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Both are resilient materials that can take a beating and still look spectacular. That’s why these materials have been used in high-traffic commercial spaces and busy residential rooms like kitchens and powder rooms for many years.

Once you get down to the nitty-gritty though, it can be a little difficult to figure out whether linoleum or vinyl is a better pick for you. The truth is that most people don’t even really know how these two popular materials differ.

Luckily for you, we’re here to help you get a grasp on linoleum and vinyl flooring once and for all. Use this guide to learn the differences between linoleum and vinyl flooring, and why you should consider one over the other for your home or place of business.

Linoleum vs. Vinyl Flooring: Major Differences

Ask the average person what the difference between linoleum and vinyl flooring is and you’ll probably be greeted with a blank stare. The fact is that the average buyer probably can’t even tell linoleum from vinyl in pictures. There are some major differences between these two flooring products, however.

Linoleum is actually the older of the two materials, with the first patent appearing more than 140 years ago. Made from linseed products, the core materials used in linoleum are naturally occurring, though some manufacturing processes today add an assortment of other ingredients to the mix.

Vinyl flooring grew in popularity around the 1920s and 1930s. Unlike linoleum, vinyl is completely synthetic, made up of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Most products utilize a fiberglass or felt backing, though other styles do exist today.

Appearance

Vinyl and linoleum may appear to be somewhat similar materials to the untrained eye, but they start to diverge when it comes to appearance. Here’s how these two materials compare in the aesthetics department:

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is made up of a color layer that’s kept protected by a clear wear layer on the very top of each plank or tile. That wear layer is actually what you walk on. That means that vinyl flooring is extremely versatile since almost any pattern, color or style is possible with vinyl.

Vinyl flooring can even be made to look like other materials including natural stone and wood. Mixing and matching different styles of vinyl is easy, allowing you to create your own unique pattern or craft a decorative border around your room, for example.

Wire-brushed texturing and micro beveled edges create a premium finish. Vesdura Vinyl Planks – 5.5mm SPC Click Lock – Vigorous Collection SKU: 15235047

 Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is a solid-colored flooring material that generally has much less pattern than vinyl flooring. That means that there are few options when it comes to your room design if you choose linoleum.

One benefit of linoleum when it comes to appearance however is that you aren’t likely to experience color change or fading as the linoleum wears down over time. That’s because every layer of the linoleum is the same color.

For most installations however, this amount of wear is many years down the road. Other damage may occur that facilitates replacement before this point as well.

Best Overall Appearance: Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to overall appearance, vinyl flooring is the clear winner because it can be made to look like just about anything under the sun. If you want the look of natural hardwood without the cost, you can get it using vinyl flooring.

You can also get unique patterns and a range of bright and dark colors that may not appear in natural flooring. That makes vinyl a versatile powerhouse when design is a top priority for your space.

Water and Heat Resistance

Water and heat resistance are important factors when it comes to installing resilient flooring. In commercial spaces and high-traffic areas within homes like the kitchen, mud rooms and powder rooms, a little extra water and heat resistance can make a big difference.

Here’s how the two flooring materials compare when it comes to water and heat resistance:

The perfect alternative to hardwood floor for wet rooms like your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. Vesdura Vinyl Planks – 8.5mm WPC Click Lock – XL Ridge Collection SKU: 15262452

Vinyl Flooring

Practically waterproof, vinyl flooring is truly the king of waterproof materials. That’s why you see it in many damp spaces like residential basements where moisture might leave some materials buckled or warped. Modern vinyl flooring that includes a backing made from fiberglass is also impervious to mold, mildew and water damage.

Vinyl flooring provides reasonable heat resistance as well, and interior temperatures are unlikely to cause any damage to your flooring installation.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is a durable, water-resistant material. However, it isn’t waterproof like modern vinyl flooring. It definitely doesn’t compare favorably to modern vinyl flooring with a  fiberglass backing either.

This means that linoleum may not be the best choice for damp spaces like basements. It can be used in powder rooms, but it is more prone to buckling, curling and cracking in wet spaces. Long-term exposure to humidity can also be a concern for linoleum.

Best for Water and Heat Resistance: Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is waterproof and far superior to linoleum when it comes to potential water damage. That makes it a brilliant pick for wet spaces, damp areas like basements and areas of high humidity.

Linoleum edges out vinyl when it comes to heat resistance, but most tests that demonstrate this are quite extreme. Unless your home gets to over 200-degrees, the heat resistance factor is just about the same with both materials. That makes vinyl flooring the more versatile pick and winner in this category as well.

Care and Cleaning

Care and cleaning are both important factors when it comes to a new flooring installation. The good news is that both of these materials are relatively easy to take care of in residential and commercial spaces.

Vinyl Flooring

Incredibly easy to maintain, vinyl floors can be swept and vacuumed for light-duty cleaning daily without showing signs of wear. Almost any detergent will do when it’s time to break out the wet mop for a deeper cleaning as well.

For the best results, a cleaning solution made for vinyl flooring is often recommended.

Linoleum Flooring

Like vinyl flooring, linoleum is seriously easy to take care of. Basic cleaning requires little more than a broom and vacuum. Neither of these tools will scratch or scuff your linoleum.

For wet cleaning, a solution made specifically for linoleum is often recommended. That’s because cleaners with ultra-high pH levels may wear down the surface of your linoleum flooring over time.

Best for Care and Cleaning: Tie

Both vinyl and linoleum flooring are incredibly easy to care for. That’s why these resilient materials are used in kitchens, powder rooms and high-traffic commercial spaces like hospitals and waiting rooms.

The availability of specialty cleaning products for vinyl and linoleum is also high, so getting what you need to care for your floors like a pro is a breeze no matter which option you pick.

Sizes

Vinyl flooring and linoleum materials come in different sizes – some of which may work better for your space than others. Here’s the breakdown on sizing for these two popular flooring materials:

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is typically sold in sheet, tile or plank form. Standard sizing for sheet flooring is six-foot or 12-foot double rolls. Choosing the right one is simple based on your room’s square footage.

For planks and tiles, vinyl typically comes in squares or rectangular shapes that are roughly 9-inches to 18-inches in size. However, as vinyl popularity grows, more sizes are becoming readily available.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum sheet flooring, like vinyl, is sold in standard 6-foot and 12-foot double rolls. Linoleum planks tend to be 48-inches long, with a varying width from about 4-inches to 6-inches across.

Best for Size: Tie

Both vinyl and linoleum flooring materials come in sheet, tile and plank designs, making it easy to get the quantity of flooring material you need. Since both materials can be cut with relative ease, there’s no clear winner in the size category.

