Flooring trends

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Hybrid Flooring: A Combination of Durability, Waterproofing, and Style.

HYBRID FLOORING: THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF DURABILITY, WATERPROOFING, AND STYLE

Flooring is an essential aspect of any home and choosing the right flooring option can make a significant difference in the overall look, feel, and functionality of your living space. Over the years, flooring options have evolved and become more diverse, offering homeowners a wide range of choices when it comes to selecting the perfect flooring for their home. One such option that has gained popularity in recent years is hybrid flooring. This type of flooring combines the best of both worlds, with the durability and strength of laminate flooring and the waterproof qualities of vinyl flooring. Let’s dive deeper into what makes hybrid flooring the perfect combination of durability, waterproofing, and style.

Durability

Durability is a key consideration when selecting flooring, especially for high-traffic areas of the home. Hybrid flooring is an excellent choice for areas that experience heavy wear and tear because of its durable nature. The top layer of hybrid flooring is made of a hard-wearing material such as aluminium oxide or ceramic beads. This makes it more resistant to scratches, dents, and other types of damage than traditional hardwood flooring. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas, such as entryways, hallways, and living areas.

Hybrid flooring is designed to withstand the harsh demands of daily life, making it an excellent choice for busy households. It is also resistant to fading and staining, which ensures that it maintains its original appearance and quality over time. Additionally, hybrid flooring is designed to resist the effects of moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas of the home that are prone to spills, such as the kitchen and bathroom.

Waterproofing

One of the unique features of hybrid flooring is its waterproof qualities. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring, which can warp and become damaged when exposed to moisture, hybrid flooring is designed to withstand water. This makes it an excellent choice for areas of the home that are prone to spills, such as the kitchen and bathroom. The waterproof nature of hybrid flooring also makes it a great option for homes with pets or young children, as it can withstand the inevitable accidents and spills that may occur.

The waterproof nature of hybrid flooring also makes it easier to clean and maintain. Unlike carpet, which can hold onto dirt and stains, hybrid flooring can be easily cleaned with a damp mop and some mild detergent. This makes it an ideal choice for families with pets or children, as it is more hygienic and easier to keep clean than traditional carpet.

Versatility

Another key benefit of hybrid flooring is its versatility. It comes in a wide range of colours and designs, from natural woodgrain to contemporary patterns, meaning there is a style to suit any decor. Hybrid flooring can also be installed in a variety of settings, from residential homes to commercial spaces. It’s a great choice for renovating an older home, as it can easily be installed over existing flooring, without the need for extensive preparation work.

Hybrid flooring can also be used in combination with other flooring options, such as carpet or hardwood, to create a unique look and feel. It can be used to create an accent or feature area, such as in a hallway or entranceway, or to complement other flooring types throughout the home.

Budget-friendly

Finally, hybrid flooring is an affordable option for homeowners on a budget. While traditional hardwood flooring can be expensive, hybrid flooring is a more cost-effective choice that still offers the look and feel of hardwood. It is also more durable than traditional laminate flooring, meaning that it will last longer and provide better value for money over time. Hybrid flooring is a great investment for homeowners who want to improve the look and feel of their home without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a durable, waterproof, and easy-to-maintain flooring option for your home, hybrid flooring is an excellent choice. With its versatility, affordability, and ease of installation, it’s no wonder that it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice on the Gold Coast and Lismore, and beyond.

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The step-by-step process for carpet installation.

THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR CARPET INSTALLATION.

Whether you’re inspired by the slew of social media DIYers or you’re just trying to save a few pennies, laying your own carpet can be a daunting task.

Carpets On The Move have put together a comprehensive guide for DIY carpet installation that you can refer back to. We will include the necessary tools and easy to follow steps below.

Tools

  • Hammer
  • Utility knives
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Staple hammer
  • Knee kicker
  • Carpet tucker/bolster
  • Broom
  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Floor Scraper
  • Knee pads and gloves for safety

Materials

  • Smooth edge
  • Underlay
  • Hoop nails
  • Carpet of choice
  • Ripple trim

Carpet Installation

  1. Measure the floor

 Measure the width and length of the room to determine how much carpet you will need. It’s a good idea to add an extra 5-10% to your measurements to allow for any mistakes or uneven cuts.

  1. Choose the right carpet

Consider the type of room the carpet will be installed in, the amount of foot traffic it will receive, and your personal style preferences when choosing a carpet. You can visit our show room to speak with our team or check out our blog on the best flooring options for high traffic areas or for children and pets.

  1. Prepare the floor

For the best results it is important to start with a clean, dry and smooth base. Remove old flooring including any nails or staples left behind. Then remove any plaster or glue with your floor scraper. Once you have done this use a broom or a vacuum to remove all debris. Make sure to check that your floor is level and flat before continuing.

  1. Install the smooth edge

Next lay tracking strips known as ‘smooth edge’ around the perimeter of the room with the small nails facing the wall. They give your carpet something to cling to, creating the tension you need for an even installation.

Leave a small gap between the smooth edge and the wall (1 – 2 cm is enough) then hammer in the nails along each track, using extra hoop nails to make sure it is secure.

