When shopping for laminate flooring, you may encounter a term referred to as a “laminate AC rating”. Meaning “abrasion class”, AC rating describes a floor’s durability against a number of key factors. The higher the AC rating, the more durable it is. Whilst laminate with a rating of AC1 is only suitable for areas with little footfall, the higher AC5-rated laminate floors are robust enough for use in commercial buildings, such as busy retail stores.

Laminate AC rating determines how well a laminate floor copes within different environments. Abrasion class was first introduced by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF). Since its conception, it’s been adopted as the industry standard for rating laminate flooring.

How is AC Rating Determined?

In order to receive an AC rating, laminate flooring must go through rigorous testing. Known as the Taber test, the process assesses the flooring to measure its resistance. The AC rating is dependent on how it deals with a number of different stress points. Abrasion, stains, impact, moisture, heat and scratches are all factors used to produce a laminate AC rating.

To receive an AC rating, every aspect of the test requires a pass. If it fails even one, it receives an “unrated” label, meaning it misses the mark in terms of quality expected by both retailers and consumers.

Two main groups divide laminate AC ratings: residential and commercial. These two groups are then split again to describe the level of traffic they’re able to withstand: moderate, general or heavy.

Laminate flooring thickness often has a part to play in a difference of AC rating. Generally speaking, the higher the thickness, the better the abrasion class rating.

See also: How to maintain laminate flooring

Different Laminate AC Ratings

As we touched upon earlier, the abrasion class rating of laminate flooring depends on its ability to withstand a number of different tests. How it copes with these tests determines its rating.

So what are the different AC ratings? You’ll often find them described by a simple label:

Residential

AC1

Suitable for moderate traffic. Best suited to use in bedrooms or guest rooms that see very little foot traffic.

AC2

Suitable for general traffic. Dining or living rooms are the best place for AC2-rated laminate floors.

AC3

Suitable for heavy traffic. Generally suitable for all areas, especially areas such as hallways which see a lot of footfall.

Commercial

AC4

Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces. Think small offices, cafés or smaller retail outlets.

AC5

Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces. Large department stores, public building and large offices are the perfect place for laminate with a rating of AC5.

You may also find AC rating described using pictograms. In these images, the different AC ratings display either a house (residential) or a commercial building (commercial). They may also contain icons for people, as well as numbers to display the laminate flooring’s suitability for either moderate (1), general (2) or heavy (3) use.

Weighing Up Your Options

The higher the the laminate AC rating, the better its durability. So, that must mean you should always go for the higher rating, surely? Well, not always.

As with any flooring, making your decision depends on individual circumstances. AC1-AC4 rated laminate is made using direct pressure laminate, whilst AC5 and higher is created using high pressure laminate. The difference in their manufacturing makes for slight differences in their appearance and feel.

Commercial spaces with heavy footfall require a high-durability laminate floor, although there are benefits to choosing lower-rated laminates as well.

AC3/AC4-rated floors tend to be smoother and softer to the touch than those with a higher rating. Whilst the rough texture of AC5 may be good for commercial use, this may be too abrasive for family homes – especially if you have young children.

Direct pressure laminate (AC1-AC4) is also better equipped to look more realistic than high pressure laminate. This is also due to the laminate flooring thickness and its wear layer. Each AC rating increase means a 60% increase in wear. So, for example, AC3 has 120% heavier wear than AC1. The heavier wear may also mean a cloudier look to your flooring. Therefore, if you prioritise style over durability, you’re better suited to a lower grade flooring.

Our AC Ratings

Here at Direct Wood Flooring, we only sell laminate flooring with an AC rating of AC3 and above. This ensures high durability, without compromising on the authentic look of the flooring. Images are crisp and clear, whilst a textured surface gives an authentic real wood feel.

To find your chosen laminate’s AC rating, simply scroll down the product page until you reach the AC rating in the product information.

To Conclude

Laminate AC rating is certified through rigorous testing to even receive a rating. Even with the lower AC1-AC2 floors, you can still make a decision knowing the product is certified for its purpose.

The lower AC-rated laminate flooring is better suited to residential properties, whereas higher rating such as AC4 and AC5 are perfect for commercial environments. AC3 sits in the middle, and will handle any area in your home, as well as being suitable for light commercial use.

If you’re looking for laminate flooring and would like advice on the best AC rating for you, get in touch by calling 03308 088777, or email [email protected].

