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Are you looking for a sustainable flooring option? Want a flooring that doesn’t hurt the environment?

For many homeowners, sustainability is becoming one of their top shopping preferences. Not only is it better for the environment to think green before you buy, but it’s also important to bring materials into your home that won’t impact your family’s health too.

When you think green, a lot of materials come to mind. Wood. Bamboo. Wool. Yet most people rarely think about vinyl as being a green product. They are surprised to learn that vinyl floors can be environmentally friendly.

John Elkington defined the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to sustainability back in 1994. According to Elkington, the Triple Bottom Line approach gives you a way to assess any product you choose to bring into your home based on three criteria. Look at:

• The cradle to grave impact of the product
• How the manufacturer contributes to sustainability throughout the company and the community
• How economic stable the manufacturer is

How does vinyl flooring compare?

How vinyl floor is made

Vinyl flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Depending on the manufacturer, it has a variety of materials added to create its individualistic looks.

The primary element in vinyl flooring is a vinyl sheet. Manufacturers suspend vinyl in a liquid mixture that is then spread into a thin sheet and rolled to the desired length and width. Plastic coating is fused and dried to create a tough, durable material.

Vinyl sheets can be produced in many sizes and shapes. It can be sold in sheet format, cut into 6, 9, or 12 inch square tiles, or be cut into plank shapes.

All vinyl tile has several layers. It begins with a core layer of vinyl over a felt backing. Some vinyl floors have a very thin decorative layer that creates patterns and colors. A thin plastic layer can add to the durability and provide a relatively maintenance-free, scuff-resistant surface.

Think of the backing as the strength, the top layer as the wear layer. The two must work together to give you a high-quality product. The backing can be made in a similar fashion to papermaking, using things like limestone and clay.

Of course, what the final product is made from is up to the manufacturer. Resilient flooring now makes up about 14 percent of the flooring marketplace, meaning there’s a lot of room for both top of the line and less than reputable companies to do business with. That’s why it’s important to stick with a flooring company you can trust. If you do business with a reliable flooring company, they will only suggest manufacturers that make a high-quality product.

Harmful chemicals

If you do a search for the reasons why people don’t like vinyl floor, it almost always has to do with the chemicals used both in production of the flooring, and in the product itself. And for good reason. If you go back decades ago, before harmful chemical usage was researched, you’ll find a wide variety of materials were used to create vinyl.

Asbestos was high on the list of harmful chemicals. Asbestos was once thought to be a great insulator, as well as adding fire-retardant features to all it was added to. Once it was determined how toxic the material really was, all usage was halted. Even though you can still find asbestos in older insulation and vinyl flooring, care must be used when remodeling and taking the old products out.

Formaldehyde was another highly toxic chemical used in vinyl flooring. Formaldehyde is often mixed into the glues and adhesives used in vinyl production. Urea-formaldehyde has the greatest risk factors, causing respiratory and nervous system problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, increased risk of asthma and allergies in kids and adults.

Depending on the manufacturer used, you can find a host of other harmful chemicals used in production. Lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, dioxins, chloride, and phthalates are all toxic and irritants to the human body in some format.

The best way to get a vinyl flooring product that doesn’t use harmful chemicals is to ask. It’s the only way you can be sure you’re getting a top of the line product that has low or no risk factors you don’t want to bring into your home, or have impact the environment.

Environmental impact after installation

When most homeowners consider flooring options, they focus on the product before they choose and install. But if you are making the best choice for the environment, it’s important to consider all levels of the life cycle, including after installation.

What about durability? If you have a flooring option that handles well, is durable, and can withstand lots of activity and traffic, it means less chance of having to replace it quickly. If properly cared for and installed, vinyl floor can last as much as 20 years or even longer. If you don’t have to replace it as often, it saves on waste and the environmental impact of having it removed and sending it to the landfill.

Vinyl floors cannot be refinished. That means when they wear out, they will have to be replaced. Yet one of the best reasons to use today’s vinyl flooring tiles and planks is because it’s a relatively easy process to remove and replace them. Simply pull up the damaged tile or plank and tap the new one into place. You’ll add longevity to your flooring by only having to replace impacted areas.

Which also brings us to end of life. As a whole, vinyl flooring cannot be recycled, and it is not biodegradable. If you send it to the landfill, it just sits there taking up space indefinitely. Vinyl flooring is hard to recycle because of the different material makeup of the vinyl throughout. It’s tough removing the vinyl from the backing from the adhesive, meaning it’s next to impossible to recycle the parts that are truly recyclable.

