The Advantages and Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring

Posted on April 19, 2013 by admin

Today bamboo flooring is growing in popularity as an alternative to hardwood flooring. Bamboo is as strong as hardwood floors. In addition, depending on what part of the plant the floor is harvested from, it can be stronger than maple and oak. Bamboos strength makes it durable and dent-resistant, and although it is a strong material it is not heavy. It is lightweight and will not shrink as long as it’s allowed to adjust to the homes surface for about one week, just like other hardwood floors.

Bamboo flooring is a great option for kitchens and bathrooms because of its moisture resistance unlike other hardwood floors. It also maintains well in areas of high traffic. In addition, its design is pleasing to the eye and complements Asian and contemporary styles. It’s available in a flat or vertical grain, both of which can be easily cleaned with a broom and mop.

Another major advantage of Bamboo is that it is grown and cultivated quickly and is environmentally friendly. Some producers of bamboo adhere to a code of ethics regarding how the flooring is produced. However, there are no strict guidelines on the use of chemicals or energy for the manufacturing of the flooring in some places where it is made.

The seller you work with should be able to tell you whether the Bamboo flooring was harvested from a plantation, if there is formaldehyde in the wood, and if the finish is water-based. The Forest Stewardship Council has a searchable database on its website that allows consumers to find information about which products are produced ethically.

A disadvantage to Bamboo flooring is that it is only available in a light honey or amber color unless it is carbonized. If it is carbonized it makes it 20% softer than hardwood. To prevent carbonizing the floor you can buy the flooring unfinished and stain it at home.

Posted in Bamboo | Tagged | Leave a comment

Choosing Kitchen Flooring For Your Home

Posted on March 29, 2013 by admin

When choosing kitchen flooring for your home make sure to choose a floor option that will endure constant traffic and spills. The great news is that there are a number of options available to meet your homes needs.

Wood flooring is becoming a popular option in kitchens because it carries over from the surrounding areas. However, if it gets scratched and repairs are needed the entire floor will need to get refinished, and if water gets under the floorboards it can cause the wood to warp or buckle. Bamboo is also a common choice, because it is naturally moisture-resistant, eco-friendly, and formaldehyde free.

Concrete is a strong and durable option but its uncomfortable to walk on. There are a variety of colors and finishes to choose from and requires some maintenance to prevent against cracking and staining.

Stone is an attractive option, but it is important to choose carefully. For example, some stones can be hard and very slippery when wet, so they aren’t ideal for children or the elderly. Stone is durable, but can chip or crack. It also requires maintenance to prevent against staining.

Tile is another option that comes in a variety colors, textures, and styles. A disadvantage is that it is not that comfortable to stand on and it can also be slippery to walk on depending on the finish. Unglazed tile will require some maintenance to prevent against staining. Although tile can chip or break, it is quite durable.

Linoleum is a popular option if you wish to go green. It’s made of natural, renewable materials, is soft underfoot, and it doesn’t stain or dent easily. It is also an inexpensive choice.

Cork is also an eco-friendly option popular with people looking for a flooring material that will be comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. It is hypoallergenic as well as naturally mold and mildew resistant and is good for absorbing sound.

Posted in Bamboo, Ceramic Tile, Cork Flooring, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Laminate, Natural Wood, Sanding and Refinishing | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Choosing The Right Carpet Cushion For Your Home

Posted on February 25, 2013 by admin

Replacing your old carpet will change the look of
your home, but the carpet cushion underneath can make a tremendous difference to the overall carpet performance. Although the cushion cannot be seen it not only protects the carpet and enhances comfort, but it also prevents spills from seeping into the cushion, inhibiting mildew growth.

Installing the cushion properly increases comfort, extents the life of the warranty, acts as a shock absorber as you walk on the carpet, helps to buffer sound and provides increased
insulation, making a room quieter and warmer.

Consider the following tips when choosing the right carpet cushion for your home.

-Once you select the carpet of your choice look at the manufacturers general requirements. A cushion that is too soft will affect the performance of the carpet, and a cushion that is too thick will interfere with the anchoring of the carpet installation.

-Consider the amount of traffic levels where you plan to install the carpet. A softer, thicker cushion should be placed in bedrooms, dens, lounge areas and other rooms with light or moderate traffic. In living rooms, family rooms, hallways, stairs and other areas a thinner, firmer, more resilient cushion is recommended.

-If there is a heated floor system underneath the carpet this requires a specific cushion. You will need to check the thermal resistance rating (Rvalue) of both the carpet and padding.

