September 2019 - Flooring Knowledge Blog

Pros and Cons: Carpet Flooring

The number one flooring choice in the United States is carpet. Carpet is one of the most affordable options on the market and is also the easiest to install and remove. With an endless array of colors, styles and textures, it is a great choice for any home or business. When choosing carpet, it is important to consider design, price, comfort, sustainability, and whether or not it is ideal for the location of installation. Taking a look at the pros and cons of carpet will help you decide if carpet flooring is right for you.

THE PROS OF CARPET:

Affordability

Carpet is the least expensive flooring option. While all products have a range of quality and price points, in general, carpet costs much less than hard surfaces.

Decor

An endless variety of colors, styles, textures, and patterns mean you can easily integrate carpet into any decor.

Comfort

Softer and cozier than other types of flooring, carpet feels good against your skin and is more comfortable to walk and stand on. A soft surface underfoot reduces fatigue. Carpet softens falls, making it a good choice for homes with young children.

Warmth

An excellent insulator, carpet reduces heat loss creating a warmer environment and helping you to reduce your electric or gas bill. The thermal resistance of carpet means it will retain warmth during cold winters.

Noise Reduction

TVs, home surround sound systems, computers, and speaker phones have made our homes noisier than ever. Many people live in apartments or in neighborhoods with neighbors a few feet away. Carpet works as an effective sound barrier, creating a more relaxing environment.

Air Quality

Carpet acts as a passive air filter, trapping dust, and allergens, removing them from the air you breathe. New carpet is the lowest emitter of volatile organic compounds among available flooring choices. Properly cleaned and maintained carpet helps to reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma. Daily vacuuming and yearly carpet shampooing effectively remove dust and allergens from the carpet.

THE CONS OF CARPET:

Maintenance

The biggest con of carpet is that it requires more intensive cleaning than other types of flooring. Carpeting attracts dirt and traps stains. However, weekly cleaning with a CRI-approved vacuum effectively removes dust and allergens. Depending on the level of traffic your carpet experiences, annual or semi-annual carpet shampooing is required. Failure to properly clean the carpet will greatly reduce the durability and longevity of the product.

Lifespan

The lifespan of carpet hinges on a number of variables. Is the carpet being properly maintained? How much traffic does the carpet see? Do you have children or pets? The range of quality in carpet also makes a difference. No matter what, you can expect to replace carpet before you would need to replace a hard surface flooring in your home, rental, or business.

Installation Location

Whereas vinyl flooring can be installed nearly anywhere, installation location must be considered when installing carpet. Areas with high moisture or areas that could be exposed to water are not suitable for carpeting.

Value

New carpeting will not add much to home value, though it will absolutely make the home show better. If you are looking to increase property value, consider hardwood.

CONCLUSION:

Is carpet flooring right for you? Considering the pros and cons of carpet before making a purchase can eliminate potential future headaches. While hard surface flooring is rising in popularity, carpet is still a mainstay as the pros continue to outweigh the cons.

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LVP vs LVT: What is the difference?

Remodeling your home using luxury vinyl plank flooring but don’t know the difference between luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT)? You’ve seen the titles while planning and need more information to understand. Both are great options for your new floor. Read below for a comparison of LVP vs LVT!

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, or LVP, imitates real hardwood flooring species, colors, and textures at a fraction of the cost. Besides affordability, this flooring brings several additional benefits to your home. LVP is waterproof and scratch resistant, so it is a great option for homes with fur family. Furthermore, the added durability of this floor means it can handle a beating from active toddlers. Not only will it hold up, it will look great while doing it. Cleaning LVP is simple, sweep or vacuum daily and occasionally use a damp mop with warm water. The last great benefit of LVP is ease of installation. These are floors that you can install yourself, further saving on cost.

Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring (LVT)

Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, or LVT, is similar to LVP in that it imitates stone and ceramic tile at much lower cost. It is available in the same colors, patterns, and textures that you will find in stone and tile flooring. Some styles are even made to be installed with grout. LVT retains all the same benefits of LVP in that it is easy to clean and maintain. It is durable and easy to install. LVT is also softer and quieter than actual stone or tile, which is an added benefit for a home with children.

Conclusion: LVP vs LVT

LVP and LVT are luxury vinyl floors that are constructed the same way. The choice between LVP and LVT comes down to style only. Luxury Vinyl Planks look like wood planks in everything from color to species. Surface textures often include the look of scraping or embossing, which dramatically heighten the realism. Luxury Vinyl Tiles look like stone or ceramic tile, complete with gorgeous natural colors and surface texture that feels like the real thing.

