With a bank holiday weekend coming up, there’s no better way to spend that extra to yourself than to give your home some extra love and attention. While a little bit of DIY can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be. These 7 DIY home hacks will help you to get the biggest results with the least effort. Sounds good to be true? Read on and see for yourself.

 

DIY Tip 1 – Upcycle Old Drawers Into Stylish Shelves

 

If you want to save money and save the environment (at least a little bit) then upcycling is the name of the game.  If you’ve an old set of drawers that you’re not using any more or simply don’t have the room for them, then you can stick them on the wall for an artsy, make shift shelf.

Shelves with old wood effects would be ideal, but with a little spray paint and vaseline (more on that later) you can create an authentic distressed effect at a fraction of the cost. Alternatively, charity shops can be your best friend for picking up retro furniture that might not be fit for it’s original purpose but is ripe for an upcycling project.

DIY Tip 2 – Artificially Distress Furniture With Vaseline

 

Distressed furniture used to be something that you’d never want. It was a sign that your furniture was old and beaten, and in desperate need of replacement. But like most home design trends, old is the new new, and having distressed furniture is now very much in vogue.

You could buy an old antique (and expensive) piece of furniture, or buy artificially distressed furniture from your furniture store of choice, but there’s a much cheaper and faster way to get your furniture to have that inauthentic authentic look. There’s a whole bunch of ways to DIY your way to that look, including using steel wool, sandpaper, and candle wax with several different types of paint for coating involved too. But by far, the cheapest, quickest way to get those quality results is with milk paint and vaseline.

You might want to give your furniture a fresh undercoat of paint before you get stuck in, but it’s not necessary. Let’s take the example of a dresser table. apply the undercoat if desired, or if not, simply apply vaseline generously to the areas that would naturally get distressed. For example, the edges of the table, the sides of legs, down near the bottom, anywhere that might get worn away by human hand, moving, or scuffs and scrapes.

Once the vaseline is applied, simply apply the paint colour you desire. We recommend using a cheap brush here, as you don’t want to ruin your good brushes by covering them with petroleum jelly. We also find that the cheap ones with the stiffer bristles are also better for repelling vaseline to avoid it spreading to your paint and other parts of your furniture. Just paint your dresser as if the vaseline isn’t there at all.

Once the paint is dried, simply wipe away the remaining vaseline, and voila! You’ve got brand new old furniture with a fraction of the cost or elbow grease. Relax and have a cuppa.

 

DIY Tip 3 – Get Creative With Hiding Unsightly Electronics

 

Many households will now have a couple of routers spread around to cover the increasing internet demands a house full of gadget mad little demons will have. Especially if any of the little ones have discovered Minecraft, or if you have a habit of going a bit crazy with online shopping on your iPad when you’re settled down on the sofa with a cup of tea.

A fake line of books coupled with a wooden box can make a nifty DIY router tidy. Grab a few old books you’re never going to read, or dive into the charity shop bargain bins. Take four or five hardcover books, and cut out the pages at the spine.

Keep the back and front of the two books you want to start and end your faux stack, and glue the spines and covers to the front of a small wooden box, the kind of one you might see at a fresh fruit stall or a garden centre. If you don’t want to use a box, you can glue the spines to a piece of card and simply set the router behind it rather than sticking it into the box. You can glue it all together with a glue gun, stick it together with super glue, or use blu tack or doubled backed tape. Whatever works for you, but a little twenty minute bout of handywork can really tidy up those necessary but ugly black or white boxes.

 

 

DIY Tip 4 – Remove Carpet Indentations With Ice Cubes

 

If you’ve got a mark in your carpet caused by a sofa, TV unit, bed, or even just a groove worn from pacing or from a door opening and closing, here’s a nifty trick. Placing an ice cube on your carpet can sort out any pesky marks. First off, move your furniture out of the way, then simply place an ice cube on the mark. If it’s a long line – like a mark from an opening door or dragging a chair, then place a few ice cubes on the groove.

Leave the cube to melt over night and the water will plump up the fibres. Dry the carpet with a towel, and use a fork to gently fluff up any stray fibres that have stayed flat. You may have to repeat it for persistent dents.

