laminate

Is installing hardwood flooring with dogs a terrible idea?

Posted on by Right Flooring

 

(Via Best laminate)

Hardwood flooring is stunning. It has a rich finish and beautifully natural appeal. Still, its natural allure does bring a few downsides.

The wood itself is softer than most other flooring, so it’s easily scratched or dented. Unlike laminate or vinyl flooring that mimics the look of hardwood, hardwood doesn’t have the protective layer on top. Instead, it has a sealant that helps protect against scratches, but it does not fully stop them from happening.

Manufacturers know this, which is why they do not cover pet damage under warranty. It is too hard to fully prevent.

Here are a few protective measures you can take to help keep them from getting scratched up.

Add Area Rugs to Your Floors 

It sounds like your pets skid across the floor in similar locations time and time again. You can add an area rug to these locations to stop them from digging in their claws to the hardwood while they slide.

Remember, hardwood will change color depending on sun exposure over time. Make sure to move your rugs regularly so you don’t risk having uneven tones.

Keep Your Pets Nails Trimmed 

You might already trim your pet’s nails, but with a hardwood floor, regular manicures and pedicures are vital. Keep them trimmed regularly by setting a schedule. Taking them for a walk on the road can also help to keep the nails trimmed!

Avoid Putting Water or Food Bowls on the Hardwood 

Nails are only one concern. Putting water or food bowls on the hardwood can also cause damage. If you must put their bowls on the hardwood floor, clean up any spills immediately. You might also want to invest in a bowl that sits slightly above the ground so your dog cannot slide it across your floors while eating. Another option is to purchase a non-skid bowl mat that is much larger than your pet’s food bowl to catch any spills.

Accidents

Accidents happen with pets, sometimes more than others. These can be a big threat to hardwood floors, especially if they are not cleaned up immediately. Even if there is an accident on a rug, above a hardwood, it can still damage and stain the hardwood if it seeps through the material.

Refinishing

A nice option with hardwood floors is the ability to refinish them over time. If your pets do end up damaging and dulling your hardwoods, you can always choose to refinish them. This will sand away any damage and create a stunning new look. You may even opt for sealing the floors with a more protective barrier.

Lumber Liquidators Pleads Guilty To Selling Wood From Siberian Tiger Habitat

Posted on by Right Flooring

Lumber Liquidators Pleads Guilty To Selling Wood From Siberian Tiger Habitat

October 26, 2015

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Lumber Liquidators plead guilty on Thursday to selling wood from Siberian tiger habitats, federal officials said, according to CBS News. The flooring company admitted that they had illegally imported hardwood flooring from China that had been made with illegally logged lumber from the habitats of endangered Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. “Lumber Liquidators’ race to profit resulted in the plundering of forests and wildlife habitat that, if continued, could spell the end of the Siberian tiger,” Assistant Attorney General John Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said in a statement. The company agreed to pay more than $13 million in fines when they entered their plea in a federal court in Norfolk, Virginia on Thursday, October 22. Company pleads guilty to using timber illegally harvested from Siberian tiger habitat: https://t.co/AJQSWP8Qco pic.twitter.com/i6JY8dGMlX — US Fish and Wildlife (@USFWS) October 23, 2015 Earlier this month, Lumber Liquidators was charged with one felony count of importing goods through false statements and four misdemeanor violations of the Lacey Act. According to ForestLegality.org, the Lacey Act is a “1900 United States law that bans trafficking in illegal wildlife.” The Act was amended in 2008 to include plants and plant products, which includes timber and paper. The website reports that the Lacey Act is the world’s first ban on trade in illegally sourced wood products. Lumber Liquidators plea marks the first time a major US corporation was found guilty of smuggling wood under the Act. “The illegal timber trade represents a grave threat to the welfare and conservation of critically endangered wild tiger populations, and we applaud the Department of Justice for working to protect the habitats of wildlife,” Elizabeth Hogan, U.S. Oceans and Wildlife Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection, said in a statement. According to WCS Russia, there are only about 500 Siberian or Amur tigers are left in the wild, with 95 percent of them being in the Russian Far East. The Amur leopards are considered the rarest big cat in the world, and there are currently an estimated 57 of them left in Russia. Lumber Liquidators guilty of illegally importing timber from tiger habitat. Our story: https://t.co/q3R37UGIVV pic.twitter.com/6WHDsxRNKD — Sierra Magazine (@Sierra_Magazine) October 22, 2015 CBS News reports that Lumber Liquidators has 370 stores in the United States, with their headquarters located in Toana, Virginia. Last year, the company reported $63.4 million in income on sales of $1.1 billion. On Thursday, their stock fell 1.7 percent to $15.28. Lumber Liquidators’ complicity in the illegal timber trade was first uncovered by the Environmental Investigation Agency. According to their report, the company “committed systematic fraud and imported large quantities of illegal timber from the Russian Far East and other high-risk countries.” According to Mongabay, investigators with the Environmental Investigation Agency posed as timber buyers in Russian Far East and then followed the illegally logged wood to Suifenhe, a town on the border in China. While there, they spoke to officials at a company called Xingjia Economic and Trade Corp., which admitted they were involved in the illegal logging. They also admitted that they had been paying bribes to the government to “look the other way.” The investigators then learned that Xingjia’s largest trading partner was Lumber Liquidators. EIA’s Kate Horner said she actually observed the products being wrapped in the company’s packaging. She said she believes the company knew what was going on and it surpassed “simply failing to perform due diligence to ensure that illegal timber wasn’t making its way into the hardwood products it was selling to unsuspecting consumers in the U.S.” Lumber Liquidators pleads guilty to environmental crimes, agrees to pay more than $13M » https://t.co/V0zjJROYC7 pic.twitter.com/RVbMlGRvO2 — CNBC (@CNBC) October 22, 2015 “One would surmise that Lumber Liquidators had to have known, given how egregious the illegal logging was, and how readily [Xingjia] admitted to their illegal practices,” she said. “In addition to the fines and penalties imposed as part of this deal, this compliance plan will radically alter the way the company sources wood products,” Horner added. “The real cost to the company will come from having to forego cheap, stolen wood in its supply chain while the Department of Justice looks over its shoulder.” [Photo by Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com]