This is changing too. As a whole, the industry knows it will have to change in the future. That’s why you’ll find the best manufacturers in the flooring industry doing their part now. Armstrong, for instance, has its own recycling program to keep product out of the landfills. It’s also finding other creative ways to recycle and use different products in different ways.

Is a vinyl floor in your future?

There are different flooring products for all kinds of homes, all kinds of people, all kinds of tastes. If you are leaning towards the durability and strength of vinyl flooring, don’t hold back. Today’s vinyl flooring can be a sustainable purchase that won’t harm the environment. Go with a reputable company that is working hard to make our future better. Ask us how.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

(But it’s affordable)

The Carpet Guys have some amazing solutions to help you find a look of ceramic tile that is affordable.   A customer called and said they wanted tile flooring but all the quotes they had received were sky-high.  Our professional service representative had been through a similar situation and

wanted to help the client.  “Unfortunately, we don’t install tile, but I can offer some affordable suggestions that look like tile and might even be better for you if you’re interested?” offered our rep.  The woman was elated!  We sent one of our knowledgeable Design Consultants who brought several samples of “Not Actually Tile” options to her home.   Tile may be a preferred type of flooring, but customers don’t enjoy the high cost that goes along with it.  Here are some great flooring options that are affordable for the average household and will give you the benefits and look of tile.

Sheet Vinyl That Looks Like Tile

The lowest cost option to get a tile look is sheet vinyl.  It is a naturally waterproof option so it can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens and even below grade (in basements). The fact that it has no grout or very few seams means there is nowhere for moisture to get below the surface. It can be installed on smooth concrete or subfloors.  It’s inexpensive and scratch-resistant.  It’s also softer underfoot than tile or stone. There are plenty of natural and ceramic looking tile options in sheet vinyl.  Check out these inspirations including a blog written by a homeowner that chose vinyl for her “Can’t Believe It’s Not Tile” post.

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Luxury Vinyl Tile That Looks Like Tile

The next suggestion is luxury vinyl tile. This is also a naturally waterproof product, but there are seams to contend with.  You’ll want to make sure there’s no standing water or large puddles.  Another suggestion would be to include an underlayment when installing.  This will protect against moisture, absorb sound and decrease minor subfloor imperfections.  Numerous patterns and styles can be created with this amazing product.  Check out these finished rooms.

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We recommend professional installation for both types of flooring.  Your flooring is an investment and you want it to last a long time.  Our installers are so proficient, we guarantee their work as long as you own your home, with a Lifetime Installation Warranty.  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and we will send our showroom to your door with one of our amazing Design Consultants.

The post Flooring That Looks Like Tile appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Luxury vinyl tile or LVT flooring is becoming increasing popular with homeowners and property developers.  It can help to transform any space with its authentic appearance and robust nature. Here is a guide to luxury vinyl tile flooring: Read More

You love your hardwood floors. But maybe you have a room where you want something a bit different. Why not give carpet tiles a try?

Carpet tiles have long since been a favorite in the commercial sector, with carpet tiles representing 60 percent of the commercial carpet market. But as people continue to use them in office settings and find out how beneficial they are, they are putting them into their homes too.

Why? Because they’re so versatile! Once you give them a try, you’re going to find many uses for them throughout your home.

What are carpet tiles?

Carpet tiles are, as the name implies, squares of carpet that can be fit together inside your room. They usually are cut to 24 x 24 inches, or 18 x 18 inches square, but with their popularity, you’ll find them in all sorts of sizes.

Homeowners love them because they are easy to handle and care for in do-it-yourself fashion. If you buy broadloom carpet and try to install it yourself, you can face a variety of problems. It takes talent to install, hide seams, stretch, and tack into place.

Not so with carpet tile. Because they are easy to handle, virtually anyone can install them in minutes.

Want a few tips on how to use them inside your home? Read on.

Install them easily

One of the best reasons to use carpet tiles throughout your home is because they are super easy to install. As a do-it-yourselfer, it’s an easy project to take on.

Maybe you’ve been watching the home improvement shows on television. Maybe you’re just looking for a way to make your room stand out without spending a lot of money. Carpet tiles can be one of the best solutions. Just make sure the subfloor is prepared correctly. Then select your tiles, ensure you have enough for the size of your room, and install them. It’s literally that easy.

