Whether you’re eying an update to a single room or a whole-home renovation, a key consideration is what you’re putting underfoot.
Much like the paint colour you choose, flooring has a significant impact on the look and feel of a home, and helps create a cohesive feeling between spaces. Carpet will create a very different look than hardwood or tile, for example.
Beyond aesthetics, however, function must be a key consideration, including upkeep, durability and comfort.
Today, two of the top options for many homeowners are luxury vinyl plank or water-resistant laminate.
Regardless of which you choose, you’ll get a better, longer-lasting result by paying attention to a few essentials, suggests Bill Yardley, manager of New Trendz Flooring and More in Langley.
- Thickness – Luxury vinyl plank wear layer is rated in mil (1/1000 inch) and while 12 mil wear layer is the standard minimum they sell, Yardley recommends products in the light-commercial, 20 to 22 mil range to ensure a long-lasting floor that will continue to look great for years to come.
For luxury vinyl plank, products in the light-commercial, 20 to 22 mil range will help ensure a long-lasting floor that will look great for years to come. When it comes to water-resistant laminate wear layer, products are rated in “abrasion criteria” or AC 1 to 5 rating, ranging from spaces with little foot traffic to those busier areas like kitchens and entries. Yardley advises choosing water-resistant laminate in the AC 4 or 5 for optimal wear and scratch resistance.
- Locking system – “The locking system is really crucial – it’s the engine of your floor,” Yardley says, noting that New Trendz products typically feature either Unilin or Uniclic locking systems, which use a glueless locking technology on both the long and short sides of the flooring plank. Having all four sides of each plank locked in place ensures your floor will stay in place and reduces board separation that can cause noise and moisture concerns.
The Uniclic locking systems, which use a glueless locking technology on both the long and short sides of the flooring plank, reduce board separation that can cause noise and moisture concerns. - Lifestyle – It’s important to consider the demands of the household, including children and pets. Those with exuberant dogs might prefer a hard-wearing quality laminate over vinyl, which is softer and may be more likely to scratch, for example. Those who want the same flooring throughout the entire home, including full bathrooms, might find vinyl the better choice because of its ability to withstand water. Water-resistant laminate is warrantied for kitchens and powder rooms but not full bathrooms.
“We really investigate our customers’ lifestyles and how busy their homes are – we want to make sure they get the right floor for their needs,” Yardley says.
- Condition of the substrate – It’s not necessarily about being “level” but rather smooth and flat, Yardley explains. While carpet and underlay can hide many imperfections, vinyl and laminate are less forgiving. That means installers may need to take time to grind down higher areas or apply a leveller to low areas. If not, you’ll see a separation between boards or deflection that can cause noise or even cause your floor to fail.
Beyond everything for your floor, New Trendz Flooring and More features cabinets, countertops and other essentials, including a new affordable, efficient under-floor heating that is designed specifically for floating floors. Visit the New Trendz showroom to learn more about the perfect floor for your home.
Stop by New Trendz at 101 – 20579 Langley Bypass, call them at
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