Category: Flooring

WHY CHOOSE CARPET?

Always in style, cost effective, and safe, carpet tile flooring has been a go-to flooring option for many hotels. Most commonly found in guest rooms and heavy-traffic areas like lobbies, corridors and meeting rooms, carpet tile offers a variety of benefits that make it a popular choice among hotel owners and interior designers. Our infographic above outlines the benefits of carpet tile flooring installations in hotels:

Carpet tile is a popular hotel flooring choice due to the fact that it looks good, it is fairly easy to work with and maintain, and it has some great safety benefits. Here are additional benefits:

• It is cost effective
• It is an effective noise insulator
• It is available in a wide range of designs and styles
• It’s good for oddly shaped rooms
• Carpet tiles will always be in style
• The traction of carpet tile keeps guests safe from injury, as it is slip resistant
• It’s good for high traffic areas
• Carpet tile is easy to install, and can easily be replaced

 

The Benefits of Carpets

Every person has a way of decorating their floors. Those living in hotter countries are more likely to install tile or hardwood floors, but those in colder climes may fit their floors with rugs and carpets. There are reasons for this, and most of us don’t even realise them! You can find out about these reasons in the following article, and maybe even a tip or two about dealing with carpet stains.

Visually Pleasing

A great rug can complete the décor of your room. Whether woven, flat weave or embroidered, rugs are made from the point of view of aesthetics. A rug that features a range of colours and patterns can help bring light and vibrancy to a room. A decorative rug complements your furnishings, and even become the center of attention if it is made in an unexpected shade.

Insulating

Most people would prefer hard floors because they are easy to clean and great for stain removal! However, it does not offer insulating properties. Hard wood floors can become really cold when the temperature dips – if you have hard floors at home, you could add a rug for some extra layers and warmth. Since the fibres of the rug are compressed and packed together, they trap heat in the winter and maintain cool temperatures in the summer, which is why they are popular in colder climates.

 

Health & Environment friendly

As fine dust is held between the fibres of our carpets, the air and so will your lungs be healthier. Tests have proved that in rooms with wall-to-wall carpets there is up to 50% less fine dust in the air.

Easy to clean

Modern technology enables us to offer you a carpet with an optimal resistance to wear, dirt and stains for use in most interiors. Simply vacuum your carpet on a regular basis.

Enjoy the softness and warmth

There is nothing quite like the cosy feeling that carpet gives you. Your living room or bedroom floors are never cold to the touch and walking barefoot is a pleasure.

Works as a noise reducer

Sounds transmitted through ceilings, walls and floors are annoying. Our carpets absorb these noises better than any hard floorcovering. Textile floorcoverings clearly reduce the transmission of noise, both in the room where the noise is generated & in the adjoining rooms. Walking on a fitted carpet is 22 decibels less noisy than on a

 

Slip Resistance

Wall to wall carpeting is an inherently slip resistant floor covering that, when compared to hard non-impact absorbing surfaces, reduces the risk of slips and falls and the severity of injuries when accidents occur. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups – the elderly and children.

Acoustics

Carpet is the only floor covering that can significantly reduce impact and reverberation noise, creating a quieter environment, better social interaction, increased privacy, better speech intelligibility and cognition, and less stress.

Carpet is much more efficient in noise reduction than any other flooring surface.

While there are other sound absorption alternatives such as acoustic ceiling tiles and panels, they do not reduce floor impacts and for this reason cannot achieve the same overall reduction in noise levels.

 

What Are The Types Of Carpet Flooring?

