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How Luxury Vinyl Tile Differs from Traditional Vinyl

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With its introduction in October 2006, luxury vinyl flooring, (LVF) reinvented vinyl flooring, and manufacturers quickly began positioning it as a good flooring material for homeowners who are well-educated about flooring. It is also seen as an initiative to capture the urban market—luxury condominium dwellers who do not want to install solid hardwood due to cost, or who may be prevented from this by HOA rules.

Today so-called luxury vinyl flooring is a top pick for many people because of its ability to mimic the look of natural materials, such as hardwood or stone. It is able to do this by a surface layer that has very realistic photo-created image and embossing process, combined with textures that resemble that of the real materials. Luxury vinyl designs look less artificial and more natural than traditional vinyl.

Qualities of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Appearance: Luxury vinyl flooring closely simulates natural materials, without the big investment. Either it simulates stone (slate, travertine, marble, etc.) or it simulates wood (teak, maple, oak, walnut, and pine). Traditional vinyl flooring sometimes imitates natural materials and sometimes does not but looks more artificial that luxury vinyl.

Size and Thickness: Luxury vinyl is much thicker than traditional vinyl. The thickness of luxury vinyl is what gives it a much more realistic “wood or ceramic” feel and appearance.  Luxury vinyl usually comes in either planks or tiles.  A typical plank size is 48” x 4.5” A typical tile size is 16″ x 16″. Sometimes you can find unusual shapes, such as rectangles sized at 12″ x 24”. Thicknesses range from 10mm to 12mm (about 1/8″). Ordinary vinyl flooring can be as much as 10 times thinner, with bargain tiles coming in at 1.2 mm.

Often plank-shaped: Traditional sheet vinyl flooring comes in room widths and lengths to minimize or even eliminate seams. Normal vinyl tiles are usually square: 12″x12″ or 16″x16″. Because luxury vinyl often imitates solid wood flooring, it often times comes in planks and is sometimes referenced as luxury vinyl plank ( LVP). Sizes vary, but the general shape is long and narrow. A typical size is 7″ wide by 48″ long.

Durability: Luxury vinyl was initially designed and manufactured due to durability issues with traditional vinyl flooring. The thinness of vinyl sheets and tiles can be vulnerable to scuffs and scratches. Most vinyl floors will typically not last more than 15 years. However, luxury vinyl is not only a thicker material, the top layers are also thicker which gives added protection against wear and tear. This provides a longer lifespan for your floor.

Installation: Luxury vinyl may be one of the easiest floors to install, where traditional vinyl can be more difficult. The thinner the flooring material the fewer imperfections you can have in a sub-floor. Also, with sheet vinyl, cutting to match corners, appliances etc., can be tricky. And if you make a mistake you ruin the entire sheet. The installation of either type should always be completed by a professional floor installer.

Manufacturers and Brand Names of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

At Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring we carry a wide selection of the industry leaders of luxury vinyl flooring including:
• Armstrong Alterna
• Armstrong Luxe Plank
• Mannington Adura
• Shaw Floors
• Mohawk Flooring
• COREtec Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Flooring
• Fusion
• ProGen
• Masland Luxury Vinyl Plank

Give us a call to make an appointment or stop by our Showroom to take a look at the many options available.

The staff at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring would like to wish our customers a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

Is Porcelain Tile A Good Option Your Kitchen Floor?

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One thing many homeowners often wonder when creating their dream house, is which flooring material would be best for their kitchen.  For durability and good looks, porcelain kitchen tile flooring is a fantastic option. Plus, today there are a number of designer looks that can be achieved using porcelain tile, from marble look porcelain tile options that can give you the authentic look of marble, to porcelain tiles that look like wood

Porcelain tile can be considered an upgraded version of regular ceramic tile, due to a manufacturing process which makes it harder and less porous. Options include either glazed or unglazed styles. Glazed tiles come with a glass-like coating which can be manufactured in many colors. Unglazed porcelain tiles have a more naturally earthy color of the clays used to make them. And some porcelain kitchen flooring tiles are certified to be slip-resistant by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which can be a safety plus in kitchens where spills may occur.

Here are a few good reasons to select porcelain tile for your kitchen flooring project:

Liquid Resistance

The density of porcelain is what makes it highly resistant to liquid penetration, giving it an edge as compared to other types of flooring. If you opt for a glazed style porcelain tile, the surface becomes almost completely impervious to liquids.

Highly Stain Resistant

Porcelain tiles are highly stain- resistant. Unglazed porcelain is capable of repelling stain penetration better than other flooring options. If you select a glazed product it will be almost impossible to discolor the surface of your tiles.

Durability

Porcelain tiles are considered to be one of the toughest flooring options available on the market. Aside from being solid, porcelain tiles are also hard, dense, and highly resistant to most heavy impact stresses which makes it a perfect selection for both residential and commercial projects.

Working with the design professionals at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring will keep your project moving smoothly and help your find your design style.  Give us a call to make an appointment or stop by our Showroom to take a look at the many options available.

 

Final Days of National Karastan Month

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NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 4th

The FINAL days of our Annual Sale on All
Karastan Carpet Broadlooms and Wool Blends.

It’s never been about a single lifestyle or trend.  Karastan rugs and carpets are crafted to be timeless pieces that fit perfectly within your home.  With inspired designs, flawless craftsmanship, and long-lasting materials, Karastan is made for a life lived beautifully.

