Vinyl Plank – kitchenandflooring

If you want to know about resilient/vinyl flooring, welcome.

Maybe you’ve never heard of resilient/vinyl flooring and just clicked here out of curiosity.

Maybe you’re aware of it and want to learn more.

Or maybe buying resilient/vinyl flooring for your home is a done deal and you’re shopping for ideas and applications.

Welcome to the unique and surprising world and our universe of information, a universe with just one goal.

We want you to know.

We want you to know all about it.

Whether it’s at our store or here in our website, we want you to understand, learn, experience — know — as much about it as you need to.

We call on our experience to provide you with valuable information, delivered in an easy to understand way, so you make the smartest decisions for you, your family and home.

First, allow us to clear up some of the terminology so you can be a smarter shopper in this category of flooring.

Resilient floors, as the name implies, have some “give” or elasticity when you walk across them.

Resilient floors are often used in kitchens and baths because of their good looks, resistance to moisture and wide variety of colors and textures.

These floors are relatively easy to keep clean. Their main enemy is grit or sand that can be ground into the surface. (Don’t worry, we’ll tell you how to maintain them in the Maintenance section.)

No matter which you choose, you will find stylish options, high performance and tremendous value.

You can completely customize your floor by mixing contrasting colors patchwork style, creating medallions or curved cuts that express your unique vision and personality. Let your imagination run free!

Now, some resilient floors are vinyl but not all vinyl floors are resilient.

However, the most common type is vinyl, which is why most of the sections in this part of the website are labeled Vinyl.

There are two types: sheet vinyl and composition tiles (VCT).

For our purposes here, and throughout the rest of the sections, we will refer to sheet vinyl simply as vinyl, or vinyl flooring.

VCT has all the advantages, is available in a wide array of colors and can look good anywhere.

Spare composition tiles can be kept on hand to repair worn areas, and the VCT format opens up unlimited possibilities for creating your own unique patterns.

However, it also offers you many tempting advantages.

In fact, no other floor covering category offers you the selection, styling, ease of maintenance and value as a vinyl floor!

Thanks to some great advancements in styling and technology, they have been changed forever.

It can now realistically mimic the look and textures of real resilient, stone and wood grain patterns.

These amazing replicas have such incredible realism it is difficult for most people to tell whether it’s the real thing or not. Who needs to know, right?

Finally, a note about linoleum, which is not a resilient flooring but the one you probably recall as the original kitchen and bath flooring.

While linoleum, because it is a “natural” flooring material, is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, the most popular floor covering material in this category is vinyl.

But never fear, we want you to know about linoleum, and cork, rubber and specialty resilient flooring.

Just click on the sub-section called Specialty Products and learn about them.

And don’t forget to explore all the other sections for more important information, more exciting, fashionable choices, and a possible flooring solution for the way you live.

In a class all its own, today’s vinyl flooring offers you a wide spectrum of exciting choices and unusual design options. If this product is a possibility for you, then we invite you to explore all the other vinyl sections because…we want you to know!

We Are Here to Answer Tough Questions

Call us today or visit our convenient showroom that’s Open 6 Days a Week – Monday Through Saturday. Our In-store specialists have been through hours of training to educate our customers, answer tough questions, and provide the best customer service possible. We will show you why we deserve to earn your business!Come visit our Laminate Flooring Showroom in Santa Ana located near:

Anaheim Hills
Laguna Hills
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Vinyl Plank Styles
Vinyl Plank Installation

Vinyl Plank Styles

Things to know about today’s versatile vinyl styles
Maybe your vision of vinyl is a little dated. If, when you hear vinyl flooring, you see a small choice of colors and a lack of interesting patterns, allow us to paint a totally different picture.

Today, vinyl flooring has joined the ranks of tile, laminate and carpeting in offering you beautiful products, a broad spectrum of colors, virtually endless patterns and configurations – options to inspire and fire your imagination.

