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CARPET VS. VINYL: CHOOSE THE BEST FLOORING FOR YOUR HOME

Choosing the right flooring for your space is crucial, setting the tone for the entire room. Two popular contenders often come into play among the many options available: carpet vs vinyl tiles. Both have their own set of advantages and considerations, making the decision a challenging one. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the showdown between carpet and vinyl tiles, exploring aspects such as durability, maintenance, aesthetics, cost, and installation to help you make an informed choice for your flooring needs. 

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Durability 

When it comes to durability, selecting a suitable flooring material is critical to ensuring longevity and enduring the rigors of daily life. Carpet and vinyl are two standard options, each with its durability advantages. Carpet, known for its softness and warmth, offering comfort underfoot and sound absorption, may be less durable than vinyl tiles. They can be prone to staining, wear, and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is well-known for its durability and resilience to scratches, stains, and moisture, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Vinyl flooring has been a popular choice for homeowners looking for durable and practical flooring options due to its ability to resist daily wear and tear and ease of maintenance.  

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Maintenance

Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing between carpet and vinyl flooring because it directly affects the longevity and appearance of your floors. Carpet tiles require regular vacuuming to remove dirt and debris and occasional spot cleaning or steam cleaning to maintain freshness and remove stains. They may not be suitable for households with pets or allergy sufferers. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, requires less maintenance, with regular sweeping and mopping usually enough to keep it clean and looking good. Vinyl’s resistance to moisture and stains allows for simply removing spills and messes, avoiding extensive cleaning. It is an appealing alternative for busy homes looking for flooring that can endure the demands of everyday life because it requires little care and is long-lasting.  

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Aesthetics 

The aesthetics of flooring significantly impact a room’s mood and visual attractiveness. When comparing carpet with vinyl, aesthetics become essential because each has unique visual qualities. The rug creates a soft, cozy, inviting ambiance with various colors, textures, and patterns to fit different design styles. Whether you like smooth, luxurious carpeting for a formal living room or durable, stain-resistant carpet for a busy family room, carpet allows you to create the style and feel you want. 

Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, comes in a variety of styles, such as wood, stone, and tile. With advances in printing technology, vinyl can nearly resemble the natural appearance of these materials while also offering durability and water resistance. Whether you prefer the warmth of mahogany, the elegance of marble, or the industrial chic of concrete, vinyl flooring has various options to suit any décor style. Furthermore, vinyl’s ability to mimic natural materials makes it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a high-end appearance without the related maintenance and cost. 

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Cost 

Vinyl tiles are generally more cost-effective than carpet tiles in terms of material cost and installation. They are often budget-friendly for homeowners looking for durable and versatile flooring. Vinyl can save homeowners money by avoiding regular replacements and costly maintenance, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. Moreover, the cost of carpet tiles can vary depending on material, quality, and design factors. Generally, carpet tiles have higher installation costs than vinyl tiles.

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Installation 

Carpet tiles are relatively easy to install, as they come in individual squares that can be laid down and replaced individually if damaged. They may require adhesive or tackifier for installation. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, has a more straightforward installation method, with self-adhesive or click-lock systems available, making it suited for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts. Vinyl tiles or planks can be installed directly over most existing flooring, eliminating the need for substantial subfloor preparation and potentially cutting installation costs. Vinyl is a popular choice among homeowners looking for its versatility and ease of installation.

Furthermore, the complexity of installation may impact the project’s completion timeline. Carpet installation often takes longer due to the meticulous stretching, cutting, and seam-sealing necessary. In contrast, vinyl flooring may typically be laid more rapidly, especially with click-lock or peel-and-stick choices that require minimal preparation and no drying time. 

 

Key Takeaway 

There is no clear winner in the battle between carpet and vinyl tiles, as each option has its strengths and considerations. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs, preferences, and lifestyle factors. If you prioritize durability, low maintenance, and modern aesthetics, vinyl tiles may be the way to go. However, if comfort, warmth, and a wide range of design options are more important to you, carpets could be the ideal choice. By weighing the factors of durability, maintenance, aesthetics, cost, and installation, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your spaces for years to come.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge and tips to pick the right tiles for your home, it’s time to turn your vision into reality. Take the first step and embark on your tile transformation journey today!

