Vinyl | Home Makeover Diva

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Planks And Tile

08.09.2016 by Amanda Hartley //

The most popular and fastest growing flooring type on the market today is Luxury Vinyl Plank or Tile. LVP (wood look) and LVT (tile look) for short. But why has this type of flooring gained so much of the market and does it deserve it? In this article, we will examine what makes luxury vinyl products so popular, as well as it’s pros and cons.

Choosing The Right Luxury Vinyl

Luxe Plank™ Luxury Vinyl By Armstrong – Two types of vinyl tiles available from Armstrong, Alterna and Alterna Reserve. Both styles offer a great natural stone look. However Alterna Reserve boasts a more stunning overall appearance that you would find with higher end stones. Luxe Plank™can be installed without grout if you prefer. Another consideration is that this luxury vinyl is available in tiles or planks. This allows you the option of using tiles in one part of your home while installing planks in another area. If you want a realistic looking floor that is modern and durable, Luxe Plank™might be right for you.
Floorte™: Luxury Vinyl Flooring By Shaw – Floorte™ offers you authentic luxury vinyl floors with a bright, impactful color palette. This vinyl flooring is waterproof, flexible, and durable. This vinyl flooring is a great idea for bathrooms, basements or anyplace else where exposure to water might take place. Floorte™is easily installed using its FOLD N GO™ locking system for easier flooring installation.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Popularity

So why is Luxury vinyl so popular? After all, isn’t Vinyl a bad word? Many clients have told me, “All the vinyl flooring, I’ve ever seen looks cheap.” It’s time to lose your preconceived notions and stop thinking about the vinyl flooring of yesteryear folks! Just in the last 15 years alone, the manufacturing technology has changed so much.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Offers Realism

Today’s vinyl flooring looks amazing. I’ve seen plank vinyl that looks like REAL wood. And vinyl tile I’ve had to feel with my own two hands before I could tell if it was porcelain or vinyl. And I’ve been doing this for 15 years. I used to be able to walk into a room and tell immediately what type of flooring is. Now I have to look closer, and often times feel it for warmth or texture before I can tell. On a few occasions, I’ve even had to pull up a flooring vent to see the cut edge of the flooring before I knew what it was. At first, I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t tell by just looking. After all, I’m the Home Makeover Diva. I should just know, right? Lol. Instead of being embarrassed, I’m ecstatic that vinyl looks so darn realistic. That means the flooring industry is doing something right and continues to innovate.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is Waterproof

I strongly believe that the biggest reason Luxury Vinyl Plank is so popular is because it gives you the look of hardwood, but in a nice waterproof package. Meaning that people with kids and pets can finally have ‘nice things’. Want to put hardwood in the bathroom, but afraid of it swelling because the kids take baths in that room? No worries, luxury vinyl has you covered. Want hardwood in your kitchen, but afraid your Golden Retriever will get more water on the floor than in his mouth? That’s okay, water cleans up easy, and won’t cause the vinyl to swell under the water dish.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is Durable

Luxury Vinyl comes in a variety of thicknesses with a range of warranties. Some are recommended for residential use only, but many have light to heavy commercial warranties. The reasoning for this is because most luxury vinyl products have the same type of finish as laminate flooring. Aluminum Oxide finishes are tough and help keep your flooring looking newer longer. Add this to a floor type that isn’t easy to dent and you have something that can take a beating but keep on ticking.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Pros And Cons

Writing out a separate list of pros seems redundant. The above items that make the flooring so popular are biggest reasons to purchase luxury vinyl. Add to that, the wide range of colors, styles and price points and it’s easy to see why anyone would choose luxury vinyl over another type of flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Is Durable, But Not Bulletproof

Let’s not forget that while luxury vinyl is very durable, it’s not bulletproof. It’s important to remember that no matter what a sales person tells you, luxury vinyl isn’t invincible. Any type of flooring is susceptible to damage. This is true of Luxury Vinyl, even the commercial rated stuff. If you drag a piece of furniture across it, it will scratch. If you have a large dog and never clip its nails, it can leave marks. If you don’t put door mats at exterior doors and track in pieces of gravel and debris it will scratch or dent your flooring. If you don’t use felt pads under your furniture legs, especially dining room chairs, you will scratch it. But these are all easily avoidable issues. And rules you should follow for any type of flooring. By simply using common sense you can avoid most of these issues.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Isn’t For Excessive Amounts Of Water

As for the flooring being 100% waterproof, if your fridge has a slow leak for days or weeks, it could damage the flooring. The fact is no flooring is warrantied for a water leak or excessive water. Let me repeat that, NO FLOORING IS WARRANTIED FOR A WATER LEAK. That doesn’t mean Luxury Vinyl will be damaged if you catch the water leak immediately. It just means it will probably fail if you go on vacation and come home 3 days after your water heater floods, and an inch of water has been sitting on it the whole time.

