Beautifully Responsible Luxury Flooring... Design and Resource Guide to Resilient Flooring

Beautifully Responsible

™

Winter | 2022

LUXURY FLOORING Your Design Resource for Luxury Vinyl Tile, Planks, Sheet Vinyl and More...

Featuring

Kathy Ireland, Chip Wade Christina Haack, Jennifer Farrell

Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt

Made For Life | Mindful Manufacturing | Living Well

™

BOLD

Most authentic looks and deep textures

Uncompromising performance that is dent proof, pet proof, kid proof and waterproof

Industry-leading warranty covering dents, pets, water and wear

To learn more about Pergo Extreme, visit www.pergoflooring.com

Beautifully Responsible

™

LUXURY FLOORING

Welcome to Beautifully Responsible™ Luxury Flooring

2

By Dean Thompson, President of RFCI

A Closer Look at Luxury Flooring

3

Multilayer Flooring in the Spotlight

4

Innovations in Resilient Flooring

8

Still Trendy After All These Years Betsy Amoroso, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Mannington Mills

Developed from a collection of French Oak boards, Karndean DesignFlooring’s Glacier Oak from the Art Select 30 mil glue down range, features minimal knots and a tight grain pattern in this subtle tonal floor

Welcome to the New World of Resilient Floors!

10

Lisbeth Calandrino, Associate Publisher Fabulous Floors Magazine

Don’t compromise — on your style, budget, well-being, or sustainability

™

Winter | 2022

Utility Rooms and Storage Areas

38

Taking a Closer Look at Luxury Vinyl Flooring

40

Jennifer Farrell, The Jennifer Farrell Collection

Kitchens and Bathrooms

42

Dining Areas & Eat-In Kitchens

44

Master Suites and Guest Rooms

46

Playrooms and Sunrooms

48

You CAN Do it Yourself

49

The Christina Collection

50

HGTV’s Christina Haack

12

Luxury Flooring on Main Street

52

What does Mindful Manufacturing™ mean? 13

Metroflor — Innovations in Luxury Flooring 54

What does Living Well mean?

14

What does Made for Life mean?

15

CarpetsPlus COLORTILE

56

Beautifully Responsible — Value at Resale Time

Design it with Luxury Vinyl Flooring

59

18

™

™

Paul Friederichsen, Brand Biz, Inc.

Engineered Floors Ensignium

20

Designing With Resilient

22

Kathy Ireland/kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW®)

Tarkett Luxury Sheet Flooring — Modern Floors for Modern Life

24

What’s Your Style?

26

Florence Michelson

Resilient Innovation: Pergo Extreme

28

Chip’s Tips

30

Chip Wade, Wade Works Creative

Healthier Choice

60

My Planet Living Centers

62

The Future is Now — Magnetic Flooring

64

Resilient Floor Care and Maintenance

66

Premium Materials & Premium Performance 68 Installation and Maintenance

70

APC Cork — Nature’s Wonder Surface Material

72

The Power of Color

74

Jeanette Chasworth, the “Color Whisperer”

Enhance Your Home and Well-Being with Karndean Designflooring

32

Designing with Luxury Flooring

34

Entryways, Living Areas and Gathering Spaces

Karndean Designflooring Creates “Dream Floors” With Brian & Mika Kleinschmidt

36

Novalis — Floors for Life

76

Explore the possibilities with NovaFloor®

Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Luxury Flooring

80

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 1

We are Luxury exclusively Discovering Flooring

W

® e proudly present this publication that showcases the very best in flooring.

We call it Beautifully Responsible™ Luxury Flooring because that’s what it is all about: the world’s best resilient flooring that’s gorgeous, affordable, sustainable, easy to install and to maintain, and a pleasure to own. Today’s resilient flooring redefines what luxury flooring is all about when it comes to your needs, taste, and peace of mind.

In the world of resilient flooring, you can choose from a range of designs, colors, finishes, and sizes in solid vinyl tile, vinyl composition tile (VCT), flexible luxury vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, rigid core, linoleum, rubber, and cork.

The manufacturers who are members of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute are committed the highest quality standards.

You can rely on them craft their Beautifully This year, the Resilient Floorto Covering Institute and its manufacturing members aretotaking Responsible™ floors ® that you’ll be proud to own. Look for their brands at better floor message to millions of consumers, everywhere. Resilient exclusive Beautifully Responsible covering retailers everywhere. flooring is all about Mindful Manufacturing® and a commitment to sustainable sourcing, designing If you’d like more information about Beautifully Responsible™ resilient floors, plus a healthier indoor environment. and manufacturing.

It’stoalso Well links the about brandsLiving you love, go®toproviding BeautifullyResponsible.com. yourfor newLife flooring! ® making it the ultimate in durability, performance and And resilient flooringEnjoy is Made reduced waste. Check out BeautifullyResponsible.com only from RFCI member manufacturers.

Dean Thompson It’s just the beautifully Presponsible thing to do! Floor Covering Institute resident of the Resilient

®

Resilient Floor Covering Institute

115 Broad Street, Suite 201, La Grange GA 30240 | rfci.com

2 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

A Closer Look at Luxury Flooring

I

f you are a Luxury Vinyl floor lover, you put lifestyle first. You want flooring that pleases you by adding beauty, comfort, and ease of maintenance to your daily life. Customers like you can walk away with these high-end waterproof vinyl products without putting an enormous dent in your pocketbook.

Luxury Vinyl flooring has become popular among designers because of its value compared to its natural counterparts.

The ability to replicate real hardwood or natural stone using photographic technologies is the foundation of luxury flooring systems. There are 4 distinct layers fused together to produce the product:

Exceptional Realism and Durability

The protective top layer (also called the wear layer or mil layer) is very important to the product’s durability. Quality products will have as high as a 40-mil layer. Commercial applications can successfully utilize 20-mil or above. Lower mil layers are available but should be specified only for light traffic areas.

The overall thickness of the product is labeled as “mm” (millimeters), for example, 4.5mm, 5mm, etc.

The higher the number, the thicker the product. ■

Can you have the look, graining, and character of real hardwood in luxury vinyl flooring? YES! Today’s state-of-the-art manufacturing processes can create amazing vinyl “wood” planks and textured “stone” tiles that rival the real thing.

Luxury flooring including, LVT, LVP, Rigid core, WPC, and SPC floors, are designed to capture the timeless look of natural stone tile flooring, wood planks, and ceramic tile floors while providing an extremely durable and comfortable surface for everyday living.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE

“LUXURY FLOORING” is a joint initiative of The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) and Fabulous Floors Magazine, LLC. Copyright RFCI © 2022. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without written consent from the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) 115 Broad Street, Suite 201, LaGrange, GA 30240 PUBLISHER

Margo Rodgers Locust, Fabulous Floors Magazine, LLC

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Lisbeth Calandrino

MANAGING EDITOR

Karen George

PUBLICATION DESIGN

Ron Toelke, Amelia Toelke, toelkeassociates.com

● A resilient vinyl backing ● A vinyl color layer ● A photographic film layer ● And a urethane or aluminum oxide top layer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/EDITORS

Kathy Ireland, Paul Friederichsen, Chip Wade, Florence Michelsen, Jennifer Farrell, WFCA, David Ellis, Jeanette Chasworth, Lisbeth Calandrino, Betsy Amoroso MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Paul Frederichsen, BrandBiz, Inc FABULOUS FLOORS MAGAZINE is published by Fabulous Floors Magazine, LLC a North Carolina Limited Liability Company. PO Box 2666 Andrews, NC 28901. FABULOUS FLOORS logo is a trademark of Fabulous Floors Magazine, LLC. This publication and all of the information it contains are provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied. All implied warranties, including, without limitation, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non- infringement, are hereby expressly disclaimed.

The Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) and Fabulous Floors Magazine have not performed any independent analysis in connection with the information contained herein including without limitation, its accuracy and content, or the availability and color reproduction of the products shown, and expressly disclaim any obligation to include information other than that presented herein.

Under no circumstances will the publishers be liable to any person or business entity for any damages, including direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damages, resulting in whole or in part, from any use of, reference to, or reliance upon this publication.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 3

Multilayer Flooring in the Spotlight Courtesy of The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)

L

uxury vinyl flooring is rapidly growing and remains a top choice for homeowners today. Despite its many benefits, its composition and construction continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, making it one of the most popular and versa-

tile product categories in the floor covering industry. As a result, various categories of vinyl flooring have emerged, referred to as acronyms, such as LVT, LVP, WPC, SPC, and MLF. Although it can be confusing, hopefully we can help you understand the fundamental differences in product construction and performance so you can select the right solution for our home and your lifestyle. Regardless of the name, luxury vinyl’s stunning visuals and real-life designs combine with powerful performance to create an unbeatable high-end floor.

What is MLF? As the name suggests, multilayer flooring is composed of multiple layers to form one flooring material. This family of LVT products has a rigid core and has two subcategories within the multilayer flooring family: WPC and SPC. Homeowners love MLF because it is waterproof/water-resistant and has design versatility, affordability, and ease of care and maintenance.

VINYL Sheet Vinyl, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Composite Tile

Luxury vinyl flooring is rapidly growing and remains a top choice for homeowners today.

LVT Luxury Vinyl Tile

Flexible

4 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Rigid Core Rigid Core

SPC

WPC

What is LVT/LVP?

quently designed to look like traditional hardwood

Luxury vinyl is often referred to as LVT or LVP,

flooring, the first letter — “W” or “S” — refers to

depending on whether it is in tile or plank for-

the composition of the core layer alone.

mat. It is an innovative, upgraded vinyl product that features a heavier vinyl substrate that pro-

What is WPC?

vides increased dimensional stability, is water-resis-

WPC or Wood Plastic Composite flooring was

tant and sometimes waterproof, and lends itself to

developed to reduce LVT telegraphing and floor

deeper embossing and better visuals that mimic

prep. Rigid core vinyl flooring material construction

the look of real wood, ceramic, or stone flooring

includes a foaming agent, creating air pockets in the

while still being affordable.

core that function as heat and sound insulators for

Luxury vinyl gets its performance from a solid vinyl core, backing, and a superior wear layer. LVT

ultimate comfort underfoot and noise mitigation.

is usually installed fully adhered to the subfloor,

What is SPC?

although some offer floating floor installation.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite or Solid Polymer Core)

However, vinyl flooring materials have a “drape,”

vinyl flooring is an upgraded version of engineered

which means they will conform to the surface they

vinyl flooring. Because SPC’s core comprises lime-

are applied to, and any irregularities in the subfloor

stone, polyvinyl chloride, and plasticizers, it offers

will telegraph through.

even greater dimensional stability than WPC, mak-

Perhaps the most popular vinyl plank flooring

ing it ideal for large spaces with high-temperature

product on the market today is rigid core luxury vinyl

fluctuations — such as sunrooms and foyers — and

flooring. Comprised a more solid or “rigid” poly-

areas where cabinets, appliances, and islands will be

mer core for added durability, Rigid Core can be

set upon the floor. This core also gives it superior

WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite, or Wood-Polymer

dent resistance and often features enhanced wear

Core) or SPC (Stone-Polymer Core). While most fre-

layers to protect against scuffs and staining. ■

Which Option is best for You?

WPC

SPC

LVT

Fade Resistance

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Wear Resistance

High

High

High

Stain Resistance

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Dent Resistance

Moderate

High

Low

Scratch Resistance

High

High

Moderate

Moisture Resistance

High

High

High

Care

Easy

Easy

Easy

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 5

6 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Beautiful Flooring

Begins with the WFCA

Our retail members abide by a code of conduct focused on integrity, trust and a high quality experience for customers. So, when it comes to a WFCA retailer, a quality customer service experience is not just a guarantee, it’s a requirement.

Our thousands of WFCA retail members display our seal of recognition on their front doors.

You can find your local WFCA Retailer through the only unbiased resource in the industry, The World Floor Covering Association.

Visit wfca.org and learn everything you need to know before you buy, learn how to care for and clean your flooring and get connected with a qualified WFCA retailer near you. Wfca.org.

Your search for beautiful flooring begins here.

Photo courtesy of Mannington Mills, Inc.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 7

Betsy Amoroso, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Mannington Mills

Still Trendy After All These Years

Innovations in Resilient Flooring Like many other home furnishings, resilient or “vinyl” flooring has evolved over the past 100-plus years thanks to innovations in both technology and design. From its humble beginnings as linoleum, invented near Kirkcaldy, Scotland, in the mid-1800s, to its current incarnations as sheet vinyl and Luxury Vinyl (LVT), resilient has come a long way.

I

t sure isn’t your grandmother’s vinyl floor with

technological innovations in resilient flooring.

its faux-brick design or avocado green florals.

Throughout the 1930s and up to the 1950s,

Today’s resilient floors are the height of fashion,

linoleum and felt-base floorcoverings were an

showcasing realistic wood looks and minimalist tile

integral part of home decorating. Many of these

designs that feature both beauty and durability all

floorcoverings were made as ‘rugs’ so they could

in one affordable product.

be laid down and taken up just as easily as today’s

In the early 1900s, the United States was man-

area rugs would be. Then, when the rug became

ufacturing a similar type of floorcovering, called

dirty or a change of style was desired, all the

oil cloth, which gave way to felt-base products

homeowner had to do was roll it up and put down

(similar to today’s traditional sheet vinyl). Some

a new one.

of that floorcovering was made by the American

In the 1950s, a company called Sandura manu-

Oil Cloth Company in a Salem, New Jersey plant

factured and marketed a new type of rotogravure

managed by John Boston Campbell. Several

vinyl floorcovering. Other companies quickly fol-

years later, that plant manager founded the J.B.

lowed and the product caught on in the market-

Campbell Mfg. Co., which today (after several

place. Rotogravure is, literally, “a printing system

iterations) is known as Mannington Mills, one of

using a rotary press with engraved cylinders.”

the world’s largest flooring manufacturers and a

Though refined over the years, this process is still

company that is widely known for its design and

used today to print vinyl floorcovering.

