Green Shoots Blog

The green building leader has created cork-backed versions of the most popular colors from its Cali Vinyl Pro line. The four new additions are 100% waterproof and have a built-in underlayment that boosts sound and thermal insulation.
Cali Bamboo, has added four new floors to its popular Cali Vinyl Plus line. The colors all existed previously as top-sellers within the Cali Vinyl Pro line, which features the improved rigid core — GeoCore. These customer favorites are now also available with the signature Cali Vinyl Plus cork backing — a 100% recycled, built-in underlayment which boosts comfort, provides Mute Step sound insulation, and helps to keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
HiFi Imaging gives these luxury vinyl planks intricate wood grain details and rich color. This specialized printing technology brings authenticity to the four new styles:
Redefined Pine
A weathered and windswept grain features the gray-brown of pine tree bark with the same enduring character and stormy appeal. This style features high plank variety for a more rustic look.
Classic Acacia
Hues of cinnamon and nutmeg blend together in this exotic wood, delivering a warm vibrancy and an air of easy luxury. Acacia is known for its smooth grain and glowing undertones.
Mesquite
This intricate, lightly antiqued wood grain features the warmth of Manzanita bark and bears a comfortable, rustic elegance. Mesquite features high plank variety, inspired by reclaimed hardwood.
Shadowed Oak
An expertly worn wood grain feathered with natural knots and rays bears the thrilling beauty of a forest at midnight. These dark planks are perfect for making lighter-colored decor and furniture pop.
Flooring also features a 100% waterproof construction, extra-thick 20mil scratch-resistant wear layer, and click-lock milling for fast DIY installations.
The Cali Vinyl Plus line is available to order at CaliBamboo.com, through a select dealer network across the U.S., and at Lowe’s Home Improvement in-store and online.
Is the built in unerlayment on the Cali Mute Step considered a thermal layer as well as a sound-absorbing layer? Do you need an underlayment in addition to the vapor barrior if we are laying this on the concrete floor of our basement?
Yes, the attached pad has acoustic and thermal insulative qualities. For installations over concrete, we require a moisture barrier such as Titebond 531+ (rolls on like paint) or you can use Cali Complete underlayment with metallic seal tape.
Is the major difference between the Pro and the Plus lines the cork backing? Are underlayments recommended for both lines?
Ho Jo Ann,
That and the Plus has a BPC (Bamboo/Plastic Composite) core while the Pro has an SPC (Stone/Plastic Composite) core. Plus is very lightweight and can be installed on walls, ceilings and in RVs and motorhomes, while Pro is very heavy and has a solid feel underfoot. Underlayments are only required for installations over concrete subfloors.
Which kind of flooring is best over a plywood subfloor in a mobile home?
With a plywood subfloor, you have a lot of options. You can float click-lock flooring over it or nail down tongue and groove flooring. You can actually float tongue and groove flooring too, you just can’t nail down click lock, and it’s not advised to glue down to plywood. If you do choose to float, it’s recommended that you use an underlayment to help level plywood subfloors, and it adds a bit of comfort and insulation to the floors. If you choose to nail-down you don’t need an underlayment.
Since Cali Vinyl Plus has the built in underlayment would you ever recommend putting down a separate underlayment in addition to the built in?
Hi Wendy,
Only if you are installing over concrete or you want even more thermal and noise insulation.
Looking to get the Cali Vinyl Plus Gray Ash flooring- How is it with pets?
It’s great for pets Julie, that’s why Cali Vinyl is the only brand of flooring on Petco.com!
I just had a flooring company put in pro grey ash and I have 2 dogs, the carpet was creamed by my puppy so I decided to put down flooring over my house which has a slab underneath, they put down some sort of padding and of course the the flooring has its own padding.
QUESTION: can water come up through my new floor
Hi Vicki,
So they removed the carpet and put down an underlayment and installed the vinyl on top? If so, this is exactly what we recommend. Is your concern with moisture from the slab getting to the flooring? As long as they used the metallic seal tape to seal the seams of the underlayment, you have a solid moisture barrier that will protect the flooring from slab moisture.
Are your stair treads the same material and texture that is used with the normal floor planks?? I have read a few reviews where they say the stair treads look more like plastic and don’t match the actual floor. Just deciding if I want to use the stair nosing piece or just go with the stair tread.
Hi Kyle,

They are made a bit different than the flooring but use the same texture film and look identical. Maybe it’s because they are kinda hollow? Here’s what they look like.
do you have stair treads to match these floors? If not, can the product be used on stairs?
Yes, we have stair treads and you can also use flooring in conjunction with stair nosing pieces to effectively make a stair tread. Stair treads cost a little more but save you lots of time.
We have the we vinyl
Waterproof pro flooring and are ready for diy
Video Tutorial help us find the help video
Hi Sally,
We don’t yet have a video showing this, but we do have step by step instructions online here.