Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Flooring
May 24, 2022

Can You Mix Light and Dark Floors Throughout Your Home?

If you’re building a new house, it might make sense to install the same flooring throughout the home.

Remodeling is different.

It can be expensive replacing all of the flooring inside your home. So most homeowners select one room or region at a time. Replace the main floor living space as you update a kitchen. Or replace the flooring in the entire master suite as you upgrade.

That’s when the questions start. Is it okay to mix light and dark floors? Can you combine different materials and styles? How many kinds of flooring are acceptable inside a home?

Using the same flooring throughout a home creates a sense of conformity. It provides peace and cohesion as you move from room to room.

But that isn’t practical. Would you really want carpet in a kitchen?

So what do you do? Can you mix light and dark floors?

Hard flooring surfaces

When you start looking at flooring, you’ll discover a wide array of materials available for consideration. Hardwood. Engineered wood. Laminate. Luxury vinyl planks. Tile.

When you move into each type of material, the possibilities continue to grow. Oak or walnut? Light or dark? Hard or soft?

People love hard flooring, especially in main living spaces. They’re durable. They’re easy to maintain.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, for example, and you already have hardwood in your living space, what’s the best strategy for adding new flooring?

Don’t match. Compliment instead. It’s only natural to want to create clean lines throughout the main living space. But trying to match will typically create a line that doesn’t seem quite right. And if you do get the same color as other flooring, cabinets, and furniture, it can blend in and give you a monochromatic look. It comes off looking rather bland, and it can be harder to bring back pizzazz.

At the same time, don’t go overboard on colors. If everything is a different color, it may appear chaotic and messy. Start with a theme. Then ensure everything you select fits nicely into that theme, creating an ambiance you can live with for years to come.

Soft flooring surfaces

Every flooring material has merits in different rooms in your home. Tile and hardwood work well in a kitchen. Carpet works well in a bedroom.

While carpeting has lost some of its luster from a few decades ago, it’s still a great choice for bedrooms and other rooms where you’re looking at creating warmth.

A thick, plush carpet can be a welcome relief on your toes when you hop out of bed on a cold winter morning. It can be a sound barrier when installed in a media room. Kids will love it when they’re lying on the ground, playing with their toys. It can add richness to a home office, and be just the environment you need as you’re on Zoom and meeting clients.

If you’re installing carpet and you’re not sure what color to choose, we suggest keeping it neutral. Beiges and grays give a room just the right amount of ambiance to let your decorating style shine through. It gives you a chance to play with colors in other decor features that are more easily switched out.

Can you go with wilder colors? Of course. Only you know what’s right for you, and what you’re willing to live with for years to come. We suggest that you stick with a theme or color palette as you move from room to room. Don’t install a different color in every bedroom, and mix and match other materials in hallways and community living spaces.

Light or dark? What do you do?

Lighter colors will give your room a more open feeling. If you have smaller, more defined space, lighter colors can make it appear larger. Light-colored floors will brighten an area and bring attention to the details of the room.

Dark finishes make a space feel more intimate and homey. If you have ample space and you want clear definition, dark colors can instantly bring a comfort level to any room you’re designing. With the right accents and lighting, it can give your home a sense of sophistication.

If you have a room filled with natural light, a dark floor will work well. For your north-facing rooms, and rooms with a smaller, darker feel, sticking with lighter tones will allow the room to open up.

The key is to have fun with your space, and make it as unique as you. While you can research what the design community offers as guidelines, in the end, this is all about you. Whatever you choose will work well if you plan and think about flow.

Transitions are important

Once you’ve decided on what flooring to install, the next thing to consider is how each room will fit together. Luckily, manufacturers build transitions to make flow a little easier.

The easiest way is to install the same flooring throughout your living space. Install it and forget it. It keeps the flow moving from one side of your home to the other.

If that’s not possible, be sure the two floors coming together have complimentary undertones. You wouldn’t put a gray-toned hardwood next to a yellow-toned laminate. The two should blend together well and appear cohesive.

Remember the rule of two. While you might find a dozen flooring materials that pique your interest, narrow it down to the two that are most functional for your lifestyle. Then use those two throughout your home. This is even more important if you can see both flooring materials in the open spaces of your home.

Make each transition at a place that makes sense. Doorways work well because it creates a natural breaking point.

What are your preferred flooring materials?

Can you mix light and dark flooring colors, different materials, and create separate spaces? Of course?

With just a little planning, you’ll create the perfect ambiance and durability to match your lifestyle and taste.

Need a little help? That’s why we’re here. Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to answer all of your flooring design questions.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 21, 2022

Yes, Your Hardwood Floors Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Looking for a healthy flooring option for your home? Want to improve your indoor air quality? All paths lead to hardwood floors.

Hardwood flooring is a good choice when you’re ready to bring timeless beauty, warmth, and elegance to any room in your home. It’s also a great choice if you want eco-friendly and allergy-friendly flooring.

Unlike other choices, hardwood floors don’t harbor dirt, pollutants, or contaminants. But there is an art in selecting the right hardwood flooring options.

What is an allergy?

Allergies are fairly common in the US. Around 50 million people in the US alone experience allergies each year.

An allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to a foreign substance called an allergen. Allergens take on all forms. You can have a response to something you eat, touch, inject, or inhale. The impact can include sneezing, a runny nose, scratchy throat, hives, or rashes. In severe cases, it can lower blood pressure, cause asthma attacks, or even death if not treated quickly.

How hardwood floors play a part in indoor air quality

When most people think about air quality, they think about things that directly impact the air supply. If you light a candle, the fumes penetrate the air you breathe. If you spray a chemical cleaner to wipe down a table, the spray enters the air supply.

Your air supply is controlled by your HVAC system. Every time the furnace or air conditioner turns on, conditioned air flows through the ventilation system, and out into each room in your home. It can pick up anything else nearby, such as the candle scent or chemical spray.

Yet indoor air quality goes deeper than what’s freely moving around your home. It’s also what’s introduced in other ways.

Like your flooring.

