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Flooring
December 21, 2022

Which Flooring Is Best For Pets?

You have a pet. You love your pet. They’re a part of your family.

Yet you cringe when they start running circles around your living space. You know there will be scratch marks, wear marks, rips, and tears. Your old flooring screams “you own a pet,” but is there an alternative?

That might be why you’ve put off remodeling. Why install new flooring when you know it’ll quickly be damaged and look tired and worn?

Still, you’re ready for a fresh new look. Maybe it’s time to choose flooring that better suits your lifestyle. Is there such a thing as pet-friendly flooring? And if so, what should you choose?

Tile flooring

Tile makes a great choice for homes with pets for several reasons.

First, it is extremely durable and can withstand the scratches and spills that come with pet ownership. This means that it can take whatever your pet can dish out. Additionally, tile is easy to clean and maintain, which is important as your pet makes messes. All you need to do is sweep or mop it regularly to keep it looking fresh and clean.

Tile is also a good choice because it is non-porous, which means that it will not absorb liquids or stains. This makes it much easier to clean up any messes that your pets may make, and also helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and germs. This is particularly important in areas where your pets spend a lot of time, such as in the kitchen or living space.

In addition to its durability and ease of cleaning, tile is also a great choice for pet-friendly flooring because it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This means that you can choose a tile that matches your decor and personal style, and that will look great in your home. If you haven’t looked at the patterns and textures available lately, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Plus, because tile is so versatile, it can be used in any room of the house, including high-traffic areas.

Luxury vinyl planks

If you own pets, using luxury vinyl planks (LVP) as flooring can be a great choice. LVP is a type of vinyl flooring that is designed to mimic the look of natural materials like wood and stone. It is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for households with pets.

One of the main benefits of LVP is its durability. It is made from layers of vinyl and a protective top coat, which makes it resistant to scratches, dents, and other types of damage. This means that it can withstand the everyday wear and tear that comes with having pets in the house. Additionally, LVP is easy to clean and maintain. It can be swept, vacuumed, or mopped, and is resistant to spills and stains. This makes it ideal for households with pets, where accidents are more likely to happen.

Another advantage of LVP is its moisture resistance. Unlike other types of flooring, such as hardwood or laminate, LVP is not susceptible to water damage. This is important in households with pets, as they can sometimes have accidents or track moisture from outside. LVP can also be installed in areas of the house where moisture is more likely to be present, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

In terms of aesthetics, LVP offers a wide range of design options. It is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, so you can choose the one that best matches your home decor. This allows you to create a beautiful, stylish, and cohesive look in your home, even if you have pets.

Laminate

Laminate flooring can be a great option for pet owners because it is durable and easy to clean. Unlike carpet, which can harbor pet dander and stains, laminate flooring is a solid surface that is resistant to scratches and spills. This makes it a perfect choice for homes with pets that are prone to accidents or have sharp claws.

One of the key benefits of laminate flooring is its durability. Natural wood or soft stone can be easily damaged by pet claws or heavy furniture. Laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard that is resistant to wear and tear. This tough, inner core gives it added strength as protection against all your pets can dish out.

In addition to being durable, laminate flooring is also easy to clean. Whether your pet has an accident, tracks in dirt or debris, or simply sheds its fur, laminate flooring can quickly be swept, mopped, and wiped down with a damp cloth. This makes it ideal for pet owners who want to maintain a clean and hygienic home without spending hours vacuuming and scrubbing.

People also appreciate laminate flooring for its affordability. It is generally less expensive than natural wood or stone, making it a budget-friendly option for pet owners who want to upgrade their floors without breaking the bank.

Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of styles and colors, so you can choose a design that suits your personal taste and décor.

What’s the best flooring choice for you if you have pets?

When it comes to flooring, let your personality lead the way. That said, you can already predict the flooring choices that fall to the bottom of the list. Hardwood flooring and carpet are notoriously difficult flooring choices for pet owners. Hardwood can be easily scratched and dented, especially with active pets.

Carpets are prone to stains and damage. They don’t do well with repeated impact from moisture. While carpet can provide a soft spot to lay for naps throughout the day, only you know the habits your pet has and how well it will handle under pressure.

Selecting flooring is always a highly personalized choice. It should be based on your likes and personality, as well as your everyday lifestyle.

Take a look at your current flooring – why are you upgrading? Use that as your guide to finding the perfect flooring for you.

And if you have any questions, give us a call. We’re happy to make recommendations, and help solidify the best option for you.

With so many flooring choices available today, technological advances offer something for everyone. There’s a new flooring material waiting for you.

Flooring
December 14, 2022

Get Ready for 2023 – The Latest In Flooring Trends

3. 2. 1. Happy New Year! With 2023 almost here, you may already be planning out the first few months of the year.

Will you take a trip to escape the cold? Or maybe it’s time to renovate your home, add something you’ve been dreaming of for a while.

For many homeowners, remodeling dreams often focus on flooring. It’s one of the most noticeable materials when you first walk into any room. But selecting new flooring can be difficult at best.

Do you stick with the tried and true? Do you replace it with more of the same? Or do you stretch and try something new?

Remodelers often state their top question is: Is this flooring too trendy? And we get it; flooring can last for years. You don’t want to tire of it a short time after you install it. You don’t want it to feel dated almost from the moment you select it.

How do you select from the latest flooring trends, yet make sure you love it way beyond 2023?

What to know about trends

Every year Pantone puts out their color of the year. You’ll find this color choice influences everything from home materials to fashion. This year’s Viva Magenta makes a statement. How can you resist its bright, vivid color?

But would you really want it on your floors?

Of course not. Designers state it “vibrates with vim and vigor.” While it may be the perfect accent for pillows on your sofa or a scarf around your neck, most would grow tired of it quickly if it stretched across your floors throughout your home.

The word “trend” is defined as the general movement or flow of an event or phenomenon over time. It’s about noticing what’s popular in our society and using it to blend in with the world around you.

Flooring manufacturers know this. But they still morph and change over time depending on what people want. We’ve seen that recently as we’ve moved through a pandemic. Homeowners now want easy-to-clean flooring that is sustainable and eco-friendly too. They look just as much at source as they do looks.

