Every detail counts when designing or installing flooring, from the materials used to the finishing touches that enhance function and aesthetics. Among these finishing touches, vents play a crucial role in ensuring proper airflow and maintaining the cohesive look of your flooring. Different types of vents suit different needs, flooring types, and design preferences.
Here, we’ll walk you through six common vent types you might encounter in flooring projects and discuss their benefits and applications.
A flush vent is designed to be installed level with the floor, creating a seamless, streamlined look. These flush with frame vents are made from solid wood, and available in a variety of thicknesses, which allows it to blend naturally with the surrounding wood or wood-look flooring.
Flush vents are ideal for homeowners or businesses seeking a cohesive and sophisticated finish, especially for hardwood, laminate, or engineered flooring. They’re often placed in areas where a clean, modern look is desired, such as entryways, living rooms, or open-concept spaces. Because flush vents sit even with the floor, they’re also a practical choice for high-traffic areas where tripping hazards need to be minimized.
Surface vents are installed on top of the flooring rather than being embedded within it. They are slightly raised, adding a bit of visual contrast while still aligning with the floor’s overall look.
Surface vents are typically used when the flooring is too thin to support a flush vent or in areas where a more visible or decorative vent is desired. They’re easy to install and replace, making them ideal for renovations or projects where flexibility is essential. Many choose surface vents for spaces like hallways or offices, where the raised design can add texture and interest.
Wall mount vents are designed for vertical installation along the wall instead of the floor in order to direct airflow into a room without interrupting the flooring. These vents are typically placed above baseboards or in unobtrusive areas of the wall.
Wall mount vents are perfect for rooms with limited floor space or unique configurations where floor vents may not be feasible. They’re commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, where space is at a premium and traditional floor vents may interfere with cabinets or fixtures. Their elevated placement allows for better airflow and helps keep vents clean and functional in high-use areas. Louvered vents can supply air to the room and eggcrate vents work beautifully in a cold air return function.
Under-cabinet vents, commonly referred to as toe kick vents, are strategically placed beneath cabinetry to allow airflow from central HVAC systems without disrupting the room’s layout or design. These vents are usually low-profile and are sometimes integrated directly into baseboards.
Under-cabinet vents are commonly installed in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas with built-in cabinetry. They provide essential ventilation without detracting from the design flow or taking up valuable floor space. This vent type helps maintain proper temperature regulation while keeping vents unobtrusive and out of the way.
Corner base vents are compact vents placed at floor-level corners. These vents provide an innovative solution for airflow in areas with baseboards, minimizing the need for traditional floor vents in visible locations.
Corner base vents work well in rooms with limited wall space or distinctive floor layouts, such as small bedrooms or offices. They’re often chosen for their ability to stay out of sight while still providing effective air circulation. In addition, their corner placement helps reduce obstruction and maintain an open feel in smaller spaces.
The Enduracor Flush Vent is a specialized, high-performance flush vent crafted from planks from the flooring supplied by you. This vent is designed to sit flush with the floor atop a damper that slides between the subfloor and floor, creating a polished look.
Enduracor Flush Vents are perfect solution to install with your vinyl floors. Artistic Finishes cuts louver holes directly from a plank of the flooring that you submit. Available in 2x, 3x, and 4x 10 and 12 inch sizes. It's an exact match to your flooring because it is your flooring!
Each vent type offers unique features and benefits suited to various flooring styles, room layouts, and airflow requirements. Artistic Finishes offers standard sized flush and surface vents on our website. Don't forget to add an easy glide damper to your order to easily adjust airflow. Other vents listed above are available to order on a custom basis. Truly, there’s a vent option available for every space and need.
Ready to enhance your next project with made to order vents? If you're in the market for craftsmanship and quality, look no further! Artistic Finishes crafts solid wood vents in addition to ventsproduced from your flooring to ensure a seamless look and functionality that others can't beat. Whatever your flooring job requires — we can create exactly the vent you need.