Comfort with Bedroom Carpet

With its soft surface and welcoming warmth, it’s not hard to understand why carpet is the most popular choice for bedroom flooring. The last thing your feet will feel at the end of one day and the first thing they’ll feel at the start of the next should be surface that maximizes comfort.

While bedroom carpet offers the benefit of comfort, it has also, in recent years, earned the reputation of adding a “dated” effect to a home’s décor. While the coziness of carpet does often cause a sense of nostalgia, there are many cuts and styles of carpet that still have a decidedly modern flavor. Both plush and pattern (cut and loop) carpet offer the most on-trend marks, thanks to their neutral tones and distinct designs.

Believe it or not, bedroom carpet can also simplify cleaning and overall maintenance. Many modern carpet products are crafted with enhanced stain and soil protection, making it easy to take care of all sorts of messes—including pet accidents. These styles are perfect if your four-legged friends call your bedroom home too.

Hardwood’s Natural Beauty

With a warm, natural look that stands the test of time, hardwood is an ideal flooring choice for a bedroom. Made from real wood, solid and engineered hardwood floors are available in many species, such as oak, hickory, or maple, that can each add a special character to your floors. And the warmth goes beyond just aesthetics—walking across genuine wood in the middle of the night can be much more comfortable than many other hard surface floors.  Another great benefit of hardwood? It doesn’t trap dust, pollen, or other allergens, and it’s easy to clean those up when they do occur. Keeping the floors clean in your bedroom can help keep you breathing easier at night.

Laminate: Less Money, Less Maintenance

While genuine hardwood is great, it can be a bit pricey for some renovations. Wood laminate is a budget-friendly bedroom flooring option that provides realistic hardwood visuals at a much more attainable price point. Laminate flooring can also mimic the textures, grains, and feel of genuine wood—all in a product that’s easier to maintain than the real thing.

An added perk of laminate floors is that they are available in both water-resistant and 100% waterproof options. So if you accidentally knock that full glass of water off your nightstand, you won’t end up with nightmares about liquid-damaged floors. Cleaning up a spill is a simple and easy affair, avoiding permanent damage to the floors.

Versatility of Vinyl Flooring

Over the years, advancements in the manufacturing of vinyl flooring have led to increased durability and stunningly realistic wood and tile looks and textures. What used to be a last-resort choice is now one of the industry’s most popular products.  Vinyl plank, vinyl tile, and sheet vinyl are available in a vast range of styles, designed to complement everything from ultra-modern bedroom décor, to old-timey rustic looks. Plus, they all offer advantages that will make any homeowner happy: some of the best durability compared to other flooring options, easy maintenance, and an increase in underfoot comfort compared to real tile and many hardwood floors.

In the end, choosing the best bedroom flooring requires finding your ideal balance between comfort and style. Are you more interested in feeling warmth underfoot when you hop out of bed in the morning or are do you prioritize a modern design scheme? The good news is, you can often achieve both goals with the same floors!

This post only scratches the surface of what you should consider when trying to find the best bedroom flooring options for your home. Traffic volume, kids, pets, and how often you’ll be in your bedroom are all important factors that are specific to you and your household. For a more detailed rundown of flooring that fits your needs, contact us to schedule a free in-home estimate and a flooring professional will walk you through a wide range of options—all in the comfort of your own home.

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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.

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But like many of the most in-demand features in modern design, real tile or hardwood floors can be something of a budget-breaker for many homeowners. Thankfully, the abundance of high-quality alternatives means that it’s still possible to get a modern flooring look while saving some money. One of the best choices for achieving this goal is vinyl flooring. What exactly is vinyl flooring, and what makes it such a popular alternative to the real deals? Keep reading to find out.