Installation

Cost of installation is a major factor when you’re installing a new flooring material. If you’re planning to go the DIY route, ease of installation is also extremely important.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring, particularly the peel and stick variety, is incredibly easy to install. That’s why it’s a big hit among DIY installers who want to do the work in their own home or place of business. Even glue-down vinyl flooring is relatively easy to work with compared to many flooring materials on the market.

Sheet vinyl flooring on the other hand is relatively difficult to install. However, pros that work with sheet vinyl flooring are fast and efficient, which means paying for installation is relatively cost-effective in this case.

If you like sheet vinyl flooring, hiring pros for installation is a smart choice that won’t run up your bill too much.

Linoleum Flooring

Sheet linoleum, which is quite popular in commercial installations, is very hard to work with. If you go this route, you’ll almost certainly need to hire pros.

Click-lock linoleum flooring is considerably easier to work with, making it a top pick for DIY professionals. However, this type of flooring still requires more patience and time than common peel and stick vinyl flooring.

Best for Installation: Vinyl Flooring

While linoleum can be a reasonable material to work with even if you want to handle installation yourself, vinyl is the winner here because it’s soft and generally easier to deal with for novice installers.

Peel and stick vinyl is also quite easy to cut compared to linoleum, and placing it on the floor is easy to get the hang of in just a day or two.

Cost

Every project has a budget. Whether you’re dealing with a hospital flooring upgrade or redoing your powder room, money is a factor.

Here’s how vinyl and linoleum compare in the dollars department:

Rich, beautiful vinyl planks for less than $2.00/sq ft. Vesdura Vinyl Planks – 5.5mm SPC Click Lock – Vigorous Collection SKU: 15235050

Vinyl Flooring

Ranging from less than $1 per foot to more than $5 per foot for designer styles, vinyl has a wide range of pricing options. On average though, vinyl flooring material costs about $2 per square foot once you factor in the extremes on both sides.

Linoleum Flooring

Coming in at around $3 to $3.50 per square foot on average, linoleum is typically slightly more expensive than vinyl flooring. Linoleum may also cost slightly more to install, particularly if you choose to use sheet linoleum.

Best for Cost: Vinyl Flooring

About $1 less per square foot on average, vinyl edges out linoleum in the cost category.

The Verdict

Both vinyl and linoleum flooring are excellent choices for commercial and residential spaces. Cost-effective and durable, both have become mainstays in design for a reason.

Vinyl flooring, however, is the most versatile material when it comes to appearance. It’s also waterproof, which makes it particularly attractive for residential spaces. It doesn’t require any special cleaning or maintenance products either.

So which material is the king of resilient flooring? We think vinyl is the clear winner here due it’s style, strength and ease of installation and care.

Shop Vinyl Flooring at BuildDirect

Ready to re-do your space or start a brand new design project? Reach out to the trained professionals at BuildDirect today to learn more about vinyl flooring. You can also see our complete inventory of vinyl flooring products online today.

The post Linoleum vs. Vinyl Flooring: Which One Should You Choose? appeared first on Learning Center.

However, managing student property isn’t always easy. In fact, student housing properties usually require more management and higher involvement and oversight than other properties. Plus, there are also higher levels of wear and tear.

If you’re a property manager for student housing, you’ll have many decisions to make. One of the first and most important choices is the flooring for your student housing property.

What are the best flooring options for student housing? Let’s look at the factors you need to consider and discuss the four best options.

3 Factors to Consider for Student Housing Flooring

These are the three factors you need to consider when selecting flooring for student housing: 

1. Cost

Cost is always one of the most important factors for property managers, and with student housing, it’s a crucial consideration. You’ll definitely need to factor in replacement costs, since student housing tends to have higher wear and tear levels, which means you’ll be replacing the floors more than you would in other property types.

For that reason, it’s essential to choose a flooring type that has a cost you can afford now and in the future.  

2. Durability & Maintenance

For many students, this is their first time living independently, so they know very little about maintenance, cleaning, and best practices for maintaining a home. College students are also known for their propensity for destructive parties.

You’re going to need to plan to replace the floors at some time. Since we know the stereotypes about college students, it’s smart to choose low-maintenance, durable flooring types, so you’re less likely to have to replace the floor. 

3. Appearance

Despite some of the risks of owning student housing, it’s an incredibly competitive space. The property has to look nice to win over potential tenants and keep them throughout their college careers.

Despite all of the horror stories, most students are actually really responsible tenants that want their housing to look and feel nice, which is why the floor’s appearance still matters a lot in student housing. 

The Best Flooring Options for Student Housing

Based on the three factors above, these four flooring options best fit the bill: 

Laminate

Laminate is a cost-effective, easy-to-install, scratch-resistant flooring type. It comes in almost limitless styles, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. Laminate is also durable as long as you choose a variety with an AC rating of 3 or higher.

Laminate is water-resistant, but it can be damaged by too much water or liquid. Many property managers know they might have to repair water-damaged laminate, but they know it will be cheap and easy if they do. 

Vinyl

Vinyl is an easy-to-clean, simple-to-install, water and scratch-resistant flooring type. It can look like real hardwood floors – without any of the hardwood hassles. Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly durable, and it’s almost impossible to dent. It’s also cost-efficient.

The chances of needing to replace vinyl flooring are low, but it is affordable if it happens. Some vinyl flooring is also completely waterproof. 

Vinyl planks have many advantages; however, vinyl quality can vary dramatically based on where you buy it. That’s why it’s so important to choose a trusted flooring supplier. 

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is a durable alternative to wood floors. It’s much easier to maintain than pure hardwood floors, and high-quality varieties are entirely waterproof. Some versions of engineered hardwood can also be refinished.

The downside to engineered hardwood is that it costs about as much as hardwood floors do, and it isn’t quite as durable as some of the other options that are available. 

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is well-known for its strength and durability. It’s one of the most heavy-duty options on the market. If one tile happens to crack or get damaged, you can replace that one tile instead of replacing the whole floor. It’s relatively easy to clean and maintain since it resists water and stains. It also comes in an array of style options.

Porcelain is one of the more expensive flooring options on the market because it’s so durable and long-lasting. It’s also difficult to install, and the grout will likely need to be sealed and refinished relatively frequently. Its durability and easy maintenance make it a top choice for student housing. 

The Best Place for Rental Property Flooring

Since cost, durability and maintenance, and appearance are the top concerns with student housing flooring, laminate, vinyl, engineered hardwood, and porcelain tiles are the best flooring options for student housing.  

However, not all flooring is created equally. Low-quality versions of these four flooring types can underperform and cause more headaches than what they’re worth. That’s why you should do your research and make sure you choose a top-quality, trusted flooring supplier like BuildDirect.

