Is Sheet Vinyl Good?

Back in the early 1900s, the way we decorate our houses changed in many ways. Can you imagine going back to a time without modern appliances? Or without insulation? Or without beautiful flooring?

Vinyl flooring first came popular in the years following World War II. It was considered a major upgrade over linoleum, and offered homeowners a choice in low cost, water-resistant flooring.

Like every flooring choice, vinyl has changed over the years. Today’s sheet vinyl is not what your grandmother had installed in her little bungalow. Today’s sheet vinyl is a highly durable, multilayer flooring choice that is great in high traffic areas, areas where moisture may be a problem, and commercial floor plans. It also comes in a wide variety of sizes and styles, looks, and patterns.Is Sheet Vinyl Good?

Are you considering sheet vinyl as a flooring choice? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Sheet Vinyl?

Sheet vinyl is a multilayer, highly durable flooring choice that economical and easy to maintain. It’s easy to clean, and if you’ve ever worried about having it look dingy after just a few short months, stop worrying. Today’s sheet vinyl can look good for years.

What’s more, depending on what flooring you already have in place, it can be one of the easiest to install. If you want to change your decor, sheet vinyl is one of the easiest flooring choices to install.

Sheet vinyl is created with several layers to provide strength, durability, and aesthetics.

The most popular sheet vinyl contains a fiberglass layer that keeps the sheet flat and prevents it from curling over time. This fiberglass material also makes it easy to install, using a double-sided adhesive tape for installation rather than relying on messy adhesives.

Sheet vinyl also contains a wear layer and a topcoat, to help prevent scuffs, scratches, and other dings from normal, everyday use. Think of the wear layer as your protection from everything you do in your daily life.

This wear layer comes in different thickness levels. In low traffic conditions, you can get by with a lower wear layer option. However, in high traffic areas, select the highest wear layer for maximum performance. You’ll typically find wear layers in 10mil, 12mil, and 15mil sizes.

Sheet Vinyl Comes In Different Widths

When most people here “sheet vinyl,” they think of large rolls you can quickly unroll across a room and glue into place. But there’s more to sheet vinyl then rolls. When you’re dealing with sheet vinyl, the width plays an important part in the overall look, wear, and design.

As sheet vinyl grew in popularity, manufacturers quickly realized that one of the most difficult parts of installing it was the width of the design. Homeowners didn’t like having seams in the middle of a room, especially if they frayed and wore badly, leaving an unsightly mess. Cutting large sheets also seemed senseless in a narrow hallway, especially if you started losing some of the design.

Why not have sheet vinyl in many different widths? And that really was the start of vinyl’s opportunity. Did you know today, the most common width is just 12 inches?

Before you head into our showroom, take a few measurements of the room you’re ready to install new flooring in. They stop by and let us show you how you can decorate your space. What about plank tile just a mere 4 inches in width? Or stick with something wider – more standard – and move up to 13 feet in width? It all depends on your needs and desires.

Let’s Talk Style – You’ll Find Anything’s Possible With Sheet Vinyl

You can’t talk width without considering style first, right? After all, you aren’t just looking for a flooring choice that’s functional; you want good looks too. And that’s really the beauty of today’s sheet vinyl.

Let’s start with wood-look sheet vinyl. Everyone wants hardwood in their homes and commercial locations. But for a lot of situations, traditional hardwood just doesn’t make sense. Now you can have the look, yet choose durability and ease of care too.

What’s more, wood-look sheet vinyl can have even more options than you’ll find with traditional hardwood. Want gray wood floors? You’ll find it. Want to go as dark as possible? You’ll find that too. And while darker wood is often harder to care for, you’ll find dark sheet vinyl easy to maintain.

Like the idea of stone tile instead? Why not give stone-look sheet vinyl a try. It’s extremely popular; you can get the look of a stone floor at a much more economical price. It’s a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens. And because it’s softer than stone, it’s also a great choice if you have kids or seniors that are at risk of falling. You’ll love the softness factor sheet vinyl offers.

If you can find a stone you love, you’ll find the same look in sheet vinyl. Concrete, travertine, granite, and marble, there are all kinds of looks available that can provide you with classic designs.

