Hardwood Flooring 101

Before you consider your hardwood aesthetic and make stylistic decisions, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Engineered vs. Solid: Engineered hardwood flooring is constructed using multiple layers of wood, with each layer positioned in a different direction. Only the very top layer is solid wood, and even that is only a veneer. On the other hand, solid hardwood flooring is made from only one type of wood throughout the plank, and if well maintained, it can last for decades.
• Measuring Hardness: The Janka hardness test is the standard when it comes to determining the durability of hardwoods. It measures the amount of force necessary to embed a steel ball halfway into whatever wood is being tested, with higher numbers indicating harder woods. Red cedar is the softest at 350, while Ipe is the hardest at 3,510.
• Color Changes: All floors will be exposed to sunlight to some degree, which will inevitably change your floor’s tone over time. Some varieties will turn yellow, while others will become darker. The finish you choose can help protect your floors from this change, but be sure to ask an expert while shopping about what to expect from the different varieties of hardwood.

The 4 Most Popular Types of Hardwood Flooring

There is a wide variety of solid hardwood flooring options ranging in color, hardness, and look. Here is a quick breakdown of the most popular domestic options and how they can make your floor shine.

• Red Oak: One of the most affordable options available, red oak is also the most stain-resistant. Its natural color ranges from light, creamy reddish pinks to shades of brown with moderate to heavy graining. While not the hardest option available, red oak holds up to wear and tear quite well and is flexible enough to not split under pressure.
• White Oak: Much like its more colorful sister, white oak is abundant, medium-grained, and a reasonably priced option that holds up against stains. It is also a bit harder than red oak, with colors that range from golden brown to gray.
• Maple: First off, you should be aware that maple is available in both hard and soft varieties. It is delicately grained and has creamy-blonde tones that match well with Scandinavian or Mid-Century Modern interior designs.
• Hickory: Harder than oak varieties and maple, hickory is even more durable and resistant. It features a unique grain pattern marked by mineral streaks and knots that provide a more rustic look, with colors ranging from brown to red and tan. 

Maintenance and Avoiding Damage

Once your floor is installed, keeping up with it is key to extending its life and looking its best.

• When sweeping, use a soft-bristled broom and move with the grain.
• Be wary of vacuums with carpet beaters and brush rolls as these can damage the finish.
• Don’t let sticky debris stick around. Clean up spills with a clean, damp cloth as soon as you can and try to move with the grain.
• Never steam clean wood.
• Always refer to your floor’s warranty if you are unsure about certain cleaning products. 

If you still have questions or want to explore additional options before settling on the perfect floor for your home, the experts at All Flooring USA are here to help. They will answer all of your questions and help match you with the floor of your dreams.

All floors are not created equal. Begin the next year with a bang by setting up a floor that is durable, stylish and unique. If you are looking for the combination of cost efficiency, trendiness, mand sophistication, then look no further. Vinyl Plank Flooring is your best option.

The type of Vinyl Plank Flooring which mimics the wooden floor best is called Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). Luxury Vinyl Planks create spectacular floors that are ingeniously designed to look like hardwood or stone and built to endure the busiest households.

From time-worn wood to a blond maple or a rich Brazilian Cherry, you are guaranteed the style that you want, at a price that you desire.

7 Reasons Why Luxury Vinyl Planks is Your Best Flooring Option

Here are the top 7 Reasons why Luxury Vinyl Planks are the best flooring option in 2020 and beyond.

1. Affordable

Price is the first thing that makes Vinyl Plank Flooring stand out. Luxury Vinyl Planks cost from $2 to$7 per square foot on average. Whereas hardwood floor costs almost double. When compared with the other types of tiles, Vinyl Plank Flooring is certainly an affordable option.

2. Durable

Scratches, chips, and dings are not a concern if you opt for Vinyl Plank Flooring. You don’t have to fret if you have kids or pets at home. Luxury Vinyl Planks are durable, long-lasting and do not require refinishing like a hardwood floor. However, they are not entirely immune to damage, especially under heavy furniture or appliances.

3. Water Resistance

Vinyl Planks are waterproof, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens. You can also install them in below-grade in basements. Furthermore, if you have kids, consider replacing your living room carpet with Vinyl flooring as spills and messes are a frequent occurrence there.