At BuildDirect, we connect property managers with high-quality flooring suppliers, so you get the best quality products at the best price point. Plus, if you become a PRO Rewards member, you get unlimited samples, a 5% credit back, a 30-day money-back guarantee, exclusive deals, and more.

Become a PRO Rewards member today, and get the best flooring for all your rental properties.

The post What Are the Best Flooring Options for Student Housing? appeared first on Learning Center.

The 2022 color palette

When it comes to colors, designers and homeowners are opting for the lighter end of the spectrum across all flooring types, with an emphasis on neutral, flexible grays, beiges, whites and blondes, whether in wood grain patterns or multifaceted stone textures. The main attraction to this palette is that it opens up the space, adding a brighter and more expansive feel. It is also incredibly versatile, and can easily be worked into any decor scheme. In addition to this overall trend, there are some popular color preferences that are specific to each of the flooring types, which we will look at in more detail below. 

Trending looks and styles

Regardless of whether people choose laminate, tile, or vinyl, they tend to ask for one of five dominant looks: stone, marble, wood, concrete, and various decorative designs. Always looking for ways to create visual expansion, designers go beyond the light color palette and focus on innovative flooring sizes, shapes and patterns. When buying wooden flooring, people often opt for the wide-plank variety, while choosing larger format dimensions for tiles. Both of these choices help make a room look bigger. Chevron and herringbone layouts also create that sense of expansion, while bringing a dynamic feel, which energizes a room and can also work as an accent to guide the eye to a room’s chosen focal points.

Materials

In general, hard, durable surfaces are very much in vogue, with engineered hardwood being a particular favorite and laminate, tile and vinyl being almost as popular. Aside from their physical qualities, these flooring materials are in demand because they are available in an astonishing array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Manufacturing technology has advanced to such an extent that imitation wood, stone and concrete looks on these materials are more convincing than ever. This factor has certainly contributed to their rising demand.

Engineered and solid hardwood

Although homeowners adore hardwood floors, they are turning away from natural hardwood because it can be more costly. Engineered hardwood is an excellent alternative as it brings that natural hardwood appearance in a product that is much more durable, hardy, and easier to care for. Here are four of the biggest trends emerging for this beautiful, high-quality flooring type:

• Weathering and texturing: Homeowners and designers do not want perfection when it comes to wooden flooring; they want variety, character and texture. This preference has led to a rise in popularity of hand-scraped, wire-brushed and distressed engineered hardwood. These techniques bring out the grain pattern of each board, and create textured, undulating surfaces for a more natural look and feel.
• Wide planks: The taste for wider planks has been on the rise for some time. As opposed to regular wooden flooring boards, which are about two to four inches in width, wide planks measure anywhere between five and twelve inches. As mentioned above, these boards make a space feel larger and more expansive. They also create a more rustic atmosphere.
• Dark hardwoods: Although the 2022 color trend is towards the lighter end of the palette, there are some exceptions when it comes to people who choose engineered hardwood. Many homeowners who opt for wooden flooring want the warm and cozy feel that comes with dark wood. However, smart designers make good use of contrast in rooms with dark wood flooring, choosing lighter colors for walls, ceilings and other features. The eye is naturally drawn to the lighter parts of the room, turning attention away from the dark floor which serves to accent the brighter elements.
• High variation designs: Hardwoods such as Brazilian walnut are much admired for their multi-hued patterns. The eclectic mix of light and dark in the same floor layout creates a more natural impression, is quite an attention grabber, and will ensure that your floor looks unlike any other. Vary the width of the boards adds to this effect. 

Tiles

Realistic looks are the trend for 2022 – as much for hardwood as for ceramic and porcelain tiles. Homeowners love having the practical benefits of tiles – durability, easy cleaning, relative budget-friendliness, and variety – together with the world of patterns, colors and finishes that can be achieved with this material. Wood-look and stone-look tiles have increased in popularity over the past few years and remain extremely popular. Tile designers have done an excellent job of achieving authentic wire-brushed, hand-scraped and distressed appearances with their wood-look tiles. One rising trend this year is the concrete-look tiles. People love the industrial, modern look that these tiles create. 

Tile buyers are also looking well beyond the traditional square or rectangular tile shapes and seeking out an impressive variety of shapes, including hexagonal, diamond, fan, round, diamond, arabesque, linear and triangle.

Carpet tiles

Carpets remain popular in 2022, although they are used much more selectively than in the past, being used in certain rooms such as living areas and some bedrooms. Carpet tiles, in particular, are making a comeback, remaining the most popular choice for basements and making an appearance in other parts of the home too. Cutting and resizing carpet tiles is a great way to create rugs and runners, while the varied shapes and designs available allow a great deal of creative freedom for making unique floor layouts.

Room-specific trends

While the material trends described above are applicable to all kinds of spaces within your residential or commercial property, there are several developing trends that are specific to particular rooms in the house, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchens

The trends in kitchen design this year lean towards the classic rather than the contemporary or modern. The primary practical consideration is water resistance. Luckily, this property can be found in a broad range of tiles with numerous colors and finishes. The most popular materials include engineered hardwood, bamboo, large-format tile and several varieties of vinyl. Grays and beiges dominate the color choices, as do the prevailing hand-scraped, distressed, and wire-brushed wood looks – both in engineered hardwood and imitation wood effects in tile and vinyl. 

While many decorators want a stone-look floor in their kitchens, they are not necessarily opting for genuine stone tiles but rather for stone-look ceramic or porcelain, such as our Salerno Coastal Travertine collection. Wide-plank white laminate and gray hand-scraped finishes are the two most popular options for wooden kitchen flooring.

Bathrooms

The most striking thing about bathroom trends this year is the sheer diversity on display. Kitchen trends are relatively uniform by comparison. Authentic wood isn’t ideal for bathrooms, but people still want the wood-like appearance, so wood-look tiles are on trend. Instead of opting for monochrome tiles, decorators favor stenciled and mosaic designs, as well as a variety of geometric shapes instead of straightforward square tiles in linear arrangements. The popular wood look can be approximated with laminate flooring, which offers many different shades and patterns while ensuring a waterproof floor. Vinyl is still popular for bathrooms, offering high water-resistance and the incredible range of colors and designs we mentioned above.  
Founded in 1999, BuildDirect is North America’s leading marketplace for flooring materials. We connect homeowners and home improvement professionals with international sellers, creating a simple and reliable shopping experience and access to one of the world’s broadest ranges of flooring materials. Through our platform, you can find the flooring you love at prices that suit your budget. We offer a wide selection of top-quality flooring products across categories in solid hardwood, laminate, engineered, bamboo, vinyl, and tile products. Whichever one of the 2022 flooring trends you prefer, you will find the materials you need for your home improvement projects at BuildDirect.

