Author: admin

Luxury vinyl floors have been growing in popularity for some time.

According to the latest market report, the luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) market is expected to grow by 12.8 percent over the next few years.

That’s because LVT brings a lot of benefits to the flooring market. Luxury vinyl tile gives you the ability to have the most elegant flooring choices on the market today, while doing so in a much more user-friendly and economical way.

Many homeowners love the look of exotic wood, or hard to use products like stone or marble. Yet after reading about the horror stories of living with it, they often choose something further down on their wishlists. How could you ever install a soft exotic wood if you have pets and kids around? You can almost see the dents and scratches forming before you ever place the first plank in place.

Luxury vinyl tile can give you the look, while keeping maintenance a breeze. That’s the benefit of LVT.

The future in a pandemic world

Right now, in the world of living with the coronavirus, we’re all learning new rules. Concepts we never understood before – social distancing, toilet paper shortages, and staying in place – have all changed our lives forever.

While we still have no idea what our future will look like, how we’ll start living again, and when (and if) a cure will ever be found, we do know we face a world with new precautions.

• Hand washing is a must.
• Cleaning surfaces takes on a whole new meaning.
• And if you’re sick, stay home.

That leads to the condition of our homes. Will we demand our homes to be germ-free?

That’s impossible. But we can move to better surfaces that make it easier to clean and keep clean. At least in the foreseeable future, all trends point to easy to clean surfaces.

The future belongs to resilient flooring

What makes a surface clean? Being able to scrub it is mandatory. Being able to use a variety of cleaning products is a must.

And that’s where resilient flooring excels.

Over the past ten years, resilient flooring has skyrocketed in demand.

As a category in the flooring industry, resilient flooring has risen 185 percent over the past ten years. Resilient flooring now accounts for 21.4 percent of the total flooring marketplace, meaning one in five flooring purchases falls into this category.

Think that will change with this pandemic?

We do too.

Here’s why.

People love hardwood. But hardwood has its problems. If you want the look of hardwood with a surface area that’s easier to clean, luxury vinyl tile is your answer.

Laminate, hardwood, carpet, and more is not ideal for avoiding bacterial growth.

Luxury vinyl flooring is. The material has an antimicrobial quality built right into the finishing process. That means you can use many different types of cleaning products directly on the surface, and it won’t damage the finish.

That means your family stays safer, especially in trying times.

Are luxury vinyl floors for you?

We think luxury vinyl flooring is going to be the top flooring choice for many years to come. And with everything that’s happened so far in 2020, we think the predicted potential is going to be greater than expected.

If you’re contemplating which flooring to install in your remodel, and luxury vinyl floors are on your list, this is why it’s worth deeper consideration.

Price – Luxury vinyl tile is priced right; it’s an option for everyone, no matter what your budget dictates for your remodeling plans. Like every product, you’ll find price points all over the board. Thicker LVT will be at the higher end of the pricing scale, which also means you’ll increase quality and longevity. With care, you can expect this product to look good and wear well for years.

Durability – LVT is manufactured from some of the most robust materials in the industry. It’s built strong enough to handle some commercial applications, so you know it’s tough enough to withstand all your family can dish out. And because it’s also waterproof, you can install it in places you might not consider for other flooring options, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

Maintenance – While we don’t suggest getting down on your hands and knees with a scouring pad to clean LVT, you will be surprised at how well it stands up to all kinds of cleaning methods. Wipe away spills with water. You can even scrub harder for grease and grime. The protective layer stands up to scratches, stains, scuffs, chips, dents, and more.

Insulation – Have you ever experienced “echo” with some flooring choices? Not with luxury vinyl. LVT is built in layers, and comes with a backing product that helps eliminate noise. Especially with thicker products, you’ll notice it absorbs the sound rather than amplifies it. And because that backing insulates against sound, you’ll also find it works equally well for warmth. That cushion does a good job of holding in the heat, and if you want to couple it with radiant heating underneath, you’ll find a new way to keep your space warm.

Installation – If you’ve ever dealt with hardwood before, you know you can’t buy it and install it on the same day. It takes a period of time to acclimate it to your living conditions. There’s subfloor work. There’s finishing work. It’s not unheard of for it to take several weeks from purchase to finalization. LVT is available in two formats: click or stick down. Click and lock is so easy, many DIYers prefer it, and can click each tile into place and have their project finished in a weekend. What’s more, because click technology is easy to lay into place without nails or glue, it also makes it easier to replace in the event of damage, Be sure to keep extra tiles on hand for the just in case.

Longevity – The last thing any of us want to do is to replace flooring every few years. With LVT flooring, with the right care and maintenance, you can easily expect it to last 25 to 30 years. Check with the manufacturer of the product you are considering and see what their warranties entail.

