Herringbone flooring

Herringbone LVP flooring is a luxury vinyl plank option that features a unique, interlocking pattern of rectangular tiles arranged in a zig-zag or “herringbone” formation. This pattern is often associated with high-end, traditional design aesthetics and is popular in commercial and residential spaces. The LVT material is durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Additionally, LVT flooring is often more budget-friendly than traditional hardwood or tile options, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank.

Floors for Paws Glue down Herringbone luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a type of flooring that is installed by applying adhesive to the subfloor and then pressing the planks into the adhesive. This method of installation is typically used in commercial and high-traffic residential spaces, as it provides a more secure and stable hold on the floor.

One of the benefits of glue-down LVP flooring is that it is less likely to shift or move over time, as the adhesive creates a strong bond between the planks and the subfloor. This can be especially important in areas that are prone to moisture or temperature changes, as the adhesive can help to prevent warping or buckling of the planks.

Another benefit of glue-down LVP flooring is that it needs a latex smoothing compound prior to installation that will smooth an uneven subfloor.  The adhesive acts as a moisture barrier between the planks and the sub-floor making it completely waterproof. This can be especially useful when you have dogs who may splash water from there bowls, bring in water from outside or leave piddle on the floor!

However, installation of glue-down LVP is a bit more complex than other installation options such as click-and-lock, and it requires more time and skill. However once the planks are glued down, an individual plank can be heated and removed if damaged unlike click flooring in which the whole floor needs to be removed. 

Overall, glue-down LVP flooring is a durable and stable option that is well-suited for commercial and high-traffic residential spaces, but the installation process is more complex and the planks cannot be easily removed or replaced.

 

Order your 3 free samples today https://www.floorsforpaws.com/pawsafe-domestic-range/

What is Luxury Vinyl plank flooring?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a popular flooring option for homeowners looking for a durable and stylish alternative to traditional hardwood or tile. This type of flooring is made from a combination of natural materials and synthetic polymers, resulting in a product that mimics the look of hardwood or stone while providing added durability and resistance to moisture and wear.

One of the main benefits of LVP is its ability to mimic the look of natural wood or stone. This is achieved through high-resolution printing and texturing techniques that make the flooring look virtually identical to the real thing. This means that homeowners can enjoy the beauty and elegance of natural wood or stone without the high cost and maintenance that comes with those materials.

Another advantage of LVP is its durability. Because it is made from a combination of natural materials and synthetic polymers, it is able to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist scratches, dents, and stains. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and entryways. Additionally, LVP is moisture resistant, making it a great option for bathrooms, basements and other damp spaces.

LVP is also relatively easy to install. It comes in planks or tiles that can be floated over an existing subfloor, making it a great option for DIY projects. Additionally, LVP is easy to cut and shape, allowing for a variety of design options and flexibility.

Another great feature of LVP is its ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional hardwood, LVP can be easily cleaned with a damp mop or cloth. It does not require any special cleaning products or regular waxing or staining. This makes it a great option for busy homeowners who want a beautiful and low-maintenance flooring option especially for dog friendly and pet friendly homes. 

In terms of cost, LVP is a budget-friendly option. It is generally less expensive than traditional hardwood or stone, and it is also more durable and requires less maintenance. This makes it an excellent value for homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring.

Overall, luxury vinyl plank is a versatile and durable flooring option that provides the beauty of natural wood or stone without the high cost and maintenance. Its high-resolution printing and texturing techniques make it virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, and its moisture resistance and durability make it a great choice for high-traffic areas and damp spaces. Additionally, its easy installation and low-maintenance make it an attractive option for homeowners who want a beautiful and functional flooring solution.

Order your 3 free samples today https://www.floorsforpaws.com/luxury-vinyl-range/

Preparing your sub-floor for luxury vinyl plank flooring

Man prepares sub-floor

When preparing your subfloor for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, it is important to ensure that the surface is level, clean, and free of any debris or obstacles.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare your subfloor for LVP, if your subfloor is concrete:

1. Remove any existing flooring: This includes carpeting, tile, or hardwood. Be sure toremove any nails, staples, or adhesive residue left behind.