Karastan carpet and rugs are known for their beauty, quality and resilience.  Follow a few of these care and cleaning tips for your flooring, and you can expect years of enjoyment.

Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming helps extend the life of your carpet or rugs.  Proper maintenance will ensure that your product remains beautiful for years to come.

Cleaning: Karastan’s innovative fibers resist staining, but messes and spills must be properly cleaned in a timely manner in order to preserve your carpet.  To learn more, follow the guidelines on the Karastan Carpet website.

Only one week left to take advantage of our great sale on all Karastan carpets and rugs.  For complete details on all Karastan Carpet sale items, stop by our renovated Showroom today and talk with one of our experienced carpet and flooring designers.

Autumn Storewide Sale on All Karastan Carpets

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Join us September 26 – November 4
During Our Annual Sale on All
Karastan Carpet Broadlooms and Wool Blends

With autumn in the air and activities soon moving indoors it’s time to consider a few home décor updates. From pumpkins to autumn leaves, the colors and styles of fall are some of the most vibrant. Consider incorporating into your space orange or earthy brown tones or a dot of gold to coordinate with the outdoor natural beauty. With many options to consider updating your home for fall, don’t forget the big role the perfect carpet plays in tying in your décor. The perfect fall carpet needs to keep your feet warm and cozy while still being able to stand up to the mud, leaves and slush of fall in the northeast, and still maintain gorgeous color.

Here are a few ideas on how to choose the perfect carpet for fall:

Step 1:  Choose Your Location

Where you plan to put your carpet will help you decide what type of carpet to purchase. Family rooms and stairs are high direct traffic areas so will require denser, more durable carpets with heavier weights, which makes these areas great for wool carpets.  Wool carpets have superior durability and are easy to clean.  If you are looking to upgrade a bedroom or an area that receives less traffic, you can be more flexible in the type of carpet you choose. Consider Karastan SmartStrand carpets because of the silky softness they give to your feet.

Step 2:  Choose A Color

This may seem obvious, but color selection is one of the most important aspects of the carpet you choose. A lighter tone is more resistant to fading that a deeper rich color.  For a sunroom or den with large windows and a lot of natural sunlight, a softer hue is essential. For a fun fall guest room think of using bold colors, like rich orange or golds.  To accent the man cave, go with a distressed carpet that gives the space a rustic look with a luxurious feel, letting your feet sink into the carpet for your personal retreat.

Step 3: Choose A Fiber

When it comes to finding the perfect fall carpet, durability and ease of cleaning should be at the top of your list for things to consider. Wool fibers are extremely durable while also beautiful.  Wool also helps insulate your floor as autumn temperatures continue to drop. Other fibers like Karastan SmartStrand fibers are created with superior durability and extreme softness in mind. These carpets are made to protect against spills and pet stains yet allow the silky fibers feel comfortable beneath your feet.

For complete details on all Karastan Carpet sale items, stop by our renovated Showroom and talk with one of our experienced carpet and flooring designers.

How to Care for Hardwood Floors

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Hardwood floors are timeless, rich looking and a good investment in your home.  With a few simple rules you can keep your floors looking fantastic for many years. Follow these easy steps and you’ll soon worship the ground you walk on

Tread Lightly

You don’t have to enforce a strict no-shoes policy, but whenever possible, avoid walking on wood floors in high heels, which can easily dent the surface. Furniture can scratch wood, too, so adhere felt pads to the bottoms of all chair and table legs. Put doormats outside every entrance to keep out dirt, sand, and salt. “If you take this precaution, you’ll prevent particles on the soles of your shoes from damaging—and possibly even removing—your floor’s finish,” says Brett Miller, the director of education at the National Wood Flooring Association.

Stay Cool

The ideal temperature for wood floors is 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 30 to 50 percent humidity level. Keep the thermostat in that range year-round and you’ll lessen the chance of planks gapping and buckling, which is caused by drastic changes in heat and moisture, says Miller. But don’t sweat slight heat fluctuations: The room temperature has to change radically and stay that way for a prolonged period to affect the wood.

Keep Dust in Check

Debris takes a toll on a floor’s sheen. Sweep or vacuum twice a week—or every day, if you’re up for it. Once a week, use a microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner (like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner,)or a homemade solution (1 tablespoon distilled vinegar in 1 gallon of water) to wipe up stuck-on dirt. Avoid products that claim to “shine,” “polish,” or “rejuvenate”; they often contain additives, like acrylic wax, which create a buildup, says Josh Frink, the wood-floor chairman for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Bring in Pros

Properly maintained floors may never require replacement. “Many wood floors on the East Coast are well over 100 years old,” says Frink. But when the wood loses its luster, hire an expert to apply a new coat of finish. If your floors see a lot of foot traffic, food spills, or pet mischief, have the surface sanded every 7 to 10 years or whenever you notice worn areas, loss of stain color, or gouges.

The professionals at Fred Callaghan are experts in on-site installation and professional hardwood floor refinishing of natural or finished hardwood floors with over 90 years of experience and craftsmanship to deliver to you the best possible design options. We will custom finish or re-finish your hardwood flooring offering you choices for stain color and finish preferences with either oil or water-based urethane.  Call today and let us help with your project.

Source : https://www.realsimple.com/home-orga nizing/home-improvement/maintenance-repairs/hardwood-floors