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AC Rating System Laminate Flooring

AC Rating System: Understanding Your Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring remains to be a very popular choice among homeowners, with reason. Its functionality, resistance to moisture, and easy to maintain quality makes it an excellent flooring option for both residential and commercial spaces. However, there’s more to consider about laminate flooring than just the looks of it. Apart from appearance, one of the most important qualities of any flooring is durability. How well can it sustain foot traffic and stand the test of wear, tear, and time? When searching for the perfect laminate flooring, you’ll want to consider its AC rating, which stands for abrasion class. An AC rating measures the durability of laminate flooring. It indicates how well the laminate can withstand and resist impact, abrasion, stains, moisture, and burns. When shopping for laminate, it is beneficial to understand what each AC rating signifies and how to determine which is best for you home.

AC Rating System

The AC rating system initially began with the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF), and has now become a worldwide standard to measure durability. The AC rating scale divides into two groups or applications: residential and commercial. Each group is broken down into traffic intensity levels. Starting from least to most durable, the levels are moderate, general, and heavy.

Residential

  • AC1: Suitable for moderate foot traffic. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets.
  • AC2: Suitable for general foot traffic. Typically recommended for dining rooms, living rooms, or kitchens.
  • AC3: Suitable for heavy foot traffic. This rating is durable enough for all areas of your home, especially rooms that receive the most traffic.

Commercial

  • AC4: Suitable for moderate/general foot traffic in commercial spaces. This includes small offices, hotel rooms, cafés, salons, or boutiques.
  • AC5: Suitable for heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces. This type of laminate is most recommended for public buildings, department stores, warehouses, busy offices, etc.)

The higher the AC rating, the more durable the flooring. For this reason, AC1-AC3 laminate are the most recommended for homes. So, you can achieve both durability and comfort with these available options.

Determining AC Rating

In order to determine AC rating, laminate flooring goes through rigorous testing, known as the Taber Test. There are many elements that manufacturers keep in mind when testing the durability of laminate. Conducting the Taber test allows manufacturers to produce high quality flooring that is free from defects and proves to maintain superior performance.

Taber tests involve mounting a flat specimen onto a a platform that rotates at a fixed speed. Depending on the material being rotated, manufacturers are able to determine how well the laminate can sustain itself. The ability for laminate to pass the resistance test will establish its AC rating. Otherwise, if the laminate fails to pass, it will be labeled “unrated.” In other words, it is not a reliable flooring for residential and commercial areas.

Shopping for Laminate

Most homeowners assume that the thicker and more durable the laminate, the better for their home in terms of longevity. However, this is not always true. While there are durability benefits to higher rated laminate, there are also higher benefits to using AC1-AC3 laminate over higher ratings when it comes to your home. The higher the rating, the rougher and harder the texture is on the surface. Tough-standing floors are an excellent option for busy commercial traffic. However, high rated laminate is not recommended in homes, as it will provide discomfort underfoot and throughout the body overtime. For this reason, AC1-AC3 laminate gives homeowners flexibility when choosing the right material, while still being sufficiently durable to last. Have a plan of where you want to install the laminate flooring. This will make the shopping and decision process as smooth as possible

Benefits of Laminate

Laminate flooring is a versatile, environmentally friendly choice that is affordable and easy to maintain. It comes in a variety of styles, such as the simulated look of hardwood, ceramic, and natural stone. Laminate flooring is reusable and offers hassle-free installation. It is able to withstand UV rays, stiletto heels, furniture legs, cleaning solutions, and much more, as the flooring is fade, chemical, burn, wear, impact, and scratch resistant. Additionally, it can resist mold and mildew growth. At Go Mobile Flooring, we can install laminate over any existing flooring with the exception of carpet. 

The Go Mobile Flooring Variety

Every home speaks for itself when it comes to interior design and we have plenty of options readily available to homeowners. We maintain relationships with the best laminate flooring manufacturers in the country, and strive to educate our clients about their flooring options whenever possible. Not only do we believe in having the best laminate flooring manufacturers as partners, but we also believe in educating you in your decision. This process happens in three ways:

You can rely on our team of experts to guide you through your next project. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns regarding your home and are happy to help you reach your renovation dreams. Contact us today to get started!