http://or-politics.com/news/lumber-liquidators-pleads-guilty-to-selling-wood-from-siberian-tiger-habitat/134555/

How to dispose of laminate flooring

Posted on by Right Flooring

Laminate flooring is made of 80% wood. That means that much of it can be recycled. Before you start filling your dumpster, there are a few things to consider.

What type of waste do you have?

Basic flooring installation supplies can be safely thrown away in your dumpster when you are finished. No extra measures for clean up required! Laminate planks can also be burned due to the percentage of wood it is comprised of.

Flooring debris is another story.

Did you rip up old flooring to make room for the new?

If so, you probably have a large pile of debris ready to be thrown away, such as carpet. We suggest taking this to the landfill instead of filling your dumpster with it. This is especially true if the flooring you tore up was any type of hardwood or laminate, which can be recycled.

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The landfill is able to recycle the flooring, which is better for the environment. As much as 85% of laminate flooring can be put back into production. This often comes out in the form of wood chips or fibers.

Are you keeping enough leftover planks?

The good thing about laminate flooring is that it’s so easy to replace damaged planks. Keeping 5% – 10% of your laminate flooring on hand will help you switch out any planks that might become damaged due to unexpected flooding, scratches, or chips.

Many times, manufacturers stop making certain styles of laminate flooring. If that’s the case with you, you might not be able to buy your exact style of laminate when you need it. Having your extra supply on hand will help you avoid the need to replace all of your floors.

How to prevent hardwood flooring from fading

Posted on by Right Flooring

Via Best Laminate

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As much of an eyesore as the varied colors might be, it’s completely natural to have your hardwood flooring change colors over time. The portion of it that’s exposed to the light will fade as the UV rays do their damage. The portion that’s hidden safely under your area rugs will stay the bright, shiny, darker version of the hardwood floor as you remember it when you first had it installed.

It’s a cruel trick of nature. At this point, you might not be able to do too much to hide the large discoloration. However, rest assured that over time, it’ll fade too, evening out the color in your room.

What You Can Do Going Forward

Going forward, we suggest rotating your rugs and furniture from time to time. This will eliminate the risk of your flooring changing color in certain areas. Over time, the floors will get an equal amount of sunlight exposure in each area. Also, invest in some blinds or curtains to help dim the harsh rays. This will even out the fading and keep your hardwood flooring looking consistent.

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We also suggest using a regular cleaning program to maintain your floor’s appearance in the areas exposed to the light. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Use doormats to collect fine sand and dust. This can scrape your floors making them look worn out faster.
  • Regularly sweep or dust mop your floors to get the scratch-causing debris out of your room.
  • Avoid all harsh chemicals. This can strip your hardwood floor of its shine and appeal.
  • Never move your furniture by dragging it on the ground. Ask someone to help, or use felt sliding pads.
  • Avoid walking on your floor in any type of shoes, especially those with a high heel.
  • Do not leave your flooring in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

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Having a noticeable area where part of your floor is more weathered than the rest is frustrating. By regularly updating your room’s furniture and area rug arrangements, you can avoid this doing longer term damage while keeping your floors looking their best for years to come.

