Is thicker vinyl flooring the right choice?

Vinyl flooring in Cheshire has become a popular choice for homeowners and business owners alike due to its affordability, durability, and wide range of colours and patterns. It comes in various thicknesses, prompting many individuals to wonder if thicker vinyl is better.

Made from PVC and other materials, vinyl flooring often imitates the look of natural wood or stone while being water-resistant and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl tile manufacturers such as Karndean produce thick vinyl flooring that may come at a higher cost but comes with an extended guarantee period, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.

Thick vinyl has several advantages with minimal disadvantages. While it does cost more than thinner options, quality thick vinyl lasts longer. Professional installation is recommended since it requires more intricate installation methods.

One significant advantage of thicker vinyl is its wear layer that makes it resistant to scratches and dents without requiring any special maintenance procedures. It can be installed in any room including bathrooms and kitchens, provided the manufacturer's installation instructions are followed closely.

Although thicker vinyl costs more than thinner alternatives and needs professional installation services, investing in this option is well worth considering for both commercial properties as well as residential homes. To explore your full range of options regarding thick vinyl flooring choices locally available, visit your supplier of domestic or commercial flooring in Cheshire today. Ask to borrow samples of thick vinyl tiles to see how they look and feel in your room.

Can water-damaged carpets be salvaged?

The UK has experienced several floods in 2023, and there may be more to come. If a carpet becomes water-logged, in many cases it might be best to throw it away. However, if your carpet is particularly important, you’ll want to know if it can be saved. In this blog, we’re taking a look at whether this is possible.

There are three primary classifications of water: clean water, such as fresh rainwater or from a burst pipe; grey water, which is dirty but without sewage like drain water; and black water, containing human sewage waste. Unfortunately, carpets contaminated with grey or black water cannot be salvaged and must be disposed of. Only carpets soaked with clean water have a chance of being returned to their former glory.

The first step is to act quickly since mould or mildew can develop on the carpet within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to moisture. Drying out the carpet rapidly is essential. Remove furniture and any other items covering the floor then use a carpet extractor found in cleaning machines designed for carpets to suck up saturated fluids. Alternatively, a machine that shampoos carpets should have suction capabilities.

Press towels onto any remaining wet spots on the surface until all excess fluid has been removed. The next stage involves hiring blowers specifically designed for drying out carpets.

Once thoroughly dried, lift the carpet and remove any underlay which will need replacing. Then, clean the carpet before you can start using the room again.

High-quality carpets in Chester homes provide warmth and cosiness to any space. As long as they're regularly cleaned and protected from excessive moisture, your carpet should last many years.

Luxury vinyl tiles help keep kitchens warm

Recently, there has been a surge in the popularity of luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) for kitchens, as noted by experts at Livingetc.

Luxury vinyl tiles offer a warmer feel compared to traditional stone or tile floor coverings in kitchens unless underfloor heating is installed. Architect Seth Ballard has been quoted as saying:

"A wild card that is starting to make its way onto even our highest end projects is LVT.”

Ballard recommends waterproof vinyl flooring, as this is able to handle both spillages and pet messes.

LVT consists of five or more strong layers made from high-quality materials compressed using high pressure at high temperatures. A strong backing layer is incorporated into every tile to form a solid strong floor covering.

Maintenance of LVT is easy, with regular quick mopping without excessive water use being required. Stains are easily avoided, provided spills are promptly cleaned up.

Vinyl flooring is compatible with underfloor heating, making it ideal for achieving warmth and cosiness within the kitchen area. LVT won't warp or crack when installed over underfloor heating. For an extra warmth boost, heat insulation layers can be installed beneath vinyl tiles.

Even without underfloor heating and insulation, luxury vinyl tiles retain more heat compared to stone or tile. Carpets may be soft and warm, but are not practical in kitchens as they don't handle spills, stains and water well.

Overall, choosing luxury vinyl tile in North Wales during renovation work is seen as an excellent idea for those seeking warm kitchen spaces capable of handling the region’s cold winter weather conditions.

Why are carpet tiles ideal for teenage bedrooms?

In a recent design project, interior designer Ghislaine Viñas opted for wall-to-wall carpet tiles on the floor instead of hard flooring which many parents prefer due to its easy maintenance.

Viñas uses wall-to-wall carpets to provide an aesthetically pleasing and continuous block of colour with no lines or intersections, making it an ideal choice for small bedrooms.

Recognizing teenagers' notorious messiness, Viñas chose carpet tiles over large carpets or rugs as they are more practical. She suggests buying extra tiles so that if there are any spillages, you can replace the dirty tile with a new one effortlessly.

Viñas also acknowledged how cluttered teenage bedrooms can become. Therefore, she placed emphasis on using plenty of open and closed shelving units to display favourite items while keeping things organized. The room's built-in storage units and desk space were designed first before constructing the rest of the area around them. Although this creates an irregular shape in the room, fitting carpet tiles around fitted furniture poses no issue as they can be easily trimmed to fit.

The bedroom walls display bright modern art and stylised portraits of the bedroom’s teenage occupants. These feature a colour palette of orange, yellows and browns that contrast with the bright turquoise coloured carpet tiles.

Carpet tiles in North Wales and Chester are typically found in commercial locations as they are cost effective and easy to maintain. Ghislaine Viñas has demonstrated that carpet tiles are versatile enough even for contemporary-style rooms like teenage bedrooms.

Are fur carpets the biggest trend of 2023?

Fur carpets have become popular in 2023 for those seeking to add a touch of luxurious comfort to their living spaces. While real fur rugs and deep pile wool carpets are made from authentic sheep fur, many faux fur carpet options are now available on the market.

There are some dealers who offer carpets made from other animals such as bears or foxes, but these products tend to be sold in the high-end premium sector of the carpet industry, rather than at local retailers. Vegans and others concerned about animal welfare issues, for ethical reasons, obviously prefer faux fur carpets that feel like fur over real ones.

Many consumers purchase fur floor coverings as rugs to create warm and comfortable areas that are pleasant to walk or sit on in rooms with hard floors. However, larger size deep pile fur like carpets are also available for those who want to cover more room space. Fur carpets can be used in many room types, including bedrooms and living areas but, due to the delicate nature of some fur carpets, they are not always recommended for high-foot-traffic zones. Additionally, they should not be placed in high-moisture areas such as kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms.

Fur rugs typically come equipped with an anti-slip backing. While sheepskin rugs remain undyed, faux fur rugs typically come in various colours and patterns for customers' enjoyment.

To see a selection of faux fur rugs and carpets, visit your local carpet retailer in the Chester and North Wales region.