Easy to Clean Flooring-Porcelain Wood-Look Tiles

Easy to Clean Flooring: Porcelain Wood-Look Tiles

Quality is essential when it comes to the interior design of your home. In today’s age, you’ll be lucky to find plenty of flooring options that come in a variety of colors and styles. Even flooring such as wood-look tiles! Yes, you can venture with durable quality tiles that have the appearance of wood to achieve an elegant and chic design for your home. Generally, tile flooring is easier to maintain than hardwood, as it can withstand moisture and chemical disinfectants without significant damage. We’ve got your back at Go Mobile Flooring. Here are the benefits of porcelain wood-look tiles!

Quality of Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is more durable and scratch resistant than other varieties. Being resistant to stains, porcelain is a great option for kitchen and bathroom spaces. Significantly, porcelain tiles will sustain long-term durability and appearance. In addition, cleaning porcelain is quite easy considering it is moisture resistant. For homeowners seeking high quality flooring with little effort to upkeep, porcelain serves as an excellent option.

Wood-Look Tiles

Porcelain wood-look tiles present a great deal of opportunities in the design world. Because hardwood is such a popular choice among homeowners, there is also the option of achieving the sophistication of wood in high-moisture areas. During renovation, consider a space that will look great and will also work. In other words, be open to the innovation of building materials. Particularly, wood grain porcelain tile.

Style of Porcelain Wood-Look Tiles

The wooden pattern on the porcelain tiles have tremendous detail. Additionally, they come in various colors and designs. There are tiles that emulate traditional hand-scraped textures, glossy finishes, as well as distressed. All depending on preference, there is a design out there to suit your style. This means you’re able to enjoy the appearance of your favorite hardwood with the easy maintenance of tile flooring.

Start Your Project

All is available at Go Mobile Flooring. Whether it’s quality, style, diversity, or customer service, our main goal is to satisfy you! Visit our website to see our many flooring options. Our variety includes hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet! We bring our mobile showroom, which includes our flooring selections, to homes in the Tampa Bay area. Contact us now for more information on future projects!

Stone-Look Porcelain Tiles

Stone-Look Porcelain Tiles

In the flooring world, porcelain tiles remain a great alternative to other options such as marble or granite. With its ability to mimic other materials while still being affordable, tile could be the touch that’s missing in your kitchen or bathroom. Most tiles are man-made materials that are both showy and durable. So, if you are considering a home renovation, you’re in the right place!

Why Consider Stone-Look Tiles?

Whatever your style preference may be, it most likely exists in the tile world. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, tile has the power to create an atmosphere of elegance and simplicity all throughout your home. Unlike many stone materials, stone-look porcelain tile requires much less maintenance. Not to mention, they are highly resistant to wear and busy traffic, so consider it for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Also, you can’t go wrong with tile when it comes to satisfying your home furnishings. Simple yet sophisticated, tile will appeal to just about any area in your home.

Qualities of Stone-Look Porcelain Tiles

Most people like the idea of natural stone. But a majority of homeowners are drawn to the fact that some man-made tiles can resemble the same stone materials for an equally satisfying yet more affordable price. What sets tiles apart are their versatility, durability, and maintenance.

Versatility

When installing the tile of your choice, you can also determine its finish. Choose between a polished or matte surface to create a design that fits best in the overall room. Some stone materials that porcelain tiles can resemble include slate, travertine, granite, or marble. Both a smooth or rough surface will help to mimic the real stone appearance.

Durability

Porcelain tiles are the result of porcelain clay fired at a high temperature. What comes of that process is density that tolerates not only weather conditions, but areas in your home with heavy traffic. Porcelain is particularly worthy of outdoor patios, decks, or walkways. Areas in your home that pick up outdoor residue, such as the foyer or mudroom, also apply.

Maintenance

To begin with, tile’s low moisture absorbency allows for easy maintenance when it comes to wiping spills or other messy mishaps. Given their fantastic durability, it’s no wonder that porcelain tiles are so easy to maintain. Tile materials are typically scratch resistant, which eliminates the possibility of bacteria building up within the material. So, if the kitchen is your best friend, tile flooring or countertops will reduce the hassle of spills and cleanup.

