Installing new flooring in your home isn’t as simple as measuring your space, ordering materials and putting down planks at random though. For a properly installed flooring, racking is an essential step you shouldn’t leave out. Use this guide to learn more about flooring racking and how to make use of this simple process before you begin your installation.

What is Floor Racking?

Floor racking can sound like a time-consuming task that should be left to professional installers only, right? The truth is that floor racking is quite simple and pretty much anybody can do it. If you can lift a plank of your chosen flooring material you can handle racking on your own.

That’s because floor racking is simply the process of laying out your flooring planks without fastening them with nails or glue. Doing this allows you to create varied patterns and mix and match different planks for a designer-inspired look you won’t get by randomly placing your planks at installation time. While you can do this with any flooring material, racking is a pretty standard procedure when you’re working with natural hardwood, engineered wood or laminate.

Not everybody takes the time to properly rack their floors. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes people make when installing flooring, and while avoiding it won’t necessarily result in damage, there’s a good chance your floors won’t look as good as they could have.

Why is Floor Racking Important?

A lot of people who are installing a floor in their homes wonder if floor racking is really necessary or if it’s just a step that will eat up valuable time. While it can easily add a few hours to your overall installation, floor racking is a vital first step when taking on a new flooring project.

Here are a few of the main reasons floor racking is so important.

Thorough Inspection

Floor racking allows you to inspect each plank as you take it out of the packaging. That means you get a look at each individual plank so you can check for defects. Once installed, defective wood won’t be covered under a standard warranty. Take the time to ensure you don’t have any defective planks before your installation. Racking early also allows you to get replacement planks before your installation is scheduled to begin.

Color Variation

Racking makes it easy to achieve proper color variation when installing flooring like engineered wood or natural hardwood. By racking your floors first, you can choose exactly what your flooring pattern will look like, giving your room and home more visual depth. With materials like wood, you can also blend light and dark planks or strategically place planks with more color variation.

Length Variation

You can mix and match plank lengths to create a smart design through racking. Varying plank lengths creates a designer-inspired look for your room. Racking also helps ensure that you don’t place all long planks together before switching to shorter planks, which will be very obvious once installed.

See the Full Picture

Racking allows you to view the floor from a standing position so you can see what your floors will look like once they’re permanently installed. This provides you with the opportunity to make changes for aesthetic reasons before nailing or gluing them down.

Understanding Acclimation and Moisture Content in Flooring Materials

Floor racking is a vital step that ensures you have high-quality wood, optimal color variation and appropriate plank lengths. Before you start laying out your floor though, allowing the wood to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the installation location is critically important.

Why does acclimation matter so much? Consider the possibility that your flooring materials may have been shipped from a region with a climate much different than yours. Your new flooring materials may also have been in storage for some time before being shipped to you. That means they may shrink or expand slightly in your home.

In general, 48 to 72 hours is an ideal acclimation time for most materials, though a longer time generally won’t cause any harm at all in a climate controlled space. One great way to ensure your new flooring material is ready for installation is to unpack it on a Friday before beginning your installation on Monday or Tuesday. That leaves ample time for even sensitive materials like natural hardwood to acclimate to your space.

You don’t have to leave flooring acclimation to chance though. Another option is to use a moisture meter to make sure your flooring materials are ready for installation. Here’s how you can use a moisture meter to check your flooring materials before you begin the installation process.

Racking 101: A Quick Step-By-Step Guide

Racking doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s a quick step-by-step primer to help you get a handle on the basics.

1. Inspect all flooring materials for damage and defects. Put aside any planks that are unfit for installation.
2. Pull planks from different boxes to ensure varied tones and plank lengths. You can sort them into “like” groups to organize your materials.
3. Allow your flooring materials proper time to acclimate to your home. Use a moisture meter to ensure your materials are ready for installation.
4. Take time to plan your layout. Give yourself a day to ensure that you love your design before committing.
5. Make sure you stagger joints correctly. You want to avoid weak spots that could lead to damage or the need for repairs down the road.

Ready to update the flooring in your home? We can help you find a range of materials like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, vinyl flooring, porcelain and ceramic tile and more. Our trained representatives can also give you more information about racking your floors before installation so you can proceed with the installation knowing you’ll love the outcome.

Reach out today to take the first step toward new floors. We can also help you plan your building project if you’re creating your dream home from the ground up.

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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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Concrete floors in the basement are ideal, since concrete is inorganic and won’t rot or break down. But concrete isn’t exactly a warm, welcoming choice for a basement refinishing project. The good news is that there are some excellent flooring options for below-grade use. Some can be laid directly on top of a concrete slab, but others will need underlayment or a subfloor. Here, we present you with four good options for below-grade flooring.

