Are Pets A Dealbreaker For Hardwood Flooring

We as Americans love our pets. According to a recent study by the American Pet Products Association, 67 percent of all Americans own a pet. And if you take a quick look around the Rocky Mountain region, you’ll find that Coloradoans take that to heart.

Walk anywhere in LoDo, and you’ll see dogs visit the street cafes as often as their humans. Hit the slopes, and you’ll find dogs often tag along. Even seeing cats out for a walk with their owners is now more commonplace than ever before.

Head indoors, and you’ll find even more pets, not just dogs and cats. Birds, rabbits, and other small animals often share living space with their human friends.

If you’re one of the 67 percent that has invited a pet to share your space, you already know you have to make certain adjustments to have a beautiful home and care for a pet at the same time.Are Pets A Dealbreaker For Hardwood Flooring

Most interior designers will tell you pets and hardwood flooring don’t often go together. Pets impact hardwood floors in two ways – urine and scratches from toenails. Are they always a deal breaker with your hardwood floors?

Will dog claws scratch hardwood floors?

Dogs can be especially brutal to hardwood floors. Those sharp toenails dig in as they go around and around with a game of tag. Or maybe they can spend hours playing fetch with their favorite toys or a ball.

Dogs also weigh a lot more than cats or other small furry animals. When they jump, pounce, dance, and charge, they use all of the power in their front feet to gain traction. That means they dig those claws into your flooring just a little bit, looking for any way possible to go a bit faster.

But no matter how big your dog is, or how many games of chase they like to play, there are ways to counter the damage they can do to your hardwood floors.

Your first job is to realize your hardwood floors will need a little more protection than the average home. You’ll need to apply protective coatings to the finish, and perform maintenance more frequently to keep your floors looking their best. Does it take a little more bite out of your budget, and more time to ensure your flooring looks its best? Of course. But if you want a stylish home and a furry BFF too, it’s important to know what you’re in for before you have hardwood installed.

How to keep hardwood floor maintenance to a minimum

Before you head in and select the hardwood flooring perfect for your home, it’s important to have a better idea of the maintenance required to keep them looking their best no matter what your pet dishes out.

Use more protective coatings – Whenever you purchase hardwood flooring, it’s important to realize that each manufacturer and product is created with “average” in mind. Our goal is to point you to the material that will perform well under pressure, and hold up no matter what you and your family can dish out. But in the end, every product still can have a few boosters to give it even more strength.

Each layer of protective coating adds another layer to the surface. When pets nails hit the floor and scratch it, they are scratching the protective coating first, the hardwood next. With more protective layers, it takes longer for pet’s nails to penetrate into the flooring. That’s why adding several layers of protective coating in the beginning, may be your best solution.

Use a tougher coating – Of course, you can only apply so many protective layers to the hardwood before it becomes counterintuitive. Do a little research, and you’ll find that there are different brands and manufacturers that create top coats for various purposes. Find one that bonds better and creates a tougher shell for more protection.

Handling scratches as they appear – As surface scratches start to appear, you can use a stain-filler marker that matches the stain finish of your hardwood. This can keep your flooring looking as new as possible until the scratches start moving below the surface level, and actually into the hardwood itself.

Then it’s time to sand the surface, restain it to match the coloring of your floors, and reseal it with a polyurethane finish. Be sure to talk with one of our flooring consultants as you purchase your hardwood floors. We can provide you with tips on what colors to choose for your markers and stains, as well as provide you with top coat finishes to ensure they match your existing product as you refinish or replace small sections of your flooring.

Keep pet nails well groomed – It might be overstating the obvious, but pay attention to the condition of your pets’ paws. Wipe off their paws when they enter from outside to ensure sand and grit aren’t tracked onto your hardwood. Keep toenails clipped and short, building grooming sessions into your schedule every week.

Rugs are your best friends too – Hardwood and rugs just go together. Place rugs by every entrance to ensure your pets have a chance to wipe their paws before they step onto the hardwood. Use them in places your BFF might need a little more traction to help stay safe, like hallways or stairs. You can also place them in family rooms where your pets spend more time hanging out and playing with you.

Pet urine … the biggest problem

When you have pets, at some point in time, you will have accidents on your floor. And those small puddles of urine are the biggest potential problem that can impact hardwood flooring.

If you see your pet making a mess, and notice the puddle immediately, clean it up as fast as you can. Unfortunately, pets are notorious for sneaking and hiding their  problems in far-off places. That means that puddle can sit for hours, possibly even days before it’s discovered.

As urine sits, it decomposes. It becomes more alkaline and more corrosive as it sits. If you’ve ever found old puddles to smell a bit like ammonia, there’s a reason for that. And ammonia and hardwood flooring don’t mix.

This happens even more frequently when the puddle is covered up. Has your pet found a favorite place to mark its territory, in the corner of a room, or on the side of a rug? It can keep the liquid from drying, making the corrosive properties even stronger.

If you suspect a puddle to have been there longer than a few hours, spot with a mild acid – vinegar should do the trick. Let the area dry completely, which could take several days to a week or more. You’ll also have to work on the pet’s behavior, because pets are notorious for returning to a spot once it’s marked.

If the stain is too deep, the only way to repair it is to sand it down, or to replace the boards altogether if they’ve warped.