Take care if you’ve got a wood underfloor. The water might do damage to the wood underneath. It might be a good idea to perform a test on an inconspicious spot and pop up the carpet for a look underneath to make sure no damage has been caused, but generally you’ll have spilt a glass of juice or something similar on your carpet at some point in it’s life, and if it can survive this, it’ll be fine with a little ice cube.

 

Wrong kind of ice cube.

 

DIY Tip 5 – Use a Picture Frame as a Memo Board

While you’ve probably thought about installing a chalkboard or wipe board in your kitchen to keep track of what groceries are needed and who in the family needs to be picked up, and where from, and what you’re making for dinner… and on and on and on…

These little boards can look a little unsightly and if you’re wanting your whole house to be a domestic paradise, you’ll want something a little more chic than a dull black or whiteboard. Enter this stroke of genius, the glass picture frame as a dry wipe board, a DIY dream.

Frame a pretty scrap of wallpaper or fabric, preferably something light, nothing too busy, and hang it in a high traffic area of your home. Attach the marker to it with a matching ribbon, and suddenly you’ve got a stylish memo board that you’ll struggle to stop people from writing on. Just make sure you buy dry wipe markers and not the permanent variety…

 

DIY Tip 6 – Use Velcro to Keep Rupert Off The Floor

 

Okay, he might not be called Rupert, but we’ve all got teddies somewhere around the house, whether they belong to little ones, or they’re a childhood friend that you just can’t let go. Keep them clean and off the floor, and solve your clutter crisis at the same time by sticking them to the wall with a velcro strip.

Not only does this DIY trick keep the room looking tidy, but it’s ideal for a kids room as a fun way for them to display their cuddly friends, and keep the floor clean at the same time. Even if they don’t use it, you’ll have a nifty place to store the teddies when you’re hoovering or cleaning up for a playdate.

Attach the rough side of the velcro to the wall in a strip (to stop scrapes with the rough bit on the teddies) and attach the soft bit to the back of lightweight toys, or even just stick them straight to the velcro. The same trick will work well in an adult’s room to turn a collection of soft toys into a decorate statement rather than something to be hastily hidden under the bed when friends are over.

 

DIY Tip 7 – Create A Self Draining Boot/Shoe Tray For Your Hallway

 

Summer may be on its way, but if you’re (un)lucky enough to live in the United Kingdom, you’re still going to experience a range of rainy days. Rather than setting your wet and muddy shoes on the floor and having to clean up a puddle, along with some mud and grass later in the day, why not add this nifty little tray to your hallway? It’ll keep the floor clean and dry, and any mud or water will naturally drain off your shoes into the rocks and evaporate.

All you need is a bag of pebbles like you might find at a pet shop, and a pet litter tray, while you’re at it! A long, flat tray will hold the whole family’s wet shoes, and the unique design will ensure that kids always remember to put their shoes here, and don’t just dump them on the carpet.

 

 

 

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

What’s inspiring us this month?

As we edge ever closer to summer and the temperature starts to rise we are getting inspired by soft, washed out colour.

Living Coral is Pantone’s colour of the year for a reason.  It is vibrant, yet mellow, and has a warming comfort to it.

 

 

 

The deep, rich colour of a solid bamboo floor, pairs beautifully with the warmth of coral, helping to create a space that is soft and welcoming.

 

 

For a relaxed look, Renove has renovated and reupholstered vintage swivel chairs from the 1960s.

 

 

For a relaxed touch, the chalky tone can be applied a large canvas to highlight different areas of your home.

 

 

Our Morocco tile effect floor is inspired by the Mediterranean, with rich, sun-kissed tones, this laminate works wonderfully in your bathroom.

 

 

Sadly, the British summer never lasts long. So we are also filling our houses with as much greeny as possible!

 

 

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

When shopping for laminate flooring, you may encounter a term referred to as a “laminate AC rating”. Meaning “abrasion class”, AC rating describes a floor’s durability against a number of key factors. The higher the AC rating, the more durable it is. Whilst laminate with a rating of AC1 is only suitable for areas with little footfall, the higher AC5-rated laminate floors are robust enough for use in commercial buildings, such as busy retail stores.

Laminate AC rating determines how well a laminate floor copes within different environments. Abrasion class was first introduced by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF). Since its conception, it’s been adopted as the industry standard for rating laminate flooring.

How is AC Rating Determined?