Stone Tile Replicas

Porcelain Tile has the advantage of mimicking many different stone materials. If you are looking for elegance with better maintenance and a lower price, invest in porcelain stone-look tiles that resemble the look of the following materials:

  • Carrara Marble
  • Siena Marble
  • Green Marble
  • Ledgestone

Go Mobile Flooring is Prepared

The process of looking for the best way to design your home takes much thought. By choosing Go Mobile Flooring, you won’t need to do it all alone. In fact, we are committed to serving you whether that means answering your questions, helping you choose the right material, or installing it in your home. We have a mobile showroom consisting of all the materials you may consider. Give us a call today or contact us online to get started.

Natural Quartzite Countertops As an Alternative For Your Home

Natural Quartzite Countertops As an Alternative For Your Home

Everyone loves a nice kitchen or bathroom. With the right cabinetry and countertops, you can transform the whole room. When choosing a countertop, there’s no better option than using the material that works best for you. How exactly do you come to that conclusion, though? There are endless countertop preferences to consider. If you want to invest in something that guarantees style, durability, and natural substance, quartzite countertops are an excellent choice! What makes quartzite so unique? In what ways will it benefit your home? The following information will show you how quartzite can be a great option for your kitchen!

Benefits of Quartzite

Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone formed beneath earth’s surface. Its natural formation gives it an intricate design with earth-toned colors. One benefit of quartzite countertops is its similarity to marble. Although they may look alike, quartzite is far more durable. In fact, quartzite is popular for its lasting durability. Unlike other countertops, quartzite has a harder surface that prevents it from easily etching. Even with its tough build, quartzite is also capable of being scratched. Keep this precaution in mind when dealing with sharp objects in the kitchen. Another great benefit of quartzite is that it is UV and heat resistant. So it is a perfect choice for an outdoor setting, or in a room that receives natural light.

Sealing & Maintenance

Quartzite countertops are long-lasting and easy to maintain. However, they’re also porous depending on the type and can be prone to absorbing spills overtime. For this reason, it’s recommended that you seal the surface. Sometimes it won’t be necessary, but it is a good route just to stay on the safe side. Once you’ve sealed the surface, you’ll find the maintenance process to be much easier.

Do’s

  • Regularly wipe down quartzite countertops.
  • Use a microcloth to dust off the countertops.
  • Clean up directly after a mess and spills.
  • Use mild detergents for cleaning.

Dont’s

  • Stay away from acidic and acetic bases. They can slowly deteriorate sealants and wear out the quartzite, giving it a dull outlook overtime.
  • Do not use harsh scouring pads.
  • Do not use sharp metals for cleaning.

Color Options

Quartzite is created from heated sand in earth’s surface, so it typically ranges from white, cream, beige, or grey colored bases. Depending on the minerals and iron oxide found underground, some of the stones may be composed of red, blue, green, yellow, and even pink hues! Colors vary depending on the type and age of the quartzite. You will find that there is an interesting set of colors. Azul Macaubas (one type of quartzite) has a beige colored base with smears of cream and blue. Amazonite quartzite has an array of white, green, and pink shades. And Prada quartzite contains grey, tan, and cream colored streaks. You can have fun choosing the color option that fits best with your home.

Quartzite vs. Quartz

Often times, these two stones get mixed up. Because they sound alike, people automatically think they are the same. But in reality, they are entirely different. Quartz countertops are essentially a man-made material, whereas quartzite countertops are an all-natural stone. According to the Moh’s mineral hardness scale, quartzite is classified between a 7 and 8, which is slightly harder than quartz. A key difference between these two countertops is that quartzite, as stated above, is heat resistant. The resin and surface of quartz countertops can only sustain a certain amount of heat and may melt at high temperatures. Quartzite is a better alternative if durability is your priority. For further information, check out a previous Go Mobile Flooring article on Trendy Kitchen Countertops.

Explore Your Options With Go Mobile Flooring

Go Mobile Flooring carries a wide array of quartzite countertops for your kitchen. So if you are looking to get quartzite countertops, make sure you check out our options! Our company aims to exceed your expectations with our abundant service, so when it comes to a new project, you are never alone. Our Go Mobile Flooring installation and scheduling teams work together to give you the home you’ve always dreamed of. All materials are custom ordered and sourced directly from manufacturers, just for you! Give us a call at (813) 605-1188, or simply contact us to get started on your next project!