Do pets and hardwood floors go together? 

They aren’t always a deal breaker.

If you love your pets but are considering hardwood floors too, stop by today. We have a wealth of information we can share with you on how to bring the two together, and create a home you’ll love for years to come.

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How Vinyl Floor Impacts The Environment

Are you looking for a sustainable flooring option? Want a flooring that doesn’t hurt the environment?

For many homeowners, sustainability is becoming one of their top shopping preferences. Not only is it better for the environment to think green before you buy, but it’s also important to bring materials into your home that won’t impact your family’s health too.

When you think green, a lot of materials come to mind. Wood. Bamboo. Wool. Yet most people rarely think about vinyl as being a green product. They are surprised to learn that vinyl floors can be environmentally friendly.

John Elkington defined the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to sustainability back in 1994. According to Elkington, the Triple Bottom Line approach gives you a way to assess any product you choose to bring into your home based on three criteria. Look at:

  • The cradle to grave impact of the product
  • How the manufacturer contributes to sustainability throughout the company and the community
  • How economic stable the manufacturer is

How does vinyl flooring compare?

How Vinyl Floor Impacts The EnvironmentHow vinyl floor is made

Vinyl flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Depending on the manufacturer, it has a variety of materials added to create its individualistic looks.

The primary element in vinyl flooring is a vinyl sheet. Manufacturers suspend vinyl in a liquid mixture that is then spread into a thin sheet and rolled to the desired length and width. Plastic coating is fused and dried to create a tough, durable material.

Vinyl sheets can be produced in many sizes and shapes. It can be sold in sheet format, cut into 6, 9, or 12 inch square tiles, or be cut into plank shapes.

All vinyl tile has several layers. It begins with a core layer of vinyl over a felt backing. Some vinyl floors have a very thin decorative layer that creates patterns and colors. A thin plastic layer can add to the durability and provide a relatively maintenance-free, scuff-resistant surface.

Think of the backing as the strength, the top layer as the wear layer. The two must work together to give you a high-quality product. The backing can be made in a similar fashion to papermaking, using things like limestone and clay.

Of course, what the final product is made from is up to the manufacturer. Resilient flooring now makes up about 14 percent of the flooring marketplace, meaning there’s a lot of room for both top of the line and less than reputable companies to do business with. That’s why it’s important to stick with a flooring company you can trust. If you do business with a reliable flooring company, they will only suggest manufacturers that make a high-quality product.

Harmful chemicals

If you do a search for the reasons why people don’t like vinyl floor, it almost always has to do with the chemicals used both in production of the flooring, and in the product itself. And for good reason. If you go back decades ago, before harmful chemical usage was researched, you’ll find a wide variety of materials were used to create vinyl.

Asbestos was high on the list of harmful chemicals. Asbestos was once thought to be a great insulator, as well as adding fire-retardant features to all it was added to. Once it was determined how toxic the material really was, all usage was halted. Even though you can still find asbestos in older insulation and vinyl flooring, care must be used when remodeling and taking the old products out.

Formaldehyde was another highly toxic chemical used in vinyl flooring. Formaldehyde is often mixed into the glues and adhesives used in vinyl production. Urea-formaldehyde has the greatest risk factors, causing respiratory and nervous system problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, increased risk of asthma and allergies in kids and adults.

Depending on the manufacturer used, you can find a host of other harmful chemicals used in production. Lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, dioxins, chloride, and phthalates are all toxic and irritants to the human body in some format.

The best way to get a vinyl flooring product that doesn’t use harmful chemicals is to ask. It’s the only way you can be sure you’re getting a top of the line product that has low or no risk factors you don’t want to bring into your home, or have impact the environment.

Environmental impact after installation

When most homeowners consider flooring options, they focus on the product before they choose and install. But if you are making the best choice for the environment, it’s important to consider all levels of the life cycle, including after installation.

What about durability? If you have a flooring option that handles well, is durable, and can withstand lots of activity and traffic, it means less chance of having to replace it quickly. If properly cared for and installed, vinyl floor can last as much as 20 years or even longer. If you don’t have to replace it as often, it saves on waste and the environmental impact of having it removed and sending it to the landfill.

Vinyl floors cannot be refinished. That means when they wear out, they will have to be replaced. Yet one of the best reasons to use today’s vinyl flooring tiles and planks is because it’s a relatively easy process to remove and replace them. Simply pull up the damaged tile or plank and tap the new one into place. You’ll add longevity to your flooring by only having to replace impacted areas.

Which also brings us to end of life. As a whole, vinyl flooring cannot be recycled, and it is not biodegradable. If you send it to the landfill, it just sits there taking up space indefinitely. Vinyl flooring is hard to recycle because of the different material makeup of the vinyl throughout. It’s tough removing the vinyl from the backing from the adhesive, meaning it’s next to impossible to recycle the parts that are truly recyclable.

This is changing too. As a whole, the industry knows it will have to change in the future. That’s why you’ll find the best manufacturers in the flooring industry doing their part now. Armstrong, for instance, has its own recycling program to keep product out of the landfills. It’s also finding other creative ways to recycle and use different products in different ways.

Is a vinyl floor in your future?

