Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Vinyl Floors
June 3, 2021

Does Your Laminate Contain Formaldehyde?

When you’re creating a home for your family, you pay attention to the little things that will keep everyone safe. You install smoke detectors. You ensure the blinds are cord-free and don’t pose a safety risk. You select cleaners that don’t use harmful chemicals that can make your family sick.

But what about the laminate you install on your floors? Do a little research and you’ll find laminate contains formaldehyde. Or at least that’s what a quick Google search will have you believe.

Is it true?

Is laminate safe?

Or should you pull laminate out of your home, and never consider it again?

Let’s talk about formaldehyde

If you want to learn more about formaldehyde and its impact on health, it’s best to go to a respected resource such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is a division of the CDC.

According to the ATSDR:

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that has a distinct, strong smell
Formaldehyde can be quickly broken down in the air, usually within hours
The emissions put out by formaldehyde will decrease as the product ages
Formaldehyde dissolves easily but dissipates quickly in water
Formaldehyde will not build up in the human body
The primary way humans are exposed to formaldehyde is by breathing it in if it’s in the air supply
Indoor air is more susceptible to carrying formaldehyde than outdoor air

In general, people won’t show reactions from small amounts of formaldehyde entering their systems. Low exposure may irritate eyes, nose, throat, skin, or airways. Of course, it depends on a person’s sensitivity as to how much of a reaction they have. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the very young, and the very old may produce more severe reactions.

Prolonged exposure can give rise to sensitivities, and create chronic conditions over time. Formaldehyde is also linked to certain types of cancers, including leukemia.

If you’re attempting to keep your home as free of chemicals as possible, the thought of introducing formaldehyde into your home can be unnerving – why bring something potentially harmful into your house? If laminate contains formaldehyde, wouldn’t you be better off to select something else?

There’s more to the story than that.

Laminate and formaldehyde – what’s the story?

Back in 2015, 60 Minutes ran an expose that revealed through investigative reporting, laminate from Lumber Liquidators’ contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde. They eventually agreed to pay a $33 million penalty for misleading investors about formaldehyde-laced laminate flooring from China.

With this history, it should be easy to find safer laminates. In many cases, it is. But it’s still a marketplace filled with buyer beware. If you buy based on price alone, you may not get the product you think it is. Without a little research first, you could be installing something in your home that puts your health at risk.

Protect yourself when buying laminate – and make sure it’s free of formaldehyde

When you purchase flooring based on price alone, you’re often getting an inferior quality product that was mass produced for selling in large quantities. You’re less likely to know where the material is sourced from, and run a greater chance of having problems with the product at some point in the future.

These mass produced laminates are often for sale at online resources that contain discounted flooring materials. You may also find them at local big box stores that sell one product for an extremely reduced price.

There’s a reason it’s such a good deal. Is that what you want as you’re flooring for the next decade or more?

When buying laminate flooring, the best way to make your final selection is to follow guidelines set up by the EPA. Only buy products that are labeled or stamped with compliance from one of the major organizations that check for safety, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and California Air Resources Board Air Toxics Control Measure (CARB ATCM).

Why laminate?

Laminate is more susceptible to using chemically-laden materials in production because it’s constructed from multiple materials. Laminate flooring is a multilayer product that contains:

A plywood base layer
A realistic photo image layer that mimics the look of real wood
A hard, durable plasticate wear layer

Some laminates have a built-in underlayment attached for easy installation.

People choose laminates over other wood types for a variety of reasons.

Laminate is traditionally more budget-friendly than most other types of hardwood. It also has a durable wear layer that makes it more durable than hardwood, able to resist scratching far more than a softer flooring. It’s also more resistant to moisture, making it an even better choice for the multi-purpose rooms in your home, such as the kitchen, laundry room, and the basement.

Learn to shop for non-toxic products

Laminate is created from multiple resources. That means depending on which laminate you select, there might be more than formaldehyde that lurks inside.

Laminate is made up of multiple layers. It takes adhesive and other products to put them all together. And that’s where other chemicals can creep into the production line and be in the final product you select.

VOC means volatile organic compounds. Have you ever noticed a “new car smell”? That’s VOCs, and you smell it as it goes through a process of off-gassing. This is where it releases chemicals back into the air supply as it settles into place. VOCs can contain a variety of chemicals, including:

Benzene
Ethylene glycol
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
Xylene
And yes, formaldehyde

Can you find non-toxic laminate? Yes. Pay attention to the manufacturer, and look at your labels. GreenGuard Certified is just one organization that checks for harmful chemicals, and pays attention to what is released in the off-gassing process.

Also pay attention to the installation process. If an installer uses harmful chemicals to attach the laminate to the floor, you’re defeating the process of trying to reduce exposure. Choose a click-in-place laminate that floats and isn’t directly attached to the floor.

What other questions do you have about laminate flooring? If you’re ready to choose the safest product for your home flooring, we can help you make the best selection for your family’s needs.

Flooring
May 28, 2021

Want Wood Floors In Your Commercial Property?

When you’re building a new commercial property, or remodeling one already in existence, a lot of thought goes into marketing. Who do you want to attract to your property? What type of clients do you wish to lease to?

Because every business has a different look and feel they portray to their target audience. All you have to do is look at the differences between McDonald’s and Elway’s to understand that to be true.

Some businesses thrive on high traffic. They need durable surfaces that can take abuse as customers come and go all day long.

Other businesses thrive on luxury. They don’t worry about a revolving door. They cater to the ones and two’s. They have a very specific audience, and they’ll go out of their way to protect the image, only bringing in prospects if they meet certain qualifications.

This targeting process may rely on marketing, but it starts with something even more basic. It starts with the decor. When people walk through the door, they expect high class. And nothing says that in greater detail than with natural wood floors.

Selecting the right wood floors for a commercial property

Just like in your home, flooring sets the stage for what lies inside. Imagine walking into an investment firm with old rug tiles where half of them were torn or missing? Would you trust them for investment advice?

