The Only Guide You Need To Select The Right Commercial Flooring

When you select a new flooring for a residential space, it’s all about taste and personalization. But when you’re shopping for commercial flooring, there are other things to keep in mind.

What commercial flooring will be the best choice for functionality? Will it be an appropriate choice for the activities that take place within the space?

What commercial flooring will give the look and feel needed to complete this space? Will it enhance the branding associated with the commercial space?

What commercial flooring will be sustainable and cost-effective? Will it help me reach other goals, such as achieving LEEDs status?

What commercial flooring will best fit into my budget? At the end of the day, everything you do has to git into your financial plan. Luckily, there are always options when it comes to selecting new flooring.

Selecting your purpose for your commercial space

What tops the list for needs and demands when it comes to installing commercial flooring? Only you can decide. But after years of experience, we know functionality trumps all other factors most of the time.

Why? Ultimately, a commercial space needs to have suitable materials for the building occupants. You’d never install carpet in a hospital. Or slippery tile in a caregiving facility.

Durability also becomes a factor. Will your selection stand up to regular cleaning and maintenance? Will it meet building codes, ADA compliance, and provide appropriate acoustics for the tenants or employees inside?

Choosing the right flooring for your space may seem like an overwhelming process. Luckily, we can provide you with solid advice. Consider the pros and cons of the top flooring choices, and come in with an open mind. We’ll help you find the right flooring choice to meet all of your needs.

Hardwood flooring

The Only Guide You Need To Select The Right Commercial FlooringHardwood flooring has been one of the top flooring choices for years. People love the look and feel in both residential and commercial environments. It’s hard to deny it comes with classic good looks. When well maintained, hardwood flooring can last for years – decades – and bring a quiet sophistication to any place it’s installed. That’s why it’s the preferred choice for boardrooms and financial institutions across the country.

Yet despite it being renowned for quality, hardwood can also be quite finicky to care for. In residential applications, homeowners are aware of activities that will compromise the quality. You can’t ask visitors to check their heels at the door to counter the risk of scratching or denting the floor. Hardwood is also not the best choice in moist or humid conditions. It can be quite particular if humidity levels aren’t kept between 35 and 55 percent, increasing the likelihood of it warping or buckling. And if moisture seeps underneath, you’ll be installing new floors.

Laminate flooring

For the same reasons homeowners turn to laminate, it can be a great choice for commercial properties too. It’s often considered the low-maintenance alternative to hardwood because it’s easier to care for and has the look and feel of hardwood. Laminate is made from layers that give it strength and durability at an economical cost. Its tough top layer ensures it won’t scuff, especially in high traffic areas.

People love hardwood because you can refinish it multiple times. Not so with laminate – it’s a material you’ll have to replace when it’s time. Many laminates come with click and lock technology, meaning they float over the subfloor. While this makes it easy to install, it also can create a hollow sound. And that can be noticeable in large, open spaces. That can also cause bigger problems if you’re moving heavy rolling loads through the space.

Vinyl flooring

One of the newest products to market includes luxury vinyl tiles and planks. These products are made to mimic many of the most popular flooring choices, including hardwood, marble, and stone tile. But unlike the materials they mimic, they offer something else that’s a crowd pleaser: they can provide you with a hard surface area that’s completely waterproof too. These scratch-resistant, water-resistant floors are so close to the real thing, even experts have to take a second look.

While vinyl can be the perfect flooring choice in many situations, the key is ensuring it’s installed correctly to give you all the benefits it promises. This isn’t something you hand over to your handyman for weekend installation. Ensure it meets the code and guidelines of the manufacturer, and you could have a flooring choice you’ll enjoy for years.

Tile flooring

While vinyl may be the appropriate choice in some situations, in some cases, nothing will be better than tile flooring. If you’re renovating messy water-prone areas like bathrooms, breakrooms, or entrances, tile may be the perfect choice to stand up to the pressure. They won’t absorb moisture, and fight bacteria like no other flooring can. And when you clean them, you won’t think twice about digging in and giving it a good clean – it won’t hurt the structure of the tile, providing you install the correct tile for your unique situation.

While the tile itself may be stain-resistant and resist bacteria, you’ll have to be more careful with the grout you choose to install. Grout can and will stain unless well protected by a sealant. Epoxy grout won’t stain, but its cost will add to the bottom line of your installation. Tile also takes the longest to install, meaning this isn’t an overnight project. It requires many hours to ensure every piece is laid correctly, and the curing process ensures it’s tightly sealed.

Which is the right commercial flooring choice to suit your needs?

There isn’t a right choice when it comes to selecting a commercial flooring material. Instead, it takes careful consideration, weighing your options, and considering your needs.

Whether you’re still considering your options, or have made up your mind, the best place to start is by giving us a call, so we can help you select from your choices.

How can we help you select the right commercial flooring material for your space?

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What Is The Most Luxurious, High-End Hardwood Flooring?

Bubinga. Purpleheart. Bloodwood. Sandalwood.

If you’ve been looking at high-end hardwood flooring, you may be stretching for something beyond the standard oak or maple.

Whether you’re designing a home or business interior, sometimes only the best will do. If you want something that stands out from the norm, that takes people entirely by surprise when they enter the space, high-end hardwood flooring may be just the thing you’re looking for.

Hardwood flooring has been around for centuries. It hasn’t lost its popularity even with many new entries to the marketplace. It’s still one of the most sought-after flooring choices because of its classic good looks, and easy maintenance.

Still, why settle for just the “norm” when you’re designing your dream space?

What is high-end hardwood flooring?

If you shop for hardwood, you’ll quickly notice the wide variance in looks and price. What sets hardwood apart is the accessibility of the wood. High-end hardwood flooring in either residential or commercial grade is made from more refined materials with a higher concentration on the details. High-end wood flooring isn’t always created from newly crafted wood. A popular choice right now also includes reclaimed hardwood, which is salvaged from a variety of places.

What Is The Most Luxurious, High-End Hardwood Flooring?What you’ll notice with high-end hardwood is the difference in the details. High-end hardwood adds personality and character you won’t find in standard materials.