Choose the Best Below-Grade Flooring

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Ceramic or porcelain tile is an excellent flooring choice for the basement. It’s impervious to water, and it will dry in the event you experience flooding. It won’t rot, mold, or mildew.

A major benefit of ceramic or porcelain tile floors in the basement is that you don’t need an underlayment or subfloor beneath them. You can lay the tile directly over the concrete, as long as the slab is clean and level. If it’s not level, a leveling compound can be used to create a smooth, even surface for the tile, which helps prevent it from breaking.

Tile is extremely versatile. For a below-grade family room, you can choose large, rectangular tiles that closely resemble wood, or opt for a fun checkerboard pattern using colorful square tiles. Shiny, white tile in the laundry room keeps things looking clean and bright. Stone tiles in a basement bar area can complement rustic or modern decor. 

In some northern locations, where winters get mightily cold, tile floors can be freezing underfoot for half of the year. However, radiant heating can be laid beneath the tile, keeping your toes toasty all winter long.

Tile doesn’t have great sound absorption qualities, but with ample furniture and a few rugs, that’s a problem that’s easily fixed.

Vinyl Planks

Vinyl is not waterproof, but it’s pretty close, making it a good choice for below-grade flooring. Next to tile, it’s your best choice in terms of water-impervious flooring. Vinyl plank flooring snaps together as a floating floor, and they’re easy for DIYers to install. 

Vinyl planks come in a huge variety of designs and textures. Popular designs include hardwood and stone, which look very realistic, thanks to advanced printing technology. Vinyl planks have a thicker wear layer than vinyl sheet and tile flooring and are therefore warmer and more durable. This makes them ideal for a basement rental suite.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has come a long way in the past few decades. Improvements in a range of technologies have enabled highly realistic images to be printed on laminate flooring, closely mimicking wood, tile, and other surfaces. 

Laminate flooring in a below-grade space needs a proper subfloor, which sits above the concrete and provides a raised surface to lay the laminate on. That’s because the base material of the laminate can be damaged with prolonged contact with water, and the top layers may begin to peel if they sit in a couple of inches of water during a flood. 

Some varieties of laminate flooring are constructed and treated to be more water resistant. These make a good choice for below-grade flooring and don’t necessarily require a subfloor. However, the concrete slab should be level and in good condition, and an underlayment is necessary to block moisture between the slab and the floor.

Some laminate floor planks have a foam underlayment built in, which insulates the floor against the cold subfloor and precludes the need for additional underlayment. 

Although laminate offers a realistic interpretation of other flooring types, its recurring patterns and slightly hollow feel underfoot remind you that it’s not real wood or stone. However, it’s a cost-effective and attractive option for the basement. Installing laminate flooring is an easy DIY project. Depending on your floor and your skill level, however, you may need a professional to construct a subfloor.

Engineered Hardwood Planks

If you love the look of wood but don’t want cold, hard tiles or the hollow feeling of laminate in the basement, you still have options.

Until recently, hardwood floors weren’t recommended for below-grade use. Because solid wood swells and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, it cracks and warps over time. But then came engineered wood floors, which are constructed of a thin veneer of solid wood laminated over a stone plastic core. This is far more dimensionally stable than a hardwood plank, so it can withstand fluctuations in humidity and temperature. 

You install engineered planks as a floating floor, which snaps together and doesn’t require nails or adhesive. An underlayment is used to create a moisture barrier between the concrete and the engineered planks. Commonly used underlayments include polyethylene or polypropylene foam sheets, but always use the type of underlayment recommended by the manufacturer.

Radiant Heating Sweetens the Deal

Radiant floor heating systems work by circulating heated water or an anti-freeze mixture through tubes beneath the finished floor. Some radiant systems consist of electric cables, although these are typically more expensive to operate. The heat radiates upwards from under the floor, warming the room evenly and effectively.

Radiant heating is now widely used below grade, thanks to advances in technology. A radiant floor heating system in the basement reduces energy costs associated with heating the space, and it can improve the resale value of your home. Radiant heating is quiet, and it eliminates air currents associated with forced-air heating. 

Several different types of radiant floor heating systems are available for the basement, and which is best for you depends on a number of factors. Above-floor systems are installed on top of the concrete slab and below the finished flooring. Below-floor systems are installed under a subfloor. In new constructions, the radiant heating system can be installed beneath the concrete. 

Whether your basement spaces include a home gym, a guest bedroom, a game room, or a home office, there’s an ideal flooring for your below-grade living area. Be sure to prepare your floor properly, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparation and installation. The result will be a beautiful, durable, and moisture-resistant floor for your basement rooms.

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While bamboo is growing in popularity, it’s still a flooring material that many people are unfamiliar with. That can make daily and deep cleaning a little confusing for some. Luckily, bamboo flooring is a low-maintenance material that’s ideal for busy spaces.

Use this guide to learn more about choosing the right bamboo floor cleaner for daily and deep cleaning.