Still Have Questions About Sheet Vinyl?

The best way to see if sheet vinyl is a good fit for your home is to stop by and see our entire vinyl flooring selection. But we also wanted to ensure you had a few more of your questions answered.

Is sheet vinyl really easy to clean?

Yes! If you’ve heard nightmares about cleaning and waxing, you’ve been listening to stories about linoleum. Sheet vinyl can be cleaned by sweeping and vacuuming dirt or debris. Use a damp mop for removing and spills or stains. Be sure to wipe away liquid spills and remove standing water. While it is moisture-resistant, you never want to allow liquid to stand and have the opportunity to penetrate through the seams. And depending on the spill, it can stain or discolor the top layer if left on the floor too long.

Can I install sheet vinyl myself?

Yes! That’s the beauty of sheet vinyl. With just a little bit of handy skills, you may consider installing this flooring yourself. Of course, if you want a professional look and feel, you may decide it’s best to leave it in the hands of a true professional. But it’s entirely your choice; you decide how to install it.

Can I install sheet vinyl anywhere?

Sheet vinyl is one of the most forgiving floorings to install; you can install it virtually anywhere. If you have a level subfloor in place, installing sheet vinyl is an easy task. How about the kitchen? Or bathroom? Or laundry room? It can make a great addition to your basement. Or how about the wine cellar? You’re gonna love how sheet vinyl spruces up just about any room in your home or commercial location.

How can we help you select the right sheet vinyl for your home?

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The Pros and Cons of Adding Vinyl Flooring To Your Home

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular types of resilient flooring because it’s easy to install, low maintenance, water-resistant, and is one of the most economical flooring choices you can make.

It’s also very popular among homeowners looking for a softer flooring that makes standing easier. It’s a great addition to hallways and entryways where high traffic is a given. It’s also a great choice in kitchens and bathrooms where comfort is needed as you stand in one place throughout the day.

What’s more, you can find vinyl sheets and tiles in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, one that will perfectly suit your needs.The Pros and Cons of Adding Vinyl Flooring To Your Home

But with all the positives of this flooring choice, vinyl flooring also has a few drawbacks. Like any flooring, vinyl isn’t perfect for every situation. If you know the pros and cons before you start the selection process, you’ll have a better understanding of what will make the perfect flooring choice for your home.

Pro: Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest flooring choices to install

Today’s vinyl is easier to work with than ever before. Technological advances mean you’re not limited to working with vinyl in large, difficult to work with sheets. Though sheet vinyl is still an excellent way to add flooring to a room without the use of multiple seams, there are other options too. How about vinyl planks? Or vinyl tiles? No matter what you choose, do it yourself or leave it to the professionals, you can have new vinyl installed in a short period of time.

The best brands in the industry offer easy installation methods. With self-adhesive methods, you can simply remove the backing and press the vinyl into place. Of course, you will need to ensure the subfloor is ready for installation. That will be the key to your vinyl flooring’s success. That means your subfloor should be level and smooth, clean, and ready to adhere to your vinyl flooring choice.

Con: Vinyl flooring can be difficult to remove

The good news is once vinyl flooring is laid into place, the adhesive sets and hardens to ensure your flooring stays put. The bad news is the adhesive hardens to the subfloor and is going to take power to remove it.

Fortunately, it’s not impossible. It’s just going to take a little elbow grease to bring your flooring back down to the original subfloor, ready for the next flooring choice you make.

If you do it yourself, you can do it with a utility knife and a scraper. Use a utility knife to cut the vinyl into manageable pieces, then follow with a scraper tool to loosen the hardened glue.

Pro: Vinyl flooring is affordable

It won’t take you long to realize that vinyl flooring is one of the most economical flooring choices you can install in your home. Even luxury vinyl can be installed at a fraction of the price of traditional hardwood.

That savings can also continue to grow as you consider maintenance factors as well. With vinyl, it’s as easy as sweeping and mopping to keep floors looking their best. Hardwoods need a lot more care to maintain their good looks. Even carpet needs frequent vacuuming and occasional cleanings to be the best it can be.