The post What is Laminate AC Rating? appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

The Benefits of Dark Wood Flooring

 

 

It’s no secret that we adore dark wood flooring. In previous blog posts, we’ve looked at how dark hues are set to stay in fashion, how they compare to lighter alternatives, and even how dark woods work in harmony with your interior décor.

 

But today we’re going back to basics.

 

There are a wide range of benefits that dark wood flooring has to offer, whether you’re looking for style, functionality, or something in between. Species such as walnut, dark oak, and acacia are guaranteed to elevate your interior space, bringing their unique characteristics to your home.

 

Still not convinced? We’re sure we can change your mind! Here are 3 reasons why we love dark wood flooring:

 

 

Hides Dirt and Damages

We all know that it’s important to keep your home clean and tidy. Unfortunately, life can be too busy for homeowners to keep up with their daily chores. Thankfully, dark wood flooring can help keep your home looking fresh.

 

The dark hues are great at hiding the build-up of dust and debris. This can save your countless hours of sweeping and vacuuming!

 

Additionally, the darker colouration masks scratches, stains, and scuffs too. This is great news for anyone who isn’t looking to make costly repairs any time soon.

 

 

Brings Proportion to Larger Spaces

We’ve all had that dream of extending our home, or finding more space for storage and living. The problem is, when homeowners are confronted with a large area, their interior décor can look sparse or empty. This makes the space look impersonal and cold, rather than comfortable or homely.

 

This, clearly, isn’t ideal. If you are having this issue, dark flooring can help bring proportion to your interior space. Because dark woods absorb more light than other colour variations, the room feels more enclosed, without becoming claustrophobic.

 

This works especially well with minimalist designs and interior décor. The muted tones help to bring continuity to the pieces within the room, improving the flow of the space.

 

 

Less Prone to Fading

When you’re paying huge costs for new flooring, you’ve got to feel certain that it’s built to last. With solid and engineered wood, you’re already guaranteed a long lifespan. However, the amount of natural light your boards are exposed to can drastically alter the appearance of the finish.

 

We’ve already discussed how dark wood flooring uses the absorption of light to its advantage. Here, it’s not different.

 

Lighter finishes are more prone to looking washed out over time, requiring sanding quicker than darker boards. Conversely, dark wood will actually fade less, giving you more value for money.

 

 

Featured Product

There’s no better way to show how outstanding dark wood flooring can be than with our American Black Engineered Lacquered Walnut Wood Flooring. As one of our most exclusive products, you’re sure to receive absolute perfection.

 

Each 150mm board demonstrates the unique flair of classic walnut in pristine detail. Add to this a subtle, yet stunning lacquer, and this product is the embodiment of sophistication.

 

With a plethora of streamlined grains and deep textures on every board, your interior décor will be completely uplifted.

 

Paired with the dark, indulgent tones of the wood, each board features a stylish micro-bevel, improving the authenticity and feel of the product.

 

Whether you’re looking to float, nail, or glue down this engineered flooring, you’re given complete freedom with the tongue and groove installation system. For added piece of mind, we also offer a 25-year warranty with every purchase, ensuring an unfaltering performance every single time.

 

 

Have Your Say

Do you love dark wood flooring as much as we do? Don’t forget to let us know in the comment section below!

 

Alternatively, find us at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, blog posts, and information from our team of dedicated flooring specialists!

The post The Benefits of Dark Wood Flooring appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

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What is Luxury Vinyl Tile / LVT Flooring?

LVT Flooring can perfectly recreate the look of a real wood floor or stone tiled floor but at a fraction of the cost to purchase and install.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles are a type of multi-layered flooring which are created entirely without any wood, making them entirely waterproof. So they are perfect for your bathroom and kitchen. LVT floors can be made in a number of different ways. The most common types are created predominately from Limestone or PVC which is then mixed with plasticisers to add extra strength and protection.

What are the benefits of LVT Flooring?

The main benefit of LVT flooring is its practicality. Because they are crafted without any wood they can be 100% waterproof, enabling you to have the look of a real wood floor in your bathroom or kitchen!

The strong core within LVT flooring ensures that they are very resistant to damage. Our Hyrdo Regenerate range is even self-repairing!

The multi-layered construction consists of a soft sound-absorbing layer which helps to improve the acoustics of the room and reduce the sound of footsteps. This layer also ensures that you won’t feel the cold from it while walking barefoot, unlike a stone tile floor.

LVT flooring is also super easy to clean. To clean your vinyl floor it is easy to sweep or vacuum up the loose debris and wet mop the floor.

