April 7, 2020 by Matt

When thinking about home improvement, especially flooring upgrades, the biggest consideration is always the expenses. And there are many factors that determine the price of your project.

One of the flooring options that‘s trending this year is porcelain tile.

How Much is a Porcelain Tile Floor?

To determine the total cost of having a porcelain tile floor, we’re going to talk about all factors that will affect the final flooring costs.

Most of the costs will be flooring installation, but we will break it down a bit for you to see what makes that total price per square foot.

Installation Costs

In our zip code –which is 33442– the average prices of a porcelain tile floor range from $6 to $12 per square foot depending on these parameters.

Tile Design

To give you an idea, the average price of just the tiles alone ranges from $3 to $4 per square foot. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the price of porcelain tiles such as the manufacturer, the country of origin, the depth/quality of the printing process, etc.

But the thing that affects tile pricing the most is the design. We can further break this down into 3 parts.

Style

Tile visuals have come a long way and manufacturers definitely have enhanced their technology to make realistic wood, cement, or even natural stone looking tiles.

With just the porcelain tile options alone, you can do 10,000 square feet of tile with each tile having a unique pattern!

The complexity of the tile design can affect the price but not that much. Maybe a couple of dollars. What this means is you can have the freedom to choose whatever design you want!

Here’s a gorgeous marble looking tile from the Tile Empire.

However, size and shape do affect the pricing in a significant way, especially for tile floor installation.

Shape

Exotic shaped tiles are trending this year with clients picking shapes such as hexagonal and chevron tile patterns. This can affect installation costs as different shapes can require more materials for the tiles to adhere to the floor properly.

Another thing to consider for shape is if you are going to orient the tiles diagonally on. The installation costs will be the same, but you have to order more tiles, –about 10% to 15%– more to account for the waste.

The tile installers will have to do more cuts to adjust to the diagonal installation so that is something to keep in mind.

Here’s another unconventional shape, scales, from International Wholesale Tile!

Size

It’s expected that the larger the tile size, the higher the price. Larger tiles cost more and require more materials to install.

However, if you go the other way and move to smaller tile patterns, such as mosaics, the price can also rise considerably.

The price of tiles will not change much, but the installation costs will increase because it requires more work for it to be installed according to the design, which will make the labor costs higher.

This is most especially true when dealing with bathrooms.

Here is a beautiful example of mosaic tiles in a bathroom from Happy Floors:

Room

For spaces such as living rooms, patios, bedrooms or kitchens, they have almost the same cost to install, given that they have the same square footage. However, bathrooms have different project costs than any other space.

The workers have a limited space to work in and the cuts are more precise and more frequent, requiring more work.

Also, when dealing with bathrooms, we typically do it on a cost per hour basis, instead of the usual project costs.

We determine how much time is going to be spent on labor, then we can figure out the cost for the client.

Material

Thinset

This is the most common way to install porcelain tiles. As the name implies it uses a thin material to bond the tile to a subfloor. This lets you achieve a lower floor height, about a quarter to half an inch from the original flooring.

Thinset is also the installation that’s commonly used for smaller tiles.

Mudset

For larger tiles, a mudset installation is required to hold the tiles properly. This is a lot more material than thinset. It can raise the floor from an inch to an inch and a half because of the mortar mix and the tile adhesive, which is the thinset material.

Demolition Cost

As much as possible, we prefer to demolish the existing floor first to ensure the steadiness of the tile application.

Carpet, vinyl, and laminate flooring are all fairly easy to remove so they can just cost $0.50 to $1 per square foot.

However, for existing tile floors, marble or a glued-out wood floor, the labor cost can be $2 to $3 per square foot.

Time

This cost is just conditional as it depends on your budget and when you want the installation to be finished. This is also related to demolition costs.

Let’s say that you have 2 to 3 persons working on the installation without a professional demo crew, the time to finish a standard home measuring 2500 square feet can take up to 2 weeks.

However, if you can afford to have a demolition crew, it can take only 5 to 7 business days to finish.

It highly depends on your budget. The more people you have, the faster the project will be.

Is a Porcelain Tile Floor a Good Investment?

Value is highly dependent on your budget and situation. Upon first glance, you might say that tiles, especially porcelain and ceramic tile, can lean on the more expensive side. Sometimes, it can even reach the prices of a hardwood floor installation.