There are different flooring products for all kinds of homes, all kinds of people, all kinds of tastes. If you are leaning towards the durability and strength of vinyl flooring, don’t hold back. Today’s vinyl flooring can be a sustainable purchase that won’t harm the environment. Go with a reputable company that is working hard to make our future better. Ask us how.

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8 Ways To Use Carpet Tiles In Your Home

You love your hardwood floors. But maybe you have a room where you want something a bit different. Why not give carpet tiles a try?

Carpet tiles have long since been a favorite in the commercial sector, with carpet tiles representing 60 percent of the commercial carpet market. But as people continue to use them in office settings and find out how beneficial they are, they are putting them into their homes too.

Why? Because they’re so versatile! Once you give them a try, you’re going to find many uses for them throughout your home.

What are carpet tiles?

8 Ways To Use Carpet Tiles In Your HomeCarpet tiles are, as the name implies, squares of carpet that can be fit together inside your room. They usually are cut to 24 x 24 inches, or 18 x 18 inches square, but with their popularity, you’ll find them in all sorts of sizes.

Homeowners love them because they are easy to handle and care for in do-it-yourself fashion. If you buy broadloom carpet and try to install it yourself, you can face a variety of problems. It takes talent to install, hide seams, stretch, and tack into place.

Not so with carpet tile. Because they are easy to handle, virtually anyone can install them in minutes.

Want a few tips on how to use them inside your home? Read on.

Install them easily

One of the best reasons to use carpet tiles throughout your home is because they are super easy to install. As a do-it-yourselfer, it’s an easy project to take on.

Maybe you’ve been watching the home improvement shows on television. Maybe you’re just looking for a way to make your room stand out without spending a lot of money. Carpet tiles can be one of the best solutions. Just make sure the subfloor is prepared correctly. Then select your tiles, ensure you have enough for the size of your room, and install them. It’s literally that easy.

Add a punch of color to any room

Most homeowners like a more subdued, natural color in the main living spaces of the home. But there’s always one room where you want the freedom to express yourself. Maybe a playroom, a craft room, or a music room. Maybe you have a creative child who’s dying to bring wild colors into their space. Carpet squares are the way to do that easily.

What’s even better is the fact that they are as easy to take out as they are to put in. If your creative genius mixes up the colors, then decides they want to change things up, you can do so easily. It’s a great way to help build their confidence and let them have fun with their newfound decorating skills.

Avoid labor costs and replacement issues

Carpet tiles can be less expensive than many other flooring options you may look at. What’s more, because you can do it yourself, you can save on labor and installation costs too. And because carpet tiles are laid directly onto the subfloor, you won’t have the added expense of carpet pads either. It truly can be a fun way to save money and create a unique space you’ll love.

Carpet tiles are perfect for high traffic areas where spills and other messes may be a problem. How about installing them in a wine cellar? You won’t have to worry about dropping a bottle or spilling when you cork your favorite blend. They are easy to clean. And if you do stain an area, just lift up the tile and put a new one into place. For that reason, it’s a good idea to order a few extra, to replace damaged tiles as they happen.

Put them in the most high traffic areas of your home

Have you watched the way your kids tear up their playroom? They build all kinds of wild and creative settings as they imagine the day away.

Of course, that snack they snuck up into the playroom often gets entangled in the action. Ground up cookies, spilled juice, and even the occasional melted candy bar can really pack a punch on your flooring.

But with carpet tiles, you don’t have to worry about the mess. It’s easier to clean up as they occur. And if something happens that you can’t remove, just replace the tile, and it’ll look as good as new.

Worried about not having enough tiles or not having the colors match? Why not mix and match? Select several different colors all in one similar range. Then piece them together, so the colors interweave. If you run out of a color, you can always shop for more, never worrying about how they will integrate with each other. Every new color simply adds to a new look.

Carpet tiles are durable

Home office work is rising every year. Over 3.7 million workers telecommute at least part of their workweek. Over 15 million are self-employed. That makes home offices not just a convenience, it puts them more in demand than ever before.

Yet what flooring works in a bedroom or living space doesn’t necessarily work for office functionality. That plus carpet is hard to roll through with an office chair. Yet its the perfect environment to get creative and install carpet squares instead.

Stay subtle and blend it with the rest of your home’s decor. Play up the color of your company brand. Or make it uniquely your own, to provide motivation through color as you work through your busy days.

Avoid seams

Do you have an oddly shaped room? Do you always have to buy a lot more flooring just to make it work? That’s a lot of waste.

If you select wall to wall carpet, it most likely comes in 12 foot widths. Yet how many rooms are perfectly 12 feet? Playrooms and home offices are often tucked into corners of the home. Homeowners are brilliant at being able to create space from nothing. Storage closets, wine cellars, game rooms and more can all be added creatively to give you exactly what you want from your home.

And once you have your creative juices flowing, with carpet squares, you’ll never have to worry about having a seam in the worst place possible. Or pay for extra carpet that will never be used, just to piece it together into a corner. Just tuck the carpet square in, cut it to size, and press it into place.

Clean up for health

Some of the most popular rooms in your home are also the messiest.

  • The playroom where your kids grind in the dirt
  • The gameroom where you spend your nights and weekends
  • The craftroom where paints, clays, and more can linger forever

And once the dirt and grime are in place, it can impact your health as well as be an unsightly mess.

