Author: mynewfloor

Homeowners looking for a comprehensive yet affordable floor change often choose between vinyl and laminate. Both these flooring materials are extremely durable, cost-effective, and provide amazing design variations.

However, making the choice can be quite difficult! To make this process simpler, continue reading this comprehensive guide…

Key Takeaways

1. Vinyl and Laminate floors are both cost-effective.
   
2. They are both synthetically made, yet mimic the appearance of natural materials.
   
3. Simple installation allows both for DIY projects and cost-savings!
   

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring, almost known as luxury laminate flooring, is a popular synthetic option designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood and stone.

The laminated wood floors in our NOVO COLLECTION are designed to look just like real wood – infact, they’re made with the same solid hardwood core as our SOLO COLLECTION.

However, unlike real wood floors, NOVO’s laminated surface and multi-layer construction provide added resistance to wear, stains and heavy traffic.

Laminate Flooring : Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Durable: Good luxury laminate flooring is known for its durability, often able to withstand high traffic with minimal damage. It features a wear layer that protects against scratches, dents, and stains, making it suitable for busy households.
2. Affordable: The LVP vs laminate debate must acknowledge just how affordable laminate is. It typically costs less than hardwood flooring while still providing a similar aesthetic.
3. Easy To Install: With the advent of glue-down laminate flooring, it has become easier to install such floors! It also allows for quick DIY projects without the need for professional help, thus saving on costs.

Cons

1. Lacking Waterproof Capacities: Asking “How long does laminate flooring last” is quite the prudent question as prolonged exposure to water can damage the core layer, leading to warping or swelling. 
2. No Refinishing Scope: Even the best luxury laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished to counter signs of wear. That’s an option exclusive to solid hardwood floors.
3. Inherently Artificial: Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that mimics the appearance of natural materials.
   

What is Vinyl Flooring?

LVP, or luxury vinyl plank, flooring also features added benefits like scratch-, dent- and moisture-resistance, but in a fully synthetic, multi-layer construction. The highly realistic styles in our EVO COLLECTION resemble real wood and offer unmatched durability and performance.

Vinyl flooring is a versatile and durable flooring option made primarily from synthetic materials, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

It is designed to provide an attractive and functional surface for various spaces in the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.

Vinyl Flooring: Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Resilient: The best way to demystify the vinyl vs laminate flooring debate is to understand just how durable vinyl is. Typically, it can last between 10-12 years when properly maintained!
2. Comfortable: This type of flooring is softer underfoot compared to harder surfaces like tile or stone, making it more comfortable for standing for long periods.
3. Diverse Styles: Confused between vinyl or laminate? Just check the sheer design options and varieties available for vinyl! It can mimic natural materials like wood and stone, while also offering unique designs.

Cons

1. No Addition to Resale Value: Vinyl flooring does not typically increase the resale value of a home as much as other flooring options like hardwood do. Potential buyers may view it as less desirable compared to more traditional materials.
2. Not Environmentally Friendly: Vinyl is made from synthetic materials, primarily PVC, which are not biodegradable. This raises concerns about environmental impact, particularly regarding disposal and recycling.
3. Potential For Damage: While vinyl is durable, it can still be susceptible to damage from sharp objects or heavy loads. Additionally, if installed improperly over an uneven subfloor, it may develop lumps or tears over time.
   

Which Flooring is Best: Vinyl or Laminate?

Choosing between vinyl or laminate might feel like a difficult task. However, here are the key factors you need to be aware of…

1. Maintenance and Care: Vinyl flooring is generally easier to maintain than laminate. It requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping, and it is resistant to stains and moisture.
   Laminate also needs regular cleaning but can be more susceptible to water damage if spills are not addressed promptly.
   

2. Appearance and Comfort: In terms of comfort, vinyl flooring tends to be softer underfoot due to its cushioning layers, making it more comfortable for prolonged standing.
   Laminate provides a harder surface that can feel less forgiving.
   

3. Aesthetics and Design Options: Vinyl flooring excels in diversity with numerous styles, colors, and patterns available, including options that closely resemble hardwood or stone.
   Laminate also offers a variety of designs but may not achieve the same level of detail as high-quality vinyl.
   

4. Lifespan: Both vinyl and laminate floors are known to last between 10 to 20 years. However, this is contingent on how effectively the floors are maintained. Remember, water damage may harm laminate floors much more than vinyl floors!
   
   
5. Installation: Both vinyl and laminate are designed for easy installation, often featuring click-lock systems that allow for DIY projects. However, vinyl can sometimes be installed over existing floors without additional underlayment.
   
