Top 3 Mistakes Commercial Spaces Make When Making the Change! |
| Why are commercial environments making the change? There are a lot of advantages of LVT/ LVP. Commercial resilient products are low maintenance, without the waxing requirements of its predecessor, VCT. Spills are easy to wipe away with a paper towel or mop up with a micro-fiber mop. The variety of patterns allow for a minimal look or more variation to hide spills that aren't immediately addressed. When looking at making the change, most evaluate the products themselves, not their current environment. Isolating the material without evaluating the space can lead to undesirable results. Here are 3 things that should be considered before making a change from Carpet to LVT/ LVP to avoid unwanted results: |  |
1) Acoustics
One of the first noticeable changes in the environment of a space are the acoustics: how loud are the background noises of a space? Are there a lot of people in open spaces having phone conversations? Is there traffic noise? How many interruptions are there from people coming and going with doors opening and closing? Sound travels several ways: directly to your ears or it can bounce off surfaces until it dissipates. Soft surfaces help to minimize the sounds bouncing around, so as sounds travel to the carpet, they are dissipated by that soft surface. Removing that soft surface and replacing with a hard surface can create a louder environment than what occupants are used to hearing.
If acoustics are not considered before making the change from carpet to LVT, the noise and disruption level in a workspace may have a negative effect. If there are other soft surfaces in the space- ceiling tiles, fabric furniture, drapery, etc., the change to a hard surface may not be much of a change at all.
One of the first noticeable changes in the environment of a space are the acoustics: how loud are the background noises of a space? Are there a lot of people in open spaces having phone conversations? Is there traffic noise? How many interruptions are there from people coming and going with doors opening and closing? Sound travels several ways: directly to your ears or it can bounce off surfaces until it dissipates. Soft surfaces help to minimize the sounds bouncing around, so as sounds travel to the carpet, they are dissipated by that soft surface. Removing that soft surface and replacing with a hard surface can create a louder environment than what occupants are used to hearing.
If acoustics are not considered before making the change from carpet to LVT, the noise and disruption level in a workspace may have a negative effect. If there are other soft surfaces in the space- ceiling tiles, fabric furniture, drapery, etc., the change to a hard surface may not be much of a change at all.
 | 2) Level Subfloors All flooring forms to what it is being installed on, so what is under your existing carpet? Are there any additional layers of flooring hidden beneath the existing carpet? Do you have concrete or wood subfloors? How level are your floors? Do you have a lot of sunlight that will highlight subfloor imperfections? One advantage of carpet is that it can hide a multitude of subfloor sins, which prevent you from knowing exactly what is going on underneath. The only way to find out what is going on is to remove that carpet; however, partnering with a flooring specialist allows for additional investigating and planning on the front side to know more about what to expect on the final installation. Additional floor preparation may be needed and planned for before making the switch to make sure your new floor is as smooth as possible. |
3) Moisture
Whether moisture is spilled from the top or hiding in the subfloor, moisture can be a problem for LVT/ LVP. Traditional roll carpet is a breathable surface, allowing moisture to move through the material to evaporate; however, LVT/ LVP can trap moisture between the subfloor and the product, which can mean big problems. Care should be used in selecting an LVT/ LVP for kitchens, water filling stations, or other locations that have a lot of moisture and/or spill potential. Moisture that sits too long on the surface of the flooring can seep between seams and get trapped under the flooring. This can lead to adhesive and/or flooring failure. Subfloors, both wood and concrete, should also be tested prior to replacement for moisture levels to determine if moisture is present. Natural springs, poor drainage, missing vapor barriers, and other factors can cause moisture to reside in subfloors. Checking the moisture levels in the subfloor can prevent future issues with the LVT/ LVP floors.
Whether moisture is spilled from the top or hiding in the subfloor, moisture can be a problem for LVT/ LVP. Traditional roll carpet is a breathable surface, allowing moisture to move through the material to evaporate; however, LVT/ LVP can trap moisture between the subfloor and the product, which can mean big problems. Care should be used in selecting an LVT/ LVP for kitchens, water filling stations, or other locations that have a lot of moisture and/or spill potential. Moisture that sits too long on the surface of the flooring can seep between seams and get trapped under the flooring. This can lead to adhesive and/or flooring failure. Subfloors, both wood and concrete, should also be tested prior to replacement for moisture levels to determine if moisture is present. Natural springs, poor drainage, missing vapor barriers, and other factors can cause moisture to reside in subfloors. Checking the moisture levels in the subfloor can prevent future issues with the LVT/ LVP floors.