Indoor air quality can be impacted by everything about your flooring. What it’s made of. The adhesives used for installation. The finishes applied once it’s in place.

What are VOCs?

You can’t talk about healthy flooring without a discussion on VOCs.

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. According to the EPA, VOCs are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. They are emitted as gasses from certain liquids or solids, and include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have adverse health effects.

In total, around 1200 VOCs have been identified. And many of them are used in the products and materials we use every day.

Acetone
Acetic acid
Butanal
Ethanol
Alcohol
Formaldehyde
Dichloromethane

VOCs are a part of life. They are in common substances such as paint, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke. They are in our building materials and the furniture we use in our homes.

Awareness is prevention. It’s what allows you to make better choices as a consumer.

The most common VOCs in a home

Inside homes across the Front Range, you’ll find three of the most toxic VOCs lurking in things you use every day:

Formaldehyde – there are two types of formaldehyde: phenol and urea. Phenol is non-toxic, and is often used in cabinetry, marine-grade plywood, and high-end furniture. Urea is one of the most toxic VOCs, and is used in all kinds of building materials, including paneling, flooring, and other household furnishings. You can reduce exposure by sealing all exposed surfaces.

Benzene – it’s a common chemical found in tobacco smoke, stored fuels, paint, solvents, and emissions from your cars. Refinishing a floor can produce high amounts of benzene.

Methylene chloride – this is present in things like paint strippers, adhesives, and aerosol spray paints and finishes. The human body converts methylene chloride to carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning when heavy concentrations are present.

When you know these are present, you can take appropriate action to reduce their impact. For instance, you can use aerosol spray paints outside and with a face mask firmly in place to reduce their impact.

The trouble comes when you aren’t aware of their presence, as became apparent in a 2015 report where Lumber Liquidators were caught selling Chinese-made laminate flooring that contained high levels of formaldehyde.

Hardwood flooring can improve indoor air quality

If you want to find flooring safe for your family, low in VOCs, and a healthier option for installing in your home, hardwood is a great choice.

But to find the best product for your home, you’ll have to do a little investigation.

Natural wood flooring will be one of your safest options. But you do have to look at the entire production process.

Wood does contain natural terpenes. They are safe, but they do impact highly sensitive people. The scent you get from a pine tree would be an example.

Flooring also contains a variety of chemicals from processing. Pay attention to finishes, glues, baseboards, underlayments, and other production materials made from zero or low VOCs.

You can also find manufacturers that meet guidelines through different certification programs to ensure the production process is safe. Programs include:

The top hardwood flooring manufacturers will comply with these regulations and more. You can do your research before you shop, or work with one of our associates to determine the right hardwood product best to suit your needs.

Are you ready to shop for hardwood flooring?

If you want an eco-friendly, green flooring choice that will help your home be the safest place it can be, look no further than hardwood flooring. It’s the first choice for many homeowners because of its classic good looks. Improving indoor air quality is an added benefit.

You’ll love hardwood because it’s:

A durable option
It’s natural
It’s easy to clean and maintain
It’s highly effective at reducing contaminants
It doesn’t contain VOCs

How can we help you find hardwood flooring perfect for your home?

Hardwood Flooring
May 18, 2022

How Your Hardwood Flooring Changes Over The Years

When you install new hardwood flooring, you might expect a few changes as you get back to your daily routine. Still, you might not be prepared for the ways in which your new hardwood flooring will change over the years.

Weather
Seasons
Sunlight
Use
Color
Maintenance
Care

Many things can impact not only its appearance, but also the way it functions as well.

Hardwood flooring can change color

When most people install hardwood flooring, they gravitate towards adding rugs for both care and aesthetics. What surprises people is when they move the rug a few months later, and the floor underneath is visibly a different color.

Hardwood flooring darkens when exposed to ultraviolet, natural, and infrared light. When these three types of light interact with your hardwood finish, the color gradually changes. The planks receiving a daily blast of light will darken over time. The hardwood covered by rugs or furnishing will remain the color as installed.

How quickly hardwood changes color depends on the species of hardwood installed. Some respond faster to UV radiation and will darken at a faster pace. Red Oak remains a popular choice because it adjusts hue at a slower rate than other wood. Consider this carefully when finalizing which hardwood to install, especially if you have a lot of direct sunlight flowing into your home. Most hardwood will start changing in as little as three weeks, so it’s worth extra consideration before you install.

Hardwood flooring can change with the weather

Sunlight is something all Coloradoans have to think about. The harsh rays don’t go away when fall sets in. Sunshine can stream through your windows throughout the year.

Temperatures and weather patterns also impact wood, but even more discerning are humidity changes.

When a tree is alive and growing, sap deep inside the tree forms columns throughout each branch and the tree trunk, providing nutrients to the tree. Once it’s cut down and processed, those tiny columns remain ingrained in the wood. Those structures allow hardwood planks to expand and contract depending on inside conditions.

Manufacturers recommend hardwood flooring to remain at an inside humidity level between 35 and 55 percent. When temperatures increase and moisture dries up, it can cause shrinkage in the wood structure. When temperatures drop and moisture increases, expansion causes the wood planks to grow.

But it’s not always true that colder temperatures, along with rain or snow, will automatically expand hardwood flooring. Here in Colorado, cold winter days mean your furnace runs more frequently. And if that dries out the inside air supply, it can cause your hardwood flooring to shrink.

Long-term exposure to either can lead to devastating results with the aesthetics of your hardwood flooring. If the planks weren’t adequately acclimated to your home’s environment before installation, that expansion or contraction could start almost immediately after installation.

Caring for your hardwood flooring over time

Head outside in the spring and notice trees popping into life. You can watch them grow and change, budding, offering shade, producing fruit, and finally losing their leaves to hibernate for the winter.

Even after a tree has gone through the manufacturing process and is installed as hardwood planks inside your home, it still morphs and changes depending on the environment around it. That’s why it’s a good idea to be proactive in your maintenance schedule to ensure a long life for your hardwood flooring.

