Chattanooga, Tenn.— Happy Feet International has officially launched Pinnacle, its new line of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) that is said to be two to three times thicker than traditional LVP, creating durability and a floor that will last the test of time, according to the company.
Most LVP in residential use has a wear layer of between 6-mil and 20-mil in thickness while Happy Feet said its Pinnacle line is at 28-mil. The wear layer is the most important layer in protecting floors, whether in homes or businesses. For most commercial uses of LVP, the industry recommendation is a wear layer starting at 20-mil. At 28-mil, Pinnacle provides a thicker plank that can stand up to households with playing children, pets and potential spills, according to the company.
“We installed Pinnacle in the color Cornwall in the basement of my home and are very happy with the results,” said Bruno Bertolli, owner, Bertolli Floors. “The install process went smoothly and having the painted beveled edge was a great plus to ensure the planks fit properly. This product combines the look of real hardwoods and the durability and performance of a top-quality LVP.”
Happy Feet said it is working on educating customers about Pinnacle since it is vastly different from anything in the company’s existing lines. For consumers, engineered wood is comparable in thickness. However, LVP like Pinnacle provides features not possible with engineered wood, according to the company.
Some challenges to engineered wood include blemishes and scratches, which can be caused by hard wear and tear, pet claw marks, sliding furniture or children playing roughly inside. Compared to engineered wood, Pinnacle is waterproof, pet-proof and kid-proof due its thickness and wear layer, which set it apart within the category of vinyl flooring, according to the company.
“Within the first year of having engineered wood installed in my new home, I noticed scratch marks throughout the flooring where my dogs would run to the back door,” said Jeff Manley, vice president of business development Happy Feet. “Since installing Pinnacle, I’ve seen no signs of dog claw marks anywhere.”
While engineered wood and laminate type flooring tends to absorb moisture, the company said Pinnacle does not absorb moisture. The new product also features Happy Feet’s ZeroMark technology, meaning that children could write directly on the floor in permanent marker and it could be wiped off easily with a damp cloth.
Beyond the durability and the realistic wood visuals, the thickness and high quality make Pinnacle a go-to product for custom home builders, according to the company. “Our customers are attracted to the thickness and the weight of the individual boards, but Pinnacle also leaves an impression when they are looking for value,” said Jared Mertz, manager, Carpet Land Omaha. “The wear layer and finish are impressive.”