Vinyl Flooring Types: Know the Difference

Vinyl flooring is, as its name states, a type of floor product made primarily out of the synthetic material polyvinyl chloride—better known as PVC. An incredibly versatile material, vinyl gives manufacturers the ability to mimic an endless variety of textures and styles in a durable, convenient flooring product. The wider category of vinyl flooring is separated into three subcategories: sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Each type has its own unique characteristics and benefits that should be considered when choosing a vinyl floor that will best match your personal style and practical needs.

Sheet Vinyl

The most affordable of the three options, sheet vinyl is crafted in large flexible sheets that feature a repeating design. This gives sheet vinyl the look of a typical tile or hardwood floor, as well as a natural point at which to line up the seams of each vinyl sheet.

While sheet vinyl flooring is prized for its reasonable cost, it still more than holds its own when it comes to durability. Empire Today® offers some sheet vinyl products that are backed by limited lifetime warranties against fading, staining, and wear.

The biggest obstacle to a customer choosing sheet vinyl is often the unkind reputation of its predecessors. Most shoppers over a certain age will remember the linoleum flooring of yesteryear, which was a synthetic floor product known not only for being very inexpensive but also for having poor all-around quality. But thankfully, today’s sheet vinyl floors are leaps and bounds ahead of their ancestors in nearly every aspect.

One practical downside to sheet vinyl is that its large sheets don’t allow for much design customization and can limit installation orientation.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

As the name suggests, vinyl tile is a luxury option that provides the realistic look and texture of traditional ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles. Unlike sheet vinyl—which mimics an entire floor’s worth of tiles in a single continuous sheet—each vinyl tile is a separate piece. Some LVT floor products can even be grouted to create a fully authentic tile look.

There are a few common reasons why LVT is often chosen over a traditional tile, with comfort being a popular one. Though beautiful, stone or ceramic tile floors are a very hard surface that will usually feel cold to the touch, a combo that can be uncomfortable for bedrooms or family rooms. A very hard floor can also lead to foot, back, and knee pain in rooms where you might find yourself standing for long periods of time—like the kitchen. LVT reduces both of these issues, offering a floor that feels a bit warmer underfoot while providing just enough compliance to significantly improve comfort while walking or standing.

Luxury vinyl tile floors also require less maintenance than stone or traditional tile and can often be more durable. The ultra-dense vinyl core and robust wear layer are highly resistant to scratches and scuffs, and vinyl tiles are unlikely to chip like some ceramic tiles might do when struck with a hard object. Many natural stone floor products need to be regularly treated with a sealant, as should the grouting in a typical ceramic floor. Most LVT floors are “set it and forget it,” requiring nothing more than regular cleaning for their entire lifespan.

But one of the biggest advantages LVT has over tile is that vinyl will almost always be more affordable than a similar style of porcelain or ceramic tile.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Similar in construction to vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank mimics hardwood flooring in style and shape. At first glance, a piece of LVP can often be indistinguishable from a plank of genuine hardwood. LVP has a realistic wood look and feel, and some models even install with similar tongue-and-groove construction.

As with the other vinyl flooring products, LVP is often chosen for its durability and low maintenance when compared to the real thing. To get even more specific, vinyl plank is prized for its water-resistant or full waterproof construction. That makes it an excellent choice for applications where genuine hardwood floors should not be installed: bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and any other spaces where exposure to water is a regular occurrence. Having LVP installed in those areas means a homeowner can still get the modern look of hardwood flooring without the downsides of wood.

And, like sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl tile, perhaps one of the biggest draws of LVP is that it offers a less expensive option that real wood floors.

How Durable is Vinyl Flooring?

Overall, even the most basic vinyl floor products offered by Empire Today® meet an impressive baseline of durability, with different products offering extra levels of protection against scratching, staining, fading, and overall wear. Many vinyl floor products in the Empire® catalog are covered by limited lifetime warranties against each of those risks.