While high-end hardwood flooring can be created from a variety of resources, you’ll also find them in various sized planks up to 20 inches in width. These wider boards allow the personality of the wood to shine through, putting more emphasis on the individual grain patterns. If you want to make a statement from the bottom up, this is a great way to do it.

Reasons why high-end hardwood may be the right choice for you

People invest in hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons. Whether you prefer a different look from what you see in other homes, or you’re looking for a way to increase the value of your home, a high-end hardwood may be the right choice for you.

High-end hardwood flooring can:

Let your personality shine – let’s face it, the reason most of us turn to hardwood is because we love the classic design. Hardwood just looks good inside your home or business. But sometimes you want to stretch past what everyone else is installing, and create a look as unique as you are. That’s when high-end hardwood materials shine. If you can dream it, you can achieve it when looking towards higher end products. Whether you stick with one material, or incorporate several different materials for dramatic effect, you’ll find rich color and pattern combinations that will set the stage for any room you’re remodeling.

Make maintenance even easier – just because you install something different from the norm, doesn’t mean you want to spend more time cleaning and maintaining it. Depending on the hardwood you select, it may be even easier for your weekly cleaning routine. Hardwoods are ranked according to hardness based on the Janka rating. Select one at the harder end of the scale, and your routine may include daily sweeping and occasional deep cleaning to keep it looking its best for years to come.

Make your home more valuable – if you are building your forever home, selling it may be the last thing on your mind. But it is nice to know that when you install certain features, they hold up well over time. Hardwood flooring is seen as an upscale feature that buyers want. Studies show that you can expect up to 80 percent return on investment when you install hardwood, and increase the market value of your home by as much as 2.5 percent. If you use an exotic hardwood that sets your house apart from others on the market, that price bump may continue to rise.

Create a healthier environment – many families turn to hardwood because it creates a hard surface area. Dust bunnies can’t hide. You sweep or vacuum away problems that may exacerbate allergies or asthma attacks. In today’s environment, it’s nice to know that a solid flooring choice allows you to reach the nooks and crannies easier, ensuring your floors are as clean as you can get them.

Ensure you use environmentally friendly materials – hardwood most often comes from trees. [Materials like cork and bamboo are the exception.] High-end hardwood comes from trees that are rarer, or more difficult to harvest. As such, it can lead to problems in the supply chain, and less than stellar harvesting practices. No matter what hardwood flooring choice you settle on, be sure to do your research to ensure it’s harvested ethically and meets guidelines of regulatory organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Provide durability for years – when you install hardwood flooring, it’s nice to know that clean up will be easy. Another thing to think about is how durable the materials will be throughout the years. Durability comes from standing up to all your family can dish out. If it scratches easily, or dents when you drop something on it, you may fall out of love with your hardwood flooring choice just as quickly as you fell for it. Overall, hardwood is a great choice because it stands the test of time. When it begins to wear and show marks, you can sand it down and refinish it, making it truly a flooring choice you can enjoy for decades.

Are you ready to give high-end hardwood flooring a try?

People turn to hardwood flooring for a variety of reasons – what’s yours? But sometimes you don’t want “normal,” but prefer to select something that says “wow” instead.

High-end hardwood can give you the color, pattern, style, or personality you’ve been longing for. It can give you a chance to create a room you’re happy to come home to, and equally as happy to share with family and friends.

Are you ready to install high-end hardwood flooring in your home? Stop by today and see our full selection.

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Flooring Renovations For Each Age and Stage of Life

Homeownership. It’s something Americans have treasured for generations.

The thought of buying a house and making it your own has been a right of passage. To get in, personalize each room, starting with flooring renovations and moving up to wall color, cabinet choices, and tasteful decor is what turns a house into a home.

And we’re valuing home like never before. Thanks to a tumultuous two years, home prices have skyrocketed beyond expectations. It’s causing a divide between the generations – Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials all vying to find the perfect home.

While many think Baby Boomers would stick close to home, they’ve turned to buying up property even faster than other generations. With more money to spend, relocation a top priority, and looking for their “dream home” to age in place in,

Getting the perfect home is only the start of the process. No matter if you’ve moved or not, chances are you’re looking at your home a little differently these days. A recent report by Houzz shows renovation spending has increased by 15 percent this past year.

What do people want?

  • Modern, multitasking kitchens
  • Private sanctuaries inside the bathroom space
  • Defined living spaces that give definition for different activities
  • Rethinking wasted space and turning it into something extraordinary – a game room, media room, or office space
  • Personalization – if we have to be at home, it better have the features we most dream about
  • A better base – instead of dreaming about new floors, flooring renovations often start the process

Of course, even those concepts change based on age.

Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1963 have topped the list of home renovations. Almost half of this generation is making major changes to their living space with the thought of aging in place.

Many people have faced making quick decisions for relatives or loved ones based on functionality of a home. If a loved one can no longer climb stairs or make it through a doorway, choices have to be made as to what the next step is.

If a homeowner plans for that early, it decreases the anxiety of emergency situations.

For many Baby Boomers, that means changing out design, widening hallways, and making bathrooms more accessible. It also means taking a second look at flooring.

Flooring Renovations For Each Age and Stage of LifeAccording to the CDC website, 3 million falls occur in the elderly population each year due to falling. Those falls cause broken bones and head injuries, and often are the start of more serious problems.

Many of those falls are inside the home. With many of those being caused by the layout of the home. Piles of stuff, loose rugs, uneven flooring transitions, and dark spaces can all increase potential injury.

Where to start? Look at the flooring from the front of the house to the back. Find the right products. Pay attention to transitions. Be sure they work well in a variety of situations. Luxury vinyl planks are increasing in popularity because they are softer than tile, offer waterproof flooring that stands up better in a variety of situations, and creates modern looks people want and love.

Gen X

When combined with Baby Boomers, these two generations account for 81 percent of today’s renovations.

Gen Xers were born between 1964 and 1980. They have a lot of discretionary money, and they aren’t ready to step down into retirement. They’re moving to better their careers, get closer to family. Or even to find their dream location, and lay down roots before they retire.