Use your carpet tucker to trim your smooth edge into shorter pieces to accommodate for door recesses and corners. You can choose to lay a single or double track of smooth edge. Doubling up will make your carpet extra secure.

If installing carpet on concrete be sure to purchase concrete specific smooth edge as different nails are used. You can forgo smooth edge and use glue to install your carpet, however this can make removal or carpet replacement more laborious.

  1. Lay the padding

Roll out the underlay from one wall to the other, making sure the edge is hard up against the wall. Using your utility knife, cut the underlay to size by running the blade along the inside of the smooth edge. Secure the underlay to the floor with your staple hammer.

  1. Lay your carpet

Roll out your carpet so you walk into the pile and line up the straight edge of your carpet with the longest wall. Once your carpet is squared up, secure it to the smooth edge with your knee kicker. It is as simple as placing it down directly under your shoulder, toward the back of the smooth edge and giving it a gentle tap with your knee. After completing small section, firmly run your carpet tucker along the top of the smooth edge for extra grip.

To create even tension across your carpet, repeat the process above in the same spot on the opposite wall. Work from the centre of the walls into the corners.

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Our Top Flooring Options For Pets.

OUR TOP FLOORING OPTIONS FOR PETS.

Australian’s have one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with over 70% of households now owning a pet. In 2020 alone, 1 in 5 families adopted a new cat or dog for companionship and while we love them, new pets bring new challenges, especially when it comes to your flooring. If you’re considering upgrading to a pet friendly flooring option, here are our top suggestions:

What you should be looking for

Durability

Our four-legged friends increase the foot traffic in the home, accelerating the wear and tear of our floors. The constant pitter patter of claws on any surface will begin eroding the top layer of your flooring. Puppies and cats are notorious for scratching and chewing, to mitigate damage and reduce temptation be sure that any existing frayed edges or gaps are repaired and ensure new flooring options are correctly installed. To keep your floors in good shape try opting for scratch resistant and highly durable materials over carpet and hardwood.

Stain and Odour Resistant

Most pets are much like tiny toddlers, covered in hair, which means they possess the unique ability to create enormous amounts of mess out of thin air. New pups and kittens will inevitability need to go through house training, leaving urine stains in the process. If your pet has access to the outdoors, this provides regular opportunities for them to track in unwanted dirt and moisture. Exploring durable, stain and odour resistant flooring options will keep your house fresh and in pristine condition for longer.

Easy to Clean

Pet hair and muddy paws can all spell disaster for our floors, this is why choosing easy to clean flooring options is key to maintaining a spotless home. Many modern flooring options come pre-treated with stain guards and hard top layers, resistant to scratching and staining. Natural fibres such as wool carpet and real wooden floors will always be the most susceptible to staining and are more difficult to clean. But if you have your heart set on the look, we recommend professional cleaning once every 12-18 months. If you’re in the Northern Rivers and South East Queensland we recommend our friends, The Carpet Ninja and Pest Control.

Our top recommendation

Vinyl Plank Flooring (VPF)

Vinyl plank flooring is our number one recommendation for any pet owners. VPF is designed to very closely resemble the look and feel hardwood floors but even with an extensive range of stains and finishes to suit any style, VPF is far more durable and cost effective than timber.

VPF is created by densely compressing multiple layers of hardy PVC, including an important scratch resistant top layer that can withstand claws and puppy teeth better than anything else on the market. As the name suggests, VPF comes in long planks with a tongue and groove connection system that easily click into place, meaning it is entirely possible to install them yourself and to replace singular planks if they are damaged. VPF is a stylish, easy to clean and waterproof option for your entire home.

Eco + Triexta Carpet

Typically pets and carpet do not mix but Eco + understand that sometimes the heart wants what it wants. If you’re set on carpet in your home, the Triexta carpet range is our suggestion. Eco+ have created cut pile twist carpet that is treated with a permanent built-in stain resistant so not only is buttery soft and durable for your pets to play and relax on all day, but light spills and accidents are easily cleaned with just water. If you’re looking to protect your existing floors, we stock a large range of carpet off-cuts that are a great cost-saving alternative to normal rugs and with over 20 neutral and colour options will look just as great!

Visit our showroom or get a quote today to see your pet-friendly flooring options at COTM, or our mobile showroom can come to you!

kids on rug

What flooring is best for a busy home?

 

WHAT FLOORING IS BEST FOR A BUSY HOME?

What makes a busy home?

Within every home and office there is a natural flow of movement throughout the space. For example, you will feel it when you enter through the front door of your home, you are naturally drawn down a hallway into the living space or kitchen, but you do not feel that same pull to move into rooms off of the hallway like bedrooms. Movement through the space is a key element of design and these parts of the home we move through more often are classified as ‘high-traffic areas’.

When choosing flooring options for your home or business you should take into consideration what level of traffic the flooring will be subjected to. If you have children, pets or a large number of guests within the space this will impact the quality and lifespan of the flooring that you choose.

What happens if you neglect this aspect when choosing flooring?

