It is never an easy decision choosing the appropriate flooring for the kitchen. With the amount of chaos that frequents this particular area of the home, it takes some real consideration before choosing between tile and hardwood flooring.

Some things to consider include durability, functionality and ultimately the flooring materials. Take a look at the following points before making a decision.

Things to consider

The most commonly used flooring materials in the kitchen space is tile and hardwood. Kitchens tend to be a room within the house that is used most frequently with cooking, baking, or activity happening within the room at least three times a day.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are times the kitchen is most commonly used, and we can’t forget about holidays. Get a floor that is durable enough to take the intensity of pie baking, turkey prepping and dish washing, with accidents and all.

The flooring ought to have the capability of withstanding the constant movement of multiple pairs of feet coupled with the durability to withstand the blunt force trauma of falling pots, pans, glass and cooking utensils, as well as hot coffee spills, boiling water spills, sticky egg yolk or syrup spills, sauce spills and any type of accident that you wouldn’t think would happen but does.

Whether it be because your kid distracted you, the dog bumped something, or you accidentally knocked into something, accidents are always bound to happen. Tile is capable of withstanding the abuse that might occur day to day, and hardwood has a great propensity to sustain damage. Both options are better to have than carpets and rugs in these areas as it is harder to get such accidents removed from and harder to endure all the commotion that occurs in the kitchen.

Warnings

Before you make your decision, you should be aware that Tile density and moisture absorption have an indirect relationship. The tile becomes stronger as weight or density increases, however as this happens, the amount of moisture the tile can absorb becomes less. Keep this in mind if you have a lot of clumsy spillers in the family.

Hardwood on the other hand will expand and contract due to moisture and temperature changes that can cause slight hairline cracks, slight height variations, or both. However, this is not considered a defect as you should understand that wood moves naturally.

For more helpful information, visit our website and checkout the ‘before you buy’ section under tile https://bit.ly/2H1EhB8 and hardwood https://bit.ly/2JekfZl for more things to consider in order to buy the floor better sustainable for your particular home life.

Style

When it comes to the decorative aspect of flooring, personal preference and taste can accentuate and sophisticate the kitchen space.

For a more relaxed, inviting and homely feel consider hardwood. The natural accents bring about a rustic and classical feel. Between the earthy wood tones and warm color palette hardwood adds a unique personality and feel to the kitchen.

Tile on the other hand is sleek, elegant and minimalistic. Where the dark, earthy tones of the hardwood provide a warm and inviting sense to the kitchen, tile illuminates bringing forth vibrance and energy. Accentuated by natural lighting, tile can provide a greater sense of space to a smaller kitchen space.

Time to choose

Choosing the flooring that is best suited for your kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful, it can be fun! Get in the decorative mood and picture the type of kitchen floor you want! Consider the materials that best suit your home life and allow for your personality to dictate the direction you choose!

Looking to furnish your home gym with just the right flooring?

Having home gym can be a great way to save time & money – it’s always open when you want it to be, and it’s a space to work on your fitness in private.

If you’re considering designing a home gym of your own, or simply looking to spruce up your current gym with new flooring, then you’ll want to choose floors that are just the right combination of safe and functional.

There are many options for gym floors, each with pros and cons.  You can tile a gym floor, put down industrial carpet, or even lay hardwood.  Your decision should be based on your space, the type of equipment you use, and how you want your space to fit into the overall design of your home.

Before you make a decision, consider the safety, durability, functionality & maintenance of different gym flooring options so you don’t have to take a leap of faith with your decision.

Safety

When you think about safety, consider the types of exercises are you going to be doing, how experienced you are, and the type of equipment that will be going into your space.

Carpet is one option. A rubber-soled cross-trainer shoe will have a sufficient amount of traction on a carpet surface, greatly lowering your chances of a tumble. Furthermore, the natural cushion of carpeting provides just enough of a barrier between your equipment and the ground to prevent damage.

Be sure to choose a carpet with a lower pile – too much cushion could also result in injury. Commercial or industrial carpet would be your best bet.

There are various hard surface flooring types that we also recommend. Hardwood, laminate & luxury vinyl all  offers a bit of give and can be easier to keep clean. They also feature an attractive, inviting look. You can pair wood flooring with rubber-soled rugs & mats that will grip the floor and give certain areas in your home gym a bit more cushion.

Durability

When considering the durability factor, you have options.

Carpeting provides just enough give in case a piece of heavy equipment is dropped, making it a solid choice. Tile, though durable as well, is also hard and rigid. One slip can cause a serious crack in the flooring, it may not be suited for spaces where you’ll be doing heavier weight training.

Typically your best option is a type of flooring that holds up to lots of movement and deals well with stains. A carpet with a thicker yarn construction will be able to hold up against the pounding and accumulation of sweat that’s inevitable when you’re getting your fitness on! You can also choose from a variety of luxury vinyl tile and laminate options that are designed specifically to resist stains of all kinds!

