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When people decide to remodel their floors, they often approach it with longevity in mind. One customer said it best:

I want these floors to last forever. That’s why only hardwood floors will do.

But let’s talk about that for a moment. Is there such a thing as forever floors anymore?

If you head back in time to when Baby Boomers were creating their first homes, the concept of forever had more meaning. They anticipated getting a job and working there 30 or 40 years, before retiring and settling in for the rest of their lives. They bought a house that gave them great access to an easy commute, and decorated it with the hopes it would last them “forever.”

How did that work out?

Baby boomers were the first generation to come to terms with multiple jobs, multiple careers. It is no longer a lifetime commitment. And because of that, we’re losing our concept of “forever homes” too.

We change homes on average every seven years to:

• Move to another job in another part of the city
• Move to another state for a job promotion
• Upgrade houses as our family grows
• Downsize as we face empty nest
• Change our goals
• Change our desires

We’re now a nation filled with change. And we like it that way.

So while people often come in looking for a “forever floor”, what they really want is one that is durable and holds up well to their family’s lifestyle for the foreseeable future.

Until they change their minds.

Why hardwood floors are at the top of “forever”

Have you ever walked into a historic home on a tour? Colonial America is filled with models that can whisk you back in time. And in most cases, you’ll find gleaming wood floors accentuated with an ornamental woven rug to add color and detail to the room.

Hardwood has always been popular because of its natural beauty. It’s also been one of the easiest resources to utilize as towns and cities grew up.

Of course, our definition of hardwood floors has changed quite a bit over the years. Today we have many options, even if we want to stick with the classic good looks of hardwood floors.

If you want to step it up a bit, and stretch beyond the classic oak or maple floors, think exotic. How about Brazilian Cherry? Or Australian Cypress with its rustic good looks. Or how about Ipe (also known as Brzilian Walnut); it’s one of the hardest woods available for your floors? All have the potential of giving you a unique approach to hardwood floors.

Sometimes traditional hardwood floors aren’t the perfect match for your home or lifestyle. That’s why engineered hardwood was created. It gives you the classic good looks combined with more durability. That makes it the perfect choice in places where hardwood traditionally doesn’t work – like a basement.

Thanks to today’s technology, hardwood floors have another twist; luxury vinyl planks give you access to waterproof flooring that looks very much like the real thing. The planks are so realistic, it’s sometimes difficult to tell it isn’t real unless you get down on the floor. This makes it the perfect choice when you need something more durable than traditional hardwood can offer.

People value hardwood floors in our homes

Why are so many other products being made to resemble hardwood floors? Because we value them. They are at the top of our wishlists, throughout our homes and even our office space.

Prior to 2020, home buyers placed high value on hardwood floors. Real estate agents across American would tell you that hardwood floors top every buyer’s lists of things they would like to have.

As we move out of staying in place, we’ll find people want a cleaner, more organized way of life in everything they do. They’ll want the durability that comes with hardwood floors like never before.

That makes hardwood floors one of the best investments you can make, right now.

It’s all about maintenance and durability

Have we talked enough about how durable and easy to maintain hardwood flooring is? That’s probably why you’re considering them for your own home. No matter which hardwood floor you choose to install, all it takes is an occasional swipe of a microfiber brush, a damp mop, or a swish of a vacuum to keep it looking its best.

Depending on which material you choose, that’s all you’ll have to do to keep it looking its best.

What’s more, with traditional hardwood, you also have the ability to sand it down and restore it when it starts to wear down. You can change the color with a new stain. You can restore luster and make it shine. That gives a traditional hardwood floor years – decades – of life.

Of course, traditional hardwood isn’t always the best choice for every room in your home. If you’re worried about water problems, hardwood may be more of a problem than a desire. That’s where today’s technology takes over once again.

You can continue the look of hardwood, while adding durability and resilience at the same time. Engineered wood gives you the same look and feel with a touch coating that stands up well under pressure.

And if you want maximum water resistance, look at today’s luxury vinyl planks. They can give you any look you desire, even offer more options than you’ll find with traditional wood.

What’s the best way to select the perfect flooring for your needs?

We have a great way to get started. The first thing you should do is to start designing your look through pictures.

