#1 Pros and Cons

First and foremost, you must know the pros and cons of each type of flooring material before deciding what type of flooring fits your lifestyle most. Talk to the sales representative about your expectation, building a good rapport is very important. 

After all researches and talking to different flooring companies, you’re still confused with the 1001 types of vinyl available in the market? What else should you look out for?

#2 Certificates and Test Reports

You should make sure the product you are getting is safe and deliver what it claims. Ask for all certifications and test reports. Be certain that you are getting what was said to be. You want to give your loved ones a safe environment to live in.

#3 Value vs Quality

Vinyl price can start from as low as $1.90 per square feet. This price is the most likely supply of material only. Are you getting what you see/hear – price vs design vs quality vs durability? Invest some time, make an effort to visit the showroom, look at the actual product, feel the quality, if it meets your expectation, you’ve probably found THE one.

#4 Knowledge & Experience

Budget is important. But more importantly, is the person who is going to give you advise, explain the product and spend the next few days or months with you till your flooring job is complete.

This floor representative should be equipped with good knowledge of the different types of flooring materials, a sound technical skill on how and what to do to achieve your ideal theme and experienced enough to foresee and tackle the tricky situation.

#5 Testimonial

Be it an established or newly set up company, there are customer orientated ones, there are sales figure orientated ones. 
Apart from the points we’ve highlighted, there is one last but not least factor you should consider, TESTIMONIAL.

Existing customers are the best person to tell you if this company is the one you should award the job to. Every customer’s expectation and the floor’s condition are different. There won’t be 100% positive reviews but do make an effort to read up some reviews of the company that you are considering. The salesperson will only paint you the beautiful picture but the reviews from the customers are always the truth that you need to know.

Looking for a suitable flooring company that suits your budget and preferences? Discuss your needs with our flooring team HERE.

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Since vinyl flooring took off in the last several years, it has seen rapid adoption in both the residential and commercial spaces. Durable, easy to install, and safe for the elderly and children, vinyl flooring is quickly finding itself being installed in spaces all over the world. On top of that, vinyl flooring is available in a wide variety of designs and colours. No wonder vinyl flooring installation is gaining popularity!

What makes vinyl flooring so unique? The secret lies in the technologies that go into the vinyl flooring. Let us have a look at them, layer by layer.

1) Top Layer Technology: Tuff-Shield™

The top layer of the vinyl flooring is a crucial part as it needs to take the everyday abuses and abrasions. From footsteps to household accidents, such as the dropping of keys, the top layer acts as a protective shield for the flooring. It helps to maintain the beauty of the floor for years to come. Not all wear layers are the same. Superior wear layers are critical for performance as well as letting the design come to life.

Tuff-Shield™, the Tuffest coating ever, originates from the United States. It features a double-coating method that adds extra strength to the underlying urethane protectant coating of your vinyl flooring installation. Tuff Shield™ provides the vinyl floor with additional resistance to everyday wear, allowing it to be used in various applications in the home or office. Tuff-Shield™ technology is found in The Floor Gallery’s Eco Resilient Flooring (ERF), as well as EcoTech Extreme Core (ETEC) range of flooring products.

2) Middle Layer Technology: Ecotecture™

The middle layer is the part that provides for the dimensional stability for the vinyl flooring installation. Dimensional stability is the ability for the material to retain its original shape, especially when subjected to changes in its surroundings such as temperature and humidity.

Ecotecture™ Tech is created by bonding several high performance core layers. Every layer is designed to perform and bond together for exceptional dimensional stability and extra sound absorption.

(Eco Protect Resilient Flooring)

Each layer of the Ecotecture™ performs a specific function in the vinyl flooring installation. While the bottom most layers prevent curling and add stability to the vinyl tile or plank, the middle layer provides for sound absorption. The top two layers provide protection to the flooring’s design, as well as against the elements and even bacteria, ensuring that the vinyl flooring remains durable in most environments. Ecotecture™ is featured in The Floor Gallery’s Eco Protect Resilient Flooring (EPRF).

3) Locking Mechanism Technology

The locking mechanism provides for tight joints between vinyl planks and ensures that the flooring does not open up. Tight joints will also prevent any water from seeping in from the flooring’s surface.