The Bottomline With Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl is a solid flooring choice. This vinyl performs exceedingly well when common sense practices are used. If I had a dollar for every bad comment I’ve read online, about a product that ‘failed’ but was really an easily avoidable mistake, I’d be writing this article while sunbathing on a tropical island.

I would gladly put luxury vinyl in any room of my house. I have two older dogs, and my goal is to replace the flooring in the entire house with Luxury Vinyl Plank. My biggest reason, being because it’s waterproof. While pet accidents don’t happen very often, I’d love the peace of mind in knowing that I can easily clean up any mess.

How to Repair Lifting Edges On Vinyl Tile

02.27.2015 by Amanda Hartley //

Vinyl peel and stick tiles are an easy do-it-yourself friendly type of project, but what do you do if the edges start lifting up? Simple re-glue them. If you aren’t sure how to do this then read on for step by step instructions on how to repair lifting edges on vinyl tile.

First step. You’ll need to make sure the area is clean by sweeping and mopping the area to be fixed. Making special care to remove any dust or debris near the lifting edges. By taking care of this first, you will be making sure that everything is working as it should be. Not removing dust and dirt, will translate into this vinyl repair not working and eventually will mean you’ll need to repair the lifting edges on the vinyl tile again.

Second step. If the area of the vinyl tile that’s lifting up is bigger than the size of a quarter, use a slightly damp rag or sponge to clean out under the area where the tiles are lifting. Then wait until it is fully dry, about 15-20 mins. You’ll want to take special care not to bend the vinyl tile in the process. Some tiles are extremely thin and can break with too much pressure. So when it doubt, take things slowly. It’s better to be overly careful than bend the tiles and leaving a bigger problem than when you started.

Third step. At this point, you’ll want to use a construction strength adhesive out of a tube to re-glue the area. Slide the tip under the lifted tile edge. Be sure you don’t over glue the area. Make a small bead of glue in the center of the area, keeping in mind that when the tile is flat it will smooth out and cover more area. Take extra care to be careful with how much glue is being applied here. Too much glue is just going to create problems, so remember that you only need to apply a single bead of the glue — nothing more.

Fourth step. Press the tile edge down firmly and apply pressure. Don’t be afraid to apply plenty of pressure to the area. Just try to make sure the pressure you’re applying is done with an even hand as not to bend the vinyl tile or anything like that. When in doubt, just be careful and take things slowly. While you want to be firm with your application of pressure, you certainly don’t want to be overly forceful.

Fifth step. Immediately wipe off any excessive glue with a damp rag. There isn’t really any technique to this, other than making sure all of the excess glue is in fact, being removed completely. The reason for this is that it prevents you from ending up with a mess in the near future. Remember, it’s easier to remove the glue before it dries, than after. At least once it’s oozing the vinyl tiles, that is.

Sixth and final step. Now you will need to go ahead and apply a heavy object directly over the affected area to hold it down until the glue dries. Leave over top of the affected area for a minimum of two hours, preferably overnight if possible. By leaving an appropriate amount of time to dry, you’re ensuring that the vinyl tile won’t begin showing lifting edges once again. But it is critical to allow both an appropriate amount of drying time along with hard, flat surfaced objects that will be helping the drying process along.

Tips For Installing Peel And Stick Vinyl Tiles

09.16.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today a friend asked my opinion on peel & stick vinyl tiles and I figured it was the perfect question to share with my readers. She wanted to know if it was really a doable project for herself and if it would last. So I told her what I tell everyone that asks that very same question. Yes, peel and stick vinyl tiles are a doable project and can last the test of time. Well, only if you follow these three steps:

1.) Prep the existing surface. The vinyl tiles cannot be installed on just any surface. No matter what surface you are sticking the tiles to, you need to make sure the area is clean of dust and debris. Sweep the area and then use a wet mop or sponge on the area. Wait till it dries then continue prepping the surface. If you have a plywood subfloor you are installing the vinyl tiles on, you need to roll on an adhesive primer. An adhesive primer will make a nice smooth surface for the glue on the vinyl tiles to stick to ensuring that your tiles will actually stick to the floor.

If you are going over an existing vinyl or linoleum flooring you will need to strip the old finish off first. I suggest using Armstrong’s New Beginning’s floor stripper. Once you have cleaned and stripped the old flooring you are ready to use an embossing leveler. An embossing leveler goes directly over the old vinyl and fills in any pattern lines or small dents and scratches. If you have large rips or dents you will need to fill those in with a floor patch prior to leveling. The embossing leveler also ensures you have a good surface to apply the new tiles over.

2.) Follow the instructions. Every brand of peel and stick vinyl tiles is different, so you need to read the manufacturers instructions. For example some brands print an arrow on the paper covering the sticky side of the tiles. This arrow is to help you install the tiles in the correct orientation, but you will only know that if you read the instructions! Even though the tiles appear square they fit together better when all placed down in the same direction.