Left: Manitex Rugs, 1950s; center: Thrift Rugs, 1960s; at right: sheet vinyl, c. 1970s

8 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Technology is one thing — style and design are quite another.

So while the technological innovations were important to the manufacturing companies, design trends were important to the consumer.

The early vinyl rugs were printed in bright, bold colors because they were used to accent a room, but later on, as flooring became more of an integral part of a decorating scheme, sheet vinyl patterns reflected the trends of the times. ● The 1950s saw products such as Mannington’s Manitex Rugs, which came in everything from bold geometrics to fancy florals; ● The 1960s gave rise to some psychedelic patterns; ● The 1970s offered bold color and pattern; and ● By the 1980s sheet vinyl was shiny and oh-so-modern.

Today’s vinyl flooring offers colors, textures, patterns, and other options that no one could have imagined, even just a decade ago.

Besides sheet vinyl (which now is available in both felt-backed and fiberglass constructions), an entirely new category of vinyl has become mainstream: luxury vinyl flooring. Available in both plank and tile formats, this flooring offers incredible beauty and realism along with superior performance (it’s waterproof!) and easy maintenance. Often called “LVT” for luxury vinyl tile, it’s become the product of choice among many consumers because of its positive attributes.

One area that should not be ignored is the environmental attributes of resilient. Much of today’s vinyl flooring is manufactured in the USA, and much of it uses low-VOC water-based inks, contributes to LEED green building credits, and is FloorScore certified for good indoor air quality. Always check the manufacturer’s website for details on environmental attributes before purchasing the product. In fact, websites are a great place to start when looking into any product as they offer a glimpse into the company, its philosophy, and the products it makes.

As time goes on, undoubtedly more product innovations will occur, and the flooring choices available to consumers will continue to grow. Resilient flooring has a long and rich history, and thanks to product design and innovation, it seems it will continue to thrive for many, many more years to come. ■

At top: Hive (Swarm) LVS flooring; center: Adura Swiss Oak-Almond; at bottom: Dramatic black room with gray floor, all from Mannington

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 9

Welcome to the New World of Resilient Floors!

O

ne thing the pandemic has taught us: cleanliness is more important than ever! This will likely continue to be so for a long, long time. Thank goodness for Beautifully Responsible™ resilient floors. With so many of us work-

ing from home, our highways may be getting less traffic –– but not our floors!

These days, our homes are doing double and even triple duty. For example, a bedroom might be used for a classroom or office in the morning and for sleeping at night.

Lisbeth Calandrino, Associate Publisher, Fabulous Floors Magazine and Flooring Industry Educator & Trainer

The more traffic our floors are getting, the more time it’s taking to keep up with the dirt and germs. Now is an excellent time to consider changing your floors, and resilient options are your absolute best choice.

Another issue when it comes to cleaning is what types of products are we using?

Since we are spending so much time in our homes, air quality has become more important. Today we are more conscious of our floors because we are “living” on them. Since we spend 90% of our time indoors, the air quality has taken on new meaning. That’s why you need to choose the right flooring — flooring that has been endorsed by a third-party agency that tests indoor air quality. That’s resilient flooring.

Cleanliness and hygiene are certainly not new to homeowners with pets and children. Mothers are continually wiping their hands and asking children not to eat things off the floor. With more home traffic, floor cleaning has become a daily chore. Focusing on cleaning high-traffic areas can help prevent the spread of dirt, dust, and germs throughout the rest of the house.

Surfaces without germs have become very important, too. So the key is to keep everything clean, especially the floors. This is also concerning if you shop for groceries or items at the mall and are afraid of bringing germs back into the house. Not only are we walking on our floors, but we’re likely sitting on them, too.

10 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

When it comes to cleanliness and hygiene, nothing takes a more significant beating than our floors, and nothing is more hygienic and easier to clean than a resilient product. Resilient flooring has a “give” to it, making it comfortable underfoot and will spring back to shape after it’s walked on.

The Resilient Floor Covering Institute, the trade asso-

CERTIFIED™ program, these products promote

ciation representing resilient flooring, has devel-

indoor air quality due to the reduced VOC

oped a campaign called Beautifully Responsible .

emissions.

™

The RFCI is an organization for all resilient floor-

Made for Life™ relates to durable floors that will

ing products, including rigid core, flexible luxury

be long-lasting, with advanced scratch and stain

vinyl tile, vinyl composition tile, vinyl sheet flooring,

resistance. Resilient floors have a lifespan of at least

rubber, and cork flooring. The idea was to make

20 years or longer if cared for properly. ■

sure resilient floors are considered ‘eco-friendly’ (not harmful to the environment) and with beautiful styles that fit any home. Also important is to have products that align with our concerns about indoor

For more information on Beautifully Responsible™, refer to https://beautifullyresponsible.com/.

air quality. All of these floors share a commonality of comfort underfoot as well as easy clean-ability.

What does the Beautifully Responsible campaign mean to consumers?

To meet our needs, the campaign has been divided into three categories: Mindful Manufacturing™, Living Well™, and Made for Life™.

Since we are spending more time in our home, we have become more conscious of the products in our house, what they are made of, and how they affect our lives. Mindful Manufacturing™ means just that. Manufacturers are taking responsibility for tracking products that answer consumers’ concerns and protecting our planet’s needs. In addition, mindful Manufacturing™ is concerned with protecting the planet and the end-of-life of these products.

Poor indoor air quality can give us breathing problems and headaches; this results from chemicals called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), dust, and allergens. Through Living Well™, products are tested and approved by third-party laboratories. Thanks to FloorScore ® and the ASSURE

Tarkett’s FiberFloor luxury sheet vinyl Lifetime Collection American Chestnut in the color Saddle

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 11

Don’t compromise — on your style, budget, well-being, or sustainability You can find everything you’re looking for — in resilient flooring products.

T

Certified to his versatile flooring is durable, affordable, and comes in an incredible array of styles. Most importantly, it comes with the confidence that you’ve chosen meet indoor environmentally friendly floors that support your family’s well-being. air quality After all, what is more, beautiful than your well-being? More beautiful than caring standards for a loved one and protecting the natural environment? This is the beauty that inspires Thanks us to design and manufacture resilient flooring products. to the FloorScore® What is resilient flooring?

Resilient flooring is a category of flooring products, just like hardwood or carpet. Reand the silient flooring gets its name from its ability to “give” under the impact of footsteps and ASSURE then spring back into shape. In addition, the term calls to mind qualities of strength ™ CERTIFIED and vitality — just like a family or community, resilient flooring is built to endure whatever challenges life throws at it. Learn what makes luxury vinyl tile, linoleum, labels, you rubber, and other specific flooring products “resilient.” can be confident These products are beautifully made and beautifully responsible in choosing About Beautifully Responsible® the right As members of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute, we value a healthy environment floor for you —indoors and out. We’re committed to sustainably manufacturing flooring products and the rest that reduce waste over time and promote healthy indoor air quality through thirdof the family party certification programs.

We realized that homeowners wanted a comprehensive and convenient source of — including information about resilient flooring. Together, we created Beautifully Responsible® to your little put the information (and inspiration) you’re looking for right at your fingertips. ones and fur Whether you’re dreaming about the future or you’re in the midst of a home improvement project right now, this site is for you. After all, you don’t compromise on babies. affordable floors, sustainable floors, or beautiful floors — and neither do we. ■

12 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

The Beautifully Responsible™ Notebook

What does Mindful Manufacturing™ mean?

T

o be “mindful” means you are intentional and purposeful in all of your decisions. It also means you are keeping your customer’s best interest in mind always. Resilient flooring companies contribute to the Beautifully Responsible™ promise by Mindful Manufacturing.™.

That means with every resilient floor you install from these manufacturers, you can be assured of their continued commitment to sourcing, designing, and manufacturing resilient flooring in ways that reflect sustainability leadership.

Mindful Manufacturing™ means that they lead in environmental health and safety and take social responsibility. These manufacturers reduce energy, water, and waste in manufacturing. They make recycling a priority and put reclaimed manufacturing materials back into their products. Beautifully Responsible™ resilient manufacturers continually reduce embodied carbon, provide life-cycle impact transparency through Environmental Product Declarations, and continuously and proactively assess ingredients that go into their products while voluntarily removing the questionable ones.

The truly beautiful meaning of Mindful Manufacturing™ is that resilient flooring manufactures create designs inspired by nature without ever harvesting nature’s exotic and precious species from nature.

That’s how Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring manufacturers are always mindful of you, your family, and the environment for all of us. ■

The truly beautiful meaning of Mindful Manufacturing™ is that resilient flooring manufactures create designs inspired by nature without ever harvesting nature’s exotic and precious species from nature.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 13

The Beautifully Responsible™ Notebook

What does Living Well™ mean?

W

e spend so much of our life indoors that it’s more important than ever to have an environment promoting our health and wellbeing. Resilient flooring manufacturers understand that need. That’s why they make their flooring products with a cleaner, healthier indoor space in mind for you and your family. We call that Living Well™ — a vital promise of Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring.

How does your resilient floor contribute to a better indoor environment for your home? It starts with how the floor is made.

For example, your new resilient floor is tested to meet rigorous standards called FloorScore®. This testing ensures that your new floor will emit extremely low-to-no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air you breathe.

Rigid core resilient flooring must also meet its own set of standards called Assure Certified™. This certification is not only for performance and durability; it also means no ortho-phthalates or heavy metals in the rigid core floors that carry this certification.

Beautifully Responsible™ manufacturers are also voluntarily transparent regarding ingredients that go into their flooring, through Health Product Declarations.

And lastly, Living Well™ means these floors are made with tough wear layers so that harsh cleaners are never necessary. Installation adhesives in the home are unnecessary in most cases, too. And, there is easier accessibility and mobility when resilient floors are used. These floors can also be acoustically quieter, reducing noise transmission and making life a bit less stressful.

Want a beautiful floor that helps you live life beautifully?

Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring is your answer. ■

14 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

And lastly, Living Well™ means these floors are made with tough wear layers so that harsh cleaners are never necessary.

Installation adhesives in the home are unnecessary in most cases, too.

The Beautifully Responsible™ Notebook

What does Made for Life™ mean?

C

ompared to other flooring types, Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring can be quite affordable. But even so, new floors for most of us represent an investment in our home—and naturally, you want your new floors to last. Nothing is more disappointing than a beautiful new floor looking old and worn out before its time. Or worse still, it could be everyday living by your family or pets that will damage your new floor in some unsightly way. But not with Beautifully Responsible™ floors!

Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring manufacturers make their products stay looking newer, longer, and stand up to the rough and tumble of everyday living. That’s what we mean by “Made for Life™.”

Many resilient flooring brands have waterproof and scratch-resistant options that can handle the occasional soapy spill in the bathroom or dog claw skids from a game of fetch. In addition, many resilient floors provide advanced scratch and wear layer protections that resist severe staining or heavy foot traffic.

And when it comes to cleaning up a mess, no problem! Just a damp mop will usually do it. There is no need for harsh, smelly chemical cleaners. You’ll even find that many resilient floors have antimicrobials built-in that resist the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Made for Life™ also means flooring made for easier end-oflife recycling, or easier replacement, thanks to modern click installation styles.

Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring is made for you because it’s Made for Life™. ■

Beautifully Responsible™ resilient flooring manufacturers make their products stay looking newer, longer, and stand up to the rough and tumble of everyday living. That’s what we mean by “Made for Life™.”

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 15

16 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

We are exclusively ®

This year, the Resilient Floor Covering Institute and its manufacturing members are taking their exclusive Beautifully Responsible® message to millions of consumers, everywhere. Resilient flooring is all about Mindful Manufacturing® and a commitment to sustainable sourcing, designing and manufacturing. It’s also about Living Well® providing a healthier indoor environment.

And resilient flooring is Made for Life® making it the ultimate in durability, performance and reduced waste. Check out BeautifullyResponsible.com only from RFCI member manufacturers.

It’s just the beautifully responsible thing to do!

®

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 17

Beautifully Responsible — Value at Resale Time

T Paul Friederichsen, Brand Biz, Inc.

Unlike some other luxury options, vinyl doesn’t crack, chip, scratch easily, wear, or “uglyout.”

here must be thousands of articles on Google related to selecting the right flooring for the resale value of your home. Flooring, often called “The fifth wall,” logically makes a big impression, and it’s a big expense to boot. However, it seems everyone has an opinion. Unless you’re a real estate investor solely interested in flipping, the flooring you choose must not only be a wise investment for the future resale but a practical and pleasing home improvement for the “here and now.”

Watch any home improvement cable TV show or walk the flooring aisles of any home improvement store, and you’ll notice a growing preference for resilient flooring — and in particular, luxury vinyl. It’s both the beautiful and responsible way to improve your home, and designers, decorators, and homeowners are catching on in huge numbers.

Solid and engineered hardwood floors have traditionally held that coveted remodeling “top-spot,” but not so much anymore. The new school of thought is vinyl flooring, and there are numerous reasons for this phenomenon. Chances are, some of these apply to you.

1. Vinyl flooring costs less going in

Compared to other luxury hard surface options, such as hardwood or ceramic, you can expect to pay less for materials and installation. For example, according to several sources, luxury vinyl plank prices may range from $2 to $7 per square foot, whereas hardwood may range from $8 to over $25 per square foot or more, depending on the wood species.

Plus, you’ll reap the savings down the road with less care and maintenance with vinyl, such as no sanding and refinishing necessary.