Design – While we probably don’t have to say it, you’ve seen it yourself, LVT offers some of the most beautiful choices on the market today. Luxury vinyl technology can mimic almost and design trend out there. And if you’re looking for better matches, different colors or patterns, you’ll find it in the LVT market. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, we can work with you there. Why stick with one product – mix several together for highlights that add to your living space.

We know times are changing. If you’re considering a remodel this year, and want to ensure cleaning and disinfecting is easier than ever, we suggest you give the luxury vinyl flooring products another look.

We think you’ll love what you see.

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

Are you working from home right now?

According to a recent study by MIT, it showed as of April 2020, 34 percent of people that previously worked in office settings are now working from home.

Of course, some jobs are impossible to do from home. It also showed that approximately 37 percent are still commuting to their daily jobs.

No matter which side you fall on, one thing is for certain: jobs of the future are changing forever.

What does that mean for your office environment? Only time will tell.

But we can make predictions about where we’re going from here. Companies are already jumping at future designs, take a look at the 6 Feet Office.

Businesses are going to increase the air filtration systems. They’ll redesign floor layouts to be sure people can always maintain the six feet apart rule. Surfaces will be rethought to make things cleaner and more hygienic.

And that includes the flooring.

Our prediction for office flooring as we move back to offices

The right commercial office flooring today must be a blend of aesthetics and functionality. Of course, budget is always a consideration. But now more than ever, it’s important to keep tenants and employees safe and secure.

Cleanliness will be everything as we file back into commercial spaces. That requires a flooring material that stands up well to regular cleaning, and continues to look good throughout the process.

While that might eliminate some choices from your consideration, it also doesn’t mean there’s a right choice for every situation.

Start by asking yourself a few questions?

• How many people enter the commercial property every day?
• Who works there? Who visits?
• Are certain areas more high traffic than others?
• What look are you trying to convey?
• How is the office cleaned?
• What functions occur within the complex?

A dentist’s office has different requirements than an insurance broker. A retail space has different needs than a co-working space.

Remember, living and working with new rules and policies is new to everybody. The more you talk about it, the more you learn about your options, the better you can design the space you’re living with to please everyone.

Break down your needs by areas and floors

If you’ve replaced your office flooring before, you know there isn’t a “one size fits all” option. Instead, take into consideration what different places throughout your office need, and choose your office flooring accordingly.

We typically break down commercial space into four distinct areas:

Lobby and reception space

Whether people enter from outside the building, or enter into your office space by riding up in an elevator, durability and first impressions are everything. When people enter, they usually look at the decor and base ideas around aesthetics. Now, they’ll also be evaluating how much thought and care is being presented to keep people safe. Say no to busyness, and say hello to simplification.

Wood finishes create a bold expression when a visitor walks in. Luxury vinyl tile may also be a great way to create a pleasing environment, while having a flooring material that’s easily cleaned and sanitized. It’s one of the only flooring choices that’s waterproof too.

Open office spaces

While offices will still have kitchens and break rooms, they will be used differently. No more gathering and accumulating. Lots of space will have to be available for people to sit down.

That also means focus will have to be on creating a space that’s easily cleaned. No more storing boxes and stacking food or water bottles for future use.

Luxury vinyl tile is a waterproof option that allows you to create and look and feel, and gives you durability and functionality too. Linoleum is also water-resistant, and gives you a natural option. Tile can also work well and give you options for creating a beautiful yet functional workspace.

Conference rooms

Everyone gathering around the conference table is going to change. Large meetings will become a thing of the past as we leave space in between, and use virtual technology more than ever before.

Where conference rooms were once viewed as a showcase for a company’s product or service lines, less focus will be placed on space. Because you have less foot traffic, you also have more options to meet your cleaning and durability requirements. Wood is always in fashion. Luxury vinyl tile can continue your look throughout your office space. Stone is a good way to add elegance to any office space.

What we recommend for your office space

Now that you’ve evaluated your needs, and are starting to define what flooring products would work well in your office space, let’s look at a few of our favorites.

Wood

Wood has been a favorite in both residential and commercial applications for decades. While that will continue to be popular in the future, we see people turning to other wood products beyond hardwood.

Have you looked at engineered hardwood? It’s an environmentally friendly option to hardwood flooring, and depending on the processing, it can be easier to clean, more durable for office spaces, and give you more water resistance in the process.

Luxury vinyl tile

Want the wood look without the fuss of real hardwood? More people are turning to luxury vinyl tile than ever before. That’s because it’s one of the most durable, waterproof flooring options on the market. And thanks to technology, you can get it in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles, including mimicking hardwood plank. It makes it the perfect choice for creating an environment where cleanliness is key.

Tile

If you’ve ever looked at tile, you know the options are almost endless. Ceramic, porcelain, stone – you can install colors, sizes, and styles to create any look you’re going for. It’s a perfect choice for heavy traffic, and it’s one of the most durable flooring choices on the market. Whether you use it in only in your high traffic areas, or carry it all the way through your office space, you’ll love both the performance and the look.