Spring in the Rockies means harsh changes in the weather. You can have 70 degree days with sunlight streaming in, followed by a blizzard later that evening. Tracking in ice and moisture can be hard on hardwood in the entryway, especially if it puddles up and stands in place for any length of time. Leaving a boot tray at the front door can be a handy way to ask people to remove their shoes and avoid the outside from being tracked in.

Summer can bring hot, dry weather to the Front Range, causing your inside environment to become more dehydrated. Invest in a hygrometer to keep you informed about inside humidity levels. If you aren’t running your air conditioner frequently, it’s good to have a humidifier if your inside environment becomes too dry.

Fall can bring the same changes as spring weather. Keep dirt and debris to a minimum as you request shoe removal by the front door. Because you may be using the air conditioner and furnace all on the same day, it’s important to pay attention to humidity levels. Consider using your humidifier to regulate inside levels at all times.

Winter brings added risk by tracking in ice and snow. Running your furnace every day can also cause the inside air to dry out. Homeowners often install whole-house humidifiers to ensure their homes are at a consistent 35 to 55 percent humidity level year-round.

Cleaning your hardwood is an ongoing process. Use a soft broom to keep dust and debris to a minimum. Vacuum once a week to ensure a clean surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could penetrate the finish. Never allow cleaning products to sit on the surface and puddle for extended periods of time. Water and moisture are not hardwood flooring’s friends.

Hardwood flooring aging … evenly

Hardwood flooring can be quite an investment, especially if you’re remodeling and changing other parts of your house. Many homeowners install hardwood flooring one room at a time, hoping to create flow-through over time.

This works well for your budget. Yet if this is your strategy, keep in mind that the first room may have shifted in color and texture over time. While the change might be slight, depending on your maintenance schedule, they may be far enough apart to block out the ability to notice the change. It’s still something to be aware of if you have a timeline for installing hardwood flooring over a several year timespan.

Is hardwood flooring right for you?

Whether you’re considering adding one room of hardwood at a time, or will be adding hardwood flooring throughout your home, being prepared for how it reacts to everyday living will help you enjoy the results even more.

Stop by today and see our complete selection of hardwood flooring. You’ll love the results.

Hardwood Flooring
May 14, 2022

Easy Ways To Protect Your Hardwood Flooring From Scratching

What’s holding you back from installing the flooring of your dreams?

Do you dream of hardwood flooring from one side of your home to the other? Do you see it adding ambiance to your home?

Are you holding back because you’re worried about it scratching?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. It’s often one of the first questions homeowners ask when contemplating hardwood flooring installation. They’ve been dreaming about it … but they don’t want buyer’s remorse.

Hardwood flooring is something you’ve dreamed of for years.

They say hardwood flooring can last for decades. Even when they start looking a little rundown, you can sand them down and refinish them for a brand new look.

How easily will they scratch? And is there something you can do to protect hardwood flooring from scratching even before it begins?

What scratches hardwood flooring?

In order to fully protect your new flooring, it’s important to understand what the greatest risks are to stop scratching before it begins.

Footwear

By far, this can be one of the most damaging things to your floor’s finish. Take a look at the bottom of a shoe. See all of those tiny rocks stuck in there? They have the potential to scratch your floors. Running shoes aren’t the only culprits; high heels can scratch and dent. If you want to keep your floors looking their best, create a “shoes off” policy and have them checked by the door.

Furniture

Furniture is also a big culprit for scratching. If your kids bounce in the chairs and cause them to scoot across the floor, you might see tiny scratches appear over time. Before placing any furniture directly on hardwood, place pads on the bottom to avoid damage over time.

Pets

Do your pets love to play? Their nails can impact the finish of your hardwood flooring. Be sure to keep their nails well trimmed, as long nails can cause more significant damage to your floors.

What can you do to further prevent scratching?

Keeping your hardwood flooring looking great doesn’t require massive change. With just a few tweaks to your regular routine, you’ll have great-looking floors for years to come.

Take off your shoes

We can’t stress this enough. If you want great-looking floors – no matter what type of flooring you install – check your shoes at the front door.

You can encourage this by placing mats or a bin by the front door. Maybe add a bench to make it easy to sit down to zip or tie your shoes into place. You can even have a selection of slippers available to avoid cold feet. This is the easiest way to make this a habit, and your flooring will thank you for it.

Place entry mats by every door

We have it all here in Colorado – ice, snow, water, debris. How many times have you tracked in ice from the coldest days of winter? Or brought leaves and other debris when autumn sets in?

Placing mats at all entry points will allow visitors to wipe their feet before they enter your house. You can change them often to create a new look for your visitor and guests. We suggest placing entrance mats outside to give feet a chance to leave much of the debris outside. Then have another mat on the inside to leave your shoes behind. This double matting will ensure most of what you can track inside, stays far away from your hardwood floors.

Adding felt pads to everything

Many homeowners think about adding felt pads to sofas and chairs, but then forget other things that still have the potential for damage.

Bookcases, tables, desks, and hutches – if it sits on your floors, it has the potential for scratching. They make felt pads in a variety of shapes and sizes. Buy extras and have them available for when they fall off. Pay attention to quality. There are many inexpensive brands on the market, but some will do the job better than others.

Avoid rollers

Home offices are more popular than ever. But office chairs with rollers on the bottom can easily trap dirt and grit. Every time you roll across the floor, you risk having them scratch the floor.

If you have rollers on any furniture, consider placing rugs or mats to provide further protection.

Clean regularly

One of the best ways to ensure dirt doesn’t grind into your hardwood flooring finish is to sweep it up before it can cause damage. Use a soft sweeper to pick up dirt and debris and pull it away from your finish. Avoid harsh chemicals that can penetrate your floor’s finish.

Be sure to check with the manufacturer of your hardwood flooring for recommendations on products to use. Many on the market today have harsh chemicals that can dull or ruin the finish. Your manufacturer will usually provide guidelines right on their websites. Or feel free to give us a call – we’re happy to make recommendations.