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How To: Clean and Maintain Luxury Vinyl

You have installed luxury vinyl flooring in your home because it is durable, easy to clean and to maintain. It is important to know how to properly clean your new flooring to keep it looking fresh and to preserve durability. We will walk you through regular cleaning and what to do if minor scratches occur.

How to Maintain Luxury Vinyl

Keep abrasive materials such as dirt and small stones out of the house by using doormats. It also helps to have a shoe rack by the door and a place for guests to sit and remove their shoes. Sweep or vacuum daily or whenever you notice dirt and dust on the floor. Always vacuum or dry mop to remove dirt before moving on to wet cleaning.

How To Clean Luxury Vinyl

Cleaning vinyl flooring requires no more than plain water and a mop! While most people use the one-bucket system, with that method you are washing your floor with dirty water. We recommend a two-bucket method that ensures you’re not spreading around dirt. Always wipe up spills as soon as possible, and mop frequently with plain water. When mopping, don’t drench your floor in water. A sponge mop may be better to use than a string mop as it holds less water. For more intensive cleaning, use apple cider vinegar and water. Due to its acidity, vinegar helps remove dirt without leaving behind a buildup, and it disinfects at the same time. Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot water.

What Products are Safe?

Some commercial cleaners are safe for luxury vinyl floors. However, what is safe for one product may not be safe for another. Try to avoid using heavy chemical cleaners as they have the ability to deteriorate the top layer of your floor. Many products contain waxes as well which will dull your floors shine. Mild products like apple cider vinegar work wonders to remove buildup. Apple cider vinegar also disinfects the floor. If you feel a heavy commercial cleanser must be used, check to make sure it is safe for your floor. Using the wrong product can ruin the durability and stability of your floor.

Repairing Scratches and Scuffs

Take every precaution to prevent abrasions from occurring. Use door mats in your entryway, encourage guests to take their shoes off in the home, and use felt pads or vinyl coasters on the bottom of furniture. If you do not have felt pads or vinyl coasters, make sure to place place something like plywood or paneling underneath furniture before moving it across the floor. Furniture with wheels can cause scratches as well, so it is best to avoid. When scratches and scuffs do occur, you can use jojoba oil or WD-40 to repair. Rub the scuffs with jojoba oil on a soft cloth to remove them. If this does not work, spray WD-40 and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it down with a rag. If this does not work, remember one of the benefits of luxury vinyl planks and tiles is that you can replace the individual piece.

What Not To Do

Do not use the beater bar on the bottom of the vacuum as this can damage the surface of your floors. If you cannot turn the attachment off or remove it, make sure to set it on the highest setting for height and lowest power.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool. You will want your scrub brush to be about the same quality as a tooth brush, and in fact, a tooth brush is highly recommended when cleaning small stains.
When deep cleaning, do not use detergents, heavy cleaners, or “mop and shine” products as the leave a dull film on the floor surface.’
Do not use wax or solvent-based polishes.
Ammonia or ammonia-based products used on vinyl will break down the material and cause cracks in your flooring.

Knowing how to clean and maintain your luxury vinyl floors will help to preserve their beautiful look and increase the longevity of your product. Follow these tips to keep your floor and home in tip-top shape.

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Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: The Basics

With a vast array of options, shopping for new flooring can get a little confusing. Today we will focus on one of the most popular options: luxury vinyl plank flooring. It dominates the market, and for good reason.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring, or LVP, is waterproof flooring that is easy to install and maintain, and affordable. Designed to mimic popular hardwood species, finding a product that matches your home’s decor is easy. Since this flooring is durable and affordable, it is the perfect option for your budget renovation.

The Basics:

Because LVP is waterproof, it is suitable for all areas and levels of the home. You can have peace of mind when installing this flooring in bathrooms, entry ways, kitchens, and basements. The durability of the product makes vinyl plank suitable flooring for homes with active pets, children, and heavy traffic. Ease of installation is another attribute that makes this an ideal product for DIYers. The most common installation methods are click-lock or glue down. LVP can be installed on top of your existing subfloor.

How is Vinyl Plank Flooring Made?

Vinyl Plank Flooring is a vinyl product. While there are several different types of LVP, the main difference is always the core layer. Every vinyl plank floor is constructed with the same four layers in this order:

- - Wear Layer – this is the most important layer!
  - Print Layer
  - Core Layer
  - Underlayment/Backing

The top layer, or the wear layer, is the most important part of the floor. This layer is waterproof and scratch-resistant. After the wear layer is the print or decorative layer that gives the flooring its design and color. Next is the core. Lastly is the backing or underlayment and although you never see it, the underlayment is a very important part of the flooring as well because it increases the flooring’s resistance to moisture and mildew.