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5/9/2022 0 Comments
#WhereAreWe Wednesday
New Social Media Campaign Launching May 11, 2022
Lucas Commercial Flooring will be launching a new Social Media Campaign, celebrating the Kansas City Metro area's outdoor art on Wednesday, May 11, 2022!
We are really inspired by the outdoor art provided in the Metro's communities, and we want to celebrate all that KC has to offer by sharing our inspirations. Every Wednesday morning we will share a palette of indoor construction materials, featuring flooring but including other interior finishes as well, along with snippets of an outdoor art piece.
The post will ask for Comments guessing the name and/or location of the outdoor art piece. At the end of the day, the art piece will be shown in combination with the inspired vignette, along with information about the art and it's location.
Lucas Commercial Flooring will feature a different area of the Metro every 4-6 weeks, starting with their office location, North Kansas City. We are also accepting recommendations for accessible outdoor art pieces for future highlights. Please send a picture or link to information on the art piece to office@lucasflooringkc.com.
Follow our Facebook, Linked In, or Instagram accounts to see what Outdoor Art will be featured this week!
The post will ask for Comments guessing the name and/or location of the outdoor art piece. At the end of the day, the art piece will be shown in combination with the inspired vignette, along with information about the art and it's location.
Lucas Commercial Flooring will feature a different area of the Metro every 4-6 weeks, starting with their office location, North Kansas City. We are also accepting recommendations for accessible outdoor art pieces for future highlights. Please send a picture or link to information on the art piece to office@lucasflooringkc.com.
Follow our Facebook, Linked In, or Instagram accounts to see what Outdoor Art will be featured this week!
2/5/2021 0 Comments
It's Official... again!
| We have received our official certificates from the City of Kansas City and the Missouri Regional Certification Committee that confirm that Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc is a certified WBE/ SLBE/ DBE! In addition, Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc has been WBE Certified through the State of Missouri. This process, due to the efficiency and thoroughness of the City of Kansas City certification, was a smooth and quick process. You can find our listings in the Diversity Directory at the following locations: KCMO DMWBE / Section 3 / SLBE Management System (mwdbe.com) Firm Search - State of Missouri (mo.gov) |  |
12/9/2020 0 Comments
Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, INC certified as WBE, SLBE, and DBE by the City of Kansas City, MO
Lucas Commercial Flooring Group is proud to announce our certification as a Women's Business Enterprise, Small Local Business Enterprise, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise through the City of Kansas City, MO.The process to become certified is an in depth look evaluating the control, management, day to day operations, and company structure to confirm that the company is 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a woman. Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc. is owned and operated by it's President, Dana Hetrick. |  |
"We are so proud and excited to become part of the group of WBE Certified contractors in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Although we have always been woman-owned, this Certification creates new opportunities with business owners that understand the benefit of a diverse supply chain. Our focus will remain on quality and service, and this provides one more level of quality for our customers through transparency of ownership and management."
After this local certification, State Certifications are next on the radar for Lucas Commercial Flooring Group. If you have WBE requirements on your projects, reach out to Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc today!
11/19/2020 0 Comments
Healthcare Design During a Pandemic
 | Just for the "Health" of it, we wanted to get insight into the Healthcare Design industry in the middle of a Pandemic, and we were fortunate to have Krystal Gantz Fensky with ACI Boland sit down to discuss what she is seeing in the Healthcare Design Industry. "The thing that has drawn me to healthcare design is the impact our team's designs have on how people feel and interact in a space. We can aid healing simply reducing one's anxiety. How a space is designed can be so impactful and every aspect must be considered. " - Krystal Gantz Fensky, |
 | What is the most difficult thing about designing for healthcare facilities today? |
A. Different guidelines that are changing all the time and keeping up with them. Knowing new codes and finish requirements based on certain types of spaces. We must keep up with how end users are utilizing certain areas, so we are very considerate of the finishes going into those spaces, to support their needs and future maintenance. We must focus on making them feel less institutional at the same time to create a more soothing environment for patients and visitors. The fact that we can make a real impact on how people feel in these spaces is truly rewarding.
