Vinyl and Linoleum Floorings - How Are They Different

“Vinyl Planks in Herringbone Pattern”, by Slaughterbeck Floors, licensed under Creative Commons CC 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0).

“Linoleum - Oaken parquet”, by Pauk, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.5).

Similar but Different

The vinyl versus linoleum floorings comparison yields similarities and differences. Vinyl and linoleum floorings typically come in plank or sheet forms with 48 to 60 inches in length and about 6 to 8 inches wide. Both floorings have glue-down and click-lock planks or peel-and-stick sheets as installation types. They are durable and resilient for various applications across high-traffic homes, work and public spaces. Due to their similarity in appearance and properties, people sometimes use the names interchangeably. Nevertheless, there are noteworthy differences between vinyl and linoleum to learn, compare, and determine which option is more suitable.

Materials Composition

Synthetic materials, namely polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins, limestones and hardwood fibres, are the main components of vinyl. Vinyl flooring goes through a higher complex process because of its multi-layered structure - bottom, core, decor, wear and finish layers. Due to its polyurethane protective surface layer, vinyl flooring generally does not need a sealant, but it has a lower lifespan of up to about 25 years. As years go by, the protective layer will gradually wear off. Hence, you may need to reseal to improve its shine and anti-slip. Generally, vinyl flooring has a higher resistance against water, scratch, light and shock exposure due to its higher engineered composition.

Conversely, raw and recycled materials, namely limestones, linseed oils, wood barks, wood flour, and pine resins, constitute the main components of linoleum. Due to its higher composition of biodegradable materials, linoleum is an eco-friendly and sustainable choice. Although it is relatively resistant to water, linoleum is more porous and thus more vulnerable to moisture permeating. Linoleum needs sealing upon installation and resealing every two years in commercial settings and every three to ten years in residential areas. It has a higher make-up of recyclable and biodegradable raw materials with a typical application lifespan of up to 40 years. Hence, linoleum is more eco-friendly and sustainable but more vulnerable to damage in areas with high moisture and light exposure.

Manufacturing Processes

Vinyl flooring's manufacturing process involves bonding PVC or vinyl acetate (PVA) resins or binders with mineral fillers and colour pigments onto resilient wood fibre cores to produce vinyl boards. Add thermal stabilising agents through a heated tunnel pressing helps to prevent the degradation of PVC and PVA plastics during manufacturing and in applications. Flush inks using rotogravure printing to form a printed film layer of hardwood or ceramic motifs and apply on top of vinyl boards. Alternatively, adding coloured chips with embossed textures and clear coatings can form three-dimensional effects of marble or stone. Subsequently, apply a crystal wear layer and a final layer of polyurethane with ceramic beads protective coating before cutting into planks.

Linoleum flooring's manufacturing process involves the natural oxidation of linseed oil at high heat in industrial cylindrical kettles. Next, add natural resins, wood bark and other fillers to oxidised layers. Then, press them into sheets, apply them to jute boards or limestone-saturated canvases, and heat further for weeks to harden for strength and resilience. Modern manufacturing incorporates inlaying different linoleum cut pieces on backing materials to form decorative hardwood or marble motifs. Alternatively, apply granulated coloured materials through stencils onto backing materials and pressing onto sheets to produce marble or stone aesthetic effects before cutting into planks.

Style and Shades

Both floorings can realistically replicate hardwood, marble and stone styles and shades. Vinyl flooring’s visual appeal to hardwood and stone styles is from its printed film layer, commonly printed with a rotary press. Hence, vinyl can provide more intricate shades and patterns with realistic effects of various natural materials. However, the drawback is that once the above wear and protective layers over the decor layer start to diminish, its shades become vulnerable to fading too.

Contrarily, linoleum flooring has colours that seep beyond printed surfaces, which allows for retaining its natural shades under the sealant layer. It has a colourfast quality that maintains original patterns and consistent shades dimensionally throughout its planks or sheets without much fading. However, the disadvantage is that it limits the design styles and shades. Overall, vinyl offers more designs from synthetic materials and printing versatility, while linoleum offers more organic appeal from a higher composition of natural materials.

Advantages of Rubberised Flooring

“Rubber tiles on the floor of the second storey of the Old Supreme Court Building, Singapore”, by Jacklee, licensed under Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Among the familiar flooring options for residential and commercial settings in Singapore, rubberised flooring is gradually rising in popularity. This trend is mainly due to its applicability in interior and exterior environments for general and specific purposes. Since rubber flooring’s early days in the 12th century, it progressively evolved to incorporate varied designs and improve user features. This blog post highlights the principal properties of rubberised flooring and consequently relates how they bring advantages in three applications.

Properties of Rubberised Flooring

• Three typical forms: rolls, tiles and mats for various applications in small, large, or odd spaces.

• Its thickness range is typically from 1/8 to 3/4 inches.

• High dimensional stability and toughness to protect the subfloor.

• Durable tensile strength to provide strong resilience against physical impact.

• Inherent elasticity to provide effective shock and vibration absorption.

• Safety properties of moisture, fire and static resistance.

• Friction-sliding coefficient of 0.85μ, well over the high slip-resistance value of 0.3μ.

• NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of up to 0.15 and reduces footfall sound by up to 20 dB (decibels).

Child and Senior Friendly

Do you have bruises and scars from falling onto the floors during your younger days? Parents need to protect the young ones from suffering injuries. Not only the young ones, but we also do not want any mishap to happen to older folks or anyone. Widely used in child-care and senior-care centres due to its resilience and safety, you can deploy rubberised flooring at home. Despite being sturdy against impact and strong friction, it has a relatively soft surface to cushion accidental falls. The dimensional stability of modern rubberised flooring seamless installation and thus significantly reduces bumps or bends. As it provides an excellent foot grip and shock absorption, elders can feel safe while walking or doing exercises in the house. Besides foot-grip, it also offers high water and fire resistance that helps to prevent slip injuries and fire accidents. Hence, rubberised flooring is recommended for children and seniors and provides the whole family with peace of mind.

