Over the years I’ve worked with countless clients who were planning on either refinishing existing hardwood floors or installing new ones (whether traditional hardwood or engineered), and quite often, there is a light vs dark debate. Light floors are definitely having a moment, however clients aren’t always sure if they’re the right fit for them. Light-toned flooring, whether its bleached, light-toned oak, or even a pale grey tone, will feel more casual than darker flooring, so that is something to factor in as you’re making your decision. Additionally, if you want it to be very light without any orange undertone you’ll need to bleach the wood prior to staining if you’re using traditional hardwood. This is doable, but it is a multi-step process which will add time and cost. Lighter floors look great with a matte finish and truly hide scratches, dirt and other imperfections well. This makes them much more family and pet-friendly. You’ll still be able to see the scratches, but they won’t be quite as noticeable as they would be on darker flooring. Darker floors tend to feel a little more formal and traditional than their lighter counterparts. I believe they look just as beautiful in a matte or glossy finish, however glossy floors will show scratches more, which in addition to darker stains showing scratches more, means that you need to be more mindful if this is your choice. Secondly, dirt, dust and pet hair tend to show up more against darker floors, so they will also require more upkeep in terms of day-to-day maintenance. If you’re interested in more in depth information about different types of flooring, head to our shop page on our website and download our free Home Design Guide, a 25 page e-book filled with tips, tricks and more design info! If you’re looking for personalized design help, we offer virtual design services, also available for purchase via our website!
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Tip 4️⃣ 👣 Flooring Matters! 👣 When it comes to staging your property, flooring plays a HUGE role in creating that all-important first impression. Here are some quick tips to ensure your floors are view-ready: 1. Clean Those Carpets: If your home has carpets, a deep clean is a must! Fresh, spotless carpets not only look great but eliminate any lingering odors, giving your home that “just like new” feel. This doesn’t have to cost you a bomb on a professional carpet cleaner, there are lots of options for renting a carpet cleaner for the day! 2. Mop Hard Floors: For kitchens, bathrooms, and any areas with tile, wood, or laminate flooring, a fresh mop before every viewing is essential. Shiny, clean floors add to the overall cleanliness and appeal of the space. 3. Repair or Replace if Needed: Worn, scratched, or stained floors can turn buyers and tenants off. If your budget allows, consider replacing damaged carpets or refinishing hardwood floors to give them a fresh look. - This is just a recommendation if the floors are not in a great state, this is not absolutely essential, especially if your budget does not allow. 4. Don’t Forget Entryways: First impressions start the moment someone steps in. Make sure the flooring at the front entrance is clean, polished, and welcoming! 5. Tidy Rugs: If you have rugs, make sure they are vacuumed, positioned neatly, and free of wrinkles or trip hazards. A little extra care on your flooring can go a long way in making your home feel polished and inviting. 🧼✨
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Vinyl or Laminate Flooring: Which is the Right Choice for Your Home? Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring: Picking the Right One for Your Home An Overview In this day and age, picking the right flooring for your house may seem like an overwhelming process. The market is flooded with an array of choices, but laminate and vinyl flooring often emerge as the most popular options due to their practicality, aesthetic appeal, and durability. In this blog post, we help you understand the key differences between them and help you pick the one that suits your needs and preferences. The Lowdown on Laminate Flooring Simply put, laminate flooring is composed of four layers: a bottom layer for stability, a core layer of high-density fiberboard (HDF), a design layer with an image of real wood or stone, and a top wear layer that provides protection from damage. Some of the key benefits of laminate flooring are: - Price-friendly - Easy to install and maintain - Comes in a wide array of designs and colors - Resistant to stains, scratches, and dents However, one disadvantage is that it's less water-resistant and may experience swelling when exposed to moisture. The Scoop on Vinyl Flooring Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is a synthetic product made of four to five layers of PVC vinyl and a layer of foam. Some benefits of vinyl flooring include: - Water-resistant - Soft underfoot - Sound-absorbing - Highly durable and easy to install Despite these perks, vinyl flooring may not be the best choice for homeowners who wish to sell their property in the future, as it might not enhance the house's overall value. Conclusion In a nutshell, both laminate and vinyl floors offer unique benefits and it's all about choosing the one that meets your specific needs. Before making a decision, consider things like your budget, the room’s exposure to water, and how much foot traffic the area experiences. Some hashtags: - #HomeDecor - #InteriorDesign - #FlooringChoices - #LaminateVsVinyl - #HousingTips Build Blocks Keep Hashtags # complete. Example house = wrong - should be #house Source: https://lnkd.in/edbBbZkf More Trends?: https://lnkd.in/en4Df7eH
