The Ultimate Guide To: HIGH-TRAFFIC FLOORING

The Ultimate Guide To: HIGH-TRAFFIC FLOORING

The Gold Standard Trends come. Trends go. Styles change. But one element of interior design has been the gold standard for more than four centuries. That standard is wood flooring. Prized for its warmth and durability, wood flooring was first installed in high-end residences and public buildings in the early 1600s. Beginning in 1625, the Baroque Era turned wood flooring into an art, with the development of parquet design. As the new world was populated, colonists took advantage of the abundance of America s trees, and installed plank flooring in most of their homes. For centuries, wood of all kinds was widely used not only in luxury residences, but also in modest homes, retail stores, offices, banks and restaurants. Unlike vinyl flooring, wood has the unique characteristic of being renewable. Responsible foresting practices translate into a net gain of trees each year. Today, choices for high-traffic areas include tile, carpet, laminate and resilient materials such as vinyl, cork and rubber. But only wood has stood the test of time, with its longlasting beauty and appeal. And new technology has made it even stronger. Read on, and explore the pros and cons of each material for high-traffic applications.

FLOORING OPTIONS: PROS AND CONS Tile The pros: With choices like ceramic, porcelain and natural stone, tile has been a popular option for high-traffic areas for years. In fact, mosaic tiles have been used for millennia. And with its distinctive, organic look, natural stone has been widely used in settings ranging from casual to upscale. The cons: Tile is hard, can be cold, and is unforgiving. It will chip or crack. Grout can also be difficult to maintain; it stains, dries and chips. Tile can be slippery, especially when wet. Over the long run, tile is an expensive and difficult-to-maintain material. Carpet The pros: Appreciated for its sound-suppressing qualities and underfoot comfort, carpeting can still be seen in many public spaces. New developments like carpet tile are becoming popular, as they make replacement easier in commercial settings. The cons: Carpet stains easily, retains odors and can show wear. It can also house allergens such as dust mites, dander, mold and pollen. Additionally, some carpet stains require professional cleaning. That can lead to spending substantial amounts of money on carpet maintenance. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 3

Stained and colored concrete The pros: In recent years, an increasingly acceptable and sometimes stunning solution to the flooring dilemma is simply to leave the concrete slab bare. It is at its best when stained, scored and highly polished, and can be an attractive alternative flooring choice. The cons: Like all hard flooring, it can be cold both in temperature and in "tone." Its edgy, urban look is not for every space. Laminate The pros: A cost-effective choice for restaurants, bars and multi-use areas, laminate flooring is durable, easy to clean, readily available and can mimic other materials. Bright colors and graphic patterns are popular, and laminate can be cut, combined and used in conjunction with other materials. The cons: Laminates are viewed as a low-cost option, hardly suitable for a high-end property. The subflooring needs to be extremely flat otherwise anything under the vinyl will transfer through the flooring. Additionally, some laminate manufacturing processes involve adding formaldehyde, leading to health and environmental concerns. In addition to irritation and breathing problems, formaldehyde has been identified as a potential carcinogen. Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank The pros: LVT and LVP are new flooring products that use 3D printing technology. LVT has a vinyl, flexible form and imitates the look of tile, whereas LVP is typically installed in a staggered pattern to look like hardwood floors. The cons: LVT is prone to discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. A common problem with LVT is transitioning, because there are not many good-looking edge and trim options in this area. Both LVT and LVP require a flat surface as well as an adhesive during installation. Like laminate, LVT and LVP do not have the best reputation with the environment. For starters, phthalates, the plasticizers that make the vinyl flexible, have been a safety concern for many years. Also, vinyl is not biodegradable and polyvinyl chloride chemicals used in the production of LVT and LVP can create an emission of VOS gases once the flooring is installed.

The Overwhelming Appeal of Wood Flooring With new engineering techniques, today's wood flooring is beautiful, green, economical, serviceable and more durable than ever before. There is no longer any reason to dismiss wood as an option for high-traffic areas on grounds of maintenance or suitability modern wood is as durable and low maintenance as other contemporary materials and every bit as handsome. Over the long term, wood is economical because it retains its appeal and adds financial value to commercial space.

