Quick Guide to Bona Cleaning Products

Bona cleaning products are designed especially for use on wooden, bamboo, tiles and laminate floors.  We consider them to be fantastic products that are easy to use and they help to leave your floor looking as good as new! Read More

When it’s time to update your commercial flooring, it can be difficult deciding on what’s the best flooring choice for your needs. And given the various choices on the market today, the decision process can be overwhelming at best. How do you choose one that will hold up well over time? How do you select one that looks great and attracts the right kind of tenants or customers into your place? How do you ensure longevity, so that it’s money well spent?

It all starts with a little research to learn about the best commercial flooring choices on the market, and how to consider the best choice for your needs.

How to narrow down your choices

It’s time to replace your current flooring with something new. You know you need new floors because the old no longer gives you the look or feel you need to make good first impressions. But how do you make a selection with so many different options available?

Start with looks – most commercial property owners have some ideas for what they’re looking for. You already have a general understanding of what works well in different spaces throughout your property. Start there, but be open to new opportunities. Meeting with one of our flooring experts can help you pinpoint your needs and show you several different options that would make great final choices.

Maintenance – in commercial locations, maintenance is everything. You don’t want fussy flooring materials that don’t stand up over time. That means your final selection should be easy to care for and easy to maintain day in and day out, for years to come.

Durability – this is where spending a little extra might benefit you greatly. Don’t shop on price alone. Bumping up your expectations a bit might push you into different categories of flooring that will add years of longevity to your final decision. When you select certain grades of flooring, they can stand up to active workspaces, and look well under pressure, even if that means a daily influx of heavy foot traffic.

Investment – there are many ways to look at your investment in your commercial flooring. Start with longevity – how many years can you reasonably expect from the flooring product you install? If you select something with an expected life of five years, what would it take to push it to ten? Yes, this is a numbers game, but sometimes just seeing your options can help you bring in better options.

It’s also an investment in good looks. Will it give a better first impression when clients and prospects enter through the doors? Will it add strong resale value if you’re considering a sale in the near future?

What are my best commercial flooring choices?

While there’s never a “one size fits all” pattern to selecting flooring for your commercial space, there are several materials that we see commercial locations selecting again and again. They include:

Engineered Hardwood

People love hardwood in both residential and commercial settings. But solid hardwood can be finicky when added to the wrong space. Hardwood is difficult to add to commercial settings because it’s difficult to care for and expensive to install and maintain. That’s why many commercial properties are turning to engineered hardwood and loving the results. Because it has a more durable wear layer, it gives you the looks of hardwood while being easier to care for on a daily basis.

Laminate Hardwood

Laminate hardwood is another option growing in popularity because of its classic good looks, it’s durability, easy installation, and budget-friendly pricing. Its wear layers make it the perfect choice for many different commercial applications.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring has changed a lot over the years. While you can install durable vinyl sheet material, vinyl planks are increasing in popularity because of the realism in the looks. If you want hardwood or stone look without the cost, vinyl is an option. Vinyl planks give you the look and feel of real hardwood, stone, or other natural products.

Carpet

While it might not work in all settings, carpet is still a great choice in some areas. Commercial carpet tiles are a budget friendly floor covering with a heavy duty backing and quality construction that holds up well under pressure. Durability is key; pay attention to the manufacturer and quality to ensure a long life. Flooring tiles give you the option of changing out tiles that may be destroyed through staining or movement, giving you an easy way to keep your flooring looking great for years.

Tile

One of the hardest surfaces with the greatest longevity is tile. However, with so many choices on the market, it’s important to consider your options carefully. Focus on durability. Some require sealants to stand up well over time. Whether you select ceramic or porcelain, natural stone or a composite designed to match your surroundings, tile is a great choice in all kinds of situations. It’s worth another look if you haven’t done so lately.

What does maintenance mean?

Once you’ve invested in new commercial flooring for your business, it’s important to stick with a maintenance plan that will protect your investment.