   
6. Cost Considerations: Both vinyl and laminate are comparatively affordable materials to choose from. Easy financing can make getting a new floor even quicker! Simple flooring installation requirements mean you save costs in this space too.

The most notable difference is how each product looks in bright light. As you can see in the side-by-side comparison below, laminated wood looks most like real wood in natural light:

Final Thoughts

It is very easy to feel confused when choosing between vinyl vs laminate flooring. The final choice can only be made by one person – You! What is it that you are deeply looking for in your floor?

Both vinyl and laminate offer their nuances – which nuance matters most to you? A deeper decision-making process like this will help you identify a flooring material that satisfies you fully!

We MyNewFloor.com are bringing the best flooring installation in Charlotte, NC has ever seen. If you’re curious about where else we serve, check out our serving areas. Are you ready to experience it? Now that you know both these flooring options intricately, you’re all set to make an informed choice!

There’s nothing like the look of real wood floors to make a room feel polished and pulled together. The process of selecting your new hardwoods, though, can feel daunting.

From the choice between solid hardwood and more durable engineered wood, to wood species, stain and finish, there’s a lot to consider. When shopping, it’s also important to weigh lifestyle factors such as kid- and pet-friendliness, ability to stand up to high traffic, etc.

We work hard to simplify the process of researching, selecting and installing new hardwood floors you love. All of the real wood floors in our SOLO COLLECTION are made from wood sourced in the Appalachian region, and feature enhanced water-, stain-, scratch- and dent-resistance, so your investment keeps looking like new for years to come.

They’re also backed by our worry-free guarantee, and all materials and installation costs are built into our low, all-inclusive pricing.

Here’s what else to know when shopping for your new hardwood floors:

WHAT HARDWOOD FLOORS ARE BEST FOR DOGS?

If you’ve got dogs or cats at home, you’ll want hardwood floors that can stand up to rough-and-tumble playtime, zoomies, water bowl spills and house-training accidents. Our SOLO Acadia line not only features hardwood floors dogs can’t scratch, but they’re also fully waterproof, stain-resistant, dent-resistant and eco-friendly.

ARE HARDWOOD FLOORS WATERPROOF?

No, not all hardwood floors are waterproof – but our Acadia real wood floors are, thanks to a combination of watertight interlocking joints and a water-resistant premium finish.

Though not fully waterproof, other hardwood floors in our SOLO COLLECTION can get wet. Whether your floors are waterproof or water-resistant, wipe up spills and other mishaps as soon as you see them to keep your floors looking great long-term.

CAN HARDWOOD FLOORS BE MOPPED OR STEAM CLEANED?

When in doubt, always check your manufacturer’s warranty for hardwood floor care and cleaning instructions.

For example, the floors in our Acadia line can occasionally be cleaned with a water-only, well-wrung wet mop or a residential steam mop with a microfiber pad and temperature on the lowest setting. For other floors in our SOLO COLLECTION, a dry to damp, well-wrung mop is recommended, and steam cleaners should not be used.

WHICH HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANER IS BEST?

Most manufacturers do not recommend using detergents, abrasive cleaners or soaps to clean your hardwood floors.

For our Acadia line, clean with 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water OR 1/3 cup non-sudsing ammonia per gallon of water if needed (though occasional wet mopping with just water on a well-wrong mop is preferred). No other floors in our SOLO COLLECTION should be cleaned with any liquid cleaner.

WHICH HARDWOOD FLOORING IS THE MOST DURABLE?

All of the hardwood floors in our curated collection were specially selected for their durability. This means they’re kid- and pet-friendly as well as moisture-, stain-, scuff-, scratch- and dent-resistant.

In short, the real wood floors in our SOLO COLLECTION are built to take whatever your busy home throws at them, and continue looking great long after they’re installed.

WILL HARDWOOD FLOORS DARKEN OVER TIME?

Whether your hardwood floors darken over time – and how much – depends on two things.

First, certain wood species are more prone to darkening. Cherry, for example, has a high rate of photosynthesis and can darken as much as five shades in as little as three months. Second, the finish that’s applied to the top of real wood starts clear but turns amber over time, which also contributes to a darker look.

If you’re looking for real wood floors that won’t darken, consider the white oak options in our SOLO Acadia line. These floors won’t darken over time, making them a great choice for spaces with lots of natural light or in locations where you plan to use area rugs.

WHAT HARDWOOD FLOORS ARE IN STYLE FOR 2023?

The hardwood flooring trend that’s hot in Charlotte now is lighter stains. Whether you’re planning a seasonal spruce-up or designing from scratch, light wood species (like the white oak in our Acadia line) paired with light stains can brighten any space.