Use a Microfiber Mop for Daily Maintenance

Strong and resilient, bamboo flooring can take a lot of abuse before it starts to look worse for wear. That doesn’t mean you need to put bamboo to the test by using abrasive cleaning products. For daily cleaning, a soft microfiber mop and a little bit of clean water will do the trick.

Microfiber mops are also particularly good at picking up pet hair that can end up on your floors.

Break Out the Broom or Vacuum

Using a microfiber mop to tackle every inch of your floors is relatively fast and easy. When you’ve got 10 minutes to clean up before friends and family come over though, you might need an ever faster option. Enter your trusty broom or modern vacuum.

A soft-bristled broom is an easy solution for quickly cleaning up entry areas, walkways and smaller spaces. A vacuum fitted with a felt head is even faster. Just make sure you’re not using a vacuum with a hard head or beater bar. These can scratch your floors or leave unsightly marks in some cases.

Try a Do-It-Yourself Vinegar Solution

Using a microfiber mop, a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a felt head all make it easy to give your bamboo floors a quick cleaning. Sometimes you need a little more cleaning power to get rid of spots, spills, sticky residue and other unsightly blemishes.

A little white vinegar is all you need in most cases. To use white vinegar, create a mixture that’s 1-part vinegar to 4-parts clean water. Apply the mixture to your floors as you would any premade cleaner, using a damp microfiber pad or cloth.

Note that undiluted white vinegar shouldn’t be used as a bamboo floor cleaner, as it may damage your floor’s finish. You also want to avoid harsh cleaning agents like bleach, oils and abrasive scrubs.

Go for a Safe Pre-Made Cleaner

A homemade vinegar bamboo floor cleaner is inexpensive and fully functional for basic maintenance. There are safe pre-made products on the market that you can use on bamboo floors if you don’t want to go the DIY route though.

One of the top offerings today is Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Made with pH neutral ingredients that won’t damage bamboo, Bona is an easy to get through a wide variety of retailers, hardwood stores and online outlets.

Use Specialty Bamboo Floor Cleaners

Is it time to deep clean your bamboo floors? About once per year, depending on the foot traffic in your home, a specialty bamboo floor cleaner can be used to restore your flooring to its original look.

Why only once per year? Because these specialty products made for deep cleaning are too harsh for regular use. If your floors take a lot of abuse, you may be able to stretch to bi-annual deep cleanings. In general though, more is less when it comes to using specialty bamboo floor cleaner.

Hire Professional Cleaning Services

Deep cleaning your bamboo floors annually can preserve their finish and bring well-trod areas back to life. Doing it yourself isn’t your only choice however. Having your bamboo floors cleaned by professionals on an annual basis is something many people choose to do.

If you don’t want to use more abrasive chemicals yourself, this may be an ideal option for you. Pros will also do an excellent job that ensures your floors looks spectacular for as long as possible. Hiring a professional service once per year is also generally quite cost-effective for most spaces.

Cleaning your bamboo floors isn’t rocket science. With the right DIY products and readymade cleaners, you can tackle basic messes, spills and keep your floors looking spotless every day of the week.

Then, for serious deep cleaning a few times a year, pH neutral specialty cleaning products are an excellent choice. Hiring professionals once per year can enhance your cleaning routine even more. Simple, right?

Looking to learn more about bamboo flooring or see how it compares to other durable options like engineered hardwood? From choosing the right material to installation and maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to one of our trained representatives today so you can get the answers you need.

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Bamboo flooring installation requires a fair amount of skill, and if you’ve never worked installing a floor before, bamboo isn’t necessarily the most forgiving material to try your hand with. That’s why many people hire a professional when they’re going to take on a bamboo flooring installation project.

However, there are some bamboo flooring installation tips that can help you make sure you project is running smoothly even if you don’t do the work on your own. Use this guide to learn more about bamboo flooring and how to properly install it in any room in your home.

Evaluate Your Subfloor

Installing a bamboo floor means ensuring that your room is ready for the job. The first step is to make sure your concrete or wood subfloor is up to the task. Here are some tips to help you get your subfloor ready for a bamboo floor installation:

•   Check that your subfloor is durable and ready for installation. Bamboo flooring isn’t as heavy as natural stone or some other flooring products, but it does require proper support for long-term durability and safety. You’ll also want to make sure that any glue, paint or sealant is properly removed from your existing subfloor before you start the bamboo installation process.

•   Use a moisture meter designed for concrete if you’ve had a new subfloor installed. You’ll want your subfloor to have a moisture reading of no more than 6% before you begin work. In many cases, it takes 60 to 90 days for a new concrete subfloor to be ready for bamboo installation.

•   Determine if a self-leveling compound is needed for a concrete floor. Starting with a level floor is essential when installing bamboo or any other type of flooring material.

