Välinge Announces New Business Development Manager in Vietnam

Välinge says the company is expanding and strengthening its presence in Vietnam with an on-site business development manager. According to Välinge, Vietnam is a growing market for the company, and they are experiencing an increase in demand for both their flooring and their furniture technologies.

“We are excited to have Phuc Lecanh on our team and we are looking forward to finally have the possibility to offer our expertise and guidance on the ground in Vietnam and Cambodia. This means great benefits for existing and potential licensees. Phuc will play a central role in building our business in this area,” says Andreas Engström, key account manager at Välinge.

With former employers such as Sony and Ikea, Lecanh has worked in an international environment with large corporations, and has experience in everything from engineering and production to finance and business development.

“Working with Välinge is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to meeting and supporting both existing and new licensees. I am here to make sure all Välinge partners get a smoother and faster service experience whether it’s about technical support, start-up processes or questions about Välinge’s world famous technologies,” says Lecanh.

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Floor & Decor Opens New Locations in Colorado, Massachusetts, and Minnesota

Floor & Decor opened the doors to its newest locations in Timnath, Colorado; Bellingham, Massachusetts; and Woodbury, Minnesota on November 7, 2022.

The Floor & Decor warehouse store and design center in Timnath, Colorado, is led by Michelle Peil, the new store’s chief executive merchant.

“Floor & Decor is thrilled to open our doors in Timnath,” said Peil. “We are excited to introduce both professional customers, as well as homeowners, to our one-stop solution for their flooring needs with an extensive selection of in-stock, trend-right flooring options. We offer unmatched service and quality flooring at unbeatable prices. With our free design services, we look forward to helping every customer turn their vision into reality.”

Store Address: 4901 Weitzel St., Timnath, CO 80547

The Bellingham, Massachusetts warehouse store and design center is led by Colby Ormand, the new store’s chief executive merchant.

Pros are invited to text BELLINGHAM to 26786 to schedule a personal tour of the new store. Those scheduling tours now thru December 7, 2022 will be able to register to win a Chevy Silverado Truck and other prizes like an iPad, Floor & Decor gift cards, YETI Cooler, GoPro, and more. During the tour, visitors will get to meet the PRO Services Team and learn about Floor & Decor’s products and services

“Building relationships with our local professionals is very important to us. Their success is our success,” said Ormand. “The store tours and giveaways give us a chance to support our community and tell them about our PRO Premier Rewards and all the benefits it can bring to their business.”

Store Address: 217 Hartford Ave., Bellingham, MA 02019

The opening in Woodbury, Minnesota marks the second warehouse store location in the Twin Cities market. The store is led by Mike Sokol, the new store’s chief executive merchant.

Floor & Decor welcomes builders, contractors, architects, designers, remodelers, flooring installers, and realtors to visit the Woodbury location. Pros are invited to attend a special Pro VIP Grand Opening event on December 1. They can visit flooranddecor.com/woodburypro to RSVP and register to win a Chevrolet Silverado truck and other prizes like an iPad, Floor & Decor gift cards, Yeti Cooler, GoPro, and more.

Store Address: 10470 Hudson Rd. Woodbury, MN 55129

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NWFA Welcomes New Certified Professionals

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has announced the newest Certified Professionals additions to the NWFA family. The NWFA’s Certified Professional program was developed to recognize and promote the competence of wood flooring professionals throughout the industry.

To achieve each certification, specific online and hands-on testing must be completed. Available certifications include Certified Sales Advisor (CSA), Certified Installer (CI), Certified Sand & Finisher (CSF), and Certified Wood Flooring Inspector (CWFI). Included below is a list of individuals who became NWFA Certified Professionals between June 1, 2022 and September 1, 2022.

Congratulations to the following individuals for this accomplishment.