Many factors like carpet density, color, style, pattern, pile and more will go into your decision for your perfect carpeting. Here is a rundown of the types of carpet that are out there:

Fibers:

• Nylon is the most prevalent carpeting material and is used in about 75% of all manufactured carpeting. Why? Because it is versatile and easy to care for. Nylon carpet is very soft and cozy but also sturdy, and impervious to stains. The extremely buoyant fibers can be invigorated by steam-cleaning to bring back their original beauty.
• Polyester carpet fiber holds vibrant colors and is quite fade-resistant and are non-allergenic. It is often made from recycled plastic bottles! People who are interested in being eco-friendly like this option for that reason. Its main disadvantage is that it is disposed to flattening under heavy weight, making it not-so-great for areas that a re high-traffic.
• Polypropylene is almost as soft as nylon but not as resilient and is highly stain-resistant but is prone to holding onto oils which accumulate grime. It is commonly used in carpets that are loop-style – such as Berber – which we will talk about more in a bit.
• Wool carpeting is a long-lasting material and, hands down, the softest carpet. However, low-grade wool is disposed to discoloration and high-grade wool is expensive. For this reason, some manufacturers combine wool with synthetics to get the best of all worlds.

Piles:

• Uncut carpet pile is sometimes called “loop pile” or “Berber pile.” It is uncut carpet pile that leaves the entire yarn loop intact on the surface of the piece. They are very hard-wearing, easy to clean, and resistant to stains, and don’t show dents caused by footprints or vacuums. For this reason, they are perfect for high-traffic areas – including commercial spaces. The key disadvantage of an uncut pile is that it is less soft and padded than cut-pile carpet.
• Cut pile is soft, inviting and easy to clean and can be made unique by altering the angle of the shearing that cuts the loop, or by means of different treatments on the fiber before and after it is interweaved into the backing. But it is easier to see foot marks and vacuum trails and is not as durable as uncut carpet pile.
• Saxony pile is made of individual strands standing upright to create a plush surface. The downside to this style is that strands are easily crumpled down by feet and susceptible to wear-and-tear and staining. Saxony is not suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Frieze cut pile consists of individual strands tightly curled erratically across the surface of the flooring. The style is very durable and hides dirt and stains well.
• Plush carpet pile is also sometimes called “velvet cut pile.” The fibers are short and densely-packed that create a luxurious carpeting. Regrettably, this flooring style is prone to scuffing and showing footprints.

Things to look out for onsite when installing vinyl flooring

We have compiled a few useful tips to ensure the result ticks all the right boxes, with no costly comebacks from your client:

Daily demands and deadlines often result in it being difficult to visit sites as often as intended.  Regular site visits are imperative for the success and smooth running of your project.

Have you notified your building and flooring contractor of your visit? Have you considered their schedule and obligations?  Empathy and consideration will go a long way in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.

Is the site ready for the vinyl installation? Is it free from other trades?  Don’t improvise! Too often flooring contractors are instructed to install the vinyl flooring when the site is far from ready, with disastrous effects.

Are the site conditions favourable for the flooring contractors? Is the lighting acceptable?  Are the timelines achievable?  Projects too often run over with the flooring contractors having to work under tough conditions and having to meet unrealistic deadlines.  This ultimately affects the quality of the installation and very often results in a costly re-do.

Identify any structural expansion joints. Structural movement will affect a vinyl installation and it is important to ensure the correct expansion joint covers are used over all the expansion joints to avoid any after-the fact comebacks.

Have saw cut joints been made? How deep are they?  When laying the screed topping, saw cut joints may have been specified to prevent cracking whilst the screed is drying.  Best practice is that saw cut joints are approx. 40mm deep and that they were done with the floor plan and design considered.

Is the screed level, smooth and contaminant, dirt and dust free? Vinyl will show imperfections in the screed and this step in the process is critical in producing a quality finish.

What thickness self-leveller was applied? Is it per your specification?  As the screed levelness is so vitally important and given the fact that realistically, there are very few contractors in the country today that can deliver a Class 1 screed, be sure to specify a self-leveller.  Specify at least a 5mm thickness even though we recommend assessing the substrate to determine what thickness of self-leveller is required to attain an average of at least 5mm.