•   Sand, plane or fill high or low spots on your wood subfloor if necessary.

•   Make sure a vapor barrier is in place if you’re installing engineered bamboo below grade.

Let Your Bamboo Acclimate to Your Space

Bamboo, even engineered bamboo, has a lot of organic matter in it. All of that organic matter means that bamboo flooring is highly susceptible to swelling and shrinking in a new climate or region. In many cases, you may be getting bamboo that is delivered or shipped from a location fairly far from your home. That means that your bamboo flooring needs to acclimate to your new space.

Here’s how you can tackle the acclimation process for a bamboo flooring installation:

•   Put your bamboo flooring in the room where it will be installed. Leave your flooring material in the box if that is how it is delivered.

•   Make sure the boxes are flat. Avoid stacking multiple boxes on top of one another.

•   Leave your bamboo flooring in the room to acclimate for a minimum of 48 hours. Ideally, you should give this process one week before installation begins.

Lay Out Your Design

Bamboo is a natural material, which means you’re likely to see a variety of color variations when you evaluate your product. This is normal and helps give your room visual depth and a timeless design. Simply placing your bamboo flooring material without a pattern in mind however may not give you the result that you’re looking for.

Here are a few tips to help you quickly and easily plan how you want to put your bamboo planks down:

•   Remove your bamboo flooring material from the box or remove plastic wrapping. You need to see all of your flooring material together to create a design.

•   Separate the bamboo flooring material into light, medium and dark sections.

•   Stagger your color pattern throughout the installation process for a more natural look. This will help you avoid large patches of light color followed by darker planks or boards that may look out of place.

Use Proper Nailing Procedures

Installing a bamboo floor can be tricky work best left to a professional. That’s because tongue fracture and surface dimpling can be a big problem if bamboo is improperly installed. Here are some tips for nailing bamboo to keep in mind whether you do the work yourself or not:

•   Don’t use damaged boards. Twisted, crooked, cracked or bowed boards should be discarded. These can cause problems down the road.

•   Use the correct nail and fastener type for the thickness of your floor. In many cases, 18-guage floor nailers and cleats will work, but thinner and thicker bamboo flooring materials may require different tools.

•   Space fasteners roughly every eight to 10-inches. Use at least two fasteners per board.

•   Pay attention to your nail angle if you notice buckling or surface dimpling. You may need to adjust your nail angle to prevent this from occurring.

It’s important to note that nailing bamboo is a common method, but it may not work with every type of bamboo. If you’re noticing a lot of surface dimpling, you may need to switch to another method. Gluing bamboo to the subfloor is a common option that may work for your needs.

Bamboo flooring is a brilliant, natural material that works well in modern and transitional homes. Renewable and strong, it’s also built to last for many years to come. Available in a wide range of looks from natural to distressed, finding the ideal style to match your space and existing décor should be a breeze as well.

Do you have questions about choosing the right bamboo flooring material for your entryway, living room, den, bedroom or family room? We can help you find the right flooring material and provide you with valuable bamboo flooring installation tips to help you through the process.

Reach out to us today so you can start enjoying your new bamboo floors before you know it. We know you’ll love the look and feel of bamboo in your home.

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The living room and the kitchen are two of the most-used rooms in the home but their needs are very different, which often results in two different flooring types in these spaces. Keep the look between the two rooms smooth and safe by ensuring that there are proper floor transitions between rooms. The types of transition you need depends greatly on what type of flooring is installed in each of the spaces.

Why Do You Need A Room Transition Strip?

Different types of flooring feature different installation types. Putting one edge straight against another edge would result in uneven and raw areas that would not hold up to wear and tear and which could even make it easy to trip. Placing a proper room transition strip from one room to another helps protect both types of flooring and provide a clean, finished look. Visually, the transition strip acts as a reminder to anyone walking through the home that there may be a slight height difference between two types of flooring.

Not only are room transition strips a visually pleasing way to complete flooring installation; they are also a way to allow for the proper expansion and contraction of the flooring itself. In the warm weather of the summer and spring floorings such as hardwood and vinyl tends to expand a bit. In cold weather, the flooring contracts. The space under the transition strips allows for the expansion and contraction without creating a gap between the two floorings.

Multi-Floor Transition

When you have multiple flooring types in one house, keep all the room transitions consistent by opting for a four-in-one transition strip. This four-piece design makes it easy to bridge the gap between many different flooring types, depending upon what pieces you use. This makes it a versatile solution if you have carpet in a living room, tile in an entry, and laminate in a sunroom.

Between Hard Floors

When you have two hard floors that but up against one another, a T-shaped transition strip is the ideal solution. The top of the transition strip bridges the gap between the two hard floors, which are able to come right up to the bar that extends from the center of the transition strip.