Undoubtedly, modern technologies allow for so many exciting possibilities in the modern homeowners’ and offices’ flooring needs. Connect with one of our flooring specialists to discuss about a vinyl flooring installation that suits your needs HERE!

The post Vinyl Flooring Installation: 3 Advanced Technologies appeared first on The Floor Gallery.

Homeowners are immensely proud of their abodes and without a doubt, the floor accounts for a major portion of their renovation needs. As 2018 gets well underway, it is worth having a look at trendy vinyl flooring ideas in home décor this year.

Although traditional wood flooring still captures the imagination of many homeowners, a relatively new type of flooring has been gaining popularity – vinyl flooring. Eco Resilient Flooring are layers of virgin PVC. EcoTech Extreme Core and Hybrid Eco RigidTech are PVC mixed calcium powder Co extrusion. Vinyl flooring has gained wide interest due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and safety. Because of its versatility, it remains popular in 2018 and beyond.

Vinyl flooring comes in many styles, but two major types are tops with homeowners. The first are wood effect vinyl flooring tiles. These synthetic tiles are made to look and feel like natural wood, complete with their naturally coloured grains and textures. This trendy vinyl flooring option appeals to people who yearn for the wood-like look in their homes but also desire the ease of maintenance and soft feel. Wood-look vinyl comes in various colours, among them the evergreen brownish hues. Classic Oak and Danish Oak are always in demand.

      
Styles: Classic Oak & Danish Oak

Style: Scandi White Oak

Another popular class of vinyl flooring is stone effect vinyl flooring. As the name implies, stone-look vinyl flooring refers to vinyl tiles that mimic the look of natural stones. While natural wood evokes a sense of class, stone represents high-end natural look, with its associated luxury and stability. Stone-look flooring has the additional advantage of not having repeated patterns. Think of the polished marble or granite tiles in a five-star hotel lobby – there you have it. You can now replicate that posh and trendy look in your very own home! Consider Slate Grey and Washed Concrete. Both are dark grey tiles with the washed stone look that will evoke feelings of being at one with nature.

Source: Pinterest

  
Styles: Frosty & Sterling

Browse our wide selection of trendy vinyl flooring as you plan for the renovation of your dream home here.
Feel free to contact us should you require any advice; our consultants are always ready to assist!

The post Trendy Vinyl Flooring Ideas For Your Dream Home appeared first on The Floor Gallery.

Homeowners sometimes got confused by the range of vinyl flooring products, hence let’s delve into the topic on the types of vinyl flooring available for home owners in Singapore today.

Clickable Resilient Flooring

Resilient flooring is part of the family of vinyl flooring. However, it is very different to traditional vinyl flooring due to features like 5mm thickness, 0.5 mm wear layer, made from pure virgin vinyl pulp and you do not need a flat subfloor to install the resilient flooring. Many flooring contractors sometimes will confuse the consumer by telling consumers that their resilient flooring is high end, premium and luxury. Basically, these flooring are considered as clickable resilient flooring which is categorised under the big family of vinyl flooring.

Vinyl Sheet, Plank or Tiles (or Traditional Vinyl Flooring)

These types of vinyl flooring are usually installed in clean room, clinics, hospitals and science labs. This is because medical vinyl sheets and tiles have anti-static and anti-bacterial properties which make it suitable for the above-mentioned areas. One thing to know that vinyl sheet and tiles usually has low thickness and wear layer compared to clickable resilient flooring, that is why, it is not recommended for homes.

Medical Clickable Resilient Flooring

From the terms, you will be able to guess this type of flooring has both features of a clickable resilient flooring and also medical vinyl sheet or tiles. Usually, they are in plank types and is highly recommended for homes with kids and elderly due to its eco friendly, anti-bacterial and durable features.

Eco Resilient Flooring (ERF)

This type of vinyl flooring has similar features to clickable resilient flooring, only that its focus is more on being certified eco friendly and eco healthy. Typical features of eco resilient flooring that makes it different to traditional clickable resilient flooring are its safe composite of material used to manufacture the flooring, better contribution to indoor air quality and also certified eco friendly. Other than that, it has all the features of clickable resilient flooring (whether it is name premium resilient, high end resilient, luxury resilient and so on), such as high slip resistant, waterproof, high impact resistant, high stain resistant, better dimensional stability, termite proof and more.

