What is herringbone flooring?

what is herrinbone flooring

Our complete guide to herringbone vinyl flooring – what it is and how to lay it.

What is herringbone flooring?

Herringbone is the name of a pattern originally created from traditional solid wood parquet block flooring. The term herringbone flooring is often used when referring to parquet flooring as it is the most popular pattern. Dating back to the 17th century, parquet flooring was expensive and therefore only found in the wealthiest and most extravagant of homes.

The herringbone pattern

Herringbone floors were traditionally created from plank shaped wooden blocks but, now, they can be created with block shaped vinyl tiles. Each plank is arranged at a 45 degree angle to the next to create a V-shape which gives the pattern a strong, geometric design.

Benefits of herringbone luxury vinyl flooring

  • Offering the same classic aesthetic of real wood parquet flooring, herringbone luxury vinyl flooring is a more economical option.
  • LVT herringbone planks are offered in a wide choice of colours and patterns.
  • LVT herringbone flooring is hardwearing and, unlike real wood, is scratch resistant.
  • Requiring nothing more than regular sweeping and mopping, herringbone vinyl flooring is extremely low maintenance.
  • It is also waterproof and slip resistant.

How to lay herringbone flooring

At Floors for Paws, our herringbone flooring is installed by attaching the planks to the subfloor with adhesive, to create a more secure hold. The bond formed between the vinyl planks and the subfloor means there is much less chance of movement in the flooring over time. The adhesive will also prevent warping, making it a great solution for areas prone to changes in moisture levels and/or temperature. As adhesive installation is more complex than click-and-lock systems, we advise using an approved installation specialist, which we are happy to recommend.

What rooms can herringbone flooring be used in?

Herringbone flooring is suitable for any room in the house, but its highly decorative appearance often lends itself to use in entrance hallways and reception rooms. In rooms that are free from clutter and not over-furnished, the flooring can be seen at its best. The herringbone pattern gives the illusion of space, making an area appear bigger, which makes it perfect for smaller rooms or narrow hallways. Where wooden parquet flooring is unsuitable for bathrooms and kitchens, the water resistance of LVT herringbone planks makes them ideal for these areas. A good tip to remember is that lighter coloured planks will make a darker space brighter and more open, while darker planks look effective against paler walls.

Herringbone luxury vinyl plank flooring from Floors for Paws

Our luxury vinyl range is currently available in 12 wood effect planks, perfect for creating herringbone patterns. Our Pawsafe Domestic range is offered in a choice of herringbone effect finishes or wooden plank finishes for the ultimate choice, and you can select up to three free samples from each range to help you find the best for your home. And, of course, all our flooring is safe and kind for pets, offering comfortable cushioning, with an anti-slip wear layer too.

If you have any questions about herringbone flooring, send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give our friendly team a call on 01522 300218 today.

Veterinary Flooring – a guide to the best flooring for your practice

Corgi at vets

Veterinary flooring has to be durable enough to withstand some tough conditions, but it doesn’t have to look clinical and cold.

The demands on animal and veterinary flooring are huge! It has to cope with traffic that comes in all shapes, sizes and weight, be easy to clean and maintain, and resist a variety of fluids and liquids that might be left on it. Is it even possible to tick all those boxes and have a great aesthetic that will look inviting to two-legged visitors as well? At Floors for Paws, we think it is and, in this guide, we examine the features of quality veterinary clinic flooring, and why our vinyl Pawsafe Commercial Range fits the bill.

Durability

This is really important in a busy vet’s practice. Flooring needs to withstand a lot of traffic and be resistant to the wear and tear from a variety of claws, paws and maybe even hooves that will scratch and scuff. Flooring that can bear the weight of heavy equipment too is an advantage, and one that will not need to be replaced every couple of years will be appreciated by practice managers. With correct maintenance following professional installation, vinyl flooring can last for years and our entire range is supplied with a 10 year commercial guarantee.

Low maintenance and easy to clean

Veterinary floors are a breeding ground for dirt and germs but with a seamless flooring, germs and bacteria have nowhere to hide. A seamless floor is also easy to sweep and mop regularly and is impervious to liquid penetration when correctly installed. The Pawsafe Commercial Range is supplied in vinyl flooring rolls for a seamless installation and is waterproof, thanks to its PVC composition. Needing nothing more than mopping with an approved cleaning product, it is also extremely low maintenance and will cope with being washed down daily.

Slip resistant and comfortable for pets

The Pawsafe range boasts an industry-leading slip rating and has been approved by Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) as safe for arthritic dogs. The anti-slip surface offers maximum grip while the multi-layer construction also offers a level of comfort for old bones that isn’t seen in inferior quality vinyl flooring.

Good looking flooring

In a busy practice, there will be a lot of people coming and going, and having an attractive floor reflects on your brand and your values as a business. The Pawsafe Range includes a Commercial Range and a Domestic Range. Used together, the domestic range is perfect for welcoming clients in the reception and waiting areas, and the commercial range makes the best flooring in consultation and treatment areas.  Both are available in a choice of colours and patterns and offer a much less clinical look than standard veterinary flooring, while creating a coordinated look throughout the premises.

If you need new veterinary flooring, don’t just take our word for how good the Pawsafe Range is; the Caerphilly Veterinary Clinic left a wonderful testimonial after we helped them to replace their flooring. For any questions you might have, about any of our ranges, or to choose up to three free samples, please give us a call on 01937 830948 or drop us an email at info@floorsforpaws.com

Surprise; Epping is back!