Of course, no flooring material is totally invulnerable, and if you expect your vinyl floors to see extreme levels of traffic, it’s worth considering what happens after any damage occurs. While sheet vinyl can offer overall durability on par with LVT or LVP, it’s trickier to deal with in the event of a serious scratch or puncture. Because it’s installed as one large, seamless piece, you cannot simply replace the individual tile where the damage occurs. It may be possible to cut a matching patch from a piece of remnant, but in doing so you’d compromise one of sheet vinyl’s greatest assets: its seamless waterproof surface.

Where Vinyl Flooring can Fit In Your Home

Hard-surface floors often have expectations or requirements about where they should and shouldn’t be installed. For instance, genuine hardwood floors are a no-go for bathrooms and kitchens, because of the risk of water damage. And most homeowners will avoid putting ceramic or porcelain tile in bedrooms because it tends to feel too “cold,” and can be uncomfortably hard underfoot.

But because it comes in so many styles and textures, and doesn’t have any inherent material limitations, vinyl flooring is a great match for any room of your home, including the basement. The realistic wood look and texture of LVP can give you that hardwood aesthetic in the kitchen without any worries about exposure to moisture. And LVT is a great option to give your bedroom the look of stone or tile floors, but not the cold feet that often accompany every late-night trip to the bathroom.

Each category of vinyl flooring can be installed over a variety of subfloor types, including concrete slabs. This benefit, combined with its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance all make vinyl floors a common choice for laundry rooms and basements as well.

Preparing to Have Vinyl Flooring Installed in Your Home

Vinyl flooring has quickly grown from being a barebones budget material to one of the most popular flooring types being installed today. Advancements in the look, feel, and durability of vinyl have made it a worthy opponent to any other flooring products—even high-end materials. While we hope this primer on vinyl flooring styles has helped you narrow down a product for your modern floor plans, we know that any real decision needs to be based on actually seeing and handling the products. If you’re just about ready to choose your new vinyl floors, we encourage you to schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to get a closer look at your options, all without ever leaving home.

The post Why Vinyl Flooring Might Be Your Best Option for a Modern Look appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

The great news is that you have many high-quality options when it comes to kid-friendly floors. Here are some popular options families love, along with a few tips for how you should go about choosing the right one for your home.

Before You Get Started

Before you choose a kid-friendly floor, it’s important to assess your family’s needs. Some things to consider:

• How much water, scratch, and stain resistance do you need? Make sure a sales representative explains the level of protection each flooring type offers.
• Where are your major traffic areas? Will you need two flooring types? One for high-traffic and one for lower-traffic areas?
• Do you have pets? If not, will you have them in the future?
• Consider the age of your children. With a new baby, you may be more concerned about a soft surface, but what about when the baby is older?
• How often will you have time to clean? Some floors take more effort and time to maintain their beauty.

Carpet: Comfort for Playtime

Little ones usually love a fresh, new carpet for the many soft landings it offers, especially those kids who love to wrestle, play, and roughhouse. The great news is that many of today’s plush carpets are also tough enough to handle heavy use, making it the perfect nursery or playroom flooring for your little one.

The health of your children is another thing to consider. You can also find hypoallergenic and odor-neutralizing offerings as well, such as HOME Fresh. It doesn’t trap dirt, is mold and mildew resistant, contains no VOC’s, and is 100% recyclable!

Damage Doesn’t Come Easy with Vinyl Plank

The most popular flooring choice today in pretty much every area of the home, vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of real hardwood, but is softer under the feet and very low maintenance.

A number of vinyl plank products are also built with cork or rubber backings that help block out noise. Vinyl plank, in general, laughs off large spills – there are also 100% waterproof varieties – and it’s great for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Vinyl plank flooring also tends to be more affordable than real hardwood, and if you’re little ones love to play with pets, it handles a dog or cat’s nails well. As far as maintenance, simple sweeps and an occasional damp mop and you’re done!

Laminate for a Low Cost, Low Maintenance Wood Look

One of the most cost-friendly options out there, today’s wood laminate comes in a variety of attractive natural wood looks. Families love how quick and easy installation crews can re-make a space, and laminate is also great for those with allergies who need to keep dust and dander at bay.