Popular flooring trends for 2023

When you select flooring material, you’re creating a lifestyle. It’s important to think about:

How you want the space to look and function
What type of furniture and lighting you’ll use
Your choice of textiles for a cohesive look

Of course, your budget plays a part in it too. But no matter what your goals and desires are, there are options for you. For 2023, the top flooring trends include:

Vinyl flooring

While vinyl flooring has been around for decades, the latest technological advances have created explosive growth in the flooring industry. If you haven’t looked at luxury vinyl flooring, it’s time to give it a look.

Luxury vinyl planks, LVP for short, take the best of solid hardwood and combine it with other benefits people are looking for:

Easy to clean
Easy to maintain
Waterproof
Durability
Functionality – it can go where solid hardwood can’t, like basements

Parquet flooring

When you think of parquet, you might think old-world with a European flair. That’s part of what is making parquet flooring grow in popularity. These beautiful modern herringbone and chevron patterns bring class and style to today’s homes. And homeowners are loving the way it looks.

Yet even though they may be reminiscent of times past, they bring a modern edge by using wider planks. You’ll find these larger boards create new life in an area you might have been a bit bored with before.

Homeowners aren’t stopping with tradition – they are mixing a variety of ideas together. How about a double herringbone pattern? Or mixing more than one color? Let your imagination run wild by thumbing through design magazines and pinboard the styles you love.

Hardwood … with a twist

You can never go wrong with hardwood. It’s one flooring that will remain popular. But if you’re tired of the standard oak look, you’ll love what 2023 brings to the table.

Rustic is on trend. Think large, massive planks. Think antiqued or hand-scraped looks. If reclaimed wood is your thing, you’ll be right on style. With so many materials abandoned by our modern-world approach to remodels, homeowners want to return to yesteryear, and reuse whenever they can.

Or course, you can combine that with modern day conveniences. Why scrape, wax, and create a heavy maintenance routine when there are products available that give you the best of both worlds? You’ll love the look.

Tiles

Tile floors will never go out of style. While you might have them in your bathrooms and laundry room, it’s time to move them far beyond these small rooms. Stylish tiles make good additions to hallways, kitchens, and beyond. With an almost unlimited variety of colors and patterns, if you want a unique look, you can create it.

What’s more, many are combining tile floors with radiant heat to create a warmer, more eco-friendly way to stay warm throughout the winter.

Homeowners are finding wood-effect tiles are the perfect addition to where it doesn’t make sense for traditional hardwood. It’s a way of creating class and elegance all throughout your home.

Carpet

With so many different styles available to choose from, we have to mention one other material that never loses its potential. If you love the look and feel of carpet underfoot, it’s time to give it another look.

Trending this year are bold, beautiful colors that give you an updated look. Rich shades, geometric patterns, floral prints – you’ll find it all available and waiting for you. But don’t worry if bold isn’t your choice; natural and organic tones are ever-popular.

There are many ways to achieve the look you desire. Wall-to-wall carpet is always a good option. But more are turning to carpet squares, especially in playrooms, media spaces, or even wine cellars. It gives you more options to mix and match, plus an easy way of replacing sections if accidents happen.

What’s your style?

One look at the flooring trends of 2023 will tell you that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. There’s something for everyone when you’re ready to replace your flooring. The only question now is:

What are you waiting for?

Flooring
December 10, 2022

Planning a Remodel? These Are The Top Flooring Choices

The past several years have found more homeowners at home for work and play. As they settle in and spend more time indoors, they’ve discovered they need more functionality in their space. Home remodels have continued to grow at 3 percent per year, with expected growth to continue at that rate for the next few years.

Are you planning a home remodel? While it’s fun to look at paint swatches and shop for decor, it’s the flooring that will set the stage for your overall design, and determine how well you enjoy your new space.

Flooring is one of the most important selections for any remodel.

What’s trending in new flooring? What are the top flooring choices people are selecting? Read on for just a few of our favorites.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a timeless and classic choice for a remodel. They add warmth and character to a space, and can complement a wide range of decor styles. Additionally, hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting, and can be refinished multiple times over the course of their lifetime, allowing them to retain their beauty and value. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy households.

One of the biggest advantages of hardwood floors is their versatility. They come in a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes, so you can choose the perfect look for your space. From light and airy to dark and dramatic, there’s a hardwood floor option to suit every aesthetic. You can also mix and match different wood species and finishes to create a unique and personalized look.

Another reason to choose hardwood floors is their health benefits. Hardwood floors don’t trap dust, allergens, and other pollutants, making them a great option for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. They are also hypoallergenic, making them a safe choice for families with young children or pets.

Hardwood floors are also a wise investment. They add value to your home and can increase its resale value. They are also more durable than many other types of flooring, so you won’t have to replace them as often, which can save you money in the long run.

Tile Flooring

Tile floors are a great choice for a remodel because they are durable, easy to clean, and come in a wide variety of styles and colors to suit any design aesthetic. Tile is resistant to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting flooring option that can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is also water-resistant, which makes it an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

In terms of maintenance, tile floors are easy to clean and require minimal effort to keep them looking like new. They can be swept, mopped, or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and grime, and spills can be easily wiped up without causing any damage.

In terms of design, tile floors offer a wide range of options to choose from. There are countless styles, colors, and patterns available to suit any design aesthetic, from traditional to modern. Tile can also be arranged in a variety of patterns, such as herringbone or diagonal, to create a unique and eye-catching look.

Additionally, tile floors are relatively easy to install, making them a cost-effective option for a remodel. They can be installed by a professional or DIY enthusiast, and the installation process is generally quick and straightforward.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors are an excellent choice for a remodel because they offer the elegance and sophistication of natural stone or wood flooring at a fraction of the cost. They are also more durable and easier to maintain than their natural counterparts, making them a great option for busy households.

LVT floors are made from a combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a high-density fiberboard core, which makes them resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. They also have a protective top layer that makes them water-resistant, so they are ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is a concern.