The built-in wear layer, that is scratch and stain resistant makes it perfect for those high traffic areas of your home as well!

Our most popular LVT floors

We have an extensive range of Luxury Vinyl Floors that are available for you to sample today and are available for next day delivery.

 

Grey flooring is one of the most popular flooring trends right now. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, it easily integrates with most decors and can help to add a modern yet timeless touch to your home.

 

Our Hydro Regenerate comes in a range of wonderful tile and wood effects. In addition to being a water-resistant laminate, this floor surface enables any indentations to return to their initial shape after pressure is applied. So any marks left by furniture, for example, disappear within a short space of time.

 

 

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

Brand new for 2019, our herringbone laminate flooring range combines the beauty of herringbone flooring with the practicality of a laminate floor. Coming in six colours, it’s versatile in its design to fit into any home’s décor.

Speak to anyone about interior design trends, and herringbone wood floor will be at the forefront of many people’s minds.

Its distinctive pattern often comes in the form of real wood or luxury vinyl tiles. To make the options available to you even greater, we’ve introduced a brand new range of parquet laminate flooring in a desirable herringbone style.

The herringbone laminate range

The herringbone laminate flooring range is a tough and durable choice for fast-paced family homes. Here’s a brief rundown of what you need to know:

• 8mm plank thickness
• 133mm plank width
• 665mm plank length
• 23m² pack size
• Moisture resistant
• Real wood feel textured surface
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Eco-friendly
• AC4 rating
• 20 year residential warranty
• Antibacterial coating

Colours

Our range of herringbone laminate comes with six colours to choose from. From the look of dark stained wood to a light and bright whitewashed style, there’s a design for you.

Bayside Oak

The golden tones of Bayside Oak flow through each plank of this herringbone flooring. Darker grains and authentic-looking wood knots create a simply beautiful laminate floor that ties together any design.

Elegant Oak

Elegant Oak is a lighter wood-style laminate flooring. It given a raw wood look that is incredibly popular in modern interiors. Rustic grains add character to a herringbone laminate floor that’s already eye-catching due to its pattern.

Espresso Oak

A dark brown palette with hints of caramel. Perfect for more traditional interiors, Espresso Oak oozes elegance through every edge of its herringbone design. If you’ve got a modern interior, this flooring suits minimalist contemporary spaces as well.

Palazzo Oak

Palazzo Oak features light brown tones to add a rustic warmth to your home’s décor. Although organic lines and knots are more muted in this flooring when compared to the darker Espresso Oak, Palazzo Oak is a cleaner and more modern laminate floor.

Pearl Oak

The light colouring of Pearl Oak creates a modern-looking herringbone flooring. The strong whitewashed style is complemented by grey and brown grains that flow freely across the floor’s surface.

Regency Oak

A beautiful brown surface features stunning grain patterns that enhance this parquet laminate flooring. Light coffee tones and deeper authentic-looking wood knots make for a floor that’s perfect for any décor.

Bayside Oak	Elegant Oak	Espresso Oak
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Palazzo Oak	Pearl Oak	Regency Oak
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How is it different to a herringbone wood floor?

People often think of real wood when looking for herringbone flooring. While this is its most common form, new technology allows us to bring you a herringbone laminate range.

Firstly, there’s the price difference. Laminate flooring is widely regarded as a cost-effective alternative to real wood. While there are cheap wood herringbone ranges, the price of our herringbone laminate flooring is significantly less than its real wood counterpart.

Our parquet laminate flooring is moisture resistant, whereas real wood isn’t. This means that our new range has a wider suitability in your home. It’s even suitable for installation in bathrooms!

Laminate flooring features a scratch-proof wear layer, which also features an antibacterial coating. Therefore, it’s perfect for busy family homes and even copes well in areas with heavy foot traffic. That’s why it’s been given an AC4 rating, as well as a 20 year residential warranty.

Maintaining your new laminate floor couldn’t be simpler. All it needs is a regular sweep and once-over with a slightly damp mop, or alternatively you can buy an all-in-one floor cleaning kit which makes tackling even the dirtiest of laminate floors a breeze.

How to fit herringbone laminate flooring

The fitting process of herringbone laminate is quite different from the installation of regular laminate flooring. The same can be said when comparing with real wood herringbone parquet.

Whilst parquet is often a painstaking and long process, our herringbone laminate flooring is incredibly easy to install.

As with many ranges of laminate flooring, our herringbone range features an innovative click system. This means that each plank simply clicks together in place, with no glue needed.