Exercise Readiness

The modular forms of rubberised flooring facilitate flexibility in installation and replacement and thus enable exercise readiness. Each tile has interlocking fringes that connect and lock with one another like a puzzle, which offers the flexibility to install and replace. As people get more conscious of fitness and active in exercising, incorporating physical exercises in living and working environments becomes prevalent. Rubber rolls and mats are available readily and customisable to hold exercising equipment’s sizes and overall floor plans. Whether setting up indoor yoga or gym rooms or incorporating some forms of dynamic exercises, rubberised flooring is the ideal option. You can conveniently perform varied dynamic motions such as bicep curls, bicycle crunches and burpee lunges at home or in work areas. Rubber tiles and rolls are sturdy and have excellent shock absorption to protect the inherent floor surface from fitness equipment. Their slip-resistance and optimised cushioning provide the much-needed comfort and assurance while you concentrate on workout routines and intensity. In a space-constraint environment, it is a concern that noises easily affect family and neighbours. Rubber flooring products have the ideal noise-absorbance to mitigate the noise impact from gym weights and exercising equipment.

“Dunamis Therapy and Fitness”, by Greatmats, licensed under Creative Commons ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Workplace Ergonomics

Compared to tiles and mats, rolls have broader floor coverage and customisation and produce fewer seams. Consequently, they are less vulnerable to dirt and moisture seeping in. Standing and walking on concrete surfaces all day can inhibit blood circulation and lead to leg muscle fatigue. Industrial rubber mats offer a suitable soft and supportive balance to reduce fatigue. Through high elasticity, tensile strength, shock absorbance and anti-static, rubber floors provide workers with a safer environment. With effective vibration and sound absorbance, rubber floors are relatively quiet to walk on and contribute to a conducive workspace. Being highly versatile to deploy, you can efficiently install or incorporate them into different commercial settings. They are highly applicable in high foot traffic areas such as co-working spaces, hospital wards, school sports halls, and indoor and outdoor sports arenas. Together with its durable tensile strength, rubberised flooring has moisture and heat resistance that facilitates low maintenance. Therefore, rubber flooring products are ergonomic in various workplace environments.

“Anti-fatigue mats flooring bumptop warehouse”, by Nows the Time, licensed under Creative Commons ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Why Skirting Is Important For Vinyl Flooring

“Fußbodenleiste (Skirting Board)”, by Porsche 997 Carrera, licensed under Creative Commons ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Purpose Of Skirting

Skirting baseboards are typically vinyl or wooden strips covering the bases of interior walls. Performing the role of transition, skirting bridges hollow spaces between wall bases and floor edges. Its history dates back to the Victorian period when large-sized baseboards were popular to complement high ceilings and essential to close up floor perimeters against the walls. The historical features remained influential in modern interiors. Having an integral role in interior design, here are three key reasons why skirting is important for vinyl flooring.

Bridge Connecting Junctions

If there are visible gaps between wall bases and vinyl floor edges, they could be due to floating or glueless installation. Some level of space is necessary to accommodate the expansion and contraction of vinyl planks or tiles as the climate changes. The general rule of thumb is a one-quarter-inch gap between floorings and walls. Exposed spaces are vulnerable to dust trapping and moisture seeping in. Apart from gaps, there may be protruding electrical wirings, which pose a hazard. Forming as bridging junctions between adjoining wall bases and floor edges, skirting baseboards are effective in concealing exposed gaps and fittings. Hence, they act as safety barriers to prevent hazards while leaving enough room for expansion and contraction. Of course, if gaps or protrusions are too large, reworking or reinstalling affected flooring planks and walls may be necessary. Make sure to clarify with your contractor and seek industrial advice.

Protects Floors and Walls

Skirting baseboards protect wall bases from wear and tear from moving in or rearranging furniture. Furniture shifting is necessary when they are out of place or when cleaning the underneath trapped dust However, have you ever encountered markings on walls imprinted from moving bulky sofas and tables with protruding or irregular-shaped fittings? Chances are there is no skirting, or the baseboards are unsuitable. The projected baseboards facilitate a long-term protection barrier to shield floor edges and wall bases from grazing by furniture shifting. Besides a protection barrier, the baseboards create a space between furniture and wall surfaces to prevent grazing against each other. In addition, constant contact with a wet mop would eventually cause unsightly patches on the walls. During mopping floors, skirting baseboards stop the mop from touching wall surfaces. In November 2015, Singapore’s HDB introduced Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) skirting to complement its flats’ vinyl flooring systems. UPVC skirting offers a consistent tone and seamless protection without installation joints.

Stylish and Streamlined Transition

Skirting provides an ideal solution for a stylish and streamlined transition between flooring edges and wall bases. Skirting baseboards help to align interior spaces and make a positive visual impact that defines your unique styles. The baseboards highlight accents to blank walls and add discernible dimensions at the bases, which raise the wall and floor profiles. The continued design offers a continuation of interior elements, which is most suitable to install along the stairs that flush against the walls. Double-layer design utilises dual tones for a harmonised colouring and detailed dimensional effect. For a simple and sleek transition, the pencil style is ideal for integrating the floor surfaces with the walls. For further design inspiration, you can refer to these two guides - “What is Skirting in Construction? Purpose and Types” and “9 Eye-Catching Skirting Designs”.

Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Always Mean Higher Quality?

Carpet One-Luxury Vinyl Tiles, by Tom Britt, licensed under Creative Commons 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0).