Generation X is facing empty nests for the first time. As their kids move to college and beyond, they are redefining what “home” means to them. They’re upgrading their personal spaces, not necessarily how much square footage they need. They aren’t afraid to put money to the best things money can buy.

When renovations start, they know just what they want. Flooring renovations mean selecting top quality products that look as good as they function. They are building new lifestyles, and they want their flooring to reflect everything they have in place. The same Houzz study from above found that improving design and flow was top priority for this generation, with updating functionality a close second.

Resale value? Not a top priority. Because Gen Xers are creating spaces they love, they intend to live there for a long time. Flooring renovation to them means selecting high quality surface products that will look great for years to come. It’s no wonder high grade wood and stone top the list.

Millennials

Millennials are just starting to venture into the homeownership arena. Born between 1981 and 1996, these consumers are buying starter homes and thinking about growing families. They want living spaces that reflect their current tastes and needs.

That’s why you’ll find millennials not afraid to take on DIY projects, especially when they can get higher quality products at lower costs. Flooring renovations to them mean creating adaptable spaces that allow multiple functions within the same room. Waterproof flooring is a big plus, especially with growing a family in mind.

They want high functionality and smart technology. They care about health, and the future of our planet. They aren’t afraid to branch out when selecting flooring for their renovations, as long as it gives them an advantage. Luxury vinyl tile is piquing interests. It looks like hardwood and stone, but offers 100 percent waterproof features, as well as being softer underfoot.

It’s time to renovate!

No matter where you fall on the generation scale, chances are you’ve been bit by the renovation bug these past two years. Whether you’re ready to tackle DIY projects, or are investing in high grade flooring that will last for years to come, we have the perfect product to suit your needs.

Stop by our retail location today, and take a look at the products topping wish lists all across the Front Range.

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What I Really Want Is Hardwood Floors In The Bathroom

Think about your dream home for a moment. What does it look like? What kind of decor is on the inside? What materials do you use to finish off each room?

According to a study done by Hardwood Floors Magazine, two-thirds of homeowners stated their dream home would include hardwood floors.

Especially here in Colorado, we take our outside living seriously. Hardwood isn’t just a wishlist item; it’s a way of life. And while we use hardwood in the main living space, we also wish we could use it in every room in the home.

Yet if you’ve done any research, you know hardwood and water don’t mix. How can you use hardwood in bathrooms? Is it possible? Or is it a recipe for disaster?

Done properly, hardwood can be a welcome addition to any room. If you want a continuous look as you move from room to room, hardwood may be a suitable choice for your bathroom. Before you install it, take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of using hardwood flooring in the bathroom. Consider your options, and you’ll love your flooring for many years to come.

Advantages of hardwood flooring in the bathroom

What I Really Want Is Hardwood Floors In The BathroomBefore you install hardwood throughout, the first step is taking your lifestyle into account. A half bath off the living room might not be a problem for hardwood. Hardwood in a child’s bathroom where bath playtime is a daily event might have you regretting your decision. Despite the aesthetics of having one flooring material throughout, there are other considerations to keep in mind.

Warmth

Tile is one of the most popular flooring choices in bathrooms. Yet if you’ve ever stepped on a cold tile on a dark, winter’s morning, you know it has its drawbacks. That’s why many homeowners are attracted to adding hardwood to the bathroom. Hardwood gives a comfort factor not found in other flooring products. It also provides a natural soothing sensation, making you feel like you’re a part of nature. Who doesn’t want that for a room, especially if you’re trying to create a spa-like atmosphere?

Aesthetics

Speaking of aesthetics, very few flooring choices offer the beauty of a hardwood floor. That’s its biggest advantage. It’s also why many of today’s top flooring products do whatever it takes to mimic the look. What further enhances the use of hardwood is the fact that no two rooms will ever look the same. Each board is handcrafted to draw out the natural beauty of the material being used. That makes it a classic choice to allow your own personality to shine.

Longevity

Hardwood flooring is one of the oldest materials used in home construction. It comes from a natural resource that can last for decades if well cared for. And when you do have a problem with the top layer, you can sand it down, smooth it out, apply a new finish, and guarantee yourself many more years of use. Even if you spend a little more on the initial installation, you’ll know it can be with you for as long as you own your home if it’s well cared for.

Disadvantages of hardwood flooring in the bathroom

If you’re reading this article, chances are you already have concerns about installing hardwood flooring in a bathroom. There are good reasons for that. Hardwood is a porous material that allows moisture and other liquids to seep in, even through finishes. Technology is changing that, but it can still be of concern. Especially in a bathroom.

Water

Water is the biggest problem hardwood will face in a bathroom. If you’re continuing your flooring from a living space to a half-bath, the water can be more easily contained. But water in a place where you take daily showers and baths will present issues. Water droplets can splash out at bath time. Shower spray can hit the floor every time you open the door or slide the curtain into place. To protect wood from water damage, you’ll need to wipe up all water spills quickly. That’s difficult when it’s a constant barrage of water.

Floods

Droplets from showers and tubs present issues. Floods from broken pipes and overflowing toilets are disastrous. No matter what finish you apply to hardwood, that much water will have an impact on the integrity of the floor. Chances are you will be replacing the flooring if and when this happens. Regular maintenance for all of your bathroom appliances should be on your to-do list, as well as paying extra attention to the way you move around while getting ready.

Humidity

While standing water and floods can cause problems, the humidity that appears when you bathe or shower adds a new level of wreaking havoc on your hardwood floors. When bathrooms get steamy, the effects of the humidity can settle in everywhere. It gets between the boards and settles in along the baseboards. Over time this can cause a variety of issues, from cupping to warping. Once damaged, you can’t just refinish the planks. It requires starting over with new floorboards.

Chemicals

Think of the variety of products you use in a bathroom: toilet cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, hairspray, body lotion, and other personal items. As these settle onto the floorboards, they can impact the hardwood in many ways. It can stain the wood, lighten the color, or even penetrate through the finish. This leaves the planks more vulnerable to other potential problems.