Super low maintenance, wood laminate comes in a variety of plank widths, is very scratch and fade resistant, and considered by many as one of the best for high-traffic areas. You’ll also find 100% waterproof options, so it can handle juice spills and the splashes that come with bath times. If you’re looking for something that looks just like natural hardwood but is a lot easier to maintain, laminate may be for you.

Hardwood Comes with Long-Lasting Perks

Not too sold on wood looks and want to shoot for the real deal? No worries! Hardwood flooring can still be a suitable option for a household with kids.

Engineered hardwood’s layered construction gives it a strong durability and higher water and moisture resistance than solid hardwood.

However, solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and offers plenty of durability, too. The biggest plus about this choice is that when your kiddos have been too rough over the years, you can refinish it for a fresh look that doesn’t require completely new floors.

If you don’t mind a little extra maintenance for something that’s designed to last for many years and age with character along with your family, hardwood might be for you!

Look of Tile with the Ease of Vinyl 

Combine the beauty of natural stone or wood looks with durability in today’s vinyl tile. With the emergence of improvements in different types of vinyl products, vinyl tile is no longer viewed as an old-school option.

Today’s vinyl tiles are water and stain-resistant, and excellent for busy areas. They offer a contemporary look and some are even installed with grout lines to look like real ceramic or porcelain tiles. Vinyl tile is also a warmer, softer floor than traditional porcelain or ceramic tile. Many people comment on how great it feels under their feet. At the same time, it resists scuffs, stains, and moisture and wipes up super easily!

Ceramics can Also Be Kid-Friendly Flooring

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also popular for families because these surfaces are, hands down, the hardest out there, which means it takes a lot to stain or damage them.

The trade-off, however, is in how hard these surfaces really are. Little ones should be careful about slips and falls on these slick surfaces. And while they’re cool in the winter, some families also appreciate how cool the surface feels in the summer, too!

If your kids are older and durability is the top priority, porcelain and ceramic tiles offer unmatched scratch, stain and moisture resistance. They likely won’t scuff or dent, and an occasional sweep or mop keeps them looking great for years to come.

As we said, when it comes to kid-friendly floors, you’re always weighing comfort and durability. Let a professional help you decide. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to find the perfect kid-friendly floor today!

The post Kid-Friendly Flooring Options You Should Consider 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.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

This option may appear a bit obvious. If you want the natural wood look, why not go with the real thing? Today’s solid hardwood flooring brings an unmistakable rich look.

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood and you can pick from a variety of natural wood species like oak, maple, cherry, hickory and plenty of others. You can go for a hand-scraped look and some people even like the natural changes in hardwood as it wears and is exposed to the elements. And once a hardwood floor looks like it needs some sprucing up, you can sand and refinish it, in some cases multiple times.

Chateau Solid Hardwood. Color: Cabernet

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Busy households often appreciate the durability and natural look of engineered hardwood floors. This option is actually made with a real hardwood surface but has a uniquely engineered core to prevent it from expanding with temperature and moisture changes. It can be installed on a variety of different subfloor types, too.

Engineered hardwood flooring comes in wire-brushed, distressed or hand-scraped finishes and is versatile enough to add classic or contemporary touches to just about any space in a house.

Because of its durable construction, engineered hardwood is a popular option for areas of the home that can see heavy traffic. Engineered hardwood can stand up to the punishment and moisture in these parts of the home. While some are designed to handle extreme moisture, a lot of people stop short of putting them in bathrooms.

Whether you love a classic hickory or oak, or a muted gray for contemporary cool settings, you can rest assured, an engineered hardwood flooring option is available to you.

Encore Engineered Hardwood. Color: Gunstock

Laminate Flooring

If you’re looking for some amazing wood looks that are budget-friendly, wood laminate may be the choice for you! Like engineered wood, laminate offers a variety of plank widths with great stain, scratch and fade resistance.

