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Random Width Planks – What You Need To Know

Once upon a time, residential flooring didn’t offer as many flooring choices as it does today. When it came to hardwood floors, the general rule was to install planks based on the size of the room.

In smaller rooms, evenly spaced planks precisely the same size are placed together to create a refined look. As the rooms grow in size, wider widths may be used to create a fluid look.

People are drawn to wider widths because of the beautiful layout it presents. While narrower planks are created with uniformity in mind, wider widths can bring more of the natural wood to light. It can showcase texture, knots, swirls, and other features that give personality and uniqueness to the overall design.

As homeowners brought wider planks to their main living spaces, their love for wider planks began to grow. They challenged old beliefs and started laying them everywhere.

And that brought out even more opportunities in the way hardwood is used.

What are random width planks?

When you look at hardwood flooring today, you’ll find that the standard plank size is 4 or 5 inches. This standard has grown over time.

Random Width Planks - What You Need To KnowNarrow planks will typically run 2 to 3 inches in width. This is where industry standards sat for many years, with it being easier to feed narrow planks into just about any room in the house. Narrow boards are cleaner and have fewer knots or imperfections, creating a cleaner, more uniform look.

Wide planks are gaining in popularity, and start at 6 inches and go up from there. These wider widths create a more rustic appearance because of the features they showcase once in place. No two floors will ever be the same.

Random width planks started appearing to add even more uniqueness to a home. Generally, rooms will have a combination of three widths mixed together – three, five, and seven-inch widths. They are installed in alternating patterns, creating a unique design that adds character. Some say it modernizes the parquet, herringbone, and chevron designs from long ago.

Are random width planks for you?

If you’re new to the concept of random width planks, your first step is to see these designs in action. A quick Google search will bring up all kinds of ideas. You can even Pin some of them to your Pinboard.

You’ll find that homeowners and business owners use random width planks in all kinds of situations. It’s a great way to add beauty to your room, while giving you a modern look you’ll love for years to come.

In truth, random width planks aren’t always random. Rarely will an installer pick up a random board and feed it into place. Instead, they lay out the design ahead of time, to ensure the natural beauty of each board shines through.

If you’re laying new hardwood into a smaller space that often feels tight and closed in, random width planks may be the perfect choice. Homeowners have long since used wide planks to add depth to a closed-in space. Random width achieves the same goals, but provides added aesthetics to the space.

Will you love random width planks for years to come?

This is a common question we receive from homeowners.

When you install new hardwood floors, it’s with the expectation of keeping them in place for years to come. What makes hardwood so appealing is that you can install them today and have them last for decades if well cared for. They give you the opportunity to sand them down and refinish them multiple times,

That applies to any width you install: narrow, wide, or random.

If you want to install the best hardwood floor to suit your needs, it all comes down to preference. The adage “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” applies here.

What do you want your home to look like? What is most appealing to you? If your heart moves to the look created by random width planks, then by all means, move in that direction.

Here are a few tips to help you select which width is best for you.

With larger rooms, open concept design, and high ceilings, wider planks may be a perfect choice. These bigger planks will help keep the flooring from getting lost in the expansive space. It’s not uncommon for installers to lay the widest boards here – six, eight, even ten-inch widths can look amazing in these situations.

The opposite is also true. For smaller rooms, move to the other end of the spectrum. Move towards three or five-inch planks to create a sense of airiness. Don’t go with super skinny widths unless you really love the look.

The busier a room, the more you should work at minimizing the design on the floor. Stick with one or two widths to tone down the aesthetics and keep the eye from moving to the wide variety of design elements you have in place.

Let design be your guide if you’re making your floors the center of attention. Use random widths to create intrigue. Mix lighter and darker shades to add depth. Let your furniture and other decor items accent the pattern of your flooring.

Are you ready for your new floors?

Are you sold on the concept of random width planks? Not sure what to do next?

That’s the easy part.

Again, your best friend is Pinterest, or other decor sites that give you a chance to start selecting what you like. Find examples that speak to you. Then focus on what you want most. Is it the color of the hardwood? The variance in width? The overall look of the room?

That’s your starting point.

Now you can bring your ideas in, and we can make your desires a reality.

We’ll show you your options, help you narrow down your selections, then help you create the layout of your dreams.

A professional installer will help make it a reality, with the knowledge and experience to get the job done the right way the first time.

What are you waiting for? Isn’t today the day you take the next step in finding your perfect floors? If random width planks are appealing, you’ll love the options waiting for you. Give us a call. 