Con: Vinyl flooring isn’t the most in-demand flooring

Despite its advancement, thanks to technology, vinyl flooring is still vinyl flooring. It will always be and act like vinyl flooring. And for some homeowners, that falls to the bottom of the wishlist.

Still, studies show that homeowners like consistency more than they prefer certain types of flooring. And because high-quality vinyl flooring has made a lot of advances in the past decade, it’s good looks can be a welcome sight.

https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-flooring-increases-home-value/

The important thing is to focus on quality. Vinyl comes in a variety of thicknesses; the thicker the vinyl, the more cushiony, stable, and durable it becomes. Because homeowners typically install vinyl in places like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways – places where more accidents are likely to occur – high quality means spills won’t penetrate through to the subfloor, and moving items or dropping things won’t dent or tear the material.

Pro: Vinyl flooring can add beauty to any room

You can select vinyl flooring in sheet, tile or plank format. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, styles, and looks. Vinyl planks are designed to mimic hardwood flooring, and they do a pretty good job. Vinyl tile can give the appearance of natural stone tile – all at an affordable price. It’s a great way to add a little personality to any room, and move it up to give it a more modern appeal.

Con: Age impacts your vinyl flooring

With proper care, vinyl flooring can last 15, 20 years or more. But as it begins to age, the color and material can fade away with it.

Do you have vinyl installed in your older home now? If vinyl was produced in the 1980s or before, you might be at risk for having asbestos in your home. Once vinyl starts wearing it can release asbestos into the air. If you suspect it, get it evaluated right away. You can buy an at-home testing kit and run the test yourself. And if it tests positive, a professional must remove it to ensure the toxic material is removed in the proper way.

But today’s vinyl flooring is no longer as risky as they once were. Vinyl is created from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the past, they were often associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but manufacturers today often use little to no PVC in their flooring. Just ask and we can point you to the best manufacturers.

What’s Your Choice?

Like other types of flooring, vinyl can be the perfect addition to some rooms in your home. There will always be a need for vinyl flooring, and luckily today, that means you have a wide range of choices.

The low cost and durability can be a deciding factor. Add in good looks and resilience against water damage, and it can be a winner in certain areas of your home.

Think vinyl flooring is the perfect choice for your home? Stop by today and see what we have in stock for you.

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Why You Should Consider Vinyl Flooring

According to a recent report by Allied Market Research, the global vinyl flooring market was valued at $20 billion in 2016. But thanks to renewed interest and growing demand, it’s expected to rise to $48.47 billion by 2023.

Why You Should Consider Vinyl FlooringWhy is luxury vinyl flooring growing in popularity? One reason: technology. Technology is making vinyl flooring one of the most durable, yet beautiful flooring options in the industry. Also known as resilient flooring, it’s earning a reputation as being one of the best flooring choices in both commercial and residential applications. 

  • It’s easy to install.
  • It can be laid almost anywhere.
  • It comes in sheets, tiles, and planks, and can mimic any flooring application you desire.
  • Colors and patterns are virtually unlimited – and it appears more realistic than ever, thanks to technology.
  • It’s low maintenance and easy to care for.
  • It’s budget friendly – it’s one of the most economical ways to have great, worry-free flooring.

For all these reasons and more, homeowners and commercial property owners alike are choosing vinyl flooring for its practicality. 

What is luxury vinyl flooring?

When was the last time you looked at vinyl flooring? If it’s been awhile, you might be thinking about the patterns and colors your parents used in their kitchens and bathrooms. While traditional vinyl flooring is still available, what’s growing even more is the luxury vinyl flooring market. 

This subsection of the vinyl flooring industry has grown out of demand and innovation. As manufacturers reach out to give the public more of what they want, consumers respond by pushing even further. The result is a more advanced product that looks great underfoot. 

Vinyl manufacturers have mastered the art of creating realistic imitations. Technology and printing have made it possible to put anything you desire into vinyl manufacturing, making some of the processes so realistic you have to get down on the floor and touch it to determine what it’s made of. And with greater moisture resistance, higher durability, and a more budget friendly cost, it’s getting a second look by everyone considering flooring options. 