Other bathroom flooring options

Hardwood flooring in the bathroom isn’t something you necessarily have to avoid. It’s up to you and your lifestyle. Just be aware you will have additional maintenance requirements if you decide to install it.

Luckily, there are many other options to give you the look and feel you desire. Engineered hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl planks, and even wood-look tile can all give you the look you desire coupled with easier maintenance.

Want hardwood flooring in the bathroom? Open to other options? No matter what your preferences are, we can help you find the perfect flooring option to suit your needs.

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Tired of Cold Floors? Flooring Tips Might Help

It’s cold outside. Trouble is, it’s cold inside too.

You turn the heat up, trying to warm up your room. And the minute the furnace turns off, signaling it’s reached your desired temperature, you feel a chill run through you.

How can it possibly be warm?

It might not be your furnace that’s the problem. Instead, it might be your floors.

Cold floors are quite common during the winter months when the temperatures continue to drop. And while cold floors can leave you feeling chilled, it can also lead to sickness, including respiratory illness.

Proper heating is important if you want to keep your family warm and comfortable all year long. But getting rid of cold floors doesn’t mean you have to live with ugly flooring. There are many things you can do to love the look and feel of your flooring, and stay warm too.

Flooring’s purpose

Certain flooring types are warmer than others. As you live in your home and start to get a feel for how each room functions, you can change up your flooring to match your desired results. It might make more sense to install warmer flooring in the bedrooms, for example, to ensure it stays warm while you sleep.

If you’re thinking of installing new flooring, consider the properties of each option before you finalize your decision.

Tired of Cold Floors? Flooring Tips Might HelpCarpet – it’s one of the warmest flooring options, and is often placed in rooms where you spend the most amount of time. If you install carpet with longer, thicker fibers, it will have more benefit of keeping the cold away from your feet, as well as help eliminate the chill from the air. A good carpet pad is also needed to help improve resistance and create a barrier between you and the living space below.

Cork – consider how cork works in a wine bottle. It’s effective at holding moisture inside, while being soft to the touch on the outside. That’s because of the numerous tiny air pockets that fill the cork structure. It works in a similar manner in flooring. It acts as an insulator between what’s laid below the surface and what you see and walk on from above. It’s a great flooring choice for preventing warmed air from slipping outside your home.

Laminate – laminate can be warmed up depending on how the boards are created. A layer of dense padding in the underlayment can warm the surrounding area and help keep the wood strips from being too cold. You can also lay laminate over radiant heating to provide additional warmth underfoot.

Tile and stone – these are some of the coldest flooring choices you can install. That’s why you find them in abundance in warmer climates, where they help keep a house cool. That said, tile and stone are also some of the best flooring products to pair with radiant heating systems because of their heat retention. That makes tile and stone the perfect choice for bathrooms and laundry rooms, where its water-resistant features are also beneficial.

Vinyl – today’s vinyl comes in a variety of formats. Sheet vinyl is very thin, and will have a harder time holding heat in place. But newer luxury vinyl planks and tiles are combined with other materials to create a more functional, insulating product. These products are often combined with things like radiant heating, which can work together to create a warm living space.

Sometimes it’s not just about the flooring 

If you’re trying to create a warm environment, it’s easy to focus on the flooring you choose. But it’s not always that simple. Sometimes the problem isn’t associated with the flooring, but instead is based on what lies beneath the surface.

Insulation – a constantly cold room can almost always have a finger pointed at improper or poor insulation. You can have a home audit performed to help you find out where insulation is inefficient. This isn’t just a problem in the attic or crawlspace. Often, you’ll find a lack of insulation behind wallboards and below the surface. It can also be a problem on the surface of your floors. Are there spaces between boards allowing heat to escape? Are there problems between joints, gaps between wood, or problems with the underlayments? All of these can leave your flooring feeling cool to the touch.

Underlayment – certain types of flooring like laminate, linoleum, and vinyl, will take on the temperature of the surface. In the winter, that means it will drop in temperature and be cool to the touch. One way to warm up the surface is to pay attention to the underlayment installed between the flooring and the subfloor. In addition to helping create a warmer floor, it will also increase the R-value of the home, which means it will help control energy costs too.

Sub-room – if you find the main living space cold, and your flooring is always cool to the touch when it’s chilly outside, chances are there’s a problem with lies underneath. Does the main level sit on top of a crawlspace or basement? If the floor is about the same temperature as it is below level, the solution is simple. Insulating the floor area will seal the heat loss occurring between the two levels. A professional can help seal up cracks and leaks between floorboards and joists, as well as ensure the entire area underneath the flooring is well insulated.

Check windows and doors – do you notice it gets colder near windows and doors? Now maybe a good time to check for drafts and install weatherstripping. Warm air is lighter than cold air, meaning if cold air is slipping in around a window or door, it may hover just above the flooring and feel colder to the touch. You’ll benefit from adding insulation around doors and windows by increasing the R-value of the home’s envelope, which in turn will help with your energy bills.

Are you tired of cold floors? 

The answer might be a simple fix. It may also be a reason to consider installing new flooring, one that gives you a warmer surrounding area for whichever room you spend the most time in.

Is your home prepared for cold winter months? Maybe new flooring is the perfect home improvement project for you this year. 

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Scared of Laminate? You Won’t Be After Learning More About Underlayment

Laminate. When you hear that word as a homeowner, certain thoughts pop into your mind. Whether you’ve had experience with it or not, chances are you’ve formed an opinion about it.

Laminate flooring has only been around for a few decades. Like other home products, laminate flooring was created after a century-old company’s sales began waning, and they looked for other ideas to bring to market. The Perstorp Corporation created the first high-pressure laminate in the late 1970s, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The industry continued to morph and change, increasing strength, durability, and attractiveness. In 1994, Pergo launched its first marketing campaign in the United States, adding its click-and-lock technology as well as more sound insulation by 2000.