Pros and cons of vinyl flooring

Posted on by Right Flooring

Via Best Laminate

Pros

Cons
100% Moisture Resistant Difficult to remove if glued down
Commercial Grade Wear Layer Can be punctured with very sharp objects
Fiberglass Reinforced Does not have a wood feel like laminate or hardwood
Antistatic Not biodegradable
Can be used on cement, granite, tile, laminate and other flat surfaces
Can be glued down
Natural wood look
Low maintenance
Affordable
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank flooring is the fact that it is 100% water resistant. This makes it the ideal flooring solution for spaces such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. In addition, vinyl plank flooring is very durable with commercial grade wear layers and fiberglass reinforcement. Vinyl can be installed on nearly any subfloor, and the thicker floors are very forgiving to imperfect subfloors. Luxury vinyl plank flooring can also be glued down which is something many home owners look for. The affordability, durability and natural wood look make vinyl plank flooring a great option for busy spaces without the price tag of authentic wood.

As with any product, there are disadvantages associated with vinyl plank flooring. If you choose to glue down your vinyl plank flooring, the removal process is known to be very difficult. If you are installing vinyl as a temporary solution, it is recommended you avoid glue to make the removal as easy as possible. Vinyl plank flooring is very durable, however it can be punctured with very sharp objects. For example, if a kitchen knife gets dropped head on the vinyl plank flooring, it is likely there will be a visible scar. Vinyl plank flooring also does not have the wood feel of laminate or especially hardwood. When walking on vinyl flooring with shoes, it does not have the rich wooden sound a natural wood floor would. Unfortunately, vinyl plank flooring is not biodegradable and can be very difficult to recycle. For environmentally conscious consumers, laminate flooring might be a better option since is it fully recyclable.

How a moisture barrier works

Posted on by Right Flooring

How a Moisture Barrier Works

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A moisture barrier offers a layer of protection between the flooring and the moisture vapor. It stops water from reaching your floors, causing them to expand, buckle, or cup.

Many people use this in addition to the underlayment, which cushions the floors. In fact, quite a few underlayment options have a moisture barrier built in. Because you’re installing your floors above grade, you do not need the maximum level of protection against moisture (since it’s not as high of a risk). You can use an underlayment with built-in moisture without worry.

It’s equally important to use the Goldilocks rule in underlayment: install just the right amount.

You already know that installing too little underlayment and moisture barrier protection is a risk. Did you also know that installing too much can be equally risky?

Too much material being install underneath your floors can make the joints weaker, causing them to separate.

To find out which type of underlayment is right for you, and how much you’ll need, talk to one of our flooring experts. We’ll get to know more about your space, the hardwood you’re using for installation, and your lifestyle. With that information, we can give you the best recommendation for your home.

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Laminate flooring FAQ’s

Posted on by Right Flooring

Via Best Laminate

As a family with kids and pets, what should we look for when shopping for wood laminate flooring?

Nursery Room

The AC Rating of laminate flooring is something you will want to look at closely. We carry several brands that offer an AC Rating that is recommended for heavy traffic areas, and even commercial areas. The minimum for general residential use, would be an AC3 rated floor. However, if you have large pets and kids that tend to be bouncing off the walls and floors, you may want to consider an AC4 rated floor. AC4 rated floors are rated for general commercial use, such as stores and shops where there will be lots of foot traffic from customers. This slightly higher rating will usually come with a longer warranty too, since you are purchasing a high quality product.

You should read the warranty carefully as it won’t cover some problems, but if you don’t want to pull up your floor in 10 years because it is worn out, consider a floor that offers a 25 year to lifetime residential warranty. If a company is willing to replace manufacturing defect flooring for a LIFETIME you bet they’re sure they have a sound product. Laminate flooring is an investment in your home, one that you will enjoy for many years.

How do I clean my laminate floor?

Armstrong Coastal Living White Wash Walnut Handscraped

Laminate flooring is known to be low maintenance and easy to clean. A quick sweeping or light mopping is all it takes to maintain your flooring. Use a solution of water and vinegar to mop your flooring. This natural method will kill bacteria and mold, leaving your home naturally fresh and clean.

How much extra flooring should I get when buying new flooring?

For normal rooms, the golden rule is to purchase 5% extra flooring material due to damaged planks, wrong cuts, and the like. For kitchen installations and when you install laminate tiles, you will want to order up to 10% extra, since flooring may be damaged due to water leaks or other mishaps.

What tools do I need for installation?

Continue installing your flooring

The 5 Essential Tools for Laminate Flooring Installation are:

  1. Measuring tape
  2. Reversed jigsaw blade with teeth pointing down
  3. Dry erasable marker
  4. Undercut saw
  5. Tapping block
  6. Pull bar

Laminate flooring is a DIY lover’s project. Many homeowners feel a great deal of accomplishment upon installing a new laminate floor in their home. Keep in mind, each house and installation situation is different.

What is laminate Flooring?