Heather Barbour, CSA
Hultman Flooring Inc., Porter, IN

Scott Campbell, CI
Footprints Floors Corp., Greenwood Village, CO

Jessica Denton, CSA
Denton’s Hardwood Flooring, Knoxville, TN

Jessica Eaton, CSA
North Texas Flooring Solutions, McKinney, TX

Shannon Edgell, CSA
Hatcher’s Floors Inc., Springfield, VA

Josh Feck, CSF
Josh Feck LLC, Traverse City, MI

Bogdan Goia, CI
Pro Flooring LLC, Renton, WA

Brandon Gross, CI, CSF
Coastwise Hardwood Flooring, Niceville, FL

Austin Hill, CSF
Hill’s Hardwood LLC, Warren, MI

Daniel Hoelle, CSF
Endurance Sport Floors, Manasquan, NJ

Scott Jenkins, CSF
Jenkins Hardwood Flooring, Ottawa, ON

Matthew Lindenmuth, CSF
Matthew Lindenmuth, Binghamton, NY

Jared Martin, CSF
Caliber Hardwood Floors Inc., Ephrata, PA

Samuel Medina, CI
High Country Flooring LLC, Asheville, NC

Bobby Moorhead, CSA
Footprints Floors, Collierville, TN

Brock Morris, CSF
Diamond State Hardwood Floors, Frederica, DE

Kevin Parker, CSA
Brazilian Floors LLC, Beltsville, MD

Craig Stout, CSA
Footprints Floors, Parker, CO

Anthony Torres, CSA
Footprints Floors, Huntington, NY

Jose Torres, CSA
Brazilian Floors LLC, Beltsville, MD

Mark Wheeler, CSA
Footprints Floors, Taunton, MA

Adam Zak, CI
Greater Houston Flooring, Houston, TX

Becoming an NWFA Certified Professional enhances your professional credibility, offers customers peace of mind, and generates new business. Validate yourself within the wood flooring industry. If you are ready to learn more about being recognized as an expert in your field, visit nwfa.org/cp-about/ or contact Kjell Nymark, certification and training manager for NWFA, at [email protected] or 314.288.5848.

 

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NAFCD and NBMDA Close Out the 2022 Annual Convention

The North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) and North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) teamed up November 1-3 to host the 2022 Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

With nearly 1,100+ distributors and suppliers at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, both associations reached their highest mark in event attendance since the pre-pandemic days. Thanks to the large number of industry pros onsite, attendees were able to make personal connections through tabletop meetings and face-to-face networking functions.

“The NAFCD Annual Convention is the best place to network and learn from your peers. It is so great to have a place where we can talk with other companies who understand and do what we do everyday,” said attendee Sara Zacharias of Tri-State Wholesale Flooring.

In addition to the entertainment and social forums offered, this year’s program featured a long list of educational sessions centered around the latest trends in leadership, distribution management, economics, sales/marketing, and technology.

The NAFCD and NBMDA plan to keep the momentum going as they push year-round opportunities for professional development and plan for the 2023 Annual Convention, which is scheduled to take place November 14-16, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

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LVT vs LVP Flooring | 50 Floor

When looking for new flooring, choosing between all the available options can be challenging. Balancing your budget with benefits and different flooring features can make choosing a floor more stressful than necessary. You want your floors to be attractive, durable and cost-effective, and luxury vinyl meets all of these qualifications.

Learn about the similarities and differences between luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank with this article. Choosing the right flooring style will give your home stylish, high-quality flooring for years to come and ensures a comfortable place for your family to live in. Explore the many benefits of luxury vinyl floors and find the best fit for your home today.

What Is Luxury Vinyl?

Luxury vinyl is a newer form of vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are flooring options built from luxury vinyl materials. Luxury vinyl floors have multiple layers, which help create a thicker, damage-resistant base. You can customize your floor with several backing, design and texture options to perfectly complement your unique home and interior design. 