FACTORS THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR CHOICE. Installing value Because wood is timeless and offers so many benefits, you can expect to pay a premium for highquality wood flooring. But your initial investment is more than justified when you consider that lifetime maintenance and replacement costs are minimal. Wood floors rank high for perceived value and that perception is actually recognized in property appraisals. A wood-floored property s increase in value can be easily documented. Real estate agents report that wood floors are a sought-after amenity, commanding up to 10 percent higher prices than comparable properties without wood flooring. Wood experts note that properly maintained wood flooring can be expected to last for decades, if not centuries. The ability to renew surface luster or to strip and refinish a wood floor is another advantage. For commercial projects with critical cost considerations, the price of wood flooring can be seen not as an initial finish-out expense, but as a long-term capital investment. If you decide on wood, however, there are some other factors that will impact your choice. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 6

The pros of using wood Wood is a winner in so many areas. With proper installation and care, it retains its good looks for years. Wood is hygienic and hypoallergenic. It is "warm" and comfortable, whether it's formal and highly polished or rustic and distressed. It can be left natural with only a clear seal, bleached to a pale hue or stained to a deep ebony. Wood can be sanded, renewed, refinished, restained and resealed. Wood resists dust buildup and provides no refuge for microorganisms, mold, mildew or animal dander. Wood can also improve indoor air quality, according to the EPA. Routine cleaning and maintenance is minimal, usually requiring nothing more than sweeping and dust mopping on a daily basis. Wood flooring also carries an acoustical advantage, although that may be low on your list of priorities. Check the ratings if there are specific sound control standards to be met. You can top a wood floor with a rug or a mat for design or for greater function. Finally, new engineering techniques like Nydree acrylic infusion have made wood more durable, more stain resistant and more scratch resistant than ever before.

The cons of using wood A few points to remember when making your decision to use wood: With hardwood, the surface of the subfloor greatly affects the look and performance of the final product. This is a challenge, especially if flooring is to be installed directly over a concrete slab. Solid wood is normally installed on a plywood base, with a vapor barrier or foam cushioning, but engineered wood like Nydree can be glued directly on top of the slab. If you do this, there is less tolerance for imperfections. Every manufacturer specifies allowable tolerances, and the installer can ensure that the slab is level by grinding high spots or filling indentations. For traditional hardwood flooring, moisture testing is recommended. It is important to let fresh concrete cure for at least 30 days, and to acclimatize the wood to its new location. Wood can shrink from excess heat or crack from dryness, and will continue to expand and contract throughout its lifespan. Extreme temperature fluctuations are no friend to wood flooring, and constant changes in humidity levels can present challenges. Sunlight can also lead to fading and discoloration for traditional wood products. As a general rule, wood should not be subjected to standing water. While select species, notably teak and mahogany, are suitable for marine use and adapt to wet conditions, most woods don t tolerate water well, and liquids of other kinds can wreak havoc with finishes. A vapor barrier of some kind is advisable. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 8

Choosing your wood There are many choices for flooring, depending on the style and the ambience you want to create. Oak, maple and walnut are familiar wood species, but there are a number of other options. Hardness, measured in terms of the Janka scale, is a significant measure of durability, particularly in high-use areas. The higher the rating, the harder the wood. Engineered wood, such as Nydree, is enhanced by an acrylic infusion that renders the flooring almost impervious to normal wear and tear. Core materials made of marine-grade species, often Baltic Birch, add to the strength and durability of engineered flooring. Every species has a distinctive grain pattern, and variations in cut affect the final design. Remember, too, that no two wood flooring applications will ever be the same. Wood s unique character is the basis of its appeal. Narrow, wide and random plank flooring are perennial favorites. For a more "polished" look, wood can be laid in brick or herringbone patterns, bordered by another species, laid in custom designs, and even highlighted by central medallions. Design options are limited only by imagination and budget. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 9