Another benefit of LVT floors is that they are easy to install. They can be floated over most existing flooring surfaces, so there is no need to remove old flooring or deal with the mess and expense of tear-out and disposal. This makes them a cost-effective and time-efficient option for a remodel.

LVT floors offer a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, so you can easily find a look that fits your personal style and décor. They are also available in a variety of textures, including wood and stone, so you can achieve the look of a high-end floor without the high-end price tag.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet floors can make a great choice for a remodel for a variety of reasons.

First, carpet is soft and comfortable underfoot, making it a great option for bedrooms and living areas where you want to create a cozy and inviting space.

Second, carpet is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, so you can easily find a carpet that matches your personal aesthetic and complements the rest of your home decor.

Third, carpet is relatively inexpensive compared to other flooring options, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners on a budget.

Additionally, carpet can help to improve the acoustics of a room by absorbing sound and reducing echoes. This can be particularly useful in media rooms or open-concept spaces where sounds can bounce off the walls and create a noisy environment. Carpet can also help to insulate a room and keep it warm, which can be beneficial in colder climates or during the winter months.

Carpet is also easy to maintain and clean. Regular vacuuming can help to remove dirt, dust, and other debris, and most carpet is resistant to stains and spills. If a stain does occur, it can often be removed when acted upon quickly, or by hiring a professional carpet cleaning service.

What’s your flooring choice for your remodel?

While there isn’t a right or wrong flooring choice for your remodeling project, it is wise to solidify your decision before selecting other materials. Your flooring should set the stage for all of the other furnishings you’ll be installing.

But with so many choices to select from, it should be easy to find the suitable material perfect for your lifestyle.

Flooring
December 7, 2022

How To Prepare For a New Flooring Installation

Maybe you’re ready for an upgrade – modern flooring that moves you away from the retro look you’ve been living with for years.

Perhaps it’s time for replacement – you’ve been hiding stains and wear marks for years by moving furniture around.

Whatever your reason, it’s time to renovate your space and add the flooring you’ve been dreaming of. You have your eye on something new, and it’s time to make it a reality.

No matter what stage you’re currently at in your remodel, there’s more to laying new flooring into place than just finalizing your selection. Once you’ve chosen your flooring and the contract is signed, you’ll have to get ready for your new flooring installation.

Time your new flooring installation carefully

If your new flooring is a part of a complete renovation, it’s essential to time installation carefully. Talk to your contractor; when will the other big projects be complete?

Installing your new floors should be completed after all other projects are complete. You don’t want them dragging heavy appliances across your floors, or splattering paint that will mar the finish from the start. Installing new floors should be the last project on your renovation list.

Finishing work has an order

Whether you’re rehanging doors after a remodel, or are replacing them with something new, be sure your new doors are at the proper height before the installers arrive with your new floors.

New flooring can result in a rise in height variance. For example, hardwood can rise significantly depending on what hardwood you choose and the subfloor needed before installation.

While the installers may take the doors off to make it easier to work, by ensuring they are properly aligned ahead of time, you won’t have to worry how they’ll fit. You can check before to see how much they will need to be adjusted before they arrive. That way a contractor can drill new holes and move hardware as necessary.

Baseboards, trim, and other finishing work will also be completed after your flooring is in place.

Have a work zone ready

New flooring involves using a lot of different tools and materials to complete the job:

Subfloor material
Flooring
Adhesive
Fasteners
Tools and machines

While some flooring jobs can be completed in a day, others may take several days, depending on the size. If you have a secure area for them to place their equipment, it will shorten the timeframe of having to pack up each day. A secure area will also make it easier for production, from mixing adhesive to cutting tiles.

A garage makes a perfect place to create a work zone. Make sure the path from there to where they’ll be working is free and clear as well.

Prepare the area

Before the installers arrive, take the time to properly prepare the area. This ensures the flooring installers can get in, complete the work, and get back out as quickly as possible.

As you’re finalizing your purchase, talk about preparation too. Some installers will help you move heavy furniture for an additional fee. Others require separate installers to ensure the subfloor is ready and in place. An all-inclusive contract will help you determine how much prep work you’ll have to complete.

At a minimum, secure all breakables, valuables, and other small items beforehand. Remove items from the walls if they are easily bumped. If you can move furniture to other parts of your home, have that job completed before they arrive.

You should also move through neighboring rooms and remove items that may be harmed in the process. Cover furniture if there’s a risk of damage. For example, if you’ll be installing new hardwood, installers may sand it once it’s in place. Grit can easily travel to other rooms in your home.

Ensure the safety of your kids and pets

Depending on the flooring materials being installed, this can be a several-hour to several-day process. Because installers will be working with heavy, sometimes dangerous machinery, and will be leaving doors open and moving back and forth, it’s important that kids or pets won’t be at risk. Find a place in the house to secure them, for their protection, as well as the installers.

If that isn’t possible, it might be time to arrange a sitter to ensure their safety for the time it takes for installation. Grandma and grandpa may be the perfect choice to give you a chance to get through the entire process without having to worry about their safety.

Clear your schedule

Many homeowners install new floors with an end-goal in mind. If you have a party or family gathering on the calendar, be sure to schedule your flooring installation with plenty of time for errors.

There’s always a chance of mishaps along the way. The subfloor may take longer to install than anticipated. A problem is uncovered as the old floors are removed. Or the prep work doesn’t go quite according to plan.

Even in the best of circumstances, the unexpected often happens. If you have the added stress of a tight deadline, it will only add to your problems. Give yourself plenty of time, and you’ll reduce your stress.

Verify the materials

One of your first tasks on the day of the installation is to verify the materials are what you ordered. Be sure to open boxes to verify the product is the same in every box. Look at the color. Check out the patterns. It’s easier to make adjustments before any work begins.

If you’re working with hardwood, the planks will have to acclimate to your environment before work begins. Plan on having the boxes in your home a few days before installation. This gives the flooring material time to maintain temperature and humidity levels before the installation process begins.

Clean up

While the flooring installation crew will remove boxes and debris, you’ll be in charge of final cleanup to be able to start enjoying your new floors.