New technology allows modern LVT and LVP to mimic the look of natural materials like wood, tile and stone in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some luxury vinyl floors are even textured for a more realistic feel and appearance. Old vinyl flooring came in sheets, making it feel less high-quality than other floorings. Luxury vinyl comes in planks or tiles and can have seams for grout and wide or narrow planks for custom, natural-looking flooring. 

luxury vinyl affordable flooring

Similarities Between LVT vs. LVP

When deciding between LVP or LVT, consider how your floors look and which room they are located in. There are many benefits to luxury vinyl flooring, and comparing LVP vs. LVT flooring will help you make the best decision for your home. Luxury vinyl offers the look and feel of natural flooring, with increased durability, waterproofing and style options. You’ll also achieve your dream flooring at a lower cost and with less maintenance than many other flooring materials. 

These two popular floor options have many similarities, including: 

Cost

Luxury vinyl is the perfect choice for your home if you’re looking for affordable, attractive flooring. Luxury vinyl is a less-expensive alternative to traditional wood, stone or tile flooring. Since luxury vinyl is designed to mimic natural materials, you can select any color or design you want without worrying about the extra costs associated with exotic or higher-end materials. Exotic woods and luxury materials cost more to install, purchase and maintain than other materials, making it expensive to achieve your dream floor look. 

With luxury vinyl, you can get any style at a more affordable price. Add embossed or textured features for a more realistic finish without paying for expensive materials. Even including stain-resistant layers will save you money on repairs and replacements in the future while remaining below the price point of many other designs.

Waterproofing

You want to avoid wear and damage to your floors, but water often causes warping, stains, mold and even rot for some types of flooring. LVT and LVP are both waterproof and built to withstand moisture without damage. Luxury vinyl is constructed from waterproof materials, which can be dried and reused, even after water immersion. Their water resistance makes them ideal for basements, bathrooms and kitchens. 

Ease of Care

Natural floorings are attractive, but they often require special cleaning and care. Others, like carpets, attract dust and lint and need regular deep cleanings or replacements to remove dirt and allergens. 

Luxury vinyl is made with easy-to-clean materials. Simply mopping and sweeping regularly will remove any debris without damaging the floor. Nonvinyl flooring may need special care or cleaning materials and can become damaged if you accidentally use the wrong cleaning method. Luxury vinyl will withstand scrubbing and washing easily, making cleaning a quicker and less stressful process for your home. 

Durability

Without proper care, wood can warp, tile can crack and carpet can flatten. Luxury vinyl will withstand regular wear and tear for 25 to 30 years. When properly installed, vinyl is extremely durable and resistant to water, cracks, scratches and stains. Luxury vinyl options can come with a highly scratch-resistant layer, protecting the floor from gauges, scrapes and tears. 

Luxury vinyl also resists cracking since its slight give provides flexibility and strength. It’s almost entirely sealed against water penetration, protecting your home from mildew and mold. Additionally, you can get stain-proof layers for your luxury vinyl floors, preventing surface scuffs and discoloration that may show up on traditional vinyl floors. 

Differences Between LVT vs. LVP

While luxury vinyl options available are very similar, there is one main difference between luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank, and that difference is found in their names. LVT and LVP are made from the same material, but one comes in planks and the other in tiles. While both forms of luxury vinyl have the same benefits, choosing between tile and planks will probably depend on the room you plan to install them in.

While both flooring types offer the same waterproof, scratch-resistant benefits, you want to choose the style that complements your home. When weighing luxury vinyl tile vs. plank, select the type that best fits each room. For example, you might choose planks for your living room, bedrooms and even kitchen to mimic the classic, stylish lines of wood flooring. For bathrooms and laundry rooms, vinyl tile may better fit each room’s traditional floor styles without giving up the technology of luxury vinyl.

While form is the only real difference when choosing luxury vinyl plank vs. luxury vinyl tile, there are different installation options that work for both LVT and LVP. Floating-click vinyl tiles or planks click together and float above the subfloor. Glue-down installation involves taping or gluing the flooring directly onto the subfloor. Glue-down is not always as waterproof as floating-click, so keep this in mind when installing luxury vinyl in your home. 