What’s the perfect office flooring for your commercial space as we move forward and back into work?

With so many options, it might be a little confusing to finalize your decision. Give us a call, and we’ll help. We’re learning right along with you, and discovering the best flooring products as we move forward. And we’re happy to share our new findings with you.

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

What’s the busiest room in your home? We’re betting you said the kitchen. It’s where you gather at the end of the day to cook a home-cooked meal. It’s where the kids do their homework. It’s where you share a glass of wine with friends and family.

One of the hardest working fixtures is your kitchen floor.

Remember that jar of pickles you dropped? Yep, there’s still a trace of sticky residue.

Remember the pan you dropped from the stove? The dent is still there; you feel it when you step on it.

If you want to make a dramatic change to your kitchen, but don’t have the budget for a complete remodel, one of your best choices would be to focus on your kitchen floor.

What any kitchen floor choice should have

As a homeowner, your primary request might be to have an aesthetically-pleasing environment. You have your heart set on a particular flooring choice. In the kitchen, looks are important. But there are several other things you should consider.

Durability – Let’s go back to that jar of pickles. Think it won’t happen again? Because the kitchen is the busiest room in your home, it’s also the room where accidents frequently happen too. Focus on a flooring that can withstand all you can dish out. And realize a family with small children will need to focus on lifestyle changes as your kids move into their tweens and teens, bringing home friends, working through science experiments, and increasing the amount of traffic in your home all the time. Your future lifestyle should dictate your choices as much as the present.

Maintenance – How often do you currently clean your flooring? Think that’ll change? The busier your kitchen is, the more you’ll pull out the broom or mop to keep it clean. It extends beyond general cleaning too. If you make the wrong flooring choice, you might be dealing with dents, cracks, tears, yellowing, stains, or other unsightly messes. What’s your plan for damage control? In some cases, the only way to fix the problem might be to rip out the flooring and start all over.

Moisture – From an overflowing sink to a dropped pot of water, spills will happen from time to time. How will your flooring stand up to each of them? While no flooring can withstand a flood or standing water, some flooring choices are considered resilient and can stand up to moisture problems more than others. The right selection will ensure your kitchen floor stands up to whatever you dish out.

The good news is today’s flooring manufacturers offer a wide selection of materials that offer each of these characteristics and more. Keep an open mind when shopping for a new kitchen floor. Your final selection might just surprise you.

Here are just a few of our favorite choices.

Porcelain Tile

Why we like it: It’s beautiful, durable, waterproof, stain-resistant, and lasts for years.

If you want durability, porcelain tile has to be one of your top considerations. Though it looks a lot like ceramic tile, porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures, which means it’s stronger and will hold up better to all your family can dish out. Plus, the options you’ll find today give you almost unlimited possibilities when it comes to creating a polished look.

Porcelain tile comes in six inch squares, all the way up to eighteen inch planks that resemble hardwood. Depending on your final selection, it can add substantial weight, so it’s a good idea to consider your layout and determine if your subfloor can take the extra weight before finalizing on this selection. It also makes a great choice if you’re considering adding radiant heating underneath. That can make the holiday baking season extra nice when your feet stay nice and warm.

Engineered Vinyl Plank

Why we like it: It’s waterproof, it’s easy enough to install for a DIYer, and it can resemble even the most popular flooring choices including hardwood plank.

One of the up and coming flooring choices include engineered vinyl plank. These resemble hardwood planks, only they offer an upside – they are completely waterproof. You’ll find the top layers include a luxury vinyl that can mimic just about any surface area. It can even stretch beyond, offering even more exotic color choices.

You snap it into place using a click and lock system. That makes it easier to install, and is more forgiving depending on the flooring you already have in place. And because it has a cushion backing, it’s softer underneath than you would get with traditional hardwood or tile. That can be a big bonus if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Stone tile

Why we like it: It’s a natural kitchen flooring choice, one that adds one of a kind beauty to any design.

If you’re looking for luxury, you have to give stone tile a second look. It’s a natural material that gives you flexibility in your decor while giving you durability and easy maintenance at the same time.

This isn’t a DIY task unless you’re familiar with laying floors. Stone tile takes a special underlayment, and it’s important to be exact with the process as any unevenness in the subfloor can make the stone tiles pop off.

What makes these so beautiful is they are one of a kind. Quarried from natural stone, you’ll never find two stones looking exactly alike. This gives any kitchen an aesthetically pleasing feel, while making it stand up to all your family can dish out.

The good news is there are so many different stone varieties to choose from.

Travertine – its smooth, non-slip qualities make it the perfect choice for a kitchen

Marble – it’s one of the hardest materials, and can be polished to a high sheen

Slate – it’s a great choice because it’s slip-resistant and very durable

Granite – it’s hardness makes it a great choice for high traffic areas

So many options …

These are just a few of the options available to you when selecting a new kitchen floor.

What’s the right choice for your home? The best way to find out is to give us a call.