Selecting a finish Two broad categories of finishes exist: surface treatments and natural oil or wax applications. The type of finish determines the floor's appearance, and it also influences its suitability for specific uses. Surface treatments provide durability and easy upkeep. These are usually synthetic resin blends, commonly referred to as urethane or polyurethane finishes, and they are applied as a protective coating. They can have either a high-gloss finish or a satin or matte look. The oldest wood finishes are oil or wax applications that actually penetrate into the pores of the wood to enhance appearance. Both of these finishes harden to create a protective shield. Each is applied to the surface in thin coats and then buffed to the desired sheen. Both oil and wax finishes must be reapplied on a regular basis. They re not recommended for commercial applications. About acrylic infusion Modern acrylic, infused into wood, creates the ultimate option for high-traffic flooring. Actually injected into the wood's pores, the acrylic forms an impregnable, super-hard, durable surface, suitable for extremely high-traffic areas and the special demands of commercial use. It s designed to stand up to every challenge, including spills, rolling luggage, stiletto heels and scraping chairs. The acrylic infusion process involves pulling air and a small amount of moisture from the wood s pores and replacing them with liquid acrylic. The acrylic then cures and hardens becoming an integral part of the wood s structure. This hybrid wood-and-plastic flooring is extremely hard and durable, and also has a urethane finish applied to the surface. The infused acrylic can also be dyed, so that any desired color actually permeates throughout the surface layer of flooring. This through-color eliminates the need for re-staining and it represents a quantum leap in the evolution of wood flooring for commercial purposes. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 10

Maintenance Today's wood flooring is a great choice for restaurants and hotels because it sets a mood, is as tough as other options, and always adds value. It s also easy to maintain. If the surface of a wood floor becomes dull over time, it is easily brightened with a commercial cleaning product, frequently available as a spray-on that can be spread with a terry-cloth or foam mop. Luster can be renewed as needed with professional products, and most engineered wood flooring can be lightly sanded and refinished. Spills should be blotted and wiped up quickly, but with minimal attention, a wood floor can retain its good looks for decades. And with their added strength and durability, acrylic hardwoods add a whole level of ease to the maintenance of wood flooring. Wood flooring meets all USDA standards for cleanliness and maintenance. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 11

Acrylic-Infused: It's Still Real Wood Flooring for commercial uses must be able to withstand more wear and tear than residential flooring. And it s a different type of wear, especially in a restaurant or hotel setting. Scuffs, scratches, dents and spills are not only probable; they are to be expected and are likely to be constant. Even without that kind of abuse, the volume of traffic in any commercial setting is higher than in any home. Acrylic-infused wood is designed to stand up to the challenges of high-traffic, high-use spaces. It is real wood, but it has added strength and durability, since it includes several thinner layers of marinegrade wood, bonded together. It is real wood with the added strength of acrylic infusion throughout the top wear layer resulting in a surface that is up to 300% more durable than standard wood flooring. For added moisture stability, the engineered flooring is assembled using marine-grade Baltic Birch plywood. Because of the acrylic infused layer, Nydree flooring requires almost no maintenance and will never need to be refinished. Simple weekly cleaning will keep the wood looking brand new for years to come. Maintaining value For hundreds of years, wood has been preferred for its lasting beauty and perceived luxury. Wood flooring is now a sustainable, economically sound and appropriate choice based on its serviceability and lasting value. Modern harvesting practices and fabricating techniques have rendered wood flooring eco-friendly and highly suitable for high-traffic areas like restaurants, hotels and offices. While the cost of wood flooring might be higher than options like vinyl and carpet, the added value pays dividends in terms of longevity. The initial investment is offset by lower long-term maintenance costs, and by long-term durability, suitability and appeal. The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 12

THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT Withstanding decades of foot traffic starts with one step: Contact Nydree. At Nydree, we re more than a supplier. We re a trusted advisor. By working with us for space planning when installing flooring materials, you can work directly with a team that can help generate highly accurate calculations. That way, you ll have a better idea of how much flooring material will be required and the cost of those materials. You ll have full access to the latest generation of acrylic infused hardwood products, with various plank sizes and species in any color you can specify. We spent several years developing our acrylic infusion process and exclusive top coat finish to create the world s toughest wood floor. Contact Nydree today to learn more about the many pros of acrylic infused hardwood. And get the highest quality for high-traffic spaces. REQUEST A QUOTE GET YOUR FREE SAMPLE The Ultimate Guide To High-Traffic Flooring / 13