Every few years, someone comes along announcing a game changer in the flooring industry, and all too often even the good ideas don’t live up to the initial promise. However, when Välinge’s Darko Pervan makes such pronouncements, it may be worthwhile to sit up and take notice. After all, Pervan was the central figure behind the invention of laminate flooring at Sweden’s Perstorp back in 1977, and as head of Välinge he was also behind the first glueless locking system in 1995. Both inventions did in fact transform the flooring industry, so he has a solid track record.

Välinge first previewed its wood fiber flooring (WFF) technology in the U.S. market at Surfaces 2009, and what was most notable back then was the toughness of the wear surface, with Taber tests indicating that it outperformed not just standard laminates but glazed porcelain as well. The product replaces the surface paper layers with a wood dust mixed with binders and aluminum oxide, all ground up as fine as talcum powder. In addition, the product can be floated or glued down.

Back then, the biggest limitations were in design. The product, though heavily textured, only offered limited visuals—not very memorable. As such, it would have had limited application in both the residential and commercial markets.

Things have changed. A recent tour of the Välinge operation in Viken, Sweden immediately revealed that breadth of design is no longer a barrier. In fact, by integrating digital inkjet technology into the production process, wood fiber flooring now offers design definition on par with the best the flooring industry has to offer. During the tour, editors from the U.S. and Germany had the opportunity to examine under a microscope a wood look WFF printed from a photograph taken less than two hours earlier, and its precision and accuracy were impressive.

AMAZING REALISM

We use cutting-edge print technology to produce beautiful floors with realistic-looking designs that replicate woods, stones and other natural materials.

SUPERIOR STAIN PROTECTION

Most Armstrong vinyl floors carry the CleanSweep® protective coating which offers the best stain protection. In our premium collection of vinyl floors, you can now get CleanSweep® G with Antimicrobial Protection which guards against stain and odor-causing bacteria on the surface.

CONSTRUCTION

Armstrong has developed four unique vinyl structures to meet specific performance and installation needs. Choose the one that’s right for your lifestyle, décor and budget.