The Challenge
Built in 2001, it was time for an upgrade at an Ohio Boys & Girls Club. The outdated multi-purpose room at the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center in Columbus was being shared by children and adult staff. A dedicated space for younger children to play and do activities was needed.
“We wanted to provide a game room for the younger kids,” said Georden Burton of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. “The vision was to create a warm and welcoming space.”
A renovation at the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center included new Karndean LooseLay flooring, fresh paint, new furniture and arcade games.
Sector: Education
Client: Boys & Girls Clubs Of Central Ohio
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Area: 920 ft2
Product: Karndean LooseLay collection, Vermont (LLT217)
The Solution
Karndean teamed up with Columbus-based USA Flooring to donate flooring and labor for the transformation, which included over 900 square feet of Karndean LooseLay (Vermont | LLT217). Along with a range of stylish wood and stone visuals, LooseLay offers several performance benefits:
- LooseLay is made with a K-Wave® friction-grip backing, which holds the flooring in place – full-spread adhesive is not required, saving time and labor during installation. (Note: LooseLay can be fully glued if preferred.)
- SureFit® technology provides enhanced dimensional stability, eliminating the need for expansion gaps.
- The sound-absorbing K-Wave® backing also offers impressive acoustic benefits, reducing noise in multi-story environments.
- Single planks and tiles can be easily lifted and replaced.
Made with a 20 mil wear layer, Karndean LooseLay provides style, durability and performance for the renovated space at the J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center.
The LooseLay replaced a click-lock luxury vinyl floor. With USA Flooring handling installation, the company’s marketing director, Katelin Ahern, said LooseLay was a major upgrade.
“We selected a floor that was similar aesthetically to the other newly renovated spaces within the building,” Ahern said. “We also needed it to withstand the traffic and activities. Given the weight of the arcade games and other furniture going into the room, the LooseLay was a much better solution than the previous click flooring.”
The Results
Burton said the youth center serves about 55 children and teens after school each day, but the new space can help expand its reach.
“With our continued recruitment efforts, we are planning to get that number to around 70 every day,” Burton said. “The renovation was much needed, and we’re very appreciative. It instills a sense of pride and serves as a great recruitment tool.”
“This project was very important. It provides our youth with a safe place to have fun,” said Georden Burton of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio.
Ahern was proud to work with Karndean on making the project a success.
“These enhancements create a safe, engaging environment where younger kids can play and relax in a space of their own,” Ahern said. “We have complete confidence in Karndean products, whether it’s for homeowners or a commercial project like this one.”
Karndean LooseLay Specifications
| Standard | Result | |
| Size | Plank: 41.3" x 9.85"; 59" x 9.8" Tile: 19.7" x 24" |
|
| ft2 Per Box | Plank: 12 planks (33.9 ft2); 8 planks (32.2 ft2) Tile: 10 tiles (32.8 ft2) |
|
| Wear Layer | ASTM F410 | 20 mil |
| Thickness | ASTM F386 | 4.5 mm |
| Commercial warranty* | 15 years | |
| Slip resistance** | ASTM D2047 | Dry 0.92 |
| Acoustic impact noise reduction | ASTM E2179-09 ASTM E492-09 |
ΔIIC = 16 dB IIC = 56 dB*** IIC = 71 dB**** |
Download complete Karndean LooseLay specifications.
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*Subject to terms
**Slip resistance is measured on ex-factory product. Slip resistance can be affected by surface contamination, use and how product is maintained
***(6” Concrete Slab w/ Drop Ceiling)
****(6” Concrete Slab w/ Drop Ceiling + QuietChoice Underlayment)