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THE EVOLUTION OF LARGE FORMAT TILES THIS 2024

Within the ever-evolving field of interior design, 2024 is a year that will be remembered as a turning point in the development of big-format tiles. This blog post explores the cutting-edge designs and paradigm shifts that redefine how tiles function in our homes. Large format tiles are no longer limited to just functionality; instead, they are becoming vibrant canvases for artistic expression that captivate the interest of both architects and designers. Large format tiles have evolved from massive proportions that alter perceptions of space to complex designs that push the limits of artistic daring in 2024. This progress reflects the fusion of sustainability, technology, and creativity. Come along on an exploration of the ground-breaking trends reshaping the design scene as we explore the cutting-edge world of big format tiles, which will have a lasting impression on interior design in the future. 

 

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BIGGER

Exploring bigger dimensions is a defining theme in developing large format tiles within the dynamic field of interior design. As we go off on this evolutionary journey, 2024 stands out as a turning point when size goes beyond practicality and becomes a catalyst for redefining the fundamental qualities of architectural spaces. Large format tiles break free from convention and constraints that alter how interior spaces are seen. They are no longer limited to typical measurements; they redefine our living spaces’ physical and visual dynamics, from vast flooring that flows effortlessly across rooms to towering accent walls that grab attention. These tiles invite a sense of grandeur and openness that was once unimaginable. 

Large-sized tiles offer an abundance of creative opportunities beyond their mere size. Today’s designers can create immersive surroundings beyond the traditional, turning rooms into interactive art pieces. Massive scale is a narrative technique that helps designers elicit strong feelings, identify focal points, and produce unique atmospheres, improving the aesthetics of interiors. This new wave of design invites us to think big, step out of the usual, and embrace environments that evoke wonder, push the limit, and challenge the basic notion of what it means to create boldly and innovatively. 

 

 

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BOLDER

The year 2024 is a creative lighthouse, challenging architects and designers to go beyond the box and discover the untapped possibilities of large format tiles as intricate works of art. Large format tiles are becoming dynamic canvases with solid patterns and textures that entice the senses and redefine the basic structure of interior spaces.

The landscape of large format tiles transforms into an artist’s palette as we explore this boldness, inviting a departure from the usual and embracing the extraordinary. These tiles combine geometric patterns, realistic renditions of natural materials, and avant-garde designs to create standout pieces that cut beyond conventional limitations. Intricate designs serve as a means of self-expression for designers and enhance the visual appeal of spaces while allowing them to create tales that uniquely represent the interests and preferences of their clients. Large format tiles will no longer be just surfaces in this dynamic interplay of form and function; they will become essential components of customization and storytelling within the larger tale of modern design. 

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BETTER

As we approach 2024, a paradigm change becomes apparent as state-of-the-art technology transforms these tiles’ once-static and practical character dynamically. This revolutionary period pushes the limits of accuracy, durability, and adaptability and prioritizes sustainability, signifying a turning point in the relationship between environmental responsibility and design. With their technological capabilities, large format tiles are no longer only decorative accents in a room; they also signal a deliberate effort towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. 

In exploring the relationship between technological advancement and sustainability, several breakthroughs that redefine the possibilities of large format tiles will be revealed in 2024. With the tremendous creative flexibility that digital printing technologies afford designers, complex and elaborate designs come to life. Yet, improvements in glazing methods guarantee resilience to fading, staining, and wear, prolonging the life and usefulness of ceramic tiles. However, the progression also includes a dedication to environmentally sustainable techniques and performance improvements. The industry is turning large format tiles into symbols of responsible, progressive design rather than merely decorative accents by utilizing eco-friendly materials, cutting production waste, and implementing energy-saving techniques. It becomes visible when we traverse this intersection of sustainability and technology, not just as visual beauties but also as essential components of a comprehensive design strategy that honors creativity and the environment. 

