Shawn Glines
Meet Shawn Glines, the dynamic owner of Znet Flooring and a seasoned veteran in the flooring industry. Shawn's journey began in his formative years, working alongside his father in various flooring installations. This early exposure to carpet, hardwood, ceramic tile, and laminate flooring laid the groundwork for his profound understanding of the trade.
In 1998, at just 19, Shawn embarked on an entrepreneurial path with his brother, leading their own installation crew. This experience was pivotal, shaping his business acumen and deepening his industry expertise.
Five years later, Shawn launched Expert Flooring Solutions in Las Vegas, a venture that started from the humble beginnings of selling and installing floors from his truck.
Shawn's career took an interesting turn between 2008 and 2012 when he pursued professional poker. The skills he developed during this period, particularly in risk assessment and strategic thinking, greatly enhanced his business approach upon his return to the flooring industry.
In 2013, Shawn played a key role in establishing a physical storefront for Expert Flooring Solutions, alongside Tom Rossi. Under his leadership, the store became renowned for its excellent customer service, quality installations, and the team's extensive product knowledge, particularly under the guidance of Keisha Elliott.
Transitioning in 2017, Shawn focused on Znet Flooring, an innovative e-commerce platform, extending his reach across the U.S. His extensive experience not only makes him adept at running a flooring company but also underscores his commitment to exceptional customer service and industry knowledge. Shawn's journey, marked by diverse experiences, positions him as a knowledgeable and passionate voice in the flooring world, ready to share his insights through his writing.
Installing New Floors: 7 Tips
Important Tips for Floor Installation
Floor installation can be time consuming and difficult if not done properly. These are some important strategies and tips for installing flawless floors.
The demand for new flooring has increased throughout the United States, and it's only going to continue to grow in the coming years.
If you've been considering installing a new floor in your home, now is the time to take action.
What's holding you back from installing a new floor? Are you worried about how time-consuming or complicated the process will be?
If this is the case for you, keep reading. Listed below are some helpful tips that will make floor installation go a bit smoother.
How-To: Install Your Own Laminate or Locking Vinyl Plank Flooring
Laminate and vinyl plank flooring is one of the best recent developments in DIY home improvement. This low-cost project requires few tools, little technical knowledge, and can be completed by a mildly experienced DIYer. Follow this step-by-step guide and learn how to choose and install laminate flooring yourself
Image courtesy of Armstrong Flooring
Installation "How To" for Floating Floors With a Locking System, Such as Laminate and Vinyl Plank
Thank you for taking a look at our installation guide for laminate and vinyl plank (with a locking system) flooring products. Hopefully we can answer many questions that you were searching the internet for and get you a better understanding of the process. We will have some recommended and required tool listings, desription of the correct processes, and ever a few videos.
As always fill free to contact us with any questions you may have or with anything we should add to this guide.
Your source for all your flooring needs!
Welcome to Znet Flooring's blog! We know flooring inside and out and your flooring resource whether you're a designer, contractor, do-it-yourselfer and/or home owner.
Whether you're searching for the latest in hardwood flooring or waterproof surfaces, a great tile for your application or carpet - we've got your covered. Shop the latest in flooring while researching colors and various applications for your next job. We'll include floor installation techniques, tips & tricks through new product introductions so you can be an informed customer.
Whenever you have questions, feel free to contact us direct. You can also post your questions here or start a chat with us. We're here to help.
The Importance of Undercutting for Your Flooring Project
Lets Talk About Undercutting
Professional installers will already know what to do and will have the tools. Typically you would want to at least undercut your door casings and door jambs so you can tuck your flooring underneath, allowing enough room for proper expansion and contraction (I suggest allowing 1/4" each direction, so the goal would be a 1/2" or more to be cut out). Some installers may even undercut stone, metal, and/or mortar; all of which can prove to be quite diffucult for your average homeowner, do-it-yourselfer, and even a less experienced handiman.
Pictures of Undercutting for Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
As you can see in the above photo, the flooring will not fit under the door casing and jamb, many homeowners and/or handymen will cut around the casings and it will look sloppy, for a more professional look:
In the above photo the casing and jamb were both cut so the flooring can slide underneath. Here are a few more photos of cut door casings and jambs:
The Tools Needed for Undercutting for a Professional Flooring Installation
Standard tools used to undercut (cutting objects not made of wood may require different blades), some may have more versatility allowing the homeowner to not feel they bought a tool for just one job, while others are quite specialized.
For a homeowner installing their own floor, I would suggest an oscillating multi-tool because they can likely find other uses for it around their home, in fact, they may already have one if they have done other home projects themselves.