If you love technology, start a pinboard on Pinterest. Fill it with pictures that represent your ideal home. Pay attention to the colors you select. Do you love it light – white even? Or do you prefer the classic looks of dark wood? You’ll see trends and patterns forming right away.

If you’re a more traditionalist, you can do the same with home improvement magazines. Mark your favorite looks, and find the trends that appeal to you most.

Then bring your ideas into our showroom, and let us show you many different options to suit your family’s needs and desires.

The perfect flooring choice is waiting for you. Let us help you find it today.

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

Humans love their pets. In fact, 90 percent of us consider our pets to be a part of our family.

We bring pets into our lives for a variety of reasons. For companionship. For friendship. Approximately 66 percent of dog and cat owners buy holiday gifts for other people’s pets.

Of course, there are health benefits associated with pet ownership too. Loneliness goes down. Stress can be reduced. Bringing a cat into your life has been shown to lower the chance of a stroke by 30 percent.

No matter what the reason is you’ve brought pets into your life, once they’re in your home, things change. You’ll have to clean your home more to remove dander and pet hair. You’ll have more accidents, sometimes unnoticed for days.

And all of that can be tough on your floors. What’s a homeowner to do?

What to consider before selecting new flooring when living with pets

You may love that cream colored carpet you’ve had your eye on for a long time. It would look great in the bedroom. But how will it look after your pets have played on it for even one day?

Every homeowner has a list of things they’d love to have in their homes, but in their gut, they know it can never be. It may be the ideal choice in your heart, but your brain knows it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

First and foremost, go with your gut. Your gut usually holds strong and keeps your practical side in check. It warns you when you have a choice to make and one of them is all wrong.

Beyond your gut, there are a few other things to think about that can influence your new flooring choices.

Staining – Pets bring messes to life in your home. They may spill food and water while they eat. They drag in all kinds of things from the outside. Those muddy paw prints … And sometimes even house-trained pets have accidents. Select flooring material that is stain-resistant, whenever possible.

Durability – Dogs and cats – the two most popular pets in the country – have sharp nails that can do a lot of damage to a floor. Pets love to play and run, which can scratch hardwood and tear up carpet. Focus on flooring that has high resistance to wear damage from common pet activities.

Comfort and safety – Some floors are more slippery than others, that holds true for humans and their pets. Especially as pets age, hard floors can be hard on their joints, and not as comfortable when they lie down and sleep. Especially in areas where they love to run and play, be sure they have flooring that helps with traction, and is comfortable to their feet.

With all of that in mind, what are our top choices in new flooring for pet owners?

Vinyl flooring

If you haven’t looked at vinyl flooring lately, we suggest you come in for a closer look. Vinyl flooring today is nothing like you remember from your childhood. In fact, luxury vinyl planks often look so real, you have to get down close to see they aren’t the real thing.

Vinyl flooring is also one of our top recommendations for homeowners who want new flooring and have pets. That’s because it’s an economical flooring choice that is low maintenance as well. One of the most common problems when you own pets is scratching damage. Vinyl is resilient to scratching, even when nails are grown out, and pets are active.

There are other reasons to give vinyl flooring a second look. Vinyl flooring is resilient flooring. That means it can sustain the small problems your pet dishes out. If they are a sloppy drinker, water going everywhere, vinyl is your choice. And for the occasional accident, urine won’t soak into the flooring if wiped away quickly. It is important to catch liquid spills quickly, as even with vinyl, standing liquid can present a problem if it soaks through the top layer. It can cause both mildew and mold over time.

Vinyl also brings a comfort factor to the room. It has a slight cushiony feel when standing or walking. That also makes it more comfortable for your pet to lie on.

Vinyl is a great choice for many rooms, including the kitchen and bathrooms.

Laminate

Here in Colorado, we love our hardwood floors. Yet they often don’t make sense in busy households, especially if you have more than one pet.

Laminate flooring may be a better choice. It’s one we frequently recommend to homeowners with pets.

While it might look like hardwood, it’s stronger. That gives it the ability to resist nail scratches and hold up better under the occasional messes. Its protective layer is designed to be stronger than many flooring choices out there. Today’s technology makes the pattern layer look so real, it can fool almost anyone who enters. And the core and bottom layers build up strength and durability, making it the perfect choice for just about any room in your home.