Is the screed soft or powdered and are there any visible cracks? The screed must comply with at least 25MPa strength.  Ensure there are no hollow patches and check for any cracks which could result in delamination of the screed

What is the moisture content of the screed at 40% depth? Vinyl and a wet substrate are archenemies.  We recommend using a reputable moisture reading instrument such as a Protimeter or a Wagner meter which enables you to be able to read at depths of 40% and ensure you have no moisture issues. It is important to determine the moisture reading at this level as generally, the surface moisture evaporates fairly quickly but the moisture deeper within the screed may take longer to evaporate.  It is guaranteed that moisture will rise to the surface once you install vinyl because of the moisture pressure equalising within the screed.

Check surrounding areas for indication of excessive ground moisture ie. vlei, slopes, clay etc. Ground conditions in the area can affect the moisture seeping into the structure.

Be mindful of the temperature at the time of installation. The ambient temperature affects the adhesive curing period in the winter months.  It is common to have installation issues at 12ºC and below and it is advisable to consult your adhesive and screed manufacturer to advise on best practice for their product.

What was the ventilation like over the drying period? Poor ventilation causes adhesives to take longer to flash off, self-leveller longer to dry and causes a screed to powder.  Excess ventilation is also not ideal as it could cause the screed to dry unevenly and settle differently, causing cracks and unevenness.

Is the correct material and adhesive on site? Check colour, batch and roll numbers.  It is common to experience some colour variation in different batch numbers.  Ensure you have received stock from the same batch number and insist on sequential roll numbers. It is also very important to note the manufacturer’s recommendation on the correct adhesive to use per product, as an adhesive failure could result in the flooring manufacturer voiding their product warranty.

How were these rolls stored? Has the material been rolled out and left to relax and acclimatise?  Make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation as to product storage.  Sheeting requires rolls to be stored upright whereas rubber stores flat. LVTs should not be stored in boxes of more than 5 boxes high.

 

INSTALLING VINYL FLOORS – A DO IT YOURSELF GUIDE

It’s week 5 of the One Room Challenge! Yikes, did these last few weeks fly by! This week was all about installing vinyl floors. I have been wanting to replace the old carpeting in our home for a very long time, so when the day finally came to rip those out and get these beauties installed, I was beyond thrilled!

PLANNING:

Most importantly, you will want to do your research and pick the right floors. A blogger friend recommended Lifeproof Luxury Plank Flooring  (previously referred to as Allure ISOCORE, they are currently undergoing a name change) to me. The first thing I asked about was installing the underlayment. I was shocked when she told me that these floors had the underlayment built right in, completely eliminating that whole step! Honestly, I thought it was too good to be true and I questioned the company on it, and they assured me that it is indeed true. That alone makes these floors stand out, saving you time, money and labor.

PREPARING SUB FLOOR

By subfloor, I mean whatever was under your existing floors before. When we pulled up the carpets we found staples attached to the wood boards underneath. All of these must be removed prior to installing. It has to be a clean, smooth surface. This was the worst part of installing the new floors,  you can read about how to remove carpeting here

FIX SQUEAKY FLOORS

This is the time to fix those annoying squeaky floorboards. When you find a squeaky spot, simply drill a drywall screw in the subfloor next to the nail in that area. It’s easy and it works!

INSTALLING VINYL FLOORS:

My husband really liked the finish on the Lifeproof Multi-Width Walton Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring so that is what we chose. (You can also check out my friend Tara’s choice of Lifeproof floors in the Seasoned Wood finish). I liked the varied wood tones of the wood and the different sized planks. When installing there are several patterns you can make with the multiplanks, so you will need to plan ahead before you begin so that you have an idea of your layout. None of the patterns are complicated to do.

 

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP and LVT).  And, what is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?  What about Engineered Vinyl Plank?

As you’ll see, vinyl has come a long way since its original introduction in the 1930’s.  There are now options that look and feel so real, many mistakenly think they are hardwood

What does LVP stand for?  What does LVT stand for?

First, LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank and LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile.  As the name implies, Luxury Vinyl Planks look like planks of hardwood floors; and Luxury Vinyl Tile looks like Tile (or natural stone).  They are individual pieces of vinyl (not sheet vinyl), so they look very similar to the real thing.  Most luxury vinyls are waterproof (or highly water resistant).