Studies show we form our opinions quickly. It takes only one-tenth of a second for us to form an opinion about people. We assess judgment about trustworthiness, likeability, competence, and aggressiveness in just 100 milliseconds.

Still think your flooring doesn’t matter?

Hardwood flooring has always worked well in commercial spaces. The key is in selecting something durable.

Oak is one of the most popular and durable wood surfaces on the market. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and does well in high traffic situations. It also has the potential to last for years. When it needs refreshing, you simply sand it down and resurface it to give it new life.

But what we love more than all else is the timeless beauty that comes along with wood floors. Especially here in Colorado, hardwood goes right along with our outdoor way of living. That’s why interior designers and business owners alike install wood floors just about anywhere. They know it will never go out of style.

All you have to do is think about your favorite store, restaurant, or hotel. Chances are there’s hardwood in there. Hardwood has been popular for decades – centuries – and with today’s technology added into the mix, it’s likely to remain at the top of wish lists for many years to come.

Other reasons to select wood floors in your commercial property

We realize it probably won’t take much to sway you towards hardwood as a selection. But there are many other reasons for you to consider this as your flooring of choice.

Wood floors add to property values. You might not be thinking about selling, especially if you’re just building. But it’s nice to know that wood floors will boost up the value if you ever do decide to sell. Buyers want materials that are timeless, that they won’t have to replace immediately after taking ownership. And with hardwood flooring ticking that box, it’s one more benefit to choosing it as your final selection.

Another big benefit that is often overlooked is the improved air quality that comes with wood floor installation. Are you trying for green certification? Do you have hopes of creating a LEED certified building? Wood floors can help you do that by providing the base on which to build on.

Where do wood floors work best?

If you’re leaning towards wood floors for your commercial property, our advice would be to go with your gut feelings. Chances are you know what it’s like living with wood flooring at home, and you can bring that same feeling to the commercial side.

Keep in mind that commercial grade wood flooring is different from residential. We can help you find the perfect solution to fit your needs.

Hotels, for example, are a great place to display wood floors. From the lobby, to the hallways, to each individual room, it can create a clean, minimalist look your guests will love. Many five-star resorts boast luxury, and wouldn’t want anything else to adorn their floors but hardwood. It might require a little more maintenance from your staff for upkeep, but that’s all part of the process. Your customers demand it, and it creates a look that will have them saying “see you again” from the moment they step inside.

Of course, hotels aren’t the only place for wood flooring. Offices are a prime candidate for hardwood throughout. Office space is often a balance between practicality and aesthetics, depending on who your customer is. Floors should be functional enough to maximize productivity, while creating a workspace conducive to avoiding risk or distractions.

In heavy traffic areas, remember that hardwood can create potential noise pollution caused by people walking in certain shoes or heels. Be aware of this and pay attention to the product you select, and choose a thick underlayment that helps reduce noise.

Restaurants are also a great place to install wood floors. Do you love hardwood in your dining room at home? Mimic that look in your restaurant. Just be aware that food and drinks will be spilled. Select a quality product that can stand up to the abuse. Also, be mindful of the color, finish, and aesthetics of the material. Some colors show stains and marks easier than others.

A room with primarily adults would require different surface materials than a family-friendly environment. A romantic evening for two has a different appeal than a place you take the whole family.

Are you adding wood floors to your commercial property? How can we help you finalize your decision?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 24, 2021

Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Install Exotic Wood Floors

Remember when hardwood floors were fresh and new? You didn’t see them everywhere you went. The colors were a bit more vibrant. They made every room they were in pop.

Fast forward to today’s world, where 52 percent of homeowners say they have hardwood somewhere in their homes. Two-thirds say hardwood is the only thing they’d install in their dream homes.

There’s a good reason for that. Hardwood is a great choice for flooring throughout your home.

It’s durable, and can last for decades if well cared for
It’s one of the most attractive flooring materials you can install
It’s easy to clean – vacuum or sweep up each night, and it will always look its best
It’s affordable – because hardwood is so popular, you’ll find an option in every price bracket
It’s eco-friendly – if you pay attention to the manufacturing process
It adds value to your home – with two-thirds saying hardwood is the only thing they want in their dream home, there’s a good chance that the buyer looking at your home will love your hardwood flooring

Whatever your reason for installing hardwood in your home, you won’t be disappointed with the results.

But for some homeowners, the idea of installing the same old hardwood can leave them feeling underwhelmed. Maybe you want hardwood … but you want something more.

Maybe exotic wood floors would be better for your home.

What is exotic wood flooring?

If you start looking around at wood flooring, you’ll see certain types over and over again. Oak, birch, pine, these species of wood are ever-popular because they do well as flooring. They look good, they are easy to maintain, and they are easy to grow and harvest to turn into building materials. That also is what gives them affordability.

Exotic wood comes from harder to reach places. They are sourced outside of America, and typically grow in places that require a tropical climate. You’ll find exotic wood often comes from places like Asia, Africa, or South America.

When you move into species that grow in more tropical locations, you’ll also find the appearance of the wood changes its look. The grain tends to be wider and more pronounced. The color is usually more vibrant, often coming in shades of red, yellow, or purple.

Of course, when you source these exotic woods from faraway locations, you can also run into ecological issues. That’s why it’s important to shop wisely when looking for exotic flooring. Because many of these regions don’t have the laws and policies we do, some of these woods can be sourced using less than desirable practices. Be sure to look for things like the FSC accreditation on the label to ensure they use eco-friendly guidelines.

There’s also a cost issue. Because exotic hardwood is sourced from different regions of the world, it will cost more to harvest and bring it to market. Expect to pay more than flooring made with domestic woods.

I want exotic wood floors. What are the benefits?

If you want exotic wood floors, you’ll have to do your research. Just like other flooring choices, each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You may know how to live with domestic hardwood, but bringing a different species of hardwood can change things up a bit. It’s better to do your research early than to make a mistake and hate your floors from the moment they’re installed.