The post Top 2022 flooring trends appeared first on Learning Center.

Vinyl is a widely popular material for flooring due to its durability, easy maintenance, and ease of installation. You’ll find this flooring in a range of different formats including luxury vinyl planks, loose lay tiles or planks, and much more. The popularity of loose lay flooring has greatly increased in recent years thanks to its versatility and flexibility. Read on to learn more about this flooring, mistakes to avoid, and how you can install it in any environment for a beautiful outcome.

What Is Loose Lay Vinyl Flooring?

Loose lay or loose laid flooring earned its name due to the fact that it doesn’t require fasteners or special mechanisms like tongue-and-groove to install it and keep it in place. The material is constructed of a thick vinyl material that lays directly onto the floor and stays put once it’s completely installed. The flooring relies on friction to keep it in place, and a rubber backing lies directly on top of a smooth, flat surface to give it traction. A benefit of this flooring style is that it can be added directly over existing flooring, and the installation method is easy enough for DIY projects.

How To Install Loose Lay Flooring

This flooring comes in several formats including sheets, planks, and tiles. To begin the installation, make sure that the room is at a steady temperature of 65 degrees or higher for at least 48 hours. Remove all furniture from the room and remove the toilet if you’re planning to install this flooring in a bathroom. Next, you’ll need to carefully remove all floor molding so the loose lay tiles can be installed directly against the wall. If the floors are carpeted, you’ll need to remove it along with any padding, then sweep the floor clean to remove all adhesives and debris. You can fill any gaps or low spots using wood filler or a self-leveling compound on concrete floors.

Many loose laid flooring manufacturers include a heavy fiberglass backing that doesn’t require the use of glue or other adhesives. Others may require you to apply a special type of adhesive to the back of the tile or directly onto the floor before installation. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm. Lay the tile out and mix it up to ensure that it looks good in terms of coloring and markings. Start by placing the tiles on the floor at one side of the room against the wall and work your way out until you’ve reached the opposite side. Gently press down on each tile to ensure that it’s securely in place before adding another one. If you end up with excess material, simply use a razor knife to cut away the excess. Check to make sure the floor is level, then reinstall the floor molding and the installation is complete.

Top Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Loose Lay Flooring

While loose lay flooring is quite easy to install, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid in order to ensure a successful installation:

•   An uneven subfloor will cause the loose lay tiles to shift. Always make sure that the flooring is flat and perfectly level before you begin installing the tile.

•   If your loose lay tiles require adhesive, make sure that you apply it to the entire backside of the tile. An adhesive that’s only applied to the center will cause the edges of each individual tile to come loose and curl over time.

•   When using a substrate, make sure that it’s fully adhered to the floor first, or else the loose lay vinyl will not remain in place.

•   Never attempt to install this flooring over the carpet or cushioned sheet vinyl, as it will result in too much movement, causing the new flooring to become loose and uneven.

•   Make sure that the adhesive you use is waterproof, especially when installing this flooring in a kitchen or bathroom.

•   Failing to plan the layout in advance and failing to use a level as you go will result in more unnecessary adjustments, too many cuts, and wasted materials. Always plan the layout in advance, do all of the necessary measurements, and check to ensure that each tile is level as you install the flooring so that it’s perfectly in place.

Can you lay loose lay vinyl tiles over tiles?

If you’re wondering whether you can install loose lay vinyl tiles over existing tile, the answer is yes. Make sure that the new flooring won’t be too high for the room, or else it could prevent doors from opening and closing properly. This applies to cabinet doors, baseboards, and floor registers, too. Even if the new loose lay floor doesn’t require an adhesive, it’s best to clean the existing tile thoroughly before installation. Never install loose lay vinyl tiles over a tile that is cracked, loose, or missing. Grout lines should be ¼ inch or less, or else the new tile will eventually press into the grout lines, causing visible marks and lines in the flooring.

Loose Lay Tile Flooring from BuildDirect

As you can see, this type of flooring is durable and easy to install. At BuildDirect, you’ll find a variety of loose lay vinyl options for many different applications. These products are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, making them a wise choice for your next flooring project. Visit our website today to find out more or to request more information.

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A patterned floor gives a room more visual interest than a wide expanse of uniform color. But if the pattern repeats too obviously, the effect quickly becomes cluttered and unprofessional. The wider the variety in the floor’s pattern, the better the overall look. Here’s what you need to know to lay patterned flooring for the most professional results.

Standard Pattern Repeat vs. Drop Pattern Repeat

Although vinyl flooring is generally supplied in tiles or planks, it’s actually manufactured in large sheets and cut to size before sale. You can watch a video of the manufacturing process here.

How often the pattern repeats in the final planks depends on both the size of the original pattern and the size the planks are cut to. Typically, planks have a pattern repeat frequency of around one in five, although premium products may repeat once every eight planks or even less often.

For residential flooring, there are two main ways in which the pattern repeats, known as standard and drop.

– What is a Standard Pattern Repeat?

With a standard pattern repeat, the repetition of the design is uniform. The larger pattern will be laid out in squares or rectangles, and will repeat perfectly when two cuts of the same size are placed side by side. A standard repeat matches from side to side as well as from top and bottom.

This makes it easier to fit repeating patterns which is good for tiles, but less so for planks where a more natural look is desirable.

– What is a Drop Pattern Repeat?

With a drop pattern repeat, the pattern doesn’t match exactly on each side of the initial roll. To get a perfect match, you’ll need to move one piece upward or downward until the pattern edges align. This makes it more difficult to align patterned tiles, for example, but the extra random element makes disguising repetitions in planks much easier.

How to Calculate Square Footage for Flooring

You might think that calculating the square footage of your room will tell you how much flooring you need to buy. Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that, as there’s a subtle difference between ordering for standard and drop pattern repeat.

Ordering Flooring With a Standard Pattern Repeat

For a standard pattern repeat, first measure the length and width of your room. For an example, let’s say your room is 15′ long by 20′ wide. Flooring roll comes in fixed widths, so if the roll you want is supplied in widths of 12′, you’ll need two widths of roll each 15′ long to cover the whole area.

Ordering Flooring With a Drop Pattern Repeat

If you’re using a single roll of drop patterned repeat flooring, then you can simply calculate the length you’ll need. But if you need more than one roll’s width, then you’ll need to allow for the pattern length if you want the rolls to match up.

The first roll you order should be the length of the floor space. The second and further ones should be the floor length plus the whole length of the pattern, in order to ensure you can line the rolls up before cutting them to length.