Now, you have a better understanding of vinyl flooring and the current types of vinyl flooring options available today for our home owners. Hence, do make wise decision when shopping for flooring. Do not be misled by marketing terms of clickable resilient flooring such as high end resilient, luxury resilient, premium resilient and more!

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Retail Space

Retail space require a type of flooring which has high impact resistance, high slip resistant and something that is cost efficient. Two types of vinyl flooring to consider for your retail spaces are clickable resilient flooring and also eco resilient flooring.

Restaurant and Cafes

Vinyl flooring best suit these properties as it is waterproof thus making the flooring easy to clean, mop and maintain.

Office Space

Carpet is usually the default flooring for offices due to its low cost. However, when it comes to cleaning, it can be highly troublesome and costly. Consider spending a little bit more on vinyl flooring, as it is easy to clean and wash due to its waterproof feature. Think in long term, you actually save more with vinyl flooring than with carpet.

Clinics, Hospital and Labs

For these commercial properties, you have to look for a flooring which is both anti-static and anti-bacterial. Two types of vinyl flooring to consider are Medical vinyl flooring and medical clickable resilient flooring.

Gym

Imagine the sweat stench on the gym’s carpet if it is left un-maintained for a long period of time. As good quality vinyl flooring is highly waterproof and easy to clean. You can quickly wash away the sweat stench!

Schools and Institution

Classrooms today are usually in enclosed air-conditioned areas. Hence, one vinyl flooring to consider is eco resilient flooring due to its eco health and eco friendly features.

So, there you have the different type of vinyl flooring use for different types of commercial spaces and properties.

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As similar concept to Newton’s law of motion, “Every action (force) in nature there is an equal or opposite reaction.”, all pros of vinyl flooring does comes with an equal share of cons. Do read on to find out if vinyl flooring is the right choice for you and your family before committing to the flooring.

Merits of Vinyl Flooring

Ease of Maintaining

Vinyl flooring is very easy to maintain. As long as you clean the flooring regularly, with just sweep and water, you will be able to keep it cleanliness. There is no need for strong chemical or scrubbing.

Cost

Among all the other types of flooring, vinyl flooring is considered relatively cheaper. This includes the long run maintenance cost. Just think of all the solutions you need not purchase. It is also easier for replacement to take place. When the flooring needs replacement, you need not replace the whole flooring, but just that few pieces of plank that are damaged.

Waterproof

Good quality vinyl flooring is waterproof, making it impervious to water. With this flooring characteristic, it makes it the perfect flooring for kitchen, toilet or any other places with high moisture like your air-conditioned rooms.

Durability

Vinyl flooring is well known for its high durability if it is well installed and maintained properly. It can easily last up to ten twenty years. However, if you done your research well, some companies are so confident of the product that they are giving a lifetime warranty for the flooring. That how durable vinyl flooring is!

Ease of Installation

Vinyl flooring is easy and fast to install. You can easily have it installed in your own comfort as short as 1 day. You can do it yourself, but it is highly recommended that you get a professional to do it for you.

Disadvantage

While vinyl flooring as an amount of merits, it also has its fair share of disadvantages that one should take note.

Discoloration

While it is easy to maintain vinyl flooring, making it as clean as it was when it is new, you have to take note that rubber and vinyl are consider enemy. Fiction caused by rubber and vinyl flooring will result in the discoloration of the flooring. Hence, it is highly not recommended to have any rubber mat or rubber shoe heels on the vinyl flooring to prevent permanent coloring.

Subfloor damage

It is relatively important to have a perfectly smooth, flat surface before you lay your vinyl flooring. This is because any small grains trapped can wear the material, making lumps appearing. This is also another reason why having a professional to do your flooring is important.

Glue Used in Vinyl Flooring

The thinner form of vinyl flooring such as the vinyl sheet and tiles are installed with adhesive. Such adhesive may not be eco friendly. Today, with the advancement of technology, many homeowners prefer clickable vinyl flooring (or clickable resilient flooring) which acts as a strong substitute to traditional vinyl flooring as it can be installed without adhesive.