But here in South Florida, porcelain tile is one of the top 3 best-selling flooring materials. Many clients definitely see its value and it has one of the most value for the money when it comes to flooring solutions.

Climate

South Florida is very hot and humid but it can also be very wet. Flooring options tend to lean on the more waterproof options which are coincidentally the top 2 best-sellers on Foundation Flooring: Luxury Vinyl and Porcelain Tile.

Porcelain tiles are very waterproof so it is perfect for our climate and it can be used in wet spaces such as the bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms.

Price

Aside from being waterproof, porcelain tiles lie on the sweet spot between expensive hardwood and very affordable luxury vinyl. That price doesn’t just go to aesthetics, it goes to durability and wearability.

Durability

Between our 2 best-sellers, porcelain tile is arguably more durable. It is a very strong material. It can withstand high impact stresses which can make it suitable for high-traffic areas and it can be used in commercial spaces.

And it can also bear a heavy weight so if you have large furniture in your living room or in your kitchen, porcelain tile is the best option you have.

Porcelain tile is also highly scratch-resistant making it the best flooring solution if you have kids or pets.

Long-Term Value

One of the greatest benefits of having a porcelain tile floor is the little to no maintenance that comes along with these floors.

Hardwood floors can require sanding and refinishing after some time and natural stones need to be sealed and refinished every 2 years. However, with porcelain tile, you don’t have to do any of that to keep it looking good.

Porcelain tile floors are almost a set it and forget situation, because of their durability and reliability. With wood floors, you have to consider flooding, public adjusters, insurance claims and all those shenanigans. But with porcelain tile, you don’t have to think about all that. You can just rest easy in your place, as you should be.

This is the perfect solution for people with a very busy lifestyle, have kids or pets, or just need a worry-free flooring solution for their home or workplace.

What’s even better is porcelain floor upgrades also increase your resale value!

But even if you don’t plan to resell your house, it’s still a pretty good investment as it can last for 20 – 50 years, depending on the installation. But here at Foundation Flooring, we believe that if you lay your floor right the first time, you can walk all over it for a lifetime!

In conclusion, we highly recommend porcelain tile flooring for your new space or if you’re thinking about your next upgrades for your space, especially here in South Florida.

February 24, 2020 by Matt

Vinyl flooring is an awesome option in flooring today. It’s come a long way from grandma’s vinyl in the 1980s to the Luxury Vinyl Planks available today. However, it’s not the perfect solution for all situations. Let’s explore the pros and cons of vinyl flooring to see if it’s the right option for you.

Pro: Easy and affordable (installation and materials)

Vinyl flooring is one of the most economical flooring options. Flooring installation is effortless and quick.

Vinyl flooring can be installed using the floating method (similar to laminate flooring), which can save on demo costs. There’s a click-lock mechanism that allows the joints to lock.

You can install vinyl flooring over an existing floor (subfloors) like concrete, existing tile, plywood, etc. You just have to make sure that the subfloor is relatively flat and stable.

Because of its ease, the installation fee is usually very affordable ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. If you want the biggest savings, just install it yourself!

Here’s a video of how you can install luxury vinyl plank flooring using the floating method:

Con: Inexpensive (Resale Value)

However, due to vinyl’s perception, it doesn’t contribute to your property’s resale value.

Even though you may have a high quality, luxury vinyl plank floor that looks great and is durable for years, it doesn’t improve your equity.

So, if you want to invest in improvements in your property and you’re planning to resell it in the near future, we recommend hardwood floors instead. They have an excellent return-on-investment.

Pro: Water-resistant

Vinyl floors are water-resistant and/or waterproof in a lot of cases. What that means is the whole product itself: the wear-layer, the middle core, and the backing –typically a cork or a memory foam type pad– are all waterproof.

This is the perfect solution for wet areas in the home, such as your laundry room, dining room, powder room, and kitchen.

This is also the best solution for places that have hot, moist, and humid climates like South Florida or anywhere in the Southeastern States from Virginia to Texas.

Vinyl flooring is of high quality and a great option for active households that have kids and pets*.

Con: Not impact and scratch-resistant

*Speaking of pets, vinyl flooring is ONLY going to be applicable to cats and little dogs. If you have large dogs, you need to have their nails clipped regularly as vinyl flooring is not that durable from scratches.

Although some variants of vinyl have durable wear-layers, they aren’t that thick so sanding, refinishing, or repainting damages is not possible.