In order to receive an AC rating, laminate flooring must go through rigorous testing. Known as the Taber test, the process assesses the flooring to measure its resistance. The AC rating is dependent on how it deals with a number of different stress points. Abrasion, stains, impact, moisture, heat and scratches are all factors used to produce a laminate AC rating.

To receive an AC rating, every aspect of the test requires a pass. If it fails even one, it receives an “unrated” label, meaning it misses the mark in terms of quality expected by both retailers and consumers.

Two main groups divide laminate AC ratings: residential and commercial. These two groups are then split again to describe the level of traffic they’re able to withstand: moderate, general or heavy.

Laminate flooring thickness often has a part to play in a difference of AC rating. Generally speaking, the higher the thickness, the better the abrasion class rating.

See also: How to maintain laminate flooring

Different Laminate AC Ratings

As we touched upon earlier, the abrasion class rating of laminate flooring depends on its ability to withstand a number of different tests. How it copes with these tests determines its rating.

So what are the different AC ratings? You’ll often find them described by a simple label:

Residential

AC1

Suitable for moderate traffic. Best suited to use in bedrooms or guest rooms that see very little foot traffic.

AC2

Suitable for general traffic. Dining or living rooms are the best place for AC2-rated laminate floors.

AC3

Suitable for heavy traffic. Generally suitable for all areas, especially areas such as hallways which see a lot of footfall.

Commercial

AC4

Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces. Think small offices, cafés or smaller retail outlets.

AC5

Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces. Large department stores, public building and large offices are the perfect place for laminate with a rating of AC5.

You may also find AC rating described using pictograms. In these images, the different AC ratings display either a house (residential) or a commercial building (commercial). They may also contain icons for people, as well as numbers to display the laminate flooring’s suitability for either moderate (1), general (2) or heavy (3) use.

Weighing Up Your Options

The higher the the laminate AC rating, the better its durability. So, that must mean you should always go for the higher rating, surely? Well, not always.

As with any flooring, making your decision depends on individual circumstances. AC1-AC4 rated laminate is made using direct pressure laminate, whilst AC5 and higher is created using high pressure laminate. The difference in their manufacturing makes for slight differences in their appearance and feel.

Commercial spaces with heavy footfall require a high-durability laminate floor, although there are benefits to choosing lower-rated laminates as well.

AC3/AC4-rated floors tend to be smoother and softer to the touch than those with a higher rating. Whilst the rough texture of AC5 may be good for commercial use, this may be too abrasive for family homes – especially if you have young children.

Direct pressure laminate (AC1-AC4) is also better equipped to look more realistic than high pressure laminate. This is also due to the laminate flooring thickness and its wear layer. Each AC rating increase means a 60% increase in wear. So, for example, AC3 has 120% heavier wear than AC1. The heavier wear may also mean a cloudier look to your flooring. Therefore, if you prioritise style over durability, you’re better suited to a lower grade flooring.

Our AC Ratings

Here at Direct Wood Flooring, we only sell laminate flooring with an AC rating of AC3 and above. This ensures high durability, without compromising on the authentic look of the flooring. Images are crisp and clear, whilst a textured surface gives an authentic real wood feel.

To find your chosen laminate’s AC rating, simply scroll down the product page until you reach the AC rating in the product information.

To Conclude

Laminate AC rating is certified through rigorous testing to even receive a rating. Even with the lower AC1-AC2 floors, you can still make a decision knowing the product is certified for its purpose.

The lower AC-rated laminate flooring is better suited to residential properties, whereas higher rating such as AC4 and AC5 are perfect for commercial environments. AC3 sits in the middle, and will handle any area in your home, as well as being suitable for light commercial use.

If you’re looking for laminate flooring and would like advice on the best AC rating for you, get in touch by calling 03308 088777, or email [email protected].

The post What is Laminate AC Rating? appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Have your recently purchased a home, or are you planning to purchase a new home soon? Among the rest of your miles-long to-do list, here’s another item to add: refinish and repair the hardwood flooring in your new home before you move in. Do yourself a favor and have the Floor Sand Crafting team take care of this daunting task for you. You’ll thank yourself in the long run!  

