Vinyl floor aftercare

Our complete guide to vinyl floor aftercare will keep your floors in tip top condition.

At Floors for Paws, our best flooring for dogs is supplied as pet-friendly vinyl plank flooring, LVT, or commercial vinyl sheet flooring. While all our flooring options are low maintenance, they will need the correct aftercare to ensure you get the maximum lifespan from them and they remain in the best possible condition. Here’s how!

What to do after installing vinyl flooring

  • After installation, glue down flooring needs time for the glue to set before furniture is moved back on it. This process is called ‘curing’ and if not given sufficient time, planks and tiles could shift.
  • While the adhesive sets, avoid washing the vinyl (for at least 5 days).
  • Do not replace furniture in the area for 48-72 hours and if possible, avoid walking on it too. If you do need to walk in the room, avoid the seams. If heavy objects are placed on the vinyl before the adhesive has cured, it will leave permanent compression marks.
  • Open windows to ventilate the room and help any odours to dissipate.

Protecting vinyl floors from damage from furniture

  • Heavy pieces of furniture can cause dents and scratches to vinyl flooring so use felt or cotton furniture pads for legs (rubber could mark or stain the vinyl). These are attached to the bottom of the legs and will spread the weight, preventing dents, scratches and scuffs.
  • If you rearrange your furniture on a regular basis, use furniture glides, small discs that attach to the bottom of furniture legs. They protect vinyl floors in the same way as furniture pads but also make it easier to move the furniture.

How to care for vinyl flooring

All vinyl flooring benefits from ongoing maintenance. This should take the form of regular sweeping or vacuuming, and mopping for heavier dirt. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar as this could scratch the vinyl. Establishing a consistent care and cleaning pattern, will extend the life of your vinyl, as dirt or spillages that are left to sit on the vinyl could penetrate the joins and degrade the vinyl.

What to avoid when caring for vinyl floors

  • Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could scratch the floor’s surface.
  • Do not use a steam cleaner as this will loosen the adhesive over time. We recommend the Karcher hard floor cleaner.
  • High heels can leave indentations in the vinyl, so always wear indoor shoes with smooth soles on your floors.
  • Keep floors dry at all times – when mopping, dry thoroughly when you have finished, as excessive water could have an adverse effect on the adhesive if left unchecked.

How to clean vinyl floors

Even with regular maintenance, your vinyl flooring will need the occasional deep clean. Seamless floors like our Pawsafe Commercial range which is supplied on the roll, is tough enough to cope with regular deep cleaning whereas the Pawsafe Domestic range and our luxury vinyl range should only be deep cleaned when stubborn marks appear that cannot be removed with routine mopping. For more detailed help and advice for vinyl floor cleaning, our vinyl floor cleaning blog has lots of articles to help.

If you have any questions about cleaning our pet friendly vinyl floors, contact us by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or give the team a call on 01522 300218.

The difference between lino and vinyl

Best flooring for dogs

People often call vinyl flooring lino by mistake, thinking they are the same thing. Here, Floors for Paws looks at the differences between these two popular flooring solutions.

 

What is lino?

Lino, or linoleum to give it its correct name, is a type of flooring that was particularly popular in the first half of the 20th century. Invented by Frederick Walton in the mid-1800s, lino is a mixture of linseed oil (hence the name linoleum) with natural materials such as cork dust or wood pulp, and pigments. In terms of maintenance, a lino floor needs to be recoated and waxed every year.

Vinyl flooring

In contrast to lino, vinyl flooring is made from a completely synthetic, manmade material, called PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic). Vinyl flooring consists of multiple layers that are heated and pressed together. The surface layer gives the flooring its final appearance and is coated for resistance to scratches, liquids and stains.

How to buy vinyl flooring

Where linoleum can only be bought on the roll (like rolls of carpet), vinyl flooring is available on the roll as well as luxury vinyl tiles or luxury vinyl planks. This gives users the opportunity to create patterns in their flooring such as the traditional herringbone pattern of parquet floors.

