FAQs
What Considerations Should You Make When Choosing Your New Floor?
When choosing a floor, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you choose a floor that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for your space. Here are a few key considerations:
- Durability and wear resistance: Consider the level of foot traffic, the presence of pets or children and the type of activities that will take place in the room. This will help you choose a flooring option that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
- Maintenance: Some flooring options require more maintenance than others. For example, hardwood flooring will need to be refinished every few years, while tile flooring is relatively low maintenance. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into maintaining your flooring.
- Water resistance: If you are choosing a flooring option for a bathroom or kitchen, you will want to choose a flooring option that is water resistant.
- Comfort: Consider how comfortable the flooring option is to stand and walk on. Hard flooring options like tile or hardwood can be less comfortable than carpet or vinyl flooring.
- Aesthetics: Consider the style of your room and the overall aesthetic of your home when choosing a flooring option. You will want to choose a flooring option that complements the existing décor and enhances the overall look and feel of the space.
- Installation: Consider the ease of installation and the cost of installation. Some flooring options are relatively easy to install, while others may require professional installation.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the flooring option and compare it to your budget. Consider the long-term cost of the flooring, including the cost of maintenance and replacement.
- Environmentally friendly: If you are environmentally conscious, consider flooring options made of sustainable materials, such as bamboo or cork.
What Type Of Flooring Is Suitable For My Room?
The type of flooring that is best for each room in a typical house will depend on a variety of factors, including the room's usage, the level of foot traffic, and personal preference. Here are a few examples of popular flooring options for different rooms in a typical house:
- Kitchen: Hardwood or tile flooring are popular options for kitchens as they are durable and easy to clean. Hardwood flooring can offer warmth and character, while tile flooring is a good option for those who want a more modern look.
- Living Room: Hardwood, carpet, or laminate flooring are all popular options for living rooms. Hardwood flooring can offer a classic and elegant look, while carpet is cosy and warm. Laminate flooring can mimic the look of hardwood flooring at a lower cost.
- Bedroom: Carpet or hardwood flooring are popular options for bedrooms. Carpet is a great choice for added warmth and comfort, while hardwood flooring can offer a more formal and elegant look.
- Bathroom: Tile or vinyl flooring are popular options for bathrooms as they are easy to clean and resistant to water.
- Entryway/Hallway: tile, hardwood or laminate flooring are popular choices for entryway/hallway as they are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
How To Measure Your Room.
To measure a room for flooring, you will need to determine the square footage of the room by multiplying the length of the room by the width. For example, if a room is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, the square footage of the room would be 120 square feet (10 x 12).
- Measure the length and width of the room in multiple places to ensure accuracy
- Use a steel measuring tape rather than a cloth or fabric tape measure
- Measure to the nearest 1/8th of an inch
- Be sure to measure any closets, alcoves, or other irregular areas separately
- Add all of the square footage measurements together to get the total square footage of the room
- Measure the length and width of each tread and riser individually
- Measure the width of the stairway at the widest point, which is typically at the base of the stairs
- Measure the height of each riser, typically between 7 and 8 inches
- Measure the length of each tread, typically between 10 and 11 inches
- Measure the nosing, which is the overhang of each tread. It's typically between 1 and 1.5 inches
- Calculate the total square footage by multiplying the width of the stairway by the total number of risers, then adding the square footage of each tread and riser.
What Are The Differences Between Laminate And LVT Flooring?
Laminate flooring and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) flooring are both popular choices for homeowners looking for an affordable and durable flooring option. However, they do have some key differences that you should consider before making a decision.
Some of the pros of laminate flooring include:
- Affordable: Laminate flooring is generally less expensive than hardwood or tile flooring.
- Durable: Laminate flooring is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.
- Easy to install: Laminate flooring can be installed as a floating floor, which means it is not nailed or glued to the subfloor.
- Variety of designs: Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of designs, including wood and stone, which can mimic the look of more expensive flooring options.
Not as comfortable: Laminate flooring can be harder and less forgiving than other types of flooring, which can make it less comfortable to stand or walk on.
- Not as water-resistant: While laminate flooring is more water-resistant than hardwood flooring, it is not as water-resistant as tile or vinyl flooring.
Some of the pros of LVT flooring include:
- Durable and Water-Resistant: LVT flooring is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, and it is also water-resistant, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Variety of designs: Like laminate, LVT flooring comes in a wide variety of designs, including wood and stone, which can mimic the look of more expensive flooring options.