4. An array of Colors and Styles

Vinyl planks are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns which give your room the look that your heart desires. From ebony to whitewashed, oak to exotic cedars, you are sure to find your favorite pattern and color with perfect ease. They also come in different shapes and textures. Most vinyl planks are rectangular but they are also available in square shape. Similarly, you can make your choice based on texture as well as the thickness of the plank.

5. Easy to Install

Luxury Vinyl Planks are fairly easy to install. Adjust the size of the planks with a utility knife and you are all set. There are two options for installation:
a. Tongue and Groove Design
You can fix these planks without nails or glue. They snap together like pieces of a puzzle.
b. Peel and Stick
You can peel off the paper from the back of the planks and stick them on the floor. It’s that simple!

6. Easy to Clean and Maintain

Compared to hardwood floors, Luxury Vinyl Planks are easy to clean and require very little maintenance. Clean up the dirt with a vacuum cleaner and use a wet mop with a mild cleaner for deep cleaning.

If your vinyl floor dulls over time, don’t fret. You are not required to wax it as you wax a hardwood floor. 

7. Warm and Comfortable

Vinyl Plank Flooring can stay at room temperature. If you have central heating in your home, the floor won’t freeze your feet off as you step out of bed in the morning. Furthermore, it has a bit of padding so it won’t feel as hard as a wooden floor under your feet.

Vinyl Plank Flooring is the best option for homes with kids and pets. It is affordable, durable and easy to maintain. It’s great texture, warmth and colors make it an ideal choice for 2020 and beyond.

When you are remodeling or constructing your new home or office, the most important decision you could make is to choose the right kind of hardwood floor. As there is a wide variety of hardwood floors available in the market, you want to choose the type which is appropriate according to your lifestyle

All Flooring USA, we partner with some of the best brands to bring you the products that are not only beautifully designed but made to withstand active lifestyles and busy households.

Construction

Hardwood floor is available in 2 styles of constructions i.e. Solid and Engineered.

Solid

Solid hardwood floor is constructed from the best wood to deliver a  durable and tough domestic floor. The thickness of the planks is normally ¾ inches. It contracts and expands with changes in humidity level, so it is an ideal choice for rooms with controlled humidity and temperature. Most of the time, it is installed above grade, or over approved wooden subfloors. US Floors‘ Natural Bamboo Expressions Corboo, Homerwood’s Weathered Oak-Solid collections, and Lauzon’s Ambiance Collection-Authentik showcase some of the best solid wood floors available in the market.

Engineered

Engineered is an ideal choice for customers who want more choices in colors and textures. It resists contraction and expansion from humidity changes. Available in various widths, colors and sizes, it can be installed on any level in the home. Browse through our Mohawk‘s Pastiche in Oak collection or Lauzon‘s Designer Collection- Line Art to get a feel of it.

Textures

Hardwood floor is available in a variety of textures and styles.

Smooth

Smooth texture results from a very delicate sanding which gives the wood a very silky look. Most of the products featured in the Hardwood flooring section are available in this texture.

Open Grain

 Open Grain hardwood planks have large pores that give the floor a coarser look. When the wood is sawn, the pours are split and give it a dramatic look. The hickory floor in Lauzon’s Emira series or Red Oak floors in Ambiance or Essentials collection features this texture.

Glossy

 Glossy hardwood flooring makes the wood grain patterns stand out and add elegance to your home. If you have small children or pets at home, choosing a glossy hardwood floor is not a very good choice as all the spots and stains on such a floor stand out.

Hand Scraped

 Hand-scraped texture is created either through automated machines or by hand. Using tools like metal gouges, chisels, and hand planes, the wooden floor is given a sophisticated texture. This type of texture is featured in some of the Homestead
series by Lauzon.

Wire Brushed

 This texture is created by rubbing the hardwood floor with steel bristles, opening the grain and removing the softwood at the top of the plank. To appreciate this unique texture, take a look at some of the floors from Urban Loft and Authentik Series by Lauzon.

Tips to Keep Your Hardwood Floor in a Great Shape

The following are some of the tips to take care of your hardwood floor.

Keep the dirt and Sand Out

Taking care of your hardwood floors starts outside the home. Place a doormat at the entrance so that the people can wipe off their feet before they enter their home. Similarly, placing a mat and a chair near the entrance door encourages people to sit down and remove their wet shoes before they enter the house.