Posted on by Right Flooring

(Via Best Laminate)

Three main layers are used when laminate flooring is constructed.

The outer layer of laminate flooring is often referred to as an image layer (B).This is just what it is, an image of real wood, tile, or stone. In some laminate floors, you will even find grout lines with the ceramic tile look.

This high definition photo is sealed using a resin-based coating (A) containing aluminum oxide.This is top coating is what helps give laminate flooring its scratch resistance, UV ray protection, and other durability properties.

What laminate flooring is made of

The core layer (C) is the meat of laminate flooring. This core layer is not visible to the naked eye. It is often made of a highly compressed (HDF), High Density Fiberboard. This is what gives laminate flooring the structure it needs to hold up to every day wear and tear.

The backing layer (D) is the layer that holds the laminate together. Without this layer, laminate flooring would not be stable. This backing layer allows laminate flooring to float, which makes it much more unique than hardwood. The image layer, core layer, and backing layer are the essential layers to make laminate flooring what it is.

Layer (E) is an attached underlayment, which is not present on all products. Some manufacturers offer laminate flooring with pre-attached underlayment to help customers install flooring even quicker! Now that’s progressive thinking!

With so many choices in laminate flooring, the decision process is often what slows down the consumer from installing laminate flooring. Not only is laminate flooring stunning, but it also makes for a great DIY home improvement project.

Laminate flooring works for many consumers. For those consumers looking for a natural look, with the resistance to scratching, denting, and UV rays; laminate flooring is the perfect choice that will keep your home looking great for years to come.

What is a floating floor and why is an expansion gap necessary ?

Posted on by Right Flooring

(Via Best Laminate)

Flooring can be complicated when there are so many different components that apply. Sometimes this might raise the question, “What is a floating floor?”

A floating floor is free standing and requires ONLY underlayment to essentially “float” above the sub-floor. It will allow it to expand and contract smoothly with the changes in temperature and humidity. (This is why an expansion gap is so necessary) NO NAILS OR GLUE NECESSARY.

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Here are some facts about floating floors to remember:

  • Floating floors can be laminate or vinyl, however laminate or vinyl are not always floating floors.
  • Floating floors are not glued or nailed down but free-standing.
  • Floating floors are built with all parts attached to each other but none of these component parts are fixed to the supporting floors.

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Installating Laminate Flooring on Stairs

Posted on by Right Flooring

(Via Best Laminate)

When it comes to making your house look up-to-date and welcoming, laminate flooring is your best friend.

  • It’s scratch resistant, which means you don’t have to cringe whenever your dog sprints across the floor to meet someone at the door.
  • It’s stain resistant so you don’t have to worry when there’s a spill  as long as you clean it up in a timely matter before the liquid penetrates the laminate.
  • Best of all, the design looks like expensive hard wood floor but the cost is affordable.

Choosing the Laminate Flooring For Your Stairs

The first step to installing laminate flooring on stairs is to choose the right product. Laminate comes in a variety of AC ratings. The higher the number of AC rating on your laminate flooring, the more durable it is.

Durability plays a big role in the type of laminate you choose for your staircase. This is the part of the house that will see quite a bit of foot traffic, so you want laminate that can withstand the general wear and tear.

Installing Laminate Flooring on Your Stairs

Once you have your laminate flooring in the house and you’ve let it acclimate for at least 48 hours, you’re ready to start laying down the planks.

Prepare the area where you plan to lay your new laminate flooring by removing any overhangs, carpeting, or tacks. Laminate flooring cannot be installed over carpeting.

Make sure that the sub-floor is clean of debris, level, and dry. Like installation in any other part of your house, the sub-floor on your stairs must be either cement or hardwood, and properly prepared for installation.

Cut the laminate flooring to the shape. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cut enough pieces for each stair  with the shape of the top of the stair.
  • Cut the same amount of pieces with the shape of the vertical part of the stair.
  • Cut the nose of the laminate to cover the exposed grooves and threading on your laminate for each stair. To do this, measure the length of the exposed thread and the length of the vertical piece and then cut a small section to cover that area.

laminate flooring on stairs

Once you have all of the pieces cut, start at the top of the staircase and work your way down. That way, you won’t get stuck at the top of the staircase during installation.

Using wood glue, install the pieces of laminate on the top of the stair where you’ll be stepping. Then, use more wood glue to install the vertical piece (sometimes referred to as the riser) underneath it.

Finally, screw on the nosing piece to complete the look of your staircase. This requires that you use screws to secure the stair. When you’re done, you can cover the holes with the appropriate colored putty to blend in with your flooring.

Installing laminate on the stairs is a little bit more difficult, but it’s not impossible. Want a little bit of extra help? Reach out to one of our flooring experts with your questions and we’ll give you a prompt response to help you start your project on the right foot!