As well as reduced costs in buying your flooring, there are savings to be made when using a professional fitter. Installation takes less time due to its easy fitting mechanism.

If you’re opting for a DIY installation, and would like more information on how to fit herringbone laminate flooring, watch this handy video from Group THYS.

Why choose herringbone laminate flooring?

There’s an undoubted beauty to herringbone flooring; especially when you consider the benefits on laminate flooring, such as increased durability and lower costs.

When you combine the distinctive patterns of a herringbone wood floor with these benefits, then herringbone laminate can be a clear winner when choosing the right flooring for you.

It’s the perfect middle ground between luxury and cost-effectiveness. That’s why we’re so proud of this new range.

What next?

Order up to four free samples by checking out the herringbone laminate flooring range, or reach out to our helpful team for more advice. Simply call on 03308 088777, or email [email protected].

The post Herringbone Laminate Flooring – 2019 Herringbone Flooring Range appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

When choosing your luxury vinyl flooring, commonly referred to as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), you’ll often be presented with two options: click, or gluedown. Both share common ground when it comes to their quality, but there are distinct differences between the two, which we’ll cover in this guide.

Click vinyl flooring is perfect for quick and easy DIY installations, and is fitted as a floating floor. Gluedown LVT is cheaper, which in part is due to a lower tile thickness, although professional fitting is recommended. Gluedown can also be combined with feature strips to create grout-style border around each tile.

Click LVT Flooring

• Easy and quick to install
• More expensive and thicker than gluedown
• Cheaper to fit than gluedown
• No glue needed
• Best for DIY

Gluedown LVT Flooring

• Cheaper product than click
• Needs a flat subfloor for installation
• Use feature strips to create borders
• More expensive to fit than click

When choosing between click or gluedown luxury vinyl flooring, there are a number of different considerations before making a final decision. There are many benefits to luxury vinyl tiles, many of which are applicable to both types. However, as well as personal preference, practicality is also called into question. The room’s environment, budget and installation methods all come into play.

We’ve outlined each of the factors you need to be wary of, and how each type of luxury vinyl tile weighs up in each category.

Composition

The composition of luxury vinyl flooring remains relatively similar, no matter if you favour on the side of click or gluedown.

The main difference comes in the thicknesses of the two. Click LVT has thicker tiles than gluedown, in order to accommodate the click-lock fitting mechanism. With this being said, the wear layer protecting the design of the flooring is the same whichever you choose.

Room Suitability

One of LVT’s key benefits comes in its room suitability. It can be installed in almost any room in your home, meaning more versatility when compared to real wood flooring.

Whether you choose gluedown or click luxury vinyl tiles will depend on the room you intend to lay it in.

Subfloor

Gluedown requires a flat and even subfloor. This is because it’s being glued directly to the underneath surface, and any imperfections could show on your flooring. Long-term, an uneven subfloor will cause damage to the underneath of your tiles. The same is true for subfloors with high level of moisture. Over time, the moisture could seep in the tiles and cause disfigurements to your flooring.

Click LVT is less restricted when it comes to the subfloor. However, that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t still take proper care in preparing or repairing your damaged subfloor. Because click is normally installed using underlay, it’s better at hiding subfloor imperfections. Using an appropriate luxury vinyl tile underlay will help to keep moisture at bay.

Temperature

Rooms with fluctuating temperatures will be better-suited to gluedown LVT. This is because it’s glued firmly to the subfloor, meaning there’s less room for the flooring to expand and contract, which can lead to the floor rising over time. However, you shouldn’t encounter these issues with click flooring in a room where the temperature is stable and controlled.

Foot Traffic & Room Size

Another consideration when making your choice is your room’s foot traffic. Click flooring will be more comfortable, due to the extra thickness and underlay. However, gluedown is less likely to move and feel the effects of increased foot traffic if it’s firmly attached to the subfloor. For this reason, we’d recommend using gluedown LVT in these areas that see heavy footfall.

Room size also plays a big part. Due to its greater stability, gluedown flooring is recommended for larger rooms. Such rooms will have less joint stability if they’ve been installed with click luxury vinyl. Using gluedown ensures the flooring remains adhered to the subfloor, meaning it’s much less likely lift, or to show vulnerabilities at the seams.

Aesthetics & Comfort

When shopping for LVT flooring, aesthetics and comfort are at the forefront of many homeowner’s minds. Will the flooring look realistic? Will it feel too hard underfoot without underlay? These are important questions you may be asking yourself.