2. Inspect the subfloor: Look for any cracks, holes, or uneven areas that need to be repaired. If the subfloor is made of concrete, check for moisture issues by using a
moisture meter.

3. If the moisture reader shows a relative humidity (RH) of over 75% the use of a damp proof membrane is necessary (unless you wish to wait to install your floor until the
concrete is completely dry.

4. A damp proof membrane (DPM) is a layer of material that is installed between the subfloor and the final flooring to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface of the
flooring. It is relatively easy to install and can help to extend the lifespan of your flooring.Remember to also check if the manufacturer of the LVP you choose specifies any other requirement for installing the flooring, such as a vapor barrier.

5. Clean the subfloor: This is important to ensure that there is no dust or debris that can interfere with the application of the latex smoothing compound. Use a broom or vacuum to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.

6. Repair any damage. Use repair mortar or a crack repair kit to repair any uneven areas or cracks in the subfloor.

7. Before installing the LVP, it’s important to make sure that the subfloor is level and dry. Use a self-levelling smoothing compound to smooth them out. 2-3mm of smoothing compound will dry to walk on within 2 hours however will need at least 24 hours to dry sufficiently for the LVP to be adhered to it. With most levelling compounds you need to apply a primer to the subfloor before putting the levelling compound down.

8. Test the subfloor: Before installing the LVP, it’s important to make sure that the subfloor is level and dry. Use a self-levelling compound to smooth them out. 2-3mm of latex will dry to walk on within 2 hours however will need at least 24 hours to dry sufficiently for the LVP to be adhered to it.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your subfloor is properly prepared for the installation of LVP flooring. This will help to ensure that the flooring is installed correctly and will last for many years to come.

Our Pawsafe Domestic range and our Luxury Vinyl range are supplied in a choice of plank or tile options in a range of attractive wood- and stone-effect finishes to satisfy the most house proud amongst us.

What is vinyl flooring?

With so many flooring options available today, our guide looks at what’s available to pet owners, with a particular focus on one type – vinyl flooring.

It can be challenging to choose the right flooring for your home; should you go for carpet, linoleum, laminate or vinyl? And is there any flooring that is better for your pets, or that you should avoid with pets in the home? At Floors for Paws, we specialise in vinyl flooring that is pet and pet-owner friendly.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a 100% synthetic flooring material, made from polyvinyl chloride plastic, or PVC. PVC is heated and pressed into thin layers with the uppermost, surface layer giving the vinyl flooring its final aesthetic. It can be made to imitate the look of wood, ceramic and stone and can even be textured. The surface layer is coated for scuff, scratch and stain resistance, and adds a water resistant protection. The backing of the vinyl flooring is felt or foam. Flooring options are vinyl flooring rolls which are purchased and installed like carpet, vinyl tile flooring and vinyl plank flooring which is supplied in plank shapes to allow the creation of patterns that can mimic traditional wooden floors such as a herringbone design.

Is vinyl flooring the same as lino?

Many of us would have had grandparents who had a lino (linoleum) floor at home and while many people use the term lino when referring to vinyl flooring, they are two very different things. Linoleum is manufactured from a mixture of renewable natural materials which can include wood pulp, crushed cork, linseed oil, tree resin and jute. Lino is far less water resistant then vinyl and requires an annual protective coating and waxing.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer product which is fused together with a lamination process. Its core is made from HDF (high density fibreboard) which makes it highly susceptible to water and moisture damage.

What is carpet?

Carpet is a floor covering made from textile which has a backing attached to an upper layer of pile. 90% of carpets manufactured today have an upper pile of synthetic fibres, with just 10% being natural fibres, most commonly wool. Carpet can be chewed and damaged by scratching, and it will stain easily.

The benefits of vinyl flooring

Durability – vinyl flooring is highly durable and with the correct installation, can last more than 20 years.

Scratch and stain resistant – the surface layer that is applied to vinyl flooring gives protection against scuffs and scratches, and staining.