Keep in mind, that the right carpet padding will increase comfort level, extend the carpets life, absorb impact, reduce sound, help insulate rooms, and help resist matting and crushing.However if the right cushion is not chosen the carpet will wrinkle, buckle,and
separation of the carpet backing and seams will occur. In addition, there is complete loss of the carpet structure.

Posted in Carpet Cushion, Carpet Flooring, Carpet Installation, Go Green Carpet Line | Tagged , | Comments Off

How To Keep Your Carpets Looking Like New

Posted on January 15, 2013 by admin

Properly maintaining your carpets will help them look better and last longer. When choosing carpet consider buying carpet that is stain resistant, but that doesn’t make
maintaining the carpet less important.

Proper care of carpets begins with proper installation and choosing the right carpet padding of good quality. Carpet padding reduces the wear and tear of the carpet, but
the thicker the padding does not mean it is better. For example, not all carpet
such as carpet made from natural fibers benefits from thick padding. The ones
made from natural fibers may suffer more wear if the padding is too thick.

Removing dirt frequently keeps the carpet looking clean and prolongs the life of the fibers. Use caution when using commercial cleaners to spot clean stains and concentrated areas of dirt or pet stains since some chemicals will cause its dyes to fade or stain
causing you money in repairs.

Choosing a vacuum with a rotating head is the top choice for durable nylon carpet, but it
can damage other delicate carpets. Also keep in mind that using powder carpet
cleaners and deodorizers can damage the carpets fibers if the vacuum does not
have a powerful suction to remove all the powder.

It is also important to consider the type of window coverings you choose for your home. If the carpet you choose is not resistant to fading from sunlight, the sunlight the
goes through the uncovered windows can cause the color on the carpet to fade. A
homeowner can determine if fading due to sunlight is a problem, if the carpet
is darker under the furniture. When the time comes to replace the carpet for
that room, consider a type of carpet that is fade resistant or install window
coverings that block sunlight.

Posted in Carpet Flooring, Carpet Installation, Carpet Stain Removal, Go Green Carpet Line | Tagged , | Comments Off

Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring

Posted on December 18, 2012 by admin

If you are in the process of updating your home, you may already
be aware of the many choices available to you when it comes to flooring.
Laminate and vinyl flooring are two popular flooring options for kitchens. There are both pros and cons associated with vinyl and
laminate flooring, which is why it is important that you do some research and familiarize
yourself on the differences between the two.

What is vinyl flooring? Vinyl flooring is made of a mixture of
polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. It is both soft and
flexible and is typically available in tiles or in large sheets. It’s also
considered an inexpensive type of flooring.

Although vinyl flooring is inexpensive, it is extremely resilient.
The materials for vinyl flooring can cost 70 percent less than other flooring
types. In addition, installation is incredibly simple compared to other
flooring. Vinyl also combines low maintenance with high durability. A set back
to choosing vinyl flooring is that there isn’t much retail value. Meaning it’s not considered to be a 50-year floor,
like hardwood or tile.

What is laminate flooring? Laminate floors are not made of wood.
They are made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. Most
of the laminate floors consist of a moisture-resistant layer with a layer of
high-density fiberboard, topped off with a high-resolution photographic image
of some type of natural wood flooring.

An advantage to choosing laminate flooring is that you can achieve
the hardwood floor look for less. Installation is also simple, requiring only
basic knowledge and skills. However, you may want to avoid laminate flooring in
entryway ways or high traffic areas. Since laminate flooring cannot resist a
lot of moisture, using it at the entry point of a home may cause it to wear
faster.

Posted in Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Laminate, Vinyl Flooring | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

Choosing Carpet for Your Office Space

Posted on November 16, 2012 by admin

When it comes to choosing carpet for your office similar steps are involved as selecting new home carpeting. As we know we must start with choosing colors and styles of interest. Also very important to keep in mind is the amount of carpet needed to cover the office floor, as well as the possibility of some wear and tear on the carpet based on the amount of traffic the carpet will be visible too. In addition, you must consider your budget when it comes to how much you can spend on purchase and installation, what the maintenance of the carpet will cost, and what down-time costs you may incur during the carpet’s installation. Other factors to consider in carpet type and style is your office dcor.

-Discuss the different elements of choosing carpets for your office with supervisors and co-workers, a second opinion is always encouraging. Make sure to discuss the current style, office dcor and furnishings that will go best with the carpet of choice.