Schedule an Appointment With 50 Floor

If you’re interested in installing hard flooring in your home, LVP or LVT offers the perfect combination of style and strength. Whether you choose tiles or planks, your home will have durable, easy maintenance flooring that looks great and withstands years of use. Enjoy the peace of mind of luxury vinyl and never worry about water damage, scratches or pet stains again. 

Update your home’s floors with our luxury vinyl flooring options and get the look of natural flooring with the strength of synthetic materials. If you’re looking to install new flooring, contact us to schedule an appointment today. 

Schedule an appointment for luxury vinyl floors

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Protect Flooring During Holidays | Discount Hardwood Floors

The holidays can be an amazing time to get together with friends and family. It almost feels like regular life disappears for a couple of days just so you can reconnect with the ones you love. But with the holidays, you tend to ignore those little aspects of life that you tend to care about for the rest of the year. For example, the quality of your flooring it’s not something you’re going to be thinking about while cutting the turkey on Thanksgiving. But the truth in the matter is, you can still have fun while protecting your flooring this holiday season. So when you have guests over, don’t stress about it. Because today we’re going to give you some tips on how you can protect your flooring during the holidays.

Doormats

You can’t put door mats all over your home but a doormat can be essential in keeping your main floor in great shape. This is done because it acts as a cleanser for the shoes that walk through the front door. If someone’s got something on their shoe, you can direct them to the doormat. You don’t even have to do that because when the person sees it, they tend to wipe their feet anyway. This is just a small little thing that you can do to protect your floors without going above and beyond.

Strategic Rugs

As we said, you can’t put door mats everywhere. But you can take the idea of the doormat and duplicate it. All you need to do is place rugs in high-traffic areas. If you know that many people have been walking in your living room, put some rugs down there. You probably won’t need rugs in your basement or your bedroom. All you need to do is buy enough rugs to cover the areas that may face damage. be strategic about it.

Takes Shoes Off

Instead of putting rugs all over your house, you can eliminate the problem by getting rid of the source. This can be done by asking your guests to remove their shoes. Don’t feel awkward about this whatsoever because, at the end of the day, it’s your home. And this isn’t as uncommon as it may sound. There are plenty of homes that have this done all over the place. Sure, back in the day this may have been a little strange. But today it’s a lot more common than you may think. And this can be a huge benefit because shoes carry some of the most harmful bacteria that you can bring into your home.

Call the Pros

Flooring.org has been bringing floors to customers for years and we’re ready to help you redo your floors this season. So give us a call at 1-800-689-9006. We can’t wait to help!



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Hardwood Federation Provides Industry-Focused Updates in November 17th “D.C. Cheat Sheet”

The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the November 17th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.

Final Election Outcomes Inch Closer to the Finish Line

As we all know, election night didn’t deliver results to show which party would control each chamber of Congress. But as outstanding results trickled out over the days immediately following the election, it became clear that Democrats would retain control of the Senate by reaching the magic number of 50. Across the Hill, the House GOP didn’t gain its razor thin majority of 218 seats until several days after election day. Despite the closely divided legislature, long-time allies of the hardwood industry from both parties will help shape the agenda next year, as well as the lame-duck session that will close the 117th Congress. The Hardwood Federation is also looking forward to meeting with new members of Congress that will join key committees including the Senate Agriculture and Energy and Natural Resources and House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Ways and Means.

Lame Duck Agenda Takes Shape

Although final election outcomes will cast more light on legislative dynamics in the lame duck session that kicked off Monday, many issues are emerging on top of the list in Congress:

  • Federal Spending – Funding for the federal government runs out on December 16. To prevent a partial government shutdown, lawmakers must kick the can for an additional amount of time or agree on a final budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023.
  • Energy Permitting – Senate Democratic Leadership have struck a bargain with Sen. Manchin to address energy permit streamlines impacting projects in West Virginia.
  • Tax Package – Every year several tax credits reach their “sunset dates” and have to be dropped or renewed. This year there’s a push for renewal of 100 percent depreciation of industrial equipment, which the industry supports.