At Floors for Paws, our ethos has always been to put the welfare of dogs on an equal basis to that of their owners. To this end, we have worked extensively with Canine Arthritis Management to develop a range of flooring that is the best flooring for dogs. So how does lino measure up to vinyl flooring when it comes to our pets? Let’s take a look at the features of the best flooring for dogs which include slip resistance, comfort, water resistance, and low maintenance in order to keep dogs and their owners happy.

Comfort

The multi-layer composition of vinyl flooring allows for a soft, comfort layer to offer cushioning to older dogs. As linoleum is a single layer construction, this is lacking and may be hard for dogs with joint conditions to lie down on for extended periods.

Slip resistance

Linoleum is extremely slippery and requires an application of a water based sealant or modified resin solution. However it can take up four applications before some slip resistance is achieved. Floors for Paws’ Pawsafe Domestic range and Luxury Vinyl range on the other hand,  have the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring currently on the market

Water resistance

With dogs at either end of the age spectrum being prone to accidents (either from not yet being house-trained or from suffering from age-related incontinence) water resistance is important for dog owners. Linoleum requires regular sealing in order for it to be water resistant and even then, it isn’t recommended for any areas that are prone to moisture and humidity. Vinyl flooring however, when professionally installed is completely waterproof.

Maintenance

Both linoleum and vinyl are fairly easy to clean but keeping pet-friendly flooring clean is easier with vinyl flooring. It requires the minimum of ongoing maintenance beyond regular sweeping and mopping with plain warm water. Linoleum on the other hand does not stand up well to being mopped and does need to be sealed once or twice a year.

Comparisons between vinyl flooring and linoleum

Aesthetics – The options available or vinyl flooring are extensive. As the final aesthetic of LVT flooring and luxury vinyl planks depends on the pattern printed onto their surface layer, colours and patterns available are extensive and wood-, stone-effect finishes are also possible. Linoleum undergoes a different process, with the pigment added to the natural materials in the flooring. This limits the choice of pattern available.

Durability – as lino is a softer material than vinyl, it is more susceptible to scratches and damage. Its single layer composition means that regular sealing is required to counteract this, where vinyl flooring has an integral scratch resistant layer.

Installation – both require experienced installers if they are to give a maximum lifespan and durability. While vinyl is much beloved by the enthusiastic DIY-er, at Floors for Paws we are able to offer a prolonged guarantee against damage or failure of the flooring if it has been professionally installed.

Sustainability – as a product made using only natural materials, lino is completely organic and therefore sustainable, whereas vinyl flooring has, over the years, received a fair amount of bad press due to the nature of its manufacture and the lack of opportunity for recycling. At Floors for Paws, we use efficient manufacturing processes and our ranges are chemical free with a low VOC count. Floors for Paws is both FloorScore® and DIBt certified for superior indoor air quality, and our products are manufactured to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. We use only recyclable plastic and only recommend a solvent-free adhesive.

While linoleum can be described as the precursor to vinyl, it’s fair to say that the invention of vinyl flooring definitely sounded the death knell for lino. It is however, experiencing a small comeback but for dog owners, we believe that vinyl flooring is the best flooring for dogs. If you would like to discuss any of our vinyl flooring ranges, please send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com or give us a call on 01522 300218

What is LVT flooring? A complete explanation

dogs on luxury vinyl flooring

LVT flooring is a hardwearing, low maintenance flooring and here, we discuss why we believe LVT flooring is the best flooring for dogs.

What is LVT flooring?

Short for Luxury Vinyl Tiles, LVT flooring is a luxury vinyl flooring product manufactured from several layers of PVC that are bonded together. At Floors for Paws, our LVT flooring is available in a choice of realistic looking natural wood- or stone-effect finishes.

Is LVT better than laminate?

Laminate flooring is supplied in plank form with the planks comprising layers of pressed wood pulp with a plastic top layer. As LVT is made from a plastic composite, it is a much more flexible flooring option with a softer surface. LVT is also much more durable than laminate and, because of this, manufacturers are able to offer longer guarantees. At Floors for Paws, when our LVT is fitted by one of our approved suppliers, it comes with a 30-year domestic guarantee.