With design no longer being an issue, it allows manufacturers the chance to test the boundaries of what’s possible. They have created many out-of-the-box ideas that consumers are happily choosing and installing. They can be stylish yet functional. Fashionable yet heavy-duty. 

Hard … or Soft?

Hardwood tops the charts of wanted flooring materials. Natural stone has also grown in popularity over the years. Yet both have a problem of being hard surfaces that aren’t the best choice in flooring for everyone. Have small children learning to walk? Have elderly family members who are at risk of falling? Risk factors may force you to make other flooring choices. 

Today’s vinyl flooring choices are blurring the lines between hard and soft surfaces, between settling for functionality or for beauty. By installing luxury vinyl tiles or planks that mimic hardwood or stone, you’ll be able to keep what you love in your decor options while keeping the practical side of you happy too. 

Through technology, flooring manufacturers have mastered the art of creating materials an untrained eye has difficulty seeing the difference. Plus you often have the opportunity of having even more options because through technology, you can create any color, pattern, or style you desire. There is only so much you can do with hardwood and stain. But with a printer, you can create any color of the rainbow. It’s especially good for whitewash and lighter wood-look pieces. 

Beyond Aesthetics – Let’s Talk Performance

What good is a flooring choice if it scuffs, scratches, and stains within days or weeks of installation? Manufacturers know this. That’s why they’ve worked equally as hard on the looks of vinyl flooring as they have the durability. 

Different companies offer different products with different guarantees. You’ll find finishes that help resist stains, scuff marks, scratches, and more. They top the vinyl material with a coating that protects as well as increases for long term performance. 

But it doesn’t stop there. While vinyl companies create products you’ll be proud to display in your home or office, they also make these new products a breeze for installation. Many come with adhesive already applied to the back. No guesswork on what to use; it comes pre-applied. That makes installation faster and easier, as well as ensuring you can get back to life in the shortest time possible. You’ll also spend less on installation costs, as your labor charge will be lower. 

Introducing … Multilayer Flooring

If you have your heart set on wood, yet every ounce of your being is telling you it’s a disaster waiting to happen, vinyl might just be your answer. And if you do a little research you’re going to come across a new segment in the industry called Multilayer Flooring, or MLF. 

By definition, multilayer flooring is any plank or tile format flooring that is made up of multiple layers of different material assembled together. That definition applies to many of the product in the luxury vinyl industry, including rigid luxury vinyl tiles, and enhanced vinyl planks. 

If it looks like stone or wood, and mimics the core of these two product lines, you might see it referred to as multilayer flooring. 

What people love about MLF is it provides a solution to what didn’t work with more traditional vinyl, and laminate flooring. 

  • It can be installed almost anywhere, with little work to the subfloor.
  • It’s easier to install than either vinyl or laminate.
  • It’s more water resistant – waterproof in some cases.

Plus you can’t argue with the look and feel of this product line. Sometimes you peel the adhesive back and press it into place. Or select locking technology that makes installation a snap. 

Either way, you can have your new flooring installed and ready to live within hours – not days or even weeks. 

That can be a big time saver if you want your flooring now. 

So what’ll it be? Are you ready to install today’s vinyl in your home or commercial location? Are you excited to see what today’s vinyl flooring can offer you? Stop today, and see what’s in store for your new floors. 

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Laminate Flooring May Be The Perfect Choice For Your Home

When you live here in Colorado, hardwood flooring is a natural choice for your home. However, just because you love its looks, doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your home or your situation. If you have an active household, filled with kids and activities, pets and parties, hardwood can be a problematic flooring choice to take care of. You may regret your decision almost as soon as it’s installed. Laminate Flooring May Be The Perfect Choice For Your Home

Consider laminate flooring instead. 

Why laminate flooring?

Because laminate flooring looks as good as hardwood, but it offers benefits that make it the perfect choice for busy households. 

Laminate flooring offers the stunning looks of hardwood, only with more durability. Today’s laminate flooring isn’t what it was even a few years ago. You’ll find today’s laminate choices in abundance, with colors, styles, patterns, and looks to suit every taste. 

It’s stronger than hardwood. If you’ve ever dropped a can from your pantry onto your hardwood, you know those dents can add up. That won’t happen as easily with laminate. It’s also scratch-resistant. That means it’s a better choice for a family with pets, or with small kids where they love to play on the floor. 