How to Transition Between Two Different Wood Floors

When two different wood floors come together, a simple strip, called a seam binder, makes the ideal transition. This piece of wood is the same height as most wood planks and screws into place, providing a finished look at the junction where two wood floors meet. This seam binder simply screws into place, making it fast and easy to install. Purchase them finished to coordinate with the wood flooring you chose or unfinished and stain or paint them the color of your choice.

Carpet to Ceramic Tile

When connecting carpet to ceramic tile, there is a two-piece transition that is needed. The first piece is a metal strip with tacks along the edge that secure the end of the carpet in place so it can be stretched properly. Next, a vinyl transition strip clicks into the holder attached to the metal strip, smoothing out the transition between the two types of flooring and giving it a finished look.

Flooring Transitions From Wood to Tile

Generally, tile is a much thicker product than a plank of wood or laminate. The result can be uneven. Get a smooth transition from. Bathroom or kitchen tile to the surrounding wood by using a transition strip designed specifically to bridge these two flooring materials.  To account for the tile to hardwood transition height difference, one side of the strip is slightly more accommodating on the underside, allowing for the height difference.

Vinyl to Tile Transitions

Tile is a thick material with mortar or thin-set underneath. Vinyl, on the other hand, is very thin. This difference in material heights makes it necessary to get a tile to vinyl transition strip that features a gentle curve, smoothing the transition between the two heights and making the slight difference visually noticeable.

Carpet to Edge

Transitions don’t just happen from one type of flooring to the other. They also take place between carpet and the surrounding walls. Begin any carpet installation by screwing a metal carpet edge gripper into place. A series of spikes along the strip make it easy to stretch the carpet correctly and keep it secured, right up to the edge of the room. Once installed, a metal lip curves over the edge of the carpet to prevent the carpet from fraying.

Having one consistent flooring that runs through the entire house can make a space feel large but it often is not realistic. Hardwood floors look chic in a living room but they aren’t practical for kitchens and bathrooms where water damage can occur.  In wet spaces, ceramic tile or luxury vinyl flooring makes a more durable choice. Whether you are laying floors in a brand new home or simply updating a single room of the space, transition strips are a necessary part of the installation process. Transition strips are designed to minimize visual disruption while providing a smooth and protective gap between two flooring types.

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Entryway Flooring Options

Decorating any entryway requires a flooring that offers the ideal combination of durability and style. Color, style, daily maintenance, and whether or not the flooring requires professional installation or not all factor into which entryway flooring will best suit the needs of the home. All of the flooring materials listed below make a great choice for this much-used part of the home. Check out the pros and cons of each to make the best decision for your space.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Ceramic tile and porcelain tile are two of the most popular flooring options. Not only are they one of the most affordable flooring options, but they are also resistant to moisture, muck, and grime. They are easy to sweet and mop clean and don’t easily show signs of wear. When the entryway is part of an open-concept home, the same tiles can be continued throughout the living, dining, and kitchen areas for a seamless effect.

Because ceramic and porcelain tile are man-made materials, they come in a full range of color and finish options. There are even tiles designed to look like wood planks, granite, and other natural stone varieties. The versatility of design makes it easy to achieve any overall design style.

Luxury Vinyl

You never have to fear tracking in rain, snow, or mud when there’s luxury vinyl planks in the entryway. This high-end synthetic wood material offers the texture, color, and look of hardwood with the added benefit of being completely waterproof. It is easy to install over a wide variety of different subfloors, making it ideal for a quick renovation project.

This material is easy to cut to size using a sharp utility knife, making it easy enough to take on as a do-it-yourself project. Simply click the tiles together and finish the floor with new quarter-round. There’s no need to seal or grout luxury vinyl tiles. This budget-friendly flooring options I often much less expensive to install than ceramic tile, natural stone tiles, or engineered hardwood because the material is affordable and professional installation is optional.

Slate Tile

Slate is a natural stone material that is a popular choice in outdoor spaces. It’s great for decks and home facades because of its ability to hold up to the elements, which makes it a great option for use inside the home as well. Slate tile is going to be more of an investment that ceramic, porcelain, or luxury vinyl but it will also become a statement-making addition to your interior décor. It is also a great choice for resale, as many home buyers are interested in natural tile flooring.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors give the look of hardwood with additional benefits built right in. Not only are they much more budget-friendly than traditional hardwood, but waterproof engineered hardwood now exists. Make sure to check the individual specifications of the engineered hardwood to determine the durability of the product in high-traffic areas of the home like the entryway floor.

Bamboo

When it comes to making an environmentally-friendly choice for a home, bamboo is an excellent choice. Not only is bamboo natural and sustainable, but it is also an incredibly durable flooring selection. The versatile design of the material makes it suitable for use in the entryway, living areas, and many other spaces throughout the home. Like hardwood flooring, bamboo comes in a wide variety of finish options, making it easy to achieve the same elegance of natural wood with much more durability. Unfortunately, bamboo is not a great choice for homes in extremely cold or dry climates. It is also prone to showing scratches, especially if pets are present. Using an area rug over bamboo floors can help prevent scratches.