Add a punch of color to any room

Most homeowners like a more subdued, natural color in the main living spaces of the home. But there’s always one room where you want the freedom to express yourself. Maybe a playroom, a craft room, or a music room. Maybe you have a creative child who’s dying to bring wild colors into their space. Carpet squares are the way to do that easily.

What’s even better is the fact that they are as easy to take out as they are to put in. If your creative genius mixes up the colors, then decides they want to change things up, you can do so easily. It’s a great way to help build their confidence and let them have fun with their newfound decorating skills.

Avoid labor costs and replacement issues

Carpet tiles can be less expensive than many other flooring options you may look at. What’s more, because you can do it yourself, you can save on labor and installation costs too. And because carpet tiles are laid directly onto the subfloor, you won’t have the added expense of carpet pads either. It truly can be a fun way to save money and create a unique space you’ll love.

Carpet tiles are perfect for high traffic areas where spills and other messes may be a problem. How about installing them in a wine cellar? You won’t have to worry about dropping a bottle or spilling when you cork your favorite blend. They are easy to clean. And if you do stain an area, just lift up the tile and put a new one into place. For that reason, it’s a good idea to order a few extra, to replace damaged tiles as they happen.

Put them in the most high traffic areas of your home

Have you watched the way your kids tear up their playroom? They build all kinds of wild and creative settings as they imagine the day away.

Of course, that snack they snuck up into the playroom often gets entangled in the action. Ground up cookies, spilled juice, and even the occasional melted candy bar can really pack a punch on your flooring.

But with carpet tiles, you don’t have to worry about the mess. It’s easier to clean up as they occur. And if something happens that you can’t remove, just replace the tile, and it’ll look as good as new.

Worried about not having enough tiles or not having the colors match? Why not mix and match? Select several different colors all in one similar range. Then piece them together, so the colors interweave. If you run out of a color, you can always shop for more, never worrying about how they will integrate with each other. Every new color simply adds to a new look.

Carpet tiles are durable

Home office work is rising every year. Over 3.7 million workers telecommute at least part of their workweek. Over 15 million are self-employed. That makes home offices not just a convenience, it puts them more in demand than ever before.

Yet what flooring works in a bedroom or living space doesn’t necessarily work for office functionality. That plus carpet is hard to roll through with an office chair. Yet its the perfect environment to get creative and install carpet squares instead.

Stay subtle and blend it with the rest of your home’s decor. Play up the color of your company brand. Or make it uniquely your own, to provide motivation through color as you work through your busy days.

Avoid seams

Do you have an oddly shaped room? Do you always have to buy a lot more flooring just to make it work? That’s a lot of waste.

If you select wall to wall carpet, it most likely comes in 12 foot widths. Yet how many rooms are perfectly 12 feet? Playrooms and home offices are often tucked into corners of the home. Homeowners are brilliant at being able to create space from nothing. Storage closets, wine cellars, game rooms and more can all be added creatively to give you exactly what you want from your home.

And once you have your creative juices flowing, with carpet squares, you’ll never have to worry about having a seam in the worst place possible. Or pay for extra carpet that will never be used, just to piece it together into a corner. Just tuck the carpet square in, cut it to size, and press it into place.

Clean up for health

Some of the most popular rooms in your home are also the messiest.

• The playroom where your kids grind in the dirt
• The gameroom where you spend your nights and weekends
• The craftroom where paints, clays, and more can linger forever

And once the dirt and grime are in place, it can impact your health as well as be an unsightly mess.

The EPA has stated that indoor air quality is often worse than outside air. Since carpet tiles have lower pile, they trap less dirt, and are easier to clean. That means they can be a better alternative for creating a more eco-friendly living space in your home.

Give you better water protection too

Even carpet tiles are still carpeting; they will never stand up to standing water. But when you compare carpet tiles with wall to wall carpeting, you will find they stand up to moisture better over time. They’re easier to clean, meaning you can clean up that spill quickly and not have it impact the fibers. Because there isn’t a carpet pad, moisture won’t seep through. And if you do sustain damage, it’s easier to correct the problem by replacing individual tiles.

Are you ready to install carpet tiles in your home? We can help. Stop by today and see our complete selection, and find one perfect for the look you’re trying to create.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Express Home Services LLC Receives 2020 Phoenix Award

Phoenix Award Program Honors the Achievement

PHOENIX January 10, 2020 — Express Home Services LLC has been selected fort he Phoenix Award in Flooring Contractor category by the Phoenix Award Program.

Each year, the Phoenix Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Phoenix area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2020 Phoenix Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Phoenix Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Phoenix Award Program.

