Flooring Buying Guide

Laminate

Originally created as an affordable alternative to hardwood, laminate flooring was specifically designed to mimic the look of real wood. Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring, often composed of materials like melamine, fiber board, wood, and plastic, which are fused together to form an incredibly tough product. It is finished with a top layer that features a photographic image sealed with a hard protective topcoat. Laminate is one of the strongest, most scratch-resistant and impact-resistant materials available, which is why it is such a popular choice for households with animals and children. Laminate flooring is available in a wide variety of wood grains, widths and finishes, from traditional oak to exotic bamboo.

Vinyl

With the many advancements in technology and appearance, today’s luxury vinyl flooring has emerged as a stylish and popular choice for homeowners. Designed to look like real wood or natural stone, this durable material is available in sheets, planks, and individual tiles, and comes in a limitless array of colors, patterns, and widths. This smooth and resilient plastic flooring is made from a specialized blend of PVC, plasticizers, stabilizers, and vinyl resins, and boasts a unique waterproof backing that prevents mold and mildew. It is finished with a transparent top-coat for long-lasting durability. It is water-proof and highly resistant to scratches and dents, and can be placed almost anywhere in your home—even bathrooms, basements and kitchens!

Engineered Hardwood

When it comes to wood flooring, engineered hardwood can be a more affordable option than solid hardwood, while still offering the same elegant look and feel. Engineered hardwood is a durable multi-layered product that features a thin surface layer of real hardwood, pressed together and bonded with under-layers of high-quality plywood, fiberboard, or polymer composite. The finished product is an incredibly hard, durable, and long-lasting type of flooring that once installed, looks identical to solid hardwood. It is typically sold pre-finished, with a water-resistant or water-proof sealer applied to the top. Engineered hardwood is available in a wide variety of wood grains, widths and finishes, so you can easily find something that suits your style.

Solid Hardwood

There’s nothing that compares to the natural beauty of solid hardwood flooring. It’s hardy and resilient, and has a luxurious look and feel that appeals to many homeowners. Most people install hardwood flooring simply because they love the look of it, while others choose hardwood because it can last a lifetime. Real hardwood flooring is made of thick solid planks from durable species of deciduous trees, such as oak, maple, poplar, walnut, or hickory. The thick planks can be sanded and refinished numerous times before they need to be replaced. No matter what your reasons may be, upgrading your floors to solid hardwood is a smart investment that will considerably increase the value of your home.

Tiles are an attractive and versatile covering that can be used on both the walls and floors of your home. They are available in an endless array of sizes, colors, and patterns, which allows you to get really creative with design. Tiles are crafted from a variety of materials, including ceramic, marble, porcelain, glass, and natural stone. There are tiles designed to be water-proof, and some designed to stand up to heavy levels of foot traffic. Before you purchase new tiles, it’s important to understand the differences between the most common types of tiles, and where they will perform best in your home.

Whether it be for a wall, backsplash, or floor, installing tile requires time and prep-work. If properly educated and prepared, laying tile can be easy—but doing it really well can be a challenge, which is why many people hire a professional to do the job. If you plan on installing tile on your own, it's important to educate yourself about the type of tile you will be working with, as well as the installation process itself. There are many resources available to help guide you in completing your project, from videos and literature, to basic classes at your local hardware store. For a successful outcome, we recommend that you take advantage of all of these resources.

Marble

Marble is a gorgeous natural stone that is quarried from various regions around the world, and then cut into slabs for use in building construction. Prized for its elegance and durability, marble has a unique appearance marked by beautiful veins of color. Marble is an exquisite material that can be used for flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and tiles. It is water-resistant and can handle high temperatures very well, which makes it a great choice for kitchens. Marble is also UV resistant, so it maintains color well.

Installation & Care

Before installation, always thoroughly read and adhere to the installation instructions and maintenance tips provided by the manufacturer. Because marble is a porous material, it’s important that it be professionally sealed when installed. This will help prevent staining and other damage. Marble will last for many years if treated with right care. To keep it clean and lustrous, you can use a hand-duster or a dust mop as often as needed. For a more thorough cleaning, you can use appropriate marble cleaners, stone soap, or a mild solution of warm water and dish soap. When finished, rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Avoid using alkaline or acidic products, such as lemon, bleach, or vinegar, which can erode the surface of marble. Never scrub marble with an abrasive cloth or tool that could leave scratches.

Rubber

Rubber flooring has long been a staple in gyms, schools, and other high-traffic environments. But with recent improvements in appearance and performance, this multi-purpose flooring has become a popular and stylish option in both households and professional settings. Rubber is a highly durable material that is crack, stain, and water resistant, so it can handle all sorts of spills and liquids. And because it’s slip-resistant, rubber flooring offers a level of safety that other types of flooring simply can’t. Not only can it handle an incredible amount of foot traffic, it creates a floor that’s noise reducing, shock-absorbing, and soft underfoot. Typically sold in tiles or large mats, rubber flooring is available in numerous colors and designs to complement any style. Although rubber may be more expensive than other types of flooring, its many benefits make it a great long-term investment.

Installation & Care

Before installation, always thoroughly read and adhere to the installation instructions and maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer. When it comes to installation, not to worry—rubber is one of the easiest types of flooring to install. It’s typically available in large mats or interlocking tiles, both of which can be easily placed on top of an existing floor. Rubber flooring is easy to maintain, and can be cleaned with a sponge or mop, using a gentle solution of dish soap and water. It’s best to avoid using harsh cleaners or chemicals, which can cause deterioration and staining.

PVC

PVC flooring is a synthetic material made of polyvinyl chloride, which is a durable type of plastic. This affordable flooring is lightweight and flexible, yet capable of handling the roughest conditions. It's resistant to water, mold, grease, oil, and other common chemicals, which makes it an excellent flooring option for a garage. Having a PVC floor allows you to work with all sorts of household chemicals without having to worry about damaging your floor. PVC garage flooring is commonly available in tight-fitting interlocking tiles that often have a textured pattern, and sometimes have drainage holes. You’ll find tiles in various colors that can intermingle to create unique patterns and designs.

Installation & Care

Before installation, always thoroughly read and adhere to the installation instructions and maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer. PVC floors are often called “instant” floors, because they are so quick and easy to install. The simple snap-together tiles can be placed over an existing floor without the use of nails or adhesives. And because PVC tiles are so lightweight, they can be easily disassembled for cleaning or relocation. You can maintain PVC flooring by cleaning it with warm, soapy water and a damp cloth or mop. Even though PVC is water-resistant, it's best not to let water stand on the floor. For stain removal, you can gently scrub the tiles with soapy water and a soft bristled brush. Please note that harsh scrubbing can damage the surface layer of the tiles.