With wood laminate, you can find hand-scraped textures, traditional oak, Brazilian Cherry and other popular colors and styles. There are even some 100% waterproof options available too! With so many styles, it’s easy to add sophistication to a den or study with an aged oak or enliven a living room with a contemporary ash gray. Only your imagination can stop you as far as real wood look options on this one.

Ellington Laminate Wood. Color: Huntington

Vinyl Plank Flooring

For many people looking for a very realistic wood look, but who are on a budget, vinyl plank floors have been the answer. Today’s vinyl plank floors come in a wide range of unique grain patterns, colors and textures.

This super durable option will get you the wood beauty any room wants with tremendous stain and water resistance, even having 100% waterproof options. Busy families love how they can add a natural look to a kitchen space and not need to worry about the floor being able to handle a large spill. Some options also come with unique backings that dampen noise in a room and some people also appreciate a vinyl plank’s softness compared to hardwood for added comfort.

Studio Reserve Vinyl Plank. Color: Canyon

Vinyl Tile Flooring

To many people’s surprise, vinyl tile floors are another budget-friendly way to add a realistic wood aesthetic to a room. Dark and light gray and greige shadings are sometimes used to add an industrial or farmhouse look to a space, and certain homeowners really love that unique creative touch of having a grout line with a wood-look tile.

Vinyl tile is great at resisting stains and water, so busy households love it in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, but you don’t need to limit yourself to those areas of the home.

Canal Pier Vinyl Tile. Color: Farmhouse Linen

Sheet Vinyl Flooring

You can still enjoy the scuff, stain and scratch resistance of vinyl sheet flooring and a natural wood look, too! Today’s designs can look like you just had a fresh wood floor installed in your home. When looking down at the floor, the wood can look so real, the eye can be tricked into seeing actual wood plank seams and a wood grain look.

Today’s vinyl sheet flooring can give the look of real hardwood and it’s still as budget-friendly as ever, and very easy to clean.

Wood-Look Porcelain Tile

When you think of porcelain tile, the first rooms that may come to mind are the bathroom or the kitchen. However, wood-look porcelain tile means you can add ceramics to other spaces such as the living room. What makes this wood look so special? Well, you get the beauty of hardwood with the high durability and easy maintenance of porcelain tile, giving you the best of both worlds.

Timber Falls Porcelain Tile. Color: Apache

Many people will start with the idea of transforming one space in their home, then they realize that the wood look they fell in love with actually looks great in other rooms. With so many great options, you don’t have to stick to just one type, style, or color. Assess each room and pick the flooring that’s best for those specific needs.

The post Wood-Look Flooring Types & Ideas appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

1. Waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is one of the top-requested waterproof floors available today because homeowners can enjoy a natural wood look without the maintenance worries. Vinyl planks are softer, too, for added comfort, noise reduction and they’re a cost-effective option as well. They’re especially popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, but many homeowners will go all out and use it in bedrooms and beyond.

This popular option can easily handle the spills, resist scratches and can look fresh and new in high-traffic areas for years. Pet owners love them, too! Vinyl planks can be installed on a variety of sub-floors, including concrete slabs. They come in wider planks, usually between four and eight inches, for a modern look, too.

Product: Grand Junction; Style: Aspen

2. Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Wood laminate flooring has been popular for a long time, and, like vinyl plank, offer a realistic wood look for a fraction of the cost. While vinyl plank has been at the forefront for waterproof wood-look flooring options for a while, there are waterproof laminate wood options that are great at handling big spills. These tough laminates look more like real wood than ever, and they’re a great long-term investment for any home.

Laminates, in general, are also popular for the wide range of colors and wood-grain types they offer. Waterproof laminates are no exception. You can find everything from unique grays and whites to natural traditional colors, and just about any other style or color you can imagine.

3. Waterproof Vinyl Tile

Vinyl tile is a more affordable option than authentic wood, stone, and ceramic tile and is almost impossible to distinguish from the real thing.

