Luxury Vinyl

Is It Vinyl … Or Is It Hardwood?

Why Vinyl

It’s vinyl, all right—the stylish result of continuing breakthroughs in modern technology and manufacturing methods. There are styles that convey the authentic look of wood or the classic appeal of ceramic tile.

Various shades and finishes allow you to choose the wood look down to the species, and now laminates are mimicking hardwood even more. Some laminates offer beveled, distressed, and highly textured options—giving your laminate floor not only the look of hardwood, but the feel of it, too.

Laminates are inherently “green,” because they use fewer resources and far less wood in their manufacture. And because they’re durable—some styles even offer 25-year warranties—you don’t have to replace laminate floors as often.

Consider laminate for a distinctive look that’s beautifully affordable … and affordably beautiful.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Add Your Heading Text Here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Before & During

Installation

We help you every step of the way after you’ve selected your new floor: professional on-site measurement, removal of old flooring, and skilled installation. We do it all expertly, so your floor will look amazing and give lasting satisfaction. Learn the particulars about tile and stone installation here.

Before

You want a problem-free installation and, to help ensure it, here’s a checklist of things to do before the installer arrives.

  • Existing Flooring

    Make sure you know who’s removing your existing flooring. If you wish, the installer will do it. If not, you should make arrangements to have it removed.

  • Who’s moving the furniture?

    Decide in advance if you want to take on the responsibility or if you want the installer to handle it. Either way, be sure to remove all fragile items from the room.

  • Pick Install Direction

    In general, your linear or rectangular vinyl should run parallel to windows or, in narrow rooms, to the longest wall.

  • Measure door clearances Before

    If the new floor is thicker than your existing floor, door bottoms may rub. Plan in advance to have someone shave or saw the correct amount off the bottom of each door so it does not drag.

  • Paint First

    If you’re planning to paint, wallpaper, or do any other remodeling in the room, it’s best to do it before your vinyl is installed. Keep extra paint to touch up any post-installation nicks.

During Installation

To make your vinyl floor look good now and for a long time to come, proper installation is critical. Here’s the procedure an experienced installation professional will follow:

  • Current Flooring

    A professional installer will start with a flat surface, which may require extensive prep work—such as removing the existing floor or installing a new subfloor on top of an existing floor. Sometimes, however, Vinyl flooring can be installed directly on top of what you already have. Your installer will have the experience to know the best way to proceed.

  • Moisture Testing

    Vinyl flooring is less sensitive to moisture than hardwood, but the existing subfloor will still need to be tested so that moisture-related problems can be avoided later. • Installation method: In floating floors, as the name suggests, planks are attached to each other, not to the subfloor. Glue-down floors require greater installation skill for the exacting process of adhesive application. As discussed below, room shape can also be problematic.

  • Room Shape

    The configuration of a room can be a challenge, requiring precise measurement, cutting, and placement of flooring—another reason why proper installation by a professional will give you high-quality results.

It’s a good idea to check with us directly to find out if there are other actions we recommend before installation. Just call a member of our friendly sales staff.

Keep Your Laminate Bright

Care & Maintenance of Vinyl

Please be sure to reference your Vinyl floor warranty for specific care requirements! For your general information, however, here are some basic tips and facts:

  • As needed, sweep your floor to remove dirt and grit
  • Mop occasionally using a special cleaner we can recommend-just ask your sales associate for guidance.
  • Avoid using detergent or soap-based products, which will dim the shine.
  • Most Vinyl floors have finishes that do not require additional buffing, shining, or waxing-these actions, in fact, might harm the finish.
  • Vinyl floors can be slippery when wet, so use caution when walking on them after mopping.
  • Wipe spills promptly

Protect the natural beauty of
your Shaw Hardwood flooring

Routine Care Instructions

Free Estimates

We offer free in home estimates! Call us at 320.235.2721 or fill out the form below.

"*" indicates required fields