ARE HARDWOOD FLOORS EXPENSIVE?

They don’t have to be! When you shop with us, you’ll receive a low, all-inclusive price per-square-foot that includes all materials, expert installation, furniture removal, demolition and more. No surprises, no hidden fees – just high-quality, high-performance floors you’ll love.

SHOP HARDWOOD FLOORS

Ready to explore our real wood flooring options? Contact us to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, or shop the SOLO COLLECTION now.

October is National Kitchen and Bath Month, and to celebrate, we’re taking a closer look at the best floors for each space.

Whether you have a remodel on the horizon or you’re just beginning to dream about redesigning your space, read on to learn more about questions to consider, what to look for when shopping and our top flooring recommendations for both rooms.

BEST FLOORS FOR KITCHENS

Your kitchen is one of the most highly trafficked areas in your home. As such, it plays a lot of roles – cooking and eating area, social space, home office, homework headquarters and more.

This means your choice of flooring needs to do more than beautifully complement your cabinets. It also needs to stand up to extended wear, resist scratches and dents, and, because spills are virtually guaranteed, stop moisture damage before it happens.

The hard surfaces in our curated collection do all of this, and offer the added benefits of fade and stain resistance:

The laminated wood floors in our NOVO COLLECTION are some of the most versatile, durable and easy-to-maintain flooring options available. Every product in this collection also features water-tight joints for extra peace of mind.

Within our SOLO COLLECTION of hardwood floors, you can choose your preferred wood species, stain color and finish for a truly customized look to complement any kitchen. The best part: These waterproof floors trap moisture at the surface and prevent penetration.

Love the look of wood but want extra wear-and-tear protection? Consider the increasingly popular luxury vinyl plank options in our EVO COLLECTION. Some styles feature added scratch- and stain-resistant technology for exceptionally active households.

KITCHEN FLOORING FAQ

What’s the best dog-friendly kitchen flooring?

When shopping for pet-friendly flooring, look for products with added benefits like dent-, scratch- and moisture-resistance. All of these bonus protections will help your floors stand up to everyday pup playtime, zoomies and water spills.

Can you put wood floors in the kitchen?

If your real wood floors feature added water protection like those in our SOLO COLLECTION, yes, you absolutely can! Our worry-free floors feature waterproof joints and a premium finish that work together to stop spills at the surface. Just wipe up the spill and get on with your day.

Is there a kitchen tile that looks like wood?

Yes, select styles within our HYDRO COLLECTION of engineered tile mimic the look of real wood (check out Palisade Night Owl and Palisade Tender Twig as examples). These floors are warmer to the touch than ceramic or porcelain tile and are installed without grout.

BEST FLOORS FOR BATHROOMS

Though (hopefully) not quite as busy of a space as your kitchen, your bathroom does share one major common flooring consideration: moisture resistance.

But that doesn’t mean your options are limited for creating a statement powder room or a master bath that’s your ideal oasis.

In fact, you might be surprised to know our current go-to flooring choice for bathrooms isn’t tile. Instead, right now we’re loving the look of the SOLO Acadia line of hardwood floors.

Yep, you read that right: Hardwoods – in the bathroom.

All of the Acadia floors in our SOLO COLLECTION are fully waterproof and feature a host of additional product benefits like stain-, scratch- and dent-resistance. You can choose between white oak or hickory hardwood, a smooth or low-gloss finish, and many different stains for a bathroom look that truly fits your design style.

Of course, if you prefer the look of modern tile in your half-bath, guest bath or master bathroom, we’ve got that covered, too. The variety of shades within our HYDRO COLLECTION come in grouted and groutless options that are warmer to the touch, kinder to your feet and easier to care for than traditional ceramic or porcelain tile.

BATHROOM FLOORING FAQ

What flooring is best for small bathrooms?

The size of your bathroom doesn’t change the most important thing you need from the flooring you select for the space: Make sure your flooring choice is waterproof.

Beyond that, it’s largely a matter of preference. For example, you can choose a lighter, waterproof hardwood or engineered tile to make your space feel larger, or splurge on a look you love because the smaller surface area makes it more affordable.

What’s a flooring option for the bathroom that’s not tile?

As long as your flooring is fully waterproof (not just moisture-resistant), it can work in your bathroom. Note: Correct installation is essential to maintaining waterproof properties. That’s why our low, all-inclusive quotes always include installation by our team of certified installers.

Can you put hardwoods in the bathroom?

If they’re from our SOLO Acadia line of hardwood floors, yes, you can! These real wood floors are 100% waterproof thanks to a combination of water-tight joints and a moisture-resistant finish. Plus, they come in a range of woods, stains and finishes tailored to your taste.