Is laminate flooring a good investment?

If you are currently designing your forever home, you might not be worried about the investment value of the flooring you install. But if you’re planning on selling in the near future, it becomes more of a consideration. 

Nothing motivates a potential buyer more than hardwood. Especially here in Colorado, where architecture and design likes to focus on natural beauty, hardwood is one of the most popular choices you can make for your home. 

But not all rooms are meant for hardwood.

Laminate is an excellent addition for places that need extra protection from water or humidity. It can be a great choice for the walkout basement you’re refinishing, where potential water damage can impact the structure of the flooring in many ways.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring?

Still not sure if laminate flooring is the best choice for you? Here are just a few of the reasons we see customers choosing laminate flooring for their home. 

It’s durability

We’ve covered this a bit earlier, but it’s worth mentioning again. Laminate is one of the best ways to get the look and feel of hardwood in a much stronger and more durable package. It’s a great choice for heavy traffic areas, areas prone to moisture or humidity, or for homes with pets and kids. 

It’s easier to install

Laminate can be easier to install compared with other flooring choices. Laminate boards are created with an interlocking system, making them a snap to install. Plus laminate flooring is designed to “float”, meaning you don’t have to create a perfect subfloor before you start the installation process. Whether you’re choosing laminate as a DIY project or just want your remodeling project finished quickly and easily, laminate may be your perfect choice. 

It’s more forgiving

Have you ever been told you can’t install hardwood in your home because your subfloor won’t handle the installation? You might be the perfect candidate for laminate. 

Laminate is versatile and can be installed on almost all types of subflooring. Have a base of concrete? Not a problem. Have vinyl or linoleum flooring in need of replacing? You can often install laminate directly over the existing materials.

It’s easy to clean and maintain

Because laminate flooring is a hard, durable surface, clean up is a snap. With just a quick sweep or vacuum, you can keep your flooring looking its best all the time. What’s more, you won’t need a lot of special cleaners or waxes as a part of the upkeep. Check with manufacturers guidelines, but in most cases, you can wipe away messes with little more than water. 

It’s hypoallergenic

One of the best flooring choices for people with allergies is hardwood – there isn’t a place for dust, dirt, and other particles to hide. Laminate flooring provides those same benefits, but makes it even easier to keep clean. What’s more, laminate is built with a multilayer system that includes underlayment that not only protects the floor from damage, but it also prevents mold from growing underneath. That makes it an excellent choice for worry-free care. 

It’s stylish

No matter what style of flooring you’re looking for, or how much personality you wish to incorporate into your final design, there’s a laminate product for you. 

If you stop by and take a look at our full selection, you’ll be amazed at all you can do with laminate flooring. Want laminate that looks like oak, maple, or even rustic wood? There’s a choice for you. Want the look of natural stone without the hardness factor of laying down stone tiles? Laminate is for you. Love the look of ceramic or porcelain tile? You can get laminate with the same good looks. 

Laminate typically has four layers. 

Layer one is the backer paper, or the bottom layer that provides the backing and seal for the product. This ensures the laminate maintains stability as it’s laid into place. This backer paper often decreases the need to have a subfloor in place.

Layer two is the core board. This is the fiber board that gives laminate its strength and durability.

Layer three is the decorative paper. This is what gives your laminate the look of real wood, stone, or tile. Plus it can provide a multitude of colors and patterns, often far more than you can get with other products. 

Layer four is the overlay layer. This gives laminate its seal and protects the laminate floor from everyday wear and tear. It also shields the decorative paper layer from harmful UV rays as the sun scatters across your floor from windows and doors throughout the day. 

A few things to consider

You may be sold on laminate flooring, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

Laminate does a good job mimicking hardwood, but it’s not. That means as good as it looks, it will never provide the ultimate look and feel of the real thing. If you want the natural blemishes real wood provides, you’ll have to install the real thing. 

While laminate is moisture resistant, it’s not waterproof. That means if you have a room that is regularly subjected to water and large spills, think twice about laminate. It can handle the occasional messes, and will last for years with quick attention to accidents. But if water is allowed to sit for too long, it can penetrate between the spaces and ruin your floor. 