The post Random Width Planks – What You Need To Know first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

How to keep my wooden floor clean

We often get asked about how to keep a wooden floor clean, the answer is simple.  Sweep and clean your floor on a regular basis.  Due to the hard surface of the wooden floor, it is easy to keep clean.  Any dust, dirt or pet hair is more visible than on a carpet, which makes it much easier to keep clean and far more hygienic.  By adopting a simple and regular cleaning routine, your wooden floor will be looking clean every day. Read More

Everyone’s Talking About Luxury Vinyl – Is Regular Vinyl Still a Thing?

Are you in the market for vinyl flooring?

It’s easy to get swept away by the growth in the luxury vinyl market. Luxury vinyl planks or luxury vinyl tiles have brought the beauty of hardwood, stone, and tile at a more affordable price. Through modern technology and sophisticated visual effects, these luxury vinyl planks and tiles look so much like the real thing, you might have to get closer to tell the difference. Luxury vinyl is a great way to add classic good looks to any room in your home, while maintaining your budget.

But luxury vinyl isn’t the only vinyl in the flooring industry. Regular vinyl is still a popular choice amongst homeowners. Many prefer it because of its ease of installation and use. If you’re looking for seamless flooring, regular vinyl may be a better choice. If you’re looking for classic good looks, regular vinyl may be your perfect choice.

What is regular vinyl?

Regular vinyl may bring back memories of the vinyl used in your parent’s or grandparent’s homes. Regular vinyl, also known as sheet vinyl, comes in a roll of flooring material up to 12 feet wide. For smaller rooms, this means the vinyl can be rolled into place from one side to the other, without seams in the middle of the room.

Seams are minimized, which means there’s less risk of them being compromised over time. You won’t have material bumping against one another, adjusting, and causing tripping hazards. You won’t have the possibility of liquid seeping between the cracks, compromising the backing and subfloor.

Vinyl also is flexible, making it very forgiving as it’s being installed. Lay it in place over existing flooring, such as wood, tile, or other vinyl. And because it’s easy to install, you can have your new floor in place quickly.

It’s effective in high-traffic areas where spills and scratches may be a problem. It’s created by embedding color granules right into the vinyl for added durability. This helps resist scratches and wear marks. Its water-resilient surface area means less damage from everyday spills. Simply wipe away the moisture with less impact from damage.

How is regular vinyl constructed? 

Everyone’s Talking About Luxury Vinyl - Is Regular Vinyl Still a Thing?Today’s vinyl flooring is a composite of ingredients. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride, often referred to as PVC, plasticizers, and print films. Vinyl is placed onto a backing material, which is also a composite of vinyl and plasticizers or fiberglass. Laid over the top is a print layer, which provides the desired colors, patterns, and images customers want most. Finally, on top of the print layer is a transparent layer of PVC used to provide protection and maintain its good looks.

This top layer is what gives it strength and durability. It’s also what changes from manufacturer to manufacturer. You can see where someone cuts corners by the wear layer in place. The print layer wouldn’t have complete protection without a durable top layer.

Typically this top layer will also be given texture to compliment the print layer. A topcoat or urethane will be applied over the wear layer, to further protect the final finish.

You’ll often see manufacturers guarantee their products for durability and wearability. They may tout coatings, warranties, or even patent-pending technology. But what really matters most is the wear layer. Because once the wear layer is worn through, the pattern will be damaged, and the only way to repair it will be to replace it.

That makes the wreck layer the most important layer. The thicker and more durable this layer is, the longer your floors will last.

Understanding the wear layer

Think of the wear layer as the protector of your floors. It’s measured in thousands-of-an-inch, or what is referred to as mils. The goal is to make this wear layer between the topcoat and the print layer as thick and durable as possible. The more wear you have, the longer your floors will last.

If you start looking around, you’ll find vinyl sheets come in many different mil ratings. But what is good? 0.1 mil? 10 mil? 20 mil?

It seems only natural that more is better. But it’s still difficult to understand how such a slight difference can make a difference.

First off, mil does not equal millimeter. Most vinyl manufacturers are based in Asia or Europe and rely on the metric system for accurate measurement. Yet the few vinyl manufacturers that are American-based have converted it to a unit of measure that makes sense in America. They use mil, which is one-thousandth of an inch. Common wear layers range from 4 to 40 mil, providing different durability standards.

In general, the greater the wear layer, the greater the protection. A higher mil level will last longer and give you better wearability. Of course, there are other things to take into consideration.

What’s important when selecting regular vinyl

Wearability is one of the most important things to consider. A lot of characteristics make certain sheets of vinyl more durable than others.