2. Vinyl flooring is very durable

Unlike some other luxury options, it doesn’t crack, chip, scratch easily, wear, or “uglyout.” That means if you live in your remodel a while before your resale, you can do so without the fear of damaging the very floor you installed, intending to improve the resale value.

3. Vinyl flooring is waterproof

All homeowners can agree on one thing: water is enemy #1. No other floor can withstand wet accidents (and every home will have them) like vinyl. This is perhaps the best-understood and appreciated aspect of vinyl flooring by prospective buyers of all.

4. Vinyl flooring accomplishes whole-home floor continuity, easier

Real estate experts agree that a patchwork of flooring styles throughout a home will negatively impact resale value regardless of the flooring quality. However, because of its 18 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Flooring, often called “The fifth wall,” logically makes a big impression, and it’s a big expense to boot. affordability, versatility, and good looks, vinyl can be the ideal flooring solution flowing from room to room—particularly important for open concept room remodels with line-of-sight considerations.

5. Vinyl flooring for the Millennial buyer

Millennial homebuyers now constitute the next wave of sales in the housing market. Next to homes equipped with technological amenities, they are looking for environmentally conscious and lowmaintenance homes with open spaces that can be multifunctional for living and entertaining. Vinyl flooring appeals to all of those needs: ● Vinyl flooring is recyclable and promotes a healthy indoor environment ● Vinyl flooring sweeps up and damp mops with ease ● Vinyl flooring is the #1 multifunctional space solution

6. Vinyl flooring easily checks off the top remodeling jobs.

In-Home Advisor’s “Raise the Value of Your Home with These 7 Remodeling Tips”; vinyl flooring helps you accomplish five of the seven:

●F inish your basement: Most basements are entirely below grade and moisture-prone, especially from concrete subfloors. Properly installed, vinyl flooring can handle these conditions beautifully. ●U pdate or add bathrooms: Light, bright full, and half-baths have become inspiring focal points of luxurious living. But the fixtures, lighting, and wall tiles are only part of the picture.

Vinyl flooring adds beautifully surprising (and unexpected) wood looks where real wood would simply be impractical. ●U pdate Your Kitchen: For resale value, no other room means as much in design and appearance as the kitchen area. So let a new vinyl floor be the exquisite canvas for your makeover masterpiece.

The new owner will appreciate your smarts for installing such a practical, beautiful solution.

Many factors go into protecting and improving the resale value of your home, from landscaping to painting, to closet space. Of course, buyers will look at them all and many with the anticipation of making their changes, anyway. However, well-chosen and properly installed vinyl flooring can immeasurably increase the appeal and perception of a new buyer for your house as a smart, attractive place to call home. ■

● Increase Light and Space: New replacement vinyl flooring can be found in a variety of trendsetting lighter wood species looks and bleached woods that can make room makeovers look bigger, brighter, and more appealing. ●C reate a home office: Working from home is now more popular than ever, and prospective buyers are looking for that space more and more. Vinyl flooring provides a sharp, practical business look that can handle punishment from rolling office chairs and avoiding static electricity buildup that can damage electronics.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 19

Engineered Floors Ensignium

A

s the demand for luxury vinyl waterproof flooring continues to grow, technology needs to keep pace. Engineered Floors’ dedication to innovation in flooring led to creating our flagship luxury vinyl offering, ENSIGNIUM. ENSIGNIUM

is an SPC, waterproof floor with a true-to-life natural aesthetic.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing makes this product truly unique from traditional SPC floors. The wood grain is digitally printed directly on a dimensionally stable stone composite core through recent advancements in 3D printing technology. This process takes high-definition scans of real wood planks and delivers a perfectly replicated product with up to 30 unique individual prints resulting in minimal pattern repeat. We call this “power engrained.”

In addition, our EVERTUFF Clearcoat™ gives the product superior durability (AC4 Rating). It also enhances the natural appearance of ENSIGNIUM with a muted floor finish compared to the glossy finishes of traditional wear layered floors. ■

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing makes this product truly unique from traditional SPC floors.

The two main attractions drawing the consumer to ENSIGNIUM are the amazing natural aesthetics and waterproof features.

20 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Comfort. Style. Durability.

Delivering stunning wood visuals in a robust, waterproof package, Timeless Beauty is ideal for the discerning, style conscious home. And with Engineered Floor’s limited lifetime warranty, you can take comfort in your hard surface floor.

•

engineeredfloors.com

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 21

Resilient Flooring and Your Lifestyle

Designing With Resilient

“For the highest quality, trendsetting resilient flooring, on the market today our customers turn to kathy ireland® Home by Fame Hardwood. From the durability of the finish with our resilient flooring, to the construction of the glue and even the texture of the grains with our hardwood, each detail has been meticulously thought out to give the homeowner the perfect floor. Each color in our flooring collection has been handpicked to complement current trends and lifestyles. From start to finish you can expect 100% product reliability from the manufacturing process to years after installation.”

KATHY IRELAND

Kathy Ireland is CEO and chief designer of kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), a design and marketing firm. Forbes Magazine describes kiWW® as a “two billion dollar business model.” License Global Magazine names kiWW® the 31st most powerfully licensed brand, globally. kiWW® offers designs in fashion, weddings, home, flooring, office and more...

TIP! Invest in the purchase of 10% additional resilient.

Should you need to replace in the future, you will already have the material! Resilient flooring is definitely a market expansion that is serving families in new ways. I hope you consider resilient flooring for your next design project!

G

rowing up, I didn’t always think of resilient flooring as being luxurious, but it’s comea long way! Resilient flooring is one of the hottest emerging trends.

There is a wide range of resilient flooring to choose from, with many design choices to best fit one’s personal style — and all with a touch of glamour.

“Wood looks in resilient flooring are very popular and come in endless styles and colors like Capella Luxury SPC from the Star Collection, by kathy ireland® Home by Fame Hardwood”

22 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

This area rug by Nourison brings added softness and style to your resilient floor.

DURABILITY AND COLORATION Most of us in the design industry are impressed with the hassle-free maintenance of resilient flooring. Heavy traffic? No problem. Too much sun? Resilient flooring is fade resistant and will rarely discolor.

Family and pets running in and out? Bring it on. Resilient is scratch and moisture resistant and unbelievably easy to care for. It is never necessary to wax, polish, seal or sand in order to maintain its longevity and beauty. It is also astonishingly durable.

The wood look appeal in resilient flooring is darling and popular, it comes in endless colors and textures like hand-scraped or reclaimed wood looks that are absolutely gorgeous. The distressed design look?

Stunningly and utterly beautiful… simply divine. It is giving real wood flooring a run for the money.

The choices of designs, styles and textures are very generous. These offer the homeowner options to affordably design a room that fits their personality, with a luxury look. ■

Investing in resilient flooring may be exceptional for you if you’re considering saving money.

When you apply beautiful area rugs from Kathy Ireland® Home by Nourison, it establishes a welcoming environment. www.nourison.com/ kathyireland/

Resilient is scratch and moisture resistant and unbelievably easy to care for, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry and mud/utility rooms. SHAW RockCreekTile_127_Whitewater_ MixedUpMos720_Bath

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 23

Tarkett Luxury Sheet Flooring Modern Floors for Modern Life

T

rust TruTEX™ Luxury Sheet Flooring to go where other floors cannot. This unique technology installs over many types of existing floorcoverings and greatly reduces the time normally spent preparing concrete and plywood subfloors.

From kids’ bathrooms to damp basements, the TruTEX moisture management system enhances the life, beauty and performance of your floors.

Brought to you by Tarkett, TruTEX is a refreshing collection of premium designs, creating inviting and comfortable spaces in every room of your home. Tarkett’s leading designers have crafted a variety of flooring options that instantly update a space with your own personal style. But they’re not just designed to look good. When it comes to flooring, the features you don’t see are even more important than the ones you do. From manufacturing to installation to cleaning, every detail of your floor affects the health and air quality of your home. Since no other surface touches you and your family more each day, we take these details seriously. That’s why Tarkett FiberFloor® goes beyond other flooring manufacturers and is CERTIFIED asthma and allergy friendly. Our flooring exceeds all air quality standards set for schools and hospitals. So go ahead and focus on the design. We’ve got the details covered.

TruTEX Advantage ● AquaGuard State-of-the-art backing allows moisture to dissipate and resists mold and mildew growth. ● Beyond Tough Pet and family friendly, 2x stronger material protects from rips, tears and gouges. ● Go anywhere Installs over old, damaged or contaminate floors and OSB ● Easy install Floating technology allows quick and inexpensive décor updates. ● Doing good Backing contains 50% recycled content from water bottles. ● Warranty Limited Lifetime Warranty

24 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Tarkett’s leading designers have crafted a variety of flooring options that instantly update a space with your own personal style.

When it comes to flooring, the features you don’t see are even more important than the ones you do. From manufacturing to installation to cleaning, every detail of your floor affects the health and air quality of your home.

Healthier Spaces for a Healthier Planet At Tarkett North America, we believe that together, we can make a positive impact on people and the planet. That’s why we’re Doing Good — Together, connecting our sustainability efforts with what our customers value and our world needs. It’s an active, living commitment to create a future where people and the planet prosper in balance. Where sustainable flooring solutions don’t just perform.

They inspire

What is asthma and allergy-friendly® certification?

The asthma & allergy friendly® certification is a regulated, physician-led certification that accounts for

Above: Tarkett’s TruTEX luxury sheet vinyl Rhythm in the color Cotton. Below: TruTEX Flagstone Whistle

the total installation (product and adhesive) and the ability of a product to be cleaned to minimize the number of allergens released into the environment. This certification helps to set a new standard, and offers consumers a guide for selecting flooring products based on their likelihood to create an allergic or asthmatic reaction. ■

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 25

What’s Your Style?

F Designer, space planner, and consultant Florence Michelson’s design career began in 1957.

She has enjoyed working on private homes, offices, restaurants, yachts, and movie sets. In 1979 she opened a designer’s showroom, “To the Trade,” filling an industry void for contemporary lamps, lighting, and accessories.

Now retired, she has crowned her career by joining the team at Fabulous Floors Magazine, offering her expertise on style and design

or years, vinyl flooring has been used for its durability, ease of maintenance, and beauty. Today the abundance of colors and textures coordinates with various design styles. What is your personal style? Do you have one? Is it casual? Modern?

Traditional? Country? Eclectic? Does it have an Asian flair? Let’s explore some style options together.

A deep red color or mahogany floor in a traditional study or living room is a wonderful foreground for leathers and woven fabric furniture. Replace neutral “beige/brown” with a gray palette. Imagine a living room, dining room, and hall in a shade of gray wood.

This works in both traditional and modern homes!

Width of planks connotes style: Narrow 3" to 4" planks are classic and formal; wide 8" planks are country, colonial and relaxed. Envision a wide-plank floor in a country kitchen or a fireplace-warmed family room. Conversely, a sleek new floor of 3" to 4" planks, in very light or very dark wood with little figurative grain, is striking in a traditional or highly styled contemporary/modern living room or kitchen.

Innovative distressed wood includes light wire scraping, reproduction bark, barn wood, and reused wood floors with nail holes, saw marks, and knots. For an eclectic feel, use it in a family room with repurposed furnishings complementing the furniture’s unique character. A lightly distressed luxury vinyl floor would be welcome in a study, family, or game room.

The addition of tile styles allows replicating stone, slate, ceramic, and concrete on your fabulous floors! The slate is realistic and marked like actual stone without grout or roughness.

Its uniqueness might be found in a country or sleek modern kitchen. The stone look can replicate marble or granite in a shiny or distressed finish. A shiny marble look is very dressy and would be wonderful in a traditional living room or a sleek contemporary space.

Far left: Vintage Pine from the Van Gogh range

by Karndean DesignFlooring.

At Left: Serenbe

by Novalis in English Walnut Stratford

26 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Today the abundance of colors and textures coordinates with various design styles. What is your personal style? Do you have one?

Is it casual? Modern? Traditional? Country? Eclectic?

Imagine a random group of stones resembling a country floor with rounded edges. These are very effective in an entry hall, den, or colonial kitchen.

Consider mosaic style sheet vinyl, which replicates small tiles. One thing to remember about mosaics is they usually depict a picture, a flower, or an animal.

Mosaic patterns should be used in smaller venues such as an entry hall or in four corners of a dining room or wonderfully well as trim. Mosaic tile style is traditional and more formal and can be mixed with the look of high-styled modern.

When choosing resilient floors, let’s not forget the industrial, contemporary look of a concrete floor. Yes, you can get that look too!

With Luxury Flooring...

The possibilities are endless.

Korlok Select in Brunella Marble from Karndean DesignFlooring

So...What’s YOUR style? With luxury vinyl, you are only limited by your own ingenuity! ■

Above; Engage Inception by MetroFlor in Almost Black. At right: Limed Linen Oak from the Da Vinci range

by Karndean DesignFlooring

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 27

Resilient Innovation: Pergo Extreme

F

or self-reliant people who really live on their floors, Pergo Extreme is the worryfree flooring that doesn’t make you compromise. Its innovative layered system provides deeper protection and creates floors that are 100% dent, kid, pet, and

waterproof.

Primed and protected for extreme fun and activity, Pergo Extreme’s top Wear Layer

offers extreme protection from scuffs, scratches, and stains. The Design Layer is the second layer of Pergo Extreme’s superior construction, which allows you to stretch your imagination with high-definition designs featuring dramatic wood and stone visuals with deep, authentic textures for unforgettable floors. Next is the Rigid Composite Core, providing durability and dent resistance, backed by the industry’s best rigid warranties.