 

Key Takeaway

The development of large format tiles is evidence of the dynamic character of interior design as we navigate the 2024 design scene. These tiles—bigger, bolder, and better—reflect a change in design sensibility rather than merely being a fad. They challenge us to rethink our living spaces, breaking away from the traditional and embracing a conventional modern elegance. The development of large-format tiles is an ongoing process that holds promise for a day when the options for design will be as boundless as the tiles themselves. 

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Vinyl Tiles vs Linoleum

Vinyl Tiles vs Linoleum

What’s the difference between vinyl and linoleum tiles?

  1. Ease of installation
  2. Level of maintenance
  3. Manufacturing process
  4. Appearance
  5. Cost

 

When you think about tiles, some of the materials that come to mind are ceramic, porcelain, or even stone. But did you know there are actually other materials which tiles can be made of? In fact, these materials may probably be softer than the ones you’re used to. Of course, two types of flooring reign in this debate — vinyl tiles vs linoleum. Both tiles seem to have similar qualities and characteristics at first glance, but you’ll eventually find why this isn’t necessarily the case. Read on to learn more about their distinct features.

 

Ease of installation

One of the main differences between vinyl and linoleum has to do with the ease of installation. Generally, vinyl tiles are the better choice in this regard because they’re far easier to install compared to linoleum.

Linoleum typically comes in the form of sheets which need to be applied with tools such as a trowel or a floor roller. Having this in mind, you can already imagine the difficulty in applying this to a floor surface in your house because of the high level of precision required.

Vinyl tiles, on the other hand, come in the form of adhesives or planks which you can easily glue to your floor. They take up far less installation time compared to linoleum tiles. These tiles can easily be cut in the desired sizing to adjust it to the size of any room.

 

Level of maintenance

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A major difference between vinyl and linoleum is that the latter may need to be sealed far more often, unlike vinyl. Nevertheless, the two don’t necessarily differ much when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.

Vinyl tiles are resistant to both water and moisture, meaning they can easily be cleaned using the most common household cleaning techniques. Mounds of dust and dirt can be removed using a broom or a vacuum cleaner for maximum effect. After this surface preparation, you can already use a lightly damp floor mop to shine the floor.

Linoleum can also be cleaned in the same way, except that you may need to pay more attention to its adhesion. It needs to be resealed at least once a year in order to retain its quality. First, you need to prepare the surface through simply cleaning. After, apply a comprehensive coating of an acrylic floor sealant product using a mop and leave it out to dry.

 

Manufacturing process

Vinyl is primarily produced using polyvinyl chloride — most commonly known as PVC. Due to its high strength and durability, this material is also widely used in pipe manufacturing. As mentioned before, the resulting product is a vinyl sheet that can be cut in different tile sizes.

Meanwhile, linoleum is made with natural ingredients such as sawdust, finely-ground limestone, linseed oil, as well as other naturally-occurring pigments to add a splash of color.

 

Appearance

Appearance

PVC material is considered to be synthetic. This already gives you an idea of just how many design options can be done using vinyl tiles or sheets. If you want more eye-popping colors that can aid any room in your house stand out, vinyl tiles are the best way to go.

However, homeowners typically look to vinyl tiles to achieve the natural appearance of wood material for their floors, without the maintenance drawbacks of actual wood.

Since linoleum is made out of different natural materials, the design options are far more limited compared to vinyl. This is because the color of the material is present not only on the surface of the material but in its entirety. Choose linoleum tiles if you want to achieve lighter colors or more basic floor designs.

 

Cost

Vinyl tiles are the most cost-effective options to achieve beautiful and high-quality flooring — whether it be for commercial or residential flooring installations. They’re generally less expensive compared to linoleum, but the difference isn’t at all staggering.

Despite this, the price of either linoleum sheet or vinyl tile ultimately depends on the design and the manufacturer. Floor Center in the particular has a wide range of affordable, wood-look vinyl planks that comes in different shades and colors. Beautiful floor designs don’t have to come at a price — you’ll be able to take advantage of superior looks accompanied by reasonable price points.