The EPA has stated that indoor air quality is often worse than outside air. Since carpet tiles have lower pile, they trap less dirt, and are easier to clean. That means they can be a better alternative for creating a more eco-friendly living space in your home.

Give you better water protection too

Even carpet tiles are still carpeting; they will never stand up to standing water. But when you compare carpet tiles with wall to wall carpeting, you will find they stand up to moisture better over time. They’re easier to clean, meaning you can clean up that spill quickly and not have it impact the fibers. Because there isn’t a carpet pad, moisture won’t seep through. And if you do sustain damage, it’s easier to correct the problem by replacing individual tiles.

Are you ready to install carpet tiles in your home? We can help. Stop by today and see our complete selection, and find one perfect for the look you’re trying to create.

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What’s The Best Floor Adhesive For Your Project?

Whether you’re planning a do-it-yourself project, or will hire someone to install new flooring for you, it’s not just the flooring material you should concern yourself with. Floor adhesive is also important. Floor adhesive will ultimately determine the wearability factor of your flooring. It can also introduce chemicals into your home you may not be aware of.

Do a little research and you’ll quickly determine there are a wide variety of products available on the market today. What’s safe? What does a good job? Will one last longer than others? Is there a “best” you should consider?

Of course, there are many things to consider. Here’s a guide to help you understand floor adhesives a little better, and to help you determine the right one for your home improvement project.

What is floor adhesive?

What’s The Best Floor Adhesive For Your Project?Floor adhesive is a strong, permanent glue that is used for attaching flooring materials to a subfloor or underlayment. Each type of flooring will have its own recommended adhesive, although you can find multi-purpose adhesives that do the job too. In order to find the right adhesive for the job, consider the following.

Location

If you’re remodeling a room in your home, your biggest factor will be to decide how well the flooring will handle under different conditions. Bathrooms and kitchens will have more situations where moisture may be a problem than will dining or family rooms. Exterior locations, such as outdoor living spaces, will need a floor adhesive that can handle all kinds of weather conditions, including the stress from moisture, extreme heat, and freezing conditions.

Recommended For

Like other materials, floor adhesive will often be specific about what it’s made for. Check out the label, and it should provide specifics about the environment it handles well for, and what materials it works best with. Pay particular attention to any reference to a product that lists “but can be used for” in addition to its intended uses. Homeowners often fall into the trap of using one product for many jobs – it’s easier and less expensive than running to the store multiple times. Yet flooring is one of the most important materials in your home; get it wrong, and you’ll pay the price. To do the job right, always stick with a floor adhesive that is intended for the project you are doing.

Substrate

The substrate – the underlayment or subflooring – should also be considered when selecting floor adhesive. Certain adhesives will bond better to different subfloors. Concrete in a basement, for example, will require a different bonding material than a plywood subflooring used in the bedrooms. It also depends on grade – a cool, damp basement has different needs than a warm home office on the second floor. You should also consider the type of flooring you’ll be installing, and whether you’ll be using radiant heating in your final application.

VOC

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic materials often associated with a variety of building materials. They can offgas when introduced into your home, creating toxic indoor air quality. Different floor adhesives are created from different chemicals, which makes some more volatile than others. If this is important to you, be sure you check labels and ask questions to ensure you are installing the one with the lowest VOC content.

Drying Time

Some floor adhesives dry faster than others. Some floors must sit without anyone walking on them for extended periods of time to cure properly. If you have a busy household, or are planning an event in which you’ll have a lot of people walking on the floor, be sure you understand all of the nuances of the glue before you lay it into place.

Coverage

Every floor adhesive has recommended guidelines for how much you’ll need to put your flooring into place. Pay attention to coverage guidelines. Use too much, and it may be difficult to spread, put into place, and have longer drying times. Use too little, and you may have problems with your floor not adhering the way it should. Figure out how much you’ll need by calculating the square footage of your space, then add another 10 percent for error. The last thing you want to happen is to run out of material right at the end of your project.

Shelf Life

Have some extra adhesive left over? Have to put your project on hold, and wondering how long your floor adhesive will last? Follow manufacturer’s guidelines before you store it. Glues often lose performance the longer they sit. They can lose their ability to bond, which can impact the functionality of your floor.

Protection

If you do turn it into a do-it-yourself project, follow all guidelines when installing. Make sure the area you are applying floor adhesive to is well-ventilated. Use a mask or respirator to help protect you from breathing in the chemicals. It’s also recommended to wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and your skin.

Self-Adhesive

Some forms of flooring, including vinyl, cork, and linoleum, are available with a self-adhesive backing for easy installation. This means the adhesive is already in place, and all you have to do is peel off a paper covering to reveal the glue, and then drop it into place on your prepared subfloor. This makes the installation process easier as you won’t have to apply the floor adhesive before you lay the tiles. This also creates a perfect blend of how much glue you’ll need, and you won’t have to buy extra materials to have the look you desire. It’s an easy solution for a lot of do-it-yourselfers.

Hiring It Installed

Just because you’re hiring a contractor to install your new flooring for you doesn’t mean you should ignore the process. Ask questions about the installation process. Learn what type of adhesive will be applied. Can you request less toxic chemicals to be used?