When cutting the tiles it is best to use a utility knife or vinyl tile cutter. If you are using a utility knife it is best to score and then snap the tiles. Do not try to cut all the way through the tiles with a utility knife. If you don’t have the arm strength or don’t want to use a utility knife, use a vinyl tile cutter. It is similar to an old-fashioned paper-cutter and cuts all the way through the tile in one fell swoop.

Another rule of thumb is to take your time. It is best to only install the tile once. If you take your time, you will not have to remove them and then reposition them on the ground. It is better for the integrity of your glue if this is done only once!

3.) You get what you pay for. This one is important. When it comes to peel and stick vinyl tile the old adage is correct! I would stay away from anything under $.60 a square foot if you want the tiles to last more than a year or two. Typically speaking the more expensive peel and stick vinyl tiles are a better grade. Having a longer warranty, better finish, and thicker material.

Peel and stick vinyl tiles are one of those flooring projects that get a bad rap. But you really can do it yourself, you just have to make sure that you prep the existing surface, follow the instructions, and buy a quality product. Doing so will minimize problems with the tiles in the future. And like any other flooring product it wouldn’t hurt to have an extra box just in case you have a problem down the line and only need to replace a few. If you do it right the first time peel and stick vinyl tiles can last the test of time!

Flooring For A Kids Bathroom

07.02.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Margaret writes:

Dear Diva,

I am getting ready to put new flooring in my kids bathroom. I have three kids and they’re all under the age of six. I like wood and laminate but are not sure if they will hold up. Any suggestions?

Margaret, you’ve certainly got your hands full right now! You definitely want a flooring for a kids bathroom that is water proof. Otherwise you will just have to redo the flooring in a couple of years. I’d stay away from wood and laminate and I’d suggest going with tile or vinyl flooring.

When tile is installed properly, it is quite waterproof. The only concern to be aware of is the grout joints, because that is where water can penetrate. As long as you keep on the grout sealing and repair tile can last 20 years. Whether you will still like what you chose today in 20 years, is another question!

So if you’re thinking of going with tile, make sure you get one that has good texture and will not be a slipping hazard. Especially with those three young ones at home. You will want something that has just a little grip to it so that when it’s wet it still has some traction.

If tile is not the right choice for you, consider going with a vinyl flooring. Select sheet goods for the most water resistance possible. If a sheet vinyl is installed properly, the seams are taken care of and areas where caulking is applied (like the bathtub) are kept up on, vinyl can easily last for 10+ years.

Another vinyl option is vinyl plank flooring. It looks similar to laminate flooring but has adhesive strips instead of a click lock system. Vinyl planks are easy to install and when installed properly are also very water resistant. Contrary to popular belief Allure by Traffic Master and Lockhaven by Armstrong are good products and are indeed water resistant when installed properly.

Until the kids grow up, I’d stay away from laminate or wood flooring in the bathroom. It is just not designed to take that much water. Laminate and wood flooring is fine in a bathroom setting, when water spilling on the floor daily is not a concern. For now tile and vinyl are your best bet!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Painting Over Vinyl Flooring

06.11.2010 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Rita writes:

Hello….I saw your web page and have a question. I have a bluish-gray vinyl flooring running thru my house…I can’t afford to replace it (there’s nothing wrong with it), but I would like to change the color to a “tannish” color…can I stain it?

Rita, stain isn’t a good idea for a vinyl floor, but paint can work wonders! If your floor is well secured and free of dents, rips and deep scratches then paint can be a great choice to give an old vinyl floor a new life.

First thing you would want to do is use TSP or a floor stripper to remove the wax buildup, gloss coating or protective layer of the vinyl flooring itself. Some websites recommend sanding the vinyl before applying a primer, but that is not necessary. Not to mention that if it is an old floor you run the risk of releasing asbestos into the air. So avoid sanding the floor.

Once the flooring is dry, apply a good primer. I suggest using Gripper by Glidden or another good gripping primer. Use a paint brush to cut in around the base boards and cabinets. Then use a paint roller with an extended handle (this will keep you off the ground and keep bending to a minimum).

Let the primer dry thoroughly and then repeat the process with your base color. Depending on the coverage you may need to do a second or third coat of your base paint color.

If your old flooring had a pattern, like tile work and you want to keep it, using a second color fill trace the grout lines. If you want to create another pattern, use a stencil to add character to your new painted vinyl flooring. Popular patterns on painted vinyl floors are tile patterns, the brick look, wood floor look, or use a stencil to create a border. Really at this point your imagination can be your guide.

Once you’ve got the base coat and pattern down, seal the paint. Use a polyurethane and coat the entire floor a 2-3 times. By adding more than one coat of polyurethane, you will ensure that your flooring is protected for years to come!