 

Key Takeaway

In the vinyl tiles vs linoleum debate, it’s not difficult to come up with a decision on which tile to use.

Both tiles may seem similar on the surface, but they largely differ on the availability of design options, pricing, ease of installation, as well as, manufacturing process. Vinyl, on the other hand, is moisture-proof and can emulate the natural, and rustic appearance of wood.

This article will hopefully give you the right idea on making the right choice for your flooring design. Click here to contact Floor Center for more information!

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4 Sanitizing Tips for Vinyl Flooring

4 Sanitizing Tips for Vinyl Flooring

What are some sanitizing tips for vinyl flooring?

  1. Place a doormat in the entryway
  2. Avoid soaking vinyl
  3. Regularly sweep floors
  4. Use baking soda paste

 

Maintaining hygiene is undoubtedly one of the first things we have to consider during these extraordinary times. By making ourselves and our environment cleaner, we’re doing our part in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Particularly, if we’re staying at home for long periods of time, we should know how to keep every part of the house clean. We might want to equip ourselves with the proper knowledge on how to sanitize vinyl flooring especially if this kind of surface is present in high-activity areas like the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

Because of the lockdown, families have been left with no choice but to stay indoors. When one of them does not follow a work from home arrangement, they can potentially expose the other family members to different kinds of bacteria. Luckily, Floor Center’s vinyl tiles are easy to clean and will easily sanitize any part of your home, preventing unwanted bacteria buildup. If you want to learn more about the most efficient ways of sanitizing vinyl planks to make it safe for you and your family, continue reading.

 

Place a doormat in the entryway

Place a doormat in the entryway

Placing a doormat in your entryway is a preventive measure in order to avoid any unwanted dirt from accumulating on vinyl flooring. As mentioned before, keeping your family safe is the priority in these times. While Floor Center’s vinyl tiles are already hygienic enough to achieve this, placing a doormat keeps shoes clean before stepping onto vinyl tiles. This tip is useful when not all of your family members are working from home.

For example, if they regularly have to go out, they might unknowingly expose their shoes to grime, dust, and dirt. With the presence of a doormat, they would be more inclined to clean their shoes first before stepping inside the house. In choosing a doormat, ensure they’re sturdy enough to last longer periods before they’re washed.

 

Avoid soaking vinyl

There is a tendency for many people to use water in cleaning almost anything. There’s no harm in doing this, after all, water is a great way to clean light stains, clean dishwashing foam, and virtually almost any grime which can come off easily. But when it comes to cleaning your vinyl tiles with water, avoid soaking it.

The reason for this is that when you drench your vinyl floors with too much water, the water can seep into the cracks and the gaps in between the vinyl planks. This can potentially cause damages such as loose or warped planks.

If you’re cleaning with a mop, make sure to dip it in the appropriate amount of water along with the right kind of cleaner. Make sure the mop isn’t dripping wet before applying it onto the flooring surface. In this way, you’ll retain the appearance and arrangement of the vinyl, while at the same time making your floors spic and span for the rest of the household.

 

Regularly sweep floors

Regularly sweep floors

Two of the most underrated cleaning materials in your home are the dustpan and broom. They’re simple items but they are the most useful when it comes to getting rid of different kinds of debris, dirt particles, and dust which may be accumulating in certain areas of the house. As such, they’re also useful in cleaning your vinyl flooring.

Regularly sweeping your floors is a low-impact technique in maintaining the hygienic value of vinyl tiles. You may not know it, but sanitizing your floors in this way can create better health outcomes for both you and the family. The reason for this is that sweeping vinyl tiles can prevent the buildup of dust mounds which can easily enter the respiratory system. Though not instantaneously, inhaling dust can cause further allergies and potentially dangerous breathing problems for anyone in contact with this kind of dirt.

It is advised that you set a schedule to clean your vinyl surfaces. While it is generally recommended that you do this daily for the most optimal results, you may also opt to do it every other day.

 

Use baking soda paste

Finally, another effective way of cleaning vinyl floors is through the application of baking soda paste. This is a good way to get rid of stubborn stains like those coming from grape juice, ketchup, grease, and the like. Simply mix a solution of baking soda and water until you are left with a mixture with a paste-like consistency.