You’ll Save Time Later

Although we work hard to finish the job in a timely manner, most hardwood refinishing jobs take between 2 to 5 days, depending on the scope of the project. By having the floor refinishing completed prior to your move-in date, you’ll save time that you’ll be able to spend doing other things to get your house the way you want it. Curious about our process? Check out this FAQ page!

Your Floors Will Be Perfectly Clean for You

Once the floors are refinished, your home will be literally move-in ready. Any pet stains, water stains, damage, or dents will be taken care of. With beautiful floors in place, all you need to do is add your furniture. By checking off “refinish floors” from your checklist before you move in, you’ll feel much more settled in your new home. 

We’ll Work with Your Schedule

We’ll work with your schedule to coordinate the best time to refinish the floors. We also suggest allowing 24-48 hours after we’ve completed with the project until you move in your furniture. This will allow the floors to finish curing. 

For a free estimate, contact the friendly Floor Sand Crafting team today at (317) 759-2575. With over 30 years of experience in refinishing and installing hardwood floors in the Indianapolis area, we’re happy to help make your new house into a home. You’ll never regret investing in your home’s hardwood floors, which will add great beauty and practicality to your home. So before you move in, give us a call. 

The post New Home? Refinish And Repair Hardwood Floors Before You Move In. appeared first on Floor Craft Sanding.

 

Does your floor say welcome home or wear & tear?

How does walking through the door make you feel? Your home is perhaps the one place you can realise your interior design dreams, flex your creative muscles and build a space you feel completely, perfectly at ease.

It’s a space you love.

All too often though, our carpets don’t reflect this. Years of wear & tear, dirt and dust, spills and stains, all take their toll on our floors and leave them looking worn and faded. Unlike, for example, curtains, fittings or wallpaper, our carpets bear the brunt of everyday life and suffer for it.

Heavy foot traffic and moving furniture treads down the pile, and they soon start to leave their original vibrancy and charm behind. Many of us don’t change our carpets for many years after they’ve deteriorated, failing to notice the gradual decline and just falling gradually out of love with our home interiors, little by little, without quite realising why. A good carpet has a distinctive feel and look, and has the power to change the way we feel in our homes. Literally every step you take through your home can be improved by a high quality floor- meaning if you’ve overlooked upgrading your carpet for a few years- it could be the answer to falling back in love with coming home.

At Pyramid we specialise in helping people find the carpets that make them love coming home. That’s how we’ve become South Yorkshire’s favourite carpet store, with our Sheffield showroom visited by thousands of homeowners who have left ready to give their home interiors a new lease of life with a vibrant and stylish carpet. Here are some things to look for to help you find a carpet that will make coming home the highlight it should be.

1. Choose one that’s durable

Imagine the feeling of stepping onto a brand new carpet that cushions & warms, springy and comfy at the same time. Bright and stylish, it captures the eye and creates a feeling of light and space to the room. This is what great carpet should do. Now imagine if this effect was not a new carpet at all, but one that’s been in place for years. Even after years of wear, it’s still just as attractive and comfortable as it was on day one. That’s the importance of choosing a durable carpet. Two, five or even ten years later- you want to experience the same comfort & quality you get on the day you fit your carpet. We recommend using a specially-designed, ultra-durable material such as synthetics, which stand up well to wear & tear and keep their colour better than natural fibres.

2. Comfort is king

Choosing the right thickness of carpet for your floor means getting the right balance of comfort, warmth and depth for your needs. Bedrooms and living rooms, where comfort is typically most important, often benefit from both a deeper carpet and a thicker underlay, which both helps heat retention and makes the floor more comfortable. It allows you to stretch out in comfort in front of the TV, walk around in bare feet in the night and enjoy warmth and luxurious softness even on the coldest winter’s day.

3. Go stain resistant

Nothing reflects more poorly on the state of your carpet than a great big stain. Whether it’s pets, children, food, or a glass of red wine gone rogue: it only takes one lapse in attention for your carpet to come off badly, quickly. As we’ve previously discussed on our blog, it’s possible to save your carpet from stains, but knowing the right way to fight the different spills, mess and marks can be tricky. If you’re worried about your carpet being marked, using an advanced synthetic fibre for your carpet helps avoid staining and limits the spread of bacteria, meaning mildew and smells are kept at bay.