Start with the warranty. Every manufacturer provides a warranty to ensure their product is well received. Learn the facts before you buy, and create a plan to keep your flooring well cared for.

Invest in regular cleaning and maintenance. Don’t trust any janitorial staff, ensure they can give you what you need to keep your warranty valid. In some cases, the wrong cleaning products can void the warranty.

Keep staff on hand to clean up messes immediately. The longer you leave messes in place, the better chance you have of it ruining your flooring material.

Use rugs and entrance mats to keep the interior as clean as possible. You’ll be amazed at how much entrance mats can remove off of shoes before people enter your building . It ensures scratches and other problem areas are more superficial than deeply embedded. It also makes regular cleanings easier, as less debris will be tracked in.

What are your top questions as you decide on the right commercial flooring for your location?

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

Hardwood flooring can make any home feel warm, welcoming, and stylish. If you have hardwood flooring in your home, or you are considering hardwood flooring, there are a few small things you can do to make a big difference with your hardwood floors. Learn more by continuing on.

The first tip to transform hardwood flooring is refinishing the floors. Refinishing hardwood includes adding a coat of protection to flooring, which adheres to the original or previous finish. Refinishing adds shine, increases durability, and enhances appearance.

Next, go for a light cleaning to get the consistent shine you are looking for. Instead of doing a deep clean once or twice a year, which can actually damage hardwood flooring, you should opt for consistent light cleaning. Use products that are safe for your specific type of hardwood flooring to make sure you do not warp your floors.

High temperatures and humidity levels can actually cause damage to your hardwood flooring. Check the temperature inside of your home, as well as the humidity levels. You may want to consider adding air conditioning units to your home, or down the thermostat to help protect your floors.

If you have heavy furniture, you should use floor protectors to maintain the quality of your hardwood. The legs of heavy furniture can scratch hardwood flooring. You should also consider putting down rugs in the high traffic areas of your home. Frequent foot traffic can cause permanent damage to your hardwood flooring, but putting a rug down can create a barrier between your feet and your floors.

For high-quality hardwood flooring that is perfect for your home, shop with flooring.org! You can learn more about our inventory by calling us at 800-689-9006. We hope to work with you soon!

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A lot has changed in the first few months of 2020.

We’ve gone from making plans for a new decade to locking down the entire world and staying in place.

We’ve become world-class searchers for toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and bleach.

We’ve had the time to reevaluate just about everything inside our homes. We’ve cleaned. We’ve reorganized. And we’ve started to make plans to make each room even better in the weeks and months ahead.

It all starts at the bottom. The right flooring not only sets the stage for looks and decor, but it creates durability and maintenance-free living too.

No wonder trends in flooring are changing based on what we’ve been living through these past few weeks.

If you’re thinking of changing out your flooring, what should you be looking at?

Vinyl tops the trend list in new flooring

Even before COVID-19, sales of luxury vinyl were increasing while other products like laminate were falling. Sales of luxury vinyl topped $3.687 billion in 2018, while laminate flooring sales have declined.

Why? Because laminates aren’t as good at decreasing bacterial growth. The hard, waterproof plastic that tops luxury vinyl will not break down the way laminate does. Vinyl has an antimicrobial built into the finishing process that allows it to put up with any kind of cleaning process you throw at it. Cleaners, disinfectants, even bleach can be used with little impact. Of course, we suggest getting familiar with your product before you buy over the counter cleaners. The manufacturer will give you clear guidelines for the best way to keep your flooring clean.

Ceramic tile is being looked at with fresh eyes

Why do people choose ceramic tile for their homes?

• Because of its looks.
• Because of its durability.
• Because of its longevity.

All are true. But ceramic tile is rarely sold as one of the most antimicrobial flooring products on the marketplace. That might soon change.

The very nature of ceramic tile lends itself to be one of the cleanest flooring products on the market. Its solid surface can stand up to just about anything, including steam or cleaning solutions. It’s hardness also means that bacteria can’t settle in and stay.

