Monday, April 23, 2018

Luxury Vinyl Tile Lives Up to Its Name


Vinyl flooring has come a long way in the last few years with manufacturers upping the game
on providing high-quality, durable, and versatile flooring options that convincingly mimic real
wood and stone. Luxury vinyl tile LVT and luxury vinyl plank LVP flooring provides an
amazingly beautiful floor, in a wide variety of wood or stone designs, that is extremely durable
and made to last.
Luxury vinyl tile is so versatile you are sure to find the texture, color and style that you desire.
With an amazing likeness to real wood, you can find varying shades and styles of oak, pine,
barn wood and other types of wood species, available in whites, browns, grays and just about any
style you have in mind. And if you’re looking for a likeness to ceramic tile, luxury vinyl tile can be laid
and grouted to provide a beautiful and durable floor that one could hardly tell the difference between
LVT and real stone tile.
One difference may be that your luxury vinyl tile is more comfortable to stand on, with resilient
vinyl and a comfortable thickness, your LVT floor will not strain your feet, knees and joints like
standing on stone tile.  Luxury vinyl tile is also more durable as it is less likely to crack or split if
something is dropped on it, with a protective wear layer shielding your floor from scratches, dents
and damage.
Another great advantage of luxury vinyl tile is the ease in installation. LVT and LVP can be
installed on, above or below grade.  This type of flooring option provides elegant and
eye-catching flooring options, a cozy comfort underfoot, ease in installation
for a DIY project or a simple project for a professional install, all leading up to a great value
with luxury vinyl tile that won’t break the bank.
Great Western Flooring Offers Luxury Vinyl Tile with Design and Installation
Great Western Flooring is a leading flooring design and installation specialist, pleasing customers
in and around the Chicagoland area for more than three decades. We are proud distributors of
the most recognized names in the industry, offering the latest in flooring technology with durable,
versatile, waterproof, scratch and dent resistant, beautiful floors that will last for many years.
Stop by one of our three conveniently located design centers for a complimentary design
consultation or contact us to learn more about all of our flooring products including the
latest trends in luxury vinyl tile.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Trending Vinyl Flooring Purchase Guide


When you hear vinyl flooring you may think of rollout linoleum in outdated kitchens,
although the vinyl flooring of today offers a wide selection of beautiful designs that can l
ook just like real hardwood or stone tiles. Vinyl flooring today is made from renewable,
eco-friendly materials that are also durable and versatile with decor, providing viable
alternatives in a vast array of designs, colors and shades.
Here Are Some Tips When Considering Vinyl Flooring
Sheets or Tiles?
You will first want to decide if you want sheets or tiles depending on the look you desire
and your budget.  Sheet flooring can be a great choice if you want a patterned design,
and typically comes in rolls 6 feet or 12 feet wide, providing a continuous pattern.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
There are two types of sheet flooring, printed sheet vinyl has the
pattern printed onto backing material with clear coats of urethane
called the wear layer for protection.  Inlaid sheet flooring is typically
more expensive and heavier than the printed option, offering additional
protection as it will show less discussed and scratches. It is best to have a
professional installation of inlaid flooring.
Tile Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring in the form of tiles is perfect if creating a checkerboard
pattern or you want the look of ceramic tile. You can lay these right next to
each other or use spacers and grout in between for an authentic stone look.
There are various tile styles and patterns available as well as many options
in thickness and quality.
Considerations When Purchasing Vinyl Flooring

Here are some additional considerations to make your vinyl flooring purchase a success:
Ask about UV protection - vinyl and linoleum can fade significantly when exposed to sunlight,
and less adequate UV protection is included in the product. Ask about protection from sunlight
damage and check the warranty regarding fading.
Double check the cushioning in the product - take a sample of your vinyl flooring
product home if you can and stand on it for a few minutes to make sure that it provides ample
cushioning with a comfortable surface were walking and standing.
Be sure the wear layer thickness is adequate - the rule of thumb in the wear layer is
that one mil will last one year for a family of four.
Check the Floor Score Certification - check for vinyl flooring options that are certified to
emit minimal levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may cause headaches
dizziness or respiratory illness. Beware of older products for cheaper versions that may not
have protection from these irritants like some more modern products from respected suppliers.
One OEM is made from natural materials thus VOCs are not a concern with linoleum.
Great Western Flooring Offers a Wide Selection of Vinyl Flooring
For the ultimate best advice on your vinyl flooring purchase, contact
the flooring experts at Great Western Flooring. We offer decades of
experience with design and installation of all types of flooring products,
with the latest in flooring trends in fashion.

Great Western flooring is a leading flooring company, exceeding customer
expectations with high quality products and professional installation for over
three decades. Stop by one of our three conveniently located design centers or
contact us for a complimentary design consultation.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Get a Great Value with Laminate Flooring


Laminate flooring is a popular choice for consumers that desire the look of real hardwood or tile floors, without the expense of material, professional installation and the upkeep required to keep them nice. Laminate flooring is available in either planks or tiles, with simple snap together edges making for an easy installation with no nailing or gluing required and are DIY friendly as they can be installed below, on or above grade.
Laminates are made of a composite material with a surface layer that is scratch and dent resistant,
making it ideal if you are worried about potential damage to real wood or stone, and require no
additional maintenance beyond normal cleaning.
Laminate Flooring Provides a Luxurious Look to Any Room
The versatility of laminate flooring today offers realistic imitations of real wood in varying colors and
shades, making it difficult to tell the difference from the real thing.  Although you may notice a
difference in comfort as the resiliency of laminates make them more comfortable on the joints and
feet when standing for a long period of time.
Laminates can mimic antique or rustic woods, specific types such as old or pine, variations of tile
and stone and even metal imitations.  With the endless options available, laminate flooring is sure to
provide a solution to enhance any decor.
Caring for Your Laminate Floor
Your laminate floor is still susceptible to water damage and is not recommended in bathrooms
or rooms with floor drains or sump pumps. Check the warranty on your particular product, as a
higher-quality floor can provide many years of beauty and comfort. But once laminate flooring
wears out, it cannot be refinished like a real hardwood floor can. Be sure to clean up spills, and if
installed in a basement or on slabs a moisture barrier should be used.
With proper care, laminate flooring can last for many years.
Great Western Flooring Offers Laminate Flooring, Design and Installation
Great Western Flooring offers decades of experience pleasing customers with high quality,
professional tile, carpet and flooring products at an affordable cost. We are proud distributors
of the best names in the flooring industry offering a wide selection of beautiful and durable products.

Stop by one of our three conveniently located design centers or contact us today for a
complimentary design consultation.