Talk with the installers to determine how fast you can start cleaning. With some adhesives, it’s suggested you wait a few hours or days for curing, to ensure the materials properly adhere to the subfloor.

No matter if you’re installing new carpet, hardwood, vinyl, or tiles, preparation is critical. The more you know before installation day, the better your experience. When you know what to expect, you can be ready for all that will happen.

Then when the installers drive away, and your last piece of furniture is in place, you’ll be rewarded with new flooring that you’ll enjoy for years.

Flooring, Vinyl Floors
December 4, 2022

Do You Believe These Vinyl Flooring Myths?

What do you think of when someone mentions vinyl flooring? Most people have a distinct thought pop into their minds. Maybe it’s reminiscent of your grandmother’s house. Maybe you think of yellowing surfaces where the wear layer peels back and cheapens the look.

If this is close to your beliefs about vinyl flooring, it’s time to upgrade your thinking.

Today’s vinyl flooring is growing in popularity. If you haven’t seen the latest in vinyl flooring, it’s time to take a second look.

Do you believe any of these vinyl flooring myths?

Myth #1 – Vinyl flooring is bad for your health

Are you trying to clean up your living arrangements? Want a cleaner, more sustainable home?

Manufacturers get that. That’s why they’re dedicated to making a better product, one you’ll want to install inside your home.

Heading back in time, vinyl was created with high concentrations of lead, cadmium, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). People weren’t aware of toxic chemicals, and never gave a thought to how flooring was produced. Even today, vinyl is a petroleum-based product made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and if it’s manufactured from a less-that-reputable source, it could off-gas VOCs into the environment for long periods of time.

Manufacturers supply what consumers are willing to buy. Because more homeowners are asking for a cleaner product, they’ve gone to great lengths to provide it to the marketplace.

The EPA provides guidelines for manufacturers to follow to ensure safer products. Many other organizations have started to review product lines and give consumers safety scores. Places like Scientific Certification Systems provide FloorScore to show how a product will impact indoor air quality.

If indoor air quality is at the top of your wishlist, and you’re worried about air quality, talk with a flooring representative. They can show you clean lines of vinyl flooring you’ll be happy to install inside your home.

Myth #2 – Vinyl is all the same

You might have a picture in your mind of what vinyl will look like. We find it’s usually based on the flooring they remember from their grandparents’ homes.

It’s time to take another look at vinyl flooring.

When you start looking at vinyl flooring, you’ll quickly find a variety of products:

Tiles
Sheets
SPC
WPC
LVF

What does it all mean?

Yes, vinyl comes in peel-and-stick tiles, or vinyl sheets where you can roll it into place. The colors, patterns, and possibilities are vast; it’s still a great way to add flooring to areas that need water-resistant or waterproof flooring.

Vinyl has also created a whole new market thanks to Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF).

The luxury vinyl market is built to mimic some of the most popular flooring products available. Stone, tile, hardwood – there’s a luxury vinyl product that closely resembles it.

WPC offers a wood-plastic composite core that ensures a waterproof structure. It’s soft underfoot and works well in residential situations.

SPC refers to a stone-plastic composite core, also known as rigid core. Its waterproof features stand up well in both residential and commercial applications.

Luxury vinyl planks mimic hardwood so closely, even the experts have to take a second look. They work great in situations where you might be holding back from installing hardwood, like the basement. It creates a dynamic look and feel, with qualities you’d never expect from traditional hardwood.

Myth #3 – Vinyl is only good for bathrooms or laundry rooms

We get it; you’re trying to put function over design. With today’s vinyl flooring, you no longer have to compromise.

Homeowners before would often select vinyl for the smallest rooms in their homes. You can always add a rug in the bathroom – you’ll never notice it’s vinyl.

Luckily, you no longer have to worry about combining good looks with functionality. You can have both – and you’ll want to install it all over your house.

Luxury vinyl planks are growing in popularity because of their classic good looks. One glance, and you’ll be sold – they really do look like hardwood. Yet you’ll also get the advancements luxury vinyl brings to the market. By choosing the right product, you’ll have a water-resistant or waterproof flooring.

That means you can install it in your entryways, kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. It’s a perfect choice for the basement, where the moist environment has impacted other types of flooring.

Myth #4: Vinyl is outdated

You want something new and refreshing. You want the latest styles and trends.

It’s time to give vinyl another look.

There was a time when vinyl was the most basic floor covering. No more. Today’s vinyl offers you everything you want from flooring … and more.

Technology has made it possible for vinyl manufacturers to create realistic flooring that mimics the most in-demand flooring. If you want natural stone or classic hardwood, yet installing either isn’t practical, luxury vinyl may be just the thing you’re looking for.

Homeowners love today’s vinyl products because they combine the latest styles and trends with waterproof technology. If you’ve been holding back from installing hardwood because you know it doesn’t work with your lifestyle, luxury vinyl planks may be the perfect fit. It protects your floor from water damage, while remaining beautiful at the same time.

Myth #5 – Vinyl is hard to install

If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself project, vinyl might be just what you’re looking for.

Luxury vinyl planks and tiles come with tongue and groove installation. Also known as click-and-lock, each tile or plank snaps together, requiring no adhesives. It floats into place, making it easy to install and easy to remove. Need to repair an area? Not a problem.

Even if you stick with more traditional vinyl, you’ll find it easy to use. Tiles with peel-and-stick installation mean you can place them anywhere, at any time. Just peel back the paper and stick it into place. Press down … and your new floors will be ready.

Sheet vinyl is even easier, just roll it out and cut it to fit. When you’re ready to install it, spread the glue into place. You’ll have durable flooring ready in no time.

Is vinyl flooring the right choice for you?

Did you believe any of these vinyl flooring myths before?

Now that you know many of these myths are no longer true, it’s time to give vinyl a second look. Today’s vinyl is the perfect choice for many homes. Whether you choose tiles, sheet vinyl, or luxury vinyl planks, you’ll love the look they give each room in your home.