Q. What new material trends do you see in the healthcare segment?
 | Biophilic design elements are being incorporated more and more, especially with hard and soft surface flooring. I think manufacturers are becoming better at offering solutions to aid in design. |
Thanks to technology, design visuals are being offered in more materials, like luxury vinyl tile. Flooring manufacturers are doing a better job of offering coordinating visuals from one material to another as well. This provides designers with design and budget flexibility.
If an area needs sheet vinyl, and another does not need that type of durability, or cleanability we can improve the bottom line. More manufacturers are creating PVC free flooring too, so I believe this tells us they are working on more sustainable solutions to help with LEED, or be on the RED list.
If an area needs sheet vinyl, and another does not need that type of durability, or cleanability we can improve the bottom line. More manufacturers are creating PVC free flooring too, so I believe this tells us they are working on more sustainable solutions to help with LEED, or be on the RED list.
Q. What new color trends are you seeing?A: For healthcare we are continuing to see influence from residential and hospitality trends. However, in healthcare we do have to be mindful not to be too trendy in colors, because they do not update every couple of years like some other market segments do. Therefore, we use a more neutral color palette, with pops of color in those areas that are more affordable to change out. We have always seen blue and green, as those are more calming colors, but we are seeing other pops of color in artwork, signage, and furniture fabrics. | Q. Do you have a personal favorite new trend?No personal favorite, however I am excited to see all the new trends and how they can help us design a healthier environment for everyone that enters a healthcare facility. Creating a more positive environment for people that inhabit these spaces daily gives me a great feeling. |
Q. What impact is COVID 19 having on your projects? What about how you engage clients?
A. We have been doing virtual client presentations due to restrictions. Thanks to video conferencing, it has been working well. Video platforms enable us to still discuss the items we need to and make it more of a visual presentation. We are working with our clients in thinking more about the design of their waiting room spaces. We are looking at how we can distance seating and incorporate screening solutions while still providing an inviting environment for patients to be in. Finish materials and their cleaning solutions must be considered as well.
| Q. Has COVID 19 affected material selections? A. We have always considered the cleaning capabilities since we are in healthcare. Due to COVID we are really looking at cleaning codes more intensely because our clients are asking more questions about cleanability. Now, we can see clients wanting to investigate the effect of certain things, like hand sanitizers to make sure they will not create a future problem for the materials they can land on. | Q. Are any types of materials now being avoided? If so, why?A: We are trying to get away from specifying materials that require a lot of maintenance. Especially in healthcare where they are already cleaning everything for sanitary reasons. We do not want to add anymore task for housekeeping, or maintenance. For instance, VCT flooring requires more upkeep, so by not specifying, we can avoid the maintenance of waxing. |
10/12/2020 0 Comments
Community Spotlight: Hospitality
| Now that many have been working from home, cooking at home, and entertaining themselves at home for 7 months, we are asking ourselves what can we do to get out of our home? This edition of the Community Spotlight is about the market that gets us out of our homes: Hospitality. Melissa Miller with TK Architects International knows all the ins and outs of the hospitality industry, and she has shared some of her wisdom with us. "We are working very hard to accommodate the "new normal" and bring the movie industry back. ...our challenge is how to make semi-natural barriers that allow customers to enjoy their visit without feeling uncomfortable or crowded." -Melissa Miller, Architectural Designer/ Job Captain, TK Architects International |  |
Q. What new material trends do you see in the theater/ hospitality segment?
A: Before the virus we were seeing more experiential design and using the materials to define the spaces; i.e. arcades, bars, restaurants. The actual materials became more woods, stones, and other textures. Due to the pandemic, we will start to see the change of social distancing in public. How do we use materials as semi-natural barriers to create that separation of space?