Use rugs

Area rugs can be handy for keeping your floors clean. They are also a great way to improve aesthetics, and to add color and flair to your decor. If you have chairs that move frequently, such as in the dining room, an area rug can provide added protection. They also help reduce noise, which can be beneficial in an open concept home.

Be sure to get a durable rug pad to place underneath. Rug pads add to the rug’s overall comfort, durability, and warmth. It will also provide added protection to help reduce scratches even more. Some rug backings are stiff enough to scratch if they move around.

Are you still dreaming of hardwood flooring?

With the popularity of hardwood flooring, many homeowners find the risk of possible scratching worth it for the chance of having the right aesthetics inside their homes.

Don’t be afraid to install what you want. Hardwood flooring is tougher than you think.

With a bit of care and maintenance, you’ll be able to keep your hardwood flooring looking its best for years to come. And when they do need refreshing, it’s as simple as sanding them down and adding a new finish.

Are you ready to find the hardwood flooring of your dreams?

Hardwood Flooring
May 7, 2022

How Do You Blend Two Hardwood Floors?

When you have a new build, flooring can be installed to flow from one room to the next, blending well and looking its best.

However, few homeowners get the chance to add a new palette to start fresh and make flooring match. As time and budgets prevail, most of us live with the ebb and flow of renovation, doing a room here and another one there.

And that’s where the problems begin. You have hardwood in the living room or dining room. Now you want to add in the hallway or the kitchen.

It’s logical to think that you want it to flow and blend, as if it was all installed together.

Is that possible? And if not, how can you create a unified look for your home?

The first question … Do you care?

There seems to be a designer appeal of having every room in your home match. Having one solid hardwood floor run throughout your home creates a sense of unified space with appeal.

That may be a commonly held belief, but that doesn’t make it the right choice for you.

This is about your personality, your decorating choices, and the way you view your aesthetics.

Do you care if the same hardwood flooring exists from room to room?

Do variations bother you as you piece two separate rooms together?

For some, uniformity is a must. Without a flow-through from room to room, they will hate the ambiance it creates.

For others, they simply don’t care. They enjoy design and functionality on a room by room basis. If that means changing the flooring in each space, so be it.

What makes two different hardwood choices flow well together are transitions

Can you place two different hardwood choices together inside your home? Of course. Homeowners do it all the time.

Just head out to Google and start searching for images. Or visit Pinterest and explore your favorite decor sites. You’ll quickly find homeowners that have used hardwood flooring transitions and do them quite well.

But what you’ll quickly notice is that the key to making different flooring choices work well is the transitions. You can’t install two different sizes or color choices next to each other and expect them to work well together. You have to think about the presentation, and how it will look when finalized.

This transition needs to be planned, not happen by accident.

Flooring transitions are used anytime two different floors come together. It can be used if the flooring is of other materials, has different heights, or has different thicknesses. It creates a smooth boundary as you move from one area to the next.

There are several ways to transition from one material to another. What works best for you depends on the look you’re trying to create.

T-Molding – this is the easiest method, and is a great tool for blending different wood materials. You’ll often find these in natural transition areas, such as a doorway. They work best on floors at the same height.

Seam binder or transition strip – it’s a thin piece of wood material you can nail down across a wood flooring to bind two flooring types together. It’s a simple solution, but often looks rougher than other transitions because it can look tacked into place.

Metal transitions – a thin straight line of metal can provide an attractive, modern look to your floors. Just 1/8th of an inch wide, they can blend two separate wood colors nicely, and give you a contemporary look.

Threshold – a flat, rectangular block that looks and blends with hardwood flooring. It may look like hardwood, or resemble other materials such as stone or marble. They can be installed to blend in, or make a statement and stand out. They’re easy to install and can be cut to any size.

If both floors are the same thickness and height, you’ll have many options to transition between the two floors. However, sometimes you end up with floors of varying sizes. If that is the case, you’ll have to be more careful with the transition you install.

If it’s significant, you may need to look at rounded edge transitions used for flooring. This provides a buffer between the two heights and creates a smooth surface without becoming a tripping hazard.

The same … or different

If you won’t be using the same hardwood flooring from room to room, there are many ways of blending two separate flooring choices together.

It’s often better to choose two contrasting colors rather than trying to match them together. Two separate wood types with the same tonal qualities will blend well without looking like they were installed by mistake. One material will be darker than the other, complementary and in the same tone range. If you want them to match, you can work with a professional who will match the original wood and stain it for you.

If you cannot find the same material, it might be time to think about other flooring. This is often where homeowners select a natural tile, luxury vinyl planks, or other flooring choice for the kitchen and bath, while using hardwood throughout the rest of the main living space. When it becomes difficult to match or have it look pleasing to the eye, it might be better to move to an entirely different selection.

You can also use the structure of your room as a guide. If you have an open concept living space where each room blends into one another, transitioning can be a little trickier than if you have distinct rooms.

We often recommend selecting the right flooring for every room in your home. A dining space has different needs than a family room or a kitchen. Some questions you can ask include:

Is my room big or small?
How much light flows in during the day?
What ambiance am I trying to create?
Do I want noticeable transitions or do I want everything to blend?
Do I like dark floors, or is lighter better?

Blending two hardwood floors together

Whether you’re considering adding new flooring to every room in your home, or will be installing it one room at a time, you’ll have to decide on how to transition your choices as they flor throughout your home.

Need help in making the perfect selection? Stop by today. We can help you make the right decision to suit your needs.

Flooring
April 28, 2022

Looking For The Perfect Home Flooring Trends For 2022?

You’re ready to remodel. You’re ready for new floors.

But when you start looking around, you’re overwhelmed at how many choices there are.

What are today’s top home flooring trends? What is in style?

You might worry that what you pick won’t suit your tastes and needs even just a few short years in the future.

It’s expensive investing in new floors. And if you select materials that are too trendy, what if you have buyers remorse almost as fast as it’s installed?

Stop your worrying, come in, and take a closer look at today’s top flooring trends. These materials will stick around for a while.