With the above mentioned pointers, do weigh the merits and disadvantages before committing to having vinyl flooring. Otherwise, feel free to approach any of us on how to maintain your vinyl flooring today!

The post How Much Do You Know About Vinyl Flooring? appeared first on The Floor Gallery.

ECOCLICK+ by NOX Korea – Western Oak Grey Design

ECOCLICK+ vs Clickable Resilient Flooring

This flooring is created as a strong and affordable flooring option to clickable resilient flooring with close properties such as 5mm thickness, waterproof and non-glue installation. The one difference is that its wear layer is slightly less than that of a quality clickable resilient flooring; in other words, it is relatively less scratch resistant but durable enough to last long.

Green Label and other types of Green certification

As there are a number of green certification labels for products today. It is important for the consumers to understand the difference or similarities between the common ones.

Singapore Green Label is considered one of the most stringent certifications compared to most in the market. It looks into various aspects of the products. For example, the material used to made the products has to be certified whether they are safe for the environment and health. Companies that are able to produce and declare a detailed test report on the materials use in the manufacturing process will then be qualified to pass this round. That means if the companies are not able to produce a detailed report of the material, will fail to obtain the accreditation no matter how long they tried to apply for it. And then, the green label also touches on the manufacturing process impact on environment and the use of product and its impact on environment. Another important factor that Singapore Green Label touches on will be the indoor air quality. Test report(s) will be needed to show that the product will not produce dangerous amount of fumes when burned or in status quo. Moreover, whether or not, the product has zero or a safe level of formaldehyde emission rating. These will be able to ensure better indoor air quality for the product users and families.

It is important for consumers to learn about other products that may also have some form of green certification. Some of it may not be about the product material, in which this one is a very crucial aspect. Some green certification talks more about the manufacturing process and its impact on health and environment only. For example, the way the product is manufactured helps to save water, electricity and less pollution to the environment, will also likely to obtain a certain green certification except for the most stringent type of certifications. Or another example is that the product is able to be recycled after use, can also obtain a certain less stringent green certification.

ECOCLICK+ by NOX Korea – Western Oak Grey Design

In summary, congrats to NOX Korea for getting the Singapore Green Label certification. Hope in the future, we will have more eco friendly certified flooring products for the benefits of home owners and commercial property owners as well!

The post EcoClick+ by NOX Korea Awarded the Singapore Green Label Certification appeared first on The Floor Gallery.

As there is a wide number of vinyl flooring options in Singapore, we shall compare the general features of conventional vinyl flooring with those of eco resilient flooring.

#1 Installation Method

Conventional vinyl flooring generally relies on the glued down approach while Eco Resilient Flooring (ERF) utilises the click on approach. This installation method makes it similar to advanced vinyl products such as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and high end resilient flooring.

#2 Thickness

Eco resilient flooring can be slightly thicker than conventional vinyl flooring though it may be hard to see with the naked eye. Eco resilient flooring (ERF) usually has a minimum 5mm thickness and a 0.5 mm wear layer, which is thicker than that of standard vinyl flooring. This gentle cushion makes Eco Resilient Flooring more comfortable for walking on barefoot.

Want to find out more about our eco-friendly resilient flooring options? Feel free to get in touch with our flooring team HERE.

#3 Water Resistant Properties

As compared to standard vinyl flooring, eco resilient flooring and other quality clickable resilient flooring have relatively stronger water resistant properties. This is mainly due to the fact that glue is not required for resilient flooring installation.

#4 Malleability

Often, the installation of standard vinyl flooring requires the sub floor to be flat so that there will not be gaps or ‘air space’ in between the floor boards (or tiles and sheet) and the sub floor. However, for quality clickable resilient flooring, a completely flat ground is not necessary to lay the flooring, as it will naturally follow the contours of the sub floor.

#5 Commercial Usage

In terms of properties where heavy duty traffic takes place, such as offices and industrial factories, vinyl flooring will be preferable to high end resilient flooring products.