The fourth layer is our proprietary Uniclic locking system that allows for an extremely fast and easy installation and keeps joints tight for a 100% waterproof floor. And last but not least is the fifth layer, the attached cushioned pad that provides enhanced stability and natural sound underfoot.

All these layers combined create a superior construction, allowing for an industry-leading warranty that includes limited lifetime residential coverage and a 10-year medium commercial coverage for dents, pets, water, and wear, allowing you to hit the ground running on a floor that’s 100% worry-free.

Pergo Extreme is the worryfree flooring that doesn’t make you compromise.

Pergo Extreme Wider Longer Mudslide

28 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Pergo Extreme isn’t only known for its extreme

patterns with major impact and gorgeous designs,

durability; it also offers deeper visuals with wood,

completing this eye-catching collection of gor-

tile, and wider-longer plank collections. For those

geous stone floors. This collection is also available

looking to take risks and go bold, Pergo Extreme

in multiple widths and lengths for design versatility

features painted bevels and the best variety of pat-

in the home.

terns and colors for the most authentic hardwood

The fashion-forward, Wider-Longer collection

and tile visuals. Now every room in your house can

by Pergo Extreme combines in-demand style with

have extreme style.

advanced engineering for deeper performance and

Pergo Extreme’s Wood Originals collection

visuals. Providing a hot, modern twist on the tradi-

features designs with charred effects achieved with

tional hardwood floor, the bold, wider-longer style

unique wood-burning techniques for sizzling, natu-

gives these extra-large planks a truly captivating

ral visuals offered in multiple widths and lengths for

effect. Each collection has different options for all

supreme design versatility. These designs also fea-

price levels.

ture authentic texture and intricate detail, providing a realistic wood look.

With Pergo Extreme, there are no compromises. From engineering to installation and cov-

Pergo Extreme’s Tile collection includes stone

erage to design type and price, Pergo Extreme

looks with authentic textures, providing some of

offers peace of mind knowing these floors are

the most distinctive designs ever achieved. These

truly built for life. ■

dramatic, large tiles create unforgettable stone At left: Pergo Extreme Wider Longer Brunette.

Below: Pergo Extreme Tile Options in White Chalk

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 29

Chip’s Tips 1. W hen you’re planning your next project, how important is flooring compared to other parts of the project?

Flooring is one of the staples, just like trim, millwork, and cabinetry.

It’s a foundational item with elevated importance because you don’t want to have to replace it, so selecting the right product and quality is paramount.

2. Th ere are so many choices in resilient flooring; how do you select which one works best?

As an Emmy-winning television host and producer, Georgia Tech engineer, HGTV designer, and thirdgeneration craftsman, Chip Wade’s career is dedicated to helping people and businesses make educated and inspired decisions in the home and lifestyle category. Chip is the owner and lead designer of Wade Works Creative, offering services in video and digital productions, residential and commercial design, architecture, and building one-of-akind amazing stuff. Photo credit Marc Mauldin.

Just like any flooring category, you need to focus on the level of quality of the resilient floor you are purchasing. There are still many different levels. Firstly, if you are putting this in a space or home where you plan to spend a lot of your time, investing in higher quality will pay off. The higher quality floors typically come with a higher price tag, but they will couple great aesthetics and long-lasting durability. Although I am partial to the broad range of great styles in LVT, The SPC category of Resilient has an edge with me due to its rigid core and durability from heavy use and impact.

Just like any flooring category, you need to focus on the level of quality of the resilient floor you are purchasing.

There are still many different levels.

30 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Opposite Page: Pergo Extreme Wider Longer Nimbus 901.

At left: Korlock Select in Baltic Coastal Oak from Karndean DesignFlooring.

3. What do you say to clients who prefer other types of flooring instead of resilient flooring?

Most often, it is about education. Clients who say they “prefer” alternate types of flooring over resilient typically do not fully understand that this category is not just vinyl tiles or have never experienced the floors themselves, considering the pros and cons. I always push my clients to look at this category, especially those with young families and extra spaces that need a more durable solution.

4. Do you have a favorite type of resilient flooring for a type of room or family that will live in the new space you’re creating?

I do tremendous amounts of “new floor” type renovations, meaning a finished basement or addition on a different level. Most often, clients select a higher-end LVT once the dust settles in their overall decisionmaking.

5. How important is being “beautifully responsible” about the floor you select?

I think it plays into the overall flooring selection decision. It is good news that the resilient flooring category has risen to a level of undeniable aesthetic options that responsibility and sustainability can be factors that make the decision easier. ■

Flooring is one of the staples, just like trim, millwork, and cabinetry. It’s a foundational item with elevated importance because you don’t want to have to replace it, so selecting the right product and quality is paramount.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 31

Enhance Your Home and Well-Being with Karndean Designflooring It all began in 1973 when a former flooring installer created a small business from his family home. With the belief that luxury vinyl flooring shouldn’t just be practical, it needed to be beautiful as well, Karndean Designflooring was formed. Now a specialized luxury flooring brand that spans the globe, the Karndean family and employees continue to move forward with a passion to deliver beautiful, innovative flooring designs for your home.

See Flooring Differently

Designing your home can be overwhelming. There are many elements that must fit together, from furniture to flooring, to fixtures and everything in between.

Where to begin? When planning the design of your floor, we find it most helpful to consider the direction you want to install the floor before choosing a color.

This allows you to narrow your product selection based on the luxury vinyl formats that can or cannot be installed for how you want the space to function.

Think of your most common footpath through the space and have the floor installed in that direction.

This will naturally guide you through the area and lay a good foundation for supporting the arrangement of other interior finishes, like your sofa or dining set.

For a room that has multiple footpaths or entryways, consider a multi-directional pattern like a herringbone. This will keep the space open and effortlessly guide you and visitors throughout your home.

32 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

You may also want to consider highlighting permanent fixtures within the room, like a kitchen island. Or, in a large foyer, you may wish to incorporate an inlay panel with pattern to carve out an entryway.

Your Healthy and Hygienic Home

Karndean luxury vinyl not only allows you to create a layout that adds value to your home, but it’s a product you can feel good about bringing into your home.

Karndean products are free from BPA, phthalates, and formaldehyde. They are based on vinyl (PVC), the most widely used polymer in building and construction, and the same material used in vital medical equipment, including heart and lung bypass tubing.

All Karndean products have been tested for contribution to indoor air quality, and independent testing proves that our products are very low emitting in terms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carry a FloorScore® Indoor Air Quality certification.

Unlike carpet and carpet tile, Karndean luxury vinyl will not harbor dirt, dust mites, or bacteria, which can easily get trapped or grow within carpet fibers. While hardwood floors typically don’t harbor allergens, they can trap dirt between planks, which may trigger an allergic reaction.

Karndean planks and tiles are nonporous, so not only will they resist spills, but they do not contribute to bacterial growth, meaning you can comfortably go about day-to-day life with no outside maintenance costs.

Karndean rigid core products are among the first to be ASSURE Certified™. This standard, developed by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), ensures that rigid core products are manufactured to the highest standard and meet the requirements for indoor air quality, rigorous performance, and are free from heavy metals and orthophthalates.

A low impact cleaning and maintenance routine with Karndean Clean or another pH neutral, fragrance-free cleaner approved for use with vinyl floors are all that is needed to keep your Karndean floors looking their best.

By investing in a quality product like Karndean luxury vinyl, backed by a lifetime residential warranty, not only can you create a safe and healthy living environment for your family, but you can reduce your environmental footprint by not having to remove and replace your flooring for years to come. ■

Karndean planks and tiles are nonporous, so not only will they resist spills, but they do not contribute to bacterial growth, meaning you can comfortably go about day-to-day life with no outside maintenance costs.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 33

Resilient Flooring Room by Room

Designing with Luxury Flooring

F

or centuries, the most beautiful floors in the world have begun with nature’s patterns, colors, and textures. The skilled hands of artisans have shaped and refined them into beveled stone, tightly mortared tile, and softly oiled or highly-finished wood surfaces.

New technologies and visionary designs offer traditional wood, stone, and tile looks in residual flooring — beautifully realistic, affordable, durable, and environmentally friendly.

The power of resilient to restyle an individual room or an entire home is a triumph of advanced technology and artistic imagination.

Designers today are celebrating individuality. The exciting news is that resilient is especially customizable. It can be installed in numerous patterns — including herringbone, basket-weave, or diagonal. Trim pieces can complement a floor design. A medallion can add a dramatic focal point, mixing with other design materials. Contrasting borders can define spaces or accentuate any room or hallway. Entire resilient staircase systems, from traditional to avant-garde, invite you to customize and integrate floor designs.

Because design should begin and end with creativity and personal vision, feel free to start with the words, “Just imagine…. ” Resilient will take care of the rest.

Novafloor’s Serenbe Collection Cottage Pine Char from Novalis

34 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

At left: Renewal in Mesa Verde from Engineered Floors Below left: Knight Tile from Karndean DesignFlooring in Urban Spotted Gum. Below; Lunar Marble Willa from the Maybree collection by Novalis. Bottom: Mannington Luxury Sheet Vinyl from the Revive Collection shown here is Filigree in color Iron.

Don’t worry, the high shine, almost plastic look of older resilient is a relic of the past.

Today’s resilient floorings offer a full range of finishes and looks embossed and printed with such clarity that they look and feel like their source materials of stone, wood, or tile. Think of the difference between older formats of resilient with today’s resilient as the difference between stenciling and precision, highresolution digital imaging. Modern resilients have a texturized finish, some with an embossed or groovelike look that seems so real, not even reaching down and touching it dispels that impression. Some resilients are manufactured with actual textures, typically in stone and tile fashions. ■ BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 35

Welcome Home Entryways, Living Areas, and Gathering Spaces

W

hen you walk into a home, whether for a celebration or after a long day’s work, you want to feel welcomed. Elegant enough to host an anniversary party and comfortable enough to kick off your Manolo’s, it is a fine art to have your living areas serve their purpose while reflecting your personal style Flooring plays an enormous role in setting the mood of your home, it being the one surface with which every person interacts. Not only does flooring directly connect with people, but it also connects every space in your home. Today’s choices in resilient flooring suitable for your home’s public areas should meet the requirements of the most demanding critic — you!

If budget isn’t the reason, why would you buy a luxury vinyl floor over, let’s say, a hardwood floor? Granted that Luxury Vinyl Flooring Novalis Serenbe Bordeaux 12" x 24" (LVF) is high performance and high fashion, it is all about natural looks with enhanced features. Advances in production have launched Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), also called Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) floors, to be the best-looking flooring in wood while providing characteristics that perform better than natural wood. For instance, luxury vinyl planks never need refinishing, don’t warp due to moisture, and are indistinguishable from real wood. Clearly, luxury vinyl planks trump natural wood in this maintenance-care-and-looks trifecta! ■

Left: Mannington Adura MaxAPEX Napa Spirit 8". Right: Engage Inception by Metroflor shown here in Varnished Oak

36 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Karastan’s LuxeCraft

Westminster Maple from Floorte in Patina Maple

Honey Oak from Karndean DesignFlooring’s Van Gogh Collection

Karastan’s LuxeCraft luxury flooring is nature’s most beautiful finds, revitalized for modern living within your home. These rare and beautiful products pull inspiration from weathered barnwood, early 19th century Appalachian timber, and century-old sunken logs. Each product has a unique imperfection that is crafted to capture and recreate the distinctive beauty nature has to offer. Karastan’s LuxeCraft is better than nature intended, with quality products that are made to last while adding a beautifully unique touch to any room. With Karastan LuxeCraft, there is no room for a boring living space. Karastan LuxeCraft brings the remarkable, charming statement your home needs, while warming it up and making the room feel inviting all at the same time. From weathered to perfection styles to our salvaged old-world charm feel, Karastan’s LuxeCraft products perfectly capture and preserve the character of it’s inspiration to complete any desired look and feel that your home needs.

Luxecraft Unearthed Beauty by Karastan Karndean Art Select in Reclamed Chestnut

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 37

Floors that work…

Utility and Laundry Rooms

U

tility rooms and laundry rooms tend to take the brunt of our daily living. Luxury vinyl resilient flooring is very versatile. It can go anywhere in your home and easily installs above and below grade. In addition, luxury vinyl flooring is not only visually pleasing but also boasts of technological breakthroughs.

Current fabrications of vinyl resilient floorings have protective top coatings that resist scratching and scuffing, so your floor maintains its like-new look with routine sweeping and damp mopping.

Gone are the stripping and waxing of the resilients of yesteryear. These invisible coatings protect the beauty of your resilient vinyl tile, plank, and sheet vinyl flooring and make clean-up quick and simple.

Utility rooms and laundry rooms are best when their design follows function. The flooring in these rooms has to be durable, easy to care for and coordinated with the adjacent flooring.

A utility room is generally a catch-all for necessary household items that do not belong out in the open.

For example, it can hold mops, pails, ladders, commercial shelving, rolling carts, a washer and dryer, trash cans, a work table, and sink, or other things that are needed but shouldn’t be on display.

Storage rooms can be dry. Some hold decorations, luggage, clothing, boxes, etc. They can also be wet, serving as a root cellar, pet food central, buying club-sized packages of paper towels, pantry items, etc.

The flooring in laundry utility and storage rooms need to be easy to clean, stain and scuff resistant, waterproof, and should provide an excellent barrier to block dampness and insects. Often, these spaces have an in-floor drain that the floor must accommodate. ■ At left: NovaFloor’s Serenbe Canadian Walnut Digby from Novalis. Above: Miramar Mist luxury sheet vinyl from Mannington

38 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Many of today’s luxury flooring options are armed with the latest technologies, including impact, fade, stain, wear, antibacterial, anti-mold, antistatic, waterproof, and sound insulating properties.