Epping - wood range

Due to the Pandemic, we were unable to get one of our favourite colours manufactured. We found a way, and after a long wait we have it back in stock and ready to adorn your home.

We love the cool and sophisticated shade of this colour as it works superbly well with neutral and monochromatic interiors.

To celebrate the return of a classic, we are offering a 10% discount on Epping for July, August and September.

Contact us today on 01937 830948 or info@floorsforpaws.com

To order your free sample of Epping please follow this link: Free Samples
*Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

Dog wary of smooth flooring

man high fiving dog

Our four legged friends develop the same mental associations as us. If you slipped on a certain flooring you would be vary careful when approaching this flooring again. The difference between human and canine recognition is dogs may consider any similar looking flooring as the one they originally slipped on. This can develop into an anxiety for the dog and make taking them to certain homes, shops etc difficult and even wary of your own flooring in the home.

Over the last few years we have met many dogs who have a fear of smooth flooring due to an incident from the past, and this was one of the reasons we decided to find a flooring that would be resilient, easy to maintain and waterproof for our benefit, but more importantly safe for dogs.

The process of building up a dog’s confidence with flooring requires a few things;

  • Time
  • Patience
  • The right flooring
  • Encouragement
  • Re-assurance

In situations when dogs with this condition first see Floors For Paws they may associate it with a similar colour/type of flooring that has been an issue previously, and as such will need a lot of encouragement to step onto the floor in the first instance. This can’t be rushed and doing so will make the situation worse. We start by letting the dog have a good look & sniff of the floor before stepping on it. Then we use a favourite toy to encourage the dog to step onto the floor.

Once this stage is achieved it is important to give lots of positive encouragement. Once the dog realises it is not slippery then we spend some time slowly walking with the dog around the whole floor.

In all but extreme cases; after 10 minutes the dog will have built up confidence on the floor.

Floors For Paws has been installed in vets and recommended by animal physios. With an 85 PTV slip rating you can be sure you are giving your dog a safe, clean, hypoallergenic environment.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR DOG FRIENDLY FLOORING

Preparing your floor for Floors for Paws

Preparing you floor

To ensure you have a lifetime of hassle free flooring it is essential to have your sub-floor prepared in the correct manner. If you have a perfectly smooth and dry sub-floor you can simply adhere Floors For Paws directly onto it. Unfortunately this is rarely the case, so we would like to look at the best solutions.

Latex sub-floor
This option is a quick and trusted process to ensure your FFP is fitted onto a suitable base. It is used on existing concrete floors that need to be smooth and levelled. Quick drying options such as the Stopgap 300 is ready to walk on in 2 hours and to work on in 4. This solution is also ideal for going over existing tile floors (who wants to take out all the tiles and build up again!) The photo below shows a kitchen diner before and after being latexed. As you can see the grout lines show through while it is drying but as long as 3-4mm is applied onto the tiles the surface will dry completely smooth.


1. Tiled floor


2. Two hours post latex


3. Floors for Paws Greenwood flooring

SP101 Ply board – Flooring Grade
Ply board should be used over existing wood flooring, or when you need to bring up the level of the floor by over 4mm. In the case below the carpet that was removed was 10mm and therefore too deep to apply a latex without the need for Grano chippings. This depth of latex would take two months to dry! The 9mm ply board is cut into place and secured with mechanical fixings at regular intervals to ensure no movement. The ply board is then ready for FFP to be adhered directly onto it. We recommend a minimum of a 6mm ply board base.


4. Build up with 9mm ply


5. Floors for Paws Wychwood flooring

If you are not a DIY nut; don’t worry because our recommended installers can carry out the preparation and installation for you.

Here our superb installation engineer John carries out fitting of 130 sqm of Greenwood to Rigsby Wold Holiday cottages new accommodation. For more details on this Dog friendly holiday please visit Rigsby Wold Holiday Cottages.

Call us today to discuss any aspect of your project on 01937 830948.

The Best Flooring for Puppies

Puppy on Floors for paws

The Best flooring for a new puppy

We all know the excitement of bringing home your new puppy; those doleful eyes that make you want wrap your puppy in cotton wool and never let it leave your sight -The proof that love at first sight is real and the kids say ‘you’re the best parents in the world!’

Success; everyone is in love and happy. Now for the practical……

Short of taking your puppy into the garden at 15 minute intervals your puppy is going to pee (and worse) on your carpet at some point. (Crate training can be a good way to avoid this, but personally I find making a puppy sleep near their own mess is a little mean)

So as you clean your carpet for the seventh time in two days you start to think; ‘I need a new floor – ceramic will be good. Its wipe clean – problem solved.’ Unfortunately your little puppy will be like Bambi on ice on smooth flooring, and your vets bills will far out weigh the cost the new floor.

Laminate? Prone to scratching, and moisture underneath the top covering

Stone? Urine can soak into the stone

Wood? Scratches and stains

So What is the best flooring for puppies???

Floors For Paws is stain proof, waterproof, Anti-slip and Anti-scratch. Wherever your dog goes: go Floors For Paws. The world’s best flooring for dogs & dog owners.

For more information on our products and to browse our selection, click here to explore our PawSafe Domestic Range.

If you want the best flooring for your puppy, simply call us today on 01522 300218 to find out more, or  drop us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com