Just like vinyl planks, vinyl tile is softer for added comfort and warmth. It’s UV resistant, easily handles moisture and is attractive to those wanting all the beauty at the right price. These features combined with waterproof capabilities makes vinyl tile a fantastic option for your home.

Water-Resistant Flooring vs Waterproof Flooring Options

With so many features available for flooring, it’s easy to be confused. But you want to make sure you have the proper knowledge when searching for flooring that can handle moisture and spills. The biggest thing for you to know is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof flooring options. What’s the dividing factor?

Well, water-resistant flooring does as the name suggests: it “resists” water penetration to a certain extent, but not completely. A water-resistant floor works for topical exposures that are quickly wiped up and allowed to dry. A truly waterproof floor is impermeable to liquid. Naturally, if you’re expecting water “proof” but only get a water “resistant” product, you might be disappointed.

In the end, you have a varied range of styles, colors, and flooring types to find the perfect waterproof flooring option for your home. It’s all about preference and knowing what’s best for you. Are you more interested in durability or affordability? A wood look or a stone look? The choice is yours! What’s most important is that you have the proper installation and knowledge of whatever flooring you choose!

The post Best Waterproof Flooring Options appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Flooring Type: Vinyl Plank

Product/Color: Northbrook—Ravinia

Rooms: Living Room

For these Texan homeowners, getting a flooring type that would stand up to high humidity levels was key. During their in-home consultation, our Empire flooring professional showed the homeowners some options that would work well for their home, for their lifestyle, and for the typical weather where they live. They chose a 100% waterproof luxury vinyl plank from the Northbrook series. In the Ravinia color, it complemented their home nicely.

For a beautiful wood look that’s safe for a high-moisture environment, this was a smart choice. See how the new floors look in their home!

If you’re looking for help finding the right floors for your home, schedule your FREE In-Home Estimate now.

The post Waterproof Vinyl Plank Ideal for this Humid Texas Home appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

1. Consistent Mopping Keeps Vinyl Flooring Fresh

Let’s start with the obvious—for clean vinyl floors, mop consistently. Every day if you can. However, make sure you’re not using excessive water. Using a damp mop to clean vinyl floors every day can prevent a buildup of dirt and keep your floors looking fresh.

2. For Rust, Try Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar

The first sign of rust may send you in a panic, but you don’t have to necessarily run out and buy expensive products. Sometimes, the best products are right in your kitchen. A mixture of lemon juice and cream of tartar is a simple solution to eliminating rust stains and reviving your vinyl floors. Be sure to rinse with water after you’re done.

3. Isopropyl Alcohol Works Wonders

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is known for cleaning wounds, but it can also help you clean your floor. Pen ink, permanent marker, nail polish, or hair dye can easily be erased if you rub a little isopropyl alcohol on the stain.  Rinse with water after the stain is removed.

4. Be Mindful of How You Shine

Using “mop and shine” products or detergents can leave a dull film on your flooring. For a simple homemade solution, add a cup of vinegar and a few drops of baby oil to a gallon of warm water. You don’t need to drench the mop with the solution, either. Dampen it and you’re good to go.

5. No Steam Mops

Steaming may be a good solution for cleaning carpets, but steam mops are a poor choice for hard surfaces such as vinyl. Exceedingly hot temperatures and moisture is a dynamic duo that can potentially warp and destroy vinyl if you’re not careful. It’s best to avoid steam mops overall, but if you’re stuck on the idea, make sure to read your floor manufacturer’s guidelines before using one.

6. Never Use Bleach or Ammonia to Clean Vinyl Floors

These two chemicals are known for being super cleaners, but their hardcore make up and notorious fumes are not what you want on your floors or in your home. Instead, use milder cleaning products with a neutral pH to help avoid corroding your floors.