Right: Prodigy from Floorte in color Mindful

by Shaw Floors. Below: Korlock Select

by Karndean DesignFlooring in Smoked Butternut

Got Pets?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is a perfect choice!

Luxury vinyl, sheet, planks, or tile formats are amazing in homes with active pets, resisting the wear and tear of scratches. Plus, the waterproof qualities mean that pet accidents are easy to clean! Resistant to muddy paw prints and human shoeprints alike, luxury vinyl is durable enough for utility areas, bathrooms, and hallways.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) offers unique looks and easy installation with style and durability without maxing out budgets. Soft underfoot and essentially waterproof, LVF makes a perfect choice for these essential spaces with cushioning and time-saving clean-up.

Most luxury tiles and planks feature a unique glueless locking system for a convenient installation; vinyl tiles and planks are ready for foot traffic immediately and will maintain their durable, tight, water-resistant fit.

Tarkett’s NuGen in Chestnut Ridge Furrowed

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 39

Taking a Closer Look at Luxury Vinyl Flooring There have been some dramatic changes in luxury vinyl flooring these last few years, and with today’s on-point color and sizing trends, the best offerings in LVF make it challenging to see the difference between vinyl and real stone or wood. Here’s what to expect on the horizon for luxury vinyl flooring:

Greige

Celebrity Designer and Television Host Jennifer Farrell has become nationally known for hosting the long-running A&E home improvement series “Find & Design.” She has co-starred on Emmy-nominated “Home Made Simple” for OWN and hosts the hit webisode series “Cleaning & Organizing From Top to Bottom” and “The Two-Minute Home Makeover” on msn.com. She currently hosts “Find Me a Vacation Home” on AWEtv. Her most popular venture has been The Jennifer Farrell Collection, featuring hundreds of furniture and décor pieces at nearly 1400 stores nationwide.

Because of the weathered undertones, greige flooring is a beautiful choice that’s both neutral and soothing.

It’s a quirky word that has only slipped into our everyday vernacular in the last couple of years: referred to as “Greige,” that muted color between gray and beige is having its moment and looks to continue for years to come. Because of the weathered undertones, greige flooring is a beautiful choice that’s both neutral and soothing. Reminiscent of driftwood and sun-bleached barn wood, greige LVF is a wonderfully relaxing color palette that works with today’s modern organic designs, as well as with more traditional stylings. The color feels natural and earth-inspired, as though the wood look was naturally baked by the sun. We’ve recently seen a move away from orange and yellow tones in hardwoods, and LVF is following suit.

NovaFloor’s Serenbe Collection: 12" x 24" Natural Slate Rainstorm from Novalis

40 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Interestingly, this earthy, ashy color is that the brown undertones infuse a warmth that isn’t indicative of a true gray. That means an entire floor of greige LVF has a coziness that some of the more stylized finishes, like the rustic paint-flecked barn wood look, may not quite offer. It’s an especially lovely color for large rooms, as a soothing greige tone doesn’t feel too busy or overpowering. This cool color will be a classic mainstay for years to come.

Matte Finish

Slick, glossy floors have faded in popularity dramatically over the last decade, replaced by matte finishes. LVF follows that trend; while still water-resistant and stain-resistant, the matte finish offers a more realistic wood look than a higher gloss finish.

And it also offers a practical side: matte surfaces are much less likely to show dirt and pet hair than their shiny counterpart. And the anti-slip factor of matte surfaces is another reason this finish will be popular for the indefinite future.

of vinyl planks and makes it hard to discern real wood from faux wood.

Stone Looks

While wood-look LVF is highly popular, stone floors are making a resurgence in today’s trends. With lighter-toned, textural, neutral stone-look floors, LVF offers some incredible options that feel rustic and organic. These make great choices, particularly in kitchens and baths, where French limestone or raw tumbled travertine can give a warmth and textural richness. Look for these in larger formats, from 24" x 24" to 24" ⅹ 48". There is a classic element to these larger faux stone LVF choices that will make this look a timeless classic. ■

Heavy Texture

LVF now comes in textural finishes that offer more wood grain and dimensional stone look finishes, which add to the richness and believability of the material. While too much texture in flooring can become a bit of a cleaning challenge, subtle wood grain texture is a must-have in today’s luxury vinyl flooring. There’s a certain richness that texture adds that can’t quite be duplicated by non-textual surfaces.

Long Wide Planks

The 9" x 60" LVF format is rapidly fading in popularity, as real hardwood tends to be in 6', 7', or even 8' lengths. LVF is now available in these longer, wide plank formats, which adds to the luxury element

Floorte’s Paragon Mix Plus 5", 7" and 9" planks shown here in Brush Oak by Shaw Floors

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 41

Daily Busy Living Spaces…

Kitchens and Bathrooms

T

he floors in kitchens and bathrooms are on the front line of your household’s daily activity. The kitchen is nearly always the hub of family life. From breakfast to bedtime snacks, or family meetings, this room is used nonstop. As a result, a kitchen’s floor is subject to high traffic, dropped food, spilled drinks, and general household mayhem. If there are children on the domestic roster, the floor can be crawled, wrestled, and rolled on; the same goes for active pets, along with the addition of food and water bowls.

Bathrooms are used for quick morning showers, and stress-reducing bathtub soaks. All surfaces in a bathroom need to be resistant to water and steam. With room conditions optimal for mildew, the bathroom floor must be easily cleanable with a surface that leaves no foothold for mold and fungus. If a person in the house is ill, it is important to disinfect all bathroom surfaces. ■

Timeless Beauty by Engineered Floors

Left: ProGen Rigid Core

by Tarkett in Quartzite Ashen.

Below: Engage Inception in Roadhouse Mesquite by MetroFlor

Serenbe HDC in Nickel in an 11¾" x 23¾" tile format from Novalis

42 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Floorté Elite Series Elite in design and performance, you don’t have to sacrifice anything with new Floorté Elite Series styles from Shaw Floors. Inspired by the craftsmanship of classic Americana wood species like Ash, White Oak and Walnut, Floorté Elite’s newest style Prodigy HDR MXL Plus is extralong, extra-wide and comes in multi-length planks with Enhanced Natural Realism technology to more closely mimic natural hardwood beauty. Planks also feature Shaw Floors’ industry-leading PAWdefense™ technology, a proprietary topcoat that provides elite protection from scratches, and an attached Soft Silence® acoustical pad to reduce unwanted noise. Your pets will love this floor and so will you, knowing it’s built to remain beautiful no matter what your beloved furry family members throw at it.

What’s more, Floorté Elite styles are backed by an unprecedented 15-year residential scratch warranty, so you truly can have peace of mind about the longevity of your flooring investment.

Floorte Elite Series: Prodigy MXL in color Golden Age

Pantheon HD Plus from CoreTec in color Olive tree

The Da Vinci Range in Color Drift by Karndean Design Flooring

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 43

Bon Appetite!

Dining Areas & Eat-In Kitchens

T

he dining area is where we grab a quick bite and sit down together to catch up and share the news of the day. Whether used for everyday family meals, formal dining, or special occasions, dining areas and eat-in kitchens get tremendous traffic.

By virtue of its name, a dining area’s floor has to withstand dropped food and spilled drinks, as well as the movement of chairs across its surface.

If you hold dinner parties, it is nice to have a dining area that looks good with soft intimate lighting, as well as the bright light of day. Open concept plans, where the living, cooking, and dining areas come together as one master space, require fore-

Below: Floorte’s Westminster by Shaw floors shown here in Blackened Oak. Right: Pergo Extreme Wider Longer in color Sweet Syrup

44 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

thought about whether or not the space will have one unified floor or harmonious individual floors that delineate functions.

Both fashionable and functional, Luxury vinyl flooring offers almost unlimited style, size, and color combinations. You can find contemporary colors, shimmering “stardust” and pearlized finishes distressed woods, colored concretes, fossilized stone, metallics, and exotic woods. And, that is only the beginning! There are all types of embellishments in design-centered collections, including borders, motifs, and sizes and formats that encourage custom concepts like herringbone weaves! ■

Left: Adura Max Manor in Bourbon by Mannington. Below: Castle Oak in Dudley from the Novalis Maybree collection

Wormy Chestnut in color Sydney from the Maybree Collection by Novalis

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 45

Dream a Little Dream…

Master Suites and Guest Rooms

B

edrooms have evolved from being solely a sleeping space. Of course, they need to serve the sleep function, but today’s bedrooms are also a comfortable space to wind down and relax, read, watch videos, and perhaps daydream.

The furnishings of a bedroom are more intimate than those found in the public areas of a house. You have more options in this space to express your specific tastes. If there is enough space for a bed and a sitting area, it’s fun to have warm, kind-to-your-feet rugs for the two rooms.

These area rugs should be placed on top of the main flooring to set the room’s design stage. LVT wood planks can easily be worked into a rich herringbone pattern that is at once contemporary yet still releases your inner Marie Antoinette.

Nurseries are all about surfaces that are kind to the baby and simple to keep spotless. A non-porous floor with washable area rugs meets the requirements for ease of care and cleanliness. Because the floor will host activities like rolling over, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking, it needs to have some give. With all these floor-centric goings-on, a heated floor will keep all parties comfortable.

Resilient flooring is a top choice for the nursery, meeting all requirements. ■

Left: Metroflor’s Inception Reclaimed Oak. Above: Serenbe HCD Rigid Collection in Canadian Walnut Trinity by Novalis

46 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

COREtec Advanced+

Metroflor Inception 200XXL Cooper Oak Timber Brown

Advanced in style, durability, and cleanability, COREtec Advanced+ is designed to withstand whatever life throws at it. COREtec’s industry-leading technology allows you to enjoy expanded design possibilities with fewer pattern repeats and a sophisticated color palette. Our innovative engineering, combined with natural artistry, provides next-level protection against pets, kids, high-heels, and everyday life. A recent breakthrough in core technology results in a mineral core that offers a 100% waterproof, kidproof, and petproof floor designed not to swell, cup, or crack when exposed to water. COREtec Advanced+ can perform in any space—whether it be wet areas like your bathroom or kitchen, or high-traffic areas like an entryway, you can enjoy your new COREtec floors, worry-free.

Exclusive to COREtec Advanced+ are low luster visuals and enhanced scratch performance to make this the highest-performing COREtec floor yet, boasting an industry-first 15-year residential scratch warranty.

Opus in Washed Walnut from Karndean DesignFlooring

Novavfloor’s Serenbe Rigid HCD Collection in Urban Oak Grange by Novalis

COREtec Advanced+ in color Garamond Oak

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 47

Casual Spaces…

Playrooms and Sunrooms

P

layrooms and sunrooms are casual spaces that can be as fantastic as your imagination desires. For ease of maintenance, a good-looking, not-too-hard surface is worth considering.

Remember linoleum? Think how much fun a playroom will be with a custom-designed theme floor — dinosaurs, woodland or farm animals, airplanes and balloons, games — that delights your children. A playroom that invites rough and tumble play, practicing gymnastics or cheers, needs a forgiving surface. Some sheet vinyl and rubber tiles have “give” in the surface for those not-so-hard landings. If you are in a cooler climate, an in-floor heating system can take the chill off resilient flooring.

Sunrooms are bright, airy spaces that can be used all four seasons in some climates. Along with the sun comes UV light waves that can bleach out and even damage susceptible flooring. Resilient flooring with a UV warranty fits the particulars of a sunroom.

Marble or limestone-look LVT’s provide an attractive, well-worn looking option, with the modern benefits of easy care and lifetime warranties. ■

Left: Da Vinci Collection in Dune. Right: Van Gogh in Christchurch Oak and at top: White painted Oak and Pale Limed Oak from the Knight Tile Collection, all by Karndean DesignFlooring

48 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

You CAN Do it Yourself Perfect for Weekend Warriors

O

ne of the most attractive qualities of Luxury flooring is the ease of purchase and installation. Not only are flooring sections smaller, designed to interlock, and easier to work with, but luxury vinyl, WPC, and SPC floors can be

installed over most non-textile existing subfloors. Moreover, the “floating floor” installation method means that no special glue or fasteners are needed, saving considerable time and installation cost.

With advanced planning (reading the installation manual and watching instructional videos), the right tools, and sufficient working time, your luxury flooring installation will go quickly and smoothly.

Effortless Installation The introduction of glueless luxury flooring has revolutionized ease of installation in the industry. In the “floating floor” installation method, the luxury vinyl flooring is laid or “floated” over the existing subfloor without being glued to the surface.

This saves considerable time and labor costs. Moreover, luxury flooring, including vinyl planks and tiles, rigid core WPC, and SPC products, are easy to un-install and replace quickly and easily when it’s time for a style update. ■

Moreover, the “floating floor” installation method means that no special glue or fasteners are needed…

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 49

The Christina Collection

H Christina knows floors are a major part of home renovations

GTV’s Christina Haack from Flip or Flop and Christina on the Coast has launched her own luxury vinyl flooring line… The Christina Collection. Since 2009, Christina has renovated and flipped houses on 11 seasons of HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” and her design show “Christina on the Coast” Inspired by her passion for design and expertise on flooring, the Christina Collection features 21 colors and styles in a very sought after and high styled 9" wide ⅹ 60" plank, all hand-selected by Christina, that can be used anywhere in the home and will fit any style decor.

Christina knows floors are a major part of home renovations and thought people could use a luxury vinyl collection that was stylish yet affordable. In addition, she wanted it to be durable for homeowners with active lifestyles or that have children or pets. She was inspired to create floors that would uphold quality and style. After a lot of research, Christina chose a waterproof, scratch and stain-resistant but affordable, rigid core SPC for the collection.