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“The Structural Side of Flooring: An Engineer’s Guide to Smart Flooring Choices” Flooring isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a structural component that impacts the performance and longevity of your home. As an engineer, you understand that choosing the right flooring involves more than visual appeal. It’s about strength, durability, and compatibility with the building’s foundation. This article explores flooring from an engineering perspective, helping homeowners make informed decisions. 1. The Role of Flooring in Structural Integrity Flooring is part of the load path in a home. It must withstand live loads (e.g., furniture, people) and dead loads (its own weight) while maintaining stability and safety. Proper material selection is critical to ensure the flooring supports the home’s structural integrity without overloading the subfloor or foundation. 2. Understanding Subfloors and Compatibility Before choosing a flooring material, it’s essential to assess the subfloor type. Common subfloors include: • Concrete Slabs: Ideal for hardwood or engineered wood, as long as moisture barriers are in place to prevent warping. • Wood Subfloors: Flexible and compatible with various materials, but require reinforcement for heavier options like stone. Always check the flatness and stability of the subfloor to ensure compatibility and reduce long-term wear and tear. 3. Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood: Structural Insights • Solid Hardwood: Excellent for long-term durability and repairability, but prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. Best for stable environments. • Engineered Wood: Constructed with multiple layers, this option is more dimensionally stable and suitable for areas with fluctuating conditions, such as basements or humid climates. 4. Load-Bearing Considerations Some flooring materials add significant weight to the structure. For example: • Natural stone or heavy wood species may require additional subfloor reinforcement to avoid sagging or cracking. Continue…. https://lnkd.in/eynsbZvN
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“The Structural Side of Flooring: An Engineer’s Guide to Smart Flooring Choices” Flooring isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a structural component that impacts the performance and longevity of your home. As an engineer, you understand that choosing the right flooring involves more than visual appeal. It’s about strength, durability, and compatibility with the building’s foundation. This article explores flooring from an engineering perspective, helping homeowners make informed decisions. 1. The Role of Flooring in Structural Integrity Flooring is part of the load path in a home. It must withstand live loads (e.g., furniture, people) and dead loads (its own weight) while maintaining stability and safety. Proper material selection is critical to ensure the flooring supports the home’s structural integrity without overloading the subfloor or foundation. 2. Understanding Subfloors and Compatibility Before choosing a flooring material, it’s essential to assess the subfloor type. Common subfloors include: • Concrete Slabs: Ideal for hardwood or engineered wood, as long as moisture barriers are in place to prevent warping. • Wood Subfloors: Flexible and compatible with various materials, but require reinforcement for heavier options like stone. Always check the flatness and stability of the subfloor to ensure compatibility and reduce long-term wear and tear. 3. Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood: Structural Insights • Solid Hardwood: Excellent for long-term durability and repairability, but prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. Best for stable environments. • Engineered Wood: Constructed with multiple layers, this option is more dimensionally stable and suitable for areas with fluctuating conditions, such as basements or humid climates. 4. Load-Bearing Considerations Some flooring materials add significant weight to the structure. For example: • Natural stone or heavy wood species may require additional subfloor reinforcement to avoid sagging or cracking. Continue…. https://lnkd.in/e5qYaZsq
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Introducing stone flooring to your house can help to elevate the overall look. Several options for stone flooring are available. But finding out the best and ideal fit for your house type is a complex task. However, this article has listed different stone flooring types and the best tips for choosing the right one. Read the write-up to uncover more about stone flooring. https://lnkd.in/dbKmfw_z