Before you finalize your selection, consider the application of your project. How much traffic? What type of activity?

Every time you replace your floor, you have to consider:

  • Material cost
  • Cost of installation
  • Additional fees for materials like baseboards, trim boards, etc
  • Any other related expenses

Whether this is for a home entryway, a high-traffic kitchen, or a commercial business setting, understanding what the flooring will face should guide you towards the right selection. Why select a 40 mil commercial-grade vinyl when the only traffic your floors will ever see are those who enter your guest bathroom?

Pay attention to the warranty too. Most reputable manufacturers will guarantee their flooring against defects. But they won’t cover labor costs for removal and replacement. Keep this in mind, as installation is the most significant part of most vinyl flooring jobs. Does that make it worth considering a less expensive grade vinyl, and replacing it sooner to gain a new, updated look? Only you can decide.

Is regular vinyl flooring the right choice for you?

In some cases, regular vinyl may be your best flooring choice. Regular vinyl may be the perfect addition for a small bathroom, an entryway where durability is your top concern, or a kitchen where flexibility is everything,.

If you haven’t looked at vinyl flooring lately, stop by today and see our entire line. You’re going to love what it can do for your project.

The post Everyone’s Talking About Luxury Vinyl – Is Regular Vinyl Still a Thing? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

With So Many Tiles Available, Will They All Work As Flooring?

You’ve finally settled into a remodeling project. Maybe it’s updating the guest bathroom that still looks like it’s out of 1985. Or you’re creating a “wow” factor in your master suite. Now comes the tricky part of design and laying it all out.

When you start looking at tiles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It may feel as if there’s a never-ending supply, with tiles in every size, shape, and color you can imagine.

Yet all tiles are not the same. Some are durable enough to act as flooring. Others are more fragile, and are better left in other positions like backsplashes or walls. How do you know the difference?

How to choose the right tile flooring

Choosing tile for a room in your home is based on many things.

  • How much foot traffic is there?
  • How large is your family?
  • Do you have pets?
  • How much time do you have for regular cleaning and maintenance?
  • What is your budget?
  • What are your personal tastes?

Tile is available at every price range, in an almost unlimited supply of colors, patterns, and styles. It can be the perfect flooring choice for entryways, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Thanks to radiant heating, tiling may also be the perfect choice for other rooms in your home, providing a warm flooring on the coldest of winter mornings.

Still, some tiles are better suited for flooring. How do you know?

What makes some tiles work better as flooring than others 

With So Many Tiles Available, Will They All Work As Flooring?Tiles can be made from many different materials: ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, stone, and granite, to name but a few. Some materials are harder, more durable, and will provide a better surface area for flooring than others.

Typically, entryways and kitchens have the highest amount of traffic. They need flooring surfaces that can stand up to all kinds of activity. Durability is key.

Bathrooms may be lower in traffic, but they deal with other problematic activities. High in moisture and humidity, it’s important to choose a tile based on durability as well as safety. Slipping and falling occur frequently in bathroom settings.

With all this in mind, what tile makes the best choice for flooring?

Durable tile choices perfect for flooring

No matter where you’re placing tile in your home, if it’s on the floor, durability is essential. Pick wisely and tile can last for decades. Use something weaker, and it can crack and crumble in a very short time period.

You may fall in love with some tile choices, but there may be better uses for it if it isn’t explicitly designed for the floor.

The best choices for tile flooring include:

Natural stone tiles – these materials are quarried right from the earth. Natural stone tiles include things like granite, marble, and limestone. They are extremely durable and come in natural colors that complement any decor. They work well in a bathroom setting, but are equally as functional and stylish in your main living quarters.

Porcelain tiles – porcelain tiles are heavier and less porous than other types of tiles. That makes them the perfect addition to rooms where heavy foot traffic is an issue. They make perfect additions to entryways and hallways, and look just as beautiful in kitchens and living spaces. However, they can crack under extreme pressure – be mindful of the furniture you place on porcelain tile.

 Ceramic tiles– one of the most popular on the market, chances are your home uses ceramic tiles somewhere inside. They are known for their durability, as well as the almost unlimited supply of styles. They provide excellent durability and will continue to look great for years to come. There’s a reason they’ve been popular for decades – they’ll continue to be popular for years to come.

Concrete tiles – if you are looking for non-stop durability, it might be time to look at concrete tiles. Concrete has long since been one of the most durable materials for flooring. Concrete tiles give you the option of bringing them easily into your home. They work especially well in high traffic situations.

Not all tile choices work as flooring

What’s not to love about tiling? It’s easy to fall in love with the styles, patterns, and colors.