Protect your Hardwood floor from Scratches

Put protective pads under your furniture so that if someone drags a chair or a table, it doesn’t scratch your floor. Another good idea is to properly clip the nails of your pets so that they don’t scratch the floor. Similarly, consider installing protective rugs or carpets in high-foot traffic areas so that your floor doesn’t get dented.

Cleaning

Sweep or dust vacuum to remove all the dirt and debris. If your wooden floor is urethane protected, you can occasionally do the damp mopping. Tough stains should be cleaned with a good wooden floor cleaner.

·Maintenance

Hot and humid and damp weather can damage your wooden floor. Ideally, the interior humidity level should be between 45 to 55%.

To keep your wooden floor in a good shape, consider using a dehumidifier and air conditioner. Open up the windows when it is nice and dry outside.

If a wooden floor is installed in your basement, switch on the fan to blow the moist air out.

Key Takeaway

Hardwood floors are a visually appealing and practical investment for your home or business. At All Flooring USA, we have the best warranties and finest products. With appropriate maintenance and care, you can keep your floor in good shape for a long period.

It’s easy to assume the red oak flooring is red and white oak flooring is white, (and for good reason). However, there is quite a difference between the two, more than having to do with color. Red oak does have a pinkish undertone. Often in the unfinished form, you’re able to clearly see the pink graining. Depending on which stain you choose, the red/pink tones will be less noticeable. Don’t forget that the darker you go, the more that red undertone will drown out. However, if you’re going to keep a natural finish, (meaning only polyurethane will be applied) the red will show through much more. White oak is darker; yes, it’s actually a bit darker than red oak. Who would’ve thought, right? White Oak often has a yellow and brown undertone.

The graining of each is very different as well. Usually, when a professional is trying to decipher whether a hardwood floor is red or white oak and it has been stained, they will look at the graining to decide.

Red Oak has a stronger grain pattern. Because of this, it is much more porous. The grains of red oak are more prominent than white oak. White oak has a smoother and cleaner look. The grains of white are finer and not as pronounced as red oak. Because of this, white oak is denser. On the Janka scale, red oak has a hardness of 1290 while white oak has a hardness of 1360. However, because red oak has a more pronounced grain pattern, it tends to hide scratches and dents better than white oak.

When installing brand new hardwood throughout the house, the option you choose really depends on aesthetics. But if you need to match hardwoods, that’s a whole other story and a bit more complicated.

White Oak Flooring
Unfinished White Oak Select Hardwood Flooring
Red Oak Flooring Natural

Finished Red Oak Flooring Natural
The flooring consumer’s NEXT big decision : Now that you’ve chosen the species of hardwood for your home, which grade will you chose, and does the grade effect the quality?

Didn’t know there were different grades? Don’t worry, that’s what this Blog’s for! I went straight to the source for this information… (The NWFA/NOFMA Grading Standards) That’s right, look no further… NOFMA has been around for over 100 years and here’s what they have to say about their standard grades:

Lets start from the top. “Clear”

“A mostly heartwood flooring product (heartwood is the dense inner part of a tree trunk, yielding the hardest timber) that allows all the natural heartwood color variations with minimal character marks and limited color variation. This combination features the infinitely variable grain patterns with the minimal distraction from character marks and color variation.”

What the “clear grade” means is that there is the least amount of variation among the planks, like color, graining, and the least amount of blemishes, marks or defects. This grade isn’t normally used for solid hardwood flooring, basically because it comes from a very small percentage from the tree and, in turn, isn’t very cost effective. You’ll find the clear grade more in manufactured hardwood products.

Ok, next we have “Select”

“The Select grade contains all the variations in coloration produced by the contrasting differences of heartwood and sapwood. Also included are minimal character marks, such as small knots, worm holes, and mineral streaks, as well as slightly open characters. The combination creates a floor where the light sapwood and dark heartwood are combined with small characters and other small color interruptions.”

Basically, what they’re trying to explain is that the “select grade” is your best choice if your looking for flooring that has consistent tones throughout the planks. This grade has the least amount of variation and the least amount of waste in each bundle. Being very “clean” in appearance with very few natural blemishes like knots, dark marks and wormholes. This is the grade that we recommend installing in all our customers’ homes.