These are just a few of many tips that can help you keep clean vinyl floors! If you feel cleaning just isn’t enough, it may be time for a new look. Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to view our latest vinyl flooring options in your home.

The post Don’t Stress the Mess: 6 Easy Tips to Clean Vinyl Floors appeared first on Empire Today Blog.

Break out the dust rag, mop, and vacuum for the annual deep-clean—it’s spring cleaning time! We understand how overwhelming it can be to face all the dust and clutter that has accumulated over the cooped-up winter months—simple maintenance care can help make this spring cleaning easier.

Help make your floors look newer with these spring cleaning tips for Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate, and Tile!

Freshen Up Your Carpet

Regular maintenance of your carpet throughout the year can help make spring cleaning a breeze, but it’s ok if you didn’t. We’ve got you covered. First, choose a good quality vacuum and keep your vacuum’s filter clean—it can help make all the difference when tending to your Carpet. If spot cleaning is needed, try to remove the stain by using water before moving on to harder cleaning solutions—remember to blot rather than rub the stain.

No matter what type of carpet you have, prompt attention to spots and spills is vital. Here are a couple tips for cleaning your Carpet:

• Vacuum at least once a week and more often in heavy traffic areas, paying special attention to areas where people sit and move their feet.
• Be prepared with the proper tools to clean up accidents quickly and that you know the right way to clean. Otherwise, you may cause more harm than good to your Carpet.
• Place mats at the entrances of your home’s Carpet areas – this can help absorb moisture and help prevent soiling.
• Have your carpet professionally cleaned every six to 12 months. Spring is a great time to plan for a professional cleaning. We recommend a hot water extraction method or “steam cleaning.” The manufacturer warranty that comes with your carpet requires that it be cleaned by a certified professional.

Keep Hardwood Flooring Beautiful

Typically, sweeping and vacuuming can be enough to refresh your Hardwood Floors. However, when it comes to spills and stains, you may need to use a mop. Here are some other helpful cleaning tips to keep your hardwood floors looking great for longer:

• Wipe up wet spills and tracked-in dirt should be wiped away immediately.
• Sweep, dust, or vacuum using a hard floor attachment at least once a week.
• Use a cleanser made for Hardwood Flooring to help clean more stubborn soil.
• Don’t use buffing machines as they can damage Hardwood Floors.
• Avoid steam mops because the high temperature of the steam can cause damage.
• Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal cleaning tips.
• For sticky substances, harden the spot with an ice cube and lightly rub with a dull plastic scraper.

Do not apply too much pressure as this could damage or scrape the floor’s finish.

Low Maintenance Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring pairs the beauty of natural wood with easier maintenance. However, it requires proper regular maintenance not only during spring cleaning, but throughout the year as well. When cleaning for spring, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Only use soap-free cleaners.
• Remove loose dirt with a dust mop or a gentle vacuum without a beater bar.
• Wipe up any spills immediately.
• Use a quality laminate floor cleaner.
• Do not use excessive water, as it could cause bucking or separation.
• Never wax, polish, or use buffing machines.
• Don’t use steam mops. The high temperatures can cause damage to Laminate.
• Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can get years of beautiful performance from your Laminate floor with a little preparation and understanding of proper cleaning methods.

Durable Tile Flooring

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile is beautiful, durable and easy to clean, but daily maintenance is needed to keep your floors looking great. When beginning your spring cleaning, here are some simple instructions to help you care for your tile flooring:

• Clean with a damp mop to avoid buildup of mold, mildew, and grime.
• Dry tile thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth.
• Never use detergent or soap—they can dull the Tile’s surface.
• Place mats at doorways to help trap soil and other substances.
• Add protective pads to furniture legs.
• Avoid steam mops. High temperatures can cause damage to Tile.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.

Whether you have carpet, hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring, it is important to understand how to properly care for your floors. What are you waiting for? Get started on putting these spring cleaning tips into action!

The post Easy Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate, & Tile Flooring appeared first on Empire Today Blog.