Yet not all tile materials make good materials for flooring. The flooring industry regularly uses the Moh’s Hardness Scale to help consumers understand just how hard different flooring choices are, and how well they’ll handle as flooring over time.

The Moh’s Hardness Scale ranks hardness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest.

At level 1 is resilient flooring. Vinyl tiles would fall under this category, being at the lowest level of durability.

Glazed ceramic tile sits at levels 5 and 6, depending on how it’s made. It works well in a variety of places throughout the home, which is why it continues to be so popular.

Quarry tile and glazed porcelain tile rank at number 7. With its classic good looks, it makes a great addition to your main floor living spaces.

At level 8 comes unglazed porcelain tile. This provides durability that will last in your home for years to come. This also tops the list for tile hardness.

Finding the best tile flooring to suit your needs

If you’re looking for durability, easy maintenance, and classic good looks, look no further than tile. Tile flooring has been in residential homes for centuries, and it will continue to do well into the future. Tiling provides:

Design versatility – very few products allow you to place it just as easily on the floors as you can on the walls. Yet you’ll find many designs that transfer easily from location to location. How about ceramic tiles as a backsplash or shower walls? Or glass tiles above your kitchen counter space? With customizable pieces, the look can be as unique as you desire.

Easy maintenance – cleaning has never been easier. While some tiles require sealants to be in place, once they are, it’s as easy as wiping dirt and grime away. And because tiles are laid individually in place, if one cracks or becomes damaged, simply pull it up and replace it. This gives you longevity you’ll never have with other flooring options.

Durability – we’ve mentioned this continually throughout this piece. That’s because you’ll never find a more durable flooring choice – it’s the perfect choice for longevity. Depending on the tile you choose, it’ll stand up to all your family can dish out. High heels, soccer cleats, and countless traffic from pets and kids. You’ll never worry about how well the floor will handle in all sorts of situations.

Think tiles are your answer to better flooring? All tiles may not be perfect for flooring, but if you select the right tiles, you’ll fall in love with your flooring. How can we help you choose suitable tiles for your home?

The post With So Many Tiles Available, Will They All Work As Flooring? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Everything You Want to Know about Walnut Flooring

Hardwood flooring is here to stay. The flooring choice has been around for decades with no signs of losing popularity. As the years have gone by, different woods have been used to create flooring. Keep reading to learn everything you want to know about walnut flooring:

Walnut flooring is hardwood flooring made from the walnut tree, which is also known as Juglans major. This tree is actually one of the oldest trees still around, dating back to 7,000 BC. Additionally, walnuts are the oldest tree nut in recorded history.

When you think of walnut trees, you probably think of food. However, walnut trees also provide beautiful wood for flooring. Walnut hardwood comes in a range of looks. American walnut, also known as Eastern black walnut, American black walnut, or plain black walnut, is an easily accessible type of North American wood that is rich and dark in color. The appearance is elegant and sophisticated, making it perfect for a timeless interior design.

The other type of walnut hardwood is English or European walnut. This type of wood is lighter in color with honey tones. You can also find English or European walnut hardwood flooring with orange, red, cream, or gray tones.

No matter your interior design style, there is a walnut hardwood flooring option that will match. You can also easily refinish walnut hardwood flooring if you desire.

In addition to its eye-catching appearance, walnut hardwood flooring is also easy to maintain. To clean walnut hardwood, all you need to do is mop from time to time and spot clean. Walnut flooring is a softer wood than other types of hardwood, but proper maintenance can help the flooring maintain its like-new appearance for years to come.

Are you remodeling your home with the goal to sell? If you are, adding walnut hardwood flooring to your space can boost your home’s value. This investment can pay for itself because home buyers are looking for spaces with hardwood and are willing to pay a larger price for them.

If you want to add walnut hardwood flooring to your home, shop with Flooring.org. You can browse our inventory online and email us at [email protected] with any questions. We are also available by phone at 1-800-689-9006 and we look forward to working with you soon!

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

Wooden Floors with Tones of Grey

Choosing a wooden floor with grey tones running throughout can transform your room into a modern and contemporary space.  The flooring is usually made from Oak, and then a grey colour stain is added to the surface to provide the grey tones.  The best part of this is, that the colour stain can create endless shades of grey so there is sure to be something you will love. Read More

Carpet Ripples, Burns or Holes? We Offer Carpet Repair and Restretching Services

Let’s face it, ripples, burns, and holes in your carpet are just plain ugly – not only that, but they are tripping hazards, as well. The good news is these problems can be easily fixed by a professional. 