Choosing between red oak and white is mostly aesthetic. If you know that you want a more uniform looking floor, then you should definitely choose the white oak. On the other hand, if you’re looking for those beautiful swirly patterns and a bit more wild grain lines, than your choice should be the red oak. Either way, we always recommend the select grade of both, to ensure the least amount of surprises. Look throughout the gallery to see even more examples of each species to further assist you in deciding what your beautiful new hardwood floor will look like.

Proper floor care is critical to keep your home and office hygienic and appealing. Constant foot traffic results in dirt, debris and allergens accumulated on your floor. After all, they are the ground that you step-on every day. Proper care and maintenance keep your floor looking great for years.

Floor maintenance and care doesn’t have to be complicated. It is because clean floors are the expectation, not an exception.

 If you follow some simple tips and smart cleaning solutions, you can add years to your floor’s life.

Tips for the Maintenance and Care of Different Types of Floors

Use these tips to preserve your precious flooring and add value to your home.

Carpet

Your carpet needs proper maintenance and care on a daily or weekly basis. Clean all the dirt and debris from your carpet by vacuuming frequently. Depending on the type of the carpet, you will vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar or suction only. To keep your carpet soft, choose vacuum cleaners with efficient airflow and large wheels.

If you accidentally spill the liquids on the carpet, add water and blot to the affected area. Vacuum back and forth with the highest suction. Add more water if necessary and suck it out with a vacuum cleaner till it is completely dry.

If you do not prefer to use a lot of detergents and cleaners, carpet steam cleaner is the best choice. Once you steam clean your carpet, wipe off all the soil and debris with towels and rags.

Tile

Floor tiles can easily be cleaned by sweeping or vacuuming followed by moping with warm water.

On a weekly basis, you need to thoroughly clean the grout lines. Choose a mild cleaner and scrub with a non-scouring tool like a sponge or brush.

Avoid using acidic cleaners as they can dull the shine of your floor.

Laminate

It is important to frequently clean your laminate floor tiles as dirt and sand particles can cause scratches on the surface. Similarly, spills should be wiped off immediately.

Avoid flooding your floor because water can easily seep through the laminate boards and damage your floor.

You can occasionally mop your floor. Ideally, a mop with a microfiber pad should be used to clean the floor so that it uses minimal water and cleans all the debris.

Hardwood Floor

Hardwood floors require sweeping and mopping with minimal water. It is important to remember that there are various types of wooden floors and require care and maintenance accordingly.

Lacquered wood floors can be cleaned with a synthetic cleaner (with no grease content) whereas oiled floors can be cleaned with soap (containing grease).

Consider applying a polish or a finisher after every few weeks to keep them looking great.

Vinyl

Vinyl can mimic many other flooring types like hardwood floors or tile. It can withstand a lot of foot traffic and requires relatively less maintenance.

You can clean the floor with a brush and mop it with warm water. Wipe up spills as soon as possible. The tough stains should be cleaned with a good Vinyl floor cleaner.

Make sure your furniture or heavy appliances have protective pads to protect denting and scratching. You can also use protective mats where there is a lot of foot traffic.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury Vinyl Floor is fairly easy to maintain. Remove the dirt or grit by sweeping or vacuuming. Using brush roller agitation on your vacuum is not recommended. While mopping, use a pH neutral floor cleaner or a solution of ammonia and water (4 parts water, 1 part ammonia).

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, one-step polishes or vinegar on your Luxury Vinyl Floor. Protect your floor from dirt and debris and dents by using non-staining mats.

Cork

Cork is vulnerable to dents and scarring. Choose a soft-bristled brush or a static duster to clean the dirt and debris. If you prefer to vacuum, avoid using the vacuum with a beater bar.

Mop the floor with as little water as possible. A few drops of detergent or a mild wood cleaner is all you need to clean the cork floor. Use a cleaner that is pH balanced and made specifically for the Cork floor.

Also, remember that a standard Cork floor needs to be properly sealed to protect it from water damage. The sealer is usually a UV-resistant polyurethane mix that creates a protective layer on the floor. When the sealer wears off, consider re-applying it as it protects your floor against water damage.

Natural Stone

According to the Marble Institute of America, the Natural Stone is broadly categorized into two main categories: Siliceous Stone and Calcareous stones. The flooring consisting of either of the two types requires certain maintenance and care. Dust mopping and cleaning with mild soap and water can keep your floor looking great. Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or abrasive cleaners as such cleaners can make your floor dull. Similarly, avoid using the vacuum cleaners which are worn out as the metal or plastic attachments can scratch your floor.