When it comes to the look of your luxury vinyl flooring, there’s often little to no difference between using gluedown or click. The design is the same, and both have textured surfaces to ensure a real wood feel.

The main difference comes in the use of LVT feature strips, often referred to as design strips. Feature strips fit in-between each tile, creating a grout-like design that creates a beautiful border. They aren’t compatible with click LVT, as it doesn’t fit between the tiles when the click system is in use. Use feature strips if you’re looking to enhance the look of your luxury vinyl for a more defined finish.

When it comes to comfort, click vinyl flooring can have underlay fitted underneath it. This, paired with the higher thickness, often means it’s more comfortable underfoot than gluedown.

With this being said, both options are warmer underfoot than their real tile counterparts. Plus, they’re both compatible with underfloor heating systems, meaning a warmer floor all-year-round.

Installation & Maintenance

Now we get to the real differences between click and gluedown LVT flooring. The clue’s in the name, after all!

As well as the differences, however, there are some similarities. For example, both click and gluedown need to be acclimatised for at least 24 hours prior to installation.

Click luxury vinyl flooring is better-suited to DIY installations. This is because it’s much less time consuming to fit; not the mention, much easier.

Fitted as a floating floor, click isn’t attached to the subfloor. Whilst this is slightly less stable than a floor that’s glued directly to the subfloor, it allows for the use of underlay and is often more comfortable underfoot.

For gluedown luxury vinyl flooring, installation requires each tile to be adhered to the subfloor. This makes the fitting process more time consuming and less DIY-friendly. For this reason, we’d always recommend finding a professional fitter for this type of LVT flooring.

The maintenance of both floors is relatively simple. Because if their robust nature and water-resistance, you can keep to your own cleaning schedule without worrying about damage from everyday dirt or spillages.

To keep your flooring looking pristine, simply brush or vacuum your flooring on a regular basis. Then, you can use a damp mop or specialised cleaning kit to get rid of stubborn marks and kill any bacteria.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost

Finally, we wanted to compare the cost of both click and gluedown LVT.

Whilst click luxury vinyl tiles are more expensive, this isn’t to say your flooring project as a whole will be. Whilst the materials are more expensive initially, a DIY installation will save you a lot of money. Even if you were to hire a professional fitter to do the job for you, it would take them much less time. This means less installation costs as a whole.

Gluedown luxury vinyl flooring is less expensive than its click counterpart. This is, in part, due to the lesser tile thickness. However, in reflection on installation costs, you may be required to pay more for a fitter to complete your project. This isn’t to say that the cost will end up being the same as if you bought click flooring, as each project is different. You should consult your fitter if you’re looking for a true representation of how much the flooring and installation will cost you.

Depending on your room size, your new LVT flooring may be a significant investment. However, with fantastic warranties across all of our LVT ranges, you can rest easy knowing you’re covered should there be any faults with your flooring.

To Summarise

Making a decision between click and gluedown LVT flooring may be a difficult one. For some, it can be much simpler. It all depends on your specific needs and personal preference.

If you prefer DIY installations, then click is the obvious choice for you. Similarly, if you’re laying flooring in a room with fluctuating temperatures and high moisture levels, gluedown is the way to go.

If you’re unsure on which is right for you, we’re here to help. Get in touch by calling 03308 088777, or email [email protected] for advice from our professionals.

The post Luxury Vinyl Flooring – Click vs. Glue appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Laminate Floors and Vinyl Floors come with an AC rating which indicates how much traffic, stains, impact etc they can withstand. To receive an AC rating the laminate flooring must pass a series of tests. So when you buy a Laminate Floor or Vinyl Floor with a certain rating you know beforehand if it will stand up to your lifestyle. At Discount Flooring Depot we only sell floors with a rating of AC3 or higher. This ensured that any floor you buy from us with be able to withstand average household use. 

 

What Is AC Rating For Laminate Floors?

When looking to buy a new laminate floor or vinyl, the thickness of the laminate or the length of the warranty offered isn’t always the best measure of its durability or lifespan. Most laminates are now graded with an AC rating, which is a much more accurate measure of how tough and durable a particular laminate is. AC stands for Abrasion Class, and it was introduced by the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) who must be a fun bunch of people at parties. Most European laminate flooring manufacturers belong to the EPLF.

They develop and regulate industry standards as a means to help consumers understand the differences between the vast array of laminate flooring types out there and make informed purchases to get the perfect floor, just for them.

