Quiet. Contrarily, IXPE foam anti-microbial underlayment is already attached to Duralux Performance. However, more underlayment might be preferred for acoustic reasons or out of personal preference.
Can Duralux Be Installed in Basements?
Yes, basements may have Duralux installed. Given that it is entirely waterproof, basements are where it is suggested that you use it. Since Duralux is waterproof, it is appropriate for basements and other wet or potentially wet areas. But for best results, it’s essential to use the proper installation methods and moisture control.
Is Duralux Scratch-Proof?
While DuraLux does provide some scratch resistance, it is not entirely scratch-proof. Even though it can withstand normal wear and tear, exposure to heavy or sharp objects may cause it to scratch. Preventative measures can reduce the risk of scratches on DuraLux flooring, such as using furniture pads and avoiding dragging sharp objects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, opinions on Duralux flooring are conflicting. However, the product’s visual appeal and durability fell far below our expectations, which left us deeply disappointed. Customers’ complaints of scratching and denting raise questions about the product’s long-term performance. Duralux is very affordable, starting at less than $1 per square foot. It is still affordable even at the highest price of $3.49 per square foot. If cost is the main factor, Duralux might be appropriate for short-term or cost-conscious projects, but alternative brands are worth considering for long-lasting quality. Before choosing Duralux, consider some other luxury vinyl flooring brands.
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