Industry Urges Congress to Extend Tax Break for Heavy-Duty Equipment

On November 14, the Hardwood Federation sent a letter to the Hill’s key tax writers urging Congress to extend the tax credit for 100 percent bonus depreciation as they consider an end-of-year tax package. The industry relies on the credit to bolster investments in new dry kilns, boilers, forklifts, trucks, and other equipment essential to producing hardwood products and moving them to end customers. Although Congress generally pulls together a “tax extenders package,” as the legislation is generally known, at the end of each year, the timing and scope of a tax deal in December is not yet known.

Source: Hardwood Federation

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Tips to Protect Floors From Your Dog’s Water and Food Bowls

Your floors can last a lifetime if you purchase quality flooring from professionals like 50 Floor. However, part of making sure your floors look their best is keeping debris and water off the surface. Water and debris can permanently damage your floors and shorten their life span.

Pets can be a cause for concern with new floors. Dogs and cats can track in mud or scratch up your floors. More than that, your dog’s food and water bowls can harm your floors through spilled water and food. Spilled water can even get under your flooring, putting it at risk of mold and underfloor damage. Fortunately, you can do some things to prevent this and enjoy stunning flooring for longer.

If your dog gets water all over the floor, follow these tips to protect your flooring:

  • Consider where you feed and water your dog: Preventing damage is a lot easier than protecting hardwood floors from dogs. Only place your dog’s water and food bowls on hard-surface areas that are easier to clean, such as tile or vinyl. Avoid placing pet bowls on carpet or wood floors, which can absorb any spills more easily. Many pet owners also place dog bowls in less-conspicuous areas well outside of high-traffic spots. This reduces the risk of accidental spills and ensures that if any water damage does happen, it will be less noticeable.
  • Use a mat: Place a pet food bowl mat under your pet’s bowls. Some special mats have raised edges to contain any spills. This feature protects your floors and makes cleanup simple, since you only need to wipe down or wash the rubber or plastic mat.
  • Feed and water your dog outdoors: If you have a large dog who’s especially enthusiastic when drinking and eating, it can be easiest to feed him or her on a deck or porch, if possible.
  • Clean the area around pet bowls often: Even if you use a pet mat, dogs can still drip water and spill food. After your pet is done eating, use a cloth or mop to wipe up the area to keep it tidy and prevent water damage.
  • Create a watering and feeding station: Another option is to create a food station with raised bowls. Doing this ensures water and food won’t get trapped under the bowls, causing more spills and damage. For some dogs, eating out of an elevated bowl is easier, too. It’s faster to quickly mop or wipe under the bowl to clean up any errant spills.

Protect Your Home by Purchasing Dog-Friendly Flooring

You can create beautiful flooring even if you have multiple dogs. 50 Floor has many attractive flooring options to replace any damaged areas in your house, and we’re happy to consult with you and show you samples to help you find the right match. Our luxury vinyl, carpet, tile, engineered hardwood and hardwood floors look amazing and transform your space. Contact 50 Floor for a consultation to find the ideal dog-friendly floors for your home.

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Submissions Open for 2023 NWFA Wood Floor of the Year Awards

The NWFA’s Wood Floor of the Year (WFOY) awards were developed to encourage and recognize innovative craftsmanship and design in wood flooring installations. Since the program began in 1990, more than 300 awards have been presented to NWFA member companies throughout the world.

Submissions for the 2023 Wood Floor of the Year are now open. Each entry must be received by 5:00 pm (Central Standard Time) on February 1, 2023.  No extensions will be granted.