Cleaning your stains immediately after the spill is the best way for them to prevent lasting on your floors. On another note, this method also prevents ants, cockroaches, vermin, and other kinds of pests from infesting vinyl floors, as the stains have already been dealt with.

 

Key Takeaway

If you don’t know how to sanitize vinyl flooring, then you don’t have to worry as the guide above sets out to simplify it for you. In these extraordinary circumstances that we’re currently living in, keeping our household hygienic for every family member is essential to maintain their health and improve their immune system.

With Floor Center’s easy-to-maintain vinyl flooring, you won’t experience any problems with regards to keeping your house clean. Furthermore, you’re giving your house a fighting chance of better protecting itself during the pandemic. Click here to check out more helpful tips!

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The Best Tile for Each Area of Your House

The Best Tile for Each Area of Your House

Your home flooring can experience a lot of hardships during its lifespan. But not all areas of your house will suffer; most probably only certain parts will get this kind of attention.

Rooms that get a high volume of foot traffic should have practical flooring installations. This means that you must refrain from installing tiles on the floors that will not last that long.

Foot traffic, slippages, water resistance, comfort, and the price of tiles in the Philippines—these are the things you should consider in order to ensure you receive a worthwhile investment.

As much as you want to install porcelain and ceramic tiles in every room of your home, you actually have more options that you can explore. For instance, wooden tiles and vinyl tiles are great choices for certain areas!

Let’s analyze some of the best tile options that you can choose to install at certain areas of your house.

 

Ceramic for Living and Dining Room

Living rooms and dining rooms are the common areas of a house. The flooring in these rooms should be durable enough to support large furniture. For instance, a living room has the sofa, coffee table, stand for the TV, bookcases, etc. Meanwhile, the dining room has a table and a number of chairs that will seat everyone during meal times.

Ceramic tiles are incredibly durable and scratch resistant—which comes in handy if you are moving your furniture around. Plus, its original color does not fade for a long time.

 

Porcelain for the Kitchen

Porcelain tiles are the most durable and water-resistant out of all of the other tile options. Overall, it outperforms all of the other flooring materials in every aspect that is important in a kitchen. Some of which include resistance to stains, spills, scratches, and dents. It is also pretty durable—a great feature to have on your kitchen flooring since it can become really busy there.

Porcelain for Bathrooms and Laundry

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Porcelain for Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms

Once again, porcelain tiles are the best option when it comes to these rooms in your house. Thanks to its characteristics (which were already discussed above), it’s a nice flooring option to have in your laundry rooms and bathrooms.

However, instead of the typical glossy porcelain tiles, the tiles used in here are textured. Try to avoid tiles with a glossy finish because they may cause you and your family to slip. Textured tiles are better for these rooms because they have some grip—something that’s very important in a place that is usually wet and slippery.

 

Vinyl Tiles for Bedrooms

These rooms need a more comfortable feel to them. With that being said, the regular hardness of porcelain tiles makes them a little too harsh in these areas. Vinyl tiles, however, are the better alternative!

Vinyl tiles are durable, low maintenance, and stylish. They can actually be used in most areas in your home. If you are wondering about the price of these tiles in the Philippines, you’ll be glad to know that they are usually cheaper than porcelain tiles.

They are also a good choice for these rooms because they often feel lighter and softer compared to other tile options. They also have various designs you can choose from, meaning you can easily match them to your interior. For instance, check out FC Floor Center’s chic [30×30] 15-066 tile design:

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Key Takeaway

Porcelain and vinyl tiles are currently becoming some of the most sought-after tiles in the country. In most cases, vinyl can be used as an alternative to porcelain when it comes to design. However, vinyl can make a name for itself by outmatching porcelain in comfort!

No matter what it is, these two are probably the best flooring options that you have when you plan on renovating your house, starting with your home flooring! We at FC Floor Center offer a large collection of Porcelain and Vinyl Tiles. If you’re interested, you can take a look at our products by clicking here!