When you come in and speak with one of our flooring consultants, we can answer all of these questions and more.

Whether you’re looking for a DIY project, or want us to handle the job, we’ll ensure you get the very best flooring and installation process you’ll be happy to have in your home.

Stop by today and let us help you choose the perfect flooring for your needs.

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Understanding Commercial Grade Laminate Flooring

If you own commercial property, the materials you use have to be a little stronger, more durable than anything you’d put into your own home. They have to withstand higher traffic, more abuse, more cleanings, and look good throughout its lifespan. It can be difficult finding the right products for the job.

Yet more and more, people are turning to laminate because of its durability and versatility. Not just any laminate, commercial grade laminate flooring. Laminate is made from several layers:

  • A backing layer that is designed to provide a moisture barrier as well as give the flooring its structural integrity.
  • A dense inner layer, sometimes called a core layer, made from compressed wood fiber.
  • A decorative layer that gives the floor its decorative look and feel. This is achieved through high quality photography, giving the laminate the appearance of natural hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile.
  • A wear layer that creates a tough, beautiful finish that is resistant to stain, fade, and wear.

Understanding Commercial Grade Laminate FlooringWhat makes laminate a popular choice for homes is also why property managers turn to commercial grade laminate flooring. It’s a popular choice because it looks great and performs well too. High end retail locations and client-oriented business offices often want to put their best foot forward when attracting clientele. Laminate can be the perfect way to do that.

But don’t be fooled. There is a difference in laminate quality. You can’t put laminate created for residential environments in commercial locations. They won’t hold up to the abuse. Instead, high quality or commercial grade laminate flooring is your best choice, as it is created especially for higher traffic businesses that care about looks and making a good first impression.

How laminate flooring is structured

All laminate flooring is created using the four layers mentioned above. The majority of the layer is the high-density fiberboard, which is as much as 85 percent of the laminate board. If you pay attention to the product materials, you can find some laminate made almost entirely of recycled materials. That’s good for the environment as well as helping your business stay as green as possible.

Why laminate has increased in popularity in recent years is because of better technology. With today’s printing technology, laminate can take on any look you desire. Have an exotic hardwood in mind, but want it without the exotic price or increased maintenance? Laminate can be your answer. Want stone or even a random pattern you can’t find with other products? It’s easier than ever to create the look using laminate.

The heat-fused top layer allows you to see the beauty of the print layer, while protecting it from things like dirt and liquids, things that can be damaging to other flooring choices.

What separates residential laminate from commercial grade laminate flooring is the thickness and quality of these layers. Commercial grade will be thicker, offering more protection from things that can damage it most.

What is a laminate wear rating?

One of the biggest factors you should focus on when making your final selection is the wear rating. For laminate flooring, a wear rating indicates how well the floor will stand up to daily wear and tear. All laminate flooring will have an AC rating – abrasion class rating – and will be followed by a number. Laminate flooring has five rating levels, AC1 is for low traffic areas while AC5 is for commercial use.

  • AC1 is for low traffic use in residential situations only. This product is best kept in places like bedrooms or guest spaces, a place where it won’t have a lot of use.
  • AC2 is better suited for higher traffic residential uses. You can place AC2 laminate in areas like the living room and family room. It’s still not suggested for commercial use.
  • AC3 is a good choice for all residential needs. If you want to have flow-through and have unified flooring throughout your home, AC3 is the choice for you. It can also be used in light-traffic commercial applications.
  • AC4 is manufactured specifically for commercial use. For offices that don’t get a lot of traffic, it can be the perfect choice for you. An AC4 rated laminate has a more abrasive wear layer making it stand up well in commercial applications, but isn’t comfortable for residential use.
  • AC5 is designed to handle high-traffic situations. It’s what is usually installed in department stores, offices, and shopping centers. It also has an abrasive texture to stand up well under pressure, but isn’t a good choice for residential applications.

How do you maintain commercial grade laminate flooring?

What makes homeowners love laminate flooring is also the same reasons property managers flock to commercial grade laminate flooring. The two products share many of the same qualities. But commercial grade laminate flooring also has a few unique qualities that are increasing its popularity.

  • The high quality wear layer found on commercial grade laminate flooring is quite prone to resisting scratches and penetration. Because dirt, debris, spills, and stains generally sit on the surface at least for a short while, it makes allows a quick cleanup for damage to be avoided.
  • The tough wear layer will prevent damage from harmful UV light exposure. This means laminate can be used in public areas where natural light spills in and settles for hours throughout the day.
  • Laminate has a wear layer to protect the look and feel. Once this wear layer has been penetrated or worn through, the flooring itself will have to be replaced. Laminate isn’t hardwood; it can’t be refinished to bring it back to its natural beauty. Focus on buying high quality laminate that will ensure you the thickest, strongest wear layer possible.
  • Also, pay attention to warranties. They are often a sure indicator of the quality of the product. Most commercial grade laminate flooring warranties will come with guidelines outlining maintenance, environments, and potential problem areas to stay within the guarantee. By asking about them upfront, and reviewing them before you select your final product, you can ensure you get the right product for your situation.

What do you want your flooring to look like? 

That really is the beauty of installing commercial grade laminate flooring in your retail location of office. Laminate flooring can take on any look you desire.