People enjoy exotic wood floors for many of the same reasons as domestic wood flooring.

They’re extremely tough, often tougher than domestic woods
That makes them even more durable on your floors
They require little maintenance and can look good for years to come
They have a unique natural beautify that’s unparalleled in any other wood on the market
They come in a vibrant range of colors and looks
They are a great investment and can give you an edge if you’re selling your home

Before we get into the types of exotic woods, it’s important to understand the Janka Hardness Scale. The scale was developed as a way of displaying the results of the Janka hardness test. The test uses a 2x2x6-inch piece of wood and a 0.444-inch steel ball to determine how hard the wood is. The test measures how many pounds per square inch of force are needed to push the steel ball halfway into the piece of wood.

If you have an idea of what the Janka rating is for the exotic wood you’re looking at for your home, you’ll understand better how much wear and tear it will be able to handle over the years before it needs repair or replacement. A good Janka rating will only be an indication, because every hardwood in every home is put to different use, depending on the needs and lifestyle of the homeowners.

For a closer look at how different species of wood rank on the Janka scale, you can look at hardness tests to see where the species you’re considering lies. Brazilian Olivewood and Bolivian Cherry fall towards the hard side, while White Pine and Douglas Fir are in the softer range.

What are some of our favorite exotic hardwood species?

When you start looking at exotic hardwood, you’ll fall in love with the vibrant shades, the deep grains, and the unique looks. You’ll never find this in every house in your neighborhood – that’s what makes it so desirable.

While there are many different options, start by looking at:

Acacia Wood – this is one of the hardest and most durable woods in the flooring market. It works well in high traffic areas, such as hallways, dining rooms and living spaces. You’ll love the distinctive beauty with its unique grain patterns, and the color ranges that vary from golden tans to deep, rich browns.

Jatoba Wood – this is also known as Brazilian Cherry, and can be sourced from Brazil, Peru, or Mexico. It’s a tough wood that can be sanded down and refinished many times throughout its lifespan. It has a luxurious look and feel that many homeowners love.

Teak Wood – teak wood continues to grow in popularity because of its versatility. It’s sourced in many areas, including Burmese, Africa, and Indonesia. It has an elegant color with a luster to it that many find appealing. It has a high water resistance, which can give it an advantage in rooms with higher moisture, such as bathrooms.

Of course, these are just a few of the many exotic wood flooring choices on the market today.

Want to see our full line? Stop by today.

Flooring
May 21, 2021

Installing New Floors? Do This To Ensure There Are No Surprises

Have you jumped on the remodeling bandwagon? People all across the US are rethinking their living spaces and changing things up.

According to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity put out by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the remodeling industry will have another record year with remodeling expenditures expected to reach $352 billion in 2021, up from $339 billion in 2020.

That’s because people are buying up homes in record numbers, and when they get there, they want to make the space their own. Even if you choose to stay in your existing home, it’s difficult not to want to lighten, brighten your surrounding area.

No matter what color you decide to paint the walls, or what furniture you choose to decorate the room, it all starts with the floors. Installing new floors gives you a base to grow upon. New floors can make your home more durable, more comfortable, even give it more resale value.

Where do you begin?

Create a plan

Before you make your final selection, talk with a flooring expert. They can help you understand what flooring material will work best in your unique situation.

Tell them what you like and a little about your lifestyle. This gives them a big picture view of what your budget is, what time frame you’re looking at, and more info about the project itself.

Without this big picture view, you might be missing crucial information about what it takes to make the most of your new flooring choice. Are you budgeting enough for materials and installation? Do you understand how long each material truly will last? One of our flooring experts will walk you through from beginning to end.

Dig into the details

Carpet or hardwood? Laminate or luxury vinyl? As you begin to learn more about each product, you might discover a material you never thought to consider before. As you make a selection of material, you’ll dive even deeper into your choices.

What color do you like? What pattern works best for your needs?

Even manufacturers create different products for different scenarios. Does your basement occasionally flood? Maybe resilient flooring is the way to go. Is your family growing? Maybe carpeting will be best suited to your needs.

Don’t forget to consider warranties, and understand what goes into a final quote. This is especially important if you are comparing products or installers. Just because something appears to be a good deal, doesn’t necessarily make it so. At this stage, there isn’t a wrong question. If you don’t fully understand something, dig deeper until you do.

Sign on the dotted line

Once you make it official, your installation will move into motion. You’ll get a date on the calendar for your installation to begin. Be aware that each flooring material has its own needs and requirements. If you’re installing hardwood, for example, the product will need to sit in your home for a few days to acclimate to your environment before final installation.

If materials need to be ordered, that occurs before your scheduled date. If you have any questions during this timeframe, be sure to bring them up. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared as you get ready for your installation.

The big day

Are you installing new flooring in one room, two, or the entire house? There’s a big difference in the way you maneuver on the day.

When you paint the walls, you simply move furniture away from it, and cover everything with drop cloths. It’s fairly easy to ensure your surroundings stay safe in the process. Not so with flooring. What’s currently on the floor must be removed to ensure the installation process runs smoothly.

Here’s a list of just some of the things you can do to be better prepared.

Remove all breakables – obviously, furniture needs to be removed. But don’t forget about other things that can get damaged in the process. Pull frames and art pieces off the walls. Remove light fixtures and other materials that may be damaged in the process.

Ensure you know who does what – if you need help moving furniture, be sure you mention that to the installer. Otherwise, you might have added costs tacked onto your final bill.

Disconnect appliances – if you’re replacing flooring in the kitchen, you might be moving appliances such as the range or the refrigerator. Be sure to disconnect them from gas hookups, electrical outlets, or water supply before they are moved.