Flooring
November 28, 2022

It’s The Holidays – Flooring Advice Before The Parties Begin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year …

Unless your flooring isn’t up for the occasion. Maybe your floors are already looking a little worn and dated. Maybe you’re worried this year’s festivities will only add to the problem. Or maybe you want something new.

The question is: What should you do? It’s the holidays. With a bit of flooring advice, you’ll be ready to greet each guest with a smile, knowing your floors look great and will wear well in the coming years.

Protection is key

Holidays are synonymous with parties, great food, and lots of action. They’re also reminiscent of spills, stains, and damage.

Many homeowners face the New Year looking at red wine stains on the carpet, scratches and dents on the hardwood, and rips and tears on vinyl. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Prevention is the key.

To avoid the many things that can impact your flooring, it takes a little planning. Anticipate the problems before they occur, and you’re more likely to build in protection. You can:

Place mats and trays at the entryways

The quickest way to damage floors is by tracking the outside in. Taking off your shoes at the front door will save mud, rocks, and other loose particles from spreading throughout your home. Keep plenty of mats and trays by the front door, and request guests take them off. If you want to ramp up comfort and thoughtfulness, have a selection of slippers nearby they can slip into if they desire. Look for rugs that are easily washed, won’t slip, and aren’t rubber-backed, as they can mar floors.

Use area rugs

For high-traffic areas, consider area rugs to protect the floors. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can use them anywhere. Choose permanent fixtures under your dining room table, in the living room, and by the front door. Purchase high-quality rugs to ensure they absorb moisture, pick up dirt and debris, and prevent slips. You can use temporary rugs for high-traffic areas during parties, then remove them when it’s just your family.

Build a spill kit

If you’ve ever had a stain set because you didn’t have the right removal gear ready, you know how frustrating it can be. To avoid stress and prevent permanent stains, build your spill kit before the first guest arrives, and keep it handy nearby. There are products specifically for wine, and others for ground in dirt. Do your research early, and select the best products for you. Be sure to test them ahead of time to ensure they are color-safe.

Prep your furniture

When Uncle John drags the chair across your new hardwood floors, your anxiety won’t peak if you’ve already prepared. Ensure all furniture legs are affixed with felt pads to so they won’t scratch and dent when the unexpected happens. Replace rugs if they might be a tripping hazard, or add backings to ensure they stay in place. Safety is critical – and you’ll be thankful you prepared ahead of time for one less thing to worry about.

Upgrade for better durability

Have your floors come to the end of their useful life? Sometimes the only way to make flooring look better is by ripping it up and starting over. Yet the thought of doing it before the guests arrive might leave you a little nervous. Who wants spills, dents, and damage to something brand new?

You’re in luck. By selecting suitable flooring materials, you’ll create a space that is as functional as beautiful.

Use resilient flooring for your entryways

Wouldn’t it be advantageous to have resilient flooring that pops back no matter what you do to it? It’s possible! Manufacturers have resilient flooring in many product lines, including vinyl products like LVT, rubber, cork, and linoleum. What makes them great for your entryways is they withstand scratches and dents, and resist moisture. In some cases, they may be waterproof. That makes them perfect for entryways where you pile boots and shoes regularly.

Use luxury vinyl planks in the kitchen

If you’ve been avoiding hardwood in the kitchen because you regularly make messes, there’s another flooring choice that might be perfect for you. Consider luxury vinyl planks. They have the look and feel of hardwood, tile, or stone, yet offer the benefits of being scratch-resistant and waterproof. No more worrying when someone drops a plate of cranberry sauce on the floor. Just wipe it away.

Use hardwood in the dining room

Hardwood will always be a popular choice because of its classic good looks. To make a bold statement, place it in the dining room where you and your guest will spend hours talking. With hardwood still in high demand, manufacturers have made it even more durable than hardwood you might have installed before. Look for high-performance hardwood that will give you a durable surface area that can withstand lots of pressure.

Tile is perfect for bathrooms

More visitors bring more trips to the bathroom. That increases the risk of water hitting the floor and puddling unnoticed for hours.

You won’t have to worry if you install tile flooring. It’s the smart choice for any high-traffic, high-moisture surface area. And you won’t have to compromise on looks. Tile has more patterns, colors, and styles than ever before. If you want to carry the classic looks of hardwood throughout your space, you’ll find tile that mimics it closely.

Are you ready for the next holiday party?

Whether you’re ready for new flooring, or trying to protect existing flooring, the more you prepare ahead of time, the longer your floors will last.

Start by selecting the right floors for each room. Make sure they’re up for the job, for all you can dish out.

Then have your toolkit ready for when the spills happen. It’s the holidays – spills will happen. But if you have the appropriate products ready for action, you’ll never worry when someone yells, “uh-oh.”

Flooring
November 21, 2022

Best Flooring When Creating a Home Gym

Homes and lifestyles changed when everyone stayed home for a year. Suddenly, you looked at your space a bit differently.

Do you really need a guest room that sits idly by almost every day of the year?

Or how about that extra space in the basement, the one with boxes stacked in the corner?

Why not turn it into usable space? Why not make it a home gym? It’s the perfect solution to ensure you get your workouts in each day without having to make time to go to the gym.

People have found that working a fitness routine into their lifestyle when the gym is at home is easy. In fact, Three out of four respondents said gyms are becoming more obsolete due to the pandemic because it’s easier than ever to incorporate fitness routines into their lives right from the comfort of their own homes.

Is the time right for you to add a gym to your home? Where do you begin?

It starts with the floor.

The best floor choices for a home gym

If you’ve ever placed a piece of workout equipment in your living room or bedroom, sitting it on top of carpet, you know the damage it can do. It crushes the fibers, compresses the padding, leaving divots and bumps in the carpet.

Even one simple machine can cause extensive damage. So you know the flooring in your home gym has to be carefully thought out.

Home gym floors should be durable to stand up to your routines, without impact from the weights or machines. It should cushion your body as you jump and bounce during workouts, but also withstand and protect from scratches, dents, or gouges.

