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.

---

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 

---

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.

---

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.

What Makes A Flooring Child-Friendly

Are you looking for child-friendly flooring for your home? NBL Express Premium Resilient Flooring (PRF) and PRF 7.5 commit to features to protect your beloved young ones. Homes are havens for children to live, learn and grow. Beyond its soft lustre and earthy appearance of wood-like finishes, PRF has the properties that protect children and the family.

Sound Insulation

Rubber additives in resilient flooring provide sound absorbance. PRF has an optimal sound-insulating underlayment, in which sound absorption reaches 20 dB (decibel). It absorbs surrounding noises better than typical resilient flooring and insulates sound waves between rooms and storeys. It strongly reduces external noise interference to enhance speech and sound transmission within a child bedroom. Also, a sudden and piercing sound can scare a child. When neighbours do repair or renovation work, the high decibel can be traumatising to the young ones. Likewise, we do not want heavy shifting from home improvements to become an annoyance to neighbours. Hence, it offers a child-friendly environment to rest comfortably or focus on study.

Material Strengths

Learning to balance is a self-experiential and gradual process. Toddlers are prone to slip when the floor is slippery or trip over objects when they explore the house. Though falling is part and parcel of life, we need to minimise the risk with a child-friendly surface. Having a slip-resistant surface with optimal friction helps toddlers gain a foothold, and thus the confidence of walking. PRF’s underlayment provides additional cushioning that is comfortable to step on and provides some protection should toddlers fall. As playful kids explore the house and home items, they may unintentionally stain or damage floor tiles. Typical resilient flooring consists of versatile vinyl material and elastic rubber additives, while PRF further strengthens wear resistance. PRF contains a coating of crystal ceramic beads, known for its long-term durability and resistance against scratch and wear. PRF’s fortification makes it fire retardant with high heat resistance.

Eco-Friendly

Caring for the environment and our loved ones go hand in hand. On its own, vinyl is harmful to the environment as it is not biodegradable. We strictly comply with our green policy and Singapore Green Label to ensure our products and processes are environmentally safe. Investing in eco-quality flooring and educating children about ecology protection contribute to a greener ecology. PRF tiles utilise the German CLIC system of glue-less lamination. With efficient use of resources to minimise toxicity, our floorings are eco-friendly.

PRF has low environmentally harmful substances and has high resistance against termite breeding and mould and bacteria growth. Hence, it is relatively safe for toddlers to crawl on the low toxic floorage. Vinyl contains phthalate, formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOC), which cause respiratory and eye irritations. Besides using lower VOC, PRF adds an eco-fresh layer for abating harmful compounds and inducing quality indoor fresh air. Specialised Green UV treatment greatly enhances PRF’s resistance against stains, bacteria and water. Consequently, as cleaning and maintenance are much easier on PRF surfaces, it is child-friendly.

---

Sources:

• https://www.nblexpress.com/blog

• https://www.nblexpress.com/premium

• https://www.nblexpress.com/premium-75

• https://www.allthingsflooring.com/2018/07/quiet-matters-guide-acoustic-flooring/

• https://www.flooringdirect.co.uk/flooring-planning-guide-i141

• https://www.thespruce.com/environmental-impact-of-vinyl-flooring-1314956