Month: October 2017

Laminate flooring has come a long way since the 1970s. While it was always affordable—and still is today—its looks left a lot to be desired. However, design advances have transformed laminate into one of the most popular flooring choices on the market. Homeowners are now turning to the realistic good looks of laminate to create absolutely stunning spaces.

How Laminate Flooring Has Changed

Technological innovations in the past few years have made laminate flooring the next big trend in flooring. It has gone from “second choice” to “sought after” thanks to advances in design and functionality. The look of laminate flooring is more realistic than ever. In fact, it’ hard to tell the difference between high-quality laminate and solid hardwood just by looking at it. Plus, laminate not only mimics hardwood, it can also take on the look of stone tiles.

The realism of the design is not only limited to its looks. Laminate’s surface can range from simple to intricate. Brushed or handscraped textures are possible, as are glossy and matte finishes. Planks have evolved too. You can now select longer and wider planks. If you choose a more exotic looking floor with lots of detail, wider planks will highlight its unique features. For wood grains that are subtle, choose narrower boards.

Hardwood vs. Laminate

Looks are no longer a differentiating factor in the hardwood/laminate debate, but what about performance? In most areas, laminate outperforms hardwood. It’s more durable—withstanding heavy traffic and it’s also easier to clean and maintain.

It isn’t a surprise that laminate costs less than hardwood. You can stretch a laminate budget further than hardwood, meaning you can get more exotic looks and still be comfortable with the cost.

Versatility

Even if a plank gets damaged, it’s easily repaired, that is if it’s a TORLYS smart floor. Thanks to the TORLYS Bulldog™ Easy Plank Replacer, you can remove individual planks and replace them without any mess or fuss. That’s true of any TORLYS smart floor.

Cleaning up after a spill is relatively easy. The key to long-lasting floors is to clean up messes, especially liquid spills, immediately. Laminate floors can also build up static, but regular sweeping or vacuuming will prevent unnecessary shocks.

Design & Options

TORLYS has made breathtaking breakthroughs in laminate flooring. These industry-leading innovations range from design and application to installation. TORLYS is always ahead of trend when it comes to patterns and hues. This year’s star: Chevron. This nostalgic pattern is bold and makes an immediate impact in a space. When used correctly, it can even create a wavy and calm feeling. If you want to create a feature wall in your home, you can even install our chevron floors on the wall!

The installation of TORLYS flooring on walls requires the use of adhesive and nails. We recommend using baseboards and crown moulding to cover the floor and ceiling edges of the floor. To complete the look, you can use a wood trim painted in an accent colour to frame the sides. If you’re installing the wall/floor yourself, begin by lying the planks on the floor first.

Floor-to-wall application is not the only laminate innovation from TORLYS. You can now install TORLYS laminate transition-free *. That means no more transitions in doorways or long hallways! The flow from room-to-room is seamless, allowing for a cleaner, flawless design.

*  Transition-free installation does not apply to Lexington collection.

New Looks in Laminate

Great looks. Great price. Amazing new applications. When you choose a TORLYS laminate floor, there isn’t a look you can’t achieve with the budget you have. All our laminate collections feature on-trend designer styles and colours. With transition-free flooring, new installation techniques and longer, wider planks, TORLYS laminate is making its way into every home.

Are you ready to see TORLYS laminate flooring in person? Visit your local TORLYS dealer or order a flooring sample today. You can also use our new room visualizer to preview what TORLYS floors will look like in your home!

Whether it’s a home in the city or a cabin in the woods, one of today’s hot renovation trends is to maximize living space. Rather than endure moving, ambitious renovators are taking down walls, installing bigger windows and changing out old patio doors with double glass doors or sliders. The result is an open airy space with better traffic flow and lots of room for family and friends to gather.

However, with every renovation benefit comes a challenge or two to overcome. Depending on the finishing materials, oversize rooms can lose acoustic qualities. They also tend to become a little drafty. Even if energy efficient windows and doors are installed, an expanded great room with more windows will be cooler. To maintain comfort (and avoid cold feet), install surfaces that are textured, soft or have insulating qualities.

Cozy Up Your Fabric

Upholstery fabrics like chenille, velvet or cotton twill are soft to the touch and wonderfully comfortable.

Pillows, Throws and Scatter Mats

You can never have too many soft accessories in a family room. Toss cushions and throws encourage afternoon naps while scatter mats keep the chill of tile or hardwood floor at bay.

Ultimate in Beauty and Warmth – TORLYS CorkWood™

Until recently, the only hardwood options were real wood or a laminate version of wood. Both are great options in terms of style, but neither promote terrific acoustics or add warmth under foot. Cork, on the other hand, is a natural material known for its sound absorption qualities, resilience and heat retention.

Good news! TORLYS just introduced an amazing line of gorgeous cork flooring featuring hardwood-style planks! The collection is called CorkWood, and its floors combine the beauty of wood, the resilience of laminate and all the comfort and warmth of cork.

Want to install TORLYS CorkWood in your home? Visit your local TORLYS dealer today!