Stop by our retail location and consider your options. You’ll be surprised at all the kitchen flooring choices available to you.

Your perfect kitchen floor is waiting for you. What are you waiting for?

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

If you’re tackling a project at home, replacing the flooring may be part of your process. Picking out the perfect flooring for your project can make all the difference. There are countless types of flooring, so how do you know which is right for your specific project? If you are wondering if prefinished hardwood flooring is right for your project, continue reading.

Prefinished hardwood flooring can add warmth to a home. If you are redesigning space and you want to achieve an inviting and cozy feel, consider what prefinished hardwood flooring has to offer. Not only does prefinished hardwood have an appealing appearance, but it is also durable. It is possible that the room you are redesigning is a high-traffic room. Whether people will be walking through often or your children will be playing in this room, you want flooring that can handle whatever is thrown at it. Prefinished hardwood flooring is also more durable when it comes to heavy furniture.

A downside to prefinished hardwood flooring is there are fewer design options available. With traditional hardwood flooring, there are countless selections available to you. You can choose from endless wood species and then pick from dozens of stains and sealant options. This can help you find the exact wood grain, color, and surface sheen you are looking for. However, with prefinished hardwood, your options are limited to just a handful of wood types, colors, and sealants.

An upside to prefinished hardwood flooring is the installation time. It is quick and easy to install prefinished hardwood, as opposed to traditional hardwood. Traditional hardwood must be installed in phases, while prefinished hardwood can be installed in one easy step with no downtime.

Is prefinished hardwood flooring the flooring for you? If so, shop with flooring.org to find an incredible selection of high-quality options! We are fully operational as usual, so give us a call at 1.800.689.9006 to place your order today.

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

Lino flooring, also known as linoleum flooring, is a synthetic material made of [material], which is highly durable, cost-effective and is printed in a variety of styles to look like wooden planks or stone slabs.

Lino is a perfect flooring choice for kitchens and bathrooms as it’s waterproof, easy to mop up spills on and if properly maintained, can last for 10-20 years.

Lino is sold in wide roles of flexible material that can be easily cut to shape to fit any room, making it easy for you to lay down yourself. However, laying down a lino floor isn’t as simple as rolling out a new rug.

We’ve put together this handy guide for how to lay down a lino floor, and common mistakes you should avoid.

How To Put Down Lino Flooring

1. Work out how much lino flooring you need to fit by working out the total area of the room. To do this, simply multiply the width of the room by the length and this will give you the total area the room covers.

2. So for example if you have a 5m x 4m room, the total area of the room will be 20m², so you will need that much lino.

3. However, it is work noting that you should make sure that the lino you do put down has an additional 100mm of length either side in order to avoid leaving any gaps at the edges of the floor of the room.

4. Remove any old flooring material from the floor and lay down any underlay if you.

5.  Roll out your lino flooring onto the rooms floor, leaving some overlap at the edges of the room so you can cut it to size.

6. Using a retractable stanley knife, cut the lino around the edges of the room and lay flat.

7. Cut the lino around awkward pieces such as sinks, toilets and pipes that may be running out of the floor.

Can you put new flooring over old lino?

While there isn’t anything to stop you from laying down new lino flooring on top of old lino, we would strongly recommend against this.

While linoleum flooring is resistant to germs, mould can grow on it’s surface under the right conditions. If you lay new linoleum flooring down on top of flooring that has mould on it, even if you can’t see it with your naked eye, the mould can spread and present a health risk.

Do you need underlay for lino?

Tips For Laying Down Lino Flooring In Awkward Spaces

If you’re laying down lino flooring in a bathroom, it is more than likely that you will have to fit your lino flooring around the base of a sink.

The best way to fit your vinyl flooring around this is to cut the sheet around the object, leaving roughly 100m extra around the edge of the object. From there it will be easier to trim the sheet to fit the lino flooring around the object.

Common Lino Flooring Fitting Mistakes To Avoid

Using a blunt knife or one that’s wide than a thin stanley knife will make it much more difficult to cut the lino flooring to shape when you’re laying it down. This will not only mean that you’re putting yourself at greater risk of slipping on the lino surface and cutting yourself but also it will be trickier to cut the lino sheet to the size of the room and can potentially leave gaps along the edges of your floor.

Not taking the time to measure a room before you purchase or cut a sheet of lino flooring runs the very likely risk of not being able to fit your new flooring properly

High Quality Lino Flooring In Sheffied from Pyramid Carpets

If you’re looking to revamp the floor of your kitchen or bathroom, we stock a wide range of lino flooring sheets in a variety of styles, at great prices. We also offer a friendly floor fitting service for our customers.

Speak to our team on 0114 255 5553 or get in touch through our website.

The post How To Lay Down A Lino Flooring And Common Mistakes To Avoid appeared first on Pyramid Carpets – News.

