What maintenance is needed to care for these floor types?

Your new flooring will come with maintenance requirements. Whether it’s mopping or refinishing, maintenance will be dependant on the type of floors installed in your home.

Engineered Wood is cared for as you would hardwood flooring.

• Use only a damp cloth or mop to clean, only using cleaners specified for engineered wood.
• Practice daily dusting and sweeping to avoid buildup.
• Avoid scratches in your flooring by keeping pads under furniture and pets nails trimmed.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Close your blinds to avoid direct sunlight damaging the wood.

 

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile doesn’t require any intensive maintenance if cared for properly.

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners to prevent damage.
• Sweep, mop, and vacuum every few days, if not daily.
• Use vinegar and baking soda solutions to cut through grime.
• Apply sealer yearly if unglazed porcelain.

 

Laminate Flooring shouldn’t be exposed to large amounts of water when cleaning to avoid buckling in the flooring.

• Avoid use of steam mops, wet mops, and polishing or buffering treatments.
• Use cleaners made specifically for laminate floor care.
• Remove sticky substances by hardening with ice then cleaning with a plastic scraper, taking care not to press too hard.

 

How long can I expect these flooring types to last in Florida?

New flooring is an investment that will steer your interior design choices and cleaning habits for years to come. But how many years exactly? It all depends on the type of flooring you have installed. Keep in mind that all estimates are based on proper care and maintenance of your flooring.

• Engineered Wood – 20 to 100 Years
• Porcelain or Ceramic Tile – 20 to 50 Years
• Laminate Flooring – 15 to 25 Years

 

Vinyl flooring is extremely water-resistant and won’t sustain damage even if water sits on the surface for an extended amount of time. Composed of plastic, it’s available in plank, tile and sheet form.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are two forms that have gained popularity recently because of their durability and variety of styles available. The average cost for installation varies depending on the form;

• • Good for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements
  • Durable
  • Water- and fade-resistant
  • DIY-friendly
  • Many design choices available
  • Easy to maintain