How today’s laminate is made

Today’s laminate flooring is a hard surface floor that offers homeowners versatility, durability, and aesthetics to match any decor. People love hardwood. Yet hardwood isn’t always the perfect choice. Laminate is a flooring product meant to give homeowners the look and feel of hardwood, yet provide a few things that hardwood can’t.

Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers, including:

  • Top layer – a clear coat of extremely durable resin and cellulose designed to give the product strength while increasing the natural beauty of the visual layer
  • Visual layer – a high-resolution photographic image used to replicate the texture and style of hardwood
  • Core layer – a high-density fiberboard that helps provide stability and water resistance
  • Bottom layer – a melamine back layer that provides a foundation for the laminate planks and increases its water resistance

Scared of Laminate? You Won’t Be After Learning More About UnderlaymentWhen many people recall the laminate of yesteryear, they think of the hollowness sounds created once it was laid into place. It didn’t have the warmth of hardwood; instead, a hollow sound echoed as you walked across the floor.

Laminate has changed drastically over the years. A part of that is due to the underlayment that is laid into place underneath the laminate flooring of your choice.

What is underlayment?

Underlayment sits below laminate flooring. It’s created from a composite of filaments and fibers, laid together with a vapor barrier on top. These layers are designed to insulate the floor and make it warmer, protect the flooring from moisture, mold and mildew, as well as reduce the clicking noise that is commonly associated with laminate flooring.

Underlayment is a layer between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It covers up the imperfections in the subfloor, giving the laminate more strength and durability. In some cases, laminate comes with underlayment already attached. Check with the laminate you select to see how it was produced.

However, if the laminate doesn’t have underlayment, or you simply want additional support, you might choose to consider purchasing and installing an additional product. There’s a lot to consider when making your final selection. With several different choices, which is the right product for your home?

Start with your subfloor – it’s what matters most

There are several different types of underlayment created for use with laminate flooring. The best way to determine which underlayment is suitable for your situation is to start with your subfloor.

The two most common subfloors in homes are cement and wood. They each have unique situations when laying flooring over the top.

Wood subfloors provide strength and durability underneath your flooring. It may be a little uneven or even creak from small separations between the boards, depending on the age. Underlayment should complement laying laminate over wood, and provide more benefit to handle well with age. Moving up and getting premium underlayment can increase softness and cushion, as well as provide a stronger moisture barrier.

Cement subfloors provide an additional set of concerns. Cement subfloors present a greater chance of moisture problems. That’s why it’s important to install an underlayment that has a vapor barrier attached. Vapor underlayments protect your laminate flooring from any moisture that could seep up through the cement, and potentially cause floor problems.

While most people spend time looking and finding the perfect flooring to suit their needs and decor, it’s the underlayment and subfloor that set the stage for success. Without a proper subfloor and underlayment combination, the wear and stability of whatever floor you put in may have problems shortly after installation.

Three types of underlayment

In general, there are three different types of underlayment: foam, cork, and felt.

Foam is the most basic format. Foam underlayment comes in a variety of thicknesses, and comes in rolls of varying widths and lengths. Because it’s the most popular choice, you’ll find the best selection of products to complement your laminate flooring.  Many foam underlayments come with a moisture/vapor barrier already in place. It’s also one of the easiest to install, even for people who are new to laying underlayment into place.

Cork provides a natural product that’s made from the bark of a cork tree. It’s available in several thickness levels, and offers a natural moisture barrier. One of the biggest reasons people select cork underlayment is because of its natural sound absorbency. If you’re installing laminate in an upper floor room or space, a cork underlayment makes an excellent choice for absorbing footsteps. It’s sustainable, economically sound, and offers hypoallergenic properties to people wanting cleaner living space. Its antimicrobial nature also prevents the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.

Felt is considered the premium choice in underlayment. It’s made from recycled fibers, and is significantly heavier and easier to smooth into place. This heaviness of the felt material gives it excellent sound absorption. It can muffle the sound of footsteps, and create a quieter environment. Felt also works well to add insulation to your home. If you’re worried about heating and cooling, felt can make your floors feel warmer.

What’s the best underlayment for the laminate you’ve chosen?

Different laminate manufacturers suggest different types of underlayment.

Now that you’re aware there’s more to installing laminate than simply selecting color and style, come in and ask questions about creating your perfect living space. There’s a combination of laminate and underlayment that will help you create the home of your dreams. 

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Install These Top Flooring Materials In High Traffic Areas

High traffic areas in homes and businesses have special needs.

Have you ever walked into a lobby or entryway where the flooring is scratched, dented, and unappealing? It sets the stage for the experience. You enter warily. You question what you’ll find as you continue to walk further. Is it clean? Is it well kept?

Is it a place you truly want to be?

If your flooring is old and outdated, your floor may simply be showing its age through wear and tear.

But if you replaced your flooring not that long ago, you might be questioning what went wrong?

It may be you picked the wrong floors for the area. Some flooring choices handle better than others. If you want longevity, selecting the right materials will make all the difference. If you want your floors to look good for years to come, be sure you choose the right flooring specifically for high traffic areas.

High traffic areas need durability and easy maintenance. Selecting water-resistant or waterproof flooring for entryways, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas is also a plus.

But there are many things to consider before you make your final decision. This article is designed to give you the top flooring choices that will handle well no matter what type of traffic you can dish out. It’s the best way to ensure your flooring stands up to all the traffic that comes through your doors.

Defining what to look for in a high traffic floor

A lot of people start shopping based on looks without thinking about how well the floors will handle after they are installed. That’s putting the cart before the horse.

If you have a high traffic space, consider selecting flooring specifically built to handle the traffic. Focus on:

Durability – high traffic areas take more abuse because of the amount of action they receive. Pets running and sliding across it. Kids playing and dropping heavy objects. Moisture as you walk across it with wet and sloppy shoes. All of that adds up to scratches, dents, and other problem marks.

Maintenance – high traffic areas get dirty faster, which means you’ll be cleaning them on a more regular basis. Can the flooring look good with just a simple swipe of a mop? Or does it take more action?

