So, What Exactly Are the Differences Between Luxury Vinyl Tile and Luxury Vinyl Plank?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring are two high-end subsets of the larger vinyl flooring category. Both are light years beyond the flimsy vinyl floors of yesteryear, with significant advancements in durability, versatility, and style. And they both offer notable improvements over even modern sheet vinyl.  Though they are quite similar in construction and tend to offer nearly identical feature sets, there are a few key distinctions that might affect your decision when choosing between LVP and LVT.

The most evident differences between these two products are the shape of each flooring piece and the surface visuals.

As the name suggests, luxury vinyl plank is built to mimic the look of a wood plank. That means it will be manufactured in a rectangular form factor, with one dimension significantly longer than the other—just like a plank of real hardwood flooring. Additionally, the photorealistic image that graces the surface of the luxury vinyl plank will be that of wood. Thanks to its man-made nature, just about any wood species, grain pattern, and “stain” color can be recreated in a piece of vinyl plank.

Luxury vinyl tile, as you can probably guess, is a vinyl floor product that replicates the appearance of traditional tile or stone flooring. LVT’s surface image will often feature the artisan aesthetics of ceramic tile or the colors and veining of fine stone materials like marble or travertine. When it comes to dimensions, vinyl tile will often be crafted in a square format, though there are also some LVT products offered in rectangular formats that may be closer in dimensions to a vinyl plank but still feature the look of tile or stone.

How is Each Type of Luxury Vinyl Installed?

Though not always visually evident, there is often a difference in how LVT and LVP are installed. Luxury vinyl tile is installed with an industrial adhesive. Each individual vinyl tile gets glued directly to the subfloor in a method similar to traditional tile installation. If a customer chooses, LVT can also be installed with gaps between each tile to allow for grouting, again, just like a ceramic or porcelain tile floor. This option is almost entirely an aesthetic choice.

In contrast, luxury vinyl plank flooring typically uses a click-and-lock construction that interlocks each plank to its neighboring planks and does not require adhesive, nailing, or any type of securing to the subfloor. This installation method tends to be more efficient and cost-effective and allows for easy installation on nearly any type of subfloor material, including existing tile or hardwood floors.

Though the installation methods may differ, the range of applications does not. Anywhere one can go, so can the other. Both LVT and LVP are suitable for all areas of the home, including below-grade floors and directly onto a concrete slab. That means you can choose either for your bathroom, mudroom, or even the basement.

LVT vs LVP: Under the Surface is What Matters

When it comes to practical aspects like materials, durability, and flooring features, most luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile products from Empire Today® are practically interchangeable. If a vinyl tile product has particular features you are interested in, there will almost certainly be a vinyl plank model that offers the same set of features.

Beyond the superficial differences, luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are essentially the same product by all other metrics. Both are constructed around a highly stable vinyl core, which gives them excellent overall durability, and they are both finished with a specialized wear layer that resists scratches, scuffs, and staining. And both vinyl plank and vinyl tile will usually be embossed with a texture that matches the wood grain or stone patterns on the surface.

All LVT and LVP flooring products from Empire® are built with Aqua Defense technology, which makes them a fully waterproof flooring choice. They will all also typically be resistant to mold and mildew formation. Their robust construction makes them equally easy to take care of, with neither requiring any routine maintenance beyond regular sweeping and mopping up of any larger messes.

Overall, the similarities between luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile tend to outweigh the differences. In the end, if you’ve heard about LVP and LVT but weren’t sure which would be better suited for your needs, the answer will usually be simple: pick which one you like the look of! Nearly any functional flooring need you have can be solved equally well by each product type. In the end, the main decision you’ll really need to make is what kind of look you want in your home. Schedule an in-home estimate with Empire and a flooring professional will bring a full catalog of LVT and LVP samples directly to you, to make the shopping process even easier.

The post Luxury Vinyl Plank vs Luxury Vinyl Tile: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

After coming to this conclusion, many shoppers will automatically opt for porcelain or ceramic tile. These flooring stalwarts have been the go-to choice for bathrooms and kitchens for ages due mostly to their durability and high level of water resistance. And they are a great fit for these rooms, with a large variety of styles and features to choose from. However, though tile is an incredibly popular choice for moisture-prone areas of the home, it can come with its own set of disadvantages.