Q. Do you have a personal favorite new trend? If so, what? Love that color is making a comeback. The theatre industry took a turn for hospitality design awhile back and everything became very neutral. Now we are starting to see the pops of color come back in our designs. It’s more fun, and it feels more designed. | Q. What new color trends are you seeing?A. Greens of every color, and pops of pastel pink. Last year’s deep blue is still very prominent as well. Q. Are any types of materials now being avoided? If so, why?A. Durability will always be key, but now we must consider cleanability and anti-microbial due to Covid-19. |
Q. What impact is COVID-19 having on your projects? What about how you engage clients?
A. I don’t believe we have been in this “new normal” long enough to see an impact on materials yet. However, our clients have started getting creative in how they operate. One client started hanging screens on their building exterior to turn their parking lot into a drive-in.
Likewise, contactless delivery is changing how to food has handled. More and more apps for ordering are being used instead of a traditional concessions counter. Within our office, we are doing a lot more Zoom/MS Team calls, while still continuing to use our phone to communicate with our clients.
Likewise, contactless delivery is changing how to food has handled. More and more apps for ordering are being used instead of a traditional concessions counter. Within our office, we are doing a lot more Zoom/MS Team calls, while still continuing to use our phone to communicate with our clients.
 | What is the most difficult thing about designing for theaters today? |
A. We are fighting the battle of how do we get families out of their homes and back into the theatres. With so many on demand services, theatres are having to try and reinvent the movie going experience. And maybe it’s not for movies. It might now be E-gaming events, concerts, or TV series finales instead. There are many opportunities for expansion when it comes to big screen theatres.
Q. What impacts have you seen on material selections?
A. We are going to see a turn towards anti-microbial. The materials still have to be aesthetically pleasing, but also very cleanable in order to make the customer more comfortable.
Q. Anything else you would like to add or want people to know?
A. The biggest thing is that a lot of theaters are starting to turn into family entertainment centers, to make them an experience, instead of a two hour event. We are also working very hard to accommodate the “new normal” and bring the movie industry back. Theaters are not spaces where people think of social distancing.
Therefore, our challenge is how to make semi-natural barriers that allow customers to enjoy their visit without feeling uncomfortable or crowded.
Therefore, our challenge is how to make semi-natural barriers that allow customers to enjoy their visit without feeling uncomfortable or crowded.
 | Back in March, when Spring Break was the main concern on most school agendas, Lucas Commercial Flooring was approached by Oakhill Day School about a project they wanted to complete to make their school a more secure facility. Their goal was to create a new welcoming space to allow visitors to enter the school in a more secure fashion. Although security was the top priority, it also opened an avenue to update what their visitors see when they enter the school and create the future look for the Elementary School. "It turned out amazing!" |
OHDS was working with an Architect and General Contractor on their building renovations but had not selected finishes. Their priorities on the project included:
| - Durability - Maintenance - Aesthetics - Future Planning Lucas Commercial Flooring Group provided a detailed proposal that included Good, Better, and Best pricing options that detailed advantages of the selected materaials, color palette examples for each option, and realistic expectations for each pricing option in regard to life span and budget. This allowed the school to evaluate the best values available for different budgets. After settling on the right option for the project, the final selection process started for Oakhill Day School. During a new uncertain time, where we were all working, learning, and meeting from home, we navigated the new waters of emailed renderings, direct shipped samples, phone/ video communication, and some socially distanced meetings. We worked together to discuss the details and make sure everything would work well together and not limit their options for future renovations throughout the school. At the end of the day, Oakhill Day School selected some beautiful flooring products that will welcome visitors, staff, and students with a pop of color and interest! |  |
 |  Mannington Stock Brights IPO 24" x 24" tile and Color Anchor Squawk and Meadow 12" x 48" tile |
7/27/2020 0 Comments
Community Spotlight: Education
We are excited to present a series of interviews with persons of interest in the Kansas City construction community. This series is going to discuss changes in materials, trends, and challenges that 2020 has presented in their market segment of KC Construction.
| As we quickly approach August, Education is on the minds of everyone in Kansas City. This makes our first interview with Michelle Landvik, Interior Designer with Hollis + Miller Architects, especially exciting. "I really like education design because it has an impact on society. We are creating experiences for children to stimulate their learning experience. Giving them a magical world, which is very exciting. In education design, the clients are also just regular people that you can relate to on a personal level, so you can really help create a sense of community. It feels very rewarding, not only as a person, but also as a parent." - Michelle Landvik, Interior Designer |  |
Q: What new color trends are you seeing?