 

What Are The Different AC Ratings?

 

AC1 – Moderate Residential

Floors with this rating are suitable only for moderate residential use such as a bedroom or a closet. We really can’t recommend using an AC1 rated floor for any room of your home, as even the average bedroom gets a fair amount of traffic. The inside of a closet or walk-in the area would probably fare decently with an AC1 floor, but as we said above, we always recommend AC3 or higher.

 

AC2 – General Residential

AC2’s are suitable for “Normal residential” applications, such as living rooms and dining rooms. They’ll stand up to the average day to day foot traffic, though I’m sure that most of you will agree that the kind of wear and tear your floor goes through in your home could in no way ever be classified as “normal”!

 

 

AC3 – Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial

Good for all residential applications, and the lowest grade of laminate flooring we stock here at Discount Flooring Depot. This will do the job for the average home and will withstand daily wear and tear easily in any room in line with the wear and stain year guarantee, as long as it’s treated right and cleaned properly. If you want a little more durability out of your laminate or vinyl floor, then read on – you’re looking for an AC4 or AC5.

An AC3 will also do the business in business, too. A moderate commercial environment will be just fine for the AC3 variety. “Moderate” generally means something around a hotel room or a small office. The floor here in the DFD office is an AC3 and three years later it still looks good as new, despite the footfall from nervous pacing, and the wheeling of chairs across it. Common sense prevails here, and a floor that frequently has chairs scraped across it, receives a lot of traffic from high heels and boots, and isn’t properly cleaned and maintained will face problems.

For peace of mind, go tougher.

 

AC4 – General Commercial

Now we’re talking. An AC4 is good for any and all residential applications, within reason. It’s also perfect for general commercial applications, such as offices, boutiques and cafes. Be aware that while an AC4 laminate can be good in a bar, cafe, or restaurant, not all laminates are water resistant, and spillages, heavy duty mopping, or steam mopping will cause severe damage to the floor and could cause it to squeak, or even worse, buckle.

For more on this, check out our blog posts on Why is My Floor Creaking? And Why Is My Floor Lifting?

 

AC5 – Heavy Commercial

More than enough for all residential applications. Plus it’ll do the business for heavy commercial applications like public buildings, department stores, and so on. Just be aware once more that AC5 means that the laminate is thicker and more durable, but it has little to no effect on the laminates ability to resist water, so care will have to be taken when washing or mopping the floor.

 

 

Or To Sum It Up…

Laminate Tips

 

1 – If water resistance is the issue, thicker floors will only help a minimum amount. Spillages and high moisture will still cause issues, making a laminate relatively unsuitable for bathrooms or kitchens, unless great care is taken. For this reason, we can’t recommend using a laminate for a busy commercial kitchen or bathroom.If you’re set on a laminate, check out our Hydro Guard range. which are fully resistant. Alternatively, we’d recommend our Vinyl floors, which are all fully water resistant and come in a range of styles, from tiles, through to wood and stone effects.

 

2 – Make sure you’ve got a floor strong enough for what it’s going to be used for. Don’t think that you can skimp and get an AC3 floor for heavy commercial use. Your floor will wear away and break before too long and the money you saved on a cheaper product will be wasted when you have to replace it.

 

3 – Get the correct underlay.

 

4 – Leave expansion gaps in your laminate to allow for moisture and swelling, and make sure you leave it to acclimatise before you lay it. The strength of your floor doesn’t mean much if it buckles because there wasn’t an adequate space for expansion left. Spend a little time and effort on correct installation and you’ll reap the rewards from a longer lasting floor.

 

Have you got any further questions about AC Ratings or installing a laminate floor, or do you have any other great advice for our readers? Let us know in the comments below!

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

Say Hello To High Gloss Laminate Flooring

If you’re looking for a floor that’s as bright as you are, then you’re looking for high gloss laminate flooring. This floor is shiny enough to almost see your reflection in if you were so inclined, and while you can see yourself in this floor, can you see it in your home?

All joking aside, if you’re looking for a floor that’ll stand out, then our range of High Gloss flooring is perfect for you. We have a huge range of high gloss laminate flooring that really is a cut above the rest.

These high gloss floors come in a range of effects, from ever-popular grey laminate flooring to high-quality tile effect and wood effect. These high gloss floors give the impression of a beautifully lacquered real wood floor and high gloss marble and tile.