The properties that make ceramic or porcelain tile such a durable waterproof flooring option are also the source of its main downsides, and those downsides are especially evident in the rooms where you most want waterproof floors: the bathroom and the kitchen. If you’ve ever stepped barefoot onto a cold tile floor during a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom, you know that they can get uncomfortably cold. And while ceramic and porcelain’s incredible material hardness is a huge advantage when it comes to durability, that same asset can become a source of discomfort if you spend a lot of time walking or standing on a tile floor. Many home chefs (or dishwashers!) can relate to that point. Lastly, tile can make a room sound echoey and harshly loud.

Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Are Stylish, Durable Waterproof Flooring Options

Thankfully, there is a type of flooring that solves each of those nits without sacrificing water resistance or style—and it may even fit your budget better. That miracle material? Luxury vinyl flooring. While not a new product, luxury vinyl flooring options have continued to fly under the radar because of their association with the flimsy products many remember from decades past. But today’s luxury vinyl plank and tile are a far cry from the rolled linoleum that graced the floor of Grandpa’s basement.

Thanks to Aqua Defense technology, both luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are fully waterproof flooring products. They offer incredible durability—on par with or better than ceramic or porcelain tiles—with many luxury vinyl products from Empire Today® covered by limited lifetime warranties against wear. But aesthetes need not worry that LVT and LVP are some kind of homely utilitarian flooring materials that prioritize function over form. In fact, the truth is the exact opposite.

Advanced construction methods lend luxury vinyl floors a high-end look and feel that, in many cases, can be nearly indistinguishable from real tile or hardwood floors. The photorealistic surface image accurately recreates the appearance of tile, stone, or hardwood, while the embossed textures convincingly mimic the feel of those materials. Many people don’t realize that LVT and LVP are man-made materials, even when they’re standing right on the floor. And as the product category has continued to grow in popularity, the selection of LVT and LVP available from Empire® has come to offer significantly more style options that traditional tile.

Best of all, as waterproof flooring products, they match tile’s best qualities while avoiding the aforementioned downsides. Though it is a hard surface flooring, there is a small amount of flexibility inherent to the vinyl material, which goes a long way when it comes to underfoot feel. Luxury vinyl flooring will be noticeably more comfortable to walk barefoot or stand on for long periods of time. The synthetic surface will also feel warmer than a tile floor when the temperatures dip. That flexibility also tends to make rooms with vinyl floors a bit quieter than if the same surfaces were covered in porcelain or ceramic tile. Additionally, a variety of underlayment choices can further augment each of these benefits—an option not possible with traditional tile, which needs to be installed on a totally rigid surface to prevent the risk of cracking.

Overall, vinyl products offer perhaps the most comprehensive solution when having waterproof floors is your main goal, but also strongly value style and comfort. If you’ve been debating new floors for your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else where water damage is a risk, but aren’t thrilled by the idea of ceramic tile, then luxury vinyl flooring might be exactly what you need.

The post The Best Waterproof Flooring for Your Bathroom or Kitchen (That Isn’t Tile) appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

For a wealth of reasons, laminate and luxury vinyl plank are among the most popular choices for wood-look flooring. But, what’s the difference between these types of floors? Keep reading for our full comparison of the two products, and to learn which may be the best choice for your next project. 

Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: The Similarities 

While we’ll be focusing mainly on the differences between laminate and vinyl flooring, it’s important to note that there are also quite a few similarities between these two flooring types. Let’s do a comparison of those first. 

Both Alternatives are More Affordable than Genuine Hardwood 

Genuine hardwood has a timeless appearance that can add long-lasting style and warmth to any home. But it’s not without its disadvantages, and cost is at the top of that list. Real wood floors will typically be significantly more expensive than wood-look alternatives. So, to get the look of wood without the price premium, many customers opt for either laminate or vinyl plank flooring. If you have a tight budget but are hooked on the hardwood look, these two flooring options will be your best options. 

Lower Maintenance and Fewer Worries 

Both laminate and vinyl flooring are stain-and scratch-resistant. This means they’ll be easier to clean than hardwood floors, and you’ll probably be a lot less stressed next time something is spilled or dropped on your floors. Of course, it’s still possible to damage both laminate and vinyl flooring with very heavy wear, so we wouldn’t suggest you try testing the limits of either material’s durability! 

