Types of Flooring
Choosing the right flooring can make a large difference in the look, comfort, and functionality of your home. At Seconds & Surplus, you’ll find affordable flooring options in a variety of materials, colors, and styles that fit your project needs.
- Laminate Flooring is a durable and budget-friendly option that offers the appearance of natural wood at a lower cost. Laminate flooring is easy to maintain and works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
- Vinyl Flooring comes in a variety of wood-look and stone-look styles. Its durability, easy maintenance, and water-resistant or waterproof options make it a practical choice for busy families.
- Hardwood Flooring is known for its natural beauty and long-lasting appeal. Available in a variety of wood species and finishes, hardwood adds warmth and character to living spaces.
- Floor Tile is a durable and practical choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas. Seconds & Surplus offers a variety of options including porcelain tile, ceramic tile, and wood-like tile. With a wide selection of colors, patterns, and finishes, tile flooring provides both style and functionality to your home.
Materials Needed for Install
Having the right flooring installation materials helps make your project go more smoothly. Depending on the flooring you choose, additional supplies may be needed for proper preparation and installation.
When working with vinyl or laminate flooring, you may need underlayment. This is a layer that sits between the subfloor and new flooring and helps with moisture protection, sound reduction, and comfort. Underlayment is often used when vinyl flooring does not come with an attached pad. Seconds & Surplus offers waterproof underlayment options that can help protect your new flooring against moisture from the subfloor.
For laminate flooring, an installation kit can help make the process easier. These kits include tools such as spacers, tapping blocks, and pull bars to help position planks during installation. Tile flooring typically requires mortar to secure tiles to the prepared surface. Thinset mortar is commonly used, but the appropriate type of mortar depends on the tile and subfloor that is used in your project.
How to Finish out Your Project
The right finishing touches can help give your new flooring a clean and complete appearance. Floor moulding and trim such as baseboards, quarter round moulding, and transition moulding help to cover expansion gaps, finish edges, and create smooth transitions between flooring surfaces.
For tile flooring projects, grout is another important finishing detail. Choosing the right grout color can help create a cohesive look or make your tile pattern stand out. Matching grout creates a more uniform appearance while contrasting grout helps to highlight the tile’s pattern and design.
Kitchen Countertops FAQs
What are the best flooring options for the different rooms in my home?
Vinyl flooring and tile are popular choices for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms because of their moisture-resistant options. Laminate flooring works well in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways while hardwood flooring adds natural warmth to living spaces. Consider moisture exposure, foot traffic, and product specifications when making your selection.
What does it mean when my vinyl flooring does not have an attached pad?
Vinyl flooring without an attached pad does not include a built-in cushioning layer. Depending on the product and subfloor, separate underlayment may be required or recommended. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before adding padding.
How many cartons of flooring will I need?
Measure your room’s length and width to calculate the total square footage and add 10% for cuts and waste. At checkout, use the Seconds & Surplus flooring calculator to estimate how many cartons you’ll need based on your square footage and the flooring’s coverage per carton.
What are the differences between underlayment and sheeting?
Underlayment provides cushioning, sound reduction, and moisture protection beneath vinyl and laminate flooring without attached pads. Plastic sheeting acts as a moisture barrier over concrete subfloors often beneath flooring with attached padding that is not water-resistant. Always check your flooring’s installation requirements to determine which material is needed.
How do I properly maintain and clean my flooring?
Flooring maintenance depends entirely on the material. Laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring options should be regularly swept or vacuumed and cleaned with manufacturer approved products. Tile flooring can be cleaned with a mild cleaner and its grout may require occasional scrubbing. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions to protect your flooring and maintain its appearance.