Install These Top Flooring Materials In High Traffic AreasWater-resistance – high traffic areas are almost always adjacent to entrances. That means dragging in every element that happens on the other side of the door. If flooring isn’t water-resistant – or waterproof – damage can quickly start to show.

Warmth – here in Colorado, warmth is always a factor. If you select the wrong flooring, it may handle okay, but you’ll always notice a chill in the air.

Aesthetics – many people start with style. While it’s important, be sure to combine it with functionality to truly enjoy the space you create.

Cost – what’s more important, budget or aesthetics? For different people, the choice may encourage one choice of flooring over the other. Just remember that if you select the wrong material for high traffic areas, you’ll be replacing it more frequently than other choices. That can add up to a lot more financing over time.

What type of flooring should you consider? 

As you keep all of those characteristics in mind, it’s time to shop. We’ve been helping homeowners select the right flooring for their needs for years. If you are worried about the final product you install in your high traffic areas, we suggest you look at the following:

Tile

Tile is one of the oldest and most effective flooring choices you can install inside your home. That’s because of its durability. Tile creates a hard surface area that is scratch resistant, and best of all waterproof, as long as you install it correctly. That’s why you’ll find this in entryways and surface areas in some of the busiest places in the world. Tile truly stands the test of time.

If you take care of tile, it will be around for decades looking brand new. It’s easy to clean, easy to maintain, and when you spill something on it, it’s easy to wipe away. Tile won’t develop mold or mildew, though you will have to give the grout in between a little TLC to keep it looking and functioning well. But this too is easy to clean with a mild detergent and water. And when you need a deep clean, a steam cleaner will do the job quickly.

Tile is also eco-friendly. Tile isn’t made with harmful chemicals, and it won’t leak VOCs once they are installed inside your home. Just pay attention to the grout and adhesive you use for complete installation to ensure they remain safe once inside your home.

Luxury Vinyl

A lot of changes have happened in the luxury vinyl market these past few years. If you’re looking for new flooring, you won’t be able to ignore luxury vinyl. Luxury vinyl comes in planks and tiles designed to mimic the most popular flooring choices on the market today. If you’re looking for a versatile flooring that is durable, affordable, easy to install, easy to clean and maintain, and is comfortable underfoot, look no further than luxury vinyl.

Plus, it’s waterproof. Pay attention to the manufacturer you select, and you’ll find a high quality product that is resilient in all sorts of conditions. If you, your family, or your clients drag in ice, snow, and mud on a regular basis, you’ll love how easily luxury vinyl cleans up.

You can find luxury vinyl mimicking your favorite flooring. Want traditional hardwood, a whitewash design, or even reclaimed wood? You’ll find it with luxury vinyl. Want stone, marble, or granite, without the fuss of actually installing it? Luxury vinyl can help you create those aesthetics too.

Laminate

People love hardwood. If you can’t get hardwood out of your mind, yet you know you’ll regret your decision the moment it’s installed, give laminate another look. While it’s not recommended for areas where extreme moisture may be an issue, it does very well in high traffic areas that will take a lot of abuse. Plus, it looks good while being durable, affordable, and comfortable underfoot.

Laminate has a reputation for being ugly and noisy. Not so anymore. With today’s technology, it can take on the appearance of any wood you choose to install. Just be aware of where your laminate was made, as some cheaper manufacturers may have used chemicals and VOCs in the process. That’s why it pays to go with a reputable flooring dealer to ensure you get the highest quality flooring products.

Laminate is durable, affordable,  and will handle well under all kinds of pressure. Laminate is not the best choice in moisture situations. Laminate may buckle and warp when subjected to too much water over time. But if you want the look of natural wood in an area with lots of foot traffic or even where your pets will romp and play, laminate may be your flooring of choice.

What’s your choice? What flooring will you install in your high traffic area?

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Want Affordable Flooring? Take a Look at Floating Floors

Sometimes the easiest way to change the look of your decor is to start with one project at a time. With a coat of paint and new flooring, you’ll be surprised at how different your home will look.

Are you looking for a do-it-yourself project? Painting the walls is easy; you’ve probably done it a few times yourself. But flooring – that sounds a bit trickier. Is there an affordable flooring option that’s easy for do-it-yourselfers?

Do a little bit of research and you’ll quickly find the concept of floating floors. Is it the right choice to suit your needs?

What is a floating floor?

Floating floors aren’t a particular type of flooring. Instead, it’s a way of installing flooring. With most flooring, there’s a lot of prep work to ensure the flooring stays put. You’ll have to:

  • Ensure the subfloor is even, clean, and dry
  • Buy or rent necessary tools for installation
  • Select the right adhesive
  • Or learn to use a nail gun
  • Ensure underlayment is in place
  • Carefully install the new flooring
  • Live with the consequences if any part of the process didn’t go as planned

That’s why many homeowners leave floor installation to the professionals.

But that didn’t take away the desire for a DIY project. And that’s where floating floors came into play. Floating floor floats above the flooring beneath it without having to be permanently attached. The planks or tiles click and lock together to create a solid flooring structure over the flooring beneath. It provides you with an easy way to have new flooring quickly, in an economical way.

Want Affordable Flooring? Take a Look at Floating FloorsBecause the floor isn’t nailed or glued down, each board is constructed in layers to add stability and strength. The top layer is the color or finish you’re looking for, while the layers underneath give it core strength and durability. And in some cases, water-resistance or even waterproof features.

What finishes are available?

The good news is that floating floors have grown in popularity over the past few years. Today you’ll find floating flooring created from a variety of different materials. If you have a color, style, or pattern in mind, you’ll find it in a floating floor.

The basic floating floor materials include:

Laminate

This is by far the most popular floating floor. Laminate planks are designed to imitate the most popular hardwood flooring choices at a fraction of the cost. It’s easy to install, and provides good stain-resistance. However, if you’re looking for water-resistance, think twice before installing laminate. Laminate isn’t made for bathrooms or laundry rooms, and can quickly wear down from too many spills in the kitchen.