Causes of Carpet Ripples

We all know the causes of carpet burns or holes, but what about carpet ripples? The number one cause of rippling in carpet is poor installation. In order to save time, carpet installers will often use a knee kicker to tighten the carpet; this will result in the carpet “relaxing” after a relatively short time (usually 3 to 5 years). Proper carpet installation involves using a “power stretcher” to make sure the carpet is drum tight from the beginning. If your carpet is installed correctly, the chances of it rippling in the future are reduced.

However, even if the carpet is installed properly, rippling can occur on occasion.  If the ripples grow tall enough to cause a tripping hazard, delamination can occur – the glue that holds the plastic backing to your carpet can dry out, and the backing can pull away from the carpet fibers. 

The weather in Colorado can speed up the delamination process. High humidity in the spring and summer months can help the glue on your carpet to relax, while the drier air in the winter can cause the glue to dry out. In fact, here in Colorado we can go from a dry 10% humidity to 50% humidity in a season – this can wreak havoc on your carpet!

Spills, floods and sitting water can also cause ripples, as can inadequate padding. If you spill something on your carpet, make sure to clean up the spot immediately following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you clean your carpets yourself, make sure they dry completely before putting any furniture back on them. 

Although carpet ripples sometimes appear after cleaning, it is a myth that professional cleaning causes ripples. Occasionally ripples will occur after a professional cleaning; however, they are temporary, and will settle flat once the carpet is completely dry. If the ripples that occur after cleaning don’t go away, there is another underlying problem causing them.

Our Carpet Repair and Restretching Services

While carpet ripples, burns and holes are unsightly, they can be fixed fairly easily. Here at A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, we’re experts at carpet repair and restretching!

Here’s the process in a nutshell:

  • First we determine what the issues are and how best to fix them
  • Then we lift up the carpet from the tack strips that hold your carpet down from three sides of the room
  • Finally we professionally restretch and/or replace carpet with our specialized equipment

Carpet repair and restretching can extend the life of your existing carpet, and is much cheaper than purchasing new carpet. Our courteous, experienced technicians make the process easy, and you’ll have a carpet that’s flat, ripple-free, and beautiful!

Carpet repair and restretching is a tricky business, but our trained technicians have the experience and know-how to get the job done right. This is not a do-it-yourself job – we use state-of-the-art techniques and tools that most homeowners don’t have. 

With more than 30 years of experience, we deliver outstanding results at a competitive price. If you have ripples, burns or holes in your carpet that you’re eager to get rid of, contact us today!

The post Carpet Ripples, Burns or Holes? We Offer Carpet Repair and Restretching Services appeared first on A Personal Touch.

Standard Vinyl Is Not Today’s Luxury Vinyl

What’s the difference between regular vinyl and luxury vinyl? That’s a question on many homeowners’ minds as they navigate replacing flooring inside their homes.

You may remember vinyl flooring from your mother’s or grandmother’s  homes. The distinct patterns and soft, squishy feel may have been popular back then, but it’s not something you’d consider for your own home today.

Or should you?

Today’s vinyl is nothing like what you remember.

Let’s start with vinyl flooring.

What is vinyl flooring?

For years, vinyl has been considered one of the best choices for high moisture and humidity areas. That’s why you’ll find vinyl in places like bathrooms and laundry rooms. If a spill occurs there, you’ll simply mop it up. No need to worry about it seeping through the flooring material.

Today’s standard vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. Standard sheets come in 6’, 12’, or 13’6”, depending on the manufacturer.

It’s made up of several layers:

  • A top coat that protects the wear layer
  • The wear layer that safeguards the pattern layer
  • The pattern layer which gives it its color and pattern
  • The cushion layer that adds bounce and texture
  • A fiberglass layer that keeps the sheet flat
  • A base layer that supports all other layers

The wear layer determines its strength and longevity. It typically is between 10 to 15 mil, which equates to 10/1000 to 15/1000 of an inch.

What is luxury vinyl?

Standard Vinyl Is Not Today’s Luxury VinylVinyl flooring was first introduced in the 1930s. A happy accident discovered while trying to make tires more affordable and resilient, vinyl became one of the floorings of choice as soldiers returned home from war, married, and bought their first homes.

As time went by, improvements were made to the vinyl market. Vinyl offered a way to create scratch-resistant, slip-resistant, even waterproof flooring choices.

Luxury vinyl looks nothing like sheet or tile developed almost a century ago. It uses the same PVC vinyl as standard vinyl, but that’s where the similarities end. Luxury vinyl takes on the looks of planks or tiles, and provides an affordable way of bringing the most popular flooring products into your home. Whether you want hardwood or marble, luxury vinyl may be the perfect way to achieve results.