SHOP OUR CURATED COLLECTION

Ready to find the flooring that’s right for your kitchen or bathroom? Contact us to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, or shop our curated collection now.

We get it: With the cost of just about everything on the rise, you might be wondering if you can save money by installing your new wood, vinyl or tile flooring yourself (or with a little weekend help from your friends).

Yes, a successful DIY could give you both satisfaction and bragging rights. But in most instances, installing new flooring is a lengthy, labor-intensive process best handled by an experienced flooring contractor.

Here are six reasons we recommend going pro for your next flooring project:

CERTIFIED INSTALLERS ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR CRAFT

Our Certified Installers have spent years honing their skills, and all are specialists in either flooring or carpeting. But their expertise doesn’t stop there.

MyNewFloor.com is the first and only flooring retailer in the Charlotte area to require certifications for its installers. In addition to having at least five years of experience, each of our installers has also completed a rigorous testing and credentialing program.

NO PACKING OR UNPACKING BEFORE OR AFTER INSTALLATION

If you’ve been putting off your flooring project because you’re dreading having to move your things or empty your room beforehand, we have good news: Our Certified Installers do that work for you.

Our professional, highly trained team will do the heavy lifting to move furniture and other belongings both before and after your new floors are installed.

How’s that for easy?

EXPERIENCED TEAMS CAN TROUBLESHOOT EFFICIENTLY

Take on enough home projects and you’ll quickly come to learn that, somewhere along the way, you’re bound to encounter something that doesn’t go exactly according to plan.

If you’ve opted to DIY your flooring install, the solution could be a quick fix – or it could require more nuanced troubleshooting. Choosing expert installers who’ve seen it all can drastically reduce your risk of timeline delays, extra costs and potential damage to your home.

HOURS – OR DAYS – BACK FOR OTHER DIY (OR R&R)

True, if you have some DIY experience you could attempt to do your flooring installation yourself. But wouldn’t you rather use that free time for a less-physically demanding project or some quality time with friends and family?

Installing flooring and carpet is all our Certified Installers do. That means our team has every challenging step down to a science and works as one to complete your job efficiently.

PEACE OF MIND THAT YOUR JOB IS DONE RIGHT

We live and work in the Charlotte area, too, and we take great pride in helping our neighbors from South Charlotte to Lake Norman find, finance and install great-looking floors they love.

Our installers don’t stop learning when they earn their certifications. They continue to receive specialty training and support from Mohawk, Shaw and other MyNewFloor.com manufacturers so they can complete your job quickly, accurately and professionally.

In addition, all our Certified Installers are fully insured.

INSTALLATION BUILT INTO LOW, ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

Maybe the best reason to use Certified Installers for your next flooring project? The cost of installation is already reflected in your one-price-per-square-foot quote.

When we say “all-inclusive pricing,” we mean it. No upcharges. No hidden fees. No surprises, ever. We make it easy to budget for your project and choose the right floors for your home.

SHOP OUR CURATED COLLECTION

Ready to find the flooring that’s right for your space, budget and lifestyle? Contact us to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, or shop our curated collection of wood, carpet, vinyl and tile flooring today.

Think your new floors have what it takes to be social media stars?

If they’re hardwood, laminated wood, luxury vinyl plank, carpet or tile from MyNewFloor.com, we know they look great and perform beautifully. 😉

The best part of any flooring project is getting the chance to show it off when it’s done, so for that we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite smartphone photo and video tips to help your floors shine on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or wherever you choose to share them.

Let’s get snapping.

TIDY UP

First things first: Remove distractions from your shot. Place common clutter like loose mail on the table, shoes or bags out of frame. Keep the focus on your floors, not the snacks or car keys on the kitchen counter.

Also, it probably goes without saying, but make sure your floors are clean before you shoot.

FOLLOW THE LIGHT

You don’t need a professional lighting setup to get great snaps of your new floors. Pay attention to how natural light moves across your room throughout the day. Shoot when you have bright, indirect sunlight and, if possible, capture shots with your back to the light.

GET LOW

Instead of positioning your smartphone camera at chest or eye level standing up, try getting low or shooting on a downward angle. This will help put the emphasis on your floor and make it the hero of your shot. You can even turn your phone upside down for a unique perspective.

EXPERIMENT

The beauty of smartphone photography is that, in the span of just a few minutes, you can take a bunch of shots, quickly review, delete the duds and keep the ones you like best. Try playing with your phone’s standard and portrait modes for photos and cinematic mode for video.