Creating a durable flooring option as a primary focus, Christina tested the durability against her three children and pets. (See Christina’s Instagram Page) The Christina Collection with Diamond Walk technology features a 20 mil wear layer, is 6.5 mm thick, with a 1.5mm IXPE attached pad. This beautiful flooring option is FloorScore certified for indoor air quality and performs well in high traffic areas including commercial spaces.

“ I’ve spent several years working closely with many independent retailers, and I have gotten to know many of them and their families. I have seen how much time and attention they put into product selection and installation, and that’s the type of service I want you to experience with my products!…”

50 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

The Christina Collection is determined to uphold quality and style for our customers, pushing for commitment and dedication in the growing flooring industry.

Find a Dealer We have partnered with a network of amazing dealers throughout the United States, and we can’t wait to connect you with them. Please fill out the inquiry form and our team will put you in touch with your local dealer.

“I’ve spent several years working closely with many independent retailers, and I have gotten to know many of them and their families. I have seen how much time and attention they put into product selection and installation, and that’s the type of service I want you to experience with my products!

This is my way of giving them back something that can be locally purchased and serviced.” ■ XOXO, Christina For any inquiries, please submit the inquiry form at www.christinacollectionflooring.com

The Christina Collection features 21 different colors and styles, all hand-selected by Christina, that can be used anywhere in the house. The flooring is both scratch-resistant and waterproof so it is perfect for high traffic areas.

Above: Blanca, at top right: Channel Island; center: Escalade; bottom: Kings Peak

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 51

Luxury Flooring on Main Street

R

esilient flooring owns the floor space in every Main Street business category!

Light commercial businesses require flooring that is easy to clean and maintain, comfortable underfoot, and wears like iron. This is why you see resilient flooring

in its many forms in commercial installations.

For example, a daycare center needs a forgiving surface like sheet vinyl, where it is as easy to clean up spilled milk as it is to disinfect to ward off the sniffles. A cork floor in a law office is a subtle choice that offers sound-absorbing audio privacy and environmental sustainability.

While the term “resilient” covers a whole category, the floors within that category are diverse and well respected. Resilient is the flooring of choice for the following sectors: Retail ● Medical ● Education ● Hospitality ● Light industry Libraries, museums ● Restaurants and foodservice Sporting and athletic venues

Left: MetroFlor’s Déjà New in 24" x 24" Tile Format in Color Clay. At right: Déjà New with Attraxion, Pumice Washed with magnetic flooring attachment by Metroflor.

52 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Clearly, the qualities of resilient flooring answer the needs of commercial clients. Resilient manufacturers have been listening and have developed applications with the aesthetics and functions demanded by the commercial consumer. For example, in the micro-niche of hospital operating suites, there are resilient products that are anti-microbial without the use of chemicals.

No longer does using resilient mean looking like every other resilient floor. For example, the amazing optics of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) meld the look of fine hardwood, stone, and tile floors, with the usability and maintenance benefits of vinyl.

Design quality resilient flooring is available from your local flooring showroom. Even though its look is custom and fabulous, resilient is affordable and From the Maybree Collection by Novafloor pictured here in Washed Concrete color Axel by Novalis

straightforward to install. ■

From the Novalis Designer Series is Ellis featuring 7" planks

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 53

Metroflor

Innovations in Luxury Flooring Metroflor’s Metrostone Provides New Opportunities in Tile — Stone, Tile and Plank Looks with Grout Effect™ Edge

M

etroflor is taking SPC tile to the edge

With a curated portfolio of designs — ranging

with a strategic new product innova-

from stone visuals and marble tiles to woodgrain

tion: Metrostone. A quality manmade

planks and even a textile-inspired linen look –

natural, Metrostone replicates stone and porce-

Metrostone creates a strong, competitive entry into

lain tile in an SPC format with a simulated grouted

the tile space. In addition, the Grout Effect edge

edge instead of the painted beveled edges popu-

has elevated Metrostone to a more realistic look

lar in SPC plank formats. Our proprietary Grout

that will strike a resounding chord with consumers.

Effect

edge treatment replicates the look of a

Given the enduring COVID concerns about

traditional grout line without the staining, crack-

cleanliness and hygiene, Metrostone creates

ing, and maintenance associated with traditional

functionally beautiful mudrooms that create a

grout lines. This new technology has opened a

separate, easy, and safe space for disinfection

new window of opportunity for Metroflor: More

when the need arises. It also lays down an invit-

natural-looking, high-performing tile designs that

ing, waterproof foundation for foyers, bathrooms,

can compete with ceramic and stone in visuals and

basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Beyond

color, yet at an affordable price point with easier

residential settings, its performance attributes and

installation without messy mortar.

great looks have great potential for a wide range

™

of commercial market applications: Hospitality, Retail, Multifamily, Builder, and Assisted Living. ■

Metrostone Uptown

54 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Metrostone Opal

SEE THE STAIN PERFORMANCE OF FX2 SURFACE PROTECTANT

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 55

CarpetsPlus COLORTILE David Ellis, Marketing Director,

Alliance Flooring, Inc

CarpetsPlus COLORTILE retailers are known for product, design, and installation expertise. But, with so many Luxury Vinyl Flooring options, you need an expert to guide you — and with us, that's exactly what you'll find. Here, we explain the features and benefits of rigid core or glue-down vinyl flooring to help you make an educated selection.

R

igid core flooring is what most people today think of as luxury vinyl flooring. The rigid core category has been around for nearly ten years, but its rapid growth and innovations have confused different names and acronyms. You may have

heard terms like LVT, LVP, LVF, WPC, and SPC. Let’s define these terms: LVT

Luxury Vinyl Tile (may or may not be tile looks because, in the beginning, this is what people called the entire category)

CarpetsPlus COLORTILE American Pride Gettysburg in color Baltimore

LVP

Luxury Vinyl Plank (wood looks)

EIR

Embossed in Register (the embossing follows the wood grain)

LVF

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (some use this term to refer to the entire category)

WPC Wood Plastic Composite Core SPC Stone Plastic Composite

56 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

DESIGN we know

CarpetsPlus COLORTILE® retailers are known for their flooring and

design expertise. With so many Luxury Vinyl Flooring options, you need an expert to guide you – and with us, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Your local CarpetsPlus COLORTILE retailer can educate and lead you to the perfect luxury vinyl floor.

To find your local CarpetsPlus COLORTILE retailer, visit CarpetsPlusColorTile.com/contact-us BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 57

Some locking system names to look for are UniClic, Valinge, Tap-n-fold, and Angle/Tap. When selecting the right rigid core floor, con-

2. Formats — Click, Glue Down, Loose Lay

sider the application and your performance expectations.

1. The Core Differences — WPC and SPC

Click-together luxury vinyl floors are rigid core floors that are clicked together with a tongue and groove. Some locking system names to look for are UniClic, Valinge, Tap-n-fold, and Angle/Tap.

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. This

These better systems can keep spills and mois-

core was introduced in vinyl flooring by US Floors

ture from seeping into the subfloor for up to days

around 2012. It is made of wood dust, plastic, and

at a time.

foaming agents. Compared to SPC, WPC is thicker,

Glue Down luxury vinyl is mainly used in com-

softer, warmer underfoot, and quieter. This softness

mercial and is ultra-durable, installed in strips, and

allows deeper texturing for more realism but can be

glued to the subfloor.

dented slightly easier. In addition, it can be installed

Loose Lay is a format that can be installed with-

over many floors as a floating floor, which means it

out glue or a locking system. The planks literally

is not glued or stapled to the subfloor.

just lay side by side. It sounds crazy, but most have

SPC came next and stands for Stone Plastic

a grippy rubber backing, and with weight and fric-

Composite. SPC's core exchanges the wood of

tion, they remain in place the same as any other

WPC for stone, making a harder, more dent-resis-

floor. An adhesive is required in some instances

tant floor. SPC began its life in the commercial mar-

around the perimeter.

ket but moved quickly into residential because it was less expensive and durable.

3. The Layers WPC and SPC are often made in several layers, including an attached underlayment, the core, the print layer, and the wear layer. Sometimes there is an additional coating to prevent scuffs and scrapes or for added rigidity and dimensional stability. ■ To locate your nearest CarpetsPlus COLORTILE retailer, visit CarpetsPlusColorTile.com.

CarpetsPlus COLORTILE Elite Performance Engineered Stone in color Duomo

58 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Design it with Luxury Vinyl Flooring Karndean Designflooring Creates “Dream Floors” With Brian & Mika Kleinschmidt

L

uxury vinyl tile specialist Karndean Designflooring has partnered with television personalities and builder and designer duo Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt for a digital campaign that will guide you through the journey of selecting and designing “dream floors” for your home.

Think about flooring differently — as the first interior finish to select rather than the last. It is one of the largest elements in the room and the most disruptive to replace.

Designers have always said decorating begins from the floor up. “We love using Karndean flooring in our designs. They have a diverse selection of styles and textures that allow your creativity to run wild. It’s not only easy on the eye but also easy to install. The best part is the floors won't break the bank or your back. Karndean helped us ‘Rock The Block’ on TV and many others' blocks in real life,” Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt said.

Karndean and the Kleinschmidt’s previously partnered on Season 2 of HGTV’s Rock the Block, where Brian and Mika installed 30mil glue down product Glacier Oak throughout their competition-winning southern craftsman home.

Learn More In a three-part video series, Brian and Mika introduce you to Karndean Designflooring’s nearly 50-year history of crafting luxury vinyl flooring. This will help you find which luxury vinyl format is right for you and how to design it in your home.

You can scan a QR code in-store, watch the videos as you shop the Karndean displays, and talk through design options with your retail sales associate. Or watch them at home to see what is possible.

To view the videos, visit www.karndean.com/videos or scan the QR Code from your phone. ■

Think about flooring differently — as a leading interior finish first interior finish to select rather than the last.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 59

Healthier Choice Eco-friendly, Sustainable, Healthy, Durable Luxury Flooring with Style

H

ealthier Choice has been creating premiumquality flooring products for residential and commercial applications that are safe

for humans and the environment for over 25 years.

Our line of waterproof luxury flooring, ChoiceVinyl, is GREENGUARD Certified, made with the most durable cores: rigid core, Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) and Stone-Polymer Composite (SPC), at an affordable price, with remarkable styles.

All ChoiceVinyl Series feature:

● Waterproof — Easy Maintenance ● Pet Friendly — Scratch Resistant ● Authentic Wood Visual

● Quick & Easy Installation

● High-Density Dent Resistant Core ● Commercial Grade Wear Layer ● Painted Micro-Beveled Edge

● Premium Attached Underlayment

To find a dealer near you, log on to www.choiceflooring.com

Country Road Series Country Road is a waterproof, rigid core flooring featuring ultrawide 9-inch planks with painted bevels for an authentic wood floor appearance. These beautiful hardwood visuals fill the room with rustic charm. The Country Road Collection is manufactured to the highest standards and features a UniClic™ locking system and a commercial-grade wear-layer for lasting durability and scratch resistance. Perfect for the busy family with children and pets.

Healthier Choice has been creating premium-quality flooring products for residential and commercial applications that are safe for humans and the environment for over 25 years.

60 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Santa Monica Series Santa Monica is a collection of coastal wood visuals available in eight beautiful styles. It is 100% waterproof, and made with an SPC core for added durability. It features a 12 mil wear layer and a UNICLIC Locking System for ease-of-installation. It has an IXPE attached underlayment for added acoustical benefits.

Designed with 7-inch plank widths, a matte finish, and a painted bevel to complement current design trends.

Vineyard Series Vineyard is a waterproof, rigid core flooring featuring 7-inch planks with painted bevels for an authentic wood floor appearance. The beautiful hardwood visuals fill the room with warmth and character. The Vineyard Collection is manufactured to the highest standards and features a UniClic™ locking system and a commercial-grade wear-layer for lasting durability and scratch resistance. Perfect for the busy family with children and pets.

Stone Reflections Series Stone Reflections is a waterproof, rigid core flooring in a 12-inch by 24-inch tile format with painted bevels for an authentic natural stone appearance. These beautiful stone visuals fill the room with elegance. The Stone Reflections Collection is manufactured to the highest standards and features a UniClic™ locking system and a commercial-grade wear-layer for lasting durability and scratch resistance. Perfect for the busy family with children and pets.

Saves time and money compared to traditional grouted tile installations. ■ BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 61

My Planet Living Centers A physical showroom space displaying all the latest and greatest in every product category for home remodeling and new home building

Who We Are

MPLC is a response to a changing landscape across the industry, meeting the demand for high-end home design products sparked by the internet and social media. The concept was brought to life by Mayan Metzler, hailed by Kitchen & Bath Design News as one of the country’s leading innovators in his field.

MPLC is offering a completely unique solution for homeowners and trade professionals, combining the best showroom spaces in America with great suppliers from around the world. A dedicated team has designed the spaces to provide the best possible value across the board. ● MyPlanet Living Center is a part of the MyPlanet project. MyPlanet, a non-profit organization, supports projects which are good for the planet and humanity. ● At MPLC, leading products can be viewed and purchased all from one space.

Customers will be dealing directly with manufacturers, both saving time and creating the best possible value in the market by purchasing at factory-direct prices. ● Great amenities will make visiting an MPLC space a true joy. These amenities will include food and drink, an indoor playground, and a well-being area.

Below and opposite page: Showroom installations at Planet Living Centers

The showrooms are currently located in New York, Long Island, Miami, and Chicago, with plans to expand across the Midwest and the country. Mr. Metzler sees an opportunity in mid-size cities, where MPLC would bring unprecedented access for luxury brands while creating strong nonprofit initiatives to support local projects.

62 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

“As an entrepreneur, I see opportunity everywhere,” adds Mr. Metzler, “But particularly with MPLC, we have the opportunity to truly do some good in the world. I am looking forward to what the future brings.”