As we continue to move forward as a society in the midst of the coronavirus, one thing is for sure: we don’t have a great understanding of prevention methods. Of course, this will change over time. But right now, when you want to do right by your family, it’s difficult to know what to do. It’s hard to separate fact from fiction, and rely on the right resources for the information you need now.

Every industry, every niche, is scrambling to figure out the best direction to go. Flooring is no different. We’re continually evaluating the impact of the coronavirus and how it can be distributed between people.

What we do know

The best course of action is to follow the advice from leaders who make it their business to learn more about taking action.

The CDC has general guidelines for how to clean and disinfect different items in your home.

For hard surfaces – non-porous surfaces:

• Wear disposable gloves while cleaning and replace them after each cleaning. If you use reusable gloves, be sure to clean and disinfect them immediately after use.
• Clean all surfaces before you disinfect.
• Use an EPA registered cleaner to ensure appropriate cleaning and disinfection. Use them according to guidelines to avoid health problems.

For soft surfaces – porous surfaces:

• This includes things like carpet and rugs. Clean with an EPA-registered cleaner according to manufacturers guidelines.

At this point in time, we’re still not sure how long the coronavirus can remain on various items throughout your home. It depends on the surface structure – is it porous or non-porous? Studies show it can survive anywhere from 2 hours to a couple of days, depending on the surface.

Of course, it’s important to restate that at this time, we just don’t know.

Which makes cleaning your surfaces and installing the right materials in your home that much more important.

Porous vs Non-Porous Flooring

There are many ways to separate out flooring. When you think about cleanliness and the ability to keep it clean, thinking in terms of porous and non-porous flooring can help you determine the right flooring choice for your home.

A non-porous floor stops soil and moisture from penetrating within. These would include things like glazed ceramic tiles, glazed porcelain tiles, and vinyl.

Porous floors would include materials including non-glazed tile, carpet, and hardwood.

A non-porous floor is easier to clean. That’s why they are commonly found in commercial applications, especially warehouses, medical facilities, and schools.

Porous flooring is often found in residential settings because of its ease of use and comfort features.

Will we start to rethink our flooring choices because of the coronavirus? Only time will tell.

But if you’re considering new flooring for your home, and the idea of installing non-porous options are piquing your interest, we have a few choices in mind.

Vinyl

When many of us think about vinyl flooring, we picture the stuff we found in our grandmother’s bathroom. It was yellowed, curling around the edges, and frankly, not very aesthetically pleasing.

Even today, if you walk the aisles of your local big box store, you might see large rolls of sheet vinyl and think: Nope, not for me. It’s so … clinical. It just doesn’t look very good.

That means you haven’t taken a good look at what today’s vinyl flooring really looks like.

Vinyl is created with synthetic polymer, essentially a plastic that will hold up well in your home. Vinyl is made up of several layers to give you a product that looks great and lasts well too. It has four layers that include:

• A backing layer made from felt or fiberglass
• A core layer made from plastic
• A decorative layer that can imitate some of the best flooring products on the market
• A protective layer also made from plastic, called the wear layer

In the luxury vinyl tile market – LVT – these flooring choices can imitate stone, tile, hardwood, and more. In some cases, they appear to be so real that even people in the business have to take a closer look to see that it’s not the real thing.

And they handle better than the real thing in a lot of situations.

• They’re waterproof – they stand up to water and spills, meaning you can clean them well.
• They’re stainproof – that nonporous surface means common staining items can’t penetrate the surface.
• They’re comfortable – vinyl has give, making it a comfortable choice if you stand a lot, especially in places like the kitchen.
• They’re budget-friendly – if you’re looking for an economical way to upgrade your room, look no further than LVT.

Glazed tile

Ceramic tile may be the one flooring choice that looks good in every room in the house. Here in Colorado, you’ll often find it in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. But we predict that it will soon be spreading to other rooms in the home as homeowners contemplate their flooring choices.

Glazed tiles have a hard surface that will not attract or hold on to dust, dirt, pollen, or other allergens. That’s a big plus for homeowners where a family member has a compromised immune system. It’s also a plus for homeowners concerned with how easily they can wipe down every fixture in their homes.

Tile is also one of the most versatile flooring products, one that can take on almost any look you desire. Keep it subtle with a neutral color. Go bold with something dark or bright. Create a mosaic effect by mixing colors and sizes. Or create elegance by using modern technology to mimic hardwood.

Yep, that’s possible with today’s technology. Select them in plank style and lay them in similar fashion as your hardwood, and you’ll have the good looks you demand combined with functionality that can last for decades to come.

What’s more, many homeowners are giving this trend a second look because you can install them over radiant heating. If you thought tile was too cold for our Colorado winters, you’ll love having toasty flooring to step down onto even on the coldest of mornings. And because heat rises, what better way to keep your home better temperature-controlled than by having the heat start at the bottom?

What’s the right choice for you?

While none of us know what the future holds, one thing is for sure: we’ll be changing the way we look at our homes.