Engineered wood

While some people have problems with the sound and look of laminate, they may easily prefer engineered wood to create a more cohesive look. Engineered wood looks like traditional hardwood because it has a hardwood veneer as its top layer. Yet it’s priced lower and easier to install because it’s designed with several core layers that increase durability. Want a click and lock system for a DIY project? You’ll find many options with engineered wood. Because of its popularity, you’ll even find the latest trends, such as recycled or reclaimed hardwood.

Luxury vinyl planks and tiles

Luxury vinyl has been growing in popularity because of all it offers. Want marble flooring? Want hardwood? Love the look of natural stone, but don’t want the time or mess it takes for installation? Look at tile floating floors instead. This can be the perfect choice for areas where you want a little elegance, but might not be conducive for tile. Worried about a less-than-perfect subfloor? Floating floors won’t be impacted. Plus, floating tile flooring can be the perfect thing to install in your bathrooms over radiant heating. If you choose a brand that’s waterproof, it’ll last for years without giving up on its good looks.

Cork

Cork is increasing in popularity because of what it can add into your home. Want something that absorbs sound? Want something that’s soft underfoot? You’ll love what cork has to offer. It’s also popular because it’s natural and offers sustainability improvements to your home. Install cork flooring, and you’ll feel the difference right from the beginning.

Tile

Some homeowners love the look of tile, but don’t want the mess that normally comes along with it. If that describes you, you’re in luck. Floating tiles look and feel like their counterparts, but they are easier to install than conventional tiles. You won’t need mortar. They come with automatic tile spacing guides, so you won’t have to worry about spacing problems. Pricing may be a little higher than traditional tiles; go with a cheaper option, and you may pay the price with an inferior product. But if you want a DIY approach with the classic good looks of tile, this may be the right choice.

Are floating floors the right choice for you?

If you’re looking for an easy floor to install, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional, floating floors ensure you’ll have a quality floor installed in less time. The interlocking system means there’s no fuss with getting the subfloor perfect, adding adhesive, or nailing the flooring in place.

What’s more, fixing problems is easy too. Invest in extra flooring and if you have a problem – a spill, a stain, a dent, or a scuff – you simply remove the old boards and replace them with new. This can eliminate the need of having to replace the entire floor for one damaged floorboard.

Floating floors are also less expensive than other flooring options, meaning you’ll be able to replace or remodel without having to worry about the cost.

And if you’re looking for style, color, or pattern choices, you’ll be amazed at your options with floating floors. In many cases, the color ranges extend way beyond what you’ll find with traditional products.

If you want water-resistant, stain-resistant, or even waterproof flooring, the options are almost endless in floating floors.

Want to view all your options? Stop by today.

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Deciding On Hardwood? Is Oak Still Popular?

Are you shopping for new hardwood flooring? You may have noticed that oak hardwood is overwhelmingly one of the most popular species on the market.

Why is oak hardwood so popular?

Oak is one of the most abundant hardwoods for lumber in the United States today. It’s native in North American and can be found all across Canada and the United States. Most red oaks grow over 150 feet in height and up to 6 feet in diameter before harvest. White oaks reach 80 feet in height and up to 6 feet in diameter.

What makes oak hardwood popular

Oak hardwood flooring is used throughout American homes because of its hardness, strength, and durability. Because oak trees grow in abundance and are readily available here in the States, it’s easy for harvesters to keep up with demand. That keeps prices low while quality remains high, meaning it’s a great option for homeowners. It’s supply and demand.

Of course, the only reason it continues to be in demand is because it works well as flooring. If homeowners didn’t like its durability, it would fade from use. Overall, homeowners choose oak flooring because of its:

Character – most homeowners start with looks. And you can’t go wrong when you select oak flooring. Oak has a natural character that’s accentuated when it’s turned into planks. You’ll notice the knots, streaks, and other blemishes that give it its unique look.

Deciding On Hardwood? Is Oak Still Popular?Versatility – if you want a timeless look that goes well with any decor, look no further than oak hardwood. You can use oak as your base, from country charm to traditional decor, and create classic good looks. It isn’t easy to find that with any other species of hardwood flooring.

Hardness – hardwood makes great flooring. But it’s still wood, and with wood comes the possibility of marring the finish. With too much pressure, you can scratch, dent, or even buckle the planks. That’s all determined by how hard the species of wood used is during production. That’s why oak flooring remains popular. The Janka hardness test is used to measure the hardness of wood floors. The higher the Janka rating, the more pressure required to dent the floor. The Janka score for a Northern Red Oak will be 1,220-foot-pounds. Compare that to Maple at 1,010, or Knotty Pine at 690. White oak flooring isn’t the hardest wood, it does well with most of what homeowners can dish out.

Home value – while homebuyers have specific desires in mind while they shop, they don’t want too much personality already existing inside potential homes. They want hardwood – but may be cautious if it’s too exotic for their tastes. A well maintained oak flooring will allow a homebuyer to check off that on their wish lists without giving it another thought.

The difference between red and white oak

Oak flooring is the most popular hardwood for flooring in America. But what a lot of people don’t realize is there are two separate types of oak commonly used for flooring – red and white.

If you are installing new hardwood floors, either red or white oak will do a great job over time. Which wood you select ultimately will determine what style and color you prefer. Both are durable and rank well on the Janka scale. Even the pricing can be similar depending on the market you’re in. What’s the difference then?

Color – if you install your oak flooring with a natural finish, red oak tends to have a pinkish tint. It will also be brighter than white oak. White oak tends to have warmer brown tones, and finishes darker than its red counterpart. When you stain it, red oak will continue to have red undertones, especially with stains in the lighter hues. White oak will take well to browner undertones, creating a darker look. The darker the stain, the more this difference disappears.

Grain – traditionally, red oak will have a more robust grain pattern. That means you’ll have more variance in the look of your floors. White oak is smoother and has more continuity; it’s great if you desire a uniform look. If you prefer grains to help hide scratches and marks, red oak may be better suited for your living environment. If you are minimalist and want clean lines, white oak may give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Having a house built means you can go with any type of wood and create continuity throughout your home. But if you’re replacing specific sections of your home, and want to match what already exists, knowing what’s already installed becomes a bigger challenge.