What’s more, thanks to today’s technology, additional products can be mixed into both the ceramic and grout products to make it even more resistant to bacteria. That’s going to be a big plus as we move forward, and look to find our houses even more resistant to problems.

What about hardwood?

If you’re like a lot of homeowners here in Colorado, hardwood may still be at the top of your list. And we get it; hardwood makes one of the most beautiful additions to any home.

But what about cleanliness? What about its ability to ward off bacteria and other contaminants? Luckily, hardwood manufacturers are thinking about that too.

For example, one recent hardwood manufacturer recently announced the inclusion of an antimicrobial protection technology into all of its wood floor coatings. That means you can have the look of hardwood running throughout your home, while knowing it’s protecting you and your family from potential health issues at the same time.

Vinyl, tile, hardwood, which should a homeowner choose?

If your mind was set on installing new flooring, and you were looking to today’s trends to select the right one, rest assured you have several choices that can help you tick all the boxes on your checklist. They each have qualities that make them the perfect choice for your home.

So how do you make your final selection? Start asking a few more questions.

Will your new flooring be installed in a high moisture area?

Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are subjected to more extremes. Only you know your family’s living patterns. Only you know how well your basement handles under pressure. If water is a problem, and you find yourself cleaning of water messes regularly, go with a fully waterproof choice.

Do you have pets?

Pets provide unique problems for flooring. Luckily today’s trends in flooring can give you both durability as well as classic good looks. Pets can ruin flooring quickly just through daily living. If they’re messy eaters, water damage can quickly become apparent. The occasional accident can stain and strip the surface. And their nails can dig in and cause deep grooves. What does durability mean to you? Only you can decide what you’re willing to live with.

Who will install the flooring?

Some products are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. Other products are better left to the professionals. But installation will add extra cost to your budget, so it’s important to realize the entire cost before you jump in.

Speaking of budgets, what’s yours?

Your flooring is something you’ll be able to live with for years, possibly decades. It’s important to understand your choices, and possibly up your budget by a bit to jump to the next category of flooring. Learn the differences in product lines. Evaluate what your best choice is, based on your living arrangements. Ask questions. It’s the best way to find the best choice for your home.

What’s most important?

Times change. We’ve learned that well this year. While classic good looks may always be in fashion, we’re also learning how important it is to have a flooring that’s durable and easy to clean. If low maintenance is key, be sure to invest in a flooring that not only is easy to clean, but also gives you the ability to avoid germs and other contaminants too. COVID-19 might now be around forever, but one thing is for sure: we’re more aware than ever of potential problems that can surface overnight.

What’s your flooring choice?

Today’s trends in flooring give you durability, cleanliness, coupled with classic good looks. Whether you want a clean, modern design, or are ready to put tradition back into your home, today’s flooring choices have you covered.

What’s your favorite flooring?

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Now is the perfect time to look after your outdoor decking and Osmo Decking Oils are  great products to use.  Wooden decking can really transform a garden or outdoor area, but you will want to look after it each year to protect the wood from the outdoor elements.  The spring or early summer is the perfect time to do this. Read More

Tip a glass of red wine onto a white carpet, and you’ll see just how fast homeowners can run. They know the clock is ticking for action. And if you don’t treat the stain in the right manner within the first few minutes, you’ll see that stain for life.

The same holds true with a variety of flooring products. Spill a pitcher of apple juice, for example, and you’ll see a homeowner scramble just as fast, depending on what flooring is in place. Hardwood? Definitely. If it seeps into the wood, it can easily warp and crack. Tile? It depends on how porous the tile is, and what color grout is in place.

Flooring, no matter what you have installed, takes its fair share of abuse.

But what if there was a flooring choice that could withstand a higher level of abuse, and look good in the process? Such a flooring choice doesn’t exist. Or does it?

Maybe it’s time for another look at vinyl plank flooring.

What is vinyl plank flooring? 

Vinyl plank flooring is designed to resemble hardwood flooring, and it does so in a good way. It comes in strips – planks – and can be modified for different sizes. You can find this product in a number of styles, each mimicking different types of wood. If you like traditional oak, you can find it in vinyl plank. If you have your eye on something a little more exotic, you’ll find that too in vinyl plank flooring.