-Consider what the area to be carpeted is most often used for. Keep in mind the nature of the business and the type of work being performed on a daily basis, as well as the amount of traffic the carpet will be exposed to. For example, if you are choosing carpet for a lawyers office select a carpet that feels and looks luxurious and sends a reassuring message to potential clients. For an auto parts store or computer repair shop, choose a carpet that has a lower pile, and industrial style that will be easy to maintain and clean.

-Always do some research and compare the cost of two or three different brands of similar carpeting to ensure you get the best value for your money. Make sure to also inquire about the brand’s durability, stain resistance and ease of cleaning.

-Ask for details regarding the installation and disruptions this will cause your business. There are some carpet tiles or pieced carpets that can be easily installed around your existing furniture and fixtures allowing the business to continue as normal during the installation process. On the other hand, wall-to-wall carpeting may offer a smooth, seamless appearance, but normally requires complete removal of all items, including furniture and cubicle walls.

Posted in Carpet Flooring, Carpet Installation, Go Green Carpet Line, Sanding and Refinishing | Tagged , , | Comments Off

The Latest Flooring Trends

Posted on October 10, 2012 by admin

One of the best things about having your home renovated is that you have a wide range of flooring choices to select from. They come in a wide range of styles, installation options, finishes, and prices. Also technological advancements have greatly influenced the wide variety of flooring styles. Even corn sugar, gin bottles and stave from wine barrels are already being used to create flooring. Aside from accessorizing your home with fashion home wares, flooring can also serve as an accent to any room.

Here are some of the most popular flooring types to choose from.

Wood. Hardwood flooring is favored by many because of its durability and natural beauty. Its classic looks blend with interior design and home themes. Wood is the ideal choice if you want to create continuity among the rooms in your house. Woods like black walnut, oak, maple, pecan, and mesquite give your space some character. Another great aspect of wooden floors is that it can be refinished any time you want to.

Bamboo. Bamboo is one of the most in demand flooring materials today. The bamboo strands are glued together from engineered planks. They are then positioned in different grid patterns such as woven, flat, and vertical. Bamboo is tough and very durable. They are sourced out from plants that regenerate very quickly. Because bamboo is a sustainable material, it is ideal for men and women who want to go green.

Laminate. Laminate flooring is not only easy to maintain, but it also comes in a variety of colors, styles, and patterns. The top layer is backed using fiber backing or plywood to ensure stability. With todays photo-realism technology, laminated flooring can achieve real wood finishes which are indistinguishable from real wood. Laminates can also be bought in tiles or planks.

Linoleum. The material is made from biodegradable materials such as cork and oil. To produce colors, mineral pigments are added in the process. Many consider linoleum as one of the most eco-friendly flooring choices.

Cork. Cork offers a warm and natural appearance. It is sourced out from trees, and the barks are harvested every 8 years. It is also very comfortable to walk in, and makes the perfect flooring option for childrens rooms and nurseries.

Posted in Bamboo, Cork Flooring, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Laminate, Natural Wood | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Maintaining Your Ceramic Tile Floors

Posted on September 14, 2012 by admin

Ceramic floor tiles can add class and character to your home, and are often easier to maintain when compared to other flooring options such as hardwood and carpets.

The best and most important form of maintenance is prevention. The first effective form of prevention is sealing your tiles. The second form of prevention is cleaning spills and oily food crumbs when it first happens, and always keeping an eye out for scuff marks caused by certain footwear. Remember, the longer you remain putting off cleaning spills and crumbs, the more they will become absorbed into the tile surface, and the harder it will be to remove in the future. Also your grout lines are more susceptible to staining, because the surface is far more porous than the tile surface. Therefore rapidly clean any spills that are on the grout line.

A very simple and effective way of preventing dirt is to place floor mats at doorways and hallways. The mats will catch any dirt from the soles of your feet or shoes and it only requires occasional cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.

Another way to prevention dirt from contacting your ceramic tiles is to not wear any shoes inside that you would wear outdoors. Instead wear slippers designed for indoor use only, or socks. However, keep in mind that walking barefoot on your tiles will over time leave a slightly oily build up on the surface of the tiles. Therefore, it is better to wear socks as opposed to nothing at all.

No matter how watchful you are, dirt will gradually build up on the tiles, so regular sweeping, followed by mopping of the tiles with a solution of water and mild soap, will help prevent stains and dirt from settling into the tile. Despite all the measures you take, cleaning the ceramic floor tiles with a ceramic tile floor cleaner is an evitable fact of ownership, but always remember to follow the written instructions for your particular cleaner to maintain the great look of your ceramic floor tiles.

