Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 21, 2020

Want The Beauty of Hardwood, With The Ease of Vinyl or Tile?

Hardwood is everywhere here across the Front Range. Colorado has a log cabin vibe mixed with a little western elegance. It’s how we live. It’s what we do.

But no matter how much you love hardwood flooring, sometimes it just isn’t the right flooring choice for you. You know even before you install it that it would be more work than you’re willing to put in. Why install something you know will be a problem in a very short time?

Luckily, you don’t have to settle for hardwood if you want the hardwood look. With today’s technology, there are choices that give you the look that Coloradoans want, with resilience you need for a busy home.

The best on the market are wood-look luxury vinyl planks and wood-look tile flooring. Which is right for you? How do they handle? Which should you choose?

Let’s look at both to determine whether hardwood vinyl or tile is the right choice for your needs.

Durability

If you saw the word “vinyl” and instantly formed an opinion, it’s time to give wood-look luxury vinyl planks another look. This product is growing in popularity because of its looks and durability. Technology has made it so that these planks closely resemble the real thing. Even experts have to get a closer look to separate it from real hardwood.

Because of the different layers, luxury vinyl planks have a rigidness that will hold up well no matter what your family dishes out. That can make it an even better choice than hardwood if you have a growing family that loves to play indoors. Have pets? Not a problem. This will handle well.

Wood-look tile is another option. Technology has made it that either ceramic or porcelain tile can now look like your favorite hardwood flooring. But it adds something hardwood can’t give – durability.

Tile flooring is extremely durable, can last for decades with the right care. No more worrying about scratches, dents, fading or other types of damage coming from normal wear and tear. It’s virtually indestructible, something that works well in certain rooms in your home. Just be aware that if you drop something heavy, it does have the potential for cracking. The only way to fix it is to replace the tile.

Water resistance

One of the biggest reasons homeowners are hesitant to install traditional hardwood is because of potential water damage. Hardwood just doesn’t make sense in areas prone to water, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or basement.

That’s why people turn to luxury vinyl planks or tile. Both offer you water-resistance as well as good looks.

Luxury vinyl planks are completely water-resistant when installed correctly. This means you’ll never face a floor that is warping, cracking, or buckling from moisture issues. You can install it in every room in your house without fear of walking into a mess.

Likewise, wood-look tile is also completely water-resistant when properly installed. This means ensuring the tile is properly adhered to the subfloor, and grouting is installed and in place.

While both types of wood-look flooring offer durability in situations you may be hesitant to install hardwood, keep in mind that while both luxury vinyl planks and tile offer water-resistance, nothing is one-hundred-percent waterproof. When anything sits underwater for an extended period of time, it runs the risk of having potential problems. It’s always advisable to clean up all spills as quickly as possible.

Styles, colors, patterns

If you’ve spent any time looking at hardwood, you know there are many different options to allow you to make your home uniquely your own. With either luxury vinyl planks or tiles, your options continue to grow.

Wood-look luxury vinyl planks come in a variety of colors designed to mimic the most popular hardwood on the market. Whether you want rustic country or sleek modern designs, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Luxury vinyl planks also come in a variety of sizes and widths. Whether you want the standard four inches, or are looking for a more exotic wide plank width, you’ll find it here.

Also, pay attention to the thickness of the plank. This will help you determine a higher quality product, one where the patterns run deeper and offer you a stronger, more durable product.

Wood-look tile is also available in a full array of colors and styles. Like vinyl, tile is produced with 3D printing to create a product that mimics real hardwood. Pay attention to depth and boldness to ensure the product lasts for years to come.

Care and Maintenance

If you’ve had hardwood before, you know it requires a lot of maintenance to ensure it continues to look good. You clean it with special products. You wax it to maintain its sheen. You refinish it every few years to ensure the wood underneath is protected.

If you have a busy household, all of that care might be a little daunting. That’s why many homeowners are giving wood-look luxury vinyl planks or tiles a second look.

With wood-look luxury vinyl tiles, cleaning requires nothing more than regular sweeping with a dust mop to remove dust and debris. An occasional wet mop will pick up stains or other trace items stuck to the surface. You’ll never have to wax or refinish it to retain its original look and shine.