Luxury vinyl is sold as multi-ply planks or tiles with wear layers that range from 2 to 8 mm. This is roughly 8/100 to 3/10 of an inch, quite a bit thicker than traditional vinyl. Instead of feeling flexible and bendable, you’ll notice luxury vinyl planks and tiles have a semi-rigid nature.

Luxury vinyl also contains six to eight layers of material.

  • A top coat to add shine
  • A transparent wear layer to protect the design
  • A design layer printed to mimic hardwood or tile
  • A cushion layer for comfort
  • A felt or fiberglass layer
  • A solid PVC layer for strength and durability
  • Additional layers can include mineral content to ensure its classic good looks and durability

What should you choose, traditional vinyl or luxury vinyl?

If you shop for vinyl, you’ll find both products still on the market. That’s because they both can add a lot and be quite functional in your home.

If you’re looking for a seamless floor, look no further than sheet vinyl. It’s available in many modern-day patterns that can range from minimalistic to contemporary and beyond. You’ll find many colors and patterns, some of which mimic hardwood or ceramic tile. It’s a great way to give your house classic good looks while increasing functionality at the same time.

Installing sheet vinyl is a job best left to the professionals. The subfloor must be perfectly flat to ensure proper installation. If you place it over an uneven subfloor, it could cause bubbles or ripples in the texture of the vinyl. If you make a mistake and cut it too short, you have to start all over again with a new piece of vinyl. It’s not a complex process, but the more experienced you are, the better your chances of a successful installation.

With sheet vinyl, your biggest potential problem is in its strength. If you move heavy appliances across it, you risk scratching or ripping the surface. Large pets can also cause extensive damage with their nails. And if you drop heavy items on it, you risk gouging the fabric.

Luxury vinyl is growing in popularity because it takes the best of what people like about vinyl, and combines it with the most popular looks in the marketplace. If you want hardwood, luxury vinyl planks may be just what you’re looking for. Typical planks run 4” by 48” up to 9” by 72”, with many sizes in between. It’s also popular as tiles, with sizes ranging from 16” by 16” to 18” by 36”.

Some of these products are so convincing, even an expert has to get closer to tell it’s not real. And because it offers a waterproof alternative to hardwood, it works well in places you might not consider installing hardwood – like bathrooms and laundry rooms.

You may love luxury vinyl planks so much, you install it in every room in your home!

And installation is one of the easiest projects you’ll find. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are generally installed with a locking method that connects the pieces together and floats them into place. It’s so easy, many choose they as a do-it-yourself project if you’re looking for other ways to save money.

Yet unlike laminate, which often has a hollow sound, luxury vinyl has enough stability in the core to illuminate that issue. That’s another plus if you’re attempting to give your home classic good looks, and still stick to a budget.

Standard vinyl or luxury vinyl – which is right for you?

The good thing about having both standard vinyl and luxury vinyl in the flooring market is that you’ll have many choices available as you’re finalizing your decision.

Homeowners have their own unique wants and desires. They prefer different looks and styles.

The first step is defining what suits your lifestyle best. The second is to analyze and compare your options.

Both standard vinyl and luxury vinyl can be a great choice throughout your home.

Which is right for you? Let us help you finalize your selection. Stop by today and see our complete lines.

The post Standard Vinyl Is Not Today’s Luxury Vinyl first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

As A Business Owner, Would Commercial or Residential Flooring Work Best?

If you’re searching for new flooring, you may notice that there are two broad categories of flooring: commercial and residential. The two may look similar enough that it’s difficult to tell the differences.

Do the two cross over? Can you use one in another setting? Or should you stick with what the guidelines say, and install based on guidance?

What is commercial flooring

As the name implies, commercial flooring is built for high-traffic, more arduous conditions. It’s created to stand up to heavier use. In general, it’s more durable, easier to clean and maintain, and provides a smarter investment over the long run. Whether retail, commercial, or industrial, a more durable flooring product means longer wearability and longevity. Typically, commercial flooring is needed for:

Strength and durability – higher foot traffic impacts the product’s wear and tear. From employees to customers to suppliers, a constant shift of movement can affect the flooring. Additionally, there may be business equipment, office furniture, and vendor supplies that create added wear on the flooring.

Cleaning and maintenance – commercial flooring often moves beyond standard cleanings with a damp mop. Frequent cleanings and sanitizing may be daily occurrences, including the use of harsh chemical products. Where residential flooring would wear down quickly, commercial flooring is built specifically for this level of treatment. It stands up to all of this and more without damage. And it can do so with resistance to other harmful substances that can form with water or chemical damage, such as rot, mold, or mildew.