If your home needs new flooring, and you want a floor that’s both durable and can be cleaned easily no matter what is tracked into your home, consider nonporous flooring – tile and vinyl might make the perfect choice for you.

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

LVT is a shortened version for Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring.  It has become more and more popular over recent years due to its durability, authenticity and easiness to look after.  LVT is extremely easy to look after and clean.  You will not need an expensive range of cleaning products and the job will be done quickly.  Here is a LVT cleaning guide which we hope will help you.

Read More

There are certain environments throughout your home where moisture and spills are more likely to occur. Like your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.

It would never make sense to install carpet; can you imagine water seeping into the fibers and padding if your washing machine overflows? Now imagine cleanup if the flooring was water-resistant. It might be a pain, but you wouldn’t worry about the long-term implications.

That is why more homeowners are giving vinyl tile and ceramic tile another look.

But there’s a third thing to think about here in 2020 that will impact the way you live from now on: the coronavirus.

Cleanliness is more important than ever. Having the ability to clean and disinfect is at the top of every homeowner’s wish-lists for new flooring.

Does that make vinyl tile better than ceramic tile?

Let’s take a look.

Vinyl tile or ceramic tile – what’s the difference?

People, in general, have very distinct views of both vinyl tile or ceramic tile. They may remember growing up with one or the other, and have opinions about the look and feel of both.

If you haven’t looked at either lately, it’s time for a second look. Through technology, vinyl tile is now designed to mimic some of the most favorite products on the market. But the materials used in production are substantially different, and that can be a plus for you.

Vinyl tile is essentially made from the same thing as the more traditional vinyl sheet. It’s created using four layers:

• A backing layer usually made from felt or fiberglass
• A core layer made from PVC plastic
• A print layer to add the design to your flooring product
• A wear layer to give it its strength and durability

The difference between tile and sheet is the cut; vinyl tile is simply cut into squares to make it easier to handle and move. And because they’re easier to maneuver, manufacturers have been very creative with the design. You’ll find all sorts of patterns and colors. They even make composite tiles, which adds a sense of realism to more traditional plastic-only by including pulverized stone dust to the mix.

If you’re looking for a step up, you can move to the luxury vinyl tile line, which is much thicker and has tiles that join together through click-together technology. Luxury vinyl tile is found in both plank and tile format, and can take on the look of hardwood, ceramic or stone tile.

Ceramic tile is made up of natural clay mixed with other materials, fired and hardened with a surface glaze to give them their unique appearance. While ceramic tile tends to be a more generic term for the tiles you install in your home, it also includes things like porcelain tile, which hardens at higher temperatures, making them harder and more durable. They have their place in American homes, but keep in mind they do produce one of the hardest surface areas you can install.

Ceramic tile is often used in many ways – why not use it on the walls, countertops, and backsplashes to create a unique look? You would never do that with vinyl tile.

Do each have their place? Of course.

Is there a right choice? It all depends on you, your goals and your desires.

But if you are looking for beauty at an affordable cost, and want something that’s durable and easy to clean no matter how much you clean it, vinyl tile is worth a second look.

Why vinyl tile is growing in popularity

Market trends show that flooring is in demand now more than ever. That’s because people want a low maintenance, cost effective material that’s easy to install. Current statistics show it’s a 25 billion dollar industry, with growth predicted more than 7 percent per year through 2025.

What makes vinyl tile better than ceramic tile in many situations?

Cost

Vinyl tile is one of the most budget-friendly flooring choices you can make. In many cases, vinyl tile will be your only purchase. Compare that to ceramic tile where you’ll have to invest in adhesive, grout, and all the tools that go along with it. Depending on what vinyl tile product you select, you can expect to pay as much as 40 percent less than other popular types of flooring.

Durable

According to an article on Realtor.com, vinyl tile can last up to 20 years if well cared for. That makes it an excellent choice where water-resistance is needed. Plus, the soft cushiony texture is perfect if you have pets or kids, where playing and getting down on the ground is mandatory in your daily life. Ceramic tile’s hard surface means it’s harder no matter what hits it. If you drop a man, ceramic tile can chip or crack. It has a much better chance of bouncing back on a vinyl tile.

Installation

Are you looking for an easy DIY project? With most flooring choices, doing it yourself is often cost-prohibited because of the number of tools you need. If you want to install tile yourself, nothing is easier than vinyl tile. Start by pulling up the current flooring and ensure the subfloor is in good shape. With ceramic tile, the subfloor is less forgiving. If you tile over uneven spaces, there’s a greater risk your ceramic tile will pop off during normal living. Because vinyl tile is flexible, it settles in even with minor imperfections on the subfloor. And with luxury vinyl planks, they click into place without adhering to the subfloor. Their flexibility allows them to settle in and stand up over time.