A: I really like that some flooring mills are coming out with more bold and bright colors. That is great for elementary school design. Dull colors just feel dated, going bold is definitely better. The high contrast between darks and lights are great, too. Glad that is taking hold in the commercial market.
| Q: What new material trends do you see in the education segment? A: Not currently seeing any new trends. Working at home is possibly affecting what I see, since meeting with material reps is not happening like it used to. | Q: Do you have a personal favorite new trend? If so, what? A: I do like that we are turning away from the grays. On the coasts, they are already seeing more warm neutrals being used again. |
Q: Are there any new types of materials now being avoided?
A: LVT is really popular, and I don't avoid it; however, I am nervous that it won't hold up over time, at least in commercial environments, due to the heavy furniture being moved around. I prefer a polished concrete or resilient; although, they also have drawbacks, like higher pricing. Personally, I would like to see linoleum used more again.
 | What impact is COVID-19 having on your projects? What about how you engage your customers? |
A: It's had a really big impact. We were at the tail end of design development on my project, and had to immediately stop having on-site meetings, and then moved to zoom calls. Half of us were presenting and half were watching the client's facial expressions. It is much harder to read clients in virtual meetings, which makes it difficult, too. Also, instead of having normal meetings every two weeks that lasted a few hours, we started having them a couple of times a week, and they were shorter. Therefore, it took up more of our time. Collaboration is harder, as well, even though technology has come so far. We are now using MS Teams a lot and I feel it will be used from now on.
Q: Is there an impact on material selections?
A: Not yet. At least not on my current project. I started using Material Bank (MB) a lot more because it was easier. I can also easily send back to MB versus the reps. We do like made in the USA now more than ever because of COVID issues and delays.
Q: What is the most difficult thing about designing for schools today?
My current client seems to be working to make sure school can resume “normally” in the Fall; however, I think there are a lot of behind-the-scenes discussions taking place about the reality of our current situation, and how to keep our kids and teachers safe as school resumes. Likewise, we don’t have as much access to the facilities due to COVID, and there are additional hoops to go through to get on site. Add it all together and it becomes a more challenging process.
1/9/2020 0 Comments
2020 Book Drive
In Kansas CIty's lowest income neighborhoods, research estimates only one book is owned, in the home, per 300 children. Reach Out and Read Kansas City is doing all they can to bridge this gap so that all children in the Kansas City area have books to call their own.
At Lucas Commercial Flooring, we wanted to find a way to help Reach Out and Read accomplish their book goals. What a better way than hosting a book drive and collect as many new and gently-used books as we can!
At Lucas Commercial Flooring, we wanted to find a way to help Reach Out and Read accomplish their book goals. What a better way than hosting a book drive and collect as many new and gently-used books as we can!
 | Besides our own donations, we would love to get your help! Here are several ways to donate:
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| Follow our Facebook page for more information about the book drive through February 14th, 2020! | |
10/7/2019 0 Comments
No Job Too Small
When most people hear that we specialize in commercial flooring, they think of large-scale projects. However, if you have a patch or a small replacement, Lucas Commercial Flooring is here for your service projects, as well.
Here Is just one example of a completed service project. A local hospital needed to reduce an entryway to connect two corridors with hard surface. We provided a rendering of the new layout with the quote. Before installation, we mocked it up with a chalk plan to finalize and perfect the layout. Installers worked after hours, and since hospitals are open 24 hours, the crew kept a portion of the corridor accessible throughout the installation to make sure the entry and corridor were available for use. The result was so beautiful we had to highlight the project!
Whether it is replacing one office or repairing a few planks, think of Lucas Commercial Flooring Group for your next service project!
 Before Image |  Rendering of Layout |  Chalk Mock Up |
Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc.
If you would like your project featured on our website, please let us know!
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