What is residential flooring

Residential flooring is designed to provide aesthetics in a home environment. Typically, homeowners like individuality and modernization, and are looking for ways to create a pleasing environment while building resale value at the same time. Homeowners want:

Variety – homeowners often use several different products throughout the home. They can do so based on traffic levels in each room, giving a wider array of possibilities in design. Residential flooring is built for style, and to allow homeowners to develop their own personality in each room as they design.

As A Business Owner, Would Commercial or Residential Flooring Work Best?Maintenance – am empty nest requires different levels of maintenance compared to a growing family of four. Having many different residential flooring options allows each homeowner to select flooring based on their needs and desires. Some may wish to exchange durability for practicality. Today’s manufacturers provide options to assure no matter what desires you have in mind, aesthetics is something you’ll never have to compromise on.

What is the difference between commercial and residential flooring?

From reading the two descriptions above, it’s easy to determine that the two types of flooring have vastly different requirements. This impacts the way each are constructed.

Whether commercial or residential, you can find flooring in every category: hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or carpeting. The differences lie in how it’s constructed: commercial-grade or residential-grade. Depending on which you select determines the materials it’s made from, how it’s constructed, how durable it is, and how it’s installed.

Some of the differences include:

Characteristics – while you may think your kids sometimes resemble little tornados moving through your home, they still don’t create the environment that many commercial applications take on. Commercial floors will have far more characteristics to stand up to daily pressure:

  • Waterproof
  • Heat-resistant
  • Soundproof
  • Slip-proof
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Moisture-repellant

Looks are often underlying in requirements in a commercial setting. It’s often solely about durability. And while you want your residential flooring to be durable, extremes may be limited to certain rooms in your home. The kitchen may have a lot more activity than a guest bedroom, for instance.

Selection – residential flooring is built around personalization and customization. That’s why you’ll find much wider style selections. Manufacturers know residential homes need several different styles of flooring to complete their entire home application. Residential flooring buyers often like change to complement their new styles and aesthetics. It’s more about design.

Commercial spaces keep personalization out of the equation. They look more for simple, neutral designs and styles to put the emphasis on business, not on the aesthetics of flooring itself. Luxury and plush flooring choices are almost always out of the equation when designing for high-traffic environments. Simple, durable products win every time.

What type of flooring is most cost effective?

When looking for commercial flooring, a few materials jump to the forefront as high-quality, durable, yet cost effective too. Today’s vinyl products offer unmatched durability, something more business owners are installing as time goes by. Or consider resilient flooring. It offers many of the same advantages as luxury vinyl products, including noise-reduction, which is often necessary in business environments.

If you haven’t seen luxury vinyl lately, you’re missing out on one of the fastest growing flooring products on the market. Luxury vinyl comes in many formats, including planks and tiles, giving it the classic good looks people want. Yet luxury vinyl provides something you can’t achieve with classic hardwood – you will have a waterproof flooring.

When you move to a commercial grade luxury vinyl plank, you’ll have one of the strongest materials available today. From customers and employees to vendors and suppliers, this flooring will stand up to everything dished out. Plus it has the added bonus of being softer on the feet, a good feature if you’ll be standing on your feet all day.

Resilient flooring is especially appealing because its stronger materials help muffle sounds. If you’ve ever heard the click-click of more traditional tile work, you’ll appreciate this product, especially in larger areas like atriums and entryways.

Residential flooring won’t receive nearly as much traffic as commercial locations. That makes grade issues more lenient, requiring thinner materials and less durability than commercial applications.

Can you cross over between the two? Of course. If you have a busy household with lots of kids and pets, commercial applications may make sense. If you’re building an online business where the only foot traffic is you, residential flooring may be the perfect choice.

No matter what your business needs, when you’re ready for new commercial or residential flooring, look no further than our showroom floor. We have the perfect solution for all of your needs, and can help you no matter how big or small your project is.

We’re here to help you find the perfect flooring solution for you. 

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What Is The Lifespan of Luxury Vinyl Planks?

When trying to find the perfect flooring choice for your home, it’s about weighing aesthetics and durability with cost effectiveness and longevity.

Do you have your heart set on a specific design, no matter how long it will last? Or is longevity your top concern, wanting flooring that will last for decades?

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll run across a flooring product called luxury vinyl planks. This flooring product is designed to give you what you love about classic materials like hardwood, and combine it with other features you desire, such as being waterproof. It’s growing in popularity because of all the features it has to offer.