Want the look of hardwood without the fuss? Want better performance yet crave the look of natural stone? With laminate, anything is possible.

And the best place to start planning your aesthetics and final look is by talking with one of our flooring experts. We can help you design a space you’ll be proud of for years to come.

How can we help you?

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Residential Flooring Choices For Aging In Place

You might have heard the statistics for the aging population in America. Right now, roughly 10,000 people turn 65 every day. By the end of the next decade, that number will have increased to 12,000.

As more people reach their retirement years, the number of people needing help for everyday functions will increase right along with it. That makes the concept of aging in place even more appealing.

If you have someone in your family who is older, aging, and not moving the way they once did, you might have started the conversation about having them move somewhere safer and more secure. You were probably met with one wish – “I want to stay in my own home!”

And that’s the concept of aging in place. It means creating a home where aging isn’t hindered by the home’s surroundings. Everything is put into place with the idea of being functional as a person ages. It means consciously choosing everything from flooring to room layouts, to decor, with the thought of the needs of a person as they age.

Residential Flooring Choices For Aging In PlaceIf you’re in the market to create a home where you can age in place, start at the bottom. Choosing residential flooring for aging in place doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to shop with end results in mind, and be aware of these four things:

Slip-resistance – at the top of your shopping list should be to find a flooring that won’t become slippery in different situations. If water spills onto the floor in the bathroom, it will still be slip-resistant. If food spills onto the floor in the kitchen, it will still be a safe place to walk.

Movement – over time, walking and movement can become more difficult. Be sure the flooring is easy to walk on with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, without leaving marks.

Cleaning and maintenance – what good is a flooring if you always have to care for it? The best residential flooring for aging in place is always easy to care for and easy to maintain.

Comfort – pay attention to how the flooring feels underfoot. It should be soft to the touch and easy to walk on. It should provide support instead of becoming a tripping hazard. It should offer shock absorbance and cushion a fall, for the just in case.

Keep in mind that not every flooring choice is meant for every room. The best choice for the bathroom might include something that is moisture resistant and easy to clean, more emphasis might be on movement and comfort in shared living spaces.

With all of this in mind, what are the best choices for your home?

Carpet

It’s difficult to ignore the benefits of carpet, especially for the living spaces within your home. Carpet offers cushion and is one of the softest materials you can install in a home. If a person falls, there’s less risk of injury as it can provide some protection.

If you are investing in carpet, pay attention to the tightness of the weave and the pattern of the fiber. It should provide evenness and strength to endure all kinds of traffic, including with a walker or wheelchair. Pay attention to the padding underneath, too, as that can add stability to the flooring. Keep in mind that wheelchairs won’t roll on thick, plush carpeting. Long pile can also pose a tripping hazard. A pile of no more than ½ inch thick should be installed if the room will be accessed regularly by a person in a wheelchair.

When it comes to warmth, you can’t ignore carpet. It doesn’t retain heat or cold like other flooring choices. Nothing feels better than stepping out of bed on a cold morning and touching warm fibers. Try doing that with ceramic tile.

Carpet is also the best at absorbing sound. If you want a quieter home, carpet is the best way to go.

Of course, one of the main drawbacks of carpet is the ability to keep it clean. It stains and shows wear more than many other flooring choices. It also doesn’t do well in places that attract more dirt, such as the kitchen or bathroom. It will take work to keep it looking new.

Vinyl

Vinyl is growing in popularity as today’s technology gives it just about any look you desire. Luxury vinyl tiles can now give you the appearance of hardwood or stone, with the benefits of a softer, more durable flooring choice.

The biggest benefit of vinyl is it’s highly water-resistant. That makes it a perfect choice for places like bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways. Sheet vinyl may be a better choice if you have an area that will withstand a lot of moisture as there will be fewer seams. But overall, you can’t go wrong by installing vinyl for a great look with high durability.

Homeowners also like the price. Vinyl offers some of the most affordable flooring choices on the market today. Plus, it’s just as easy to install yourself as it is to hire someone to do it.

While the look is appealing when durability is also a factor, keep in mind that nothing will ever take the place of the real thing. If you love hardwood and stone, vinyl does a good job of emulating it. But it will never take the place of the real thing.

Cork

Cork is growing in popularity because of its good looks and functionality. If you want something that looks like hardwood while being softer to the touch, cork is a viable option.

Cork has a smooth surface that offers some cushion underfoot. Cork is hard enough to withstand a wheelchair rolling across, and it won’t impede walking the way carpet does. It also offers some insulating qualities that make it warmer and more soundproof than hardwood.

As long as a cork floor is properly maintained, it can last indefinitely. Cork needs a sealant over it to protect the surface from stains. Be sure to follow manufacturers’ guidelines to keep it looking its best.

And though cork looks and acts like hardwood in many cases, it is softer and thus will damage easier. If you walk across it with high heels, or set thin furniture legs on it, it will dent. It can be scraped by dragging things across it. And if you leave water unchecked, it can be damaged quickly.

What’s the right choice for your needs? 

If you’re remodeling your home and looking for the right residential flooring for aging in place, one of these three choices may be perfect for you.

You can’t argue with the warmth and softness of carpet. Today’s vinyl offers you more choices than ever before. And if you want something newer, something that will handle well now and into the future, give cork a second look.