Doubts On LVF’s Higher Quality

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF) has merits in aesthetic variations, enhanced composition, rigid core, flexible installation and other features. These features generally account for its higher costs compared to standard vinyl flooring. Despite its higher costs, housing and commercial estate owners prefer to invest in LVF as its features bring long-term benefits with higher resale value. However, these features may not always equate to overall higher quality, as they have corresponding drawbacks. Here are key factors that cause the superior features of LVF to have a contrary effect and bring disadvantages.

Moisture and Heat Exposure

Generally, with its synthetic materials composition, vinyl repels water and resists heat. However, constant contact with water and without wiping off may lead to moisture seeping into the subfloor. Underfloor heating systems, direct sunlight contact or frequent temperature without protection will gradually cause wear on the surfaces. Even though LVF can withstand moisture and heat longer, prolonged exposure to harsh elements would cause damage.

Standard vinyl is typically in thin tiles or sheets, which are less impact resilient, and its glue-down installation can be difficult. Conversely, a sturdy glue-down leads to fewer seams between planks or tiles and closes the void between them and the subfloor. Luxury vinyl has a predominantly inter-clicking and locking mechanism that facilitates flexible installation. It also allows ideal room for effective expansion and contraction with humidity changes. This feature entails better protection against warping or buckling in areas with constant temperature fluctuation. Contrarily, the click-locking mechanism creates grooves and ridges between floor pieces and hollow space underneath them, causing the floor to float. Along with the seams between each floor piece, the hollow subfloor may accumulate moisture and lead to mould growth in high humidity environments.

Moisture Damage to Floor, by Mr.TinMD, licensed under Creative Commons NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Foot Traffic Impact

Another factor to consider is the level of foot traffic. High-activity and fast-paced workplaces such as mailrooms, newsrooms, healthcare areas and retail shopfronts have intensive foot traffic from occupants and visitors. Along with high human flows, moving equipment and carts with frequent usage cause a significant impact on the walking surface. Hence, a glue-down vinyl flooring is ideal for high-traffic environments as it provides extra support in keeping the flooring in place. Installing floating planks is practical in less traffic-intensive residential and commercial settings. LVF has a strengthened composition and higher durability to provide a better strength to withstand direct and heavy impact. Contrarily, its floating nature makes it vulnerable to high-activity and fast-paced environments. In addition, though floating floors have a hollow cushion on the feet, it can amplify footsteps and cause undesirable noises. Before confirming which food type is ideal, seek your flooring contractor to advise traffic and load limits and perform stress tests.

Maintenance and Replacement Feasibility

As discussed in the previous factor, high-traffic environments increase maintenance frequency and replacement likelihood of floor pieces. The floor is probably the largest surface area to clean and maintain for any setting. The constant impact from human traffic and equipment flows accumulates dirt and may cause scratches or dents. One advantage of deploying the glue-down method is the relative ease of replacing individual planks or tiles one at a time. Isolating damaged spots to prevent hazards to occupants and visitors and replacing affected pieces is uncomplicated. However, it can be messy and time-consuming due to its strong adhesive.

Click-locking LVF planks and tiles are systematic to install and straightforward to maintain and replace without gluing. However, its systematic click-locking causes the interdependence between each piece. Some LVFs may need to remove several pieces systematically before reaching the affected ones to replace. While being conscientious in installing and caring to sustain the shelf life, wear or tear is inevitable. Therefore, check with manufacturers or contractors on the installation and replacement processes.

Crystal Flooring, by Crystalflooringsydney, licensed under Creative Commons ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

To tackle the drawbacks of vinyl, NBL Express produces Premium Resilient Floorings (PRFs) with Uniclic plank locking, Irradiated Cross-Linked PolyEthylene (IXPE) subfloor underlayment and other enhanced resilient properties. We welcome you to explore our blog page for informative product applications. Feel free to reach us for more information.

Why Vinyl Flooring is Better Than Engineered Hardwood

Explaining why the engineered hardwood is overrated

All over home renovation TikToks and Pinterest collections, we see beautiful cabin-esque homes fitted out with mahogany or oak hardwood flooring. There is no doubt. Hardwood flooring is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a big financial investment.

Of course, procuring, installing and maintaining genuine hardwood in our humid Singaporean climate is no mean feat. This is why home renovation connoisseurs are turning to hardwood replacements that give the look of hardwood at a fraction of the costs.

Two of the most common hardwood replacements are vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood. The great hardwood debate is which of these two options are better. We like to think that engineered hardwood is overrated in today’s market. Let’s bring you through the reasons.

Vinyl flooring is long-lasting and durable

The key difference between vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood is in its composition. The layered nature of engineered hardwood, while making it durable to moisture, is unfortunately vulnerable to scratches. If you have babies or pets at home, or have heavy furniture to shift, then engineered hardwood could be easily scratched and damaged without very good care.

Unlike engineered hardwood, vinyl flooring has that resistance not only against water but also to general scratches and dents. This makes vinyl flooring extremely pet-friendly and baby-friendly. That said, vinyl flooring is not kevlar and not completely indestructible.

Vinyl flooring is generally easier to maintain

While both vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood are designed for easy maintenance, vinyl flooring still has that edge when it comes to long-term care, cleaning and maintenance. This is always an important consideration since homeowners do not want to swap out the flooring every few years.

Whether you are using a broom or vacuum cleaner, vinyl flooring is the clear winner if you are asking which is easier to clean. In contrast, you would need to apply special care when cleaning engineered hardwood as it is more easily damaged. Moreover, in the case of damage, it is easier to replace vinyl flooring one plank at a time with relatively simple procedures. This may be more complex for engineered hardwood, depending on the specifications.

Vinyl flooring is usually more cost-friendly

Finally, cost is always top of mind. If there is a winner, it will be vinyl flooring. They are generally more cost-friendly to install and maintain in the long-run, compared to engineered hardwood. Repairs and replacement are also cheaper in the case of vinyl flooring. Of course, bear in mind you are not scrimping and being stingy if you go for vinyl flooring - since the aesthetic, quality and durability can be top-notch, if you choose the right renovation contractors.