A Technique for Creating a Stagger Pattern as You Go

A professional tip for creating a stagger pattern is to sort your planks or tiles by color before starting to lay them down. This means that the next plank in the pile is always a close match, giving a more even appearance.

Different LVT Installations

There are three main types of luxury vinyl flooring: tile, plank, and sheet. Sheet is the easiest to fit by lining up the pattern, while a little more care needs to be taken with planks and tiles to get a professional-looking arrangement.

Luxury Vinyl Layouts and Patterns

While vinyl planks and tiles can be laid in any pattern you choose, there are several standards which are often used by professionals.

– Diagonal Pattern: This pattern repeats at a 45-degree angle, giving a dramatic and upscale look.

– Offset Pattern: This is the most common pattern, where tiles or planks are offset by around half their width.

– Stagger Pattern: With this pattern, the vinyl pieces are arranged alternately around a central line, giving an essentially random look. A stagger pattern is particularly effective with two-tone planks, where the same pack contains both light and dark tones of vinyl.

– Grid Pattern: This common pattern sets out planks or tiles evenly and symmetrically for a clean and modern look.

– Corridor Pattern: A variation on the grid pattern, with horizontal rows contained within vertical columns.

– Herringbone Pattern: The planks are fitted at 90-degree angles to give a zigzag appearance.

– Random Pattern: As the name suggests, with a random pattern the aim is to have no obvious repetition or order to the planks.

– Mixed-Width Pattern: This pattern lays down planks of varying widths, for a varied and non-repeating appearance.

Realistic Designs

Today’s vinyl planks can have a highly realistic look thanks to a modern technique of embossing new textural features over the original pattern. With these planks, the pattern is more random and easier to fit without repetition.

Pattern Pride

But whichever design and layout you choose, working to avoid a clearly repeating pattern will give you results you’ll be proud to have achieved yourself, without calling in a professional installer.

FAQs About Avoiding Pattern Repeats in Flooring

– What do I have to do before installation?

To achieve the most random pattern, open your boxes of planks and sort them by color. This will help you pick the right plank quickly when laying them down.

– How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?

As a rule of thumb, laminate flooring should be laid to point toward either the main light source or the most-used entrance. If these directions conflict, choose the one that involves less cutting of the laminate boards.

– Do I have to keep staggering the planks in my laminate flooring installation?

Yes. When the patterns line up in adjacent planks, the result is jarring and unsightly. What’s more, if the seams also line up, the strength of the floor can be compromised.

– Should wood floors be horizontal or vertical?

Real wood floors should usually be laid parallel to the longest wall, to maximize the sense of space.

– Which direction do I put down my vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally with good results. However, many professionals recommend putting the planks down in the direction of the main light source for the most attractive finish.

– Which way do you lay vinyl plank flooring in multiple rooms?

Ideally, all connecting rooms should have the planks running in the same direction to give a unified look. If this isn’t possible, laying a transition strip at the doorway can help smooth out the difference.

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Snap Lock Flooring Tips for Pros

Snap lock flooring is a common choice for residential and commercial spaces where a combination of cost-effective, durable, and stylish materials is required. While many people believe snap lock flooring is easy to install, it’s a job that still requires professional installation in most cases.

Installing snap-in wood flooring or snap together laminate still requires care and proper technique even for pro installers. Use this guide to pick up some tips to help you during your next installation.

Installation Tips for Your Next Job

If you’re a pro installer you already know the basics of installing snap lock flooring, but a refresher course never hurt anyone. Here are some tips you can use to ensure your next job goes smoothly:

Sand Down the High Spots

Prepare your subfloor correctly by finding high spots with a straight edge. Sand them down to create a smooth, level surface. A rise of more than 1/8-inch is too much and needs to be sanded.

Fill in the Low Spots

Fill in the low spots. Like a floor that’s too high, a dip of more than 1/8-inch can cause you problems down the road.

Begin and End with Half a Plank or More

Measure correctly to ensure you begin and end your installation with at least a half plank or more.

Undercut Door Jambs

Undercut door jambs with an oscillating multi-tool. This will allow you to easily slide the flooring underneath.

Leave an Expansion Gap Along the Walls

Use shims to leave an expansion gap along the walls. A 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch gap will allow the flooring to expand and contract based on indoor temperature and humidity.

Snap the Planks Together

Snap the planks together starting with the first row and working from end to end. Install the next planks in each row and continue working in that manner.

Watch Your Floor Height

Door jambs, dishwashers, carpeting and stairs can create problems you didn’t plan for. Take note of these issues if applicable and ensure that you follow proper building codes during installation.

Stagger the Seams

Stagger the seams a minimum of six inches. Avoid starting new rows with planks less than six inches wide.

Tap in the End Plans

Tap difficult seams into place using a pool bar hooked to the end of the plank.

Install Bridge Molding

Install bridge molding to cover the expansion gap between your vinyl plank floors and your base trim.

Around the Door Jambs: Installation Tips

•   Planks parallel to openings: Make sure the seam on the row that intersects the jamb connects inside the opening. You can then blend the second plank into place after marking and cutting it.

•   Planks perpendicular to openings: You may need to install this way if your door opening falls on the same side as where you started installing your flooring rows. When you do this, mark and cut the first plank to size before tapping it under your jamb. Note that you can tap your end planks in sideways and remove up to six inches of lip on the previous plank before filling the cut area with seam sealer.

Install Shoe Molding

Install shoe molding to cover the expansion gap when your flooring is in place. Use 1 1/4-inch finish nails.

Cut and Fit the Final Planks

Finish your installation by cutting the last planks to fit.

Trim Tip

Trim remaining material to ensure a tight, secure fit with a proper expansion gap.

Snap Lock Vinyl Flooring FAQs

Snap lock vinyl flooring is becoming more and more popular each day, but many people have question about this popular flooring design. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive and the answers you need to plan your flooring design:

Q: Glue Down vs. Floating: What are my thickness options?

A: 2mm and 3mm thicknesses are common, but materials ranging from 3mm to 7mm are often used as well. Thicker materials are available for some installations however.

Q: Glue Down vs. Floating: What designs are available?

A: Bamboo, wood, vinyl and tile-look designs are available. You can even find a range of more modern prints to fit your space.

Q: Glue Down vs. Floating: Which installation method is best for commercial spaces?

A: Glue down flooring tends to be the best option for commercial spaces. Warranties are often provided for glue down flooring that exceed those of floating flooring.

Why Order Samples?

Ordering samples will allow you to see what your flooring will look like in your home or commercial space. This is particularly important if you’re choosing between similar looks like vinyl made to simulate hardwood.