These super shiny floors are available in 8mm and 10mm thickness with a gorgeous glossy coat that will look wonderful in your living room and keep in shining all day long, no matter what the weather is like outside.

The finish on these high gloss laminate floors could easily be mistaken for a high polished and meticulously kept the solid or engineered board. While our high gloss marble laminate flooring will give the impression of genuine tiles.

How Is High Gloss Laminate Flooring Is Made?

The manufacturing process of a high gloss laminate is the same as with all laminate flooring. A high-resolution photograph of the desired wood, tile or stone design adheres to the top of each laminate plank. It’s then sealed under a tough, high gloss coating. This finish reflects the light beautifully, giving the room a unique, unrivalled shine. It’s perfect in small rooms without much natural light, as it can emphasize what little light you’ve got and really bring out the character of the room.

 

Laminate flooring has a range of advantages over other floors. We have a wide range of high gloss laminate flooring and It’s got a low price starting from just £7 per m2. It’s got an easy, glueless installation. This means the installation is quick, cheap, and with no mess, and it also means if you’re careful with the tongue and groove or click system, you can potentially lift the floor at a later date and refit it, though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this.

Plus, a high gloss laminate requires the fraction of the maintenance that a solid wood floor needs. Your high gloss laminate flooring does not need to be waxed, polished, sanded or resealed to maintain it’s shine. A regular sweep, vacuum and mop will remove any dirt or grit and leave your floor clean and polished.

Does High Gloss Laminate scratch easy?

If you treat high gloss laminate flooring right, it’ll remain gorgeous in your home for years to come. Just make sure to be careful with furniture, heels, and small stones and debris on the floor. Your glossy sheen is thick and will last a long time, but carelessness can easily scratch the gloss coating and dull some of the sheens.

What High Gloss Laminate Floor is best for me?

For an entirely unique look, you’ll want to have a look at our next gloss floor. It’ll fit perfectly into the most modern of homes. It’s a floor that’ll definitely be a talking point when you’ve got guests over, for all the right reasons. Our Emperor Gloss Frost Oak is really something else.

Walnut Wood – Glossy Varnished Laminate Floor

Introducing our fabulous glossy varnished range of wood effect laminates. This dark high gloss laminate floor will create a refined polished looking finish which will compliment any interior design scheme.

Grey Marble – Tile Effect laminate flooring

Our tile effect dark high gloss laminate floor is perfect for your home if you are looking to have the look for a marble floor but with the added benefit of being much warmer underfoot. It is also much cheaper and easier to install!

Grey Wood – High Gloss Laminate

If you are looking for a high-quality grey high gloss laminate floor then this is the floor for you! This Grey Oak wood floor is perfect for adding a modern twist to your home.

 

So what do you think? If you see a floor you like, why not head on over to our website and order yourself a free sample? Go on…

 

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Now that you’ve finally installed the laminate, solid wood floor or engineered wood flooring of your dreams, you’ll want to look after it for as long as possible so that looks great for years.

There’s more involved in protecting your wooden floor than just taking your shoes off before you walk over it (although that does help!), so here is your full guide to protecting your wooden floor properly and making sure you guard this beautiful investment in your home.

Daily Wood and Laminate Floor Care

• Dirt and debris are quickly noticeable on a wooden floor, even more so than a carpet where the dirt gets engrained in the fibres, so it’s important to sweep or hoover every few days to lift the surface dirt. Make sure you’re using the right setting on your hoover so that the bristles aren’t too low to scratch or scrape your floor when you vacuum. A microfibre mop is also a wonderful investment

 

• Use a soft mop to wash the floors once a week with a diluted cleaning solution which won’t cause any discolouration or damage to your floors. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for diluting ratios, or make your own natural floor cleaner from everyday household ingredients.

 

• Try to remove shoes before you walk across your wooden floors and especially high heeled shoes which can leave marks and indentations in the floor. If you have small children playing in the room with your new floor, a rug or a playmat might be a good idea to protect your floor, and their knees.

 

• Heavy furniture should have felt pads attached to the feet so that you don’t accidentally scrape or scratch the floor when moving the furniture or cleaning. These are really cheap to pick up and take seconds to apply.

Different floor types have different maintenance and care practices to keep them in great condition, so make sure you’re following the right advice for your floor type. In addition to the general care points above, here are the essential tips for maintaining the type of wooden floor you might have at home.