The Phoenix Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Phoenix area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Phoenix Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Phoenix Award Program

CONTACT:
Phoenix Award Program
Email: [email protected]
URL: https://www.2020townrankingnotice.com

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The post In the news: Express Flooring Receives 2020 Phoenix Award appeared first on Express Flooring.

Whether you’re planning a do-it-yourself project, or will hire someone to install new flooring for you, it’s not just the flooring material you should concern yourself with. Floor adhesive is also important. Floor adhesive will ultimately determine the wearability factor of your flooring. It can also introduce chemicals into your home you may not be aware of.

Do a little research and you’ll quickly determine there are a wide variety of products available on the market today. What’s safe? What does a good job? Will one last longer than others? Is there a “best” you should consider?

Of course, there are many things to consider. Here’s a guide to help you understand floor adhesives a little better, and to help you determine the right one for your home improvement project.

What is floor adhesive?

Floor adhesive is a strong, permanent glue that is used for attaching flooring materials to a subfloor or underlayment. Each type of flooring will have its own recommended adhesive, although you can find multi-purpose adhesives that do the job too. In order to find the right adhesive for the job, consider the following.

Location

If you’re remodeling a room in your home, your biggest factor will be to decide how well the flooring will handle under different conditions. Bathrooms and kitchens will have more situations where moisture may be a problem than will dining or family rooms. Exterior locations, such as outdoor living spaces, will need a floor adhesive that can handle all kinds of weather conditions, including the stress from moisture, extreme heat, and freezing conditions.

Recommended For

Like other materials, floor adhesive will often be specific about what it’s made for. Check out the label, and it should provide specifics about the environment it handles well for, and what materials it works best with. Pay particular attention to any reference to a product that lists “but can be used for” in addition to its intended uses. Homeowners often fall into the trap of using one product for many jobs – it’s easier and less expensive than running to the store multiple times. Yet flooring is one of the most important materials in your home; get it wrong, and you’ll pay the price. To do the job right, always stick with a floor adhesive that is intended for the project you are doing.

Substrate

The substrate – the underlayment or subflooring – should also be considered when selecting floor adhesive. Certain adhesives will bond better to different subfloors. Concrete in a basement, for example, will require a different bonding material than a plywood subflooring used in the bedrooms. It also depends on grade – a cool, damp basement has different needs than a warm home office on the second floor. You should also consider the type of flooring you’ll be installing, and whether you’ll be using radiant heating in your final application.

VOC

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic materials often associated with a variety of building materials. They can offgas when introduced into your home, creating toxic indoor air quality. Different floor adhesives are created from different chemicals, which makes some more volatile than others. If this is important to you, be sure you check labels and ask questions to ensure you are installing the one with the lowest VOC content.

Drying Time

Some floor adhesives dry faster than others. Some floors must sit without anyone walking on them for extended periods of time to cure properly. If you have a busy household, or are planning an event in which you’ll have a lot of people walking on the floor, be sure you understand all of the nuances of the glue before you lay it into place.

Coverage

Every floor adhesive has recommended guidelines for how much you’ll need to put your flooring into place. Pay attention to coverage guidelines. Use too much, and it may be difficult to spread, put into place, and have longer drying times. Use too little, and you may have problems with your floor not adhering the way it should. Figure out how much you’ll need by calculating the square footage of your space, then add another 10 percent for error. The last thing you want to happen is to run out of material right at the end of your project.

Shelf Life

Have some extra adhesive left over? Have to put your project on hold, and wondering how long your floor adhesive will last? Follow manufacturer’s guidelines before you store it. Glues often lose performance the longer they sit. They can lose their ability to bond, which can impact the functionality of your floor.

Protection

If you do turn it into a do-it-yourself project, follow all guidelines when installing. Make sure the area you are applying floor adhesive to is well-ventilated. Use a mask or respirator to help protect you from breathing in the chemicals. It’s also recommended to wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and your skin.

Self-Adhesive

Some forms of flooring, including vinyl, cork, and linoleum, are available with a self-adhesive backing for easy installation. This means the adhesive is already in place, and all you have to do is peel off a paper covering to reveal the glue, and then drop it into place on your prepared subfloor. This makes the installation process easier as you won’t have to apply the floor adhesive before you lay the tiles. This also creates a perfect blend of how much glue you’ll need, and you won’t have to buy extra materials to have the look you desire. It’s an easy solution for a lot of do-it-yourselfers.