The Best Spaces

MPLC showrooms are the best in the industry. They feature a sophisticated product selection anchored

by German Kitchen Center (GKC), the largest national multi-brand chain of European kitchens in the U.S. Exclusive products from brands like Leicht, TEAM 7, Pianca, and Charles Yorke offer elegant design and meticulous craftsmanship, with an emphasis placed on sustainability.

“This is a key opportunity to improve our communities,” says Mr. Metzler. “I hope that this venture will serve as a blueprint for other companies to pitch in and help revitalize our cities. We are only as strong as our communities are.”

Each showroom will be staffed with experts on the product selection, ready to welcome you for your visit. They are happy to greet any walk-ins, and appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure tailored support to meet the needs of your next project.

We hope to see you soon! ■

Meet the newest MPLC Brand Partner: Creative Magnetic Flooring Creative Magnetic Flooring (CMF) created a revolutionary building system that utilizes interchangeable magnetic technology across all flooring categories, including carpet, broadloom, ceramic, porcelain. This revolutionary process gives designers, consumers, and business owners the capability to change floor and wall covering products at will.

CMF will be showcasing its unique collection of ferrite-backed LVP products in all the My Planet Living Centers. At the MPLC showrooms, customers can purchase the complete solution with magnetic underlayment and LVP products.

Creative Magnetic Flooring has teamed up with Magnetic Building Solutions (MBS) for magnetic underlayment and CMF’s unique collection of ferrite-backed products to create Magnetique technology for interchangeable flooring.

Introducing consumers and designers to leading-edge flooring technology is at the forefront of MPLC’s objectives, making CMF an excellent fit for their showrooms.

For more information log on to www.myplanetlivingcenter.com

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 63

The Future is Now — Magnetic Flooring

M

agnetic flooring is making its way from the commercial to the real estate market into your home. Can you imagine a floor covering that can be easily changed for a remodel? How about putting this flooring in your child’s bedroom and then switching it out when they get older and have their style?

This is the perfect solution in high-traffic areas where you can simply and easily replace damaged floors. The cost to replace aging flooring in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms is substantial; with magnetic floors, you can update your home at a fraction of the cost.

Creative Magnetic Flooring (CMF) uses a magnetic underlayment system from Magnetic Building Solutions (MBS) and ferrite-backed LVP to create interchangeable magnetic luxury vinyl flooring. The installation process is easy with minimal downtime; an application like a herringbone pattern would take several days using traditional methods, but it only takes hours using the magnetic system and LVT.

Again, no glue, tongue in groove, or locking system is needed. When the top layer is placed on the base layer, they form a powerful magnetic bond. As a result, these floors are completely waterproof, and the magnetic subfloor acts as a sound barrier.

“Once the base layer is applied, the world of design blossoms before your very eyes. It is so easy to change, or add, or adjust!” — Michael Bennett, pioneer of magnetic flooring.

● Installation is environmentally friendly — NO VOC’s ● Installation time is reduced ●H igh quality, ethically sourced materials ● Th e system utilizes recycled materials ●U nderlayment lasts a lifetime ●N o adhesives required for this process ●C ompletely waterproof ● Th e magnetic subfloor acts as a sound barrier

The base layer (A) is the magnetic layer.

It comes in a roll. It can be rolled out over any smooth, clean, dry subfloor (concrete or wood). The top layer (B) is any flooring product containing our patented composite.

When the top layer (B) is placed on the base layer (A), they form a magnetic bond.

Here is how it works:

The base layer is the magnetic layer. It comes in a roll and is rolled out over any smooth, clean, dry subfloor (concrete or wood). No adhesives are required.

The top layer is the LVP containing ferrite powder.

64 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Other applications:

For the real estate industry, such as apartment buildings, rental property, assisted and senior living properties, this system alleviates the high cost of turnovers and renovations.

Commercial properties benefit from saving time and money. Minimal downtime for installation ensures business as usual with the ability to change out a worn floor in a lobby area or a hotel room as needed economically. In addition, the property can keep up aesthetically with current design and trends. ■

The installation process is easy with minimal downtime; an application like a herringbone pattern would take several days using traditional methods, but it only takes hours using the magnetic system and LVT.

Below: Magnetic flooring residential installtions

MBS virtually eliminates the need for adhesive bonds; there is no need to seam the underlayment.

Easily installation is environmentally friendly = NO VOC’s

Virtually Waterproof

Innovative — Allows changing styles & colors in hours instead of days

Reduces “downtime” for commercial & real estate properties

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 65

Resilient Floor Care and Maintenance

O

ne of the most popular features of resilient flooring is that it’s so easy to clean.

It’s moisture resistant and doesn’t trap dirt and dust the way other surfaces do. It’s also naturally stain resistant — spills just wipe away.

But, since we haven’t developed a self-cleaning product yet, we’ve got some general maintenance tips to help keep your flooring looking great!

Residential Luxury Flooring The initial cleaning for floating floors can start right after the installation whereas if the LVT is installed

● Avoid to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, this can result in discoloration. Excessive

high temperatures can cause expansion. During peak sunlight hours it is recommended that drapes or blinds be used to protect the floor from direct sunlight

Residential and Light Commercial

● Daily sweeping and vacuuming will prevent dirt and grit particles from being ground into the surface. ● Light daily washing.

with an adhesive, a 48 hour waiting period is required.

● The frequency and amount of traffic

This period is required to allow the adhesive to suf-

will determine the need and frequency

ficiently dry before washing the floor with water and

of maintenance.

a cleaning solution. An important part of the mainte-

● After the initial cleaning it may be neces-

nance protocol is to prevent potential problems that

sary to use a pH neutral cleaner. When using

can damage your floor.

a cleaner it will necessary to remove the residual film, frequently change the rinse water.

● Prevent indentations and scratches, use glass,

Remove the water quickly with a wet/dry pick

polished metal or non-staining cups or casters

up vacuum, any resulting film left on the floor

with flat under surfaces. The diameter furniture

can leave the surface dull, cloudy appearance.

protector must be large enough to distribute

This cloudy film must be removed with clean

the load properly.

rinse water.

● Use walk-off mats to remove imbedded grit from your shoes. Avoid the use of rubber or latex backed ● Avoid high heels on your floor. They can cause permanent damage. ● Spills — any spills should be cleaned up

immediately. The longer the stain is allowed to remain on the floor the greater the risk of permanently staining the floor. Refer to the detailed Consumer Protection Plan.

● When moving frequently moved furniture be sure to protect the floor from damage by using plywood or other hard surface.

66 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

● If the surface becomes dull or scratched it may be necessary to apply a good floor polish; check with manufacturer’s recommendations for the polish to use to restore the floor’s surface to its original level of gloss. Before applying the polish be certain to thoroughly clean the floors to remove all of the existing dirt. ● When applying floor polish be certain to follow the application and use instructions. ● In time, it will be necessary to remove old

coating. Use a high quality floor polish remover.

Follow the detailed manufacturing instructions.

● Spray-Buffing is an effective method of com-

Preventive Care

mercial maintenance and can be used on the

Use effective walk-off mats at entrances and exits.

LVT for light commercial applications.

● Use protective good quality casters or glides

Commercial LVT and Sheet Vinyl A commercial jobsite will accumulate significant amounts dirt and grit. The initial cleaning must not

under static and dynamic appliance, furniture, etc. ● Do not use harsh cleaning solutions or excessively abrasive cleaning pads. ● Do not use compounds or mops containing or

be performed for a minimum of 72 hours. Floor

treated with petroleum-based products.

maintenance prevention and protection is extremely

● Do not use cleaning solution that contain

important. It will be necessary to sweep and vacuum the floor to prevent premature damage. ● Sweep or vacuum to remove all of the loose dirt and grit.

aromatic solvents. ● Do not use oil or solvent based products on or near the flooring, they can cause the reduction of the COF or discolor the surface. ■

● Prepare a cleaning solution a recommended. pH neutral cleaner. Refer to the individual maintenance instructions. ● Follow the dilution ratio provided on the cleaning solution instructions. ● Apply the solution using a nylon or rayon mop

● Dwell time of the solution is important, the time is determined by soil conditions. Do not allow the solution to dry. ● Scrub the floor using a single disc rotary

machine, 175–350 rpm equipped with a red pad.

● Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove cleaning solution. ● Rinse thoroughly.

● Repeat if necessary.

Deep Cleaning may be necessary, it’s dependent on the type and amount of traffic ● Remove dirt and grit by sweeping or vacuuming. ● Use a good quality pH neutral cleaner, refer to the detailed instructions. ● Follow the manufacturer’s instruction for the appropriate dilution ratio. ● Use a nylon or rayon mop to apply the cleaning solution. ● Dwell time of the solution is important, the time is deter-mined by soil conditions. Do not allow the solution to dry. ● Scrub the floor using a single disc rotary machine, 175–350 rpm equipped with a red pad. ● Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove cleaning solution. ● Rinse thoroughly. ● Repeat the cleaning process if necessary.

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 67

Premium Materials and Premium Performance

T

he key to a beautiful, hard-wearing resilient floor is to match the correct installation materials with the flooring, be it sheet resilient, LVT/LVP, VCT, cork, or rubber.

Much like the pea in the fairy tale “Princess and the Pea,” any irregularities under-

neath the floor will make themselves known. Undersurface irregularities transmit through the resilient, showing bumps, folds, and creases. Likewise, stains and spills can work their way through to the surface, discoloring the resilient on its way.

The resilient flooring industry has developed protocols and products that neutralize prospective issues before the resilient is installed. Let your installer know the state of the sub-floor and the resilient flooring type, and they will advise you what materials are needed to produce a flawless floor.

Each category of flooring has its specific requirements that may include: ● Underlayments ● Adhesives

The resilient flooring industry has developed protocols and products that neutralize prospective issues before the resilient is installed.

● Seam sealants

● Radiant underfloor heating

68 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Underlayments Where specified, underlayments serve as a buffer between the sub-floor and flooring. Depending on what is required, underlayments can be a board product like plywood, a membrane, or a skim coat. Specific-purpose membrane underlayments reduce noise — a concern in apartments and condos.

Adhesives Your resilient’s manufacturer will specify what type of installation and adhesive to employ. For example, resilient floors may have adhesive applied across the entire undersurface — a full spread.

Another flooring may need tacking along the edges — a perimeter adhere. A floating installation would need no adhesive at all. Adhesives come in many forms — epoxy, latex, low VOC, spray-on, and releasable.

Seam Sealants Seam sealants perfect the seams in sheet resilient, leaving them impervious to dirt, debris, and moisture. Manufacturers may supply a seam sealant with the color and finish (glossy, matte, satin) paired with the surface and color of your floor.

Electric Radiant Heating Advances in technology and production make coupling electric radiant heating with your resilient floor a popular choice. With resilient flooring, the heating wire will be embedded in a cementitious bed with 3⁄8-inch coverage, which the flooring product will be installed with direct contact. In addition, floating LVP and LVT floors permit a dry installation, simply running the heating sheets or mesh under the surface. ■ BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 69

Installation and Maintenance Getting Ready to Install Why leave the installation of your beautiful new resilient floor to just anyone? For a floor that has a 15-year warranty, you want that installation to be perfect. Otherwise, you’ll be living with someone else’s mistakes every day for those 15 long years. Professional installation makes sense.

The key to a flawless installation is an experienced crew with specific knowledge of the material and expert in its placement. As you’ve seen through this book, the resilient flooring category has expanded to include luxury vinyl tiles, laser-cut linoleum inserts, and sustainable materials like leather and cork. Each resilient subcategory has installation requirements that the installer must fulfill to meet the manufacturers’ comprehensive warranties and guarantees.

When you buy your flooring, your retailer may offer installation services in-house or have recommendations for the local professional with the skills your flooring requires. If you choose to work with your retailer on the installation, a sales or design associate will schedule delivery and the installation. This takes a burden off your shoulders and ensures a good experience.

Even as affordable as resilient flooring is, it’s an investment in your home, both financially and aesthetically. Using the retailer’s installation service may cost you a bit extra, but it is offset by the assurance that there will be someone on the end of the phone should a problem arise

Each resilient sub-category has installation requirements that the installer must fulfill to meet the manufacturers’ comprehensive warranties and guarantees

70 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Installers standing by their work

Unless the resilient is being installed over the

When selecting an installer, ask if they warranty their

existing floor, that flooring must be removed and

work and for how long. Responsible installation ser-

disposed of. If there are any surprises when you

vices stand by their work for at least a year, some for

take up the old floor as another layer of flooring,

the life of the flooring. Make sure that the warranty

let your flooring installer know to find out if that

terms are included in the estimate for installing. And

flooring needs to go too.*

ask for and check references.

Another surprise that can pop up at this stage

If you are pricing out installers, the estimate

is the newly exposed sub-floor is in bad shape.

should include all related costs beyond labor,

Again, call the installer because they may need to

including adhesives, membranes or underlayment,

attend to a repair ahead of time. If it looks good,

sub-flooring repair, and any pre-installation work

be sure to remove all tacks, adhesive and give a

like moving furniture or removing old flooring.

vacuum, then damp mop.*

First Things First

Planning and scheduling

The flooring is ordered; you know it’s going to look

Onceyou have the date, arrange to be onsite for

great! Finally, the date for installation is set. This

the installation. This way, if there are any last-minute

means it is time to get busy preparing your space

changes or questions, you will be able to address

for the new floor.

them immediately.

