The flooring materials we use in our projects vary widely. Often we are coming in on a project with existing floors. We love being able to salvage existing floors whenever possible - sometimes the flooring isn't the problem, but it is the rest of the finishes. If we alter the tones in the space, we can often turn a dislike in flooring into a like. But, sometimes the flooring does need addressing and our clients can count on us to help them make those decisions and recommendations for replacement.
Our clients may come to us with a product in mind or they may come to us looking for guidance. No matter the situation, if a new floor is in the cards for their project, we take joy in examining their lifestyle and making a recommendation that will be practical and beautiful - and one that they understand how to maintain.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a top choice for Alaskans (and busy families everywhere) due to its practicality, durability, and minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for LVP flooring:
Sweep or vacuum regularly: Dirt and grit can scratch the surface of LVP flooring over time, so it's important to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep it clean. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment to avoid scratching the surface.
Clean up spills immediately: LVP flooring is water-resistant, but it's still important to clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid any potential damage. Use a damp cloth or mop to wipe up spills and avoid using excess water.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner: When cleaning your LVP flooring, use a pH-neutral cleaner that is specifically designed for vinyl flooring. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the floor.
Avoid excessive moisture: Although LVP flooring is water-resistant, excessive moisture can still cause damage over time. Avoid using steam cleaners or excessive water when cleaning the floor, and use a dehumidifier if necessary to control moisture levels in the room.
Use protective pads on furniture: To avoid scratching the surface of your LVP flooring, use protective pads on the bottom of furniture legs. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor, as this can also cause scratches.
Wood Flooring
The beauty of wood floors is second to none, but caring for them properly is essential to keep them looking beautiful and to ensure they last a long time. Here are some tips to help you care for your wood floors:
Sweep or vacuum regularly: Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of the wood, so it's important to sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove any loose particles. Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a floor brush attachment.
Use a damp mop: Use a damp mop to clean your wood floors. Avoid using too much water, as excess moisture can cause damage to the wood. You can also use a specialized wood floor cleaner that is safe for your type of wood floor.
Avoid using harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can damage the finish of your wood floors. Use only products recommended by the manufacturer or a flooring specialist.
Wipe up spills immediately: Any spills on your wood floors should be wiped up immediately to prevent damage to the wood.
Use protective pads: Furniture and other objects can scratch your wood floors, so it's important to use protective pads on the bottom of furniture legs and other objects that come into contact with the floor.
Use rugs or mats: Place rugs or mats in high-traffic areas or areas where there is a risk of spills or water damage, such as in front of sinks or doors leading outside.
Avoid high heels: High heels can scratch the surface of your wood floors, so it's best to avoid wearing them inside.
Maintain humidity levels: Wood floors can expand and contract depending on humidity levels, so it's important to maintain a consistent humidity level in your home. Use a humidifier in dry weather or air conditioning in humid weather to maintain optimal humidity levels.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile is a durable and popular flooring material that is known for its strength and resistance to moisture. Here are some tips on how to care for porcelain tiles:
Sweep or vacuum regularly: Porcelain tiles are scratch-resistant but can still get scratched by dirt and sand, so it's important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any loose particles.
Clean up spills immediately: Porcelain tile is moisture-resistant, but it's still important to clean up spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in.
Use a mild cleaning solution: When cleaning porcelain tile, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Instead, use a mild cleaning solution made specifically for porcelain tile.
Use a soft mop: Use a soft mop or cloth to clean porcelain tile, and avoid using abrasive scrub brushes or steel wool pads.
Avoid waxing or sealing: Unlike some other types of tile, porcelain tiles do not need to be waxed or sealed. In fact, doing so can damage the tile or create a slippery surface.
Cement Tiles
Cement tiles are a durable and stylish choice for flooring and walls, but they require some specific care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for cement tiles:
Clean regularly: Regular cleaning is essential to keep cement tiles looking their best. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. You can also use a damp mop with a mild detergent solution to clean the tiles. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or acidic substances like vinegar, which can damage the tiles.
Seal the tiles: Cement tiles are porous and can absorb stains and moisture. To protect them, it's recommended to seal the tiles with a penetrating sealer. This will help prevent stains and make cleaning easier. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and reapply as needed.
Avoid heavy impact: Cement tiles are durable, but they can chip or crack if subjected to heavy impact. Avoid dropping heavy objects on the tiles, and use furniture pads to prevent scratches.
Handle spills promptly: Cement tiles can stain if spills are left to sit for too long. Clean up spills promptly with a damp cloth or mop. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals that can damage the tiles.
Maintain the grout: The grout between cement tiles can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Clean the grout regularly with a mild detergent solution, and reseal it periodically to prevent stains and moisture from penetrating.
Slate Flooring
Slate is a beautiful natural stone flooring material that adds character and texture to any room. Here are some tips on how to care for slate flooring:
Sweep or vacuum regularly: Dirt and sand can scratch the surface of slate, so it's important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any loose particles.
Clean up spills immediately: Slate is porous and can stain easily, so it's important to clean up spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner: When cleaning slate, avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaners that can damage the surface. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for natural stone.
Avoid using a lot of water: Too much water can seep into the porous surface of slate and cause damage over time. Use only as much water as needed to clean the surface.
Seal the slate: To protect slate from stains and damage, it's important to seal it regularly. Apply a high-quality sealer designed for natural stone, and reapply it every 1-2 years or as needed.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools: Do not use abrasive scrub brushes, steel wool pads, or any other tools that can scratch the surface of slate.
Limestone Flooring
Limestone is a natural stone that is prized for its unique beauty and durability. Here are some tips on how to care for limestone floors:
Sweep or vacuum regularly: Dirt and sand can scratch the surface of limestone, so it's important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any loose particles.
Clean up spills immediately: Limestone is porous and can stain easily, so it's important to clean up spills immediately to prevent stains from setting in.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner: When cleaning limestone, avoid using acidic or alkaline cleaners that can damage the surface. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for natural stone.
Avoid using a lot of water: Too much water can seep into the porous surface of limestone and cause damage over time. Use only as much water as needed to clean the surface.
Seal the limestone: To protect limestone from stains and damage, it's important to seal it regularly. Apply a high-quality sealer designed for natural stone, and reapply it every 1-2 years or as needed.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools: Do not use abrasive scrub brushes, steel wool pads, or any other tools that can scratch the surface of limestone.
Avoid using vinegar and bleach: These harsh chemicals can damage the surface of limestone and cause it to lose its shine and color.
Flooring care has intricacies based on the selected materials and it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for care. But for a general overview of care, we hope these tips are helpful.