Protecting Your Entryway Floors

Simply adding a welcome mat or area rug over the entryway floor goes a long way to extending the lifespan of the flooring chosen. Rugs are inexpensive and easy to change out seasonally or whenever they start to show signs of wear. Keep a rug pad under the rug to help prevent the rug from shifting or moving with foot traffic. Putting down a tray for shoes and boots will help to keep any mud and muck contained and off the surface of your entryway floors. This is especially important when hardwood floors or any other flooring options that are not waterproof or water resistant.

Each flooring material offers a wide array of color and style options from which to choose. Consider the daily use of the space, the number of rooms requiring flooring, and the overall budget of the project when making final selections. Be sure to factor into the equation all installation costs and supplies. With new flooring in place, the foyer is sure to become an inviting entryway to the rest of your home.

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Hardwood flooring offers a traditional elegance but doesn’t make a great choice for every room. Vinyl plank flooring and wood look tiles are durable alternatives that provide the look of wood while offering more versatility and less expense. When it comes to vinyl plank vs. wood look tile, they each provide similar looks, but offer their own benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the differences in the products will help you determine the best flooring for your space.

Before you can decide which product is right for the space, it is important to understand the differences in the two products. Vinyl plank flooring is a multi-layer material that provides an attached underlayment for easy installation. The vinyl top layer offers the look and sometimes even the texture of wood. Wood look tiles are porcelain or ceramic tiles with a finish that emulates the look of a natural wood. Both options are man-made and durable choices that can be run from the front door through every room in the home.

Vinyl Plank vs. Wood Look Tiles: How Each Measures Up

Durability

Both vinyl planks and wood look tiles are waterproof and pet friendly, making them ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and mudrooms. The incredible strength of the material makes it a great choice for families with pets, as their claws will not scratch the surface of either material. While both are durable, they are susceptible to some wear and tear over time.

When moving heavy furniture over vinyl plank floors, make sure to lift the feet to prevent gauges and tears. In some cases, dropping a heavy item on wood look tile can result in a crack of the tile. For the longest-lasting results, look for vinyl plank flooring designed for commercial grade use or wood look tile with a PEI rating of 4 or 5.

Styles

Vinyl plank flooring and wood look tile come in a wide array of colors to choose from, making it easy to find a product that mimics the look of any type of hardwood. Keep it classic with a rich oak-inspired finish or bring a rustic, casual look to the space with a gray farmhouse-style product. With so many different options available, it is easy to find on that elevates your existing home or business décor.

Colors

Wood look tile and vinyl come in a wide rainbow of hues, ranging from light and casual to deep and dramatic in tone. Lighter colors can make a room appear larger while darker colors make a big room seem more intimate and inviting. Dark floors often require more frequent vacuuming because dust is more visible against the surface. Browse the entire collection and consider the tone of existing cabinetry, walls, and furnishings when selecting the color that makes the best choice for your space.

Sizes

Because both the vinyl planks and tiles are crafted to resemble the look of wood, they are long and rectangular in shape. Most brands of vinyl are either four inches or eight inches wide and measure four feet in length. The tile is most often offered in four-inch-wide planks that can measure one foot, two feet, or four feet long. Vinyl plants cut easily with a sharp utility blade while the tiles require a tile saw to cut the pieces to length.

Environmental Impact

When ceramic tile is removed, it is taken to a landfill. Luxury vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is typically crafted of recycled materials and can be recycled after removal. Because they are both man-made, there is some environmental impact attributed to the production of both materials to consider as well.

Costs

Luxury vinyl planks have become a popular choice because of the look they offer and the inexpensive price point of the product. Not only is the price per square foot incredibly affordable, but the fact that it can be installed easily saves the expense of hiring professionals. Ceramic tile can be budget-friendly as well but requires professional installation and typically costs more per square foot than vinyl plank floors by the time they are in place.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Both vinyl plank flooring and wood look tiles can be cleaned by vacuuming and mopping on occasion. If a floating plank ever gets damage, it can often be replaced. At initial installation, make sure to reserve a couple extra planks for any repairs needed down the line. Wood look tiles exposed to direct sunlight do have the possibility of fading over time. If a wood look tile cracks or the grout around the tile starts to break down, re-grouting or replacing a tile may become necessary.

When trying to achieve the look of hardwood floors at a fraction of the price, both vinyl plank flooring and wood look floors make a fashionable choice. These strong and durable alternatives go places that hardwood flooring is not an option, including kitchens and even bathrooms. Make your open concept space seem larger and more fluid by running the same tile or plank flooring from the front door through the back of the home without breaking the visual line!