Clean out closets and storage rooms – these are often the most chaotic rooms in the home. Be sure you’ve boxed up any items on the floor, and don’t forget about materials hanging that might get in the way. Pantry items should be removed. Coats, boots, and other accessories from the mudroom. Those boxes you thought were just there for storage – they have to be moved too. If it will be impacted by the new flooring process, it has to be moved.

Remove doors – by removing doors from adjoining rooms, you’ll ensure they don’t get scratched, nicked, or damaged in the process. As you remove them, mark each door and put all hinges, screws, and connectors in a plastic baggie with the door. Mixing up hardware can cause all sorts of problems after the move as you try and reinstall.

New flooring height – different types of flooring will leave your floors new heights after the install. Carpet will impact doors differently than laminate or hardwood. Have you taken this thoroughly into account? Or you might have a door that no longer swings freely.

Remove baseboards – new flooring should be pushed as close to the wall as possible. Based on new heights and new materials, they might not fit as they did before. This helps to keep your baseboards in great shape, and allows you to adjust their height once the flooring has been installed.

Secure your pets – this might be the perfect day for them to visit neighbors, or attend doggie daycare. This much commotion in their home can set them off. And dealing with a barking dog all day will only add to your stress.

Have a prep area – depending on the material, the installer will need a place to cut and prepare the flooring material. If it’s raining, it will need to be covered – your garage possibly? They will also need good lighting, an outdoor GFCI electrical outlet, and easy entry into your home.

The better prepared you are for installing new flooring, the smoother the project will go.

Is this the year you add new flooring to your home?

Carpet
May 18, 2021

The Benefits of Carpeting Your Home

With so many different flooring materials available to you, sometimes it can be difficult making a choice.

Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific floor covering – carpet, for example – but after even a small amount of research, doubt creeps in. The world seems to revolve around hardwood flooring today. But that’s not what you’re really in the market for. You want carpet. But should you listen to your gut?

Yes.

Carpet is still an excellent choice for installing it throughout your home. The global carpet market stood at $61.9 billion in 2020, and is expected to increase to $73.9 billion by 2025. With that level of increase, carpet isn’t about to dwindle out of the marketplace.

And when you look back through time, you’ll find that throughout history, we’ve brought forms of carpeting into our homes. There is evidence from thousands of years ago that animal furs and hides, as well as weavings from sheep wool and other fibers were made into rugs and placed throughout the home for warmth and aesthetics.

Is it right for you? Consider the benefits.

The benefits of installing carpet

For most of us, we’ve grown up with a variety of different flooring covers installed inside our homes. Vinyl, tile, wood, carpet – these materials are all good inclusions depending on what room they are installed in. Yet carpet brings out a few traits you don’t find as readily as with other flooring materials.

Comfort

One of the biggest reasons people settle on carpet is because of its comfort. Have you ever stood on a hard surface – tile, concrete, or even wood – for a length of time, only to find your joints and back hurt? You won’t find that with carpet because of the padding beneath your feet.

Get down on the ground. Sit. Lie down. Play a game with the kids, or build a house out of Legos and blocks. You’ll never tire of moving around on the softness of carpet.

Depending on what fibers you select, it can also feel soft to the touch. Run your fingers over it and it makes your home feel a little cozier. It can also make you relax when you dig your ties into it at the end of the day.

Warmth

Have you ever entered a room with hardwood or tile floors on the coldest day of winter? Feels chilly, no matter how much your furnace runs.

That changes when you bring carpet into the room. That’s because carpet has a higher insulation value than other flooring choices. You also install carpet over padding, which has its own insulation qualities. When your furnace turns on and blows warm air into the room, some of that absorbs into the carpet, keeping the heat near your feet longer than other materials. Not only will that make you warmer, but it will also show up as a savings on your monthly energy bill. A win/win for every situation.

Noise

Try and sneak into a room with hardwood or tile floors. You hear every move you make, click-clicking across the floor. And because it’s a hard surface area, the noise carries, bounces around the room, echoing throughout the house.

Carpet fibers absorb the noise, and hold it close to the surface area. This can be a big deal if you have small kids who nap during the day, or have a family member who works odd hours. You’ll find carpet is one of the quietest flooring choices you can install.

Safety

Drop a little liquid on certain flooring materials, and it could be a slip-sliding experience. If you’ve ever walked down stairs made of a hard surface material, you may have also noticed it’s a little more difficult to gain traction; it’s easier to have your foot slide from the step.

Carpet gives you a soft landing if you do fall, as well as provides a surface area that’s easier to navigate, especially on stairs. Properly carpeted stairs increase safety in homes where mobility is an issue. If you do select carpet, be sure to talk with one of our sales associates about installing the right carpet. Ideally, it should provide durability without being too thick, or it moves back into a risk hazard for people navigating the stairs.

Cost

If you’ve decided to install carpet, the first thing you’ll notice is the vast array of choices. If you want to keep costs low, you can do so easily by installing carpet. It’s one of the most budget-friendly flooring options on the market today.

https://pro-flooring.com/flipping-a-house-install-this-flooring/

Many hard flooring choices require special preparation before the material can be laid into place. Not so. Carpet can be rolled into place over a variety of subfloor options. If there is a slight problem – a floor you just can’t get even – that’s not a problem. This can save you a great deal of cost in labor.

Can you move up and get plush, expensive carpet that’s luxurious to the touch? You bet. But if you’re trying to stay on the economical side, carpet is often the one flooring choice that makes sense.

Style

We’ve alluded to it numerous times in the other benefit categories, but with carpet, style is only held back by your imagination. You’ll find carpet selections in every color of the rainbow. And if you’re looking for something special, possibly for your commercial location, you can get custom orders that make anything possible.

You can go with shag or short fibers, patterns, or Berber. Stick with a solid color, or have a variety of colors woven into a pattern. Stick with one color, or use different colors depending on your room. Even carpet tiles can be a playful way to make any room pop with a bit of pizzazz.

Which carpet is best for your home?