Laminate is easy to clean, and rarely stains. Just be aware of messes, and clean them up right away. Moisture can seep through into spaces between the planks if it sits too long. Once it gets into the core or subfloor, mildew and mold can form. You’ll have to replace the plank and possibly the subfloor if that happens, so it’s a good idea to keep messes in check.

A few other tips

We can’t stress enough that when you have a pet in the home, clean-up is your best course of action. The longer any mess sits on your floor, the greater chance it has of doing permanent damage. That includes water from their bowls, urine from the occasional accident, and any other mess they track in from outdoors.

Keep your pets well groomed. That will eliminate loose hair, and prevent it from accumulating in the corners of your room. Short nails also tend to cause less damage.

If you have a flooring choice more susceptible to damage from pets, and you’re considering new flooring, we suggest you move to a more pet-friendly choice. Carpet, bamboo, and other soft flooring choices will never hold up well to all your pets can dish out. You’ll be glad you made the switch to a more durable flooring choice.

Thinking of installing new flooring? What are the top choices you’re considering to keep your pets healthy and happy?

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

If you have a pet and you live in a home with hardwood flooring, you already know how pets can damage your floors. However, it is possible to have both pets and hardwood flooring in your home, without having to worry about your floors getting damaged. These are the best pet-friendly flooring options:

Bamboo is a popular pet-friendly flooring option. This is because bamboo is naturally durable, making it stain and scratch-resistant. Bamboo has a high Janka flooring rating, which is a rating that determines the hardness of wood. This hard, strong flooring option can survive your pet’s claws. Additionally, bamboo is an antimicrobial material that can keep your home free of mold and other allergens, which is healthy for both you and your pet.

The second pet-friendly hardwood choice is laminate hardwood flooring. Laminate adds a tough top layer to hardwood flooring, making it fairly scratch-resistant against pet claws. Laminate is also stain-resistant, making it easy to clean.

Vinyl sheet flooring is a perfect pick for people who want easy to clean and durable flooring in their homes. When installed correctly, vinyl sheets are resilient against scratches. Your pet’s nails won’t damage vinyl sheet flooring too much, and any spills your pet may cause can be easy to clean.

Engineered hardwood is another example of a flooring option that can have a high Janka flooring rating. A wood species with a rating of 1,250 or over is best for a pet-friendly household. Some examples of high ranking engineered hardwood include white oak and Brazilian cherry.

Now that you know which flooring choices are most suitable for your pet-friendly home, you’re ready to shop with Flooring.org. Check out our inventory to find high-quality and durable flooring options that are suitable for homes with pets. For further details about our inventory, you can reach our team at 800-689-9006 today!

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

What mental image is conjured up when someone mentions vinyl sheet flooring?

For a lot of people, they remember the yellowing, peeling flooring in their mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen. With very few choices, they installed the latest look. And because of budgeting, kept it in place for years.

What is vinyl sheet?

Vinyl sheet is a flooring product that is often used in rooms where water-resistance, durability, and maintenance-free living is needed. Think kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Of course, it can be used anywhere, but those are often the most popular rooms.

Vinyl sheet comes in roll format, usually between 6 and 12 feet wide. Because of its width, it reduces the number of seams you’ll have once it’s fully installed in your room. That means there’s less risk for water to penetrate through to the subfloor. And with today’s technology, vinyl sheet can take on just about any look you demand.

Where should I install vinyl sheet inside my home? 

The reason vinyl sheet is so versatile is because it can be installed just about anywhere you choose. It’s the perfect choice below-grade, in basements or ground-level living spaces where moisture and water may be an issue. It’s a great choice for main level living areas where high traffic is always a concern. It’s also great for upper level living in moisture-prone areas like the bathrooms and laundry rooms. But because of the demands stairs present, vinyl sheet isn’t recommended for installation.

Are there other names for vinyl sheet?