Another advantage offered by both vinyl plank and laminate flooring is that each is available in fully waterproof options. That’s right—you can enjoy the look of genuine hardwood flooring, even in water-prone areas of your home, like your bathrooms, kitchen, or laundry room. Some of these products are even rated for installation directly onto a concrete slab, making them suitable for the basement. Even if you select an option that isn’t 100% waterproof, most laminate and vinyl floors today are water-resistant, making them less susceptible to damage from light exposure to water and moisture. 

Realistic Hardwood Visuals 

Today’s wood floor alternatives have evolved to closely mimic the look and feel of genuine hardwood. When it comes to laminate vs vinyl flooring, most people can’t tell the difference between the two, and without close examination, they often won’t even realize that the floors are not actual wood. The grains, textures, and looks of laminate flooring and vinyl plank flooring have been designed with incredible detail, giving homeowners the real feel for less cost—and with less long-term worries. 

Differences Between Laminate and Vinyl Plank Flooring 

Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring Construction and Appearance 

Homeowners tend to choose vinyl plank flooring or laminate flooring for the same primary reasons: they want wood-look flooring but need a product that’s more affordable and durable than genuine hardwood. Both alternatives offer water resistance, resistance to mold and mildew, scratch and stain resistance, and are durable enough for high-traffic areas. But although they offer similar advantages and a similar look and feel, each product is crafted from very different materials. 

So how do laminate and vinyl plank differ when it comes to achieving their realistic wood looks? Let’s break down what the two are made of: 

Laminate flooring is built on a core of dense wood composite (also known as hardboard or high-density fiberboard). This wood composite core gives laminate flooring its impressive durability, and when compared to vinyl plank flooring, it provides more of a wood “feel” when you walk or knock on it. Atop the core is the photographic grain image, which looks nearly indistinguishable from the grain of a real plank of wood and allows laminate flooring manufacturers to reproduce the appearance of nearly any wood species. The final component of wood laminate flooring is the wear layer. This clear topcoat gives laminate its resistance to staining, scratching, fading, and overall wear, helping it look great for years to come. 

Vinyl plank flooring is constructed in similar layers but with one key difference—its core is made of dense vinyl, a type of plastic. But vinyl flooring is also finished with a realistic wood look top layer that closely mimics the look of real hardwood. Plus, vinyl plank flooring often features a textured surface that matches the wood grain pattern, offering a convincing replica of the real thing. 

In the past, laminate was the gold standard for mimicking the genuine looks and textures of hardwood. However, with updated technology, vinyl plank styles now also achieve a look and feel that is very close to real hardwood. As a result, when pitting laminate vs vinyl flooring in a battle of aesthetics, the result is essentially a draw. 

Vinyl Plank Has Better Durability 

Long-term durability is often at the top of shoppers’ wish lists when searching for new flooring. Overall, both vinyl plank and laminate flooring are highly durable and built to stand up to the traffic typical in a busy home. And within each category, different products will offer different levels of durability. Many laminate and vinyl plank floors are covered by limited lifetime warranties for staining, fading, wearing, and more.  

However, overall, vinyl plank is commonly considered to be more durable than laminate flooring. If your household is consistently filled with the sounds of active kids, energetic pets, and a generally dynamic atmosphere, vinyl plank flooring will probably be the better option for long-term durability.  

Water Resistance Can Make a Difference 

This is one area where vinyl plank truly shines. While laminate flooring is often water-resistant, and there are even some waterproof laminate styles now available, you’ll find a deeper selection of water-resistant or fully waterproof flooring if you choose vinyl plank. An important point to consider is that it’s not just surface water that can be harmful to flooring, but also the moisture in the air. In fact, because the core is made from a wood product, some laminate products can swell and buckle in extremely humid environments. Vinyl plank’s non-porous synthetic core is more likely to hold its shape when exposed to excessive moisture. 

This means that vinyl plank floors are usually the superior choice for moisture-prone areas, such as humid basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. And if you live in a high-moisture area of the country, vinyl will probably be a better choice—unless you select a waterproof laminate. 

Care and Maintenance

Both laminate and vinyl plank are known for being easy to clean. It’s one of the top reasons that homeowners have increasingly been opting for these products over solid or engineered hardwoods. 

However, when it comes to cleaning wet messes, each flooring material requires slightly different care. While cleaning laminate flooring, you generally need to be more mindful of how wet a mop you use, because even water-resistant laminate can still be damaged by excessive water buildup. It’s recommended to use only a damp mop and never let any liquids stand on a laminate floor. You should also use specific laminate flooring cleaners to ensure you don’t damage the topcoat. For more flooring care and maintenance tips, see our laminate flooring care page. 