Manufacturer Spotlight Daltile Stone

Manufacturer Spotlight: Daltile Stone

With the help of our manufacturers, Go Mobile Flooring is able to provide the best quality flooring. Being #1 in the Tampa Bay area, we work hard to satisfy our customers. We are proud to partner with Daltile, the largest ceramic tile manufacturer in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. Daltile was founded in 1947 in Dallas, Texas. The company carries a rich history through the manufacture of ceramics, mosaics, porcelain, quarry tile, and a variety of stone products. With its durability and easy maintenance, stone has become one of the most popular flooring options. Here are some of the beneficiary factors of Daltile and stone products.Manufacturer Spotlight Daltile Stone

Why Choose Daltile?

With its abundant selections, Daltile is the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of ceramic tile and natural stone. There are 56 collections of stone tile you can choose from. Daltile provides an unparalleled assortment of elegant tile and stone products and a wide range of looks that’ll suit any taste. On top of all that, their exceptional warranties are further proof of product quality. Available both domestically and internationally, Daltile has the most comprehensive single-source tile and stone installation warranty in the nation.

The Benefits of Stone Flooring

Deciding on flooring options is one of the most important aspects when it comes to your home. Keep in mind that the floor you choose will act as a base. Therefore, it will determine how you go about decorating the rest of your living space. Stone can meet the needs of many different style preferences. With its diversity in colors, textures, and patterns, there is a finish that will fit every home. Stone tile is not only durable but also moisture resistant. These qualities make it the perfect fit for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or homes with children or pets. Learn more about stone tile in this previous Go Mobile Flooring article.

Earth and Environmentally Friendly

Daltile advocates the use of earth-friendly, recycled materials to manufacture their products. In fact, more than 98% of the manufactured products contain pre-consumer recycled materials. Additionally, Daltile has helped prevent an average of over 175 million lbs. per year from ending up in our nation’s landfills. One of Daltile’s missions is to ensure that all processes are as environmentally responsible as possible.

Trust Go Mobile Flooring

When preparing for a home remodeling project, you should always trust the experts. Go Mobile Flooring will bring a mobile showroom to your Tampa neighborhood including Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco county communities. Our installation team will be more than happy to help you through the process. Check out all our selections and give us a call today.

The Best Flooring for Cold Weather

Best Flooring Options for Cold Weather

Waking up to a cold flooring surface can be irritating. As the cold weather climate approaches, it is important to consider different ways to keep you and your family warm throughout the season. Remembering to stock up on winter apparel is easy. But other factors such as the perfect flooring, however, will only make for a warmer experience at home. Below are some of the best flooring options for cold weather to consider this winter.The Best Flooring for Cold Weather

Carpet

Carpet flooring is perhaps the easiest solution to warming up your home. It will insulate the room from heat loss and help save you and your family from pricy costs related to heating your home. In addition, carpet serves as other benefits such as comfort and style. Carpet will provide a comfy surface to walk, sit, or lay on as opposed to other hard flooring options. Unfortunately, carpet flooring can result in issues with maintenance. Consider investing in comfortable rugs that suit the ambiance of your home as an alternative.

Vinyl

When accompanied by padded underlayment, vinyl flooring presents great insulation and will prevent chilly flooring surfaces. Vinyl can come in tile-like or hardwood-like forms as well as flexible sheets. These types of flooring are water-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain. Due to its variability, vinyl is easily one of the best flooring options for cold weather.

Radiant Below Surface Heating Systems

When paired with the right flooring options, radiant below surface heating systems will guarantee a warm environment against the winter weather climate. The idea of these heating systems is to transmit heat directly onto to your flooring surface as well as in the atmosphere in which it is installed. Tile is a great conductor of heat therefore working well with radiant below surface heating. Check out a previous Go Mobile Flooring article on heated flooring in your bathroom.

Underlayment

Underlayment such as foam, cork, or rubber will not only present better comfort but will also help to insulate heat and sound.  It also provides moisture control which is great against the damage of the rainy and snowy conditions you may encounter throughout the winter. Even though snow in Florida is unlikely, these flooring options for cold weather will be just as beneficial for living conditions up north or in areas prone to snow.