If you do your research and start looking at vinyl flooring options, you’ll likely find the same product goes by several different names. While vinyl sheet is something you’ll always find, you can also look for:

Luxury vinyl sheet – as you dive into your research, you’ll also see it sometimes referred to as LVS. Luxury vinyl is always a step up from the more traditional vinyl sheet product. It’s usually thicker, and has a deeper embedded pattern and design. If you’re looking for a natural design in vinyl sheet material, look no further than LVS. You’ll see realistic wood grains, natural stone patterns, and incredibly crisp prints that make this product look almost as good as the real thing.

Resilient flooring – the definition of resilience is: the ability to spring back into shape, recover quickly from difficulties. And that clearly defines vinyl flooring. This multi-layer product builds in toughness with a bit of give, making it forgivable if you drop something onto the floor. It stands up well to moisture. It offers stain-proof technology to hold up to many things your family can dish out. And if you take good care of it, it can continue to offer these qualities for years.

What are the benefits of vinyl sheet floors?

For a lot of homeowners, they are sold on vinyl sheet floors when learning about their durability and water-resistance, But that isn’t the only qualities that make these worth a second look.

Realistic patterns – with today’s technology, you can expect vinyl sheets to mimic just about any look you desire. While this is by no means a comprehensive list, you’ll find vinyl sheet mimicking:

• Traditional hardwood
• Weathered wood
• Exotic hardwood
• Distressed hardwood
• Wood plank
• Slate
• Sandstone
• Marble
• Granite
• Checkerboard pattern
• Decorative patterns

If you can dream it, you can find it in vinyl sheet flooring.

Easy maintenance – vinyl sheet is even easier to care for than vinyl tile. Because it’s sheet format, you’ll have very few seams, which means wiping it clean will be a snap.

Durable – have we mentioned vinyl sheet’s durability? It can take all your family can dish out. And if you’re comparing it to other similar products like linoleum, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much more durable vinyl sheet really is.

Waterproof – one of the greatest things vinyl sheet brings to the market is the fact that it’s water-resistant. That means you can clean it with a mop and not have to worry about penetration. You don’t have to jump at spills, worrying how fast it will start to seep in. And for the small emergencies like an overflowing sink, or a dropped pan of water, you won’t need to be concerned about your flooring making it through. Keep in mind that nothing can handle standing water for days at a time. But for everyday household emergencies, vinyl sheet holds up just fine.

Easy to install, easy to replace – while vinyl sheet is more difficult to install than vinyl tile, you can still change up your decor in a day. And because it’s budget friendly, you won’t break the bank when you’re ready for a change.

How do you care for vinyl sheet flooring? 

The good news is vinyl sheet flooring is one of the easiest to clean and maintain.

Wipe up spills – as with all flooring, timing is everything. When you see a spill, clean it up as quickly as you can. While vinyl does provide a protective coating to help ward off damage from standing water, it isn’t designed to withstand a flood. If it’s submerged in water for extended time periods, it can and will be damaged. However, very few floorings make it as easy to clean as vinyl sheet. Simply wipe away most spills with a clean cloth – it’s that easy.

Weekly deeper cleanings – while you should always wipe away spills immediately, every week or so, you should do a more in-depth cleaning across the floor. Use a dry duster to pick up dirt and debris. A vacuum works too; just be sure it’s set to hard flooring. Use a natural cleaner to avoid damaging the finish. Water and vinegar are often all you need to keep your floors sparkling clean. You can also create a paste of baking soda to help you remove tough stains. Check with manufacturer’s guidelines before using any chemical products, as some cleaners can null and void the warranty.

Other tips – to improve and protect the surface of your vinyl sheet flooring, be sure to use a doormat at every entrance to catch dirt before it enters. This is a good tip, no matter what flooring choice you’ve installed.

Be sure to close blinds to avoid direct sunlight from hitting your vinyl floors. Too much sun can cause fading over time.

Avoid placing heavy furniture directly onto the surface of your vinyl flooring. Instead, use flooring supports and protectors to prevent pressurized points from digging into the floor.

Use runways and other protectors when moving furniture into place. Vinyl sheet will scratch, especially if you drag heavy objects across.

Is vinyl sheet flooring the right choice for you?

There are so many reasons to love vinyl sheet, and use it to make any room in your home a little brighter.

What questions can we answer for you about vinyl sheet flooring?

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

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?

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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.

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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.

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