Caring for Laminate Floor:

• Never use a buffer or polishing machine on a laminate floor – this will ruin it entirely.
• Dry your floors after you’ve washed them to ensure they retain their lustre and don’t show any ugly watermarks.
• It’s also really important to never leave liquids on your floor as they can stain, especially if your floor is a light colour. The liquid can also get into the floors click system and cause damage to your laminate flooring as well.

For all the information you’ll ever need to look after your laminate floor, check out this handy guide on our website.

 

Caring for Real Wood Floor:

• Never leave liquids on the surface of your solid wood floor, as this can cause the boards to swell and buckle.

 

• Sunlight can bleach your floors causing them to discolour and look shabby. Tilt the blinds in your room to avoid these shafts of light causing noticeable colour differences, and if you plan to put a rug down on your floor, try and move it around regularly so that the colour differences are more evenly spread across the floor.

 

• Solid and Engineered wood floors naturally require more care and maintenance than laminate flooring – they will need to be sanded, oiled or lacquered consistently over their lifetime to retain the same gleam they had when they were first installed. However, they also can last for generations when looked after properly, so a little bit of extra attention on your part is definitely worth it.

For everything, you need to know about the long term upkeep of a solid wooden floor, see our comprehensive guide on the website.

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

Keeping up with interior design trends can be difficult. If you plan on making upgrades to your home, there are a number of key decisions to make. Do you want to create a modern living space, or take a more traditional approach? Luckily, herringbone flooring covers the full spectrum when it comes to beautiful interiors.

When it comes to home renovations, your own style needs to be prominent throughout. After all, you’re the one who will be living in it. If you’re not comfortable or in love with your own home, then how can you expect others to be?

Herringbone flooring comes in many different colours and variations. Whilst some lend themselves to contemporary interiors, others will look just as at home in older interiors – just as they did when herringbone wood flooring first made its way into homes in the late 16^th Century.

A form of parquet flooring, herringbone arranges wooden blocks in a zig-zag pattern to produce beautiful results. This is how parquet flooring is defined – using wooden blocks to create geometric patterns.

We’ve collated our six favourite home interiors that use herringbone flooring in different ways. Hopefully, this can give you some inspiration if you’re considering herringbone for your home!

Grey Herringbone Flooring

If you’re looking to combine two of the hottest interior trends, then grey wood flooring in a herringbone pattern is a perfect choice. Beautiful, eye-catching, hard-wearing, versatile – grey herringbone ticks all of those boxes and more.

Featured above is our Marylebone Apollo Grey Oak. It’s an engineered wood, so it boasts an authentic wood look and feel. It’s also a flooring that’s suitable for use with underfloor heating.

Herringbone on Herringbone

If you can’t get enough of the herringbone design, why not double-up? We love how this dining room uses herringbone parquet on both the floors and the table! If you like this style and fancy taking it on, one of our customers made a great DIY herringbone table. If not, you can buy handmade tables in a range of sizes and styles, whilst supporting small businesses, on Etsy.

Combine with Velvet Upholstery

Herringbone is a dynamic design choice when it comes to wood flooring. Meaning, it can be combined with a varied range of styles to suit your personal taste. We love how this home uses velvet-upholstered furniture to complement the natural tones of this parquet.

Herringbone Parquet in Your Kitchen

It’s now a common occurrence to see the herringbone pattern in kitchens. A match for both traditional and modern kitchen units and appliances, it oozes class regardless of its setting.

If you do plan on using herringbone parquet in your kitchen, we advise you use an engineered wood. Because of its composition, it’s less susceptible to damage from fluctuating temperatures or moisture. You could even substitute the real wood for herringbone luxury vinyl tiles, which are even more suited to life in a busy family kitchen.

Experiment with Different Colours

Herringbone doesn’t always need to play the leading role in your home’s interior design. It can be a subtle element that simply complements bright colours and varied textures. This room features a gallery wall, memorabilia and different coloured furniture

A Luxurious Living Room

We’ve seen it in kitchens, but herringbone wood flooring also works perfectly in living rooms and lounge areas. A lightly-coloured wood will make the most of natural light and can make a room look bigger. It’s also better-equipped for accidental spills – ideal if you have young children or a significantly clumsy other half.

Herringbone wood flooring can make a huge difference to your home improvement project. With its popularity showing no signs of slowing, there’s no doubt this is a design choice that will stand the test of time.

If you’d like to order free herringbone samples, you can do so online. For advice on styles and what would work best in your home, our friendly expert team are on-hand to help. Call 03308 088777 or email [email protected] today.

The post Herringbone Flooring in Your Home: 6 Styles appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.