First things first. Plan to remove all the fur-

Next, arrange for children and pets to be away

niture, floor fixtures, furnishings, window treat-

from the installation area and the parked work vehi-

ments, and appliances from the room. If the

cles. There are all kinds of temptations for a child

window treatments are permanent, cover them

or pet to get into on the job site. And, cats like to

with a dust cloth; if they reach the floor, pin them

make themselves at home in open work vehicles.

up first. Remember to schedule a professional to

If you live in a gated community or secure build-

disconnect and reconnect propane or natural gas

ing, arrange for the work crew to have passes and

appliances.

parking for their vehicles. Also, secure access to a service elevator if needed. ■ * Your flooring retailer or installer can help you with these tasks. Contact them beforehand so the installation can proceed, and your beautiful, resilient floor will be in place!

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 71

Nature’s Wonder Surface Material

APC Cork

Cork is an amazing resource, with diverse uses. Cork flooring offers high performance and unmatched utility, in some cases for more than 100 years. In fact, if you have been to the Library of Congress, you have walked on a vintage, original cork floor!

S

ince 1898, cork floors have been used in public buildings, such as churches and libraries — long before it was used in residential applications. High fashion and sustainability are driving cork flooring these days.

Great Appearance + Environmental Responsibility = Renewed Interest in Cork

Cork manufacturers have seized upon the benefits of cork and developed colors and tile shapes that offer and infinite variety of patters. From large format tiles, to intricate inlaid borders, cork also comes in a color wheel of colors and shades. This is not your grandmother’s flooring.

Cork’s unique natural aesthetic is finding favor among a generation looking for new textures and visuals. Cork introduces a fresh take on the perception of traditional interior surfaces.

The rising popularity of cork is not only testament to its attractive optics, but also to its excellent sustainability and environmental properties. Cork oak trees can live for 250 years and are capable of having their outer layers harvested every nine years throughout their lifetime with no damage to the tree. Some cork flooring primary materials are byproducts of wine bottle stopper manufacturing

Cork Looks Good and Does Good

Cork flooring offers excellent health and safety benefits. There are natural properties in cork that resist pests. Suberin is a substance in cork that repels insects, mites and mold, while protecting the floor from deteriorating. Studies have shown that Suberin also gives cork flooring important fire-resistant properties. An added benefit is that cork does not trigger allergies. ■

Left: Recolour Floating Plank in Blanc. Right: Recolour Floating Plank in Odysseus Creme

72 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

R

RECOLOUR is changing the way cork colors your world!

ECOLOUR is the ultimate contemporary design floor. Built using an innovative size of panel with micro-beveled edges and a natural cork texture with a wide selection from neutral to vivid colors, provide an exceptional basis for creative design.

The versatile anti-microbial and anti-allergenic properties of cork allow these products to span so many applications for both residential and commercial markets. Without added treatments, RECOLOUR is naturally resistant to mildew, bacteria, insects and fire, all of which make cork a great choice for design and building. Consider RECOLUOR cork in applications such as: Hospitality ● Healthcare ● Education Retail ● Multi-living ● Corporate Recolour Terracotta in Bebop; below: Recolour Flaoting Floor in several colors

RECOLOUR Your World!

With 27 colors to choose from in either floating floors or glue down tiles, all you need is imagination! ●H igh Performance PUR Hot Coating finished with two component waterborne top lacquer ●N atural cork decorative veneer, four edges micro beveled ●H igh-density natural cork composite ●M oisture resistant HDF core board ●U niclic system for fast installation ●A ll around Joint Shield edge sealing ● I ntegrated cork Underlay for thermal and sound insulating. ■

2570 North Powerline Road Suite 501 Pompano Beach, FL 33069 apccork.com. 866.222.3241

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 73

The Power of Color

Y Jeanette Chasworth, a.k.a. “The Color Whisperer,” is a color expert and interior designer based in Southern California. For more color tips and guidance with resilient flooring options, please visit: thecolorwhisperer. com

our uxury vinyl floor is an integral part of your design and the foundation of the feeling that you want to create in your home. One of the unique things about resilient flooring is just how many options there are to choose from: wood tones, stone, and tile — the list goes on. Because of the nature of the flooring, there are very creative colors, textures, and patterns. In addition, luxury vinyl flooring is a great way to incorporate the look of some rare or exotic woods. There are so many options out there; it’s easy to be overwhelmed... but it doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Your floor is the cornerstone of your home’s color palette and should work with all the colors of the rooms where it’s used. Typically, people are more likely to have the same flooring throughout a home, providing some continuity.

Your floor should not be the same color as your furniture but should provide contrast. Many of today’s luxury vinyl has several different tones to give interest and depth and blend with more different types of décor. The floor should enhance the colors of the rest of your furniture. When creating your home color palette, you tell a story, as each color means something different. Your floor should enhance all the other colors in your home. Ideally, you should create the color palette all at once, but blending it as you go can be interesting, too.

Luxury flooring isn’t just restricted to wood colors but also has many stone and tile colors, and you can play with patterns and color. Be creative with the patterns for something unique.

Left: LooseLay in Hartford by Karndean DesignFlooring Above: Mannington’s Adura in Baltic Stone, color Storm

74 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Your floor is the cornerstone of your home’s color palette and should work with all the colors of the rooms where it’s used.

Color is an intrinsic part of your home, and flooring is one of your most important decisions. It is the foundation of your color scheme, and just like foundation makeup, color should enhance all the other colors that work with it. Your home décor tells your story and should make you feel good. Select several colors and bring them home to ensure that you get the right flooring for you. This decision will last many years; make sure it’s right. Don’t be afraid to ask a professional designer for help if it’s overwhelming. Your floor is a significant investment, and a little help will reap many rewards. ■ Rockabilly from the Metrostone Collection by Metroflor

●G rayed woods are trendy right now. Many manufacturers have a wide variety of grays with blue, green, or brown undertones. These colors create a sense of calm and stability. Grays provide a sense of strength and steadfastness. We find comfort and peace in the rock-solid power of gray. ●D eep, dark wood tones can also be bold and beautiful in the right setting.

Often they are used in more formal areas and can be beautiful in modern rooms with clean, sparse lines. It creates a dramatic statement and a sense of elegance. ●L ight floors can make a room look bigger. They create a space that is light, bright, and airy. This often creates a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. One caveat is that it may show wear more in high-traffic areas, but it’s worth it if you want this light and bright feeling. You will most likely have other light, bright, and fun colors in your palette with this floor. ●M idtone woods are the most common choices because of the flexibility and neutrality to work with many different styles of furniture and colors. They can incorporate styles from the casualness of country, Craftsman simplicity, Victorian elegance, or modern restraint. These colors feel safe, comforting, and traditional. There is great comfort in tradition. Just as gray gives a sense of stability, there is comfort in having something that reminds you of a better time, even if it is romanticized. It makes you feel safe and “at home.”

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 75

Floors for Life

Explore the possibilities with NovaFloor®

N

o other luxury vinyl flooring brand gives

innovations in design and durability, giving you a

you so much and in so many ways as No-

floor that will be gorgeous for years to come. In

vaFloor by Novalis Innovative Flooring.

addition, NovaFloor flooring is manufactured with

Beauty, Durability, and Responsibly made…. all

the highest quality standards for the environment,

NovaFloor products are created using the latest

inside and out.

Maybree® is the ultimate rigid core LVT flooring for your home. With Maybree, you’ll have it all in terms of styling, construction, and performance. Our rigid core, HDC (High Density Core) floating floor planks, with our NovaClic® locking system, is made extra thick (6mm) and is waterproof as well as dent-resistant. We’ve even added an attached foam underlayment for sound barrier and comfort. And with NovaShield®, your new Maybree floor will have the best protection possible.

76 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Create an escape within your own home with Dansbee™. With its refreshing blonde tones, clean visuals, and generous proportions, Dansbee’s naturally beautiful flooring emulates chic, effortless style inspired by Southern California living. Dansbee is waterproof and available in a rigid core HDC floating floor with our NovaClic locking system and attached foam underlayment. Designed to accentuate the organic elements of home, Dansbee’s clean aesthetic is sure to lighten your space and your mood while adding warmth to all the places you love.

Opposite page: maybree Sessile Oak Dublin; above dansbee White Ash Summit

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 77

With Serenbe® flooring, the choice is always yours

Lyndon® Plus is available in an easy-to-install float-

with any style, color, size, or installation. Serenbe

ing floor with NovaClic locking system with our

is available in either a rigid core HDC floating floor

rigid HDC (High Density Core) or as a flexible glue-

with our NovaClic locking system and attached

down installation. We’ve even added an attached

foam underlayment or a flexible glue-down con-

foam underlayment for sound barrier and comfort.

struction. Serenbe is waterproof as well as dent-

Lyndon Plus with HDC Technology is waterproof,

resistant and comes equipped with the industry’s

resists denting, and hides most common subfloor

best protection against scratches and abrasions

imperfections.

with our NovaShield coating.

serenbe Tumbled Stone in Seafoam

78 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

Mindful Manufacturing — Building a Greener

pathways of the future. It is the first of its kind for a

Future with Novalis Innovative Flooring —

flooring manufacturer in North America.

Sustainability is a core consideration for all deci-

can be accessed by scanning an engraved QR

sions at Novalis Innovative Flooring. “We know that

code on the back of planks of Novalis flooring.

keeping people healthy and the planet habitable

The passport provides information about prod-

aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re essential to ensuring

uct attributes, including recyclability, contents,

our future on this planet,” offered Nicole Granath,

embodied carbon, TVOCs, certifications, techni-

Sustainability Manager at Novalis.

cal data, and more.

®

The Digital Product Passport ®

How it works: The Digital Product Passport

Sustainability is integrated into the very fabric of

This Digital Product Passport gives viewers a

Novalis, starting at the top with our CEO, John Wu.

look at the contents and attributes of AVA VRSE,

John personally shepherded many of our sustain-

a commercial loose lay LVT product with a unique,

ability initiatives and, along with the sustainability

multi-directional design that can be installed in vari-

team, actively ensures that every business unit is

ous patterns. The product passport is powered by

operating with long-term environmental and mate-

Origin, one of the world’s largest online databases

rial health goals in mind.

of digital materials.

The latest initiative is the Digital Product

Passport. This program utilizes a QR code and

database to facilitate easy end-of-life identification of product contents and pioneer the recycling

Scan the QR code below with a smartphone or click the link below to access the Digital Product Passport for AVA VRSE. https://origin.build/#/ passport/novalis/100277556 ■

Lyndon Plus Apple Fuji

BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | Winter | 2022 79

Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Luxury Flooring Courtesy the Resilient Floor Covering Institute | www.rfci.com ● Sustainable

It’s called resilient flooring for a reason.

These flooring products hold up incredibly well under the most trying conditions.

It’s a major part of what makes resilient flooring the most popular hard surface flooring in the U.S.

From the materials used in manufacturing to the installation, maintenance, and removal of the product, resilient flooring is designed to be easy on the environment. Products include sustainable features such as recycled content. They contribute to good indoor air quality and last a long time, making it unnecessary to replace them. ● Stylish Resilient flooring, and the ever-popular LVT and LVP, come in a vast array of colors, patterns, textures, and designs to suit a wide variety of styles and preferences for residential and commercial applications. Is it hardwood, ceramic tile, or resilient flooring?

It’s hard to tell with the advanced imaging technologies of resilient flooring. ● Durable It’s called resilient flooring for a reason. These flooring products hold up incredibly well under the most trying conditions. It’s a major part of what makes resilient flooring the most popular hard surface flooring in the U.S. Whether used in a school, hospital, or your kitchen at home, resilient flooring lasts for years with little maintenance and still looks great. ● Affordable It’s not just the lower product cost that saves you money. With easier maintenance and a longer lifecycle, resilient flooring means a lower cost of ownership throughout the floor’s life. And when you finally do replace the floor, it can be removed and replaced easily and cost-effectively. ● Versatile From kitchens to classrooms and dens to dining halls, resilient flooring works well in all kinds of residential and commercial spaces. Its versatility makes it a favorite choice among homeowners, architects, designers, and builders for all types of environments. ● Safe One of the reasons healthcare facilities choose resilient flooring over other materials is its major sanitary advantages. These flooring products are not only easier to keep clean but are also tested for slip resistance and designed for better indoor air quality. ● Unexpected Resiliet flooring provides unexpected versatility, cost savings, durability, safety, sustainability, and style. That’s why it has been America’s number one hard surface floor for years and continues to grow in popularity. ■

80 BEAUTIFULLY RESPONSIBLE | beautifullyresponsible.com

TruTEX Luxury Sheet Flooring ™

Beautiful and healthy for those you love most.™ Trust TruTEX™ to go where other floors cannot. From kids’ bathrooms to damp basements, the TruTEX™ moisture management system enhances the life, beauty and performance of your floors. Plus, it resists stains, mold and mildew while delivering Beyond Tough performance.

TruTEX™ is built to last and is CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.

Learn more at www.tarkettna.com

©2021 Tarkett North America

The CERTIFIED ASTHMA & ALLERGY FRIENDLY Mark is a Registered Certification Mark of ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA and ALLERGY STANDARDS LTD.

Sustainable Flooring for Life’s Happiest Moments™

A

little adventurer with a heart of gold, Gage has a love for all things green! Spending his days tromping through the woods or digging in the garden with mom means that it is impossible to run in for dinner without tracking a little bit of mud behind him. While Gage’s mom wants a beautiful space, she also knows the importance of green living, which is why she chose NovaFloor® as the foundation of their home. NovaFloor products are FloorScore® and GreenGuard® Gold certified, making them a safe, healthy and sustainable option for families likes hers, while also providing a beautiful, durable space to live life’s happiest moments. Together, NovaFloor and mom are doing their part to care for the planet, keeping Gage’s future bright.

VISIT NOVAFLOOR.US TO LEARN MORE