Before you select flooring material, create a plan

We often have homeowners come in with one material in mind. After a little education, they selected a flooring product that wasn’t even on their list.

That’s because there are so many different types of flooring available on the market today, what’s best for you might surprise you.

Instead of focusing on a particular material, start by focusing on needs first. It can help point you to the best flooring product that will suit your lifestyle. Pay attention to:

Space – what location will you be upgrading your flooring? Is it defined by walls and doors, or is it an open space? Does it get lots of natural light, or is it dark and cavernous? What activities regularly take place there?

Style – this comes down to personality and taste. Are you country charm, traditional, or minimalist? You might automatically gravitate towards certain materials. They blend in with your preferences and lifestyle.

Maintenance – homeowners don’t place carpet in kitchens for a very good reason. Consider your lifestyle carefully as you hone in on what flooring material will be best for each room. What provides good looks with maintenance requirements that match your expectations? Do you want something that allows quick mopping? Weekly vacuuming? How about yearly maintenance?

Installation – are you looking for a DIY project, or do you want a professional from installation to maintenance? Do you want a flooring that can be easily repaired, pulling a plank up and replacing it with materials kept on hand? Keep in mind that traditional hardwood takes days to acclimate, be installed, as well as settle into place. If you’re looking for quick installation, laminate or luxury vinyl can often be a better choice.

Budget – flooring comes in all shapes, sizes, looks, and costs. Staying within budget can impact what flooring trends you’ll love. Be aware that budget can mean different things to different people. While carpet might need replacing every seven to ten years, hardwood can last decades if well cared for. Is it worth more expense today knowing you’ll have a floor that lasts a lifetime?

With a plan in place, what do homeowners want today?

Once you dive deeper into what you want from your flooring, you might be excited to start looking. We often recommend creating a Pinboard on Pinterest, or flipping through decor magazines or websites to get a good feel for what you’re looking for.

Today’s homeowners want two things: Natural and stylish aesthetics.

Natural – Without a doubt, natural is a word that pops up when most homeowners shop for new flooring. Of course, that can mean different things to different people. In general, people want flooring that’s easy to maintain, is durable, and blends well with their aesthetics. It can be carpet, vinyl, hardwood, stone, or even stretch into sustainable options like bamboo and cork. Whether it has texture, patterns, or a creative twist, a top choice will be to create a natural, blendable floor that works well with every part of your personality.

Style – There’s never been a time when we feel more creative in what we do and the spaces we create. Luckily, there are so many flooring options that can allow you to be as creative as you desire. By looking through design sites and following your desires, you’ll quickly see a look that stands out in your mind. You’ll determine different wants and desires: light, dark, clean, minimalist … you decide.

Of course, color plays a part in it too. But you’ll see that from the moment you start looking at your options. Today’s colors lean a little towards gray-toned. Homeowners still love dark stains with their timeless appeal. Or whitewash stains with a bright, cheerful design. Can’t decide? Why not create a two-toned look. It’s more popular than ever.

It’s not about the flooring product

Are you starting to see a pattern here? We haven’t spent any time talking about which material is trending. And there’s a good reason for that.

The reason there are so many different products on the market today is that homeowners have different desires and needs. What would work for one home wouldn’t work for another.

If you love carpet, there’s a carpet option for you.

If you’re hardwood all the way, invest in new hardwood.

If you’re looking for waterproof options, something that can withstand the abuse your family dishes out, there’s an option for you too. You might just fall in love with luxury vinyl planks and tiles – yes, it’s waterproof.

What’s trending today is individuality and personality. If you find it in our showroom, it may be the perfect choice for you.

We’re seeing planks get wider in the hardwood market. Laminate, luxury vinyl planks, and engineered hardwood are all following the trend.

Patterns are growing in popularity, not just on carpets, but the way you lay in hardwood and laminate. How about chevron or herringbone floors? You can even create it with bamboo or tile. This is about letting your imagination run wild.

It’s also about creating a living environment you choose to be in. If it suits your tastes and needs, it makes the perfect choice for you.

What are the top flooring trends this year?

Glad you asked. Here’s what we know for sure.

With so many different materials, products, and styles available to you, whatever you select will be the right choice.

Whether you have something in mind, or are still exploring, stop by today and see all of your options. We’ll help you find the right flooring to suit your needs.

Flooring
April 24, 2022

Are Green Flooring Materials More Expensive?

If you’re looking for more ways to live a sustainable lifestyle, you might be invested in finding eco-friendly ways to do just about everything. As you remodel, what are the best green flooring options? Which is the right one to suit your needs?

With so many choices, it can be difficult to choose.

But as you finalize your decision, you may worry about experiencing sticker shock. Are green flooring materials more expensive? Should you really expect to pay more for doing the right thing?

What does going green mean?

Going green means doing things for the better of Mother Nature. It means changing your daily methods to become environmentally conscious with every choice you make.

You’re a more aware consumer.

For everything you buy, you consider what it does to the environment. From gathering materials, to production of the product, to disposal methods once the item has run its useful life, you consider it all before finalizing your decision.

If you choose to reduce your carbon footprint, there are many things you can do. You can choose to shop at local farmer’s markets. Food accounts for up to 30 percent of a household’s carbon footprint.

You can buy energy-efficient appliances. You can change your mode of transportation.

Once you get started looking for ways to save, it can become a bit of a challenge, looking for all the ways you can save.

But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on performance or aesthetics. There are ways to have both. And it doesn’t have to be at a higher cost.

What influences the cost of new flooring?

For any product on the market today, price is influenced by:

Production costs
Demand
Labor costs
Packaging costs
Certification costs

The more accessibility to materials, the easier it is for installation, the more competitive pricing will be.

For many green flooring materials, the expense comes from both production and availability. Because we’re just starting to become more aware of overall impact, we’re waiting for manufacturing of green products to become more popular.

If you really want to find a sustainable flooring product, you have to consider a full array of factors when finalizing your decision.