We think you’re going to love one of these choices for your home.

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The Advantages Of Using Glue-Down Vinyl Tiles In Your Home

Glue-down vinyl tiles have many advantages. Maybe that’s what has made them so popular for decades. They can be the perfect addition to any high-traffic area of your home where water-resistance is also in demand, like a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen.

Of course, with today’s technology, vinyl tiles aren’t what you remember from your parents’ homes. Maybe that’s why there is increasing interest in this viable flooring choice.

However, once you’ve decided to install vinyl floor, you can quickly become confused about the best way to install the. One of the reasons homeowners choose vinyl tile is because it’s perfect for the do-it-yourself project. But once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you’ll also have to decide the best way to install: floating or glue-down.The Advantages Of Using Glue-Down Vinyl Tiles In Your Home

The reason both ways are still on the marketplace should clue you in that there are advantages to both. It’s important to consider your options carefully before you make your final decision.

First, let’s discuss glue-down vs floating

Before you weigh your options and make a decision, it’s important to understand the makeup of each product.

Glue-down is considered to be a permanent flooring. Because it adheres directly to the subfloor, it adds to the strength to increase scratch resistance, impact, and spills. Being permanent means you won’t be replacing it regularly, and are looking at longevity rather than replacement convenience.

Floating vinyl planks lay over the subfloor. They usually feature a click-and-lock system that makes this easy for do-it-yourselfers to install a floor in a weekend.

Glue-down vinyl tiles are easy to replace. Simply peel up a tile and replace it with a new one. Or easily life sections at a time. While floating tiles are easy to replace, they take a little more work because of the click system.

Glue-down is suitable for any room where high-traffic and water-resistance is standard. That makes glue-down vinyl great in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways. It works well, no matter how large or small the room.

Floating tiles work similarly, however, they don’t work as well in larger rooms. You’ll have better results with glue-down over time.

The cost of glue-down is also more economical than floating tiles in most cases.

Settled in on glue-down vinyl tiles? What about the glue?

If you’re moving forward with installing glue-down vinyl tiles, they come with two different types of adhesive: a separate adhesive that is spread onto the floor using a trowel, and those that have adhesive covering the back with a peel-and-stick system.

While it can seem daunting to use a separate adhesive you’ll have to spread across the floor, it’s actually easier than it sounds. Plus, it has some benefits that may make it worth your time.

Self-adhesive tiles are very sticky. That makes them hard to reposition once they touch the subfloor. While many homeowners purchase vinyl tiles because they are easy to work with, this factor can negate ease. Many homeowners have become “frustrated” by how permanent these tiles become even with just a basic touch.

By contrast, if you work with floor tile adhesive you spread across the floor, it takes time for the glue to set. This gives you a chance to reposition the tile, look at the results, and change the layout again. It usually takes up to a full day for the adhesive to set, giving you plenty of time to ensure you have it right.

Self-adhesive tile is also more prone to curling. If you don’t get the installation right, self-adhesive tiles can curl up at the edges weeks or months after installation. Compare that to vinyl tiles that are installed with adhesive; they rarely loosen and curl by themselves. This can be especially important in high-traffic areas where risk is higher to catch edges.

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles also require a smoother, more perfect subfloor. Because they are thin with a standard peel-and-stick system to hold them in place, you’ll have to ensure your subfloor is free of imperfections before you lay it into place. Even small bumps or uneven areas can quickly cause problems down the road.

Compare that to installing with separate adhesive, you’ll find these glue-down tiles are easier to hide minor imperfections. Because you control the amount of adhesive, it’s easier to apply these tiles to areas with less than perfect subfloors.

Misconceptions about tile adhesive

There are three reasons people are a little apprehensive about choosing glue-down vinyl tiles before they do their research:

  • They assume the process is messy
  • They assume the odor will linger
  • They assume the adhesive is toxic

Who wants to bring all of that into your home, especially when you’re trying to make your home cleaner, and your life healthier?

In reality, those are nothing but myths about using glue-down vinyl tile. There are many different types of adhesives to choose from, some of which are latex-based, water-soluble, low or zero VOC. That means the smell isn’t very strong, and easily goes away in a short period of time. Because it’s water-soluble, it makes clean up a snap.

What’s even better is the cost. Glue-down tiles are, in general, less expensive than the peel-and-stick. You can get a gallon of adhesive for low cost, which will cover up to 400 square feet per gallon. That gives glue-down vinyl tile the advantage – and the perfect choice for the rooms you’re thinking of taking on yourself.

Which should you choose?

The reason there are so many choices on the market today is that there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Instead, it depends on your needs and your desires.

Start with your living styles. What would make the most sense for the way you live? Combine that with your personal choices, and you’re sure to find the perfect flooring for you.

If you have questions, that’s where it helps to stop by and speak with one of our flooring representatives. Our goal is to ensure you have the right flooring for your needs, and that you’ll be happy with it for years to come.

If glue-down vinyl tile is the right choice for you, you’ll love all of the colors, styles, and patterns we have in stock. Whether you’re taking on a do-it-yourself project, or are hiring a professional to handle the job, we’ll help you make the right choice.