The tough stains can be removed by cleaning with an effective stone-cleaner. The stone specific poultice is another great way to remove the tough stains. However, you must remember that the efficacy of poultice depends on the nature of the stain and how long it had been on the stone.

Key Takeaway

Routine Care and maintenance are extremely important to maximize the beauty of your floor. Clean and well-maintained floors can add value to your home as well as a refined look. By following these handy tips, you can keep your floors looking clean in the years to come.

Wouldn’t it be nice to install inviting and durable floors in some of the busiest areas like cafeterias, bathrooms, and kitchens which are most prone to water damage? Of course, it would. That’s why waterproof flooring is one of the hottest trends in today’s flooring market.

Remember the time when your child “wants to do it herself” and spills the gallon of milk all over your soft and plush carpet. Or maybe think of the moment when your cute puppy mistakes your hard-wood floor in the kitchen with his toilet-tray outside. You need a better solution, right? We’ve got you covered.

Waterproof flooring options at All Flooring USA come in a variety of colors and styles and suit any lifestyle and budget.

Top Waterproof Flooring Options 

For offices, houses, kids, and pets, waterproof flooring is an ideal choice. The following are the most trending waterproof tiles.

Waterproof Luxury Vinyl

Luxury Vinyl is durable, waterproof flooring which mimics the look of hardwood tiles. Ideal for basement, kitchen, and bathroom, it provides a durable floor that is easy to maintain.

Imagine all the milk, juice, water and sauces that somehow never make to where they are destined and land on your kitchen floor. Or think about your stinking bathroom carpet as it absorbs all the flooding from the bathtub and sink. Waterproof luxury vinyl is the tried and tested option for the places which get wet.

Waterproof Vinyl

Waterproof Vinyl is one of the most practical waterproof flooring options if you like DIY projects. Its strength lies in its ease of installation which saves home-owners the installation costs. However, be careful while installing a vinyl floor. The gaps between tiles can negatively impact the quality of your floor.

Waterproof Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles

Available in a wide selection of colors, textures, sizes, and looks, tiles are one of the best waterproof flooring options available in the market. Give your living room, bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor a sophisticated and versatile look. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are waterproof and withstand exposure to freezing and thawing.

To save you time, we have listed the top brands which produce the above mentioned waterproof tiles.

Top Brands Offering Waterproof Flooring

Pergo Extreme

Pergo Extreme can rightly be called the king of waterproof flooring. Their Luxury Vinyl tile is iconic of durability and strength. Available in a variety of colors and textures, it can take the flooring in your home to the next level.

 Fancy some creative visuals? How about charred patterns that give an unforgettable burned-wood look to your kitchen-floor? Or maybe some large format marble tiles to create an impactful bathroom? Pergo Extreme Luxury Vinyl provides you the quality that you desire at the price that you wish.

Make your purchase with confidence as Pergo Extreme offers a lifetime residential warranty and 10-years commercial warranty on its tiles.

Solid Tech

If you are looking for waterproof vinyl tiles then Solid Tech is not only the best but the only option. Designed with a stain-resistant system, it is an ideal choice for the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Its uniclic multi-fit technology does not allow the liquid through and keeps spills on the surface. Solid Tech floor tiles are quite easy to install and maintain.

Armstrong

Armstrong floor tiles are extremely durable as they are equipped with the Rigid Core Flooring feature. Its most reliable product, Pryzm rigid core hybrid flooring is completely spill-proof and waterproof. When exposed to water, Pryzm tiles will not buckle up or get stained.

Similarly, Luxe is another Armstrong waterproof floor tile that is available in a variety of colors and patterns. Featuring the warm colors like Acacia Cinnabar, Countryside Oak and Tioga Timber, Luxe
combines durability and style.

Engineered Floors

Luxury meets durability in Triumph Engineered Floors. With a durable top layer, Triumph can withstand all spills, scratches and dents in a busy household. Available in a variety of colors and styles, it provides your home a resilient look.

Revotec is another revolutionary waterproof floor created by Engineered Floors. It mimics the ceramic tile or stone. It can easily be installed through drop, lock and click method is an ideal waterproof flooring option.

Key Takeaway

Installing waterproof flooring can make it a lot easier for you to deal with spills during house parties and events. An ideal choice for homes with pets and kids, waterproof flooring is trending in the market. Choose your waterproof tile according to your particular requirements and budget and enjoy a worry-proof floor. Visit our showroom to learn more!