And the one thing people always notice is it feels slightly different underfoot. Run across it, and it has a somewhat hollow sound. That can be reduced by opting for thicker, more expensive laminate. But because of its construction, it will never have the acoustics of real wood. 

Want to way the differences and see what makes your best choice? Stop by today and see our entire selection of laminate flooring. There’s a choice perfect for your home.

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Felt or Fiberglass Vinyl Floor Backings?

For some rooms in your home, vinyl is a perfect choice. And when you walk into your local flooring dealer, you might be surprised by the many options available when it comes to installing vinyl in your home. 

But did you know that selecting the right backing is equally as important as the color, style, and pattern? Sure, you’ll have to live with the design and be happy with the look. But if the performance is off from the beginning, you’ll regret your choice no matter how beautiful it is. Felt or Fiberglass Vinyl Floor Backings?

The right backing adds durability, water-resistance, and determines how your flooring will wear. It also determines how it will be installed. Let’s talk about two of the most popular types of backing available on vinyl floors. 

Felt

If your vinyl flooring has a felt backing, it must be installed with permanent adhesive so it will stick to the subflooring. Otherwise, it may start curling on the ends over time. 

The installation process is a little more tedious as the subfloor must be primed and ready to go. The proper amount of adhesive must be used to ensure they vinyl is properly attached to the subfloor. Tiles will also be a little more difficult to remove. 

Because felt backed tiles will adhere to the floor, it is important to acclimate them to your home before installation. Leave them to sit for at least 24 hours to allow them to adjust to room conditions. 

Felt backed tiles are not recommended for basements or any room where they will come in contact with consistent moisture or water. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass vinyl is growing in popularity due to its simpler installation process. It can be installed with releasable adhesive or no adhesive at all, making it easy to lay and replace towels if they become wet or damaged. Fiberglass doesn’t have the curling problem associated with felt back vinyl. It also won’t shrink, crack, or warp with exposure to varying elements. 

Fiberglass is also known for its muting qualities. It’s softer underfoot because of its thickness, which also adds to its noise-reducing qualities. That makes it a perfect choice for rooms you might not have considered before, such as living spaces. Fiberglass is helping redefine how you think about vinyl flooring and gives it a step up in desirability for installation in your home. 

If you have any questions about vinyl flooring, give us a call and talk with one of our representatives. 

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Why Now Is The Time To Take A Second Look At Vinyl

Why do we love luxury vinyl? Because of its endless possibilities. Thanks to technology, it’s more durable than ever. And it’s looks? It can be just as beautiful as any other flooring choice out there, including ceramic tile, plank wood, or laminate flooring. 

Vinyl has two things other flooring choices don’t: it’s flexibility and its softness. It can be installed just about anywhere and provide you with a luxurious feel underneath. 

Vinyl Works In Every Room In The Home

Vinyl isn’t just for bathrooms and mudrooms anymore. Why Now Is The Time To Take A Second Look At Vinyl

Luxury vinyl comes in tiles, planks, and sheets. Depending on your final selection, it can create any look and feel you desire, even giving you a highly functional flooring system that appears more realistic. Love the look of hardwood? Luxury vinyl planks can give you the same look and feel, yet be softer to the touch. That’s a big plus in homes with small children or elderly. 

Vinyl Is Perfect For Commercial

Because luxury vinyl has grown in sophistication, it also makes a good choice for commercial locations. We’ve installed vinyl in corporate offices, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and even in sports facilities with great results. 

Why? Because luxury vinyl gives you unparalleled design possibilities. You can find luxury vinyl in tile, plank, or sheet format. This allows you to customize your final look any way you choose. And because vinyl is one of the most durable and easy-to-maintain flooring choices, you’ll love it no matter where you install it. 

Vinyl Has Something For Everyone

Why do so many families and budget-minded people love vinyl? Because it’s the perfect flooring solution for many different applications. It’s the perfect choice for homes with families and pets. It’s perfect for people that want a luxury feel yet stick to a budget. It’s perfect for commercial environments that want an easy to clean and easy to maintain floor. It’s perfect for anyone looking to create a unique look. 