 

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Vinyl or Laminate? What To Know Before You Buy

Home remodeling projects can quickly become overwhelming. The amount of decisions you have to make in a short time escalates as you move from beginning to end.

A lot of homeowners have their hearts set on a particular type of flooring, only to discover their contractor tries to steer them in a different direction. It turns out that exotic hardwood flooring you’ve been dreaming of might not be the perfect fit for your bathroom. There are better choices, she says.

How about vinyl or laminate?

Before you scream: “What!” take a  second look at these two products and see how they’ve changed the marketplace. These aren’t your parents’ flooring products. Technology has changed what’s possible, and made vinyl and laminate some of the best flooring products for every room in your home.

What is laminate made of?

Remember the laminate of yesteryear? It took on an almost plastic look and feel. Yet contrary to belief, laminate isn’t made up of plastic at all. Instead, laminate is made up of four wear layers built upon each other to build strength and durability into the final product. They are fused together using high heat and intense pressure to create a product that stands up well in areas where traditional hardwood often fails. These layers include:Vinyl or Laminate? What To Know Before You Buy

  • Back layer – this is the bottom layer used to protect against moisture and help balance the floor
  • Core layer – this is a highly durable board that helps protect from moisture and build strength
  • Design layer – this is a high resolution photograph to mimic many of the top floor patterns on the market today
  • Wear layer – this is a clear layer to protect against scratches, stains, and fading

What are vinyl planks made of?

Vinyl comes in a variety of styles. While the more traditional vinyl flooring products were laid in place as either sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles, today homeowners have another option: luxury vinyl planks. These closely resemble other top flooring products, including hardwood or stone.

In the marketplace, luxury vinyl is commonly referred to as Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).

Both LVT and LVP are made up of synthetic materials formed by mixing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), calcium carbonate, plasticizers, fungicides, and UV stabilizers, among other things. Through a heating process, they are combined with a vinyl compound that finishes the product base.

Like laminate, LVT and LVP both use four main layers:

  • Backing layer – a vinyl base layer that protects against moisture, mold, and mildew
  • Vinyl core – this is made from PVC material to make the product flexible and waterproof
  • Decorative layer – this is a thin digital image layer that is adhered to the vinyl core
  • Wear layer – the is a transparent topcoat that protects against scratches, stains, and fading

Vinyl vs Laminate – Which is better?

Homeowners usually gravitate towards vinyl and laminate when they are looking for a durable, economical, attractive flooring choice. If you want to take on a DIY project, both vinyl and laminate are good options. But which is better? That’s where many homeowners get confused.

For many years, laminate was the flooring of choice with its realistic graphics, easy installation, and thick, durable product that stood up well under traffic. But when the luxury vinyl plank entered the marketplace, things changed. A high quality LVP can stand up to pressure equally as laminate, and the graphics make it look like the real thing.

There really isn’t a bad choice when comparing the two.

Where will you install?

In some cases, it can center around where you’ll be installing your new flooring. One of the biggest separators between laminate and vinyl is the ability to stand up against moisture.

All types of vinyl – sheet, tile, and plank – are waterproof. They are usually made from a material that is 100 percent waterproof, giving it the ability to be installed in rooms where wet conditions are prevalent, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or mud rooms. While older vinyl may have had a fabric or felt back, newer product lines are made from polymer materials that can be fully immersed in water and still be unaffected.

Laminate uses a fiberboard at the core. Because this is a wood-based product, it will soften, swell, and eventually deteriorate when exposed to water. This can cause a host of damage, from warping during the drying process, to having the design layer peel back and fade away. If laminate has severe water damage, it will most likely have to be replaced.

Because of that, vinyl can be installed anywhere in your home and look great no matter how much abuse it takes. With laminate, you should be a little more choosy about where you install. Places like the living room, dining room, or bedroom are perfect for laminate. Full bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom, not so much.

Let’s talk about composition

While we’ve already compared the two products based on how they are produced, we haven’t talked much about composition.

Vinyl flooring is made entirely from synthetic material. You’ll find a thin fiberglass base coated with PVC vinyl, embossed with a print layer, and finished with a wear layer over the top. When you select luxury vinyl planks, they fit side by side, clicking into place. Because these layers are thin, you’ll find the overall thickness ranges from 1.5 mm to 5 mm.

Laminate flooring uses the same locking installation process, but the critical difference is the core. Because this is made from a wood product, it’s thicker than its synthetic counterpart. The overall thickness of laminate flooring ranges from 6 mm to 12 mm.

That can make the difference for where you choose to install it. Pay attention to transitions from room to room; are you trying to match a different flooring choice?

It’s all about aesthetics and preferences

Still trying to decide which is better, vinyl or laminate? Honestly, we love them both.

Today’s product lines can mimic just about any flooring product on the market, while giving you the benefits of being a more resilient flooring choice. Both vinyl and laminate can mimic wood, stone, ceramics, or just about any flooring you choose. The three-dimensional graphics used to create both vinyl and laminate are more real than ever before. If you want the look of exotic hardwood, for example, you might just prefer the look used to mimic it on vinyl or laminate, plus it’s a fraction of the price.

Is there a right choice? It all depends on your preferences. The best place to start is to stop by our showroom and see the differences yourself. Both vinyl and laminate are great products to include in your latest remodeling project.

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