Also, vinyl flooring is not impact-resistant so if you have heavy furniture, we highly suggest buying felt pads or “furniture socks” to help prevent dents and scratches.

Pro: Comes in different shapes and sizes

Vinyl manufacturing and production have improved tremendously when it comes to design and options. You can have a huge variety of designs and textures.

Luxury Vinyl Planks look just like real wood flooring. It can have textures, grains, and even knots that look and feel like real wood. The planks start 6 inches wide by 36-inch lengths. Wider and longer options are available to give the room a more open, more airy feel.

Luxury Vinyl Tile, on the other hand, can look like stone or tile. Typically, these tile floors have some box-shaped varieties particularly measuring 18” by 24” or 12” by 24”. They can even look like a Korean marble or a travertine-type material.

Con: A Fairly New Material

Vinyl flooring has been here for decades. However, the vinyl flooring we have now, especially the luxury ones, have only been here for 2 – 3 years so we don’t really know what the long-term effects of using vinyl flooring on your property or how long do they really hold up.

January 17, 2020 by Matt

Solid and Engineered Wood are both great options for your floor to have that classic, rustic yet elegant look. However, each flooring solution is best for certain scenarios. Choosing right can mean a lot for your budget and durability.

Solid Wood has Better Surface Durability and Flexibility in Looks

Solid Wood is usually made out of one solid, thick piece of wood, typically about ¾ of an inch thick. Because of its thickness, it can be sanded multiple times.

A wear layer is a clear coating that manufacturers apply to the surface of the wood for protection. Having a lot of material for a wear layer means that the surface of Solid Woods will be tougher to scratch and be easier for maintenance.

Also, because of that thickness, you can do many things on a Solid Wood’s surface. You can sand and refinish the floor multiple times which also allows you to change its color, restain it, or just to clean out some surface scratches if it gets damaged.

Usually, Engineered wood has a thin top layer that makes it prone to damage and more difficult when it comes to refinishing.

However, we have products here such as Mirage, from Canada, that has a thick enough wear-layer that you can also sand and refinish your Engineered Wood floors!

But generally speaking, Solid Wood has a thicker wear-layer which you could sand and refinish multiple times more than Engineered Wood.

Solid Wood’s kryptonite is water and humidity. That is where Engineered Wood shines.

Engineered Wood is Better for Wetter Areas

Engineered Wood is made from multiple plies of wood. These plies typically run perpendicular to the other plies and stack on top of each other. This creates more dimensional stability when adapting to wetter or more humid environments.

Wood is an organic material and it moves ever so slightly depending on the humidity and temperature. It expands and contracts if it is wet and dry, respectively.

Engineered Wood, having been made out of ply’s opposite and perpendicular to each other, fight the natural adaptation of wood to the climate.

If you live in a hot, humid and moist place like here in South Florida or need a flooring solution for areas that might get wet such as kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, basements, Engineered Wood is the best solution for all of these conditions.

Both are Just Okay for Pets

If you have pets, both solutions are okay but we would rather recommend non-wood flooring products that are more durable against scratches and wetness such as vinyl or tile.

Solid Wood has a thicker layer so if you have scratches, you can sand it down to restore its smooth finish. However, Engineered Wood is more durable when it comes to wetness and humidity so, it’s a tie for us.

Engineered Wood has more Options for Installation. It’s also Cheaper and Easier to Install.

Engineered Wood is easier to cut and shape. That means that you can install Engineered Wood yourself to save on installation costs.

And if you’re going to install it yourself, Engineered Wood doesn’t require many specialty tools. You won’t have to buy or rent tools you’re just going to use once. Aside from being hard to find or rent, these tools can be very expensive.

Engineered wood can be installed in 4 methods, nail, staple, glue or floating method. This means that you can have the flexibility and the options to install Engineered Wood however you want. If you’re going to do it yourself, we highly recommend the floating method since it’s the easiest.

Here are tutorials that you can use for each installation method.

Nail Down Method:

Staple Method:

Glue Down Method:

Floating Method:

Engineered Wood also has flexibility when it comes to subfloors. You can apply Engineered Wood over wooden or concrete subfloors on or above ground level.

Solid Wood not only costs more but also needs special care and technique for its installation. It can only be applied over wooden subfloors so if you don’t have that, it will definitely add to the installation cost.

We also highly recommend you hire a professional hardwood installer for Solid Wood Installation, like our team! We also do installation work. If you need help, just contact us for any flooring problems and questions.

