Embossed In Register vs. Standard Embossed Flooring
The rise of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has been fueled by one major factor: their stunning realism. Realistic vinyl floors can now mimic the look of natural wood or stone so convincingly that even experts often have to inspect them up close! This realism is both visual and tactile thanks to advanced texturing techniques.
Understanding the difference between Embossed in Register vs Standard Embossed Flooring is the key to selecting a premium floor that truly feels as natural as it looks.
What is Standard Embossed Flooring?
Standard embossed flooring features a texture that is pressed onto the plank’s surface, but that texture is applied randomly without regard for the printed image underneath. On a wood-look plank, the embossing will provide a general, rough feel that suggests wood grain, but the ridges and depressions will not line up with the knots, rings, or fine lines in the printed photograph.
- Result: The floor looks convincing from a distance, but up close or when light hits it at an angle, the disconnect between the texture and the image becomes apparent. The texture is generic and repeating, which reduces the perceived quality and authenticity of the floor.
What is Embossed in Register (EIR) Flooring?
Embossed in Register (EIR) texture represents the pinnacle of flooring realism. The term “in register” means that the physical texture is perfectly aligned (or registered) with the high-definition image beneath.
- How It Works: State-of-the-art manufacturing uses precision plates to press the texture onto the wear layer so that when the printed image shows a dark knot, the surface has a corresponding deep indentation and rough texture. When the image shows a fine wood grain line, the surface has a fine, raised ridge exactly on that line.
- Result: The level of realism is unparalleled. The visual and tactile senses are synchronized, creating a depth and authenticity that makes the floor virtually indistinguishable from real wood or natural stone. When you run your hand across an EIR plank, it feels like the natural material it mimics.
Should I Invest in EIR Flooring?
Choosing a floor with Embossed in Register technology offers compelling benefits, particularly for Bay Area homes that demand high-end finishes:
- Unmatched Realism: EIR elevates the aesthetic of LVP, allowing it to be used confidently in main living areas and open floor plans without sacrificing the luxurious look of natural materials.
- Enhanced Visual Depth: The precise texture catches and diffuses light in a natural way, enhancing the dimensionality of the pattern. This prevents the flat, synthetic look of older vinyl products.
- Improved Slip Resistance: The intentional, non-uniform texture of EIR adds grip to the surface, contributing to safety in areas like kitchens and entryways.
Finding Embossed in Register LVP in the Bay Area
The Floor Store’s expert team is committed to helping you find the highest quality products. We carry numerous lines of Embossed in Register flooring and are proud to offer our shop-at-home service, bringing these beautifully textured samples right into your home. This allows you to inspect the EIR texture under your home’s unique lighting conditions to appreciate the difference true realism makes.
Call or visit our showrooms in Richmond/Albany, CA, Concord, CA, Dublin, CA, Fairfield, CA, San Carlos, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Jose, CA, San Rafael, CA, Santa Rosa, CA, Sunnyvale, and Fairfield, servicing the entire Bay Area. With 10 convenient locations, we are proud to serve the Bay Area and Northern California!