That’s the fun part. When you decide carpet is the right choice for your home, you’ll love the possibilities.

Come in and shop around. Look at your options. Select a few choices and bring samples home. Live with them a few days before making your choice.

That’s the best way to choose the right carpet for your home.

Flooring
May 14, 2021

Softwood or Hardwood – Which Is Better For Your Flooring?

Thinking of adding new flooring to your home? Have you settled on hardwood floors?

It might surprise you to know your hardwood flooring choice might not be hard at all.

Softwood flooring – never heard of it? You won’t find home improvement stores selling “softwood flooring” anytime soon. It doesn’t really appeal to a homeowner that wants a long life from the flooring they select.

Yet different wood species have different hardness levels. That means some wood flooring choices will have more durability, while others will require more maintenance throughout their lifespan.

What’s the difference?

The difference between softwood and hardwood flooring

When you’re attempting to determine if a wood is soft or hard, it comes down to the physical structure and makeup of the material.

In general, hardwood comes from deciduous trees. These are trees that lose their leaves in the fall, and produce seeds with a protective covering. Maple and oak fall into this category.

Softwood, on the other hand, are gymnosperms, which means they are seed-producing trees that produce uncovered seeds, and are evergreen, such as conifer trees.

Hardwoods will be slower growing, which makes them denser, sturdier, and more difficult to cut through. Softwoods tend to be the opposite, though there are always exceptions to the rule. Yew trees fall into the softwood category because they are conifer, but they produce a strong, tough wood.

Both woods can be versatile in home building, and can be used for a quality flooring cover. Though you’ll tend to find hardwoods in more abundance for flooring covers, both offer opportunity to a homeowner for getting the look you’ll love.

What is a hardness scale?

Because different types of wood offer different strengths and hardness, industry leaders developed a way of measuring the different qualities to let you know, the consumer, where specific woods fall on the scale.

The scale was developed to show hardness tests of each different type of wood. The test uses a 2”x2”x6” piece of wood and a 0.444” steel ball to determine the force needed to push the ball halfway into the wood. The results are included in the results known as the Janka Hardness Scale.

It starts at zero, with this option being the softest wood. The rating moves to 4,000, with any wood nearing this ranking being at the hardest end of the scale. A wood falling at zero with scratch and dent with ease, while one falling at 4,000 would be almost impossible to cut and install as a flooring material. That means most choices fall somewhere in between.

A deep dive into softwood

If you shop for hardwood and have your eye on pine, fir, or cedar, all of which are popular throughout North America, you’re looking at a softwood flooring product. These all make excellent flooring products because they tend to grow and mature faster than other species of trees. That makes the wood abundantly available, and easier to farm and harvest than other choices. Because of their abundance, you’ll never have to worry about locating sustainable or eco-friendly products.

These softwoods have been used for years – decades. That’s because they’ve been installed in homes across the US for equally as long. They’ve come to be synonymous with classic good looks inside our homes and offices. It’s friendlier to the environment because just as easily as you can install them, they will decompose faster at the end of life as well.

The one drawback is that its rapid growth also means it’s a softer, less dense wood. That decreases the durability factor, and makes it more susceptible to damage. In high traffic situations, or in commercial applications, softwood may not be the perfect choice.

A deep dive into hardwood

Hardwood will never go out of style. Because it’s one of the most durable flooring products on the market, you’ll find hardwood installed just about anywhere. Look down in your favorite store. Notice the floors when you head into the office. Chances are there is hardwood down there.

Because hardwood is produced from different resources, you’ll never find the same look and feel between species, or even from board to board. That’s part of the allure. You can install any type of hardwood you desire, then pick the stain and finish that best suits your tastes and needs. The look is unique and individual as you are.

Of course, hardwood’s appeal is that it produces a hard, dense surface area. And that takes years to grow. Typically hardwood will be more expensive, especially as you move into exotics. It also takes more work to install to ensure it looks good, as well as more maintenance once it’s installed and you’re living with it.

You can get hardwood in both solid and engineered format. Solid hardwood is created from solid logs, with one piece of wood being milled directly from the log. Engineered has multiple layers and added composite materials to create the plank and overall look.

So which is better, softwood or hardwood?

It may seem like the best choice for your home is a hardwood floor. But there’s more to it than that. It’s not only what the wood planks are made of that should sway your decision. Maintenance comes into play too.

A homeowner that uses a softwood flooring that is conscious about how well it’s maintained each day, and treats it with care throughout its life will enjoy the look and feel of their choice.

A homeowner that selects a hardwood flooring, but has an active lifestyle that means they rarely clean up after themselves may find their hardwood floors look battered and old after just a few short years. They need replacement long before the household with the softwood installed because of the way they cared for it.

A lot of this comes down to preference and personality. It’s important to consider how you live before you make your final selection. Be honest with yourself. People rarely change, even if they make an attempt when their floors are first installed. Most fall immediately back to old patterns.

What’s the best choice for you?

Would you like to know your options, and find the right wood floor for your home?

Stop by, or give us a call today.

Flooring
May 10, 2021

How Do You Find The Right Flooring Contractors?

Thinking of installing a new floor in your home?

The fun part may be deciding what flooring to install. Hardwood or tile? Carpet or laminate?

And once you decide on the type, the colors, styles, and patterns can leave you breathless.

Who knew so much was available? How will you ever decide?

Eventually, you whittle down your selections and make a final decision.

But your options aren’t over yet.

Will you do-it-yourself? Will you hire a contractor?

Who will you trust to install one of the most important building materials in your home? If you get this part wrong, you’ll have a flooring that simply doesn’t work with your lifestyle. Hardwood may warp or cup. Tile may come loose. Carpet may buckle, creating waves across your floor.

Selecting the right flooring for your needs is only a part of your decision process. An equally important decision should come with hiring the right flooring contractor, one that will ensure the work is done correctly and will give you floors you can live with for years to come.

Where do you start to find the right flooring contractors to suit your needs?