Posted in Ceramic Tile, Flooring | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What to Know Before You Buy Hardwood Flooring

Posted on August 29, 2012 by admin

If you have been faced with the task of selecting hardwood flooring for your home, you are very aware of the many choices out there. Too many choices can be overwhelming, and its not just about selecting a color you like. Other criteria to consider are the species of wood, the width of the planks, and whether to go with a solid or engineered hardwood.

But before you hand over your credit card or sign that check, review these important tips:

Furniture removal/replacement: Some retailers or installers may charge to remove and then replace furniture in the installation areas.

Demolition/disposal of old floor covering: If your home is not brand new, theres probably an old floor covering that is going to need to be removed and properly disposed of.

Sub-floor preparation: Depending on the floors condition, your subfloor may need to be prepped for hardwood installation.

Product delivery: Keep in mind that delivering your hardwood may not be included in the cost per square foot price.

Installation: Most likely there will be a cost per square foot to install your new hardwood floor.

Financing: Many retailers offer financing as a form of payment. Make sure to review the interest rate, minimum payment due and any finance charges if you choose to pay your purchase off over time.

In addition to your total project cost, annual cleanings are also recommended to maintain the beauty and life of your hardwood floor. Consult with your retailer as well as the manufacturers warranty and care guide for directions on cleaning and maintenance.

Each species of hardwood comes with its own unique characteristics. Color is determined by the species and from which part of the tree the wood is cut.

Pre-Finished

Pre-finished hardwood floors come already sanded, screened, and stained from highly efficient manufacturing plants. Pre-finished hardwood floors can be screened and recoated in your home to rejuvenate their finish and revitalize their natural beauty.

Finish in Place

Finish in place refers to having unfinished hardwood installed, sanded, stained and then finished with 2-3 coats of urethane right there in your home. Finishing in place can take a lot more time than installing pre-finished boards. If you decide to go with a finish in place floor, keep in mind that your floor will not be dust-free. Some dust will fall onto the freshly applied topcoat of urethane finish.

Solid

Each plank is one solid piece of lumber, cut right out of the tree. Its normally 3/4? thick, and because of this, it can be refinished multiple times.

Engineered

Engineered flooring is real wood, but instead of being solid throughout, its a thin layer of the species usually 1/16? or less, then applied to other laminated hardwoods underneath. Engineered hardwood is normally used in applications where its being installed on a concrete slab construction, or where there are concerns about abnormal exposure to moisture.

Posted in Hardwood Flooring | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Choosing A Carpet Cleaning Professional

Posted on July 12, 2012 by admin

Choosing the right carpet cleaning professional is a big responsibility. Not only are you letting a stranger into your home or business, but you are also letting someone clean and care for a very big investment. Commercial carpet receives many times the traffic of typical residential carpet, and carpets durability and lasting beauty is highly dependent on the maintenance and cleaning program.

It is essential to hire the right professional cleaners with the right equipment, training and experience. This ensures that all the dirt, stains and spills are removed from the carpet, and that the color and beauty of the carpet is restored and maintained.

To make sure you find the best carpet cleaner keep the following tip in mind.

-Select a cleaning professional that has a certification from an organization that certifies professionals.

-Search for ratings on companies and look for reviews. Remember also, that word of mouth is still one of the best methods to find a reliable carpet cleaning company.

- Make sure that the price you are quoted is the bottom line price.

-Show the cleaning professional any problem areas and spots that need special attention.

-To prevent voiding warranties, communicate with the carpet manufacturer before allowing additional treatments, such as reapplying stain treatments or antistatic treatments.

-Wait for the carpet to dry completely before walking on the carpet or moving the furniture back into the room. By replacing the furniture too quickly, rust or stains from paint or finishes can mark the carpet permanently.

Do not be afraid to ask questions.

-Is the company licensed and bonded? Insuring that the company has insurance is very important. If damage does happen, or something is broken you need to protect yourself and your belongings.

-How long has the company been in business? This can say a lot about the companys reputation and experience.

-What formal training is required for the companys management and cleaning technicians? A reputable company will require that employees receive training certifications.

-Do you vacuum before deep cleaning the carpet? Keep in mind that all professional cleaners should vacuum before they deep clean the carpet. This critical step makes a huge difference in the end result.

-Are Seal of Approval cleaning solutions and equipment used? Seal of Approval products have been independently tested and certified to effectively clean carpet without causing any damage.

Posted in Carpet Flooring, Flooring | Tagged | Comments Off