As we welcome spring home reno season, Alberni Valley residents in the market for a new floor are spoiled for choice.
And it's not only innovations in durability and installation, but the breadth of available colours and textures, so that no matter your home style or family needs, you'll likely find the perfect choice, notes Jon Lauener, store manager of United Floors, part of Pacific West Home Solutions in Port Alberni.
After January's flooring event in Las Vegas, Lauener has many exciting new products arriving in early- to mid-June, in addition to the wealth of options currently in-store. Here's a look at what you'll find.
Not your grandma's vinyl floor
One of the biggest trends in flooring today is vinyl plank, offering the look of wood – in the same wide variety of colours – but with a variety of distinct benefits.
In addition to being a more affordable choice than hardwood, and a quieter, warmer alternative to laminate, vinyl plank is durable, waterproof and accessible for the DIYer.
One caveat: given the age and construction of Port Alberni's homes, Lauener recommends choosing glue-down plank, rather than the click-lock vinyl, unless you have the perfectly flat substrate of a new home. The alternative is laying a skim-coat to smooth imperfections, otherwise you run the risk of the plank separating and lifting, he notes.
Quality glue-down vinyl, however, is typically more forgiving of an imperfect substrate – within reason – and can be installed by the do-it-yourselfer, Lauener says.
"Because it's flexible, it can contour to your substrate, which can save you time and money on the prep."
In addition, if you need to replace a scratched or damaged piece down the road, you can simply heat it up, lift the plank, then replace it, he adds.
For those who prefer the durability of laminate – maybe you have busy toddlers or dogs, for example – and like that it won't fade when exposed to the sun, new water-resistant options are available, Lauener says
Canadian choices
While most vinyl and laminate is produced overseas, for those looking to keep their purchases to Canadian-made products, options typically include hardwood from Ontario's Vintage Hardwood and Quebec's Mirage Hardwood. In addition, Beaulieu Canada has been well-known for their carpeting for decades, but today also offers a wide array of products across the floor-covering spectrum.
And, Lauener notes, United Floors is itself a Canadian company and the location here at the Valley's Pacific West Home Solutions is proudly locally owned and operated.
Start planning your spring flooring project today with the knowledgeable team at United Floors in Port Alberni or stop by the store at 3540 3rd Ave.
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