Now, there are multiple types/forms of Luxury Vinyl and different grades, as I’ll discuss below.  (The cheaper ones are often water resistant rather than waterproof.)  And, you are more likely to find cheaper ones and knock-offs in the big box stores, so don’t be fooled.

What is the definition of EVP?

EVP stands for Engineered Vinyl Plank.  It’s a segment of Luxury Vinyl Flooring.  Engineered Vinyl Plank (EVP) has an incredibly realistic hardwood look (and feel) and is exceptionally durable.  It’s waterproof and has a strong high density fiberboard core.

Engineered vinyl plank is much thicker than the typical glue down vinyl.  It’s usually 8 mm thick, so it’s similar to an engineered hardwood (or laminate flooring).  Like engineered flooring, it’s constructed in layers.  The top layer is vinyl, the middle is a high density core board and usually there is an attached back underlayment (e.g. cork) for more cushioning.  Like laminate, these floors are clickable so they are easy to install.

 

SELF-ADHESIVE VINYL TILES – HOW TO GUIDE

You’re already convinced of the first-class look that a tiled floor has to offer, but at the same time shy away from the disadvantages of the heavy and cold stone tiles? If you are also looking for a very simple installation option, then self-adhesive vinyl tiles are just right for you! Vinyl flooring is not only available in a slim plank format, vinyl now also passes as a handy tile. The surface of authentic tiles is reproduced completely and in detail, so that there is no difference in appearance.

In addition to the aesthetic appearance, laying is one of the key benefits of the self-adhesive vinyl tiles. These can be easily and quickly laid to the ground and do not require the help of a professional. Now, if you’re wondering how to lay this versatile vinyl floor, pay attention! We will explain how to proceed in order to achieve an optimal and appealing result. In a few steps you will finally obtain your new dream floor!

LAYING VINYL FLOOR TILES – WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

Everyone already knows how to lay laminate tiles. The laying of tiles is difficult, but no longer a mystery. When it comes to self-adhesive vinyl tiles, things will look different! It is a practical alternative to the simple click mechanism, which definitely deserves more attention.

Vinyl tiles are not only a wonderful alternative to boring stone tiles, but you also get the self-adhesive installation method saves you a lot of time and nerves. Thanks to the practical adhesive backing, the vinyl tiles can be attached to the surface in an unusually simple way. The best part is that you do not need a professional! However, some things have to be considered in advance, so that no problems arise later. In order to guarantee that your new floor is absolutely even and beautiful

PROPER PREPARATION – THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF INSTALLATION

Before laying of self-adhesive vinyl tiles can start, some preparations must be made. First, make sure that you have all the tools you need for the installation. Since you have opted for self-adhesive vinyl tiles, you need very little here. A carpet knife, a metal ruler or similar and a measuring tape will suffice in order to lay the vinyl tiles safely.

 

RIGID FLOORING VERSUS VINYL FLOORS

All waterproof vinyl floors fall under one category called resilient flooring. Each type of resilient floor has its own unique construction, but the one thing they all have in common is P.V.C, (polyvinyl chloride). Each of these floors will have a percentage of PVC in them of vary amounts. PVC is why some refer to resilient floors as waterproof.

PVC is also known as plastic or vinyl, and it has been around for decades, but the new category of flooring, called M.L.F. (multi-layer floors) has changed the resilient flooring category forever. These floors are not like anything your mother or grandmothers had in their kitchen or home. Technological advances have made it possible to create a very durable, waterproof, and fashionable resilient floor that looks like real wood, linen, or stone

For this article, we will focus on the difference between rigid flooring (MLF) and vinyl floors (PVC) floors, because this is an area in which there has been some confusion and misinterpretations of the products. When considering any kind of PVC floor, there are six points you need to consider. 1. Health 2. Dent Resistance. 3. Dimensional Stability. 4. Installation. 5. Telegraphing and subfloor. 6. Fashion. Why is fashion last? Fashion or style is subjective, and it is the one thing both products can deliver, regardless of the construction of the resilient floors.