 

If you’re still looking for the right carpet for your home, why not speak to the team at our Sheffield showroom? With a huge range of carpets on offer- from budget options to premium brands- we’re a one-stop-shop for all types and scales of home interior redesign.

The post Top carpet tips to help you love coming home appeared first on Pyramid Carpets – News.

Once you have a beautiful hardwood floor installed in just the perfect color and finish you’ve been dreaming of, the last thing you want is for it to be covered in scratches and dents. A good hardwood floor from Floor Craft Sanding will last the life of your home, but it will look a lot better along the way if you take a few precautions to keep it in tip-top shape.

 

1. Vacuum and sweep your floors regularly.

Removing debris is the first step toward preventing scratches. Make sure your vacuum is on the “hardwood floors” or “linoleum” setting so the bar doesn’t scratch against the floor.

2. Lay down mats and install furniture protectors.

Put down mats at doorways to act as a first line of defense. They’ll prevent dirt and other corrosive substances like salt from getting onto your floors. Remember to vacuum and shake these out regularly. On furniture legs, use felt protectors (not plastic), protective pads, or barrel-type coasters. Replace these often, as dirt and debris can become embedded on the pad and act like sandpaper on the floor surface.

3. Beware of pets and shoes.

Beware of sports cleats and high heels that will dent your hardwood floor, because they focus most of a person’s weight on small areas. It’s OK to ask your family and guests to remove their shoes when they come into your home. Also, keep pets’ nails trimmed and filed to prevent them from scratching the floor.

4. Consider regular maintenance from Floor Sand Crafting.

Yearly wood floor refinishing is a great way to keep your home’s hardwoods looking brand-new while protecting them from the wear and tear of everyday traffic. Refinishing hardwood floors is a wonderful way to increase the value of your Indianapolis home, showcase your artistry, and enhance the elegance of any room. Give us a call today at (317) 759-2575 to request a free consultation.

The post How to Prevent Dents and Scratches on Your Hardwood Floors appeared first on Floor Craft Sanding.

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile / LVT Flooring?

LVT Flooring can perfectly recreate the look of a real wood floor or stone tiled floor but at a fraction of the cost to purchase and install.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles are a type of multi-layered flooring which are created entirely without any wood, making them entirely waterproof. So they are perfect for your bathroom and kitchen. LVT floors can be made in a number of different ways. The most common types are created predominately from Limestone or PVC which is then mixed with plasticisers to add extra strength and protection.

What are the benefits of LVT Flooring?

The main benefit of LVT flooring is its practicality. Because they are crafted without any wood they can be 100% waterproof, enabling you to have the look of a real wood floor in your bathroom or kitchen!

The strong core within LVT flooring ensures that they are very resistant to damage. Our Hyrdo Regenerate range is even self-repairing!

The multi-layered construction consists of a soft sound-absorbing layer which helps to improve the acoustics of the room and reduce the sound of footsteps. This layer also ensures that you won’t feel the cold from it while walking barefoot, unlike a stone tile floor.

LVT flooring is also super easy to clean. To clean your vinyl floor it is easy to sweep or vacuum up the loose debris and wet mop the floor.

The built-in wear layer, that is scratch and stain resistant makes it perfect for those high traffic areas of your home as well!

Our most popular LVT floors

We have an extensive range of Luxury Vinyl Floors that are available for you to sample today and are available for next day delivery.

 

Grey flooring is one of the most popular flooring trends right now. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, it easily integrates with most decors and can help to add a modern yet timeless touch to your home.

 

Our Hydro Regenerate comes in a range of wonderful tile and wood effects. In addition to being a water-resistant laminate, this floor surface enables any indentations to return to their initial shape after pressure is applied. So any marks left by furniture, for example, disappear within a short space of time.

 

 

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

Brand new for 2019, our herringbone laminate flooring range combines the beauty of herringbone flooring with the practicality of a laminate floor. Coming in six colours, it’s versatile in its design to fit into any home’s décor.

Speak to anyone about interior design trends, and herringbone wood floor will be at the forefront of many people’s minds.

Its distinctive pattern often comes in the form of real wood or luxury vinyl tiles. To make the options available to you even greater, we’ve introduced a brand new range of parquet laminate flooring in a desirable herringbone style.