NWFA Member Submission Form

Non-Member Submission Form

Winners will be announced during the 2023 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

CATEGORIES

BEST IN COLORS, FINISHES, AND TEXTURED WOOD
Entries in this category include all types of jobsite applied applications of stains, oils, dyes, reactive conditioners, layered color systems, faux finishing, or other finishing systems. This category also includes textured wood flooring surfaces such as hand-scraped, wire-brushed, distressed, sculpted, or any surface that is not traditional flat. Details of the processes must be included in the description.

BEST IN CIRCLES/CURVES/BENT WOOD

Entries in this category include any non-linear, hand-cut, curved shape, pattern, or design within a flooring system. The flooring design should include elements such as circles, ovals, curves, radial patterns, arcs, or bent material. Details of the processes must be included in the description.

BEST IN PARQUETRY
Entries in this category include any wood flooring layout composed of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern installed into a flooring project. Details of the installation process must be included in the description. It must be identified clearly whether the pattern was hand-cut or manufactured into the pattern.

BEST IN MARQUETRY AND INLAYS

Entries in this category include any hand-cut marquetry/intarsia design installed into the floor, as a stand-alone feature/medallion, or throughout the entire project. Inlays may include anything laid into the floor. Details of the hand-cutting process must be included in the description.

BEST IN HISTORIC RESTORATION

Entries in this category include all types of restoration projects, replacements, or repairs, in either a residential or commercial application. Submissions cannot be a previous Wood Floor of the Year entry. For this category, an additional photo of the “before” floor is required for judging. Any known history of the floor also should be included.

BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Entries in this category have installed floors utilizing advancements in technology (CNC, laser, etc). Details of the manufacturing and installation process should be included in the description.

MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT
This category gives manufacturers a category to submit any projects using their products. Projects may showcase the products that were used, as well as information about the companies involved in the project. Details of the project must be included in the description.

BEST STAIRCASE
Entries in this category include all types of staircase projects. Submissions may include new stair installations, or overlays, in either a residential or commercial application. Submissions cannot be a previous Wood Floor of the Year entry. For this category, NWFA has partnered with the Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association (SMA) to help judging for quality and craftsmanship.

MEMBERS’ CHOICE
Entry in this category is automatic. All floors entered into the contest will be eligible, which will include all types of floors in all categories.

Click here to read the official Wood Floor of the Year Rules.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 800.422.4556.

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Common Flooring Installation Mistakes Homeowners Make

Updating and installing new flooring is at the top of many homeowners’ home improvement lists. Since the floors in your homes receive so much traction from people and pets, it makes sense that you’d want to upgrade your floors to give your home a fresh new look and increase its value. However, just because thousands of people undertake flooring installation each year, that doesn’t mean every project goes smoothly. Homeowners make many mistakes when installing flooring — from wrong material choices and DIY hacks to buying cheap products. Keep reading to learn about 15 common homeowner flooring mistakes to avoid.

1. Choosing the Wrong Material

Your flooring can change your home’s overall appearance, which is why choosing the correct material for your flooring is crucial for the look and feel of your living space. Many find it daunting to select the material because there are so many different options, including traditional hardwood, durable laminate or cozy carpeting. However, you’ll want to remember factors such as your budget, your home’s traffic flow and your chosen material’s cleaning and maintenance needs. Compare all these variables, then visualize the result.

2. Not Preparing the Subfloor

There’s a lot of preparation necessary before installation. For example, to avoid post-installation problems, you must take the time to properly prep your subfloor. Your subfloor’s condition will directly affect your new flooring’s quality. To ensure the structural integrity of your new flooring, you must start with the subfloor. Correctly prepping the subfloor will increase your new flooring’s longevity. To prepare your subfloor, you must shore up any weak spots and ensure it is free of dirt and debris, with a smooth and uniformly flat surface. If this doesn’t sound like the fun DIY flooring installation project you were hoping for, consider scheduling an appointment to discuss getting your floor professionally installed.