Take a look at commercial gym flooring choices to be your guide as you finalize your selection. The most popular floor choices include:

Rubber

Foam

Vinyl

Wood

Carpet

Of course, the final selection is dependent on your desired workout routine. What type of equipment will you be using? What exercises are a part of your routine?

Ultimately, your choice should provide you comfort, wear, and durability.

What’s the right home gym flooring? Ask these questions first.

The easiest way to create a home gym is to find a spot, move furniture and boxes out, and get your new workout equipment in.

It might not take very long to discover the problem. Carpet may hinder your HIIT routine. Hardwood may scratch as you drop weights onto the floor. Without considering your actions first, your flooring can quickly be compromised.

Ask these questions first:

What workouts will be a part of my routine?

Everyone has a different approach to fitness. Some love the elliptical. Some prefer lifting. Some like to change things up and move through various routines. Carefully consider the equipment you’ll need, the exercise you’ll perform, and what your flooring must withstand in the process.

Who will use the gym?

You may have your own routines, but what about the rest of the family? Will you be investing in different equipment to meet everyone’s goals? The best gym flooring works well for everyone in the household, providing comfort, safety, and durability.

Will you use free weights?

Free weights are one of the most impactful pieces of equipment you can own. If you’ll use them in your home gym, be especially aware of your flooring choice as the sudden drop can cause extensive damage. Be aware that you may need to build up the subfloor as well to handle the additional weight.

Is moisture a problem?

Even small home gyms can be impacted by moisture. Will you crank the heat for a hot yoga session? Are your routines especially rigorous, leaving you sweating throughout the sessions? In small spaces, moisture can be a big problem. If you add a small sauna for after workout sessions, it can be an even bigger problem. Consider how much moisture you’ll bring into the room before you finalize your flooring decision, or you could face a problem down the road.

What about equipment?

Machinery is heavy. It’s bulky. It might need special attachment features to the walls or floor. It can also move around as you use the machines, further damaging the floor. Don’t forget about the lifecycle of the machinery. If you’ll be upgrading or switching out the machines periodically, the wrong flooring can leave divots, further impacting your routines.

Finalize your home gym floor with one of these best flooring choices

Are you leaning towards a specific flooring choice for your home gym? If you have several options in mind, here are a few more ideas to keep in mind.

Rubber is always a good choice in a home gym setting. Walk into just about any commercial gym or fitness studio and you’re likely to see rubber flooring. There are many different types of rubber flooring – tiles, rolls, and mats. It comes in a range of thicknesses to best suit your needs. Tiles are a great DIY choice, allowing you to take control over the installation process. Rolls provide a seamless appearance that is great for wide open spaces. If you want multiple options in your small space, mats can be especially beneficial for customizing the space based on your requirements. If you’re using free weights, thicker is better to help prevent impact on the floors.

Carpet tiles are another popular flooring option that are relatively inexpensive, comfortable to the touch, and are fairly easy to maintain. What’s more, tiles make it easy to change out and replace if damage occurs to part of your space. Select low-pile, commercial-grade carpet that is designed for high traffic and high impact. The touch of softness works well if you’ll be up and down between workouts. You’ll also be able to customize the aesthetics by having a wide variety of color options to choose from.

Luxury vinyl planks are also an option. Be sure to select waterproof rigid core for the best durability. The right vinyl plank can withstand many different activities, including weights, heavy equipment, and more active workout routines such as basketball. Vinyl planks have a natural tendency to prevent mold and mildew growth. They’re naturally scratch and stain resistant, and did we mention waterproof? Depending on your workout routine, luxury vinyl planks are definitely worth a second look.

What’s the best flooring for your home gym?

Still have questions about the right home gym flooring for your home? Stop by today and see our complete selection. We’ll help you find just what you’re looking for.

Flooring
November 18, 2022

Exposing The Most Common Flooring Myths

Thinking of remodeling and adding new flooring to your home? Before you start looking, spend some time debunking the most common flooring myths that homeowners still believe.

Myth: Laminate floors are inferior and look cheap

There once was a time when Pergo dominated the laminate flooring market. It came with its classic clicking, hollow sounds.

No more. Technology has advanced to make laminates so closely related to solid hardwood, it’s often difficult to tell the difference.

Laminate is created from a particle board wood base topped by a realistic image layer, sealed with a wear layer to provide strength and durability. The result is a beautiful flooring option.

Because of technological advancements, they look and act more realistically than ever before. The image quality gives a realistic look and feel, while the scratch-resistant surface area makes it suitable for homes with busy lifestyles. Plus, its low cost gives it an added bonus to families concerned with sticking to a budget.

Myth: Hardwood flooring is too expensive

What’s the most expensive flooring on the market today? Don’t fall for the myth that hardwood tops the list.

In reality, hardwood flooring is a perfect solution for any homeowner on any budget. There’s an option perfect to suit your needs.

When you visit a flooring showroom floor, you’ll find hardwood is one of the most popular options, and as such, many different manufacturers are competing at many different levels.

The key is knowing your budget ahead of time, then considering your options carefully. Many homeowners like the fact that hardwood can be refinished multiple times, giving them more remodeling options in the future.

Myth: Carpet won’t work for anyone with allergies

Do you believe the myth that carpet harbors dust bunnies, dirt, and other debris? If you are prone to allergies, you may be shying away from installing carpet.

Carpet remains one of the top flooring options for good reason. It’s soft. It reduces noise. It makes a space feel warmer.

Manufacturers know this, and work hard at creating better products. They make carpet with better fiber technology to capture allergens and hold them in to keep them from getting into the air inside your home. Simply vacuum the carpet with a vacuum with HEPA filters in place, and your carpeted room can often be just as clean as other flooring options you may be considering.

Myth: Engineered hardwood is inferior to solid hardwood

Nothing is better than solid hardwood flooring. Or is there?

Engineered hardwood actually provides several advantages over traditional solid hardwood.

First, engineered hardwood works in places where solid hardwood won’t. Want to install hardwood in your basement? Give engineered hardwood another look. That’s because it’s designed with moisture-resistant qualities making it a better choice in basement situations.