Go Mobile Flooring Showroom

Visit our website or contact Go Mobile Flooring today for more information on flooring options for cold weather. Explore our varieties and find out what best suits your home. We will gladly bring our mobile showroom to neighborhoods in the Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco county areas.

 

A Parent's Guide to Kid-Friendly Flooring Options

A Parent’s Guide to Kid-Friendly Flooring Options

When it comes to flooring options, one must consider many things. As important as it is to install flooring that blends well with your style and home ambiance, comfort is just as crucial. Especially if you have little ones roaming around the house. For rooms that get a lot of activity from children, it is essential to know which kid-friendly flooring options to choose from. Consider flooring that is durable enough to withstand constant usage without damage. The following kid-friendly flooring options will be great preferences for your home.A Parent's Guide to Kid-Friendly Flooring Options

Carpet

The soft and comfortable benefits of carpet make it an easy option for kid-friendly flooring. With all their playing and falling, your young ones will be safer as opposed to other hard surface flooring. As forgiving as carpet can be, make sure to regularly clean your carpets to avoid accumulated dirt and dust from forming. The cleaner the environment, the healthier your child will be. Whether you are decorating a nursery or living room, consider carpet flooring for your home.

Hardwood

Although certain hardwood flooring can be non-scratch resistant and subject to wear and tear, there are many routes you can take to ensure a safe and complacent environment for kids. The benefits of hardwood flooring are its abilities to last long and be easy to clean. Though the surface may not be the safest kid-friendly flooring option, you can consider purchasing stylish rugs or play mats to do the job. Also, some hardwood have natural dents and scratches which makes accidental scratches less obvious.

Laminate

Being abundant in styles and colors, easy to clean, and durable, laminate is another possibility for kid-friendly flooring options. Laminate provides stylish luxury to your home while still granting safety and scratch-resistant benefits for areas that undergo constant movement. Laminate flooring is also very easy to install and goes well in just about any room of your home! If you’re stuck between hardwood and tile, laminate is an alternative. Laminate has a more comfortable surface than pure hardwood, is often times more affordable, and most importantly, is safer for young children to play on. Consider laminate and have some fun choosing your design.

Visit Go Mobile Flooring

At Go Mobile Flooring, we have many selections you and your family can choose from. We also bring our mobile showroom to neighborhoods in the Tampa Area. Visit our website and explore your options today. Contact us and get started on preparing your kid-friendly flooring space.

3 Things to Consider When Selecting New Floors

3 Things to Consider When Selecting New Floors

Few aspects of your home will make more of an impression than your floors. Often, it’s the first thing people see when entering a home. The right type of flooring can easily set the tone of an interior space. Wood flooring often infuses a room with warmth, while carpet color can make an impression, and tile can be selected to fulfill a design aesthetic. Consider some of the points below when selecting new floors for your home.

3 Things to Consider When Selecting New Floors

Durability

Flooring is the one aspect of your home that will receive the most use. Especially in high foot traffic areas, like entryways, mudrooms, stairs and hallways, you want to be sure you use durable materials. Tile, carpet tiles and wood are all good options for more durable choices. Cork and bamboo are newer choices known for their durability and are also considered sustainable and eco-friendly.

Cost

Obviously, different types of flooring are available at different price points. Your choice of floor materials, when in the midst of home building or redecorating, will probably depend more on cost than any other factor. Unless of course, you have a bottomless piggy bank. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a more expensive floor type, especially if it will have less traffic, increasing the chances of it lasting longer. Selecting new floors is fun and cost efficient.

Flooring Design

Whether you’re looking for a bold color, a bold design or the ability to change either one, there is a type of flooring that fits your design aesthetic. However, it’s important to remember that flooring is fairly permanent. You want to be sure it’s something you can live with for at least a decade. You might find the novelty of a bright color wears off quickly. So think long-term.

Flooring is a huge investment whether its part of a remodel or a new home build. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples so that you can try out the look of hardwood, carpet or tile before making a final decision.

Go Mobile Flooring, serving the Tampa Bay area, brings all types of flooring to your doorstep.

Contact us today for a free measurement, and start your journey to new flooring.