Getting samples delivered to your home also allows you to see the quality of popular materials and how they’ll work with existing fixtures, furnishings and decorative items in your home or commercial space.

Warranty Information

Warranties can vary on your snap lock flooring, so it’s important to check with us if you’re concerned about warranty length. However, almost all materials do come with some sort of warranty against manufacturer defect if installed correctly.

Note that improper installation or installing your new flooring in a space it isn’t recommended for – like wet areas or outdoors – can void your warranty.

ROI

Snap lock flooring made from durable materials like vinyl and made to look natural wood offer reasonable return on investment (ROI) in residential and commercial spaces. They also help improve overall visual appeal, making them a smart pick if you’re looking to update a space before selling or renting without spending a small fortune on materials like natural stone or hardwood.

Enjoy better flooring with durable, cost-effective snap lock flooring in a range of different looks. From styles that mimic natural hardwood to real stone and modern tile, snap lock flooring is mad to last and look good in the process. Reach out to our trained representatives today to learn more about snap lock vinyl plank flooring for your home or commercial space. We can help answer all of your questions about choosing and installing the right materials.

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Traditional vinyl flooring consists of low-cost sheets of material used to quickly cover larger areas. However, modern luxury vinyl plank flooring is a completely different proposition. Here’s what you need to know about this high-end, versatile floor material that’s becoming increasingly popular.

Why Choose Snap Together Vinyl Flooring?

Snap together vinyl flooring offers a uniquely attractive combination of looks, durability, and easy installation at an affordable price. It provides the visual appeal of hardwood or high-end laminate, and is available in a huge range of colors and finishes to fit in with any type of decor, from traditional to contemporary.

Also known as vinyl plank flooring, it’s a material that’s experiencing a surge in sales and is widely available at a variety of price points to suit most renovation budgets.

Easy Installation

Installing a hardwood or tiled floor is a job that’s definitely best left to the professionals. Even laminate flooring needs expertise with cutting and adhesives to ensure a smooth and lasting fit. Snap together vinyl flooring, in contrast, is straightforward to install and can be fitted by any knowledgeable DIY enthusiast.

Snap vinyl planks are supplied cut to width, and click together using a tongue and groove design for stability and a seamless join. The only part of installation where high accuracy is needed is when using a utility knife to cut the end planks for corners and edges. However, installing shoe molding or baseboards can efficiently cover up any smaller gaps.

And finally, snap together vinyl planks are a type of floating flooring, meaning they can be fitted on top of any level subfloor, from wood to concrete or ceramic.

Clean & Comfortable

Vinyl is noted for its combination of softness and durability. It feels comfortable to walk across, thanks to its higher amount of give and flexibility, and is kinder on aching backs and joints. This comfort makes luxury vinyl plank a great choice for a living room.

It’s also completely waterproof, resistant to stains, and easily cleaned with a wet mop. These qualities also make it an ideal flooring material for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other potentially damp rooms.

Pet Friendly

Snap together vinyl flooring’s moisture resistance also makes it a pet-friendly choice. Unlike many other types of flooring, neither accidents nor water or mud brought in from outside will cause any issues. Simply wipe up any mess as soon as possible and the underlying floor will be left spotless.

What’s more, vinyl plank is relatively difficult to scratch or scuff, so it’ll keep its looks for longer when even the most boisterous pets are around.

Learn How to Take Care of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

One of the great advantages of click lock vinyl flooring is how easy it is take take care of. By following a simple cleaning and maintenance routine that only takes a few minutes a day, your floor will be kept looking fresh and clean for years to come.

Everyday Maintenance

Despite vinyl planks’ toughness, dust and dirt can cause scratches if they’re left to build up for too long. To avoid this, simply give the floor a quick sweep or vacuum every few days. Although areas with heavy traffic can benefit from a daily sweep, for most households this level of maintenance isn’t essential.

Regular sweeping or vacuuming should be backed up with a weekly mop, using a mix of warm water and a little dish soap. Follow with a plain wet mop to remove all traces of soap and avoid a streaky finish.

Care & Maintenance Tips

– Use a soft-bristled indoor brush when sweeping rather than a harder outdoor one to prevent scratching and scuffing.
– When mopping, use a microfiber mop rather than a string one to prevent abrasions, and to stop excess water pooling on the surface. Vinyl is waterproof, but pools of dirty water can cause stains if they’re left to stand too long.
– Don’t use a mop with an inbuilt scrubber.
– To get a little extra sparkle back in the floor, add a dash of white vinegar to your mopping mixture.

Scratch & Dent Prevention

Even though it’s a tough and durable flooring material, vinyl snap planks can be scratched or dented by particularly rough treatment. The main culprit is usually furniture, so fit felt pads to the feet to prevent accidental damage. Also, avoid furniture which sits on rollers or casters, as these can easily cause scratching.

Scuffs, Spills & Stains

Spills should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent staining, simply by wiping them up with plain water and maybe a little soap. But if an unnoticed spill causes a stain, or if an accident causes a slight scuff mark, it’s not the end of the world.

Thanks to snap lock vinyl’s protective wear layer, the damage can usually be fixed easily. Make a smooth paste out of baking soda and warm water, and use a soft cloth to gently buff away the stain or scuff. If this doesn’t work, then some commercial cleaning products can be effective, but make sure they’re rated safe for vinyl flooring: products based on ammonia can damage the protective surface.

Wear Layer (Very Important!)

Snap vinyl planks are made up of four layers. At the base, the plywood backing layer is the rigid core that provides the overall strength and most of the thickness. This is covered by the design layer, which supplies the looks. At the very top is a clear urethane layer which protects against dirt, water, and superficial scuffs.

In between the design layer and the top layer sits the wear layer. This is a thin but tough material which provides the bulk of vinyl plank flooring’s resistance to scuffing, scratching, tearing, and other damage.

Different depths of wear layer are available, with thicker ones providing higher protection but costing a little more.

Low Wear Layer Example

Wear layers are measured in either mil (thousandths of an inch) or ml (millimeters). For a low-traffic floor, a 12 mil wear layer provides high durability without being too expensive.

High Wear Layer Example

However, for homes with busy families or pets, a higher grade of wear layer is more suitable. 20 mil or more makes a solid choice for most domestic purposes, although commercial grades can stretch to 28 mil or even higher.

Snap together vinyl flooring makes an excellent choice for modern home improvement projects, and with a huge variety of designs available, there’s a look to suit every decor.

The post All About Snap Together Vinyl Flooring appeared first on Learning Center.

Healthcare environments, whether they’re emergency units, clinics or doctor’s offices are unique spaces. Juggling the needs of patients, medical providers and other staff members when it comes to design can be particularly challenging.

