Is There A Scratch Proof Floor?

I Want To Look At Your LVP
Almost every day the majority of the new clients coming into our Design Center are looking for LVP (luxury vinyl plank). Yes, it’s that popular.

We begin by asking our usual questions to make sure it is the right product for them, including why they are interested in LVP. The answers are almost always:
“I’ve been told it’s what I need.”
“Because it’s waterproof and I’m worried about leaks and floods.” 
“It’s scratch proof, I have big dogs.”
LVP is a great product, but it’s not indestructible. Let’s learn more (this information is taken from the actual manufacturer warranties).

Did you know LVP is not warranted against scratching.  Gloss reduction, scratches, and dents in the finish are not considered surface wear and are not covered under the warranty. 

LVP is very stain resistant. Many products have “pet proof” warranties: resists staining caused by pet (domestic cat or dog) stains, including urine, feces, and vomit. Stain resistance means the ability of your floor to resist (i.e., MINIMIZE or withstand) permanent stains. Cleaning of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before removal, the more difficult a stain will be to remove. The warranty does not cover any urine, feces, or vomit stains other than pet.

What does waterproof really mean? The warranty covers TOPICAL moisture as long as the water does not flow over the edge of the surface (perimeter of the room, cut boards, etc.)  The warranties cover normal cleaning practices, moisture due to everyday household spills, and normal moisture levels from subfloor when exposed to such conditions.

These are some of the things NOT covered by the warranties:~~problems arising from excessive moisture, alkali or water pressure from the sub floor ~~any damage resulting from mold and mildew growth (typically from moisture problem that remains undiscovered or unaddressed.) ~~indentation from high heels, spiked shoes, rolling loads, chairs or other furniture not using floor protectors~~ damage caused by chemically reactive material (TIP: make sure rug pads are specifically warranted to use over LVP), adhesive or tape, dye, mold, stains, spillage, burns, gouges, scratches, indentations, accidents, abuse

~~damage from plumbing/appliance leaks, storm or flood ~~damage from exposure to extreme heat or sunlight exposure (TIP: if the floor will get intense direct sunlight, invest in sun blocking window treatments to protect your floor) ~~ products installed outside, for example on a screened in porch. The warranty only covers indoor applications ~~ Damage resulting from a failure to follow installation and cleaning/maintenance guidelines

Interesting, right? So many things purchasers think are covered by the warranty aren’t. LVP is a great product. But it is not magic. Think of LVP as a very durable floor that is water--stain--scratch RESISTANT but not water--stain--scratch PROOF. 

We sell and install a lot of LVP. We try to never over-promise the benefits of this easy to take care of floor. Invest in a quality product, have realistic expectations, follow all installation requirements, and maintain your new floor properly (door mats, furniture protectors, quick removal of spills and stains) and you are sure to be happy with your purchase.

Design Tip

Trends we are seeing in LVP: Light colored floors are very popular. White oak, not pickled, not grey. A touch of grey is OK, just not a grey floor. Wide plank, 5” minimum up to 8” or 9".  Brown tones with a hint of grey.  And tile looks for bathrooms and kitchens, especially for homes with real hardwood floors that can’t or don’t want to “match” the wood.

How Much Does It Cost?

LVP is a great choice for a basement, with one caveat. Expect some floor prep to be needed to get the cement slab within manufacturer specs for levelness. (TIP: Most builders do not prepare the basement slab to meet these requirements.) We just installed a Coretec LVP in the large basement of a Marietta home, almost 1300 square feet. Our client's "all in" price was a little over $11K. She is loving how easy her new floor is to take care of.  Cue the game up, we are heading over for a game of pool!


WWOWT
Wonderful World of Window Treatments

1. Window Treatments Save You Money Saving money is important for everyone, especially to the new homeowner who’s still adjusting to mortgage payments, home owner’s association fees and insurance premiums. Sound familiar? Then you should probably prioritize quality window treatments that can conserve energy costs. 

By covering the spaces with direct access to the outdoors, window treatments block heat and cold from seeping inside your home. Even a minor draft can alter the interior temperature and force your heating system to work harder than necessary. This is a significant problem in older homes, which are rich in character but poorly insulated. 

That said, modern construction is not impermeable. In newer homes, the midday sun is the major culprit. As it pours into your home, the sun heats up your space and, therefore, drives up your air conditioning bill. 

With window treatments, you can prevent all that. In fact, you can use window coverings to adjust your home’s temperature room-by-room. Perhaps, you want the living room to radiate with the sun’s rays, but you prefer the bedrooms stay shaded. You can make those adjustments with just the pull of a cord. 

For even more control, consider layering your window treatments. A set of  shades tucked under linen drapery not only looks elegant, but proves to be functional. For instance, when you want a touch of natural light but not direct exposure, you can open the shades and close the drapes. Or, if you need more protection from the sun, pull down the shades and close the drapes – you’ll get double the coverage. 

2. Window Treatments Provide Privacy Think about when you travel. Do you stop your newspaper delivery and ask a neighbor to bring in your mail? If you’re gone for a couple weeks, you’d probably have a friend drive your car around – anything to show signs of activity. Indeed, these are all smart, protective maneuvers. Unfortunately, none of them matter if you don’t have window treatments. 

Window treatments create a barrier between your personal space and the outside world. With the curtains drawn, unwanted onlookers won’t be able to peek inside your home and track your every move. If that doesn’t put your mind at ease, I don’t know what will. 

Of course, privacy matters just as much – if not more -- when you’re actually at home. Imagine stepping out of the shower or getting dressed in your bedroom with a clear view outside. These are the kinds of intimate moments that beg for window coverings, so you may feel comfortable living in the place you call home. 

To create privacy throughout your home, you’ll want to steer clear of sheers and choose a fabric with some slight density or a lining (privacy or blackout). Linen and linen blends are the perfect weight, because they let in a hint of light but still block sight lines from the outside. 

Woven wood shades are another good choice for privacy, particularly in your bathrooms, where you don’t need total darkness. Your bedrooms and front-facing living rooms, on the other hand, might require more coverage. In those spaces, add layers or opt for a blackout lining on your drapery.

3. Window Treatments Elevate Your Home’s Décor If Mona Lisa didn’t have eyes, the painting would look unfinished. There would be a very obvious missing piece, just as there would be if you didn’t have window treatments in your home. These panels of fabric do so much more than block sunlight and nosy passersby. 

From a visual perspective, window treatments can be charming, elegant and even theatrical. For one, they frame your windows in a way that draws attention to them. This is most useful in home with arched windows or other architectural details that are worth exaggerating. 

Window treatments also do a beautiful job of softening the tone of a space. Imagine a room with hardwood floors and zero furniture. By simply hanging curtains, you add warmth and invite people in. Should you want to infuse a little drama, you can always use floor-to-ceiling drapes. They mimic the excitement of a theatre curtain call and instantly elevate the ambience.  

Of course, you don’t have to go to great (fabric) lengths to enhance your home’s décor. Even relaxed Roman shades can be an impactful design choice. It’s all about the style of your home and the tone you want to create in each space. In fact, style and tone will be your first considerations when shopping for window treatments.