Not all flooring is created equally and though the idea of carpet throughout your entire home may be at the top of your wish list, in reality it may not be a practical decision. High-traffic areas will naturally receive far more ‘foot traffic’ that brings in dirt, debris and moisture. This continuous pattern of movement will naturally create more wear and tear, will require more maintenance and can result in premature signs of aging compared to less frequented areas of the home.

What are the most durable options?

Vinyl plank flooring is the front runner for durable flooring options. The planks are manufactured with a scratch proof, anti-fade and stain resistant wear layer to combat heavy foot traffic. The planks lock together creating a 100% waterproof surface when installed correctly but also allow for singular planks to be replaced should damage occur making it one of the most economical options.

If you love your carpet, don’t worry we stock the Eco Triexta Carpet range. This Australian made, cut pile twist carpet comes with built in stain resistance so stains and mess wash away with just cold water.  Triexta carpet has a five-star Residential Extra Heavy Duty rating and a 25 year Triexta Limited Residential Guarantee so no matter how busy your home is you can rest easy knowing you’ve made the best carpet choice. If you have children or pets, consider a darker carpet colour to prevent stains from being visible, this is also predicted to be a top carpet trend for 2023.

What should you steer clear from?

At the end of the day, you can choose whatever type of flooring you wish for your home, it will simply come down to how much effort you’re willing to put in to maintain the flooring and whether you have the budget to replace your flooring more frequently should you need to. To mitigate the need for constant carpet replacement we advise against choosing plush, light coloured carpets for your high traffic areas. While hardwood floors may be aesthetically pleasing, timber is a porous material, not fully waterproof and not as strong as PVC therefore you’re more likely to see scratching and signs of wear than you would when choosing vinyl plank flooring with a near identical wood profile.

Carpets On The Move have an extensive range of long-lasting flooring option for your busy home or workplace. We have a fast turnaround time and stock ready on hand so give us a call for a quote today!

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Flooring trends for 2023.

FLOORING TRENDS FOR 2023.

Much like the fashion industry, we see emerging trends each year when it comes to home décor. Flooring, unlike throw pillows or wall art is a little more complex to swap in and out each season, however, you can look to the latest trends for inspiration when selecting your new flooring. Remember, trendy or not, if you love a particular style, then that is the one for you!

In 2022 we saw customers favour wide plank floors, particularly in lighter tones that mimic white oak for an up-market coastal look. We saw wood-alternative floors with high variation between planks and checkerboard patterns in both laminate and carpet. With that in mind here are the four flooring trends that we predict for 2023.

Vinyl plank flooring

Vinyl plank flooring allows you to check multiple style boxes with one product. Unlike the thin, flexile vinyl of the past that was rolled out and glued down, vinyl plank flooring is made from dense, durable layers creating a sturdy, waterproof option for both residential and commercial flooring. 

The planks are manufactured synthetic materials that are made to look and feel almost identical to hardwood floors but be stronger and less susceptible to scratches. National Flooring Distributors Vinyl plank floors are easier to install and much more affordable. By creating a waterproof hardwood alternative, it is allowing customers to extend ‘floorboards’ into bathrooms and kitchens without worrying about rot and water damage. While the love of the white-oak look lingers on, we also expect to see more customers looking at richer tones, particularly in kitchens as we’re seeing black accents and dark kitchens being on trend. Heavily antiquated wood floors and herringbone patterns are also very much in for 2023.

Browns & Neutral Tones

For those seeking stylish texture and comfort, chunky loop piles carpets are the ideal option. The Flinders Gorge range by EC Carpets is a durable, wool-like, highly textured carpet that repels water and oil-based spills, is hypo-allergenic and bleach safe. Browns and neutral tones are calming, aesthetically pleasing and on trend for 2023. Wilpena and Jarvis are two luscious chocolate brown tones in the Flinders Gorge range, while Blanche and Beltana are two fantastic lighter, neutral tones. The Eureka range from Quest Carpets also has three great neutral options, Grampians, Otway and Goldfields.

Ocean Hues

Colour palettes found in nature never truly go out of style. We have seen green having a real moment in the interior design space, and this will continue through 2023. But beyond that, ocean hues are really making a splash. Think aquas, blues and deep grey tones. Texture and movement are key components of this trend, so you’ll see zellige handmade tiles in bathrooms with lots of colour variation, and blue-green marble but for bedrooms and living areas we recommend Eco+ Triexta Carpet in the shades Fresh Breeze, Ice Blue, Blue Shadow, Ice Green and Greendale. Triexta Carpet is a cut pile twist carpet that is easy to clean and is available in over 30 vibrant colour shades. The natural pattern of the carpet fibre will create the subtle movement for an on trend but durable option.

Budget Luxury

After years of working from home and limited travel we continuously see customers seeking to add luxurious touches to their home, creating an environment that feels like living in a hotel. They like that when they wake up and step out of bed, the first thing they feel is buttery soft carpet underfoot. Unlike the shag pile carpets of the 70’s, many modern plush carpet brands are more densely woven, hypo-allergenic materials that are manufactured to withstand high traffic if you wish to extend that luxurious carpet feel throughout your home. If you’re looking for a carpet replacement or to update your flooring in 2023, Carpets On The Move have everything you’ll need to stay on trend and within budget, contact us today.

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