Can it be renewed?
Can it be recycled?
Is it produced with responsible manufacturing processes?
How does transport impact the final price?
How long will the product last?
What type of maintenance is needed?
What happens at end of life?

A green flooring choice may cost more upfront. But if it gives you a decade more to its lifespan, does that make it a better option? It’s up to you to decide.

Today’s green flooring priorities

There was a time when homeowners paid attention to aesthetics without regard to impact.

No more.

Today’s homeowners want a careful blend of old and new priorities, ensuring they get a product they love while having it be safe and eco-friendly at the same time.

What homeowners want today is:

Durable flooring – flooring should be able to withstand all your family can dish out. That means it takes a careful blend of high-quality materials for strength as well as ease of use for everyday maintenance.

Non-toxic flooring – a lot of talk in the industry today is about reducing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) inside the home. The EPA shows that inside air quality can be as much as ten times worse than outdoor air pollution. And given we spend the majority of our time indoors, that can be a big deal. Green flooring helps you find low or zero VOC flooring options suitable for your lifestyle.

Natural – natural is a buzzword that is growing in popularity. Why? Because not only is it good for the environment, but it looks great in your home too. Natural is getting as close to the source as possible. It’s about using wood close to home, stone quarried nearby, or other natural products that have sustainable features.

Do you see yourself in any of these descriptions? You’re not alone. It’s what today’s homeowners want.

And many green flooring options aren’t as expensive as you might fear. In fact, they can be some of the most affordable flooring options available to you.

Green flooring options you might consider

With so many green flooring options available to you, there’s sure to be one perfect for your lifestyle. The best green flooring materials include:

Cork – a naturally renewable material that is harvested from the bark of a cork oak tree. It grows back multiple times, making it a truly sustainable material. It’s softer than other materials, making it more comfortable if you stand for long periods of time. It adds warmth to thwart heat and cold, and is naturally repellent to bugs, dust mites, and mold.

Linoleum – linoleum is made from linseed oil, which is produced naturally from flax plants. It’s widely available, and highly renewable. The harvesting process is becoming even more sustainable, with disposal being one of the most eco-friendly options. At the end of a long lifespan, it can be composted with other materials.

Bamboo – bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants and can be harvested in three to five years. Pay attention to where you source your bamboo flooring, as transportation costs can cause the final price to rise. Be aware of production, ensuring it’s truly a sustainable resource.

Carpet – yes, carpet can be a great green flooring material. Look for natural fibers such as wool, jute, and seagrass. Pay particular attention to production, ensuring backing is also made from eco-friendly materials.

Hardwood – hardwood is a resource that can be easily renewed. Be sure to choose hardwood from forests certified and well managed by the Forest Stewardship Council. Also pay attention to stains, finishes, and adhesives to ensure they remain green too.

Stone – stone is a natural product that is continuously being produced and harvested from the earth. It doesn’t harm the environment and can be recycled for other uses. Pay attention to import practices depending on where the stone is harvested from.

What green flooring choice is right for you?

With so many options available, which flooring is right for you?

Green flooring isn’t expensive – green flooring is a sustainable way of life.

If you’re ready to change your home environment and reduce your carbon footprint too, stop by and find the perfect solution for you.

Flooring
April 21, 2022

Wheelchair-Friendly Flooring – These Materials Are Best For Your Home

Are you renovating a home for someone with a disability? Are you making the home accessible for someone in a wheelchair? Hard, smooth surfaces are generally easier for people with mobility issues.

If you’re looking for wheelchair-friendly flooring, you have many options available to you. While material is important, it isn’t the only thing. Read on to discover the right flooring choice to suit your needs.

What the ADA says about flooring

ADA requirements for public and commercial spaces aren’t the same as what you can do with residential spaces. But using their requirements as a guideline can help you make better choices.

From their guidance, it states:

Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.

If you’re installing a floor that will be used regularly by someone in a wheelchair, it’s a good idea to create flooring that’s:

Slip-resistant – flooring should provide adequate traction for the wheels as they move without slipping or skidding underneath. Textured flooring can offer a slip-resistant space even in locations prone to moisture, such as the bathroom.

Smooth – flooring should have some texture for ease of movement. Having too many bumps or transitions can be difficult to navigate over. Pay particular attention to transitions from room to room.

Stable – flooring should be attached securely to the subfloor to prevent movement underneath. It shouldn’t dent or compress as the weight of the wheelchair moves over it.

What flooring choices should you consider?

We have a few suggestions for flooring materials that work well for wheelchair movement. While some you may expect, others may be new to you.

Hardwood

Hardwood has been around for centuries for a very good reason: they stand the test of time. No matter what you can dish out, they continue to give back, and look their best.

Hardwood has the added benefit of extending its life by refinishing it. When it’s scuffed and worn, simply sand it down. Then reapply new stain and finish, and you’ll instantly have updated flooring. You can do this repeatedly, depending on the quality of the wood. This is where it benefits you to pay attention to quality. This will give you the ability to extend the life of your floors.

Plus, they are fairly easy to maintain. An occasional cleaning means wiping away dust and debris, and possibly running over it with a damp mop for bigger messes. Hardwood isn’t water-resistant, so don’t allow moisture to puddle.

For added traction and keeping your floors looking their best longer, consider what texture you install. A hand-scraped or distressed texture not only adds slip-resistance, but it can stand up to more abuse too.

Tile

Tile provides one of the hardest surfaces available for residential flooring. It provides both traction and a smooth surface area for wheelchairs to move freely about.

However, it is important to pay attention to transitions. If grout lines are too pronounced, it can cause friction as the wheelchair moves over it.

Be sure to install a textured tile that provides a surface area that’s easy to maneuver. Certain tiles like ceramic might be too slippery for easy movement. And if a person transfers between a wheelchair and a walker, the surface area may not be conducive for easy movement.

Yet if you work with an associate, we can suggest a variety of options that make this a viable choice. Large tiles placed close together may be perfect for your area.

Luxury vinyl tiles or planks

While traditional vinyl is considered too soft for easy wheelchair movement, today’s luxury vinyl tiles or planks may be perfect for your spaces. They are an affordable alternative to hardwood, and provide a hard surface area that’s easy to get around on.