Water resistant – vinyl flooring is waterproof thanks to its PVC composition. Where there are multiple seams involved with vinyl plank flooring and vinyl tiles, correct installation will render this just as water resistant as vinyl flooring rolls. Vinyl flooring is therefore ideal for high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Easy to clean – extremely low maintenance, vinyl flooring requires nothing more than a sweep and a damp mop with an approved cleaning product.

Is vinyl flooring pet friendly?

Not only is vinyl flooring from Floors for Paws pet-owner friendly and pet-proof, it is also pet friendly. Our Luxury Vinyl range is perfect for any room in the home and has a double wear layer of 0.6mm enabling us to guarantee it against your dog’s claws. It is waterproof, hypo-allergenic, does not need harsh chemicals to clean it, and is free of nasty phthalates making it safe for your dog.

To discuss pet friendly vinyl flooring for your next project, call us on 01937 830948 and email us at info@floorsforpaws.com

Pet friendly flooring – The solution is here

pet friendly flooring

Choosing the right pet friendly flooring for your home is essential to keep your home looking good, but also to aid your pet.

With so many flooring options available on the market, choosing the right pet friendly flooring can be tough. In our latest guide, we take a look at the choices you have  and what you should avoid!

Whether you a have a pup or an older dog in the home, flooring has to withstand everything from being chewed and scratched, or even peed on, so you need a solution that is hardwearing and durable, that will also fit seamlessly into the aesthetic of your home.

How to choose pet friendly flooring

All dogs are different; some may be chewers, others may be scratchers, so there are lots of factors to consider before deciding on your flooring.

Spills and stains – potty training pets will have a lot of accidents, while older pets may start to suffer with incontinence, so your flooring needs to be water resistant to avoid the staining and damage caused by accidents and spills.

Maintenance – from a pet owner’s point of view, an easy to maintain flooring solution is preferable, and less time-consuming.

Scratch resistance – when weighing up your options, it’s important to think about the impact of sharp claws (and teeth) on floor coverings.

Comfort – at Floors for Paws, we believe flooring should be pet friendly, and not just pet owner friendly so our flooring offers different levels of comfort for your pets.

Types of flooring

Carpet – the traditional choice for many homes, carpet is not the best pet friendly flooring! Damage from chewing or scratching is likely to be irreparable and any staining can be difficult to remove completely and leave odours behind. Carpet is a magnet for hair and fur and will also attract fleas and other pests that your four legged friends bring in to the home.

Hardwood flooring – another popular flooring solution, hardwood flooring can fall foul of long claws with repeated scratch resistant treatments being costly over time. They are also prone to staining and warping with prolonged exposure to excessive moisture.

Tiled floors – a popular choice with pet owners, tiled floors are extremely easy to maintain but not always kind to pets, particularly older ones. While impervious to excessive moisture and easy to clean and mop, tiled floors are cold and uncomfortable, something that most pet owners want to avoid.

Laminate floors – laminate floors are great for younger, active pets as it is durable and hardwearing but the smooth finish of a laminate might make it difficult for older dogs to gain traction, causing them to slip and cause potential injury.

Luxury vinyl flooring

Whenever we are asked what is the best pet friendly flooring, our answer has to be luxury vinyl flooring. Durable and resilient and more than capable of dealing with anything your pet can throw at it, today’s LVT options are offered in a variety of finishes, to mimic the look of hardwood and even stone. The main types of vinyl flooring are vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl tiles.

Pet friendly flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, our Pawsafe Domestic Range offers your pet a level of comfort and care that is hard to beat. Endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management), this vinyl plank flooring is available in a standard 125mm x 1000mm size with a selection of colourways available in 100mm x 50mm, to enable you to create wonderful patterned floors. Comprising a reinforcement layer and an insulated high density fleece backing, plus an anti-slip layer, the Pawsafe Domestic Range has the highest slip rating of any luxury vinyl plank currently on the market.

To find out more about the best non slip flooring for dogs, call us today on 01937 830948 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com