Next, engineered hardwood can offer you more choices than solid hardwood. Because it’s built in layers, it can offer strength and durability that traditional hardwood can’t compete with. Pay attention to brands to find the right choices to suit your needs.

Also, engineered flooring offers you the aesthetics of solid hardwood in a more sustainable option. That’s because solid hardwood is created from the core of a tree, while engineered flooring uses a top layer of real veneer wood. That means more hardwood planks from fewer tree resources.

Myth: Vinyl flooring is obsolete

When many people hear “vinyl”, they think of their grandmother’s vinyl floors. You have a vision of cheap flooring in obnoxious colors that simply won’t work in your home.

That’s not today’s vinyl. Instead, vinyl today is designed to give you the very best look with other benefits you can’t refuse.

Luxury vinyl planks are dominating the market as they mimic solid hardwood. Yet these planks have the added benefits of being durable, and in some cases, waterproof. That means you can have your hardwood in areas where it wasn’t possible before – bathrooms, laundry rooms, and your basement remodel.

Of course, it’s not just hardwood – luxury vinyl can mimic just about any look you desire. Want marble floors? Consider luxury vinyl tile.

You also get the added benefit of finding colors that are harder to reproduce in nature. And if you do, it’s almost always at a cost. Luxury vinyl gives you a wide array of colors and patterns, all at affordable pricing.

Even if you wish to stay with traditional vinyl choices, either in sheet or tile format, you’ll be amazed at the colors and patterns, and how well they appeal to your design senses.

And you won’t be able to resist the affordability.

Myth: Carpet is outdated

Who installs carpet anymore? If you believe this myth, it’ll surprise you to learn that carpet is everywhere.

While we would never suggest putting carpet in the bathrooms or kitchen, it still makes a wonderful choice where comfort and warmth are important.

Bedrooms are perfect places for carpet. Nothing feels better than wiggling your toes into the fibers on a cold winter morning.

How about a media room? The insulation from carpet works well to help insulate the room.

All you have to do is take one look at the wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles to put your mind at ease that carpet is still in style.

What’s most important when adding carpet is to ensure you buy padding to give it proper support, and transition it well to other flooring choices in your home.

Myth: Solid hardwood is hard to maintain

Nope. It’s simply not true.

Solid hardwood is designed to provide one of the best flooring choices suitable for almost any home.

There are hundreds of varieties to give you a chance to let your personality shine. How about:

Red oak
White oak
Maple
Bamboo
Walnut
Cherry

You’ll find the possibilities are endless once you start taking a look.

Stop believing the most common flooring myths circulating online. When in fact, it’s up to you to decide the best flooring choice to suit your needs.

With so many options, you’ll find the perfect flooring to love for many years to come.

Flooring
November 10, 2022

Flooring Accessories – Things To Ask Before You Invest In New Flooring

You’re ready for new floors. You have an idea in mind.

But flooring isn’t just about picking out the material. It requires a whole collection of accessories to finish the process.

Granite
Marble
Hardwood
Linoleum
Laminate
Carpet
Vinyl
Stone

Each material requires its own extras to complete the project. Transitions, trims, vents, underlayments – it’s all required and needs a decision before you finalize your purchase.

The more you know before you start shopping, the better prepared you can be to finalize your decisions.

Transitions

When planning a remodeling project, the main focus falls to what material you select. It’s fun to choose what you’ll install, and select the perfect color.

It’ll quickly become apparent that your new floor will have to sit adjacent to another floor, and it’ll have to blend together. This junction plays a vital role in visual appeal and overall durability. The standard way to transition from one floor to another is by using a transition strip. Here’s how you identify what works best.

What purpose will it serve? Transition strips can perform several different functions. The most obvious is to cover the joint where two separate flooring materials are joined together. Transitions can also help secure the flooring material into place, helping to protect it from wear and tear. It should be large enough and secured into place to prevent foot traffic from knocking it loose. Transitions can be similar to one flooring material, blending in nicely. Or make it visible to signal a change in height or texture of the flooring.

What flooring are you transitioning? Specific flooring materials need different transitions. Not all transitions will work in every situation. Are you moving from hard to soft flooring? Is there a difference in height? The material and height of the connecting surfaces will help you determine the best transition piece. A good installer will make recommendations and help you select the right piece for your home.

What transition strip do you need? A reducer helps transition from thicker flooring to thinner material, such as hardwood to sheet vinyl. A T-Mold helps transition hard surfaces of the same height. Carpet strips help transition from carpet to any other type of flooring. End molding provides a final edge instead of transitioning it to another material. Stairnose transitions from the edge of the stair tread to the flooring material. Tile strips provide transition between tile and any other type of flooring. Installers can get creative and make any transition durable and look great.

Trim and molding

Trim and molding are an essential part of any flooring project. They are flooring edge pieces that transition your flooring material to stairs, another floor, or walls. They are the finishing touches to complete your flooring renovation.

They come in many forms and materials, such as wood, rubber, vinyl, fiberboard, and more. Trim is a term used to describe edging material used around doors, windows, between different floors, and on walls and ceilings. Molding is a grander version of trim. Baseboard molding, for example, would be a decorative trim meant to stand out and create a custom look.

Like transitions, molding is chosen based on a variety of things:

Location
Floor type
Size
Style

Baseboards are considered to be the finishing touches. It fulfills two purposes: they serve as a transition from floor to wall, and cover any gaps between the floor and the wall. It gives a room a finished look, and can add to the overall architectural component.

Vents and registers

Vents and registers are standard and essential elements of any flooring remodel. Depending on your HVAC system, you may have several vents in the flooring. This requires you to incorporate them into your finalized flooring project to give your floors a flush fit, and ensure it isn’t a tripping hazard.

There are two essential elements to picking a suitable vent: function and aesthetics. Vents must allow your HVAC system to function as designed. They should work well with your flooring and allow airflow into the room. Vents should also be aesthetically pleasing. With many different types, it’s easy to find one that fits well and works with your room’s decor.