- Comfortable: LVT flooring is usually softer and more forgiving than laminate flooring which makes it more comfortable to stand or walk on.
- Easy to install: LVT flooring can be installed as a floating floor, which means it is not nailed or glued to the subfloor.
- Expensive than laminate: LVT flooring can be more expensive than laminate flooring.
- Not as eco-friendly: As it's made from synthetic materials, it's not as eco-friendly as some other flooring options like hardwood or cork.
What Are Flooring Trims And What Will I Need?
Flooring scotia, flooring profiles, and flooring doorbars are all types of flooring trims that are used to cover the gaps between the flooring and walls, doorways, and other areas where the flooring meets other surfaces. Here is a brief explanation of the differences between these three types of trims:
- Flooring Scotia: Also known as quarter round or shoe moulding, flooring scotia is a thin, rounded trim that is used to cover the gap between the flooring and the baseboard. It is typically installed after the flooring has been laid and is used to give the room a finished and polished look.
- Flooring Profiles: Flooring profiles are used to cover the gaps between the flooring and walls, doorways and other areas where the flooring meets other surfaces. They are typically used to cover the expansion gaps that are required to accommodate the natural movement of the flooring due to temperature and humidity changes. There are different types of flooring profiles, such as T-moulding, reducer, stair nosing and more, that have different functions and are used in different areas.
- Flooring Doorbars: Flooring doorbars are used to join two different types of flooring, such as a hardwood floor and a tile floor, or to join two different heights of flooring, such as a tile floor and a carpeted area. They come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the type of flooring and the area where it will be used. They are typically used to cover the gap between the two different flooring types.
What Are The Different Types Of Underlay And Why Is Underlay Important?
- Foam underlay: Foam underlay is made of a soft, spongy material that provides a cushioned feel underfoot. It is often used with laminate or engineered hardwood flooring to help reduce noise and provide insulation.
- Felt underlay: Felt underlay is made of a dense, felted material that is typically made from recycled fibres. It is often used with hardwood flooring to help reduce noise and provide insulation.
- Cork underlay: Cork underlay is made of compressed cork particles and provides a natural insulation and sound dampening. It is also an eco-friendly option and can help with moisture resistance in some cases.
- Rubber underlay: Rubber underlay is made from recycled rubber and is used to provide insulation and soundproofing. It is also resistant to moisture and mould and is often used in commercial and industrial settings.
- Membrane underlay: Membrane underlay is a waterproof layer that is used to protect the subfloor and finished flooring from moisture. It is often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where moisture is likely to be present.
How Should I Maintain My Laminate Floor?
Whilst laminate flooring is a popular and durable option, it does require proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips on how to manage and maintain a laminate floor:
- Clean regularly: Use a damp mop or cloth to clean the floor regularly. Avoid using excessive water and avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the surface of the floor.
- Protect from scratches: Use felt pads under furniture legs and area rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floor from scratches.
- Avoid moisture: Laminate flooring is not as moisture-resistant as some other types of flooring, so it's important to avoid spilling liquids on the floor and to wipe up any spills immediately.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight: Laminate flooring can fade if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, so it's important to use window treatments or rearrange furniture to protect the floor from the sun's rays.
- Regularly vacuum or sweep: Regularly vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove dirt and debris can help to prevent scratches and prolong the life of the floor.
- Keep the humidity level in check: Laminate flooring can be sensitive to changes in humidity, so it's important to keep the humidity level in the room between 30-50% to prevent the floor from warping or buckling.
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Repair any damage immediately: If the floor is damaged, it's
important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent the damage
from spreading.
How Should I Maintain My LVT Floor?
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) flooring is a durable and water-resistant but it still requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips on how to manage and maintain an LVT floor:
- Clean regularly: Use a damp mop or cloth to clean the floor regularly. Avoid using excessive water and avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the surface of the floor.
- Protect from scratches: Use felt pads under furniture legs and area rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floor from scratches.
- Avoid moisture: Although LVT flooring is water-resistant, it's important to avoid spilling liquids on the floor and to wipe up any spills immediately to prevent damage or discoloration.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight: UV rays can cause discoloration and fading on the floor, so it's important to use window treatments or rearrange furniture to protect the floor from direct sunlight.
- Regularly vacuum or sweep: Regularly vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove dirt and debris can help to prevent scratches and prolong the life of the floor.
- Use the right cleaning products: Check the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products and stick to using those recommended to avoid damage or discoloration.
- Repair any damage immediately: If the floor is damaged, it's important to repair it as soon as possible to prevent the damage from spreading