Construction: Vinyl floors are made up of PVC, additives for flexibility, and aggregate for density and durability. However, the PVC that is used to make the vinyl floor is essential. 100% virgin vinyl is the best choice for your health, and for the floor’s durability and stability. It means there is no recycle vinyl content in the construction of the floor, and it is Ortho Phyllite free, and free of heavy metal contaminants. This is very important to look for when buying vinyl floors. Ortho Phyllites are considered to be harmful to people and pets. This is why 100% virgin vinyl is the only kind of PVC vinyl floor you should have in your home. Better safe than sorry as the saying goes.

Dimensional Stability: Expansion and contraction is a factor in all flooring, including vinyl floors. Vinyl floors will contract and expand and must be acclimated to the environment for at least two days before installation. This may be challenging for meeting tight construction deadlines.

How to Choose Carpet

Shopping for carpet is a lot like shopping for a car. It involves a huge financial investment; all the different types of carpet, styles, colors and brands can make your head spin; and you often end up dealing with high-pressure salespeople. The experience can be so overwhelming that it’s tempting to shop with only a basic color and style in mind and rely on salespeople for recommendations.

Carpeting is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. By doing some basic homework, comparison shopping and working with a reputable retailer, you’ll be able to understand the types of carpet that will work best for your home and buy carpeting that fits your needs—and gives you confidence that you’re getting a quality product for a good price.

Nylon outperforms all other fibers in durability, resilience and easy maintenance. This is a good choice if you want your carpet to last a decade or longer, for high-traffic areas, and in homes with kids and pets (Photo 1). Higher quality nylon fibers are “branded,” and the carpet label will use terms like “100% Mohawk Nylon” or “100% Stainmaster Tactesse.” Lower-quality, “unbranded” nylon fibers are listed simply as “100% nylon.” The strongest and softest type (and most expensive) is 6.6 nylon. Nylon carpet cost is $10 to $45 per sq. yd.

Triexta (brands include Smart-Strand and Sorona) is a newly classified fiber derived partly from corn sugar (Photo 2). It has excellent, permanent anti-stain properties (nylon must be treated with stain protectors over its life span). It also has good resilience, but it’s too soon to tell whether it will match the durability of nylon in high-traffic areas. Because of its superior stain resistance, this is a good choice if you have young kids or pets. Triexta carpet cost is $20 to $45 per sq. yd.

Polyester (also called PET) is stain resistant, very soft and luxurious underfoot, and is available in deep and vibrant colors (Photo 3). However it’s harder to clean, tends to shed and isn’t as durable as nylon. It’s best used in low-traffic areas (like bedrooms) and in households without kids or pets. A nice, cushy choice if you like to exercise on the carpet. Polyester carpet cost is $8 to $18 per sq. yd

How to Select the Perfect Carpet

Though numerous carpet options are available, there are basically only two styles of carpet — loop pile and cut pile. In the loop-style pile each of the ends is connected into the backing so there’s a continuous loop. If you actually ran a pin underneath, you would feel the loop.

In the cut-style pile, the loops are actually cut so that there are individual ends sticking up through the backing. If you ran the same pin through there the pin would lift right up. It is like a sheer cut pile.

Cut pile carpet can go throughout the house. It is comfortable underfoot and makes for a very attractive floor. Loop pile styles are used in heavy traffic areas. Areas where children are or where there is a lot of activity. It will perform and last for a long time.

When it comes to easy-to-clean carpet, olefin is a product that is naturally stain resistant. It will take most household food stains and you will be able to clean it. Polyester is naturally stain resistant because it doesn’t accept those kinds of dyes either. It is a critical product in applications where staining will be an issue. Nylon is treated for stain resistance — there is an over treatment that you put in that will allow you to take stains out. Wool takes more care and cleaning to get stains out.