Improper Floor Care With Cleaning Products

3. Improper Floor Care

Just like your car, your newly installed floors will need maintenance to extend their longevity and keep them looking pristine. Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing the wrong cleaning products for their floors, which can undo everything you worked hard for. Many of the products on the market promise to make your hardwood flooring sparkling clean. Most of these contain oils and wax to achieve this long-lasting shine. However, these ingredients can degrade your floors’ integrity. So, while the luster these cleaners provide can lead to short-term results, you’ll have to pay a hefty price to refinish damaged floors. To avoid this common mistake, consider these cleaning alternatives.

4. DIY Flooring Installation

Thanks to home improvement TV shows, DIY projects have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. While do-it-yourself home improvement can give you a satisfying sense of accomplishment and help you save money, it’s better to leave some things to the professionals. Many homeowners don’t have the knowledge, tools or skills required for installing flooring. New flooring is a significant investment, so don’t make the same mistake other homeowners have come to regret. If you lack experience in installing floors, it’s likely going to cost you a lot of time and effort, while there’s no guarantee the finished product will have the quality you expect. DIY flooring isn’t a wise idea, especially if it is your first time. To prevent a negative flooring experience, having a professional install your new flooring is your best bet.

5. Transitions

Flooring transitions have a dramatic role in any home’s overall interior design. Whenever you switch from one flooring material to another, a transition is necessary. Often, homeowners who choose to go the DIY installation route overlook this step. Floor transitions make the overall look between two different flooring materials cleaner. It also protects the edges of your flooring from normal wear and tear. For example, a flooring end cap would provide a clean transition between hardwood and carpet.

6. Moisture Level Check

If you are installing hardwood floors, it’s essential to monitor the humidity in your home. If moisture is present, wood floors will expand. On the other hand, if the area is too dry, the wood will contract. Both of these extremes can cause your new flooring to develop problems. Many homeowners neglect to check humidity because they aren’t aware moisture has any significance. One of the benefits of professional installation is that the pros know this, and will check the moisture levels before they begin work.

7. Incorrect Measurements

Inaccurate measurements are a significant setback for any installation project. Taking incorrect measurements can leave you wasting money on excess materials or cause you to come up short, leaving your project at a standstill. Many homeowners who lack installation experience make this mistake when installing flooring on their own. Going with a professional floor installer will give you peace of mind. But, as a piece of advice, if you are going to install new flooring yourself, triple-check your measurements to make sure they are accurate.

8. Working in the Wrong Order

Home renovations have many moving parts, and you should complete them in a specific order to have a successful project. Often, homeowners make the mistake of working in the wrong order. Doing so can prevent you from going with your preferred floor choice or cause you to pay more money in the end. And if you are installing the flooring yourself, isn’t the goal to save money? Two common incorrect workflows that affect your new flooring are:

  • Painting the area first before choosing and refinishing the flooring. 
  • Installing your cabinets before your flooring.

Both these sequences can restrict your range of flooring options. For example, if you choose and install your cabinetry first, you’ll have limitations on the height and type of flooring you can choose from.

9. Buying Cheap Materials

We all know home renovation can be expensive, and you may feel tempted to save money by finding the cheapest choices. Everyone loves a good bargain, but what you see is not always what you get. With floor installation projects, buying inexpensive materials can result in lower quality, leaving you with more problems than you started with. In contrast, purchasing high-quality materials will boost your home’s resale value and keep your floors looking newer for longer. Cheaper materials are less durable, and they don’t look as good or hold up as well. To prevent you from spending even more money in the end, invest in top-quality materials from the beginning.

10. Failure to Research

New flooring is exciting, and most homeowners want to dive in right away, but it is crucial to look at the whole picture before making any decisions. Before you choose flooring materials, think about where you are installing the new floor. Are there any enhancements you should make? Will you need transitions between different flooring sections? Do you have or need a subfloor? Do your homework and think everything through before making any flooring purchases. Prior preparation will save you time, money and effort. During this process, you may realize there are more advantages to hiring a professional than trying to do it yourself.