Make sure the flooring contractor is licensed and insured

Anyone can install flooring. Not everyone can install flooring correctly. There is a difference, and yet homeowners often forget that when finalizing their decisions.

And we get it. It’s easy to break the budget upgrading to the material you’ve fallen in love with, then look for ways to cut corners on things you can’t see – like installation. Yet installation is one of the most important parts of the entire project. Get it wrong and you’ll pay for it from the start.

When you hire a contractor who is licensed and insured, you have guarantees if something goes wrong with the installation. It also protects you in the case of a contractor that doesn’t finish the job or damages the property in the process.

Get at least three quotes – don’t fall for the “good deals”

It’s easy to get excited and fall in love with a material you’ve been dreaming about for years. If you’ve looked online, you might even notice a “really good deal” and have a strong urge to jump at it. They even offer installation at a “low cost.” What could be better than that?

That’s how many homeowners fall for scams and pay the price dearly in the long run.

Companies don’t stay in business by offering unbelievable deals. They look for easy ways to pull people in, and charge exorbitant fees on the backend when you’re frustrated, panicked, and a little overwhelmed. What choice do you have at that point?

When you see things in writing, you can start to ask questions. And when you ask for at least three quotes, you can start comparing. This gives you a chance to thoroughly understand all the pieces that go into installing your new floors, and make an informed decision in the process.

Ask questions

Speaking of asking questions, we can’t recommend this enough. Before you start the process, create a list of questions that apply directly to your project. Keep adding to it. Then bring it with you when you start looking for flooring.

A reputable flooring contractor will answer all of your questions with care. They want you to be happy with the final results, and will take the time to ensure you’re happy with your purchase.

A less-than-reputable flooring contractor will get agitated quickly, try and spin the answers into something you can’t understand, and will try and press you for the sale, cutting you off in the process to do so.

Need a few ideas for great questions to ask? Start with these:

How much work is involved in this project, beginning to end?
How long will it take?
What problems may occur along the way?
How can I best be prepared on the day of installation?
What are your recommendations for the best flooring?
How should I maintain my flooring choice?
What problems could arise during this process?

Now think of a few questions based on the type of flooring you’re considering, and the rooms where you’ll be installing the product you choose.

Do a little sleuthing online

This is the age of the internet, after all. If a flooring contractor is in business for the long term, they know enough to pay attention to creating a viable internet presence that helps them reach out to potential customers.

They care about the presence they are creating online.

When you search, you’ll find a bunch of information in a variety of places. They may have a website, a Facebook page, and an Instagram account. They may have reviews on Google and Angie’s.

But when you’re looking, don’t make rash decisions based on one bad review. Get a feel for what the contractor brings to the table. After all, we all have bad days. We all have bad experiences, where our needs just don’t mesh with the person we’re doing business with. One bad review never sets the stage. It’s the overall feeling you get by doing your research well.

If a company has been in business for a while, you’ll easily piece together a picture of who they are. Couple that with the feeling you get by talking with them, and you’ll quickly be able to finalize your decision.

Experience, experience, experience

There is something to the phrase: Jack of all trades, master of none. Installing click and lock laminate, or rolling out carpet in the bedroom may seem like an easy task. What about creating patterns with tile, or installing exotic hardwood flooring?

There’s a right way, and a way that will leave you vulnerable to living with problem flooring for a very long time.

If you know exactly the type of flooring you want installed, ensure the flooring contractor understands the little nuances of installing that type of floor. Do they have the appropriate tools? Have they worked with different manufacturers of this type of product?

In some cases, manufacturers may even require you to go with an experienced contractor to ensure the flooring is correctly installed. That keeps your warranty valid.

Installing new flooring?

Finding the right contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow these simple rules, and you’ll fall in love with the results. And live happily ever after with a flooring that meets all of your needs.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 7, 2021

Why Floor Boards Creak and Squeak

Creak. Squeak. What’s that sound?

If you hear a noise when you walk on certain floor boards throughout your home, they might be trying to tell you something.

Although noise floors are most common in high traffic areas, they can be caused by a variety of things, and exist anywhere where you have flooring. They may be most common in older homes, but if a house wasn’t built right, you can find it in brand new homes that you’ve just moved into.

There are several things that could be making floor boards squeak.

Movement

When every piece is placed into your home during construction, it’s like a giant puzzle where every piece should fit snugly into place. For your flooring, that means each wood piece fits closely together. Floor joists are the large wooden beams that exist as a part of your subfloor, and they bear the weight of the suspended floor boards that sit beneath your flooring. They run perpendicular to give it strength, and are secured using nails. When there is a gap between the joist and the subfloor board, it allows movement to occur. That pressure can cause that creak or squeak sound you hear.

Subfloor … or floor?

It might not be your subfloor that’s doing the talking. If you have hardwood in place and haven’t provided proper maintenance over the years, it could be your hardwood planks telling you they need a little attention. Over time, hardwood can move, expand, and contract many times. That can create small gaps between the planks, and as they move they can squeak and creak. Remember that hardwood flooring does best with little change in the surrounding area. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature, somewhere between 60 and 80 degrees is ideal. Hardwood also likes a comfortable relative humidity between 25 and 55 percent. If you notice a lot of creaks and squeaks, it might be time for a little TLC, and possibly refinishing work.

Change in weather

Suddenly, the temperature spikes to well over 100 degrees. Or maybe it plunges to 10 below, with wind chill moving well past that. So you run the air conditioner or furnace more. A lot more. That can change both the temperature and humidity levels inside your home. In the peak of winter, your floor will naturally be drier. More dry air circulating through your home means drying out would, which creates shrinkage and gaps between the planks. If you haven’t updated your HVAC equipment in a while, and haven’t installed a whole house humidifier, it could make your home dryer than it should be. Pay attention to the inside conditions. It’s impacting your floor boards more than you know.