We have no biases against engineered hardwood, but in terms of durability, ease of maintenance and cost-efficiency we think vinyl flooring is deserving of some praise. If you have further questions on flooring or renovation works in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts!

Benefits Of Premium Resilient Flooring By NBL Express

Introduction

This article discusses the reasons to choose Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) in terms of its configuration features and entailing benefits. It is vinyl-based resilient flooring engineered with a superior composition to achieve optimal design, durability and ergonomics. Its top-notch resilience makes it a preferred choice for commercial and residential units. NBL Express’ PRF consists of innovative layering that produces enhanced resiliency.

Superior Composition

At the base of each PRF 5.3 plank is an anti-static vinyl back with Uniclic, a patented German technology. Next, three layers of solid virgin vinyl and two sheets of vinyl fibreglass reinforce the plank. The next layer is a decorative PVC printed film that resembles natural floorings such as hardwood or marble. Following that is a crystal grade wear layer and a protective top surface of eco-friendly crystal ceramic beads.

Premium Resilient Flooring™ 5.3mm

Another version is PRF 7.5mm. At its base layer, Irradiated Cross-Linked PolyEthylene (IXPE) underlayment utilises Progressive Foam Technology (PFT) that renders effective sound absorption. The fine, cross-linked foam also smoothens subfloor (bottom-most or inherent ground) imperfections and surrounding moisture. Like PRF 5mm, PRF 7.5mm also uses the efficient and secured Uniclic system as its rigid core structure. The next four layers are a virgin vinyl layer, an embossed decor, a green UV-treated coating, and an ECO-fresh top surface.

Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF™) - 7.5mm

Upon identifying the layers, let us understand how they reinforce planks to benefit users in design, durability and ergonomics.

Design

Aesthetic Design:

In resemblance to opened or closed woodgrains, PRF exudes a country ambience. Every plank resembles a natural art piece with patterns and palettes of hickory, oak, maple and other wood species. Such nostalgic beauty of wood grains facilitates a cosy environment for the family or workplace. Marble is elegant and expressive due to its refined beauty via sophisticated underground mining. PRF has marble’s wavy or granite patterns with sparkling sheen, which exude a timeless beauty that has graced palaces for centuries.

Utility Design:

Besides aesthetic designs, resilient vinyl flooring companies practise mindful and sustainable manufacturing in flooring designs by using recycled and recyclable materials. PRF earned the Green Label Singapore accreditation, a leading environmental standard across 43 countries, and diligently practise awareness of the environment. PRF utilises Uniclic, a glueless mechanism with rotate-and-fasten or snap-and-secured interlocking to achieve an efficient and secured installation.

Durability 

Resilient Against Water, Fire, Static:

As it neutralises and repels water, PRF is popular to install in moisture-rich areas like kitchens, laundry and basements. With EN71-2 certification, the resilient flooring is a fire retardant that provides fire safety assurance to your loved ones. Anti-static vinyl back and IXPE underlayment inhibits static charges and recover quickly from imbalances. Consequently, this helps to prevent damages to appliances and electronic devices.

Anti-Scratches, Stains and Deforms:

One of the main concerns of choosing suitable floorings is the frequent impact from high foot traffic spaces that causes scratches and stains. Common areas are retail spaces of high patron flows, living rooms with bubbly kids and pets, and kitchens due to oil residues. Through its top wear layer with enhanced ceramic-beaded coating, PRF has the durability to resist scratches and stains. The composite of virgin vinyl and fibreglass renders sufficient flexural rigidity to restrict warping during thermal expansion and contraction.

Ergonomics

Low Allergens and Toxins

The IXPE underlayment and green UV eliminate dust and microorganisms like mildews and mould spores. The UV treatment prevents dirt and dust particles from accumulating. Hence, the underlayment and green UV minimise harmful bacteria and make floor cleaning easier. The top ECO coating has no formaldehyde (colourless, pungent gas) and other toxins, facilitating clean and fresh air circulation.

Sound Absorption:

With effective filtering of IXPE underlayment to minimise surrounding noise impact, PRF is conducive for bedrooms and study rooms. It is also favourable for packed places such as schools and dining establishments. People who prefer quiet interiors would benefit from the built-in sound absorption underlayment. Hence, the resilient flooring saves the hassle and money from spending on acoustic absorption devices.

Firm Yet Comfort Touch:

As the cross-linked underlayment foam neutralises subfloor imperfections, you and your loved ones can have a balanced footing. In addition, the wear layer and ceramic bead finishing provide the much needed firm friction to deter slips or falls. The grip helps prevent or minimise physical pain and emotional shock. To soften the hardness of the inherent ground, the underlay foam of PRF provides cushioning to walk on. Should there be accidents, the impact would be less intense than the stone-cold hardness of marble or stone.

Closing Thoughts

While it lacks inherent toughness and designs of natural counterparts, PRF overcomes its shortcomings with a superior composition that brings optimal durability and ergonomics. Hence, besides residences, the features and benefits entail a high application versatility in public space interiors. Recommended spaces include office areas, healthcare areas, education centres, retail fronts, dining spaces, and museum galleries with high-flowing foot traffic. Therefore, PRF is a sustainable and preferred choice to keep homeowners, families, employees and patrons healthy and happy in their environments.

To learn more about milestones, product offerings, showroom location and contact information of NBL Express, click here.

Why You Should Use Resilient Vinyl Flooring For Home Stairs

Are you searching for home stairs that are enchanting, efficient and effective? Search no further than Premium Resilient Flooring™ (PRF), a premium resilient level of vinyl flooring offered by NBL Express. Besides floorings, homeowners can use the innovative vinyl floorings for stairs. Stair surfaces in homes are high foot-traffic spaces with frequent ascending and descending movements. Hence, stairs are focal spaces and noticeable points that require stylish and sturdy materials.