Here is an inexpensive oscillating tool that might be ideal for someone who wont use it often:
Genesis GMT15A Multi-Purpose Oscillating Tool
Here is a more expensive oscillating tool that would be better if you planned on using it more often:
There are even inexpensive hand version of undercut saws. I grew up using these, they work pretty well, however if you have a lot of cutting to do it may take you a while:
This is a more specialized tool and it is more geared towards professionals who do a lot of undercutting, most professionals will carry the above saws with them as well, as some work better in certain situations than others:
Crain No. 835 Heavy-Duty Undercut Saw
Thanks guys for taking a look, if you guys have any questions about undercutting or installations in general please leave a comment or fill out our contact form, I love to talk flooring and emails are super easy to squeeze in. Also for more recommended tools, we have a few listed in this Installation 101 post.
Mohawk Hardwood Flooring
Mohawk Hardwood and Why You Should Have It
*Updated August 2022
Mohawk Hardwood Floors are Beautiful and Improve Your Home or Business.
Are you looking to renovate your beloved home? Or, perhaps you're looking to bring life to a newly purchased fixer-upper. Whatever your current situation is, if you're looking to buy new hardwood floors, then you need to consider Mohawk hardwood.
Mohawk hardwood flooring is absolutely stunning and brings life into all homes ranging from old fixer-uppers to modern houses in need of a warm and aesthetically pleasing floor. But don't stop there, Mohawk hardwood is great not only for homes but for offices and businesses as well. For those looking to replace frail and worn down flooring with beautiful and durable hardwood continue reading.
Here is a break down of Mohawk hardwood flooring and why your home or business needs it.
The Mohawk Difference: TecWood
Mohawk offers hardwood, also referred to as TecWood, in several different styles and colors. Because of this, we guarantee that there is something to match every person's style. But what makes Mohawk different from the rest?
Mohawk hardwood is specially engineered to be more durable, more stable, heavier, and flatter than other hardwoods. You'll find many types of woods in our Mohawk selection such as Maple, Hickory, Oak, and more. When it comes to the flooring industry, Mohawk hardwood is one of the most acknowledged brands.
If you're looking to purchase hardwood for your home or business, then it's a no-brainer: choose Mohawk's TecWood.
Mohawk Hardwood Options
There are so many hardwood options when it comes to Mohawk hardwood flooring. There are different colors, styles, and woods being used. This gives you a wide variety to choose from.
Listed below are just some of the options that you'll have. However, do keep in mind that this is not an exhausted list and is only used to show the wide variety available.
Sonora Hickory
The Sonora Hickory flooring has an eased beveled edge, the shade is a bit darker and has smooth surface type that is sawn. The gloss is matte and the finish is Mohawk's TruFinish. This hardwood pairs perfectly with dark neutral colors on the walls.
Java Birch
The Java Birch flooring has a lightly scraped surface. But don't let that fool you, these floors are bursting with character. In these, you'll notice mineral streaks, knots, and other unique characters.
Elkhound Hickory
Another great candidate to show off amazing characteristics is the Elkhound Hickory flooring. On these floors, you'll find natural cracks, knots, and splits. The gray and white tones available for this flooring goes perfectly with modern designs.
Dovetail Oak
Dovetail Oak is a clean shade of hardwood flooring with a matte finish. And because the matte finish does not reflect much light, it's hard to see any unnatural scratches or damage caused by normal wear and tear.
Why You Need Mohawk Hardwood Floors
With so many choices of hardwood floors, Mohawk TecWood makes the decision an easy one. Mohawk offers different collections that you can browse through and then select the right color, wood type, and style that best suits your home or business. And because Mohawk hardwood has Enhanced Engineered Core (EEC) technology, you won't have to worry about reliability.
Here at Znet Flooring, we offer you a wide variety of Mohawk hardwood flooring options at an affordable price. Be sure to browse through our selection and feel free to contact us with any questions and orders.
Don't forget to protect your wood flooring by putting self adhesive Felt Pads on the bottom of your furniture. If you are considering a DIY installation of your new Mohawk wood floor, it could be help to browse our installation posts.
Is DIY Flooring For You?
Installing Your Own Floor: A Brief Guide
Your home in need of new floors? Are you considering doing it yourself? Before you do, check out this guide to the basics of DIY flooring.
Did you know that installing new flooring can increase the value of your home?
Have you been wanting to re-do your floors but want to keep costs to a minimum? Are you hesitant to hire a professional?
Consider doing it yourself!
DIY flooring is more affordable and easier than ever. Even a novice with no prior experience can transform his or her floor and give the home a whole new look.