When two boards meet

Every single day, your house settles just a bit. The subfloor might move. The wood planks might adjust. The sun streams in from the windows. You turn up the heat to feel warm. Life impacts the way your house sits, moves, and adjusts. It’s just a fact. What didn’t exist yesterday may very well be there today. And that can mean two boards suddenly touch and make a sound. Creak. Squeak.

Of course, you can put up with it. That squeaking sound is a sign of age and longevity. It’s the way your house changes over time. It might not impact your home at all … for a while.

But that creak or squeak in your floor boards is trying to tell you something. There’s a difference in the way your house sits, and it’s causing a problem. Please fix me – because it will be a problem over time.

Ultimately, what’s causing your creak or squeak comes down to one of several things:

An incorrect nail or screw was used to secure the floor boards to the joist
The nail or screw weren’t fitted correctly and have wiggled out of place
A gap exists between the joist and the subfloor
There’s an issue with the way the supporting joists connect with the boards underneath

There might be a simple solution, or it could be the impact of several. If a nail comes loose, for example, it might cause a gap between the boards.

In any of these circumstances, hiring a professional will allow them to get to the heart of the problem, and fix it at its root cause.

How do you find out what’s causing the creak or squeak?

The first step is in pinpointing where the squeak originates. You might notice it as you walk across the floor, but spend a few minutes pressing down and determining exactly where it is. Look for movement in the floor. Listen to where the sound is the greatest.

Once you have determined the exact location, you can assess what might be causing it. Look for loose floor boards. If you have access to the space underneath, from a basement or crawl space, you can see if there is movement or shifting.

Keep in mind that if you don’t get to the root cause, and attempt to fix something yourself, you could make the squeak or creak worse.

The best way to ensure a tight fit

Homes today are built to be safe and secure from all kinds of elements. But even in the best of situations, everyday events cause things to break down.

Your best course of action as a homeowner is to always ask questions.

Make sure you understand the best method for installing new items into your home. When you bring in new flooring, for example, it takes a bit to acclimate before you can install it. Hardwood expands and contracts, especially when it moves from a warehouse to your home. Placing it in your home for a bit will help it get ready for your environment.

Maintenance can also mean regular cleaning. Things like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping may seem simple to keep your home in pristine condition. But don’t forget to ask questions about the products and services you select. Will they do more harm than good? What chemicals are used in the formulas? How will it impact your home?

Do you have additional questions about the flooring in your home? We’re here to help. Just ask.

Flooring
May 3, 2021

Selecting The Right Flooring For Radiant Heating

Imagine getting out of bed on a cold winter morning and having it be warm to the touch.

That’s why many homeowners select carpet for the bedroom. Plush fibers hold their warmth better, and make it more comfortable on your feet, even if the rest of you feels the coolness of the air.

Thanks to technology, there are other ways to feel warmth no matter what type of flooring is underneath your feet.

Imagine stepping out of the shower to warm tile. Or standing in front of the mirror getting ready, and the flooring keeps you warm.

Or maybe the kitchen has always been a bit chilly. Not if heat radiates from the floor above. Your feet stay toasty warm as you whip up a batch of cookies for the kids to enjoy when they get home from school.

Sounds great, right? That’s why more people are turning to radiant heating.

But you can’t put radiant heating underneath everything. Certain flooring materials have better thermal conductivity than others, meaning they generate heat better as it moves through the flooring.

You don’t want to wait for heat to move up and through the flooring material. You want good conductivity to allow the floors to heat up quicker, giving you more warmth from the moment it moves into operation.

How underfloor heating works

Before we get into flooring choices, let’s talk about how underfloor heating works. It’s a growing source of heat in homes throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Underfloor heating works in one of two ways.

Using a water-based underfloor system, pipes are installed underneath the flooring and connected to your boiler. When you switch on the system, the pipes are filled with low temperature warm water, which in turn heats the flooring. Heat rises, which means the heat from the floor continues to rise and heat the air.

Using an electric-based underfloor system, electric wires are fitted underneath the flooring and connected to your fuse box. When the system is turned on, electricity flows into the wires and produces heat to warm the flooring material.

The benefits of underfloor radiant heating are many

Heat rises. It only makes sense to get your heating source as close to the ground as possible to keep your home warm and comfortable. You can’t get much closer to the ground than with radiant heating. But there’s more to it than that.

Think of how your gas-forced air furnace works. On a cycle, it releases heated air through a series of vents in each room. It blows a considerable amount of air through to fill up the room and make it warm. With radiant heating, it’s spread evenly between all corners of your room. Then it moves evenly up from there. That keeps more of the heat at foot level, where you notice it most. That means circulation is also more even as it fills the room with warmth.

It’s also more cost effective. It can run at a much lower temperature and still keep you feeling comfortable. That means less energy use, and a lower utility bill each month. Many radiant heat households report seeing an immediate drop in their monthly energy use.

It can save on space. Radiant heating exists where you don’t see it – underneath your floors. It doesn’t take as much space as other heating units, especially if you use blowers and radiators. Even vents and registers may no longer be needed, meaning you can shirt your floorplan just a bit, and put your sofa where you truly want it to go.

Are you concerned about your health? Do you cough and sneeze more when the dust blows through the ductwork? No more airflow problems with radiant heating. That means particulates don’t flow freely throughout your home every time your HVAC unit turns on.

Are you sold on the idea of radiant heating? Then let’s get to the run part – figuring out which flooring choice is best.

In many cases, the flooring materials seem obvious. But in others, the choices may surprise you. Here are our favorites for installing with radiant heating.

Tile and Stone

We would be remiss if we didn’t start with the most apparent – tile and stone. They have a high thermal conductivity, which means they are a perfect choice for heating up the floor quickly. They also retain their heat well, giving them the perfect qualities for keeping your home warm no matter what the temperatures are outside. That’s why you often find them in saunas, sunrooms, and any place where you want to retain heat. They can easily be heated into the 80s and beyond.