Since vinyl plank is inherently more resistant to water, you can use a slightly wetter mop for cleaning. But you should still be careful to not totally soak the floors because water can seep underneath the planks and deteriorate the adhesives. Additionally, vinyl plank floors generally don’t require special cleaners, which makes vinyl plank slightly easier to maintain. Just remember not to use ammonia, bleach, detergents, or abrasive cleaners, as these may leave a dull film on your flooring. For more vinyl flooring tips, check out our page on vinyl flooring maintenance and care. 

Where Can They Be Installed?

Laminate or vinyl plank floors are both prized for their versatile installation capabilities. Both can be installed on stairs, below grade, directly onto a concrete slab, or over a standard subfloor material. The wealth of water-resistant and waterproof options means that there are laminate and vinyl products appropriate for the bathroom, laundry room, or basement.   

Wrapping It All Up

We hope this was a helpful comparison of laminate and vinyl plank flooring options. If you’re looking for a more affordable and versatile alternative to hardwood flooring, you’re on the right track. And if durability and ease of cleaning and maintenance are of high importance to you, then laminate or vinyl plank may be great choices worth looking into. For even more personalized recommendations we welcome you to schedule a free in-home consultation, and a flooring professional will come and talk you through all your options. 

The post Laminate vs Vinyl Plank Flooring: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

How much time will you spend in your office?

If your home office is where you will be spending a lot of time or eating and drinking, it is important to have flooring that is easy to clean if you eat lunch at your desk, or even drink a cup of coffee, spills can happen. Look for a floor that is easy to clean. The good thing about   is that it is very easy to keep clean and can be even be 100% waterproof! This means you won’t have to worry if you spill your water bottle during your conference call.

If you prefer a cozier office space, and want a carpeted floor, look  for  stain-resistant carpet.

What kind of furniture do you have in your home office? 

Will you be using a heavy desk or a light table? Do you have a rolling chair or stationary one? The weight of your furniture can damage your floors if you don’t choose a floor that is suited to handle your office furniture.

Look for scratch resistant floors or a low profile carpet style. Not only can low profile carpets offer durability, but they make it easier to maneuver if you have a rolling chair.

No matter what flooring you choose, you should still protect it by adding furniture pads to the feet of your office furniture and using a chair mat for rolling chairs.

While functionality is always key, you also have to love the style of your floor. You can virtually try on floors in your exact room with our room visualizer tool. Simply upload a photo of your room, browse and sort by color, type, and more to find a floor that fits your style, then see how the floor looks in your space. You can even save it or share it.

Are there others sharing your office?

With many kids doing virtual learning and perhaps a spouse working from home as well, there’s a high chance your home office isn’t just for you. One of the biggest considerations for sharing your home office space is acoustics. Footsteps, moving chairs, and closing doors can all be distracting when on a conference call. Yes, you can have rules, but we all know there will eventually be exceptions. That’s why it’s best to think ahead and just get flooring that can handle you and “co-workers.”

Carpet offers much better acoustic properties compared to hard surface flooring, and with noise being one of the biggest working from home complaints, installing carpet can make a noticeable difference. It is known to help reduce the transmission of impact sound, whether from foot traffic or moving chairs. Carpet also helps absorb airborne sound that typically comes from people talking, speakers, and electronics.

When choosing your home office flooring, it is best to focus on your personal needs. You can read a million blogs, but each home is different and requires attention to detail. The best way to avoid making a mistake is to have a flooring professional come to your home and discuss your functional needs.

The post Choosing The Best Home Office Flooring appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

With the right basement floors, décor, and furniture, a remodel of your lower level can add a whole new dynamic to your home. Whether you want to create a welcoming space for guests, a fun entertainment zone, or a super comfy gathering area for the big game, here are six basement remodel ideas worth considering.

Build A Home Theater

Some basements may not have much natural light, but that’s perfect for a home movie theater! For in-home cinema, many homeowners love a thick plush carpet to add the kind of comfort that you can’t find in actual movie theaters. Kick off your shoes, recline in that over-sized theater-style seat, and enjoy your favorite show.