Hiring It Installed

Just because you’re hiring a contractor to install your new flooring for you doesn’t mean you should ignore the process. Ask questions about the installation process. Learn what type of adhesive will be applied. Can you request less toxic chemicals to be used?

When you come in and speak with one of our flooring consultants, we can answer all of these questions and more.

Whether you’re looking for a DIY project, or want us to handle the job, we’ll ensure you get the very best flooring and installation process you’ll be happy to have in your home.

Stop by today and let us help you choose the perfect flooring for your needs.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

From January 24th – 26th, The Novi Home Show 2020 is kicking off its first event of the new decade!

The Novi Home and Garden Show is a massive exhibition show where tons of home improvement companies gather to display their wares. All your home improvement ideas and planning can be done under one giant roof of the Suburban Collection Showplace.

What’s at the Novi Home Show

The show is more than just a one-stop destination for home
renovation ideas. It’s a place where you can meet the professionals you need
face-to-face.

Thinking you would like to update your kitchen?  Have plans to replace your flooring?  At the Novi Home and Garden Show, you will find all the vendors you need.  You can also find inspiration if you’re just browsing.  Everything including, but not limited to, bathrooms, basements, kitchens, windows, roofing, gutters, paint, flooring, closets, air ducts, decks and so much more!

All of the information can be found on our Facebook event page, but we will list it here as well:

• Adult Admission (13+) – $10
• Senior Admission (55+) – $9
• Children (12 and under) – FREE!
• Special “$5 after 5” admission pricing Friday and Saturday

• Friday, January 24th: 2 – 8 p.m.
• Saturday, January 25th: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sunday, January 26th: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come Visit The Carpet Guys at Booth 1907

We love going to the home show because we get to meet YOU! Stop by our
booth so we can talk with you and show you all that we have to offer.

On top of that, you can take some of our free giveaways at our table. We
even offer you a chance to win $5000 of free flooring!

Whether you’re ready to buy and know exactly what you want or just exploring
your options, we would love to make you a part of our Carpet Guys Family.

The first Novi Home Show of the new decade is going to be awesome. Don’t miss out! If you can’t make it to the show, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form. One of our friendly service representatives will contact you.

The post The First Novi Home Show of the New Decade! appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

As the New Year is in full swing and things begin to get back to normal, many folks are starting to get back to their pre-holiday plans concerning home projects that get put on the back burner during the season of celebrations. This is especially true when the decorations come down and they are back to looking at the same old boring walls and floors.

But as far as the latter goes, the helpful folks here at Flooring.org thought we would offer our readers one last gift this season in the form of a quick guide to show them the most exciting and popular trends regarding new flooring in their home or business. Here are six of the must-consider options in 2020:

The Key is Simplicity.
Instead of elaborate designs and patterns, homeowners are getting back to the basics. Same size cuts going in the same direction for uniformity and simplicity are the way to go.

High-Variation Hardwood.
This type of flooring most closely resembles nature as the uniqueness and diversity of pieces are highlighted rather than eliminated.

Dark-Tone Woods.
The elegance of these darker colorings are not only visually appealing, they also work better with any kind of décor than do lighter colors.

Greige Wood Flooring.
A cross between grey and beige offers a different kind of neutral that still appeals to uniqueness and individuality.

Whitewash Flooring.
This offers a West Coast vibe no matter what part of the country you may live in!

An Aged or Worn Look.
People who opt for this style tell us that the appearance of the passage of time increases the homeliness and warmth inside their residence, giving it a “lived-in” feeling.

For more information about which look would best suit your interior design plans, as well as to find the best deals around on these and other flooring products, simply get in touch with the pros by visiting flooring.org. You can also reach us by phone by dialing 1-800-689-9006 today. We would be glad to be your go-to experts for all things beneath your feet!

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

Laminate flooring is a very popular choice of flooring.  It is cost effective, robust and can look just like a real wood or stone floor.  Over the recent years, laminate flooring has become more realistic looking and of a much higher quality. Read More

If you own commercial property, the materials you use have to be a little stronger, more durable than anything you’d put into your own home. They have to withstand higher traffic, more abuse, more cleanings, and look good throughout its lifespan. It can be difficult finding the right products for the job.

Yet more and more, people are turning to laminate because of its durability and versatility. Not just any laminate, commercial grade laminate flooring. Laminate is made from several layers:

• A backing layer that is designed to provide a moisture barrier as well as give the flooring its structural integrity.
• A dense inner layer, sometimes called a core layer, made from compressed wood fiber.
• A decorative layer that gives the floor its decorative look and feel. This is achieved through high quality photography, giving the laminate the appearance of natural hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile.
• A wear layer that creates a tough, beautiful finish that is resistant to stain, fade, and wear.