Which is More Valuable?

It also depends on what you value more. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, then Engineered Wood is the best option for you.

It can be installed on multiple areas of your property and the top layer is pre-finished. It’s also cheaper and easier to install. For places like here in the Southeast, Engineered is the best option for the hot and humid climate. This is why 98% of our recommendations are Engineered Wood.

If you’re looking for better quality, longevity and resale value, then Solid Wood is the best option for you. You can be flexible with how it looks because it can be sanded down and refinished multiple times, it will last for years and it can bump your resale value up to 2.5%.

If you are still undecided, we are here to help. Contact us if you have more flooring questions.

March 19, 2019 by foundationfloo

Home Improvements That Pay

Have you considered a new home improvement project? Whether it’s minor or major, updated space can do wonders for your home’s return on investment.

Home improvements have been shown to add value to your home and appeal to potential buyers. Brand new features, from modern flooring to state of the art countertops are guaranteed to stand out on the housing market.

For maximizing your home’s value, new kitchen flooring is a great place to start.

But how do you choose between traditional hardwood and tile flooring?

This month, we looked at the many benefits of tile and hardwood kitchen floors to help with your decision. Here’s what we discovered:

Tile Vs. Hardwood Floors

Why Choose Tile Flooring?

Tile flooring is all about versatility. Perfect for all climates and spaces within the home, new tile floors are ideal for homeowners looking to increase the value of their kitchen area.

Tile floors are water-resistant and provide a smooth surface that repels moisture for easy maintenance. Tile is typically very easy to clean, and any method of floor cleaning will work for tile flooring.

The options to customize tile floors are endless. Whether you’re looking for ceramic, vinyl, or wood-look tile kitchen floors, you can mix and match patterns, colors, textures, and sizes for a unique design all your own.

Tile flooring is also a great cost-effective option for homeowners who don’t want to spend a small fortune on real wooden floors. Little details such as grain, knots, and differences in shade are easy to replicate on tile floors.

That means you can get the exact same look as a costly, exotic wood floor at a more affordable price that works for your budget.

Wood-look flooring is easy to clean so you don’t have to worry about the stains, scratches, chips, and dents that can result from poorly maintained hardwood floors.

Tile flooring is easy to replace and doesn’t require extensive renovation for days or weeks at a time. If damages occur, you can easily replace a single tile (or multiple tiles) without ripping up a section of your kitchen floor.

While tile is very easy to clean, homeowners often forget about tile grout. Grout lines are typically much harder to keep clean, which can clog stubborn dirt and discolor over time.

Always make sure to add a grout sealant after installation, along with periodic replacements every 3-5 years to prevent moisture from leaking into the tile or grout.

The Hardwood Advantage

Is Hardwood Flooring Right for You?

Solid hardwood flooring is perfect for homeowners looking to add a timeless touch to their kitchen space.

Not only does wood look elegant and authentic, but hardwood flooring can also provide the best ROI for homeowners. In fact, studies have shown that kitchens are one of the most popular spaces to upgrade and typically provide a 70% return on your investment.

One of the key benefits of hardwood flooring is that it will never go out of style.

With the right craftsmanship, a classic wooden floor can add natural beauty and warmth to your kitchen. High-quality hardwood floors that are manufactured, installed, and finished offer strength and durability for an excellent long-term investment.

Wooden floors will provide a comfortable space to stand in your kitchen. Hardwood provides you with a softer, more resilient surface to stand on than most tile and hard surface flooring options.

Hardwood floors can help make your kitchen space look larger, especially if it’s the same type and color as the hardwood flooring in surrounding rooms.

By using the same surface and color, you can give the illusion of space for potential buyers. This is great for open kitchen areas where your new hardwood floor will blend seamlessly throughout your home.

The kitchen is a high-traffic area in the home, therefore your hardwood floor will require more upkeep and timely care.

Thankfully, hardwood is generally very easy to clean as it does not accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and debris. A weekly routine of vacuuming and mopping should keep your kitchen floors looking good as new.

You can choose from a wide variety of styles and surface finishes that help prolong the life of your floor. Hardwood is available in a wide range of styles, colors, stains, and surfaces.

Engineered hardwood is a great choice for homeowners. This type of wood floor has a veneer of real wood reinforced by layers of less expensive plywood.