We love vinyl, and we’re sure you will too. Stop by today and see today’s selection of luxury vinyl. 

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3 Advantages Of Using Linoleum In Your Home

Think linoleum and vinyl are the same? Think again. The two couldn’t be more different. 

Vinyl was created in the 1930s from chips of synthetic resin called polyvinyl chloride. Linoleum is a natural based product made from renewable materials including linseed oil, tree resins, recycled wood flour, cork dust, and mineral pigments. It’s all mounted together on a jute or canvas backing.

3 Advantages Of Using Linoleum In Your HomeThe first commercial linoleum was created by the American Linoleum Manufacturing Company in 1872. This water-resistant material didn’t take long to gain popularity throughout the US, becoming one of the most popular flooring choices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It made a great addition to high traffic areas, as well as moisture prone zones such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

What made it spread quickly was its affordability factor. Yet at the same time, it was considered a luxurious material, being installed in some of the most sophisticated commercial properties of the early 20th century, including the Titanic. 

But gradually, substitutes were created, and the popularity factor began to wane. Cheap vinyl alternatives could be designed more economically and offer more color and pattern choices because of the design practice. Still, there are many reasons to look back at this one-time favorite today. 

Durability

Linoleum has almost double the lifespan of vinyl, lasting as long as 40 years with proper care. This can be attributed to its colorfast construction: the color and pattern are through the entire width of the material, printed on the surface like vinyl. Just be sure that the linoleum you have installed includes a protective coating to prevent the surface from darkening or taking on a yellow tinge, especially if it is exposed to direct sunlight. This protective top layer helps protect against dirt and scuffs, but keep in mind it is still susceptible to dents and tears, especially with high heels and furniture. 

Water Resistance

Linoleum also offers water resistance you won’t find in other flooring choices, including wood. This advantage is what makes it a perfect choice for entryways and mudrooms, especially if you have a lot of wet shoes and snow covered boots. While you should never completely immerse linoleum in water, it’s perfect for light moisture and quick cleanups. With excessive moisture or humidity, you can begin to see edges and corners pull up, or seams to curl. 

Eco-Friendly

Linoleum is a natural alternative to many other flooring choices. Linoleum is also easily recycled and biodegradable. Because of its wood components, it can easily be discarded in many different ways, even composting in your garden as you wood mulch or wood chips. And because it’s all-natural, it won’t emit any harmful VOC emissions either. 

Is linoleum the right choice for your home?

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Is Vinyl Flooring Waterproof?

Looking for waterproof flooring? Look no further than the latest in luxury vinyl.

As homeowners, we put each room through a lot each day. But while your normal activities may take place on a countertop or a table, invariably a lot of your messes will head down to the floor. Whether you spill or drop whatever you’re doing, the floor can be a pretty messy place.Is Vinyl Flooring Waterproof?

That means your flooring has to withstand it all. It has to be easy to clean. But more importantly, not absorb the potential messes it has in store.

You may not cry over spilled milk, but you will cry if it seeps into your flooring and has you replacing it because of mold or buckling of the floor.

Waterproof vinyl flooring is a luxury vinyl that is 100 percent waterproof. (Also known as WPC vinyl flooring.)

Waterproof flooring typically features a four-layer construction that includes a waterproof core. It has a:

  • Wear layer – this provides its stain resistance and makes it easy to clean
  • Luxury vinyl top layer – this is what gives it its look
  • High density core – this is what makes it waterproof
  • Underlayment – this is what provides sound insulation and makes it easy to install

Wear Layer

Just like traditional vinyl, this protects your floors. It prevents scratches, dents, etc from impacting the lower layers of the vinyl. Think of it as your buffer zone to give added protection.

The Top Layer

This is where you get your color, patterns, and style. Photographs are used to make vinyl look like natural materials like stone and wood. Often, waterproof vinyl flooring is the highest quality vinyl on the market. This means you get the most realistic looks that people will swear look like real stone/wood.

High density core

This is your most important layer. This gives the floor stability so it won’t contract or swell when it connects with liquid.