Installing Wood Floor

11. Starting the Wood in the Wrong Place

Many homeowners mistakenly believe that they must start their installation against the edge of the longest, straightest wall, which is the exact opposite of what you should do. Beginning there is more challenging because it will leave you in a tougher position. Professionals recommend starting at the floor’s focal point. That can be near a door jamb, or even at the bottom of your stairway. By starting at these spots, you have more flexibility with row positioning, which results in a gorgeous floor.

12. Incorrectly Nailing Boards

Even when you think your floorboards are secure, it is essential to carefully install each plank with enough fasteners to prevent loose moving boards. Not using enough fasteners causes the boards to squeak or creak when you walk on them. Some homeowners make the common mistake of rushing through the project before thoroughly securing the boards. To follow recommended best practices, use at least two fasteners per board.

13. Tiling on Concrete

Tiling directly on concrete causes more flooring installation problems many homeowners aren’t aware of. For example, reflective cracking happens when the concrete cracks through shrinkage. Another cause of this cracking is the shifting of sub-layers below the concrete. These cracks within the concrete will cause your newly installed tiles to break as well.

14. Underestimating the Project Timeline

Many homeowners don’t realize how long it takes to do a thorough job of installing new flooring. Depending on your home’s square footage, it may take the better part of a week or even more to complete the installation. But don’t forget that after the installation, it still takes additional time for the floors to settle. Many homeowners immediately walk on their floors and move all their furniture back into place right after the project, which is a common mistake. Be patient when moving heavy furniture back in and resuming everyday life in general. You don’t want to ruin your new investment.

15. Skipping Welcome Mat and Furniture Pads

After installing new flooring, many homeowners do not look toward the future. Using a welcome mat and furniture pads can protect your new flooring from damage. Adding a welcome mat at the front door of your home will prevent anyone from tracking dirt and mud onto your floors. The furniture pads will protect your floors from any scratches or scrapes your furniture may cause — especially when it is time to move your furniture back in.

Advantages of Choosing Professional Floor Installers

Advantages of Choosing Professional Installers

As mentioned before, installing new flooring is a significant investment that can dramatically affect your home’s appearance. Hiring a professional to install your floors can provide you with benefits that will make the process go smoothly.

  • Convenience: You could cut the amount of time you will spend trying to install your new flooring yourself in half if you hired a professional. The time you would have spent working on this project is now free to do other things. Let a professional take installing your floors off of your to-do list.
  • Experience: Undertaking any home improvement project requires you to weigh the pros and cons — especially installing your new flooring. One potential disadvantage could be your lack of professional experience. Floor installation isn’t a low-cost project, so you want to make sure it gets done correctly. Professional installers have knowledge, skills and specialized tools. Look for a company that carries an insurance policy — that way, in the rare event that your home gets damaged, you won’t pay for it out of pocket.
  • Savings: DIY flooring installation is not as straightforward as many homeowners assume it is. Doing it yourself doesn’t always guarantee you will spend less. One inexperienced mistake can cost you more time and money than you would have spent if you’d hired a pro in the first place. A professional flooring installer will know ways to save your hard-earned cash without cutting any corners.

Skip the Hassle and Contact the Professional Flooring Installation Experts at 50 Floor

Now that you’ve learned the common mistakes homeowners make when installing flooring and the benefits of hiring a professional installer, it is time for you to find the right flooring company! At 50 Floor, we offer a wide selection of flooring options with expert-level installation. Instead of doing it yourself, contact the experts at 50 Floor. We’ll provide a convenient, free in-home consultation to discuss your flooring options. Save your time, money and effort by making your appointment with us today.

Contact the Professional Flooring Installation Experts at 50 Floor

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