What is the lifespan of LVT flooring?

At Floors for Paws, our LVT range has an expected lifespan of 30 years (hence the guarantee we are able to offer). Its multi-layer construction with surface ‘wear’ layer means our luxury vinyl range will stand the test of time and of course knowing how to clean vinyl floors correctly will also help to prolong its lifespan.

What rooms is LVT flooring suitable for?

Its excellent durability coupled with stylish and stunning good looks, makes LVT flooring suitable for any room in your home. As it is completely waterproof (read Best waterproof flooring for pets), it is particularly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens and it will also withstand heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for hallways and entrance halls. For living or dining rooms where a traditional herringbone effect is preferred, wood-effect luxury vinyl planks are perfect.

The benefits of LVT flooring to pet owners

In addition to its durability, water resistance and low maintenance, LVT flooring really is the best flooring for dogs. Offering the good looks of a real wood or stone floor, luxury vinyl flooring has none of the disadvantages. It has a non-slip, textured surface layer to help young and old dogs alike to maintain their balance plus an additional comfort layer and a fleece backing. Designed especially with your pets in mind, the range has been endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management).

LVT flooring from Floors for Paws

At Floors for Paws, our luxury vinyl range is offered in a choice of 8 wood-effect vinyl planks, ideal for creating a traditional herringbone design, and 6 stone-effect tiles ideal for replicating a ceramic floor. We understand the choice can be overwhelming, so why not choose up to three free samples (or more for a small charge) to help you decide?

Once you’ve received your samples, ordering couldn’t be easier! Simply follow the four easy steps in How to order and we’ll do the rest. For any other questions, our friendly team can be contacted by email at info@floorsforpaws.com or over the phone on 01522 300218.

What is Luxury Vinyl plank flooring?

luxury vinyl plank flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is a popular flooring option for homeowners looking for a durable and stylish alternative to traditional hardwood or tile. This type of flooring is made from a combination of natural materials and synthetic polymers, resulting in a product that mimics the look of hardwood or stone while providing added durability and resistance to moisture and wear.

One of the main benefits of LVP is its ability to mimic the look of natural wood or stone. This is achieved through high-resolution printing and texturing techniques that make the flooring look virtually identical to the real thing. This means that homeowners can enjoy the beauty and elegance of natural wood or stone without the high cost and maintenance that comes with those materials.

Another advantage of LVP is its durability. Because it is made from a combination of natural materials and synthetic polymers, it is able to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist scratches, dents, and stains. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and entryways. Additionally, LVP is moisture resistant, making it a great option for bathrooms, basements and other damp spaces.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is also relatively easy to install. It comes in planks or tiles that can be floated over an existing subfloor, making it a great option for DIY projects. Additionally, LVP is easy to cut and shape, allowing for a variety of design options and flexibility.

Another great feature of LVP is its ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional hardwood, Luxury vinyl plank flooring can be easily cleaned with a damp mop or cloth. It does not require any special cleaning products or regular waxing or staining. This makes it a great option for busy homeowners who want a beautiful and low-maintenance flooring option especially for dog friendly and pet friendly homes. 

In terms of cost, LVP is a budget-friendly option. It is generally less expensive than traditional hardwood or stone, and it is also more durable and requires less maintenance. This makes it an excellent value for homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring.

Overall, luxury vinyl plank flooring is a versatile and durable flooring option that provides the beauty of natural wood or stone without the high cost and maintenance. Its high-resolution printing and texturing techniques make it virtually indistinguishable from the real thing, and its moisture resistance and durability make it a great choice for high-traffic areas and damp spaces. Additionally, its easy installation and low-maintenance make it an attractive option for homeowners who want a beautiful and functional flooring solution.

Order your 3 free samples today https://www.floorsforpaws.com/luxury-vinyl-range/