You will find that manufacturers often times add an additional protective UV-coating to strengthen the wear layer.

With advancements in printing technology, you will find that manufacturers are able to identically replicate the most popular hardwood species on the market. Many planks are textured to increase the hardwood look and feel of the flooring.

With amazing looks and unparalleled durability at affordable prices, waterproof flooring is ideal for all homes.

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Underlayments for Hardwood Flooring

Although not visible, underlayments for hardwood flooring are essential to beautiful flooring. This material offers many benefits. Along with added support and sound protection, underlayment also improves the durability and longevity of your hardwood floors. To get the most out of the underlayment, however, you’ll need to select the right material. Find out how to choose the best underlayment for your new hardwood floors.

Purpose of Flooring Underlayments

Flooring underlayment is a thin material that rests between the floor covering and the subfloor. Since underlayment is a catch-all term, it takes different forms depending on the flooring material it supports. There are two types of underlayments: rigid and soft. While the subfloor is part of a home’s framework and structure, the main purpose of the underlayment serves to provide a smooth, flat surface to allow for an easy installation of the surface flooring. Additionally, underlayment functions to deaden sound, to soften the feeling of the flooring underfoot, and to act as a moisture barrier. The primary purposes of underlayment are:

Smooths Surface – Covers imperfections in the underlying subfloor
Improves Structural Stability – A hard underlayment gives the entire floor better stability.

Material Options for Rigid Underlayments

Most floor coverings are best installed over a rigid underlayment applied over the subfloor:

Plywood: A/C grade plywood is an excellent underlayment. A/C refers to plywood that has one relatively smooth face and one relatively rough side (for the bottom).
OSB: Orient-strand board may be used as an underlayment for some floor coverings, but plywood is generally preferred for any flooring where a hard underlayment is recommended.

Material Options for Soft Underlayments

More installers are using soft flooring underlayments for hardwood but it should be noted that these are best used over an existing floor or in combination with a thin, rigid underlayment.

Felt: Offers basic sound absorption and moisture barrier capabilities.
Foam: Affordable and easy to install. Provides a high level of sound insulation.
Rubber: Easily absorbs noises and disturbances. Easy to install due to its pliability and flexibility.
Cork: Eco-friendly. Offers both temperature insulation and sound absorption.

Hardwood Species Considerations

Flooring underlayments depend on the species as each has different qualities that pair better with different underlayment materials. To find the ideal match, consider the type of hardwood flooring you’re planning to install.

Hickory: One of the hardest and most durable hardwood species, hickory flooring doesn’t need much help to withstand traffic and wear. Hickory flooring typically pairs well with flexible foam underlayment.
Maple: Along with hickory, maple is one of the hardest types of wood flooring. It generally works best with foam or rubber underlayment, as both offer a moderate amount of support and insulation.
Oak: Whether you choose white or red, oak flooring is on the softer side. Both types of oak pair well with rubber underlayment, which provides the insulation and absorption capabilities white and red oak need.

Evaluate the Subfloor Condition

While the hardwood species impacts the type of underlayment you’ll choose, so does the subfloor. Think about both the material and the condition of the subfloor as you make your decision. Subfloors that are damaged or uneven tend to work best with the flexible underlayments, as these materials can make up for imperfections in the subfloor.

If the subfloor is plywood, use an underlayment that’s semi-permeable. A semi-permeable underlayment allows both the hardwood floor and the wood subfloor to breathe without trapping mold and mildew or causing the material to rot. If the subfloor is concrete, opt for an impermeable underlayment instead. This type of material is moisture barrier, preventing water from seeping through the concrete and into the hardwood floor.

Consider the Purpose of the Room

In many situations, the room determines the ideal underlayment. Take into account that an apartment a higher level of a building may need a rubber underlayment, providing additional sound insulation and vibration absorption to prevent sound from traveling to the unit below. Similarly, a family room or entryway that experiences a high level of traffic may need a cork underlayment, as it is more supportive and can boost durability.

Confirm the Manufacturer’s Approval

Lastly, confirm the flooring manufacturer’s approval. Many manufacturers recommend certain types of underlayment for use with their products. Manufacturers may require you to install over their own underlayment in order to keep your warranty. Make sure that the underlayment’s material, thickness, and installation requirements are compatible with the flooring. After all, selecting the best underlayment for the hardwood flooring ensures that your floors will look fantastic, feel comfortable, and last for years to come.

Remember the tips above as you select flooring underlayments for hardwood. Once you’ve chosen the right underlayment, you’ll be one step closer to installing new hardwood floors and creating your dream home.

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