We’re happy to help you determine what you have in place. This becomes especially important if you’re butting up against hardwood stairs. Overall, red oak is used more frequently in stair treads, banisters, and other transitions. If you have them in place and won’t be replacing them, chances are good it’s red oak. They are both beautiful and will handle well over the years as you enjoy your new hardwood.

Red or white oak hardwood – which should you choose for your flooring?

If you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, either red or white oak hardwood will do. Either species stands the test of time, and will give you a beautiful base for any decor you choose.

If you’re just starting the process of looking for flooring, start by asking yourself some questions.

  • What are you looking for in flooring?
  • What colors and hues do you prefer?
  • Are you looking for easy maintenance?
  • Will you be selling your home in the near future?
  • And finally: What is your budget?

While there are many different species and types of hardwood on the market today, few have the chance of taking the place of oak. Both red and white oak are here to stay because of their availability and durability. If you install an oak hardwood flooring today, you won’t regret it in the coming weeks and months.

Nothing says beauty quite the way hardwood does. And if you install oak hardwood in your home, you’ll never go wrong.

How can we help you find the perfect oak hardwood to suit your needs?

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Basement Flooring Options Are The Most Difficult To Find

A basement can add much-needed space to your everyday living. Yet it can also be one of the most difficult areas to design.

Many basements across the Front Range are behind closed doors. Descend down the stairs, and you’re often transported to a different world. It doesn’t look like the rest of your home. The decor is off. It’s a little colder down there – which isn’t a good thing in the dead of winter.

But what can you do? Where do you start?

One of the best places to begin is with the flooring. Basement flooring options don’t have to be dull and drab. Install the right basement flooring, and you’ll fall in love with the space, look forward to walking downstairs, and enjoy the space with your family and friends.

Basement flooring can pose a problem. Not any floor will do, especially if your basement is prone to moisture. That means selecting the best floor is not just for aesthetics, but for preventing future health problems too.

What flooring options should you consider for your basement remodel?

Luxury vinyl – it tops our list

When someone visits our showroom floor and asks about basement flooring options, we immediately start talking about the benefits of luxury vinyl. If your first thought was “vinyl, really?” you’re not alone.

Today’s vinyl has the ability to look identical to other flooring options you know and love. Want hardwood? Luxury vinyl can mimic that. Want stone? Luxury vinyl can give you that look too.

Yet luxury vinyl gives you something many other flooring options can’t: the ability to be highly functional below ground level, and offer a waterproof flooring option you’ll love. Yes, waterproof. For many homeowners who have experienced occasional problems in their basement, the thought of waterproof flooring is all it takes for them to give luxury vinyl a second look.

Basement Flooring Options Are The Most Difficult To FindWhat makes luxury vinyl different from the sheet vinyl you may be used to from years past is how it looks. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) take on the look of the most popular flooring on the market – hardwood planks and stone tile – yet gives you the benefits they don’t. Luxury vinyl is:

  • Waterproof – up to 100 percent depending on the style and manufacturer you select
  • Durable – it can stand up to just about anything your family dishes out
  • Easy maintenance – it continues to look good with occasional sweeping and mopping
  • Styles – whether you want the look of hardwood, stone, or a more traditional pattern, you’ll find it with vinyl
  • DIY – click and lock technology makes it easy for anyone to install
  • Affordable – because of its popularity, this is one of the most affordable options you can install in your remodel

We could go on and on with the benefits of this flooring material, but the best way to experience it is to come and have a look for yourself. Luxury vinyl planks come in a variety of widths and sizes. Whether you want a light whitewash or the darkest walnut, you’ll find any color combination you’ve anticipated installing into your final design. Luxury vinyl tile gives you an easy way to have the most luxurious stone, without the hassle of adhesives, dry times, and grouting. From marble, granite, or limestone, it’s an easy way to get the look you’ve been dreaming about.

Creating warmth with tile

While luxury vinyl continues to be one of the most popular choices for a basement remodel, if you’re looking for the “real thing,” we suggest taking a closer look at tile.

Tile comes in a variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and materials. Porcelain tile can create just about any look you desire. Want natural stone? Its elegance can build luxury into your basement decor. Have a specific pattern in mind? Ceramic tile takes on just about any color, pattern, shape, and size you can imagine. Whether you have your own design ideas in mind, or have something pinned to your Pinterest board, you’ll love what you can do with tile.

Plus, it installed correctly, it’s a great choice for below-grade living spaces. Its moisture resistance can stand up to whatever happens on your property. In some cases, it can offer waterproof protection.

But what also attracts homeowners is the option for a more efficient way of heating their basement spaces. Radiant heating systems allow you to maximize the potential of turning often unused space into cozy living areas. You won’t have to worry about what your HVAC system can produce.

Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone are all great thermal conductors. They don’t expand and contract based on hot or cold situations, meaning they hold up well when installed over radiant heating systems. Where tile was once thought to be exclusively for warmer environments, it’s now growing in popularity because of the warmth it can bring to your home.

Carpet is still a great choice

If you’re not sold on hard flooring options, want something warm and economical, carpet is still one of the best choices you can make for your basement living spaces. While it doesn’t have the waterproof, mold and mildew-proof qualities of vinyl, it is a warm option that can give you the cozy feel you may desire.

Carpeting is often a great choice for main living spaces, bedrooms, and staircases. It’s soft to the touch, safer at preventing falls, and provides cushion for walking, sitting, and laying on.

Carpet also offers the perfect look and feel for those that wish to adhere to a budget. No matter what your budget is, you’ll find the perfect color, pattern, and texture to suit your needs.

It can also help you create a quieter space. If your basement brings additional family space, a game room perhaps, or even a media room, carpet can help settle noise and keep it inside the space.

What’s your choice for basement flooring options?

There isn’t a wrong choice when it comes to designing the basement of your dreams. Whatever flooring you desire will ultimately be the one that gives you the most satisfaction when you’re using the space.

Stop by today. We’re happy to show you our wide selection, and help you make the right choice to suit your needs. 

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