One big part of creating an optimal healthcare space is installing the right type of flooring. Use this guide to learn more about the special needs and challenges you’ll need to keep in mind when installing flooring in a healthcare environment.

Choosing Flooring for Healthcare Environments

In hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices, three main criteria are of the utmost importance: safety, durability and cleanliness. These factors help make healthcare environments ideal places for staff and patients to do their work and get treatment.

Here’s a few more factors to consider when choosing flooring for a healthcare space:

• Mobility matters. From moving heavy medical equipment to patients in wheelchairs, floors must ensure safe movement. This also applies to staff members who spend many hours on their feet and patients who may have difficulty moving around on slick floors.
• Flooring materials need to be low maintenance. In healthcare environments, seamless floors help ensure dirt-free flooring.
• Matte finishes are preferred. Glossy floors may look cleaner, but the right balance must be found when picking materials like vinyl for floors. Gloss floors can also look slippery, which can pose a challenge to some patients. Eye fatigue for staff members also increases with gloss flooring.

The Challenges of Installing Flooring for Healthcare Environments

With a unique list of requirements, healthcare spaces can pose special challenges to flooring installers. Vinyl floor materials have long been a mainstay in hospitals and clinics. However, with many vinyl floor tiles on the market, finding the ideal choice can still be tricky.

Here are a few of the top challenges to keep in mind when looking for the right vinyl flooring tiles for your project:

• The flooring you choose needs to last for many years. Some spaces like hospitals may not change flooring for 20 to 30 years unless damage occurs. Downtime can also cost healthcare facilities huge amounts of money while displacing patients.
• Non-slip materials should be used in patient areas. Other materials like easy-care discount vinyl flooring can be used to keep costs down in staff spaces.
• Flooring needs to create clear demarcation lines. This is often achieved with additive placards or inserts, but creating colorways for different areas and pathways can help improve form and function.
• Healthcare environments often have specific budgets you’ll need to work with. This may require using multiple product types throughout a larger installation.

What Goes Into Installing Floors for Hospitals and Clinics?

• Function. All flooring must serve the function of the healthcare space with the patient’s best interest in mind. That means clear flooring layouts and designs where dirt and water can’t penetrate the surface.
• Safety. Low-glare, non-slip floors are essential in patient areas. More cost-effective flooring can be used in staff areas and greeting spaces if they’re not designed for patients. High-end materials like tile may also be suitable for entrances, cafes and other spaces.
• Budget. Healthcare renovation budgets are often quite high compared to residential or commercial installations. However, high-resiliency flooring, sealed joints and special finishes may be required.

Timing is also a big issue for many healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals, since downtime can be devastating for patients. That means you may need to buy vinyl floor materials and install them within the same week. You’ll need to know where to buy vinyl flooring so you can get it by your install date.

Some healthcare facilities may even require installation over a single day. That means serious planning and a well-executed installation. You’ll also need ample crew members to get the job done in a short period of time.

Current Trends in Healthcare

Basic flooring needs in healthcare environments don’t change often. There are some trends to be aware of though.

• Noise control is important in high-traffic spaces. Flooring materials that will reflect less sound and reduce overall volume are considered ideal for practically every space.
• Sustainability is becoming more important. Healthcare organizations are looking for ways to use sustainable materials without reducing patient safety and healthcare performance.
• Healthcare providers are prioritizing first impressions. This means more modern breezeways, welcome areas and brighter color schemes that feel more like public museum spaces than healthcare environments.

Upcoming FCICA Webinar on Flooring for Healthcare Environments

Interested in learning more about healthcare costs and how flooring impacts providers of every size? The upcoming FCICA Webinar on flooring for healthcare environments may provide you with a deeper understanding of what doctors, hospitals and patients need.

The 2021 convention date hasn’t been scheduled yet, but you can watch past webinars here.

Healthcare spaces pose unique challenges to flooring installers, but these spaces can provide lucrative contracts. Positioning yourself as an installer that understands the needs of the healthcare industry can also boost your business. Reach out to us when it’s time to find the right materials for your healthcare flooring installation. We can help you buy vinyl flooring online and get the products you need quickly to meet the fast turnaround times often required for healthcare facility remodels.

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On August 7^th, 2020, The U.S. government reinstated a 25% tariff on Chinese Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), which is having significant effects on the industry at large. Many companies are working to figure out how to make this steep tariff work, while others trust the end goal.

Ultimately, the effects of this tariff are far and wide. What are the impacts of the 25% tariff on LVT? Will it hurt or help the market? Who’s winning and losing here?

Let’s break down this reinstated 25% tariff, so you understand how it might affect you and your business, moving forward.

History of the Tariff on Chinese LVT

LVT was developed and refined in China. As a result, the majority of LVT has always been manufactured there.

However, in 2018, The U. S. was in the midst of a trade war with China. The ongoing struggle for economic authority resulted in a 10% tariff for all vinyl goods imported from China– including luxury vinyl tile (LVT). In September 2018, the 10% tariff began.

The 10% tariff was set to increase to 25%, and by the spring of 2019, that’s exactly what happened. Luxury vinyl tile was now imported with an additional 25% tariff. However, in November 2019, the tariff was dropped again to 10%, with plans to be pushed back up to 25% again on August 7^th, 2020.

On August 7^th, as promised, the 25% tariff on Chinese LVT came back, which brings us to where we are today.

How will a hefty 25% import tariff affect the market? 

Differing Opinions

The reason the tariffs happened in the first place was part of President Trump’s plan to bring manufacturing jobs back to the country. Spearheaded by U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, the administration has imposed tariffs on roughly $460 billion worth of imports.

The goal is that corporations who have outsourced manufacturing to decrease costs will be forced to manufacture again in the U.S.. In doing so, the country gains economic independence and brings long lost manufacturing jobs back to the country.

A portion of the market agrees with this goal and believe the ends justify the current means. However, the other half disagree, and for now, the numbers do, too.

The reality is that 70% of LVT is imported. Furthermore, the impact studies show that the tariffs aren’t having the desired effect. Instead, they’re just increasing the prices for consumers. For now, people are still importing from China and just charging customers more.

However, there’s a good reason for using China’s LVT, and there are also many other interesting things affecting the market condition.

Market Outlook and Effects of the 25% LVT Tariff

In 2003, LVT was 9.5% of the flooring market. By 2019, it had increased to nearly 25%. Rigid LVT accounts for around two-thirds of the $4.3 billion resilient flooring market. These numbers tell us that LVT is incredibly popular and has increased in demand year after year.

The question then is: can it continue to grow despite the 25% import tariff?  