TOUCH IT UP

The easiest way to make your new floor photos go from nice to niiiiice? A little bit of editing! You don’t need to be a pro or pay for apps. Use your phone’s built-in editing tools to brighten and straighten your shots (pick a horizontal line in your shot you can use for reference).

SHARE IT

That’s it! In just a few minutes, you can shoot share-worthy photos or videos of your new floors that will inspire your friends, family and other homeowners to step up their own flooring game.

Now all that’s left to do is share your finished shots to Facebook or Instagram and tag @mynewfloorcom so we can feature your new floors for our followers, too!

Raise your hand if you knew when you started shopping for carpet how many choices you’d need to make to arrive at the right floor covering for your home and lifestyle.

We get it – from color to pattern, material to pile height, carpet style to backing and padding, the options can be overwhelming.

As the Charlotte region’s premier flooring company, we’ve simplified the selection process by hand-picking only the best-performing products for our curated carpet collection.

But that’s not all: Our talented designers are here to help you navigate your options so you can feel confident in choosing a carpet style that fits your taste, budget and the way you live.

Here’s a primer on the four carpet styles you’ll see in our Blakeney, South End and Lake Norman showrooms:

BERBER LOOP

This carpet style has dense, looped strands and a low profile for a clean, low-maintenance look. It’s also available in a patterned loop style, which usually has two to three different loop heights to create pattern effects. Berber is casual, durable, reliable and ideal for high-traffic areas.

Shop berber loop carpets in our ECHO COLLECTION.

PATTERN

Ideal for formal rooms or areas where you’d like to make a statement, the varying loop and cut height yarns in pattern carpets translate to an artistic and sophisticated look. This carpet style provides a variety of surface textures, including sculpted effects of squares, chevrons or swirls, and its multicolored effects hide soil and stains and handle traffic beautifully.

Shop pattern carpets in our ECHO COLLECTION.

SHAG / FRIEZE

If you’re looking for a casual, comfortable feel, shag or frieze (pronounced “freeze”) carpet is a good pick. Its high, twisted yarns are long and crimped for a relaxed look. As an added bonus, the long twists create dimension and visual interest, plus a bouncy, springy feeling underfoot.

Shop shag / frieze carpets in our VERSO COLLECTION.

TEXTURE CONSTRUCTION

Known for its stylish and casual look, a texture carpet style features long, crimped yarns and works for any room. Its higher pile gives a super-soft feel and helps hide footprints and vacuum tracks. This is the most popular carpet style on the market.

Shop texture carpets in our VERSO COLLECTION.

SHOP OUR CURATED COLLECTION

Ready to find the carpet style that’s right for your space, budget and lifestyle? Contact us to schedule your free estimate with a professional flooring expert, and shop our curated collection of berber, pattern, shag and texture carpets today.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the carpet padding you pick really matters, consider this:

The best way to prevent a spill or pet accident from doing damage to your subfloor is to stop it from soaking through your carpet in the first place.

The best way to do that? Choose carpet padding with a moisture barrier.

It might sound too good to be true, but all of the texture carpets in our VERSO COLLECTION feature our SpillGuard moisture barrier padding at no extra charge.

This water-resistant, stain-resistant technology stops spills and accidents from soaking through your cushion so you can blot them from your carpet quickly and easily. The result: virtually damage-proof, stink-free carpet that looks like new long after it was installed.

But the benefits of our SpillGuard carpet padding don’t stop there:

CUSTOMIZED DENSITY AND THICKNESS

Our premium 8-pound density, 1/2″ thickness SpillGuard carpet padding comes standard with all carpets in our VERSO COLLECTION.

HYPOALLERGENIC

SpillGuard technology is unlikely to cause allergic reactions – and, because it’s a moisture barrier, it can actually stop allergy-causing mold and mildew from growing.

REDUCED NOISE

Installing carpet padding is a great way to reduce noise that travels within and between rooms, and add an extra layer of quiet to your space.

ADDED INSULATION

A quality carpet and padding combo can be an exceptional added layer of insulation, which may reduce hot and cold air loss (and, by extension, your home’s heating and cooling costs).

GREEN LABEL PLUS-CERTIFIED

Our SpillGuard padding isn’t just water-resistant. It’s also CRI Green Label Plus-certified to meet the most stringent criteria for non-toxic, low-chemical emissions.

RECYCLED – AND RECYCLABLE

SpillGuard technology is made from 90 percent recycled materials and is itself 100 percent recyclable.

GET STARTED

Ready to install water-resistant, worry-free carpet with SpillGuard padding in your home? Contact us to schedule your complimentary estimate with a professional flooring expert today.