The future is floating: stone-based, 100 per cent waterproof flooring planks

The latest in flooring technology is changing the way we view flooring, with a limestone wood-look offering that comes with a lifetime warranty. We spoke to The Tile Depot about the floating flooring with a difference.

It’s a modern take on traditional laminate and vinyl flooring, but this hyper realistic wood-look flooring offers a fresh take on what’s possible.

Technology has allowed for the development of a stone-based plank flooring system that surpasses expectations. Known as Neptune, it is made with limestone to create a rigid, extremely durable flooring option for both residential and commercial settings.

“Neptune is made up of four distinct layers, each working in conjunction with the other to create a floor that is both durable and 100 per cent waterproof,” The Tile Depot’s Mike Syddall says.

“A significant issue with other commonly used flooring products such as laminates is that they can’t be used in wet areas, or if there is a moisture issue such as a spill or leak from an appliance, then the product is prone to fail. 

“In comparison, Neptune flooring is 100 per cent waterproof so it can be used in all areas including bathrooms, and is part of the reason it is able to be offered with a lifetime warranty.”

Designed for the discerning DIYer, Neptune is easy to install, with a tongue and groove click system. “This is another key benefit of Neptune. Because it is so easy to install, it saves a significant amount in installation costs.”

Neptune flooring can be installed over the majority of substrates, and can also be installed over existing flooring including tiles and lino. “Each plank is fitted with a sound absorbing underlay so for most flat, stable substrates virtually no preparation is required.”

Neptune is available in two distinct wood-look ranges, Elite and Max. The Elite range offers a more subtle appearance with flush edges, and utilises more shade variations from plank to plank.

In contrast, the Max range incorporates a stronger embossed finish with longer and wider planks and bevelled edges. “The bevelled edges create more definition between each plank, while the rough sawn timber embossing follows the knots and grains in the print so where there is a knot, you can actually feel that knot underfoot. The Max range is more akin to traditional wooden floors, where the Elite range offers a more contemporary look and feel.

“The planks are heavy because of their stone makeup, and therefore combine to create a very stable floor. They are also compatible with underfloor heating systems due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures - unlike many other floating flooring options,” Mike says.

Neptune flooring is available in New Zealand exclusively from The Tile Depot. In residential settings, all Neptune flooring is sold with a lifetime warranty; in commercial settings it has a 15 year warranty.

Introduced to the New Zealand market earlier this year, Neptune has been met with huge uptake, Mike says. “It’s not something we’ve ever experienced before with any one product, but it represents the future of flooring technology and has huge advantages quite unlike anything else available.”

If you’re considering flooring options for your build or renovation, make sure you visit The Tile Depot on ArchiPro here to find out more about stone-based floating flooring.