And did we talk about the mess? If you’ve ever installed ceramic tile yourself, you know all of the stages you have to go through. Ensure the subfloor is level. Mix and apply the adhesive. Cut the tiles … and risk having broken tiles pile up. The dust. The grout! That’s why many people leave ceramic tile placement to the professionals.

Because vinyl tile is so easy to install, you can often have the project complete in one day, depending on the size of your room.

Flexibility

Are you the type of person who loves to keep up with the trends? Are you an HGTV addict? Is remodeling a part of your lifestyle? Then vinyl tile may be the perfect choice for you. Once ceramic tile is laid, it’s difficult to pull up and get your subfloor back into condition for the next flooring to be laid into place. With vinyl tile – especially luxury vinyl planks – with click and lock technology, you pick them up and ready the subfloor for your next flooring choice. That also makes them easy to repair if you damage one of them.

So what’s your flooring choice? Do you agree, vinyl tile is better than ceramic tile for what you’re looking for in a flooring choice?

Give us a call and learn about our complete line of vinyl tile.

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

Remember when we wished for more time at home? Thanks to staying in place, our wish has been granted.

If you’ve been using this time to plan out a bathroom remodel, we want to give you a few reasons to consider tile.

Why tile?

Chances are you have tile somewhere in your home. Tile is one of the most popular materials used in construction, and has been for centuries.

If you head back in time, you would find glazed tiles used in all kinds of settings. Because many were handcrafted, they were used for decoration and to add style and pizzazz in aristocratic real estate.

Today, we use tile everywhere. You’ll find it inside and outside. You’ll find it on floors, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. It comes in small mosaics or as large as several feet wide.

But no matter how it’s used, it’s one of the most durable and beautiful materials you can use in almost any setting.

People choose tile for a variety of reasons. If you want something unique, you can create it with tile. If you want a material that will stand up to all your family can dish out, tile is a great choice. Looking for a DIY material? Once again, all arrows point to tile. It truly is one of the most versatile materials you can work with.

How do you get started?

With any remodeling project, the best place to start is with an idea. So you want to remodel your bathroom – what picture comes to mind even before you start looking?

For most homeowners, when they decide to take on a project, they have certain things in mind. Maybe your bathroom is straight out of the 90s – an upgrade is desperately needed.

That’s your starting point. Now it’s time to come up with your ideas.

We always recommend watching home improvement shows, or visiting Pinterest and creating a pinboard with your favorite ideas. Keep in mind that you can’t create a luxurious spa retreat if you only have the space of a tiny bathroom. Be reasonable with your ideas. If you plan on knocking down walls, by all means, dream. But if you have certain specifications that impact your final selection, keep those in mind while you dream.

Where do you want tile?

Very quickly, you’ll discover that tile can be placed anywhere. On the floor. On the wall. On the vanity. Backsplashes. Shower stalls. On the ceiling.

We’re seeing tile used in many different ways today. You can use it as an accent, or as the main attraction. Why not mix them both – interweave small glass tiles with larger stones to create an opulent spa shower.

If you’re doing this yourself, measuring will be the key to your success. Consider the logistics of how your bathroom is laid out, and where you’ll be installing the tile in the end. Will you lift up the toilet and tile underneath? Will you be replacing the vanity and require tile to extend from corner to corner? Will you have to piece a design together around a window?

You’ll also want to keep in mind you’ll probably need extras. If you have to cut pieces to fit into corners, or with a hole to fit your plumbing, you might have breakage. Having extra on hand will ensure the color remains true throughout the project. And if you have even more, you can set some aside in case you stain or break one in the future.

Bring samples into your space

One of the biggest mistakes people make is basing their final selections off of what they see in the store. What looks good in a large open space with harsh lighting will never show you how it will appear when you tuck it into your bathroom.

Narrow your choices down to a few selections. Then bring them home and live with them for a bit. See them in the morning, in natural sunlight, and late at night. One will naturally move forward on your “yes” list, while the others migrate back into the pile.

Trust your instincts. If you don’t like it as a sample, you probably won’t enjoy it for the long term. If your gut says “this is it”, you’re probably right.

Go for the extras

Spa showers are the rage right now. People are remodeling to create space for a walk-in, spa-like shower experience. And we get it – they’re beautiful and functional at the same time.

Yet it’s easy to focus on the price tag and ignore some of the extras that can make your shower even better. That’s where customization comes into play.

If you work with a contractor, chances are they’ll talk with you about storage. Have bottles on the floor always bothered you with your current shower stall? Then why not consider a shower niche?

This is an indention in the wall designed for storage. It provides you with space to keep bottles, soap, brushes, and razors all within easy reach.

It’s worth the effort.

Rely on others

While we’ll always tell you to trust your gut, it’s also important to seek help along the way.

Whether you rely on one of our flooring experts to walk you through your DIY project, or you’re hiring a contractor to do the entire project for you, it’s a good idea to ask questions along the way.

Each of the people you come in contact with has experience in tiling projects. They know what works, what looks good, and what their clients like for years to come.