Very little is more exciting for homeowners than envisioning what the room or rooms in their house will look like after new flooring has been picked out and installed. Anticipation only grows with every day closer to the installation date! When you have professional installers to handle the job, proper preparation will help ensure beautiful finished results. Here are some flooring-specific tips on how to prepare your home for installation:

Wait, back up. While you are still at your flooring retailer, it is always a good idea to ask if they have professional flooring installers on staff. And if not, ask them for recommendations on independent installers in your local vicinity. In many cases, your retailer can help with the details of arranging the installation. Be sure to ask about additional fees and any installation costs for services such as old flooring removal and disposal as well as moving larger furniture pieces. Okay, got those answers? Time to prepare your home for the big day!

Preparing for Flooring Installation: You certainly don’t want to cut corners when preparing for your new flooring to be installed. If anything, you will need to pay extra attention to detail beforehand. In addition to moving furniture, you will need to remove all fragile items such as vases, lamps, collectibles and heirlooms. Detach and store wiring from TVs, speaker sound systems and computers as well as clear all desktops, tabletops, bookshelves, tops of dressers and closet floors. It’s also a good idea to remove all sheets, blankets and bedspreads from beds. Lastly, vacuum the old carpet or clean hard surface flooring thoroughly before your installers arrive. This will minimize airborne dust and particles.

If you’re having hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring installed, you may need to plan for the flooring to be delivered to your home 48 hours in advance so the floors can acclimate to the space. Follow the temperature and humidity guidelines recommended for your hard surface flooring as well to ensure the best results.

When it comes to the actual installation, it’s worth the investment to hire a qualified installation expert. Here are a few things you can expect us to take care of for you.

• Fixing any subfloor irregularities before installation.
• Examining your new flooring for damage or defects before installation.
• If the installation involves the use of grout and adhesives, they’ll make sure all surfaces are clean, smooth and completely dry.
• Ensuring the installation area is structurally sound and free of wax, soap scum and grease.
• Removing moldings, trim or appliances as necessary.
• Checking door jambs to make sure the flooring has clearance once the installation is complete.

An old adage states that “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” and this certainly holds true for flooring installation and other home projects as well. Use these guidelines to help your flooring installation turn out the way you always dreamed about- flawless and fabulous.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to receive a free estimate.

Installing LVT

• Step 1: Remove all furniture and appliances from the room as well as wall and doorway trim, and undercut any door casings.
• Step 2: Take care of any repairs to the subfloors before installing new flooring, and make sure the flooring surface is clean, flat, dry and free of debris.
• Step 3: If you’re renovating the space, be sure to have your cabinets installed before installing luxury vinyl—don’t install cabinets on top of the flooring.
• Step 4: Your luxury vinyl floors need to acclimate to the new environment for 48 hours, so you should have new flooring delivered to your home at least two days before installation.
• Step 5: Always examine your new flooring for damage or defects before installation and be sure to read the approved installation instructions and warranty information.
• Step 6: Let professional installers take care of the rest!

Luxury Vinyl is Built to Last

Over the past three years, Heidi’s luxury vinyl floors have endured many parties, drum solos, endless miles on the exercise bike, weight lifting and lots of spilled drinks. All the while, Mohawk luxury vinyl tile has stood up to every challenge. It has resisted scratches, scuffs and water damage completely.

Not to mention, it never fails when friends come over—they always comment on the flooring. Heidi’s friends love how LVT looks and how it feels like real wood flooring. In fact, some had to be convinced that it wasn’t real hardwood.

No one wishes for a plumbing disaster, but Heidi’s led to the best flooring option for her needs. She’s looking forward to many more football-watching parties and game nights without needing to worry if someone spills a drink. Mohawk LVT flooring can take it, no problem.

Does LVT sound like the perfect flooring for your home? Visit us to get started on your project!

The Benefits of Vinyl

First and foremost, families with pets need flooring that is easy to clean. Vinyl is one of the easiest flooring products to keep looking fresh, even with the messiest of critters. If Fido or Whiskers tracks mud across the floor, a damp mop quickly erases the prints while fur, litter or kibble can be easily swept or vacuumed away.