Some ideas to consider for your basement home theater:

• Install an actual projector and screen for a true widescreen feel.
• Use floor lighting to help you navigate the space in the dark.
• If you’re a movie collector, build a display case to show off your collection.
• Decorate the walls with classic film posters.
• Don’t forget surround sound and easy-to-control, dimmable lighting.

Your Own Private Gym

When it comes to home gyms, some people prefer that clean, minimalist look with neutral grays, whites, and blacks. Go with luxury vinyl tile for some added comfort under foot, and mix in that corner TV to keep up with the latest scores. A simple combination of resistance training, cardio equipment, and free weights doesn’t need to take up a lot of space but can create an atmosphere that’s great for a mind-clearing calorie burn any time of day.

With a home gym, you can also keep it simple and go for an industrial look by taking advantage of already exposed concrete floors and walls. Add artwork from your favorite sports teams or action movies, and roll out a commercial grade carpet for free weight and stretching areas. Some homeowners even make their basement home gyms into a yoga or dance studio with wall-length mirrors, hardwood flooring, and plenty of open space.

The Ultimate Gathering Space

In larger basements, you can create a multi-faceted entertainment room. Incorporate a bar with vintage, iconic art on the walls for mixing up the latest cocktails. Add a widescreen TV and a large sectional nearby for an ideal spot with friends and family or to host a small party. Add to the inviting vibe with a durable wood-look vinyl plank floor in a rich red or white oak color that looks great and feels comfortable.

If there’s room for it, basements are also excellent places for a billiard table and darts. With a large space, you can create entertainment zones—where one group is immersed in a television show, another competes for bragging rights in a game of darts, and others chat at nearby bar stools.

Create a Loft-Style Apartment

Basements can also make for great guest rooms, a mother-in-law quarters, or spaces where friends can relax, hang out, and spend the night. We suggest modeling your space after a loft-style apartment with light-colored hardwood or wood laminate basement flooring.

Embrace open space with some contemporary or minimalist furniture. Consider adding in futons or sleek pull-out couches that use space efficiently and have multiple uses—during the day, the bright, airy space can double as a relaxing gathering area before your guests tuck in for the night. A cute corner kitchen and small dining table for two are also perfect welcoming touches for a loft-style guest space.

Go For a Cozy Cabin Look

With exposed wood in the ceiling, a basement can naturally offer some rustic elements. Some homeowners will add decorative wood beams overhead, along with wooden wall paneling for a cozy cabin look. Add to the cabin look and vibe with a low-maintenance wood laminate basement floor to offer more warmth and texture.

Big couches with puffy pillows and a TV are essentials in a space like this. And don’t forget a corner kitchen to brew up some coffee or tea! For flooring, consider going with more of a classic look by using thin hardwood slats.

Build a Creative Space or Art Studio

Sometimes you just want that getaway space where you can create something uniquely your own. Whether you paint, record music, write poetry, dance, or sing, a safe retreat to nurture your inner artist can be found with the perfect basement remodel.

Install blinds for a window well to shed light on your canvas in the early morning to get those creative juices flowing. You can also add sophistication with a vinyl tile or vinyl plank floor that has a wood look but offers the water resistance to handle that messy art project, too.

Throw in a workbench with years of creativity scars, add a separate couch and sitting space alongside your personal creative zone, or paint the ceiling stark white or a vibrant color. The best thing about making your basement into a creative space is that it truly starts and ends with your own imagination. You make the décor rules, and can choose to follow them or not.

Considering a basement remodel? Let a professional help you find the right type of floor for you. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to see how easy the whole process can be!

The post 6 Ideas for An Epic Basement Remodel appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

These wood textures can add an even more authentic hardwood look, and—dare we say—can even add the “feel” of wood under your feet, too. Here’s a look at some of the wood floor textures out there and how they show up in different design styles.

The Smooth Wood Look

Let’s start the conversation with the least-textured example: smooth wood-look floors, which are most commonly seen in wood laminates. A natural hardwood can be sanded to the point where its surface is smooth, but you’ll always see or feel a bit of a grainy texture to it. A smooth texture on a wood-look floor is completely without waves or imperfections. Some laminate floors will have a slight graininess built into them, but they’re still considered a smooth texture.

Smooth textures preserve the wood grain look without the rigidity and subtle roughness of a piece of sanded wood. A smooth texture may feel almost tile-like when walking on it, but not quite as cold.