Its construction provides dimensional stability that makes it less susceptible to movement caused by changes in humidity and temperate in the kitchen.

Most flooring companies will let you choose between pre-finished and unfinished flooring. Hardwood flooring can be customized to fit even the most complex dimensions of your kitchen.

Regardless of the type of surface finish you choose, remember to regularly sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors and promptly clean up any spills to avoid stains and costly damages.

For minor damages, solid hardwood can be lightly sanded or screened down.

With proper maintenance, hardwood floors can last a lifetime.

Avoid potential damage to your wooden floors by keeping your kitchen appliances well-maintained and free of spills. Beware of pet’s claws, high heels scrapings, and remember to never leave standing water. Limited sunlight is recommended for prolonging the life of wood flooring.

If your kitchen is located in a sunny part of your home, you may want to take extra precautions when selecting flooring, as sun bleaching may occur. Avoid dark stains and sun bleaching by using runners and throw rugs to help protect your hardwood kitchen floor from direct sunlight.

Hardwood floors can dent and scratch over time, so it’s important to consider refinishing your kitchen floor every ten years or so.

Professional Flooring in Palm Beach and Broward County

Replacing and installing new kitchen floors isn’t an easy, one-man job. New floors are a long-term investment, and you deserve a professional flooring company designed with your home in mind.

At Foundation Flooring, we provide our clients with the best name brands in the industry.

We offer professional floor installation and replacement services customized to meet the specific needs and concerns of your home, from ceramic tiles to hardwood floors, to everything in between.

If you’re looking to up the selling point of your home, let Foundation Flooring be your solution.

We guarantee the highest quality flooring materials at affordable rates that work for you.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are readily available to help you every step of the way, from planning the floor design to the fast and efficient installation and replacement services you can depend on.

Let us help you add value, style, and a strong foundation to your next home improvement project. For custom flooring services in Palm Beach and Broward County, trust Foundation Flooring.

Be sure to check out our Blowout Deals page for more information on our latest specials, or visit our showroom to learn more about our custom flooring services.

Discover the Foundation Flooring difference when you call (954) 637-0732 today!

March 19, 2019 by foundationfloo

Selecting the proper flooring for your home office is important, particularly if you spend a great deal of time there. While it should be comfortable, you don’t want to clutter it as the purpose of office space is to increase your productivity.

The flooring you choose should be strong and flexible, and you should also consider the amount of foot traffic it will receive as well as its required maintenance.

No flooring material is perfect, and each will have its pros and cons so let’s take a look at these popular options for home offices:

Hardwood Flooring

Those looking for a touch of style won’t go wrong with hardwood. It is classic and sophisticated, simple to maintain and will impress guests and business partners.

The downside to this type of flooring is that exotic woods can be costly and difficult to acquire, and they can be vulnerable to scratching and damage.

Tile Flooring

Tile has become very popular in recent years, and for a good reason. It offers a stylish appearance combined with affordability and feels good to walk on. However, these advantages come with a number of downsides.

Tile is difficult to install and this should only be done by an expert. It can be noisy when people walk or roll things along with it, and those who will be working with lots of electronic equipment in their home office will need to invest in mats that have antistatic properties.

Carpet Flooring

Carpet appears in many home offices worldwide because it provides multiple benefits. It absorbs heat well which means it is an ideal solution for home offices that are located in places that receive cold winters.

Because carpet is the softest flooring material this means that objects which fall on it have a reduced likelihood of breaking or sustaining damage. It is also highly affordable and widely available.

However, carpets are vulnerable to the buildup of pollen and dirt when not cleaned regularly, and they are also vulnerable to stains or odors if objects are spilled on them.

It may also be more difficult to pull, push or roll objects across carpet flooring when compared to other flooring materials.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is used in many home offices due to its stylish appearance and reasonable price. It also provides great ease of maintenance and can be purchased in a wide array of styles. Unlike carpet and hardwood, it is not vulnerable to moisture.

However, laminate can be time-consuming to install, and the planks will typically need the protection of a vapor barrier which must be placed beneath them.

Each person will differ when it comes to their tastes and needs regarding home office flooring. What works for one person may be completely incompatible with the needs of another.

Above all, the option you choose should boost your productivity, and it should feel as comfortable as the flooring you use in the bedroom.

After all, you will want a material that is aesthetically pleasing and yet which will allow you to perform the tasks you need to get done in the most timely and efficient manner possible.