For those unpleasant “accidents” pets are occasionally prone to, vinyl can be thoroughly cleaned with warm soapy water. And best of all, vinyl won’t stain or absorb odors, so once cleaned, those accidents can be completely forgotten—and forgiven.

Does your cat like to play in the water bowl? Does your dog slurp and splash when it drinks? Spills and splashes can permanently damage some flooring, but vinyl wipes up quickly and looks none the worse for the wear.

Vinyl is softer underfoot in comparison to many other flooring options, making it more comfortable for pets that spend a great deal of time on the floor. It is also less slippery than ceramic tiles, so pets don’t slide or scamper for traction as often.

How to Shop for Vinyl

Not all vinyl products are created equal, and generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Vinyl flooring comes in both traditional sheet and planks or tiles that click together, often called luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Vinyl sheet tends to be less expensive, but it also tends to be less durable.

It is most important to look for a vinyl product that is waterproof when shopping for a home with pets. While all vinyl flooring is water resistant, not all is waterproof. Vulnerable at the seams, vinyl flooring may allow liquids to seep through to the subfloor, potentially causing damage and leaving perpetual odors.

However, waterproof vinyl flooring traps liquid on the surface where it can be thoroughly removed, protecting your subfloor and eliminating unwanted odors.

Vinyl can also be vulnerable to scratches and peeling. Vinyl flooring has a protective coating often called the wear layer. The thicker the wear layer, the better the flooring will stand up to daily wear and tear, especially when it comes to your critters’ claws.

Wear layers are also made of different materials, which can handle varying levels of abuse. A vinyl no-wax coating tolerates only light use, while urethane endures normal to heavy use, and enhanced urethane stands up to the heaviest residential use.

Another tip for buying vinyl durable enough to withstand daily life with pets is to look for thicker vinyl. In general, the thicker the vinyl flooring, the longer it will last.

If your furry friend is a dainty Chihuahua or a nine-pound cat with neatly trimmed nails, you may not need to worry about heavy-duty vinyl with a premium wear layer, but if your family includes a 150-pound mastiff, you’ll want to go for the most durable vinyl products available.

No matter your pet, vinyl is an excellent choice for keeping your home clean and your entire family happy.

Wood-look LVT

Luxury vinyl options have quickly caught up to laminate wood visuals in popularity since they are just as realistic looking, more versatile, and easier to maintain. True hardwood is not a perfect fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where there are frequent spills and moisture, but LVT’s waterproof qualities bring rustic, natural charm to these tricky areas.

Stone-look LVT

It’s simply amazing the way LVT can mimic gorgeous, timeless, natural stone. Marble, travertine, tile, concrete, brick—all of these looks can be achieved for a much lower cost with stone-look LVT. Also, installing LVT is a much quicker process and requires zero messy or tricky grout that takes more effort to keep clean over the years.

Plank & Tile Size

One of the main reasons you may mistake LVT for the type of flooring it mimics is the actual shape of LVT tiles. Longer, wider plank sizes give LVT the popular wood visual, while larger, square vinyl options provide the look of a real stone floor. These formats allow today’s vinyl flooring to create a luxurious-looking floor that older, outdated vinyl styles could not. Larger LVT planks and tiles make rooms look bigger, modern and elegant.

LVT Color Trends

For 2017, think modern, rich colors when it comes to LVT trends. Deep espresso brown is a super-popular wood shade, and LVT can help you get this look for a fraction of the hardwood price tag. Gray flooring has been a huge style trend, and gray LVT in either a stone or wood look is a perfect modern update for your home. On the other end of the spectrum, white marble-look LVT and coastal, white-washed wood-look LVT are smart ways to enhance the luxurious feel in your guest and master bathrooms.

LVT floors are so easy to install that they allow homeowners to get extra creative when it comes to the patterns and angled layouts of the tile.

Chevron & Herringbone

These similar, classic patterns are back in a major way to add interest and depth to your long entryways, hallways and bathrooms. Typically using longer planks, you can create chevron points at an angle. A stacked, zigzag herringbone pattern is also incredibly easy to create with LVT.

So as you can see, the “luxury” in LVT is no misnomer. This flooring choice presents homeowners and designers with tremendous potential for creating striking, unforgettable homes. Durability, realism, beauty, warmth, waterproof—it’s clearLVT will continue to grow in popularity. Whether or not you decide to share the secret with others, well, that’s up to you!