The herringbone laminate range

The herringbone laminate flooring range is a tough and durable choice for fast-paced family homes. Here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know:

• 8mm plank thickness
• 133mm plank width
• 665mm plank length
• 23m² pack size
• Moisture resistant
• Real wood feel textured surface
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Eco-friendly
• AC4 rating
• 20 year residential warranty
• Antibacterial coating

Colours

Our range of herringbone laminate comes with six colours to choose from. From the look of dark stained wood to a light and bright whitewashed style, there’s a design for you.

Bayside Oak

The golden tones of Bayside Oak flow through each plank of this herringbone flooring. Darker grains and authentic-looking wood knots create a simply beautiful laminate floor that ties together any design.

Elegant Oak

Elegant Oak is a lighter wood-style laminate flooring. It given a raw wood look that is incredibly popular in modern interiors. Rustic grains add character to a herringbone laminate floor that’s already eye-catching due to its pattern.

Espresso Oak

A dark brown palette with hints of caramel. Perfect for more traditional interiors, Espresso Oak oozes elegance through every edge of its herringbone design. If you’ve got a modern interior, this flooring suits minimalist contemporary spaces as well.

Palazzo Oak

Palazzo Oak features light brown tones to add a rustic warmth to your home’s décor. Although organic lines and knots are more muted in this flooring when compared to the darker Espresso Oak, Palazzo Oak is a cleaner and more modern laminate floor.

Pearl Oak

The light colouring of Pearl Oak creates a modern-looking herringbone flooring. The strong whitewashed style is complemented by grey and brown grains that flow freely across the floor’s surface.

Regency Oak

A beautiful brown surface features stunning grain patterns that enhance this parquet laminate flooring. Light coffee tones and deeper authentic-looking wood knots make for a floor that’s perfect for any décor.

Bayside Oak	Elegant Oak	Espresso Oak
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Palazzo Oak	Pearl Oak	Regency Oak
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How is it different to a herringbone wood floor?

People often think of real wood when looking for herringbone flooring. While this is its most common form, new technology allows us to bring you a herringbone laminate range.

Firstly, there’s the price difference. Laminate flooring is widely regarded as a cost-effective alternative to real wood. While there are cheap wood herringbone ranges, the price of our herringbone laminate flooring is significantly less than its real wood counterpart.

Our parquet laminate flooring is moisture resistant, whereas real wood isn’t. This means that our new range has a wider suitability in your home. It’s even suitable for installation in bathrooms!

Laminate flooring features a scratch-proof wear layer, which also features an antibacterial coating. Therefore, it’s perfect for busy family homes and even copes well in areas with heavy foot traffic. That’s why it’s been given an AC4 rating, as well as a 20 year residential warranty.

Maintaining your new laminate floor couldn’t be simpler. All it needs is a regular sweep and once-over with a slightly damp mop, or alternatively you can buy an all-in-one floor cleaning kit which makes tackling even the dirtiest of laminate floors a breeze.

How to fit herringbone laminate flooring

The fitting process of herringbone laminate is quite different from the installation of regular laminate flooring. The same can be said when comparing with real wood herringbone parquet.

Whilst parquet is often a painstaking and long process, our herringbone laminate flooring is incredibly easy to install.

As with many ranges of laminate flooring, our herringbone range features an innovative click system. This means that each plank simply clicks together in place, with no glue needed.

As well as reduced costs in buying your flooring, there are savings to be made when using a professional fitter. Installation takes less time due to its easy fitting mechanism.

If you’re opting for a DIY installation, and would like more information on how to fit herringbone laminate flooring, watch this handy video from Group THYS.

Why choose herringbone laminate flooring?

There’s an undoubted beauty to herringbone flooring; especially when you consider the benefits on laminate flooring, such as increased durability and lower costs.

When you combine the distinctive patterns of a herringbone wood floor with these benefits, then herringbone laminate can be a clear winner when choosing the right flooring for you.

It’s the perfect middle ground between luxury and cost-effectiveness. That’s why we’re so proud of this new range.

What next?

Order up to four free samples by checking out the herringbone laminate flooring range, or reach out to our helpful team for more advice. Simply call on 03308 088777, or email [email protected].

The post Herringbone Laminate Flooring – 2019 Herringbone Flooring Range appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

When choosing your luxury vinyl flooring, commonly referred to as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), you’ll often be presented with two options: click, or gluedown. Both share common ground when it comes to their quality, but there are distinct differences between the two, which we’ll cover in this guide.

