Forget what you thought you knew about vinyl flooring. The latest generation of luxury vinyl delivers high performance, a wide range of colors and textures, and excellent value for both the material and installation.
Our 100-square-foot, stand-alone studio had old, worn square plastic tiles. They were stained and beyond cleaning, so we stopped trying to keep them presentable. We’d long wanted to update the studio floor, but time and budget always got in the way.
A few months ago, Shaw Floors contacted us about their Floorte luxury vinyl collection and asked if we’d like to try it. Our studio immediately came to mind as the perfect spot for an upgrade and a refresh.
The room also needed new paint and a better layout, changes that wouldn’t make sense without new flooring, so we accepted the offer and planned the makeover around Floorte.
We selected a product from their Floorte luxury vinyl line, which includes 63 different styles and colors.
After requesting three samples, we settled on Mantua Plank in Elba. Mantua Plank comes in nine color options; we chose a light, neutral tone that complements our white walls and pale furniture. The wood grain and subtle color add depth and a touch of sophistication that our studio needed.
Beyond the look, we were impressed by the easy installation and waterproof performance. Floorte’s Fold-N-Go locking system is precision-engineered with advanced technology, making it simple to install while remaining strong and durable.
Floorte is flexible and installs as a floating floor, which helps conceal minor imperfections in the subfloor and reduces the amount of prep work required.
Our concrete subfloor had some uneven areas, but Floorte covered them well and the seams fit tightly with no visible gaps. The waterproof feature is especially reassuring—spills happen, and we don’t want to worry about permanent stains or water damage.
Preparing the Room
The first step was clearing the room completely. After eight years in the space, clutter had accumulated, so removing everything gave us a chance to sort and keep only what we needed.
With the room emptied, we painted before installing the new floor. We used Behr paint with primer and applied two fresh coats. Because we were removing the old tile, drop cloths weren’t necessary.
The walls still need more extensive repairs, but that’s a project for another time. Next, we pulled up the old tiles, which turned out to be easier than we expected.
Most of the adhesive had dried, so with a demolition bar we were able to lift the tiles easily. Very little residue remained on the bare concrete.
We swept and used a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris. It felt great to clear away years of buildup and know that new flooring was about to transform the room.
Come back soon to read about the Floorte installation—one of the simplest DIY projects we’ve tackled and the part of the renovation that truly finished the space.