Underlayment

If you’ve ever walked on a floor without underlayment, you know it has a hollow sound. Vinyl needs underlayment for both comfort and sound absorption. With waterproof luxury vinyl, the underlayment is attached, making it that much easier to install.

Sounds good, right? The best thing is the style. You can select vinyl plank, vinyl tile, vinyl stone. Whatever you desire for the look and feel of your home, there’s a vinyl flooring option for you.

Stop by and see what we have available for your home. You’ll be surprised.

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Do I Really Need To Acclimate My Laminate Floors?

You want the look and feel of hardwood floors. But laminate floors will serve you better. They’re more durable. They’re easier to care for. And they’re easier to install.

But that doesn’t mean you can purchase them from your local flooring shop and install them the same day. Like hardwood flooring, laminate floors need a little TLC along the way. From the moment you finalize your purchase, there are a few things you need to do to ensure quality installation.

Sadly, some flooring dealers will tell you that you don’t have to acclimate laminate floors. They will tell you that laminate isn’t real wood, so it doesn’t matter. However, what they don’t tell you is that by not acclimating it to your space, you may actually be voiding the warranty.

Do I Really Need To Acclimate My Laminate Floors?

Why do you need to acclimate laminate flooring when it isn’t a hard wood product? Like hardwood, laminate is made from materials that can change in different climate situations. If you take laminate from a warm, dry warehouse and install it in a cool, moist basement, there is a chance the humidity will cause the laminate to expand. It might not be extensive change, but even small amounts can cause your floors to buckle.

The opposite can happen too. If you take laminate from a cool, moist warehouse and install them in a dry, warm home in the middle of winter, the floors could cause gaps that pull apart. This can make your floor uneven, even unsightly depending on the width of the gaps.

And all of this could be avoided if the contractor simply applied acclimation times to the materials before installation.

Acclimation times vary based on manufacturers, but you’ll find most list between 48 and 72 hours. This means the materials have to brought to your home and placed in the room in which it will be installed at least 48 to 72 hours before work is performed.

If you are trying to find the best flooring company for purchasing laminate floors, you should always lead with this simple question before you lay down your credit card.

Do you need to acclimate laminate floors before installation? The answer is always yes.

If they try and tell you otherwise, leave and find a flooring company you can trust.

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How Long Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Last

Are you thinking of installing vinyl in your home? Before you make your final selection, you may want to consider the longevity of what you will be installing. Every material has pros and cons, and what you select is often at the intersection of affordability, durability, and aesthetics.

Today’s vinyl flooring options can meet all three of those requirements, which is why its a popular choice. Vinyl plank flooring has grown in popularity because of it’s ability to look like the real thing, while giving you the affordability and durability you’ll love.How Long Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Last

The longevity of vinyl plank flooring depends on the thickness and the wear layer of the product you are purchasing. Some of the thicker vinyl floors on the market come with warranties for up to 25 years. If you are using a thin vinyl, you’ll most likely get a wear life of somewhere between 5 and 10 years with normal use.

Vinyl plank is designed to resemble hardwood, and it comes in strips in much the same fashion as a hardwood alternative. You can find this product in a number of looks and styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood. Because it is designed to imitate hardwood, you’ll find a version that matches your home’s decor.

Vinyl plank has many advantages over its hardwood counterparts.

Because many models are backed with a felt product, when installed it provides a softer floor with more give. That means less breakage when things are dropped, which is good news for plates and glasses in the kitchen.

Vinly floor is water resistant, making vinyl plank the perfect choice in kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, vinyl is better at sealing against water damage, so it’s especially durable in basement locations.

Vinyl plank can be installed directly on your subfloor, which makes the process quick, cost-effective, and easy to handle.

And because vinyl is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain, it’s a wise choice in a busy household with lots of foot traffic.

Keep in mind that while vinyl will hold up for many years, it can be damaged quite easily. Avoid moving heavy furniture around, which can result in scuffs and gouges. If any particles are left beneath during installation, it can create bumps or warps in your floors. And keep in mind that vinyl does little to add to the resale value of your home.

But in the right location, it can be the perfect choice for your home. Want to see our complete selection of vinyl plank? Stop by today.

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