Both vinyl & laminate flooring are available in attractive wood looks that will give your home gym the warm and welcoming vibe you need to get motivated to sweat!

Functionality

Whether your exercise routine consists of cardio, weight training or calisthenics, you need to consider the functionality of your flooring. Carpet, unlike tile, is inviting. If your program requires you to get down onto the floor it has just enough cushion and support to provide some comfort.

Traditional ceramic can be cold, it is most certainly hard, and is generally much less inviting. A gym space should be a welcoming space to encourage you to work out often. Instead, opt for a softer laminate or luxury vinyl tile in the warm look of natural stone or hardwood.

You may also see real hardwood in your fitness center for aerobics classes, but this type of surface tends to wear easily and could require a special sub-flooring for safety, which adds to your overall cost.

Maintenance

After you have made your choice in flooring, maintaining the cleanliness will ensure an enjoyable fitness space.

To keep bacteria buildup to a minimum, start with a quality dust mop & vacuum cleaner. Weekly cleaning will stave off the accumulation of dust, especially if your routine includes exercises performed on the floor. Be sure to address the nooks and crannies in and around gym equipment as these hard to reach areas tend to accumulate the most amount of dust.

If you go with carpet, shampooing is a less frequent but equally important option. This will also keep any unwanted smells and stains from taking away from the overall experience of working out at home.

Conclusion

When it comes to furnishing your home gym, a carpet with a very short pile is definitely our top recommendation flooring for you. It is safe, durable, functional and relatively easy to maintain. If you’d prefer a hard surface, try a laminate, vinyl or hardwood paired with mats & rugs throughout the room. We carry all types of carpet, hardwood & area rug options to suit your fitness needs!

Ready, set, go! When you put your house on the market, it is like a race to the finish line. You want to sell your home in the shortest amount of time, for the best price possible. Why is it important to have interest and offers quickly? Because the longer your house sits on the market, the less appealing it becomes to buyers. Also, the more offers you inspire, the better your odds of getting close to your asking price. So, how can you increase your odds in this particular real estate sweepstakes? Take the time to spruce up and make a few key changes before you put your house on the market. Here are five quick fixes that can boost your home appeal for sale.

Declutter

As anyone who’s ever watched an episode of “Fixer Upper” on HGTV can tell you – clean, uncluttered spaces reign supreme. Did you ever notice when a house is unveiled on HGTV that there are no toys strewn about the floor, no stacks of magazines on the counter, no mismatched books sagging from shelves, and a minimal assortment of doo-dads, knick-knacks, and tchotchkes? Clear off your counters, unstuff your bookcases, corral toys, minimize collectibles, and remove about half of the contents of every closet.

Neutralize

Before you put your house on the market, you should try to create a somewhat “blank canvas” onto which potential buyers can then imprint their own ideas and style. A fresh coat of paint can give your home a clean, crisp finish and also neutralize your décor. And if hunter green carpeting was all the rage when you bought your house, you might want to consider replacing those carpets with a simple tan to neutralize and update your interior.

Lighten Up

Let there be light…and lots of it! Few things are more welcoming, refreshing, and appealing to home buyers than a home filled with natural light. Remove heavy draperies and window treatments. Have windows professionally cleaned. Install bright light bulbs and open every shade before showings.

Installing laminate flooring in new home indoor

Update Floors

Hardwood floors continue to be the buyer’s choice. If you have a house full of carpet, consider replacing some of it – particularly in “entertaining” spaces such as the dining or living room – with a solid surface such as hardwood or vinyl plank flooring. For spaces where you want to keep carpet – such as basements, bedrooms, or playrooms – examine your carpet. If it is a dated color (mauve?), or stained – replace it with fresh, neutral carpet to provide an immediate facelift. At a minimum, have carpets professionally cleaned, clean grout on tile floors, and polish hardwoods.

Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

First impressions are lasting. Home buyers will make a snap judgment about your home the minute they pull up in front of it. You don’t need to re-do your entire landscape. But, make sure the lawn is mowed and healthy looking. Cut back overgrowth on trees and shrubs – especially around windows and doors. Plant colorful flowers in beds, and fill flower pots with welcoming blooms. Clean off or put a fresh coat of paint on your door and put a new, clean welcome mat at the entry.

If you’re considering renovations, the first thing to decide is what type of flooring will work best in the room you’re designing. You need to think carefully about how each room in your home is used, and who uses it most. Other questions to ask yourself include how often you have to clean the room, and what messes you think will be the most common.

Once you have a better idea regarding how you plan to use the room, you’ll be able to truly figure out all the design elements needed from the foundation to the decoration.

Here are some key points to keep in mind for every room in your home:

Impress your guests with beauty and character

Your dining room is a place to entertain guests and bring people together. Create a space that is not only impressive and refined but also intimate and charming. Hardwood flooring is a great choice for a dining room. It can be cleaned quickly in case of spills, and a subtle area rug under the table can add style and character while catching additional messes.