Click vinyl flooring is perfect for quick and easy DIY installations, and is fitted as a floating floor. Gluedown LVT is cheaper, which in part is due to a lower tile thickness, although professional fitting is recommended. Gluedown can also be combined with feature strips to create grout-style border around each tile.

Click LVT Flooring

• Easy and quick to install
• More expensive and thicker than gluedown
• Cheaper to fit than gluedown
• No glue needed
• Best for DIY

Gluedown LVT Flooring

• Cheaper product than click
• Needs a flat subfloor for installation
• Use feature strips to create borders
• More expensive to fit than click

When choosing between click or gluedown luxury vinyl flooring, there are a number of different considerations before making a final decision. There are many benefits to luxury vinyl tiles, many of which are applicable to both types. However, as well as personal preference, practicality is also called into question. The room’s environment, budget and installation methods all come into play.

We’ve outlined each of the factors you need to be wary of, and how each type of luxury vinyl tile weighs up in each category.

Composition

The composition of luxury vinyl flooring remains relatively similar, no matter if you favour on the side of click or gluedown.

The main difference comes in the thicknesses of the two. Click LVT has thicker tiles than gluedown, in order to accommodate the click-lock fitting mechanism. With this being said, the wear layer protecting the design of the flooring is the same whichever you choose.

Room Suitability

One of LVT’s key benefits comes in its room suitability. It can be installed in almost any room in your home, meaning more versatility when compared to real wood flooring.

Whether you choose gluedown or click luxury vinyl tiles will depend on the room you intend to lay it in.

Subfloor

Gluedown requires a flat and even subfloor. This is because it’s being glued directly to the underneath surface, and any imperfections could show on your flooring. Long-term, an uneven subfloor will cause damage to the underneath of your tiles. The same is true for subfloors with high level of moisture. Over time, the moisture could seep in the tiles and cause disfigurements to your flooring.

Click LVT is less restricted when it comes to the subfloor. However, that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t still take proper care in preparing or repairing your damaged subfloor. Because click is normally installed using underlay, it’s better at hiding subfloor imperfections. Using an appropriate luxury vinyl tile underlay will help to keep moisture at bay.

Temperature

Rooms with fluctuating temperatures will be better-suited to gluedown LVT. This is because it’s glued firmly to the subfloor, meaning there’s less room for the flooring to expand and contract, which can lead to the floor rising over time. However, you shouldn’t encounter these issues with click flooring in a room where the temperature is stable and controlled.

Foot Traffic & Room Size

Another consideration when making your choice is your room’s foot traffic. Click flooring will be more comfortable, due to the extra thickness and underlay. However, gluedown is less likely to move and feel the effects of increased foot traffic if it’s firmly attached to the subfloor. For this reason, we’d recommend using gluedown LVT in these areas that see heavy footfall.

Room size also plays a big part. Due to its greater stability, gluedown flooring is recommended for larger rooms. Such rooms will have less joint stability if they’ve been installed with click luxury vinyl. Using gluedown ensures the flooring remains adhered to the subfloor, meaning it’s much less likely lift, or to show vulnerabilities at the seams.

Aesthetics & Comfort

When shopping for LVT flooring, aesthetics and comfort are at the forefront of many homeowner’s minds. Will the flooring look realistic? Will it feel too hard underfoot without underlay? These are important questions you may be asking yourself.

When it comes to the look of your luxury vinyl flooring, there’s often little to no difference between using gluedown or click. The design is the same, and both have textured surfaces to ensure a real wood feel.

The main difference comes in the use of LVT feature strips, often referred to as design strips. Feature strips fit in-between each tile, creating a grout-like design that creates a beautiful border. They aren’t compatible with click LVT, as it doesn’t fit between the tiles when the click system is in use. Use feature strips if you’re looking to enhance the look of your luxury vinyl for a more defined finish.

When it comes to comfort, click vinyl flooring can have underlay fitted underneath it. This, paired with the higher thickness, often means it’s more comfortable underfoot than gluedown.

With this being said, both options are warmer underfoot than their real tile counterparts. Plus, they’re both compatible with underfloor heating systems, meaning a warmer floor all-year-round.