Underlayment

Underlayment sits just under your visible flooring choice and provides a smooth, flat surface area for your flooring to be installed. It can be made from different materials, and should be chosen depending on what flooring you’re installing. It comes as plywood, padding, hardboard, and cement board, to name but a few.

Underlayment isn’t the same as the subfloor. A subfloor is a part of a home’s framework and structure. Underlayment serves mainly as a flat surface area to make it easier to install your new flooring.

In some cases, it can also serve as additional insulation to help reduce noise as people walk across, or to soften the feeling of the floor underneath. It can also provide a moisture barrier, depending on what flooring you’re installing.

When installing hard surfaces like tile, underlayment provides a good surface area to adhere to the tile. It allows grout, adhesive, and tile to expand and contract if installed incorrectly. Be sure to select a quality underlayment for full protection.

It can also provide structural stability. Especially in older homes where the subfloor may not have the strength of modern-day building materials, the right underlayment can provide structural support.

Maintenance

From the moment you install your new flooring, you’ll want the proper tools to maintain it. If you’ve never had hardwood before, you’ll want something to dust away the daily dirt and debris. Installing carpet may require a vacuum to give you flexibility and ease while keeping it clean. Installing new linoleum? It requires occasional waxing to ensure it retains its good looks.

Before you rush out to your favorite big box store, check with your flooring manufacturer to ensure the products you use match what they suggest for warranty validation. Many of the top cleaners you’ll find on the shelves aren’t suitable for floors and can strip them of their good looks.

Have further questions? Just ask. We’re here to guide your flooring project every step of the way.

Flooring
November 7, 2022

Should You Invest In Extra Flooring?

When you install new flooring, the inevitable will happen. You’ll drop a heavy pan and put a dent in the wood. You’ll move furniture and scrape the surface of your vinyl floors. You’ll drop red wine on your light carpet.

You’ll either be grateful you invested in extra flooring. Or you’ll cringe inside knowing you’re one step closer to replacing your flooring.

To save yourself the feeling of dread, as you’re finalizing your decision on what flooring to install, plan ahead and purchase extra flooring to have on hand for when you need it.

Buying extra flooring is a smart decision

Rarely is a room perfectly square. You’ll almost always have little areas that need flooring too. Like the coat closet near the front entrance. And where the floor curves slightly near the front window. Walk around your room and notice these nooks and crannies.

That means when you invest in new tiles or luxury vinyl planks, you’ll have to cut a few to create a harmonious look. You’ll need extra hardwood for the bottom of the closet.

Now let’s talk about installation methods. Rarely do installers move perfectly from start to finish without a mishap. Again, rooms are seldom perfectly sized. Even if you’re using a roll of carpet or vinyl, your room will invariably need seams to complete the project. That requires skill to cut and align it so the seam blends in.

Patterns and textures play a role in it too. You may need to cut your planks or tiles to get colors and shapes to match up. You’ll have more waste with intricate patterns.

It’s also wise to consider future needs. Extra flooring material will give you a chance to fix and replace damaged areas. Dented hardwood, stained carpet, or ripped or scuffed vinyl will be easy to fix when you have extra material.

How much extra flooring is enough?

As a general rule of thumb, flooring experts recommend:

Up to 15 percent extra for ceramic tiles
Up to 10 percent extra for vinyl planks
Up to 20 percent extra for solid hardwood
Up to 15 feet for wall-to-wall carpet

Of course, this is only an estimate. Your situation will determine the exact amount you should buy. A well-versed flooring expert can help you assess your needs. Consider the space you’re installing the flooring, your lifestyle, and the material. In almost every circumstance, homeowners are always grateful to have a little extra rather than running short.

Wastage is normal

With many home improvement materials, you’ll buy just enough to complete the project. Not so with flooring.

While an experienced installer will be efficient when laying your new flooring, there are always obstacles during the process. Wastage is normal.

It comes from the unanticipated problems that happen during installation.

There might be a flow in the fibers of the carpet
There may be tiles that aren’t a perfect match
The grain in wood planks may need shifting and moving
The pattern in the vinyl must match up

Unexpected things happen too:

A tile drops to the floor and shatters
A tile snaps when trying to cut it
The surface of the vinyl rips while laying it into place
You discover a box of hardwood with a defect

Hardwood has one of the greatest numbers of rejects due to defects. Staining is an inexact science, and depends on the color mix as well as how the hardwood takes to the color. Color change is often noticeable when you place two planks side by side.

What if you run out of flooring material?

While we highly recommend investing in extra flooring material as a part of your original purchase, there may be a time when you run out before you finish your project. There are a few things you can do:

Save all flooring material until the end of the project. This gives you scrap pieces to play with as you finish your project. You may find the perfect piece to lay into a corner or closet.
Keep the original detail of your flooring at hand. This includes the manufacture date, lot number, color, and model number. You can work with your flooring retailer to see if they have additional material in their storeroom. They can check with the manufacturer or other retailers to see if they can find the same lot.
If you can’t find your specific lot number, you can always try and match it up with another lot. In some cases, the colors and patterns may be close enough that it blends well without standing out.
If the new material stands out enough to be noticeable, you may have to rethink your flooring and purchase new material. Consider mixing and matching with your existing material to blend it. Or you may have to start over from scratch.

The specifics – what you should know

How much extra flooring material should you buy? It depends.

While we’ve given you a variety of tips to consider, it ultimately depends on the flooring material you’re buying and the project you’re completing.

Carpet usually is sold in 12 foot rolls. That means if you have a 15 foot room, you’ll need a seam somewhere in the room. The grain of the carpet must run the same way or you’ll notice it in the appearance. A knowledgeable carpet installer can make suggestions to ensure a long life, and it doesn’t hinder the way you move throughout the room.

Sheet vinyl is similar to carpet, only it comes in 6 foot rolls. Sheet vinyl has the added need of matching grains, patterns, colors, and textures. It’s important to create a seamless look, and place the seams in places that receive less traffic. A flush seam creates a flawless look.

Tile is often used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, so it has a variety of obstacles to go around. You’ll need extra for cutting to place around sinks and toilets, and to wedge underneath vanities. Consider buying extra for breakage during installation.