Given that, the goal today is to determine what combination of aesthetics, style and performance best fit your vinyl flooring budget.

To help with that, and make you a smarter, more knowledgeable shopper, we created this section.

It’s all about vinyl flooring style tips, the advantages and benefits of vinyl, factors to consider when decorating with vinyl and more.

Please read on and build your knowledge base on this traditional product that has been transformed into true contemporary flooring.

You’ll be floored by today’s vinyl.
Today’s vinyl flooring has truly advanced from that of yesterday.

Long gone are the shiny, plastic-looking floors that easily dented and ripped.

There is now a broad selection of fashionable colors, patterns and textures that offer durability and easy maintenance.

Many of these stylish new products emulate the look of natural stone, slate or ceramic tile and can fit into any budget.

Vinyl is on the move throughout the home.
Traditionally, vinyl flooring has been found in your kitchen, bath or laundry room areas.

This is because vinyl is a practical, functional and fashionable option for today’s active households.

Vinyl is also known to be cushiony and warm underfoot in comparison to natural stone or ceramic tile.

But now, thanks to innovations in design and performance, vinyl flooring is at home in any room in your home. So factor that into your planning.

With vinyl it’s easy in and easy out.
If replacing any flooring may be in your future, keep vinyl in mind.

Vinyl floors are much easier to remove than a grouted ceramic tile or natural stone floor.

This could potentially save you time and money in the long run if and when replacement is a possibility.

As you buy up, the benefits escalate.
As you move up in the vinyl flooring price range there are many benefits.

In terms of product selection alone, more versatile patterns, colors and textures will be available to you.

When talking about performance, today’s premium wearlayers offer superior resistance to stains, scuffs and scratches. That’s worth noting if you live in an active household, or with kids or pets.

Some premium wearlayers are enhanced with aluminum oxide, which provides exceptional resistance to scratching.

More importantly, these wearlayers make clean up a breeze. Make your life a little easier.

You’ll also notice that, as you move up, you’ll get enhanced performance constructions, designed to protect your floor from rips, tears, gouges and permanent indentations.

Know this: style is determined by two sizes.
When selecting a vinyl pattern, you want to consider the size of the room and the size of the pattern.

The decorating rule of thumb still applies to vinyl flooring in relation to room size and color.

Lighter flooring colors will make a smaller room appear larger, while darker colors will absorb the light and create a more intimate setting.

When working with vinyl flooring pattern sizes, a smaller pattern works well in small areas or in rooms where the pattern will be visually interrupted with pieces of furniture, or a kitchen island.

However, keep in mind that larger flooring patterns can sometimes actually visually expand a room.

Be aware of your surroundings.
When considering vinyl flooring styles you’ll also want to consider any printed fabric on your furniture or wallpaper in the room.

If the fabric or wallpaper is a large-scale print you’ll want to look at smaller patterns for the floor.

Conversely, if you have a small-scale pattern in the fabric or wallpaper you’ll want a larger pattern for the floor.

Take a shine to understanding gloss.
Vinyl flooring products come in a selection of gloss levels to suit your needs.

Generally speaking, the lower the gloss level, the more forgiving your floor will be to the daily wear of foot traffic. Choose your gloss level accordingly.

Style is unique, personal and individual.
That’s good. Because today’s vinyl flooring is all that and more. It’s one of the most popular and most economical flooring choices on the market. And if this product is on your shopping list we invite you to read more, know more about it, in the other vinyl sections.

Vinyl Plank Installation

InstallatWhat to know before the installers arrive.

If you’re like many shoppers, you can just picture your new vinyl flooring, all beautifully installed, clean and promising – an inviting new stage upon which life in your home will now unfold.

Well, don’t lose that picture but do be prepared.

Being prepared and involved will help insure that the installation process is done smoothly and efficiently, and, hopefully, eliminate expressions of “I wish I’d known that.”.

Knowing what to expect will be a lot less stressful on you, your family and your home.