But what good is a product if it won’t last? Hardwood promises decades of use with proper maintenance and care. Tile can offer similar promises with proper care.

What about vinyl? What is the lifespan of luxury vinyl planks? Should you consider it in your next flooring upgrade?

Look at brand names for the highest longevity 

This is where brand name manufacturers win every time. If you go with one of the most popular flooring manufacturers, you’ll likely get the best results. That’s because they set the standards within the industry, and build a product that will stand the test of time.

Looking for terms like “high quality” won’t always speak the truth. Instead, pay attention to the details, ensuring it’s installed correctly and properly maintained. Most manufacturers will require it to keep warranties valid.

What Is The Lifespan of Luxury Vinyl Planks?If you follow guidelines with proper maintenance and care, many of the top manufacturers will tell you to expect a lifespan of 25 to 30 years.

What should you consider?

Look at construction

Luxury vinyl planks are a multi-layered product. Two of the areas you should focus on include the vinyl thickness and the wear layer.

Luxury vinyl planks are created with four separate layers:

  • Backing layer – the first or bottom layer, used as a stabilizing backing layer specifically formulated for durability and stability.
  • Core layers – this inner core provides thickness and durability. It builds the strength of the product and ensures longevity.
  • Print layer – this is the visual layer that provides realistic visuals. No matter what style you’re looking for, the print layer controls how good it looks. Pay attention to the process, as it determines how deep the construction of the visuals goes into the core.
  • Wear layer – this is the clear protective coat applied to the top, giving it color stability, depth of design, and overall wearability.

When you see a product list a thickness value, it’s usually measured in millimeters, and refers to the vinyl core. Luxury vinyl planks are typically between 2mm to 9mm for a higher quality product line. If you’re looking for a long lifespan, focus on getting a thicker product. The thinner the product, the more often they require specific underlayment in place before the installation. Thicker planks will often include the subfloor built in, and provide a more authentic look and feel.

The wear layer is measured in mil, and typically ranges between 8mil and 12 mil for residential products, and 20mil to 40mil for commercial applications. The thicker the wear layer, the more protection you’ll have from impacting the visual layer. This is when scuffs, scratches, and dents really start to show.

Consider your wear before settling on a product lifespan of luxury vinyl planks is contingent on how well it handles over time. High traffic areas like kitchens and entryways should err on the side of being as durable as possible. In lower traffic areas – possibly a guest bathroom – can do well with a lower quality product.

Focus on care

When homeowners select flooring material such as hardwood, they also look at ways to extend the life of the product, to ensure the best results.

Luxury vinyl planks are no different.

If you want to extend the lifespan, start by selecting a product that can withstand all your family will dish out. In higher traffic areas, select a higher quality product. In lower traffic areas, it may make sense to go with a different product, focusing on looks and aesthetics rather than durability as your top choice.

With the planks in place, provide proper care. Luxury vinyl planks are surprisingly easy to care for. Since they are water-resistant, or in some cases waterproof, they can withstand all your family dishes out. Simply wipe away messes as soon as they occur.

Stick with manufacturer’s suggested cleaning products. Some cleaners on the market today have harsh chemicals that can strip and damage the wear layer. Skip using these, and focus on mild cleaners instead. They will give you lasting results over time.

To provide further protection, consider using area rugs in the heaviest used areas. Rugs made from jute, cotton, or woven backings are better than with plastic latex in place. Plastic can easily scratch the surface as it moves.

You can also make a rule of no shoes in the house. When you remove shoes first, you’re less likely to bring in damaging particles that can scratch and dent floors. It also stops germs at the door instead of tracking them deep inside your home.

Think about your floors as you take everything in stride. If shoes can scratch and dent the floor, imagine what’s happening when an office chair slides across the floor. Consider using a chair mat to prevent damage.

You can also reduce the chances of sharp objects hitting the planks. Be cautious of where you place damaging items. Can you keep them in spaces where they are better contained? Use area rugs underneath dining room tables, or in a home office underneath the desk. Place soft pads underneath furniture legs. Awareness is the first step in prevention.

Are you ready for luxury vinyl planks?

It’s growing in popularity. It makes a dynamic flooring choice. Is luxury vinyl planks suitable for your needs? They may be the perfect choice.

While the lifespan of luxury vinyl planks may differ from other flooring choices, with care and maintenance, it will give you years of enjoyment.

Are you considering luxury vinyl planks for your next remodeling project?

The post What Is The Lifespan of Luxury Vinyl Planks? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

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