Pricing changes from one carpet to another because of the various weights and structures. The very low end of the scale in most cases is olefin. Polypropylene is the cheapest product, polyester is the second and nylon is the highest quality of the synthetics. Wool is considerably more expensive than the others.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing a Carpet

Buying new carpet can feel overwhelming because there are so many choices and decisions to be made. Taking your time, doing the proper research, and finding the right retailer will make the job manageable and enable you to select a carpet you’ll be happy to live with for years to come.

Understanding Fibers and Warranties

Do learn about the fiber types and figure out which one would work best for you. Not all carpet fibers are created equal; for example, there are natural fibers, such as wool, and synthetic fibers, which are more commonly used in wall-to-wall carpet. Understand the characteristics of each fiber type so that when you go shopping, you can almost immediately narrow down your selection.

Don’t assume that one fiber is always better than another. Each fiber type has its strengths, but the other components of the carpet have an equally big impact on how the carpet will perform.

Do learn about the manufacturer’s ratings and warranties. Carpet is typically a big investment for most people, so make sure that you’re buying a product that is covered for your particular situation. For example, many warranties don’t cover stairs, so if you are buying carpeting for your stairs, look for a warranty that includes stairs. Even if you never plan to use them, the warranties demonstrate the faith that the manufacturer has in its product. If a warranty doesn’t provide long or comprehensive coverage, then that is a good indication the manufacturer doesn’t expect the carpet to stand up well for a long period of time.

Determining Quality

Do learn how to tell the quality of a carpet. You don’t have to become an expert on the subject, but if you have an overall sense of the various factors that contribute to a carpet’s quality and how well it will perform, then you can avoid choosing the wrong carpet.

How To Choose The Right Carpet Type For Your Home

Carpet types may look very similar, but understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your home. To make your selection process a little easier, we’ve put together our ultimate guide to carpet types.

Nylon is the most popular carpet in Australian homes. Ultra soft, durable and stain resistant, it’s ideal for high-traffic areas, families or pets. It’s also a cheaper alternative to traditional wool.

Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) is the next generation of nylon carpet. It has colour added to the fibre during the production process, rather than applied to the surface afterwards, making it colourfast against cleaning and sunlight.

Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre that is a great option if you’re working to a budget. Anti-static plus fade and stain resistant, it is often used in rental properties, garages and playrooms.

Polyester is widely liked for it’s lustrous appearance and beautiful colours, high level of stain resistance and the fact it is one of the most eco-friendly synthetic fibres you can get your mitts on. Relative to nylon, polyester carries a lower cost, making it a great option for budget-driven renovations.

How to Choose a Carpet that is Beautiful & Durable

Flooring can add beauty and style to your home. From beautiful, natural hardwood to soft luxurious carpet, a floor provides the backdrop for the rest of your room. You floor also gets a lot of wear and tear. Pets, guests, family, kids – your carpet literally gets walked all over every day. Choosing a floor that can take the abuse is important in having the beautiful backdrop that lets your home shine. When you’re choosing a floor, arm yourself with this information and you won’t be disappointed with the beautiful floors you’ll have for many years to come.

In our first installment of Beautiful & Durable, we’ll take a look at carpet. Carpet accounts for the majority of flooring purchased and is a great option for almost any space. But, please don’t choose carpet for your bathroom!

NYLON

Durable, versatile, wear-resistant and easy to clean, nylon is a great fiber choice for all areas of the home. Nylon is also soft to the touch and some new nylon yarns can be exceptionally soft. Nylon is not inherently stain-resistant, however, most nylon carpets are treated to protect against spills and stains.

POLYESTER

Exceptionally soft, polyester also has natural stain resistant qualities. Polyester is not as resilient as nylon but thanks to advancements in yarn processing, polyester carpets now perform much better than older polyester carpets

POLYPROPYLEN (OLEFIN)

Polypropylene, while not as resilient as nylon or polyester will not absorb water making it more stain and fade resistant. Polypropylene is usually found in loop pile carpets where the lack of resiliency is not an issue.