#6 Eco Friendly Flooring Certification

Another clear difference between eco resilient flooring and standard vinyl flooring in general is that eco resilient flooring (ERF) is certified with recognised eco accreditations from Green Label Singapore and FloorScore®.

There you go – the differences between standard vinyl flooring and resilient flooring in terms of their installation methods, benefits, and usages.

Looking for a suitable flooring that suits your budget & home’s style? Discuss your best flooring options with us HERE.

The post The Difference Between Vinyl Flooring and Eco Resilient Flooring (ERF) appeared first on The Floor Gallery.

For HDB home owners and commercial owners who are shopping for vinyl flooring, the most important thing of all is to understand the different types of vinyl flooring available in Singapore. Here are six vinyl flooring options to consider:

#1 Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl flooring can be found in the format of tiles in classic designs such as marble, granite or any other stone-like patterns. Such vinyl tiles have a lower thickness and wear layer, and they are usually installed using a glue down approach.

#2 Vinyl Sheets

Vinyl Sheet is the thinnest form of all vinyl flooring. The thickness and wear layer can be between 2mm and 3mm – that is as fine as a piece of resin paper! As such, the installation of vinyl sheet flooring has to be carefully executed, so as to avoid any unevenness in the flooring. Such vinyl sheet flooring is best used for commercial kitchen or offices, where heavy walk-in traffic takes place.

(Want to learn more about our vinyl flooring options? Get in touch with our team here.)

#3 High End Resilient Vinyl Flooring / Luxury Vinyl Tiles

High end resilient vinyl flooring or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are commonly used in both residential and commercial properties today. Often phthalate-free, it has a thickness between 4mm and 5mm and a wear layer between 0.3 mm to 0.5mm. As such, luxury vinyl tiles are perfect for HDB and private housing in Singapore, as it provides maximum comfort for walking on your bare feet. Unlike the other vinyl flooring variations, you can install luxury vinyl tiles using the click-on approach. No glue is necessary. This helps to speed up the vinyl flooring installation process. The Floor Gallery’s Eco Resilient Flooring range is a close sibling to luxury vinyl tiles.

#4 Vinyl Planks

Vinyl planks usually has wood-like designs that are installed via a glued down method. Unlike laminate flooring or resilient planks, vinyl planks are usually smaller in size and thickness.

#5 Medical Industry Vinyl Flooring

“Technical” vinyl flooring is often used in specialised areas that require complete sterilisation, such as hospital rooms. This is probably due to its anti-static properties. It is important to know that not all vinyl flooring products are considered “technical” vinyl flooring.

#6 Heavy Duty Vinyl Sheets

Large industrial areas or warehouses may sometimes have forklift traffic or heavy traffic entering in and out of their premises. Therefore, it is important to install heavy duty vinyl sheets that are strong and resistant enough to withstand such heavy load and traffic.

There you have it! The six main types of vinyl flooring options in Singapore. Enjoy shopping for your flooring with this new found knowledge!

(Interested to find a suitable vinyl flooring option? Discuss your best options with us here.)

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Comfort to the Feet

Waking up in the morning, stepping on ceramic tiles may feel cold and that may not be good to health. Vinyl tiles, on the other hand, are more comfortable and “warmer” when stepped on comparing to homogeneous tiles.

If you want to change your house flooring, vinyl tiles are easier to change, as it can be overlay on a levelled subfloor. Homogenous tiles installation requires more work to be done. Costs of vinyl tiles are also relatively more value for money than homogenous tiles, because the materials to make vinyl tiles and homogenous tiles are different.

The designs of vinyl tiles and homogenous tiles also have many varieties. So select the best possible vinyl tiles design that is based on your ideal house theme. So, get an advice from a credible flooring contractor who have a wide variety of quality vinyl tiles.

Workmanship is Important

Workmanship  of your flooring contractor is highly important other than the materials of the vinyl tiles.  See their past works result and ask them what they will do in order to get the best look and feel for your space with the installation of the vinyl tiles.

At the end of the day, it is about your decision on whether you want vinyl tiles or homogeneous tiles for your home. With today advancement in technology, vinyl tiles are becoming more popular to homogeneous tiles due to its diversity of design, comfort as well as cost effectiveness!

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