To that point, we’ve built this section around many of the things you should be aware of, plan ahead about, and carefully consider before your new vinyl flooring arrives.

Our first tip is about who should do the installation.

Now, you may be wondering if you could install your vinyl floor. Well, allow us to answer that right up front.

That way you can be assured of a beautiful, efficient and correct installation.

However, while installing vinyl flooring is a skill that is developed through years of experience, your understanding of the basics of installation will increase your knowledge of the process, and enhance your confidence in the professionals working in your home.

To begin, the installers get to the bottom of things.
As with most flooring products, the first step is to prepare the substrate, the surface on which the vinyl flooring will be laid.

If installing over a wood substrate, an underlayment will generally be necessary.

Installing over a concrete substrate will not require an underlayment but will require some floor preparation.

You will need to give attention to the height of your appliances to counters and cabinets if an underlayment is required.

Moisture testing for installations over concrete is required by manufacturers, so please understand that if your installers perform that task.

Can you install new vinyl flooring over existing vinyl flooring?

In some cases, yes. This is where employing qualified flooring professionals really pays off.

They can determine if your existing vinyl flooring is acceptable or if it will need to be removed.

Three methods are used to install vinyl flooring depending on manufacturer and style: Full Spread, Perimeter Adhered or Floating.

Full Spread means the adhesive is trowled over the entire substrate.

Perimeter Adhered is an installation method in which adhesive is only applied to the perimeter of the flooring and also at the seams.

Floating is a type of installation in which the vinyl flooring is not bonded to the substrate by any adhesive.

Your beautiful new vinyl floor will be professionally installed using one of those three methods.

What to know and do before installation day

Your furniture is priority one.
Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas where the installation will take place. Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an additional charge for doing so.

Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets and the like.

Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

Make a decision on your old floor covering.
Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time consuming task. We recommend that you check with us about the cost and the method of disposal.

If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to arrival of your vinyl product to allow for cleanup and floor preparation. If removing old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.

What’s to be done with the trim?
In many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for vinyl installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge and they will probably not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.

Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.

Next area is the subflooring.
Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the vinyl, or a new subfloor may be required. We suggest you discuss this with us and, if subfloor work is necessary, that it be done by qualified professionals. It is important that the subfloor be as clean and level as possible.

Get in the know about the clean-up.
Installing new vinyl will produce waste. Usually these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Check with us before the day of installation so you’re clear about the clean up, if there are added costs to do so, and ask about the plan for vinyl remnants.

What to know and do during installation day

What to know and do during installation day
Be home on the big day.
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case the installation crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct vinyl is installed in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, some installers may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival. We suggest you be flexible and keep in touch with us.

Keep safety top of mind.
Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

Walk through and ask questions.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation, you walk through the job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear on any final details

What to know and do after installation day

Time and temp are key.
For a minimum of 24 hours after your new vinyl floor is installed, protect all the seamed areas, don’t walk on them or the seam sealer.

Keep the room at 68° F or greater for at least 2 days after installation to allow the adhesives to setup properly.

If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation.

If your vinyl floor was installed using the Full Spread method, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic is allowed after 24 hours.

If the Perimeter Adhered installation method was utilized, no appliances should be moved in for a minimum of 24-72 hours after installation. Light foot traffic is allowed after 24 hours.

If the installers used the Floating method, appliances can be moved in immediately and foot traffic is OK immediately following installation.

When you are ready to move appliances back into the room, an underlayment type of product such as plywood or particleboard with a minimum thickness of 3/8,” placed on the new flooring prior to moving the appliances, will greatly reduce any mishaps.

Do not rely on the wheels that may be attached to the refrigerator to move the appliance back in as they can cause damage to the new floor.

Allow 5 days before thoroughly washing your floor. This will give time for the adhesive to cure.

When it comes to preparing for your vinyl flooring installation, we want you to know. Know all about those things that will make the installation as smooth and efficient as possible. So that the picture of the vinyl flooring you have in your mind today will come true, and stay true for many years.

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