Smooth textures, especially in laminates, are more likely to have a glossy sheen, although you can also find them in a matte finish. If your smooth floor is glossy, you may consider using it for a room with plenty of natural lighting. A matte finish is a more muted tone and tends to be better for rooms with less overall lighting, giving it more of a relaxing, subdued feel.

Seams can also affect how a smooth texture influences design in a room. For example, floors with more pronounced seams designed into them in a medium to darker tone, such as a hickory or cherry wood, can give more of a polished, elegant look to a room, especially if there’s a glossy sheen.

The Hand-Scraped Wood Look

Some refer to hand-scraped floors as having a “wave” texture. Hand-scraped hardwood flooring actually looks like the floor was skimmed in sections during the wood milling process, giving it a wavy look that’s easy to see if you look at the surface at an angle with a light shining on it. Some hand-scraped textures also have natural scuffs designed into them for more of a vintage look.

Darker colors can add rustic charm—an almost log cabin look and feel—to a space. This texture looks great in front of a fireplace and in sitting areas. Some hand-scraped textured floors even come with varied plank widths for added sophistication. Hand-scraped hickory, white, or red oak wood-look floors look great and can warm up a study or den, offer a homey country touch to a dining room, or bring a welcoming feel to a living room or great room.

You may hear other terms such as “subtle scraped” or “heavy scraped” when talking about hand-scraped floors. These terms are often used to emphasize how much or how little of a scraped look you’re getting. Generally, heavy scraped is closer to a distressed look.

The Distressed Wood Look

This distressed texture is sometimes called “wire brushed” as well. A distressed floor looks as if the surface is aged; it embraces its imperfections and has a well-worn look. If you were to actually “distress” natural wood, you might use chemicals or tools to add imperfections to the surface. With a wire-brushed wood texture, no two pieces look alike.

A wire-brushed oak flooring is one of the most popular floors out there today. A white oak wood-look floor with a distressed texture and matte finish, it offers a subtle elegance and is great for transitional design that might merge vintage, industrial, classic, and contemporary styles.

You can even find the distressed white oak wood-look in porcelain tiles. With the natural wood look and grout lines, it adds sophistication with design flexibility. These floors work great just about anywhere. Install them in a home with a country theme, an urban loft, or anywhere in between.

Distressed looks in general are pretty design versatile. They can make a game room fun and lively while leaving the door open to different themes and wall coverings. They can absolutely set the tone for a great room space that flows to other areas of the home. Distressed floors are a go-to in minimalist design, and they look great in large, uncluttered areas where they can stand out.

Generally speaking, you can’t think small with a distressed texture. This statement-making flooring shouldn’t be contained to a small room. It’s best in large rooms and throughout a home.

Considering a wood-look floor for your home? Let a professional help you find the right floor for you. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to see how easy the whole process can be—and in some cases, you can even have your new floors installed as soon as next day!

The post Understanding Wood-Look Flooring Textures appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Flooring Type: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Product/Color: Sterling Hill/Eminence

Rooms: Family Room

For a floor that’s durable, functional, and looks and feels like real wood, these homeowners made a great choice. Sterling Hill luxury vinyl plank has board-to-board variation, replicating the look of genuine hardwood, but with resistance to moisture, mold and mildew. Another great feature is the foam backing, which reduces sound and makes this a softer, more comfortable floor to walk on.

Looks like real wood, but with all those added benefits? This was a great choice all around. Take a look at how these floors look in their new home!

Curious what floors may be the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle? Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate now and have an Empire sales professional come to your home to walk you through all your options!

The post Functional Vinyl Plank Is Perfect Solution for this Family Room appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Flooring Type: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Product/Color: Northbrook/Terrace

Rooms: Basement, Bedroom

Wood looks are all the rage, but what do you do when you want a wood look in a room with higher moisture or even more obvious wetness, like a bathroom or humid basement? Thankfully, these days you don’t have to choose function over looks; you can have both. This family chose a waterproof vinyl plank flooring that is both beautiful and functional. Not only is it 100% waterproof, but it’s also easy to clean and comes with scratch and stain resistance, so it’s built to withstand everyday living.

And might we add how lovely these floors look as well? It’s so refreshing to be able to have a gorgeous wood look in unconventional rooms like the basement or bathroom. No more limitations on getting the look you want for your home.

To find out what flooring options may work best for the rooms in your home, schedule your FREE In-Home Estimate now! An Empire® professional will work with you to find out what flooring options will work best for each room, taking into account your lifestyle, budget, needs, and desires. We’ve got you covered!