Luxury vinyl tiles or planks take on the appearance of the most loved flooring options on the market today. You’ll have difficulty telling the difference between luxury vinyl tiles and stone tiles, or luxury vinyl planks and hardwood planks. They look that real.

Yet their hard surface area creates a durable flooring option that works well in all kinds of residential situations. What’s more, it’s a great choice for places you usually wouldn’t put hardwood. Like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.

Other things to consider

In general, any type of flooring that provides a cushion to your step won’t work well with wheelchairs or even walkers. Many homeowners consider carpet because it’s soft. But it’s challenging to move around on, and makes it easier to trip and fall.

If you use carpeting in the bedrooms, go with a low-pile option, such as Berber, and stick with a dense pad for added stability. Wheelchairs will also bring in added dirt and debris, so it’s a good idea to go with a darker color, possibly patterns that will easily hide stains.

Floor transitions are equally as important as the flooring itself. ADA has special guidelines in place to ensure people can move freely from one area to another.

Vertical height – transitions between flooring types should be kept under ¼”.
Beveled height – if a transition is between ¼” and ½”, it shall be a beveled transition with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
Ramp height – anything greater than ½” high needs to be ramped.

Before you purchase new flooring, especially if combining it with flooring already in place, ensure you have the proper transition material ready to ensure a safe space.

Finding wheelchair-friendly flooring for your space

Finding the best flooring for wheelchairs is pretty easy to do. With ADA requirements in place, the options available to you have never been as flexible.

Understand what works best for you as you remodel your home. Look for future potential as well as what will work right now.

Remember, this is about aesthetics as well as functionality. And with today’s flooring options, you can easily have both.

How can we help you find wheelchair-friendly flooring?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 18, 2022

The Top Questions We Get About Bamboo Flooring

Have you set your sights on installing bamboo flooring in your home? Are you a little confused by what you’ve been reading online?

You’re not alone. Depending on what resource you read, bamboo is either the best or worse material for residential flooring.

We fall into the category that thinks it makes a great addition to any home. However, like any flooring choice, you have to understand how to care for and maintain it over time to truly fall in love with it, and enjoy it for years to come.

We get a lot of questions about bamboo flooring as people are trying to narrow down their choices. We thought we’d share them with you here to help you make up your mind as you’re deciding if bamboo flooring will make a welcome addition to your home.

Are there different types of bamboo flooring?

Yes, and this is where a lot of the confusion comes from. Bamboo flooring is usually broken down into two categories: solid and strand woven.

Solid bamboo is more traditional, where strips of bamboo are glued together to make a solid and stable floor covering. It’s made similarly to a traditional oak floor.

Strand woven is newer and more innovative in technology. Bamboo is shredded and woven together to create a stronger and more versatile floor. Strand woven is twice as strong as more traditional oak flooring.

Are there different kinds of strand woven bamboo flooring?

Yes! Innovation never stops, and you’ll find that once you start looking at strand woven bamboo flooring. The most common include:

Solid strand woven bamboo – this is twice as strong as traditional hardwood flooring, where bamboo strands are compressed under heavy pressure to create durable planks. They’re milled with a tongue-and-groove structure that allows them to be glued or nailed into place. Like hardwood, they can be refinished several times, giving you a long lifespan.

Engineered strand woven bamboo – this provides a thick strand woven bamboo wear layer over the top of a durable core. Like engineered hardwood, engineered bamboo gives you a tough, durable product that’s even easier to install with click-and-lock technology.

Rigid core strand woven bamboo – want an even stronger core? This may be your answer. These floors provide strand woven bamboo on the top layer, with a rigid polymer composite (SPC) core. This makes bamboo functional in places like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where moisture may be a problem. Some rigid core products also come equipped with a padded base that serves as a vapor barrier. This means it can be floated directly over concrete subfloors without need of an underlayment. If you’ve debated about what to install in your basement, rigid core strand woven bamboo may be your solution.

Is strand woven bamboo flooring eco-friendly?

Yes! That’s what leads a lot of homeowners to look at bamboo as a flooring option.

Most of the world’s bamboo is grown in China. Bamboo is a regenerating grass, so it grows much faster than hardwood trees. That makes it more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

This regenerative grass matures within five years. Once harvested, it has self-regenerating properties that won’t require replanting.

To be truly eco-friendly, pay attention to growth and harvesting practices. Look to ensure the manufacturer follows best practices, and allows healthy harvesting and regeneration qualities. Certification by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) will ensure best practices.

Is strand woven bamboo flooring better than hardwood?

Like all types of flooring, it’s a personal choice. Many homeowners have installed bamboo flooring and are very happy with the results. The more research you do about the product to ensure it fits your lifestyle, the better chance of being pleased with the results.

Hardwood and strand woven bamboo flooring are both made from natural materials, can be refinished several times, have a similar feel and comfort level, are easy to maintain, and are installed in similar fashion.

The differences include:

Bamboo is made from a regenerative grass, while hardwood comes from trees
Bamboo matures in five years, while hardwood can take up to 60 years to reach maturity
Bamboo is often more affordable than hardwood
Strand woven bamboo usually has a Janka hardness rating of as much as three times that of traditional hardwood

Does strand woven bamboo expand and contract like hardwood?

Both bamboo and hardwood are made from hygroscopic material, which means they absorb moisture from the air in the environment. Both products do well in a balanced moisture environment.

When relative humidity decreases, there is less moisture in the air. This causes the final product to contract, which can cause gaps in the planks.

As relative humidity rises, it brings more moisture to the air. More humidity can cause buckling as the final product expands.

No matter which product you choose, acclimating it to your home’s environment is an important part of the process. If moisture is a problem, look towards engineered or rigid core.

Is strand woven bamboo flooring durable?

Yes! If you’ve grown to love hardwood, but want something even more durable, you’re going to love what strand woven bamboo brings to your home.