Create a kitchen that is both trendy and functional

Kitchens are full of energy – you spend a lot of time on your feet and messes are bound to happen. They are also gathering spaces where families and friends spend time together. A great trend in many kitchens is luxury vinyl, a durable and easy-to-clean option that is available in incredibly realistic looks and textures of natural materials like hardwood.

Design your bathroom with purpose

In a bathroom, go for a clean, calming look while keeping in mind the amount of moisture that accumulates due to steamy showers and spillage. You can achieve the look you want with a durable, beautiful ceramic or porcelain tile, available in a variety of colors and rich, natural tones & patterns to match any style. Tile is also functional because it repels moisture and is easily wiped down. You’re not limited to tile, however. Mohawk SolidTech luxury vinyl is a high-tech waterproof option that allows you to bring other beautiful looks, like natural hardwood, into your bathroom space.

Wake up to comfort in your bedroom

When choosing flooring for the bedroom, ask yourself one question: When you wake up, what’s the first thing you’d like to feel underfoot? A plush, luxurious carpet is a perfect fit year-round, greeting you gently in the morning and making it easier to get out of bed. Carpet also insulates a room, dampening sound for a more peaceful, cozy space in which to rest. If you already have a hard surface floor in your bedroom, you can still achieve that same cozy feel with a soft area rug placed at the foot, underneath or at both sides of your bed.

Create a safe & soft playroom

When it comes to a safe environment for kids, you want to provide them with a soft, forgiving surface like a carpet where kids can comfortably sit, lay, and play. Low, tightly woven fibers are often easiest to clean, but if you’re looking for something plusher, Mohawk’s line of stain-resistant durable carpets are a perfect fit, both for comfort and for standing up to the mess.

It’s not called a mudroom for nothing!

It may not be the main entrance to your home, but your mudroom gets used often and catches a lot of dirt & moisture. Consider a waterproof laminate or luxury vinyl flooring, which will also resist odors, scratches, and stains. You can also go with natural ceramic or porcelain tiles with a darker grout that won’t visibly stain. All of these options are highly durable and low-maintenance, requiring only a simple sweep for debris or a quick mopping for tougher messes. Keep messes outside by adding a dark-colored rug in front of your doorway to catch dirt before it hits the floor.

Let your personality shine in the living room

Every family uses their living room a little differently, so the flooring you choose should work with your lifestyle.  Some opt for a hardwood or wood-look vinyl or laminate alternative to create a warm look that is easy to care for. Carpeting is great for a softer space, allowing for extra seating on the floor if you routinely entertain large groups. If pets are part of your family, make sure to choose a pet-friendly solution like Mohawk Flooring’s SmartStrand Forever Clean carpet with All Pet Protection or a pet-friendly luxury vinyl.

Choosing flooring is an exciting part of the design process of your home! When your new floors are finally installed, you’ll know you made the best choice for you and your lifestyle.

Winter is mild here in South Florida. It practically never snows, so unlike many regions of the country, your floors are rarely going to be exposed to the dangers of winter slush and road salt. Living in Florida comes with its own weather-related challenges. Miami alone gets more rain than almost any other city in the United States, which means your floors are going to be exposed to more than their fair share of moisture and mud if you don’t take the proper precautions against inclement weather.

Here are three simple tips for keeping your floors clean and protected against the elements.

Double up on doormats

When it rains, your shoes get wet and become magnets for dirt and debris that can be harmful to any type of flooring. Mud, grit, leaves and general moisture will get tracked into your home, and these can scratch hard surfaces and get ground down into carpets.

Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix. Simply place a durable, bristled doormat on the outside of each of your entryways. Then, double up with a lighter, washable welcome rug on the inside of each doorway. Your family and guests will have the opportunity to clean their shoes before they ever set foot on your floors.

Designate a mudroom

Mats are helpful, but having a designated entrance to your home that leads into a garage or mudroom will ensure that wet and dirty shoes and clothes are contained. Some good additions to any mudroom can include:

• A lipped rubber shoe mat or rack
• Spare towels for quick drying
• Wall hooks or racks for coats
• A large planter with a saucer for umbrellas
• A hamper for wet clothes

You may also consider placing a shoe mat or rack by each entrance for guests to store their shoes upon entering.

Regular, thorough cleaning 

No matter how many precautions you take against dirt and debris in your home, you can’t avoid it all. Inevitably, messes are going to get onto your floors.

The longer you let stains or dirt sit, the more damage they’ll do. You may not realize it, but walking around on unseen particles will crush and grind them into your floors.

Keep cleaning supplies handy so that you can get to messes as soon as they happen. Sweep up visible dirt regularly, and vacuum at least once a week to ensure that you’re picking up everything. You should also dry-mop your hard surfaces, and have your carpets cleaned professionally every 12 to 18 months by a professional service that offers hot water extraction.

With these simple tips in mind, you’ll be more than prepared for any weather that comes your way, any time of year!