The post Waterproof Wood Look Works Beautifully in this Basement appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

You’re Buying Unmatched Water Resistance

One of the greatest selling points of vinyl plank flooring when it first came out was its ability to resist water, sometimes even being 100% waterproof. Today, you’ll notice vinyl planks in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas prone to moisture, dampness, humidity and spills.

Since vinyl planks can endure large amounts of water, you may go from thinking of installing it only in high-traffic areas to other areas of the home as well. This versatility means fewer flooring types in a home, which gives it a more unified look and feel and reduces the likelihood of having floor mismatches that turn off future homebuyers.

A Wood Look with Design Flexibility

Homeowners often comment on how a vinyl plank looks exactly like hardwood, giving it a timeless appeal and design flexibility. Vinyl planks typically come in six to eight-inch widths and 36 to 48-inch lengths. Wider planks are preferred for a modern design but can also work in rooms with more of a classic touch.

Vinyl planks can also come in scraped textures and their deep embossing allows for better, more realistic, graphics, which is what makes these great looking floors appear so natural.

With vinyl planks, you can let a gray oak pull together whites, blacks, grays and sleek straight lines in an office, kitchen, or bathroom. Or use a natural oak to keep the warmth in a traditional space that has darker wood accents and more ornate furniture and accessories.

You Can Feel and Hear the Difference

Vinyl plank flooring looks like hardwood, but given the soft nature of vinyl itself, buyers also talk about the added softness and comfort they feel under their feet as compared to other durable floors.

Vinyl planks are manufactured in up to 8 mm thickness. Some are installed with an underlay while others have materials like foam or rubber built into them for further cushioning and noise reduction. If you’re shopping for a vinyl plank floor, consider the thickness of it and ask a salesperson if there are other materials used in manufacturing and how they impact performance. Some thinner product may have an attractive price, but you get what you pay for, as the trade-off may be an echo-y room or hard, uncomfortable surface.

It’s Perfect for Pets

Certain vinyl plank floors manufactured with high-grade coatings are also among the most scratch-resistant floors out there. A dog’s or cat’s nails may pose problems for certain hardwood and laminate floors, but with high-quality luxury vinyl planks your floors can look just as great as they did on the day of installation for years to come.

Know Your Installation Capabilities

Because most vinyl planks are designed to interlock, they are popular among do-it-yourselfers. As is the case with laminate and hardwood, a professional team that understands the product and subfloor brings peace of mind for any buyer. Ask yourself the following questions before considering installing vinyl planks yourself:

• What material is my subfloor?
• Does the subfloor require unique preparation such as height adjustment, repair or build-up?
• Is it a floating floor installation or does it need to be glued?
• Am I installing it over another floor? What special preparation might that require?

Any one of these scenarios may require unique tools, equipment or expertise. Some jobs are simply best left for a professional installation team.

Don’t Forget Commercial Uses

Vinyl planks aren’t just for kitchens, baths, and living rooms. Merchants and business owners are also finding that commercial vinyl planks are great for high-traffic areas and offer a realistic wood look. Commercial vinyl planks are slip resistant and are a fraction of the cost when compared to their hardwood counterparts. If you’re considering vinyl planks for your home, don’t be surprised if what’s in your house make its way to your workplace as well.

Are you considering a vinyl plank floor for your home or even your business? Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate today!

The post What You Need to Know About Vinyl Plank Flooring appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Flooring Type: Vinyl Plank

Product/Color: Grand Junction/Alamosa

Rooms: Kitchen, Upstairs Attic, Hallway, Bedrooms, Living Room, Stairs

This whole home was transformed with the installation of Grand Junction vinyl plank flooring in the Alamosa color. The 100% waterproof vinyl plank’s natural wood-look oak finish has a distressed look that brought the perfect touch to farmhouse kitchen styling, classic stair railings and other décor elements in white, black and neutral colors throughout the home.

Grand Junction’s cork backing is great for noise reduction. Its Aluminum Oxide coating resists spills, scratches, mold, mildew and eliminates the need for waxing and polishing. Grand Junction’s Aqua Defense also allows for heavy mopping and super easy maintenance. All the durability and style this homeowner could ask for!

Considering a vinyl plank transformation for your home? Schedule a FREE in-home estimate today!

The post Vinyl Plank Floors Transform North Carolina Home appeared first on Empire Today Blog.