As of right now, China is the only LVT market that can completely support that demand. Both Taiwan and Vietnam are ramping up production in hopes of snagging up some of China’s business. Additionally, five U.S. producers have announced their intention to increase LVT production to accommodate the demand. However, things are getting hung up.

For American manufacturers to be able to produce all the LVT that China does, they need to be taught by Chinese manufacturers. Since COVID-19 erupted, this learning process has been halted, forcing the U.S. into a hiatus.

For now, most of the existing LVT manufacturing capacity is with rigid core LVT, which is pretty popular in the residential market. For those reasons, the residential market might be able to offset the tariffs with domestic manufacturing. However, the commercial side of LVT is more problematic.

Anytime a market is disrupted with manufacturing or supply cost increases, it’s going to have a wide-sweeping impact. Supply chains, capacity, and prices must be adjusted. The 25% tariff has to be dealt with somewhere.

Originally, when the tariff was just 10%, most companies and suppliers could absorb the costs. They figured out places to cut costs so that customers didn’t have to feel the increase. However, when the government increased the tariffs back up to 25% in August 2020, the only option was a price increase for consumers.

Some companies will pass the full 25% tariff on to their customers via price increases. Others will absorb a portion of the cost, so they pass less expense down to their customers. Everyone will respond differently.

How BuildDirect is Responding

It’s important to know what’s happening with the tariff on Chinese LVT, so you understand why LVT prices will increase industry-wide. However, it’s essential to note a couple of things.

As a contractor, builder, or architect, you’re familiar with the standard prices of flooring. However, the average consumer isn’t. People don’t purchase flooring frequently enough to recognize price increases. LVT’s value proposition and features will continue to provide value for your customers, so you shouldn’t have to worry about them being angry at you for any price hikes from you – because they won’t notice.

However, you are our customer, and that matters to us. We know that you’ll feel and notice price increases in your business. That’s why we’re committed to offering the best prices for quality LVT on the market.

Our goal is to make this tariff impact you as little as possible. We’re dedicated to providing low prices, and we’re keeping our thumbs on the pulse of manufacturing as well. With us, you know you’re getting the lowest price on high-quality LVT on the market.  

Additionally, we offer an extra 5% credit for all your purchases when you sign up for our PRO Rewards program. It’s free to join, and it only takes seconds to sign up. Click here to become a PRO.

The post Impacts of the Reinstated Tariff on Chinese Luxury Vinyl Tile appeared first on Learning Center.

Types of Plank Flooring

Before you can decide how you want to install your plank flooring, you must first decide what type of plank flooring you’ll feature in your home. Among the most popular options are:

• Hardwood
• Laminate
• Luxury Vinyl
• Engineered Hardwood
• Bamboo

Deciding the Best Direction to Lay Plank Flooring

Plank flooring features a rectangular shape that lends itself toward many different patterns and directions. The most popular options include:

• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Herringbone
• Diagonal
• Chevron

Aesthetic Considerations for Choosing Plank Direction

Focal Point

If you have a fireplace or focal point in your room, you’ll want to lay the flooring in a way that draws the eye to that focal point. Lay the planks so they point toward the item you’d like to feature. If you have an open-concept home, this method can be difficult because you could have more than one focal point in different areas of the home.

Cohesive Sight Lines

When you want to enlarge the look of your home and make the space seem less busy, run the flooring from the front door through the back of the house. If the home is open concept, it’s important that once you choose a flooring direction, you stick with it throughout all the rooms that open onto one another. Laying the flooring in the same direction as the pathway from the front of your house to the back of your house is by far the most popular choice. Not only does it make a space appear larger, but it also helps invite people into your home by showing them what direction to go.

Modernizing the Look

When you want to make a statement with your flooring, choosing a diagonal floor plank installation is a great choice. This look can get a little busy, so make sure to only consider this option in large rooms, as it can become overwhelming in smaller spaces.

Adding Visual Appeal

Show off your artistic style when you opt for a chevron or herringbone plank flooring pattern. This pointed way of laying flooring is a fantastic choice in large rooms or in homes where one space flows into another. Point the chevron from the front door through the back of the house to make the whole space appear larger and invite people into the space. This pattern could result in the creation of a statement hallway or passage from one space to another.

Showing Off the Flooring

When you absolutely love the look of your plank flooring and want to highlight all the colors and details of the product, run the flooring perpendicular to the light source in the room.

Material Consumption

Laying your flooring horizontally or vertically will help to get the most coverage out of the fewest materials. Any time you choose a more intricate pattern, you increase the amount of material needed to complete the job. If budget is an issue or the material is limited, this will be an important factor. Figure out just how much flooring you need to complete your project by knowing how to measure the space.

Functional Considerations

Sometimes, the needs of the space can supersede the aesthetic look of a flooring pattern. Before you make a final decision, consider the specific needs of your home. Some of the most common functional considerations include:

Floating Flooring

If you’ve chosen a floating floor, there may be a limit to how long you can extend the flooring without breaking it up with a threshold. If this is the case, the dimensions of the room may help determine which direction the plank flooring needs to be installed.

Installation Cost

There’s typically a standard installation price for running your plank flooring vertically or horizontally. If you start getting a little fancier with the design by choosing a chevron, herringbone, or diagonal arrangement, the price of installation is sure to increase.

Time Frame

When you’re trying to get your flooring installed quickly, choosing a vertical or horizontal arrangement is the most time-effective solution. The different methods used to piece together a diagonal, chevron, or herringbone pattern will also extend the time frame for installation.

Final Tips for Laying Plank Direction

If you still haven’t chosen on an ideal layout, we have a few final tips that will help you make that final decision.

Lay the Flooring in the Space

Once you have the plank flooring in the space, place a few of the planks down in the direction you’re considering. There’s no substitute for seeing the boards in the space. If you’re installing the same flooring in multiple rooms, test out the arrangement in multiple rooms, as well.

Consider the Style of the Material

If your plank flooring has intricate detailing, a simpler pattern is called for. If your flooring is more monochromatic in design, it can support a more visually interesting installation pattern.

Ask the Professionals

If you’re having the floors professionally installed, rely on the professionals to help guide your way. They have installed many floors and are sure to have seen every pattern in the past. Use their expertise as a guide to help you achieve the look you want.

When it all comes down to it, there’s no right or wrong way to direct plank flooring in your home. It really comes down to personal style preferences and what best fits the personality of your home. Check out pictures of rooms with different flooring designs and plank directions to help you determine which one will reflect your personal preferences. These tips don’t just apply to plank flooring. They can also be used as a guide for installing ceramic tiles designed to look like wood, as they often share the same rectangular design.

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