Hall Interior Illustration, by pikisuperstar, licensed under Freepik.

Enchanting Designs

PRFs have enchanting PVC printed films with charming patterns and textures similar to hardwood and marble or stone designs. Depending on your desires, you can choose warmer or lighter tones. Warm colours such as reddish-brown and earthy grey enable spaces to feel cosier. Cool and lighter tones such as light beige oak and snow make home spaces brighter. Whether on its own or when matched with walls and floors, PRFs stairs provide enchanting and harmonious designs. The hardwood design has a country-inspired style with wood grain patterns to bring the beauty of nature indoors. The marble and stone designs have beautiful veins and mesmerising translucence that illustrate a classic elegance. Consequently, the enchanting designs enable stairs to complement walls and floors naturally and adapt well to the rest of the home interiors.

Premium Resilient Flooring for Stairs, by NBL Express Eco Flooring.

Efficient To Install

Vinyl planks with peel and stick or glue-down installation for stairs provide intuitive and user-friendly benefits for homeowners. Installation of vinyl planks as treads (horizontal surfaces) and risers (vertical surfaces) is relatively efficient. You can install stair treads and keep original risers intact or install both. Provided that the stair surfaces are level, the installation of vinyl planks does not need complicated tools. Nosings are edgings that overhang the front of risers and close gaps between treads and risers. Edgings accentuate stair steps and reinforce durability, but more importantly in terms of safety, increase traction to prevent slipping. Use multipurpose Max BondTM Adhesive with a caulking gun to glue vinyl nosings between treads and risers smoothly and securely.

A further efficient option is PRF, which utilises the Uniclic technology of angular rotation and snapping mechanism for quick and secured installation. Due to its superior production and installation versatility, Uniclic evolved into a leading locking innovation in the interiors industry. Moreover, with eco-friendly components and eco-efficiency production of PRF verified by Green Label Singapore, it means families enjoy home sustainability.

Effective To Use 

Walking up and down the stairs means pressing the feet down with each step. Although this may seem insignificant, it is uncomfortable on the soles in the long run when stair treads are too hard to walk on. The premium resilient vinyl is shock-absorbent and acts as a natural cushioning pad to walk on with bare feet. This feature is ideal for high foot-traffic interiors like stairs, as it minimises the noise impact of ascending and descending stairs. Regardless of material type, it is painful on the toes if we kick hard on the risers or protruding nosings. Hence, for extra comfort and non-slip grip, you can consider adding tread mats or protectors.

Conversely, due to its soft cushioning, vinyl flooring may be prone to wear and tear in the long run. However, through simple cleaning without harsh chemicals and materials, vinyl surfaces will maintain durability and brightness. With ceramic beads coating at the top layer, premium resilient vinyl is resistant against water, stains and scratches. Besides these resistances, its traction grip prevents losing of feet balance. In addition, its sheen results in a radiant and sleek appearance to match well with walls and floorings. Typically, resilient-vinyl planks can last from 10 to 25 years. Furthermore, PRF has a residential lifetime limited warranty that you can trust and gives your family peace of mind. Therefore, PRF is an ideal choice for home stairs.

Learn more at https://www.nblexpress.com/premium/ and https://www.nblexpress.com/premium-75/. Contact 625 21910 / 6465 0429, or email ecoflooring@nblexpress.com for enquiries and quotations. Operating hours: 10am to 7pm daily. Visit our grand showroom at 615 Balestier Road Singapore 329910.

Floorings That Help To Keep Your Home Cool

In the post-pandemic era, homeowners seek an airy and crisp interior climate for a better living environment. It can be a dilemma to choose between floorings that withstand hot weather or to cope with coldness. Singapore is sunny but has erratic weather throughout the year. Hence, it is wise to install floorings that help to keep your home cool but are not adversely affected by weather changes. Thermal and aesthetic properties are the key factors in determining the right flooring to align well with your cooling needs.

Natural Stone

Natural stones such as slates or granites are known for their cooling touch and refreshing appeal. Stone slabs and tiles on their own are great for conducting coolness in the summer. Natural stone has the natural regulation to facilitate energy efficiency by absorbing heat from morning and releasing gradually in the evening.[1] In addition, with polished surfaces and sealing, stone flooring becomes non-porous and thus resists moisture and humidity.[2] Natural stone has strong thermal conductivity to absorb direct sunlight and reflects heat, making home surroundings feel adequately warm. Hence, to obtain optimal coolness during the day, install light-filtering shades or heat-absorbing curtains to cool living spaces.

Metamorphic Marble

Marble is metamorphic, which is the transformation of limestone to undergo the high intensity of underground heat and pressure. Marble’s gradual recrystallisation production ensures it is denser and more durable than other flooring options, like ceramic, porcelain and wood. Marble slate is a quick thermal transmitter that absorbs and dissipates heat quickly on its surfaces. Its high density transfers heat away swiftly and radiates the retained coldness on warm bodies and soles.[3] Even when the home surroundings feel hot and humid, marble slates will remain relatively cooling. Moreover, its snow-white or light background with unique vein and grain patterns and smooth textures give a refreshing vibe. Hence, marble flooring is suitable to keep homes naturally cool, and with heating mechanisms, it can also adapt to coldness. 

