When shopping for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, most homeowners focus on color, style, and texture. But what truly determines how your floor performs over time isn’t just what you see on the surface—it’s what’s underneath.
The underlayment plays a critical role in how your flooring feels, sounds, and lasts. At Choice Flooring, we take that layer seriously. That’s why our LVP comes with IXPE foam padding, not cork like you’ll find in many big box store options. Let’s take a closer look at why that difference matters.
Cork Underlayment: Traditional, but Not Always Practical
Cork underlayment has been used for decades and is often marketed as a premium, eco-friendly choice. While it has its benefits, cork doesn’t always perform as well in real-world conditions.
Here’s why:
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Moisture Vulnerability: Cork naturally absorbs water, which means it can swell, mold, or deteriorate in damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
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Loss of Cushion Over Time: Heavy furniture, repeated foot traffic, and daily wear can compress cork padding, making it less comfortable and supportive.
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Inconsistent Quality: Because cork is a natural product, its quality can vary significantly between manufacturers, leading to unpredictable performance.
So, while cork sounds appealing on paper, it often struggles to hold up in busy, moisture-prone homes.
IXPE Foam: The Modern Standard for Comfort and Durability
IXPE (Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyethylene) foam is a newer, high-performance material specifically engineered for today’s flooring needs. It’s designed to provide comfort, stability, and long-term protection—without the drawbacks of cork.
Here’s what makes IXPE foam the superior choice:
100% Waterproof: IXPE doesn’t absorb moisture, so spills, humidity, and pet accidents won’t damage your floors.
Exceptional Sound Insulation: Reduces noise and creates a quieter, more peaceful home environment.
Comfort Underfoot: Provides a soft, supportive feel that doesn’t flatten over time.
Mold & Mildew Resistant: Keeps your floors clean and hygienic.
Long-Term Durability: Maintains its structure and performance even in high-traffic areas.
Simply put, IXPE is engineered for modern living—durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain.
Why Choice Flooring Chooses IXPE Foam
At Choice Flooring, quality is built into every layer of our products. We don’t cut corners—literally or figuratively. While many big box stores still rely on cork underlayment to save on production costs, we’ve chosen IXPE foam for its superior performance and longevity.
When you invest in our LVP flooring, you’re getting:
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Flooring designed to handle real-life conditions—moisture, pets, and heavy use included.
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A quieter, more comfortable home.
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A long-term investment that adds lasting value.
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Confidence that every step is supported by quality craftsmanship.
Experience the Choice Flooring Difference
The verdict is clear: IXPE foam outperforms cork in every key category—durability, comfort, moisture resistance, and overall value.
At Choice Flooring, we believe your floors should do more than just look great—they should perform beautifully for years to come.
📍 Visit Us Today
Gilbert Showroom
1548 N Tech Blvd, Suite 103
📞 480-556-1233
Phoenix Showroom
3126 W Thomas Rd, Suite 104
📞 623-248-3029
👉 Stop by one of our showrooms to experience the IXPE difference for yourself or contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation.
Because at Choice Flooring, your floors aren’t just a surface—they’re a statement of quality.