So when it comes to vinyl plank vs. wood look tile, which would you choose?

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The flooring is the foundation for the rest of the room. It needs to be fashionable, easy-to-clean, and durable, especially in high-traffic areas throughout the home. Whether you are laying new floors in a single room or updating the flooring throughout the home, choosing the right product is a crucial first step. Understanding the differences in high-traffic flooring materials can help you determine which flooring option best suits the needs of your space.

First, consider the needs of the space. How many people pass through the room daily? Are children and pets a consideration? Use those initial considerations and the overall style of the space to choose a product that will elevate the design.

High-Traffic Flooring Options for Your Home

Luxury Vinyl

It doesn’t get more high-traffic than commercial buildings, and most luxury vinyl tile and plank products are rated to hold up to commercial use. This makes it a great high-traffic flooring option for a busy home as well. This easy-to-install product is also a great project for the weekend warrior. Vinyl flooring comes in a wide array of different colors and textures, all at a price point that works within most budgets. The cost-effective nature of this material has made it an increasingly popular choice.

This durable option holds up to high-traffic areas without scratching or scuffing. Because it is waterproof, it is ideal for wet areas of the home such as mudrooms and laundry rooms. This makes it possible to run the same luxury vinyl flooring through every room of the house, even the bathroom and kitchen. Even furniture won’t tend to gouge this long-lasting flooring.

Natural Stone

There are few materials as resilient as natural stone. Granite, limestone, and sandstone are a great way to bring the beauty of a natural product into the home. The timeless elegance of natural stone makes it a flooring that will hold up to many years of enjoyment. Of all the flooring options, natural stone is one of the most expensive, depending on which type of stone is selected. It also requires professional installation for durable results.

Some natural floors require a sealant at installation. Review the many different types of sealers available to ensure you select one designed to hold up to high-traffic areas throughout the home. Natural stone is so durable, it is even approved for outdoor and transitional spaces, such as patios, lanais, and even pool decks.

Laminate Flooring

When it comes to affordability and durability, laminate flooring is a long-time favorite among high-traffic flooring options. This material is easy to install, eliminating the need to pay for professional installation. This versatile flooring material gives you the look of wood, tile, and other materials at a fraction of the cost. This man-made material features a layered process and comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from about 6 mm up to roughly 15 mm. Review the specific laminate product carefully to select the one that will provide you with the best durability possible.

Engineered & Solid Hardwood

When you’re looking for traditional style, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood provide classic elegance. These products, although beautiful, tend to experience wear and tear in high-traffic areas of the home. If this is the flooring for you, there are a few strategies that will help keep the floors protected on a day-to-day basis. First, choose one of the harder, more durable wood types or engineered wood options. During installation, finish the floors with a protective top-coat.

Finally, take precautions to limit scratches and dents by trimming the nails of any pets and keeping cleats and high heels off the floors and in the entryway or mudroom. A decorative rug near the front door will provide an extra layer of protection while you’re kicking off your shoes. Of course, you can get the look of wood and the durability of tile by choosing wood look tile instead.

Porcelain Tile

For the everyday lifestyle of a busy household, porcelain tile is an excellent haigh-traffic flooring choice. This dense product comes in a range of PEI ratings, with 0 being the weakest and 5 being the strongest. When shopping for porcelain tiles to lay in your high-traffic areas, look for those with a PEI rating of either 4 or 5. Porcelain tile is available in a wide range of textures, colors, and styles, making it easy to find that that perfectly coordinates with the look of your home or business.

With so many different flooring options available, it is easy to find an option that provides both style and durability. Keep it classic with a porcelain tile or utilize today’s technologies by laying luxury vinyl flooring down in the home. Once you’ve determined the right type of product, choose a color and style that speaks to the overall aesthetic of the space. Give any hard flooring an added layer of protection in high-traffic areas by considering an area rug or runner near doorways.

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Cork and bamboo are both intriguing flooring options that offer an alternative to traditional hardwood. If you’re considering new flooring for your home, these are both eco-friendly options that can help you maintain a home that’s a little lighter on the earth. Learn more about the pros and cons of bamboo and cork floors so you can decide which of these beautiful flooring options is the best choice for your next home improvement project.

Similarities of Cork and Bamboo

You’ll find that cork and bamboo are often discussed together because both are eco-friendly flooring options. These products give the home a beautiful appearance while making a minimal impact on the environment. Environmentally conscious consumers enjoy these picks because they’re far more sustainable than hardwood flooring.

It takes 30 to 100 years for trees to reach the proper maturity for traditional wood flooring. Timber is harvested at maturity and replanted, at which point the lengthy cycle must begin again. In contrast, bamboo reaches maturity in just five to seven years. This grass is cut at the ground level and regrows from the roots another five to seven years after each harvest.