Installation & Maintenance

Now we get to the real differences between click and gluedown LVT flooring. The clue’s in the name, after all!

As well as the differences, however, there are some similarities. For example, both click and gluedown need to be acclimatised for at least 24 hours prior to installation.

Click luxury vinyl flooring is better-suited to DIY installations. This is because it’s much less time consuming to fit; not the mention, much easier.

Fitted as a floating floor, click isn’t attached to the subfloor. Whilst this is slightly less stable than a floor that’s glued directly to the subfloor, it allows for the use of underlay and is often more comfortable underfoot.

For gluedown luxury vinyl flooring, installation requires each tile to be adhered to the subfloor. This makes the fitting process more time consuming and less DIY-friendly. For this reason, we’d always recommend finding a professional fitter for this type of LVT flooring.

The maintenance of both floors is relatively simple. Because if their robust nature and water-resistance, you can keep to your own cleaning schedule without worrying about damage from everyday dirt or spillages.

To keep your flooring looking pristine, simply brush or vacuum your flooring on a regular basis. Then, you can use a damp mop or specialised cleaning kit to get rid of stubborn marks and kill any bacteria.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost

Finally, we wanted to compare the cost of both click and gluedown LVT.

Whilst click luxury vinyl tiles are more expensive, this isn’t to say your flooring project as a whole will be. Whilst the materials are more expensive initially, a DIY installation will save you a lot of money. Even if you were to hire a professional fitter to do the job for you, it would take them much less time. This means less installation costs as a whole.

Gluedown luxury vinyl flooring is less expensive than its click counterpart. This is, in part, due to the lesser tile thickness. However, in reflection on installation costs, you may be required to pay more for a fitter to complete your project. This isn’t to say that the cost will end up being the same as if you bought click flooring, as each project is different. You should consult your fitter if you’re looking for a true representation of how much the flooring and installation will cost you.

Depending on your room size, your new LVT flooring may be a significant investment. However, with fantastic warranties across all of our LVT ranges, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered should there be any faults with your flooring.

To Summarise

Making a decision between click and gluedown LVT flooring may be a difficult one. For some, it can be much simpler. It all depends on your specific needs and personal preference.

If you prefer DIY installations, then click is the obvious choice for you. Similarly, if you’re laying flooring in a room with fluctuating temperatures and high moisture levels, gluedown is the way to go.

If you’re unsure on which is right for you, we’re here to help. Get in touch by calling 03308 088777, or email [email protected] for advice from our professionals.

The post Luxury Vinyl Flooring – Click vs. Glue appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

What’s the secret to carpeting your bathroom?

Carpeting bathrooms is a controversial choice- most homeowners shrink in fear from the moisture-trapping potential of carpet in such a wet environment. But there are ways you can enjoy the warmth and luxury of a carpeted bathroom- without needing to worry about spills and condensation damaging your floors.

1. Limit moisture

This is fairly straightforward- if you can, leave a space around your bath and shower covered in LVT or vinyl, and remember to always use a large, very absorbent and plastic-backed mat around the edge of the bath, shower and toilet. Don’t use your carpet as a substitute for a bath mat- doing this will definitely expose you carpet to water.

2. Use a water-resistant carpet

This is not a catch-all solution, but it will definitely help limit water absorption, while also providing peace of mind for the future. This means using a synthetic fabric such as nylon, which is mildew resistant and extra durable, which will definitely reduce the risk of moisture building up. Wool, on the other hand, while great elsewhere, should definitely be avoided.

3. Choose a shallow pile

Speed of drying is a big factor in the fight against moisture build up. Ensuring good temperature control and ventilation will definitely help- but your chances of keeping your carpet dry will definitely improve with a shallow pile, where the water can escape more easily.

There are other steps you can take to protect your carpet, such as using carpet tiles, which can be more easily removed, or adding a sub-floor to help prevent water passing through, and using waterproof carpet glue. All of these are worth considering (especially the latter) however they’re more suited to damage control than prevention- if you’re relying on a sub-floor layer, too much water is passing through the carpet. Prevention is better than the cure, and if you take care with your carpet and reduce moisture, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a luxuriously-carpeted bathroom.

The post How can you carpet your bathroom? appeared first on Pyramid Carpets – News.