Strand woven bamboo is a robust and durable product. But like any flooring material, it can be damaged over time. If you drag heavy furniture across it, you’ll notice light scratches. Drop heavy pans or sharp objects, and you may notice dents. It can withstand a lot of pressure; it just depends on what hits it, and the amount of force behind it.

The key to its success is maintenance. Luckily, the process to keep it clean doesn’t take too much effort. Use a dust mop or a vacuum with soft, non-rotating bristles to keep dust and debris away. For extra dirty floors or a more deep cleaning, a simple solution will do the trick. Check with manufacturer’s guidelines before using any cleaning product to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish. Never use a wet or steam mop to ensure best results.

What questions do you have about strand woven bamboo flooring?

If we can answer any of your questions, give us a call. Whether you’re finalizing your flooring choice, or still have general questions, we’re happy to provide you with solid advice.

How can we help you?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 14, 2022

Why Hard Floors Produce a Healthier Living Environment

A lot can go into selecting flooring for your home. You might start with a specific material in mind. Or have a certain color you prefer.

Thanks to the pandemic, we’re seeing more homeowners start with another request: clean flooring. Hard floors produce a healthier living environment. And that shows up in preferences. Studies consistently show hardwood tops the list of what buyers want for their homes.

Whether you’re designing a home, or remodeling your existing one, starting with a hard floor surface area provides the basis for a clean, healthy place to live.

Why are more homeowners turning to hard floors?

They’re easy to clean, disinfect, and sanitize

Homes get messy. Gravity ensures that.

But if you start with a base that’s easy to clean, those messes your family makes won’t bother you. You’ll simply wipe them away.

Hard floors give you a clean surface area that’s easy to sweep up dirt, hair, and other debris that accumulates. It’s easy to swish it away, reaching every corner effortlessly.

For a deeper clean, you can use antibacterial cleaners approved by your flooring’s manufacturer to ensure the surface area is free of pathogens and other germs. Just ask; we can provide you with the best care solutions to ensure your flooring stays looking good for years. You can also check online with your flooring manufacturer for their list of suggested cleaning products. Stick with their guidelines to ensure your flooring continues to look great, and remains under warranty.

They don’t trap dust or allergens

The smooth, hard surface area of hard flooring ensures dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen, and other debris sits on top of the surface and doesn’t burrow down into the material. It’s easy to wipe it away. A clean environment reduces your allergy symptoms, and may lessen other respiratory issues.

They provide better air quality

Right now, Americans spend, on average, 90 percent of their time indoors. Studies show that concentrations of some pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than what you’ll typically find outdoors.

Pollutants can be found in a lot of places inside your home:

VOCs in building materials
Harmful chemicals in cleaning products
Chemicals released in the cooking process

These are just to start.

Yet your flooring is the basis for your home design. It can trap and harbor dust mites, allergens, and other debris as it enters and settles onto your floors.

Many hard flooring surfaces are a natural byproduct, which means they are created using healthier materials. Because they are hard, they are easier to keep clean, meaning they won’t trap the particles that can make you sick. For many, the basis of home aesthetics starts with hard floors.

Which hard floor is healthy?

As you browse through different flooring options, it’s easy to get confused by the sheer number of choices. How do you know which to pick? Which direction should you go?

We have three healthy flooring choices that give you clean living options while ensuring you love the results.

Hardwood

If you search through our site, stop by our store, or chat with one of our associates, you’ll find hardwood flooring moves to the top of the list for all sorts of reasons.

And if you’re looking for hard floors to produce a healthier living environment, hardwood remains at the top of the list. Why? Because it’s a natural product that provides classic good looks to any room in your home.

If you are considering hardwood, look for manufacturers that care about the production process. Select solid hardwood that comes with the Forest Stewardship Council, or FSC, seal. With this seal in place, you’ll ensure that the forest is properly managed according to FSCs rigorous social and environmental standards.

It stretches beyond the materials used for hardwood flooring. It also applies to the glue used to adhere hardwood to the subfloor, and the stains and seals used to keep your hardwood planks looking good for years. Many products use certification programs like GREENGUARD to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure.

When a manufacturer uses these labels, you can feel better about the products and materials you’re bringing into your home.

Natural linoleum

While hardwood may work well for most rooms in your home, linoleum can be an option in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms. Both water-resistant and resilient, natural linoleum can be a great choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even kitchens.

Linoleum is made from linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour, cork flour, limestone, and pigments, pressed and held together by a jute backing. This affordable, low-maintenance option can be installed over both concrete or wood subfloors, and only requires an occasional coat of natural wax for care and upkeep. With proper maintenance, this flooring choice can last for years.

Ceramic, Porcelain, and Glass Tile

If you’re looking for more water-resistance in your bathrooms and kitchen, ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile may be the solution. Tile can be a sustainable choice. You can look for options made from recycled materials to bump up the environmental-friendliness of the product.

To ensure it’s the healthiest on the market, focus on low-VOC production, adhesives, and sealants. GREENGUARD-certified products can point you in the right direction. Also, use cement-based grout, which doesn’t emit harmful VOCs.

Hard surfaces last longer

For many homeowners, it’s a constant juggle of keeping the aesthetics fresh and new, while ensuring updates and care fit within your budget.

If you don’t want to be replacing your flooring every few years, hard surfaces give you the longest life possible.

Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles can last 20 years or more. The grout may need scrubbing and resealing every five years or so, but with proper maintenance, it’ll continue looking good for years.

Linoleum can last for decades with proper care. Keep the surface clean from dirt and debris, as this can mar the surface area. Moisture, spills, and harsh chemicals can be hard on the surface. Be sure to use manufacturer-approved cleaners, and wipe up messes quickly to avoid damage.

Hardwood has the added bonus of being refinished. Depending on the hardness and size of each plank, you can refinish it several times. This adds to its longevity. Instead of replacing the entire flooring, refinish it to make it look brand new. You can update based on trends, or as your preferences change.

Is now the time you update your flooring for a healthier living environment?

Start with hard floor surfaces. You’ll love the results.

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