Resilient Vinyl

Marble and stone floorings are very durable. However, due to their natural elements, they may need resealing every few years. Resilient vinyl flooring is a top choice of floorings that help to keep your home cool. NBL Express offers Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) planks, a well-received version of resilient vinyl flooring. It is highly adaptable to keep the interior climate cool and refreshing and readily provide warmth and cosiness. With overlaying installation and ceramic bead finish as reinforcement, PRF is non-porous and less vulnerable to thermal expansion and contraction. Consequent to this thermal resilience during fluctuating temperatures, the floor planks or tiles resist warping or cupping. Through slick and safe designs with simple maintenance, it streamlines with surrounding interiors to facilitate a pleasant chillness. With patterns and properties built closely to stone and marble but with production and installation advancements,[4] PRF is cost-effective.

In addition, they have hygienic and waterproof properties and a lifetime residential warranty. Therefore, besides making your home cool and refreshing, you can build a safe and sustainable indoor environment. The following are a few recommended PRF choices that keep home cool and comfortable for you and your family.

NBL 80 Gray Slate (PRF 5MM Series)

Combining grainy patterns of stone with unique veins and gorgeous translucence of marble, Gray Slate provides timeless elegance and freshens the living room.

Gray Slate has stone grains and marble translucence that freshen homes.

Gray Slate gives timeless elegance and coolness in a living room.

NBL 96 Frozen Grey (PRF 7.5MM Series)

Grey vinyl floorings, particularly those with the coldness of stone and cosiness of wood, rapidly grew over the past decade[4]. Although named Frozen Grey, it has a mixture of open and closed wood grain patterns. And with its white-washed sheen, Frozen Grey keeps bedrooms and study rooms cool yet cosy.

Frozen Grey has open and closed wood grains.

Ideal in keeping bedrooms and study rooms cool yet cosy.

NBL 91 Canadian Pine (PRF 7.5 MM Series)

Moving into 2022 and beyond, the colour trend is towards lighter and desaturated palettes with cool tones to produce calmness.[4] NBL 91 Canadian Pine resonates with this trend with its creamy blonde background and a white-washed finish to calm nerves. Its long and open wood grain patterns of pale brown colour incorporate subtle rustic and warm elements. This combination works well on its own to provide a pleasant chillness. Moreover, it also complements stylishly with furniture and surrounding interiors to build a cool and contemporary home. Therefore, along with the high thermal resilience of PRF, the Canadian Pine flooring is perfect for keeping homes cool yet cosy.

Canadian Pine has a creamy blonde background with pale brown grain patterns.

Canadian Pine has a white-washed finish for coolness and calming effects.

Visit our PRF 5MM and 7.5MM Series to learn more. Feel free to contact us for enquiries and quotations.

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Sources:

[1] Pros And Cons Of Stone Flooring. Singapore Flooring Pte Ltd. (3 Jul 2020). Retrieved 27 November 2021, from https://www.floorings.com.sg/news/pros-and-cons-of-stone-flooring.html.

[2] The Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS). (2018). CONQUAS 21 Enhancement Series Good Industry Practices Guide Book - Natural Stone Finishes. [Ebook] (pp. 2 - 8). Retrieved 27 November 2021, from https://www1.bca.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs-corp-buildsg/quality/natural-stone-finishes.pdf.

[3] Zohn, R. (17 July 2017). Why Is Marble Cold?. HomeSteady | The ultimate guide for all your household needs. Retrieved 27 November 2021, from https://homesteady.com/13411484/why-is-marble-cold.

[4] Ziskin, A. (22 November 2021). 2022 Vinyl Flooring Trends: 20+ Hot Vinyl Flooring Ideas. Flooring Inc. Retrieved 27 November 2021, from https://www.flooringinc.com/blog/vinyl-flooring-trends/.

How to Make Walls Impressive With Vinyl Flooring

At the backdrop of an apartment are wall surfaces. Walls support ceilings and floors with an enclosure that give structural forms to apartments and buildings. When you are looking to give your home or workplace a revamp, consider vinyl flooring for walls. Yes, vinyl flooring is an increasingly popular option for wall coverings. It provides impressive features in terms of aesthetic and practicability. As reported in Flooring Experts, the market for vinyl floorings rose sharply and expanded its usage to wall application. The site mentioned Domotex, the world’s leading flooring trade fair, showcases manufacturers transforming luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) for wall usages.

Aesthetic Designs

When considering interior designs for commercial establishments, such as restaurants or retail shops, take note of the look and feel of the surrounding surfaces. A wall design with a neutral look allows floor furnishings with vibrant shades and unique patterns to stand out, and vice versa. You can achieve a seamless equilibrium with matching shades and patterns in upper, lower and vertical interiors. Vinyl planks and tiles add textures to backgrounds to accentuate an elegant appeal, which draws in viewers. Choosing designs that have flowing wave textures illustrate movements and stimulate visual sensory without falling flat.

From distinctive aesthetics to calming beauty throughout the interior walls of a restaurant’s dining area, there are viable selections to cater to the establishment’s theme. For instance, whimsical patterns bring out an eccentric theme, or woody and gravel textures resonate with a countryside heart. Besides main walls, vinyl’s aesthetic designs are applicable on smaller surfaces such as the facades of bar counters.

Wood Texture, licensed under Creative Commons CC0

Practical Applications 

Vinyl planks and tiles make practical backsplashes for kitchens as they are non-porous, which eases cleaning chores. You can find suitable choices that complement the floorings and ceilings. Need wall designs that provide an expansive outlook? The herringbone pattern resembles fish bones, as illustrated in the image below. The result is a visual expansion, which is ideal for hotel lobbies. Our eyes tend to project towards the width of the “V” lines in the herringbone, which results in an optical illusion that facilitates a broader area.

“Wall Or Floor”, by George Hodan, licensed under Creative Commons CC0

Resonating accents that adapt and align to floors and ceilings provide a pleasing and streamlined appearance. They provide cosiness for the family in an apartment and a collaborative focus for retail consumers and office workers. Vinyl is waterproof, so it makes a practical option for bathroom walls. Hence, vinyl is a sought-after material for its practical applications.

Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF)

A top reviewed contractor for vinyl flooring on Homees.co, NBL Express’ PRF provides qualities of aesthetic and practicability. With NBL Express PRF, home and establishment owners can choose suitable wall designs to complement the looks of the current floorage. PRF provides high durability against scratches and knocks and resistance against moisture and stains. Hence, the task of cleaning surfaces and preventing dirt accumulation is much easier. There are also matching designs to choose from if you are looking to revamp both walls and floors.

Learn more at https://www.nblexpress.com/premium/ and https://www.nblexpress.com/premium-75. Feel free to contact us at https://www.nblexpress.com/enquiry for enquiries and quotations. 

How to Make Spaces Look Bigger With the Right Flooring

Are you having trouble furnishing home spaces to become larger visually? Have you wondered how to make spaces look bigger with the right flooring? Choosing a suitable floor is an important decision to make when making effective use of limited square feet. This blog post provides advice on using essential design elements of lines and colours to enlarge spaces visually.

Uniformed Appearance  

Installing different floorings and segregating spaces gives a dynamic look and facilitates purposes for respective areas. However, you need to keep flooring types and segregation at a minimum to prevent floors from cramping up with different lines and colours. Unaligned floorings lead to breaking floorage into smaller pockets and thus visually reduce spaces. Instead, a recommended technique is to use the same or similar type to align overall floorage and open up individual rooms. A floorage that has a uniform appearance creates a visual spaciousness throughout the living room, bedrooms, balcony and kitchen. Moreover, the cohesiveness of a uniformed flooring brings comfort to the family.

Wider Planks with Diagonal Patterns

Our eyes sense narrowness when we see thinner planks or tiles. Laying of planks or tiles width-wise will convey depth and distance throughout the entire floorage. Moreover, with fewer planks due to optimal sizes, you can save costs. Floorings with diagonal patterns can push boundaries and make a room stand out. A diagonal pattern creates an optical extension as it breaks away from the rigidness of straight lines and squares. Wider planks with diagonal patterns can make rooms look bigger. On the other hand, make sure they are not oversized. Over-sized planks and over-elaborate designs cause our eyes to move quickly from one wall to another. Consequently, the room appears smaller.

Premium Resilient Floorings

Premium Resilient Flooring (PRFs) by NBL Express have uniformed appearances and are customisable into wider planks with diagonal patterns. With minimum seams or lines between planks, the resilient vinyl flooring creates an openness that looks less confining. Usually, homeowners install ceiling and wall lamps across the living room to brighten up spaces and complement surrounding furniture. Likewise, PRFs such as 70 Diamond Oak and 96 Frozen Grey have light tones and subdued patterns that create spaciousness. With optimal lighting, these floorings increase airiness and create a bright allure that freshens up our mind as well. PRFs are light-coloured and have organic patterns, which work well in transitioning between the living room, bedrooms, workroom, playroom, balcony and kitchen. Similarly, such floorings in an atrium or reception of commercial premises can gradually transit into adjoining rooms with darker tones.

PRF such as 70 Diamond Oak has light tones and subdued patterns that create spaciousness.

 Feel free to contact us at https://www.nblexpress.com/enquiry for enquiries and quotations.

All You Need to Know About Parquet vs Vinyl Floorings

Are you considering between parquet and vinyl floorings and having a hard time choosing? Parquet and vinyl may look and feel alike, but each has different features. Both parquet and vinyl floorings have a glossy finish that gives a classy sheen. Although vinyl is slightly colder than parquet, both materials have good thermal insulation. Consequently, the insulation is conducive to our foot soles against changing climates. A closer study reveals each strength comes with a flaw and vice versa. We put together this short guide to understand parquet and vinyl characteristics and make informed comparisons.

Parquet

Parquet dates back to the 16th century in France and derived from the French term “parquetry,” which means “small compartment.”[1] Parquet flooring comprises softwoods made from coniferous trees such as pines and spruces and hardwood from deciduous trees such as maple and oak. Traditional craftsmen made these woods into lumbers and formed varied geometric shapes to lay parquet flooring. In modern days, engineered wood evolves in commercial and residential settings. Engineered wood involves installing different softwood and hardwood materials, with a hardwood material forming the top layer. Wood materials provide the cosy allure of nature at home and geometrical patterns facilitate a sense of symmetry and balance. Unlike vinyl, it is possible to sand down parquet flooring to the desired state during new installation or renovation. With proper caring, parquet flooring should last for decades[2]. However, its original sheen fades away over time. Engineered wood has natural cosiness and long service life. On the other hand, the environment affects wood materials, and thus they are relatively porous. Wood is vulnerable to water, humidity and wood-decaying pests, and thus it is expensive to install and maintain. For durable and stylish derivatives to outdoor wood decking, you may learn about Timber Composite Decking by NBL Express.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is newer and made its first appearance to the general public in the 1930s in the United States.[3] Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic thermoplastic or plastic polymer, is the main component. PVC has high malleability in moulding into diverse shapes and shades and thus is versatile in replicating softwood and hardwood materials. Due to its cost efficiency and wear-and-tear and flame resistance, vinyl became common in commercial and industrial settings in the 1950s. With its success on commercial and industrial fronts, residential premises gradually introduced vinyl flooring in the 1960s.[3] With its reinforced coatings, vinyl is typically less susceptible to scratches or dents as compared to parquet. Because it is generally less porous than parquet, vinyl is easier to clean stains or fix minor damages. Vinyl is ideal for floorage with low foot traffic and minimum furniture moving, and thus highly suitable for bedrooms. The major downside is its shorter service life. With careful cleaning and caring, vinyl can last 10 to 20 years.[4] Moderate damages require plank replacements, and significant cracks may need entire floor replacement. For resilient and sustainable solutions to replace or install new floorings, you can consider NBL’s Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) 5mm and Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) 7.5mm

Key Comparisons Summary 

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References

[1] https://www.reclaimedflooringco.com/the-history-of-french-parquet/

[2] https://www.homees.co/articles/all-about-parquet-flooring

[3] https://hillsborough.floorcoveringsinternational.com/articles/the-history-of-vinyl-flooring/

[4] https://www.homees.co/articles/everything-about-vinyl-flooring

[5] https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/property-guides/home-floor-type-singapore-18432

Cleaning and Restoring the Natural Shine of Vinyl Floorings

Vinyl floors are well-used in residential and commercial spaces due to their pleasant sheen and resistance against stains. However, these synthetic compounds undergo reactions with steam cleaners, direct sunlight and abrasive cleaning agents and consequently cause discolouration. Cleaning and restoring the natural shine of vinyl floorings require non-abrasive cleaning solutions and tools.