The thicker the tile, the longer it takes for heat transfer. Installers often recommend sticking with a tile ¾” thick or less for the most responsiveness to the radiant system. But don’t think that will limit your choices. With so many tile and stone options on the market today, you’re sure to find one you love.

Wood

Love your hardwood? You’re not alone. People all across the Front Range have a hard time thinking of anything else inside their homes. Different types of wood have different thermal properties. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with a consultant that truly understands hardwood properties. The more dense a wood is, the thinner the board, the better they are at conducting heat.

When you heat the floor from underneath, it can change the moisture content of the wood, so it’s important to choose wisely. You’ll find engineered wood is one of the best to install with a radiant heating system. Always check with a manufacturer before you settle in and make your final selection.

Vinyl

If you’ve been shopping for flooring lately, you’ve noticed the vinyl market is changing. Luxury vinyl planks imitate hardwood so well, even the experts have trouble seeing the difference.

Vinyl has another positive – it works well with radiant heating. Keep in mind that there are often heat restrictions that come along with working with radiant heating. In many cases, radiant heating will max out around 80 degrees. Anything higher will impact the flooring.

Vinyl also heats up quickly, and cools down equally as fast. That may be important to you in places you spend small amounts of time – your master bathroom, for example.

What’s your choice?

With so many choices, you’ll be amazed at what you can do to create the right aesthetics in your home.

If you have your sights on using radiant heating inside your home, select the right flooring to create the warmth you’re looking for in your home. We can help you make that choice. Give us a call today.

Hardwood Flooring
April 28, 2021

Adding Texture To Your Hardwood Floors

Have you ever walked through a home or commercial space and wondered why their hardwood floors look a bit different? They might have texture added to their hardwood floors.

When most homeowners shop for hardwood, they pay attention to color, style, or pattern. But there’s another option you should think about that will impact both looks and longevity over time.

Texture is all about how your hardwood floors will feel once they are installed. When you reach down and touch, is it a smooth surface?

This also lends to how your hardwood floors look. Any type of texture can dramatically change the appearance, which in turn can change the aesthetics of your room. This is especially important if you have different ideas for your living space or kitchen, when compared to the bedroom.

Hardwood floor texture – what’s available?

When you visit a flooring dealer, you’ll find several different types of wood floor textures available.

Smooth – this is the most basic form of hardwood. This is where all discrepancies have been sanded away to make a smooth piece of wood. Smoothness gives it uniformity in appearance, and gives you a solid look from one side of the room to another. This is often what designers mean by giving your home a clean look. It’s also what gives a floor a somewhat unrealistic wood look. Wood without knots and blemishes? For some people, it’s not the best look.

Aged – aged wood floors have the appearance and charm of wood that has aged through time. It highlights imperfections rather than covering them up. However, this look isn’t created with age. Instead, it’s carefully manipulated, with the effects being placed in the wood floor planks either by hand or machines. The wood isn’t old, but instead is cut recently and carefully crafted to have an old-world appearance. The difference is it’s made with today’s technology and resources in mind. It’s a great way to go if you love old-world charm but want safety and security from the newest technology.

Reclaimed – want one of the most eco-friendly wooden floor options on the market today? You can’t ignore reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood flooring uses wood from old buildings and structures, repurposing them as material for use in remodels or new homes. It’s a stunning way to get a one-of-a-kind look. What gives this wood a unique look is no two boards are ever the same. They are battered, dented, and worn through years of use. This can be an inviting look in some homes, especially if you’re going for a vintage or historic look.

Brushed – a brushed wood floor is created by using a metal brush on every board to develop deep, pronounced grain. This also makes wood floors a little more resistant to scratches as it already has natural blemishes. If you want uniqueness and character, give brushed wood a second look. This type of texture will be aesthetically pleasing in more traditional or classic homes.

Adding texture to hardwood floors – why should you do it?

The problem with having hardwood flooring grow in popularity is you’ll find it everywhere. It’s one of the most popular flooring choices you can make, and statistics show it will continue to rise in popularity in the coming years.

Hardwood looks great in just about any room in your home. It adds beauty, character, and has an appeal everyone loves. No matter what your taste in decor, hardwood floors are sure to complement it perfectly.

But when everyone selects the same finish, houses start to take on a replicated feel. One home is like another, and you lose some of that personalization you might be looking for.

If you use a textured look like brushed or reclaimed, it can give you an authentic look. Depending on your other design choices, that can add resale value, giving it a higher class look.

Another advantage is giving yourself wiggle room on damage control. With brushed wood, for example, the deep grain hides scratches better than other hardwood choices. If you have a busy family where action is the norm, this may be the perfect compromise to satisfy your sense of design along with your maintenance-free lifestyle. If you have pets or kids, this may be the perfect way to go.

Yes, there are drawbacks to using textured wood

Are you sold on installing textured wood flooring in your home? We agree; it’s a great way to add your own character to your final design. But we would be remiss if we didn’t go over a few of the drawbacks to help you finalize your choice.

One of the biggest potential issues is the fact that textured floors are more difficult to clean. Textured grain can collect dust, dirt, and other debris much easier than a smooth floor. If you obsess over clean floors, or if you hate cleaning regularly, you might want to think twice before installing textured floors.

Another disadvantage is maintenance. If you have a potential problem on most hardwood flooring planks, you can sand it out, repair it, then apply finish and have your old floors back. Textured wood isn’t smooth. If you sand out a problem spot, you’ll create a smooth finish that will no longer mesh with the rest of your flooring. That can make small repair work difficult at best, and give you more reason to either sand the entire floor, or replace it with something new.

If you choose the sanding route, keep in mind that you might have to take the wood down a lot to achieve a uniform look. Especially with brushed wood where the indents may be fairly deep, it will cut back a lot of the wood within each plank. That means the lifespan of this type of flooring will be much shorter than a more traditional hardwood floor.