Whether you are thinking of selling your home or are still enjoying it, updating your floors can give your home increased aesthetic value. Something as seemingly small as a change in flooring can make an old house look brand new.
If you are thinking about doing it yourself, but aren't sure what you're doing, keep reading for our top tips and strategies.
Do Your Research
It's important to go into the process knowing that it won't be easy.
Even if you use simple materials, you will need to calculate carefully and cut precisely. If you've never done any home renovation projects yourself, flooring isn't exactly the best place to start.
However, it can be done right if you are up for a challenge and are willing to do some research. Doing it yourself could save you hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Watch plenty of how-to videos before you get started.
The most DIY friendly flooring types would be floating floors with a locking system, we have options in this category for hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring.
Buy the Flooring
Before you go crazy at the store, you need to determine what type of flooring you want to use.
Watch YouTube videos about installing that type of flooring. When you visit the flooring store to make your purchase, talk to the supplier to find out some important information.
Ask about the different warranties and ask for advice on acclimation, how to treat it, and how to install it.
Obtain the Right Tools
One of the most important ways to ensure your DIY flooring job will turn out like the pros is to make sure you are using the right tools.
Once you've decided on a type of flooring, research the types of tools you will need to install it or ask your supplier.
You can usually rent heavy-duty power tools that you might need from a local hardware store, so you don't have to worry about the cost of purchasing them. However if you tend to do other projects around your house, purchasing the tools could have a better long term value.
Have Realistic Expectations
Know that each type of flooring has a different method of installation.
Make sure you know what you are doing before you get started and be realistic about your expectations. Be prepared and know that your project may take longer than you think.
YouTube videos will give you a great idea of how to install your floor, but if you are a first-time floor installer, things might take some time. Depending on the size of your area and the type of flooring you choose, it can take several days to install your floor.
Need More Help with DIY Flooring?
If you have decided to give DIY flooring a try and aren't sure of your next steps, reach out to us, we can probably point you in the right direction.
Contact us today for help getting started.
Tips For Cleaning and Maintaining Your Laminate Floor
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is always a great choice for your home. You have the option to choose from several wood-inspired patterns, giving you an alternative to an actual hardwood floor. Laminate is also affordable enough to fit most budgets.
On top of the beauty and budget-friendly price, a laminate floor has a protective surface that makes it more resistant to scratches, the sun and wear and tear. However, you still need to put in the work to maintain its appearance and durability. Use the following tips to clean and maintain your laminate floor.
Choosing a Laminate Floor: 8 Key Reasons to Choose Shaw
The 8 Key Reasons to Choose Shaw Laminate Flooring
There can be several reasons to choose shaw laminate flooring.
In 2017, the hardwood flooring market rose 2% to reach $3.49 billion. Laminate flooring enjoyed a 3.3% increase to reach $988 million.
And there are good reasons why the laminate flooring industry is growing. They're eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and durable.
But there are lots of different products to choose from which makes it difficult for homeowners to make a decision. We're big fans of Shaw laminate flooring and for good reasons.
Keep reading to learn nine key reasons why when it comes to hardwood flooring, there's a definite Shaw advantage.
1. Shaw Laminate Flooring Has a Great Reputation
Shaw Industries is based in the United States. They've enjoyed a great reputation because they're known for selling quality products.
They're are a Fortune-500 company that employs over 22,000 people and enjoys over $6 billion in sales annually.
Dedicated to Customer and Employees
Shaw is a company known for providing excellent flooring options to their customers. They're also dedicated to providing better futures for their employees.
In fact, in 2019, it was named by Forbes magazine as one of the best employers by state. And it was named one of the best places for diversity.
Shaw is Synonymous with Flooring
Shaw has been making floors in the US for quite a while, there is a solid chance your grandparents had Shaw carpet in their house. Back then they only made carpeting, they since expanded into most subcategories of flooring. Shaw knows flooring well and most people looking at flooring have heard of Shaw.
2. You Have Options with Shaw Laminate Flooring
Every household has different wants, needs, and budgets. That's why Shaw laminate flooring is difficult to beat.
Color and Texture Varieties
Shaws offers many different laminate styles with hundreds of looks with different color and texture choices:
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Rustic
- Traditional
- Grays
- Browns
- Lights
- Darks
- Smooth
- Textured
- Handscraped
- Wirebrushed
Pet, and Kid-Friendly Options
For those with kids, pets, allergies or asthma, Shaw's laminate flooring is a perfect choice, as it is easy to maintain and difficult to damage.