Homemade Solution

Are there underutilised food items such as white vinegar, baking soda and discarded citrus peels in your kitchen? Instead of throwing these items, you utilise them to make solutions at home for a quick clean-and-shine.

●    White vinegar: Its scent wards off ants and other common insects. Its acidity loosens up grease for easier cleaning and leaves a slight gloss on surfaces.[1]

●    Baking soda: Baking soda is a mild scouring agent that scrubs away stubborn grime.[2]

●    Citrus peels: Instead of going into trash bins, give citrus peels a new life. They have natural acidic properties that remove stains and leave surfaces with a temporary pleasant scent.[3]

NBL’s Concentrated Vinyl Floor Cleaner  

In our Professional Floor Care Series, we commit to producing sustainable cleaning solutions for consumers. For an extended effect on cleaning and restoring the natural shine to vinyl floorings, we recommend NBL’s Vinyl Floor Cleaner. With a thorough antibacterial formula that disinfects indoor planks and outdoor decks, you can maintain home hygiene and family health. Do you feel edgy of creepy crawlies growing in backyards and bedrooms? With concentrated citrus mint to repel household pests, it minimises unpleasant sights and stings. The solvents in the cleaner have sufficient concentration for economical dilutions for general cleaning, light cleaning and heavy-duty cleaning. You can tweak the dilution to remove accumulated dirt and grime without leaving an unpleasant residue or diminishing floorings’ gloss. With a non-rinse formula of non-soap surfactants, it is effective in cleaning and restoring the natural shine of vinyl floorings. Furthermore, due to low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which prevent harsh vaporisation, the cleaner is eco-friendly and safe for breathing.  

The outcome is an assuring comfort with appealing gloss to welcome homeowners and loved ones. Therefore, the cleaner is highly applicable in both indoor and outdoor settings of residential and commercial premises. Non-abrasive tools such as microfibre cloths and mops are effective to absorb dust, dirt and grease. Do note to avoid using highly abrasive materials such as steel scrubbers, as they may damage vinyl’s protective layer. For regular care to prevent stubborn stains from building up, you can refer to our post on maintaining and cleaning PRF.

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Sources / Further Reading

1. Goetz, Anne. Homemade Vinyl Floor Cleaner. Hunker. Retrieved 30 July 2021.

2. Leverette, Mary (8 March 2021). How to Clean Vinyl Floors. The Spruce. Retrieved 30 July 2021.

3. DeannaCat (5 August 2019). How to Make Homemade Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray. Homestead and Chill. Retrieved 07 August 2021.

Disclaimer: These suggested products and processes are not definitive. We would be glad to guide you and advise queries on our products’ offerings, limitations and handling precautions.

Hardwood vs. Vinyl Flooring – Which One Should You Choose?

Finding the right type of flooring for your home can be a rather daunting and challenging experience. There are multiple factors you need to consider here, such as durability, quality, value for money but also water resistance and so on. Knowing which is the better option for you can be tricky since both vinyl and hardwood flooring tend to provide really good value for money. With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider.

Durability

Vinyl flooring can dent in areas, rip or tear. Hardwood, on the other hand, can be dented and scratched, not to mention dinged. Both of them are pretty durable, but hardwood flooring is a little better in a situation like this.

Waterproofing

This is where hardwood flooring is left behind. Vinyl flooring is fully waterproofed, whereas the other option is not. You can end up spilling water on the floor sometimes, and if you have hardwood flooring you will damage it quite a bit. Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, so you can clean up without worrying about any floor damage, and that really helps.

Cleaning

You can use no-wax cleaners, a vacuum, wet mop or a broom on your vinyl floor. That makes it a lot more versatile when compared to the other factors. However, hardwood flooring requires specialized products and you are not allowed to do wet mopping. When it comes to maintenance, a no-wax polish will get the job done for vinyl flooring. A similar thing will work for hardwood flooring, although in this case multiple applications might be needed.

Styles and options

Both vinyl and hardwood flooring have multiple styles. In the case of hardwood flooring, you’re getting the real deal, whereas vinyl will mimic the look of real wood.

DIY installation

While vinyl flooring can be installed on your own, you can’t say the same about hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring requires professional installation and it will take quite a bit of time to do it right. That alone is a huge plus point in our books.

Fading

Both of them are prone to fading. Thankfully, you can refinish as often as needed. To help prolong the time needed in between, you can use thicker window shades to avoid direct sunlight shining on the floor.

Conclusion

Vinyl flooring is better because it’s more versatile, it delivers a higher quality and value, and the experience you receive is second to none. On top of that, you have less maintenance to worry about, it’s pet-friendly and waterproof.

Find out more about NBL Express Premium Resilient Flooring, and why it’s the best option for you when it comes to vinyl flooring today!

Visit our showroom: 536 Balestier Road Singapore 329861 from 10am to 7pm daily

FREE Quotation here: www.nblexpress.com/enquiry

Call us at 62521910 or WhatsApp us at 81813196