Cork flooring is made from wood bark, so it can be harvested without killing the tree. Cork trees reach maturity at 25 years. Once the bark is peeled away, it can regenerate on the live tree in nine to 12 years. A single cork tree will typically live 150 to 200 years, though these trees can live up to 800 years.

Cork Flooring Pros

Evora Pallets Cork – Long Plank Terra Collection – Floating Floor / SKU: 10084484

Cork is a soft flooring option that provides ample cushioning underfoot. It compresses under the weight of your body, so you’ll enjoy natural give with every step. This same feature makes cork a good insulator, both acoustically and thermally. Despite its softness, cork is still a very durable product. It’s resistant to cracks and bounces back easily from most dents.

Cork is excellent at protecting your family from potential hazards. The anti-bacterial flooring is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. It’s resistant to fire as well, and will not ignite until it reaches extremely high temperatures.

You can get cork in planks or tiles to suit your decorating style. It’s available in many hues as well. The color of the cork permeates its entire thickness, so the shade doesn’t change, even as the cork sustains long-term wear. Cork flooring will typically last for around 40 years.

Cork floor installation is quick and easy. Most tiles have self-adhesive backing so you can place them in a peel-and-stick manner. Another option is a thin-set mortar adhesive.

Cork Flooring Cons

Though cork flooring doesn’t dent easily, it can sustain scratches. Cork isn’t usually the best option for a home with pets, where sharp claws will make regular contact with the material. Pointy objects like small floor legs and high heels can puncture the floor, causing major damage.

It’s difficult to repair cork when damage does occur. The best option is to replace the entire tile, so you may need to keep some extra tiles on hand. Cork flooring must be sealed to protect it from moisture damage. You should be careful about using water on this material and damp-mop only as needed. Dust mopping is a better choice.

Some spills will stain cork flooring, and sunlight can bleach some of the color out of this product. Proper sealing will protect the flooring from minor water damage, but the material will discolor and warp if flooded. If cork flooring is regularly exposed to humidity, it may curl and expand, which can cause entire tiles to pop out of place. Cork does best in a low-humidity environment.

Bamboo Flooring Pros

Selkirk ENGINEERED Collection Engineered Strandwoven Smooth Finish / SKU: 15230516

Bamboo flooring is popular for its ability to mimic many other hardwood flooring styles. It’s available in a wide range of colors. You can find varying shades of bamboo in its natural state. The product can also be stained to provide a broader range of options to suit nearly any aesthetic preferences.

For durability, bamboo is a solid choice. It’s as hard as red oak and relatively moisture-resistant. Compared to solid hardwood, bamboo flooring contracts and expands less. Cleaning it is quick and easy with a damp mop. You can expect to get 20 to 25 years out of bamboo floors with the regular wear and tear of a family. Bamboo floors that get less wear can last 50 years or more.

There are several different ways to install bamboo flooring. You can float it over other floors or install it using nails or glue. It’s important for bamboo to acclimate to the environment before installation. Professional installation is the best option.

When you’re purchasing bamboo, it’s important to make sure the product comes from a reliable supplier. If the bamboo is harvested too early, it won’t have the optimum hardness. The best bamboo for strength and hardness is Moso bamboo that’s been allowed to mature for at least five years before harvesting.

Bamboo Flooring Cons

Bamboo’s hardness is usually considered a strength, but this feature also makes the flooring noisier than a softer pick like cork. If you’re looking to minimize sound in your home, you might want a different option. If bamboo flooring is exposed to direct sunlight, it can begin to lose some of its color. Bamboo also stains easily, so it’s important to seal it properly.

Make sure you’re knowledgeable about the installation process that will be used for your bamboo floors if you’re going this route. Bamboo flooring is often installed with a formaldehyde glue. This adhesive off-gases hazardous chemicals that are linked to respiratory problems. Look for bamboo products that come with a lengthy warranty to help minimize some of the potential problems that you can encounter with bamboo.

Both cork and bamboo have great strengths that can make them strong contenders for your flooring project. If you want something soft and insulating for a pet-free home, cork is the best option. For a durable yet sustainable flooring option, bamboo may be the right pick. Factor in all your needs to decide which type of flooring is right for you.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/engineered-hardwood-versus-bamboo-flooring-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.homeflooringpros.com/blog-guides/pros-cons-bamboo-flooring-vs-cork-flooring

https://www.floorcoveringweekly.com/main/features/millennials-spur-interest-in-bamboo-cork-18546

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/sustainable-flooring-bamboo-and-cork/

https://www.thespruce.com/bamboo-vs-cork-flooring-1821760

https://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/the-benefits-of-cork-flooring

https://www.thespruce.com/cork-flooring-pros-and-cons-1314688

https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/the-lowdown-on-bamboo-flooring

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