If they make a recommendation, it’s for a reason. Listen. Then take action.

A contractor’s job is to ensure you’re happy with the result. They won’t push you into specific colors, shapes, or sizes, without reason. They make suggestions because they know what looks good and works well together. Their job is to make you happy – and they do that by making the best suggestions they can with your situation and constraints.

Are you considering a remodeling project? Why not consider tile.

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

Have you put your house on the market, wanting to find another place to call home?

Are you building a new home, and can’t wait to move in?

It’s springtime, the most popular time of the year to make a move. According to Census data, the average American will move 11.7 times in their lifetime. That works out to about every seven to ten years.

Of course, we move for many different reasons. We head off to college. We buy our first homes. We upgrade when our families start to grow. We downsize when we return to an empty nest. We’re always in the search for the right amount of space.

But through it all, one thing never wanes; our desire for personalization and classic good looks. We want our personalities to shine in the places we call home. And for many of us, that means having hardwood flooring throughout.

Moving is hard on hardwood floors. While you might start out with the best intentions, after several dozen boxes, everything becomes a little heavier. You forget to lift. And solid wood furniture, heavy bedroom sets, and refrigerators become even more difficult to move.

That’s when your floors are the most vulnerable. That’s when it’s easy to scratch your hardwood floors. And that can be an expensive endeavor to recover from.

If you’re planning a move anytime soon, keep these moving tips in mind before you move your first piece of furniture. With just a little forethought, you can avoid the problem, and have beautiful hardwood flooring in place when the last box is carried outside your door.

Clean as you go

Cleaning is the least exciting job any of us do. And as you’re moving, clean-up takes on an entirely different meaning. Once the refrigerator is emptied, all you see is mess staring back at you. And what’s that in the back of the linen closet – how did it even get in there? Why not wait until the house is empty and start the cleaning process from front to back?

The same applies to the new place. You’ll clean when the boxes are finally gone. But that might not be your smartest move, especially if you want your hardwood looking their best.

No matter how hard you try, dust, dirt, small rocks, and other debris are going to find their way into your home. And when they find their way underneath your feet, a box, or the legs of a dresser or couch, they can cause scratches and deep grooves in the wood.

Stop what you’re doing from time to time and run a swiffer over the hardwood to capture these tiny particles and remove them. Now you can resume your move-in tasks.

Lighten the load

Moving is a lot more expensive than most of us think about. We often look at the big costs, forgetting all the nickel and dime tasks that add up along the way. That’s why many of us look to cut costs where we can – why not fill every box to the brim?

The problem with that is each box is more difficult to handle. You’ll increase the risk of dropping it. You’ll also increase the chances you drag it across the floor rather than lifting it up.

You should also empty drawers to lighten the load or your dressers and shelving units. It will decrease the likelihood of people dragging it to put it in its final resting space.

Hire the right people

Many people try and do a lot of the move themselves, hoping to save money. That increases the chances you’ll get tired and worn out, and will rely on dragging and pulling to get things into place.

At the very least, get as many friends as you can to help out. A few extra hands can get it done twice as fast, and eliminate the chances of dragging things because you’re tired.  Whenever possible, hire a professional moving company to get the job done the right way. If you can’t hire one for the complete move, at least consider it for your heavy furniture. This will make even the smaller job of moving boxes seem easier.

Create a softer surface

Set aside a variety of tools to help you move furniture and other big items into place. Towels, soft blankets, moving blankets, even small area rugs can be placed underneath legs and used to slide furniture into place. Just make sure each of the items is clean and free from dirt and other small particles, and that the soft side is always facing down to the floor.

And never use cardboard to move furniture. While it may make the item move a little easier, you’ll damage your hardwood just as quickly.

Move it on its side

Not every piece of furniture is best moved in its original position. If you have a large entertainment unit, for example, it might be better moved on its side.

This will also push you to empty drawers and take apart loose pieces, and better protect them for the move.

Avoid wheels

You’ll find a lot of moving tips tell you to invest in a good set of wheels. Place wheels underneath your heaviest furniture, and you can wheel it into place. We caution that advice. Sand, grit, dirt, and other debris can stick to wheels and drag it along as you move. It can create deep gauges on your hardwood floors.

Instead, invest in gliders; they are perfect for sliding heavy objects into place. You’ll love them so much, you can keep them around and use them to move your furniture easily for spring cleaning, or a little bit of redecorating whenever you please – new area rug anyone?

Fix problems immediately

Once you’re in place, all the furniture is moved in, and the last box is unpacked, walk around your home and take a closer look at your hardwood floors. Are there any scratches that happened during the process? Is there anything deeper than a scratch?

Don’t cover it up with an area rug, or push it aside to deal with “some other time.”

Fix it now. Call in a flooring expert and get the problem fixed, so your hardwood flooring looks great for many years to come.

Do you have any questions about your hardwood floors?

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