3. Shaw Flooring Laminate is Budget-Friendly
Of all the different types of flooring, laminate flooring is the most budget-friendly. While porcelain tile flooring can cost you between $8 to $15, laminate flooring only costs between $3 to $7 per square foot.
And thanks to the locking technologies, it's an easy and quick installation process. It's even possible to make it a DIY project, bring costs down even lower.
Reduce Waste to Save Money
Factor in 5%-10% of waste when installing your laminate floors. However, the more you carefully plan and properly layout your materials, the easier it is to reduce a lot of excess garbage.
Remember that square rooms will have less waste than rooms with curves, alcoves, closets, and corners. You can minimize waste in those areas by using small, cut pieces inside rarely seen areas.
4. Flooring That's Durable and Long-Lasting
Shaw flooring laminate is a highly durable option for any area in your home that receives a high amount of traffic. It will last much longer than most other types of flooring in your home.
Most products come with warranties that last anywhere from 10-to-50 years. That helps provide you with the peace of mind that you're buying the right flooring product for your home.
Resistant to Everyday Life
It's also more resistant to scratches and dents than most other types of flooring making it the perfect choice to install in kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and even playrooms.
It's so durable that it can endure up to 1,200 pounds of pressure per square inch.
5. Eco-Friendly Products
For those searching for eco-friendly flooring options, Shaw laminate flooring is a great option. Laminate flooring is a composite material.
Made from Post-Consumer Wood Products
It's made of wood chips, sawdust, and other post-consumer wood products. As a result, there's no need to harvest raw materials in order to make laminate boards.
Also, since no natural resources are being used, there's no need to ship the material across the glove to reach your flooring supplier. That lowers the carbon footprint of laminate flooring as well.
High-Quality Appearance
The flooring looks like traditional wood because a wood-grain image is applied over the top of the composite. Those who invest in higher quality laminate flooring will enjoy the elegant look of natural wood grain without the high cost associated with hardwood flooring.
Less Chemicals
Laminate doesn't use glues or adhesives thanks to the interlocking system.
It's incredibly easy to clean, meaning you don't need as many harsh cleaning chemicals to keep your laminate floors looking shiny and new. And, unlike carpet, it won't trap in allergens.
Reusable
When it comes time to make a change in your flooring, you can easily remove laminate flooring without damaging the boards. This enables you to reuse them in another room.
6. It's Easy to Care for
It's incredibly easy to maintain and care for your flooring once it's been installed. The laminate makes it easy to clean up spills and messes made by pets or children.
You can usually just use a damp, clean cloth to easily wipe up any spills. However, carefully read cleaning instructions to ensure the quality of your floors for as long as possible, and never leave your laminate floor wet.
Easy to Clean Up Solids and Liquids
If you find wax or chewing gum on the floor, simply freeze it using an ice cube and then use a credit card or other type of soft plastic to remove it from the floor.
Nail polish remover on a clean cloth will quickly remove liquids such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink or tar from your floors.
7. Repel Is Water and Moisture Resistant
Even if you're single, accidents and spills happen. But if you have kids and/or pets, those accidents tend to happen more often.
Thankfully, there is an option with laminate flooring that is water and moisture resistant. Repel Laminate from Shaw lets you have the extra time you may need in order to clean up those spills.
That means your beautiful flooring stays stunning.
8. Easy Installation Process
Shaw does a great job of carefully explaining the installation process so have a better understanding of the process. This is helpful to you and whomever you choose to install your flooring.
You'll need to order your laminate flooring so it arrives at least 48 hours before you plan to have them installed. The flooring needs time to acclimate to the environment.
For more information on laminate flooring installation, please check out this blog post.
LocNPlace and Angle/Tap
With Shaw's laminate flooring, they come equipt with LocNPlace (2G), LocNPlace with clips (5G), or Angle/Tap locking systems. LocNPlace is actually the Valinge system which is well known and a favorite amongst installers. There's no curing time so you can walk on your new floors immediately after installation.
Talk to Us About Shaw Laminate Flooring
Shaw laminate flooring offers so many advantages from eco-friendly options to being remarkably budget-friendly. It's hard not to want to invest in this type of flooring for many rooms in your home.
But with so many styles and colors, finding exactly what you want and need can get overwhelming. We're here to help. Contact us and we'll help you find your perfect match.
Looking for flooring that can handle pets, spills, and the chaos of daily life without losing its charm? You want something that looks great with your decor, offers plenty of style choices, and feels high-end in every room. Plus, it should be easy to install, safe, and last for years. Sounds impossible? Not with Mohawk's SolidTech. As a trusted name in flooring, Mohawk delivers premier waterproof options that tick all these boxes. Discover why so many families love Mohawk SolidTech.