Vinyl plank flooring is waterproof

If you’re looking for a resilient flooring choice, one that is waterproof in many different situations, look no further than vinyl plank flooring. They’ve grown in popularity in recent years because technology now makes it possible to find styles that mimic other popular flooring choices, including stone, tile, hardwood, marble, and even concrete flooring. It gives you the appearance you desire, being as trendy as you want, without sacrificing durability and ease of maintenance in the process.

When vinyl plank flooring is exposed to water, it will not lose any of its structural integrity. That makes them the perfect choice for any room in your home.

Are they great for the kitchen? Yes.

Will they work in bathrooms? They’re the perfect choice for bathrooms.

How about laundry rooms? Yep, they’ll work there too.

In fact, they are becoming so popular, you’ll find vinyl plank flooring in every room in the home. They’re the perfect solution for combining good looks with durability, especially when care and cleaning are at the top of everyone’s mindset.

What makes it waterproof is it’s four layers of construction.

The backing layer – what gives a flooring its waterproof qualities starts at the base. The backing layer is made from an underlayment of cork or foam. This serves two purposes. One, it means you won’t have to purchase additional underlayment in order to install it over the subfloor. Two, it provides softness and noise reduction to your floor.

If you’ve ever walked on a floor without underlayment, you realize just how noisy engineered flooring can be. It has a hollow sound that echos throughout your room. With vinyl plank flooring, the base is already in place. You won’t need to invest in additional backing before installation.

The waterproof layer – for a vinyl floor, this is the most important layer to give it a waterproof quality. The waterproof layer is high density and won’t contract or swell no matter what is dropped on it. Most waterproof layers today are resilient, thick, and dense. The core may have been manufactured with a foaming agent that makes it equally as comfortable underfoot as it is durable.

The print layer – thanks to technology, the print layer is more realistic than ever. The manufacturer photographs each product with clarity and full-color to ensure you have a final look that’s as gorgeous as the real thing. It looks so realistic, even discerning guests will swear it’s the real thing.

The wear layer – the wear layer is one of the most important parts, ensuring durability and a long life. Think of it as protection from anything you can dish out. Dents, scratches, spills, scuffs, movement – it’s designed to stand against possible problems, and continue looking good for years to come.

Why buy waterproof vinyl plank flooring

If you’re already sold on why you should put waterproof vinyl plank flooring into your home, congratulations. We couldn’t agree more! We think it’s one of the best choices you can make for your home.

But if you’re still debating on whether it’s the right choice for you, here are a few additional reasons to fall in love with it.

• It’s 100 percent waterproof. In case we haven’t mentioned it enough, we thought we’d add it in here one more time. Just be sure you talk to our flooring contractor to ensure you purchase vinyl planks made by the right manufacturer. Not all are resilient, so you’ll have to do a little homework to find the product that suits your needs.

• It’s a perfect choice for subfloors that are anything but perfect. You might already be aware of a few problems that exist in your home. A flooring that’s not level.

• Technology is changing everything. That includes the realism of vinyl plank flooring too. No matter what styles or design you’re thinking of for your flooring, you’ll find it in the luxury vinyl market. The top-end flooring manufacturers are now able to create realistic prints that mimic real products better than ever before. It’s so realistic, you’ll have to get down on the floor to tell the difference.

• Tile is one of the most durable flooring materials available for your home. It’s also one of the hardest. While that might work in some places – it’s great in the shower – it can grow wearisome in places where you spend a lot of time. The softness underfoot of vinyl plank flooring is greatly appreciated in places like the kitchen where you stand for hours on end.

• You’ll also be impressed with how little maintenance it takes to keep it looking its best. An occasional vacuum and damp cloth will let the quality shine through every time.

What are you waiting for? Vinyl plank flooring is an addition you’re going to love, no matter what room you install it in.

Get started today.

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

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?

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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?

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