What makes laminate a popular choice for homes is also why property managers turn to commercial grade laminate flooring. It’s a popular choice because it looks great and performs well too. High end retail locations and client-oriented business offices often want to put their best foot forward when attracting clientele. Laminate can be the perfect way to do that.

But don’t be fooled. There is a difference in laminate quality. You can’t put laminate created for residential environments in commercial locations. They won’t hold up to the abuse. Instead, high quality or commercial grade laminate flooring is your best choice, as it is created especially for higher traffic businesses that care about looks and making a good first impression.

How laminate flooring is structured

All laminate flooring is created using the four layers mentioned above. The majority of the layer is the high-density fiberboard, which is as much as 85 percent of the laminate board. If you pay attention to the product materials, you can find some laminate made almost entirely of recycled materials. That’s good for the environment as well as helping your business stay as green as possible.

Why laminate has increased in popularity in recent years is because of better technology. With today’s printing technology, laminate can take on any look you desire. Have an exotic hardwood in mind, but want it without the exotic price or increased maintenance? Laminate can be your answer. Want stone or even a random pattern you can’t find with other products? It’s easier than ever to create the look using laminate.

The heat-fused top layer allows you to see the beauty of the print layer, while protecting it from things like dirt and liquids, things that can be damaging to other flooring choices.

What separates residential laminate from commercial grade laminate flooring is the thickness and quality of these layers. Commercial grade will be thicker, offering more protection from things that can damage it most.

What is a laminate wear rating?

One of the biggest factors you should focus on when making your final selection is the wear rating. For laminate flooring, a wear rating indicates how well the floor will stand up to daily wear and tear. All laminate flooring will have an AC rating – abrasion class rating – and will be followed by a number. Laminate flooring has five rating levels, AC1 is for low traffic areas while AC5 is for commercial use.

• AC1 is for low traffic use in residential situations only. This product is best kept in places like bedrooms or guest spaces, a place where it won’t have a lot of use.
• AC2 is better suited for higher traffic residential uses. You can place AC2 laminate in areas like the living room and family room. It’s still not suggested for commercial use.
• AC3 is a good choice for all residential needs. If you want to have flow-through and have unified flooring throughout your home, AC3 is the choice for you. It can also be used in light-traffic commercial applications.
• AC4 is manufactured specifically for commercial use. For offices that don’t get a lot of traffic, it can be the perfect choice for you. An AC4 rated laminate has a more abrasive wear layer making it stand up well in commercial applications, but isn’t comfortable for residential use.
• AC5 is designed to handle high-traffic situations. It’s what is usually installed in department stores, offices, and shopping centers. It also has an abrasive texture to stand up well under pressure, but isn’t a good choice for residential applications.

How do you maintain commercial grade laminate flooring?

What makes homeowners love laminate flooring is also the same reasons property managers flock to commercial grade laminate flooring. The two products share many of the same qualities. But commercial grade laminate flooring also has a few unique qualities that are increasing its popularity.

• The high quality wear layer found on commercial grade laminate flooring is quite prone to resisting scratches and penetration. Because dirt, debris, spills, and stains generally sit on the surface at least for a short while, it makes allows a quick cleanup for damage to be avoided.
• The tough wear layer will prevent damage from harmful UV light exposure. This means laminate can be used in public areas where natural light spills in and settles for hours throughout the day.
• Laminate has a wear layer to protect the look and feel. Once this wear layer has been penetrated or worn through, the flooring itself will have to be replaced. Laminate isn’t hardwood; it can’t be refinished to bring it back to its natural beauty. Focus on buying high quality laminate that will ensure you the thickest, strongest wear layer possible.
• Also, pay attention to warranties. They are often a sure indicator of the quality of the product. Most commercial grade laminate flooring warranties will come with guidelines outlining maintenance, environments, and potential problem areas to stay within the guarantee. By asking about them upfront, and reviewing them before you select your final product, you can ensure you get the right product for your situation.

What do you want your flooring to look like? 

That really is the beauty of installing commercial grade laminate flooring in your retail location of office. Laminate flooring can take on any look you desire.

Want the look of hardwood without the fuss? Want better performance yet crave the look of natural stone? With laminate, anything is possible.

And the best place to start planning your aesthetics and final look is by talking with one of our flooring experts. We can help you design a space you’ll be proud of for years to come.

How can we help you?

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