Tile is quite easy to maintain. Regular removal of dust and debris with a dry mop, followed by occasional wet mopping is all you’ll need. Watch tile grout for potential stains over time. You can clean this with a mild mixture of white vinegar and water to keep it looking its best. Beware of chemical cleaners that can stain and change the color of the grout over time. Check with the manufacturers’ guidelines if you have any questions.

Cost

Installing traditional hardwood can be quite expensive. That’s why both luxury vinyl planks or tiles are a viable option.

Both can be more budget-friendly depending on your needs.

When it comes to resale, homeowners love hardwood, and that will never change. However, home buyers also love style and cleanliness, and want to walk into a home that provides easy living.

If you plan to stay put for a while, choose what suits your family best.

And if you have any questions or need help in making a selection, we’re here to help.

Flooring
November 17, 2020

What Flooring Trends are Perfect If You’re Remodeling in 2021

We’ve been through a lot in 2020. Are you starting to dream about 2021?

Is working from home your new norm?

Maybe it’s time to create your dream home to suit your needs.

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, adding a new wing to your existing home, or just changing things up a bit from you’re flooring up, it can be difficult to settle in on what to install.

You want to select something fashionable, but that will stand the test of time. Something durable, yet beautiful.

What are the flooring trends for 2021? What should you choose to have a home you’ll love, one you won’t come to regret in a short period of time?

A word about durability

Like other industries, you’ll find a wide variety of options when it comes to flooring. Head to your local big box store and you’ll find many deals that seem to be “too good to be true.” That’s because they are.

These value-priced flooring options are often bulk created with quick sales in mind. They aren’t created for longevity, rather, for quick turnaround at the store.

Spend time getting to know the product you’ll ultimately install in your home. If you want it to last, pay attention to how well it will wear. A higher quality, more durable surface will provide you with long-lasting results you’ll love for years to come.

Let’s start with coziness factoring

In 2020, we learned what it means to spend more time at home. That’s not going to end in 2021. And because of how much the world has changed, we’re willing to bet this is setting a course for future trends as well.

People will be spending more time at home. That means it’s time to get comfortable with nesting and creating a home you love.

Focus on how you can create that look from the floors up. Think effortless maintenance. Think flooring that will withstand all the busyness your family goes through in a day. The last thing you want to do is to stop and clean up your flooring throughout your day.

That might mean you give durability a second thought. How about water-resistance or even waterproof flooring? They can be great options if you have kids diving into science projects in their homeschool environment. Or pets that love to play even more now that you’re home.

Wood flooring … with a twist

As a homeowner, we know you’re heart may be set on hardwood. And if that’s the case, you’ll find many different manufacturers ready to supply you with quality and good looks. Lighter colors are making a comeback because of their ability to open up a room, adding tranquility.

But don’t think traditional hardwood is your only option. Flooring trends in 2021 are going to continue bringing other technology to the forefront.

Luxury vinyl planks are so realistic they can fool even people in the business. They offer beautify, ease of use, and options for busy families. They install in a similar manner to traditional hardwood. However, they don’t require the same acclimation period before installation. Lay them together, click them in place, and start enjoying them immediately.

Laminate is another good choice to provide you with the look of hardwood with added strength and durability. Because they have a real wood layer, they look more like genuine hardwood (because they are!) If you’re hesitant about installing laminate because of the noise factor from the past, take a second look at the choices available today.

Want something different? How about wood-look tile? Whether you select ceramic or porcelain, you’ll love combining the hardwood look with the strength and durability of tile. A lot of homeowners are using this product to lay over radiant heating. It can be a great way to add warmth to your home, feeling great on your feet in the middle of winter.

Tile flooring still tops the list

We can’t say enough about tile flooring. And it’s still a popular choice.

If you can dream it, imagine it, you can find it and install it. From tiny mosaic to large sizes, there are unlimited options available.

If you want realistic stone, earth tones with a natural feel, go with limestone, granite, or even marble. Ceramic and porcelain tile gives you options to have any style or color you choose. We mentioned wood-look tile before, but it’s worth talking about again.

Thanks to today’s technology, tile can be styled in many different ways. Want hardwood with the durability of tile? Want a more budget-friendly stone? Want the sleekness of concrete? You’ll find tile that mimics it all with more durability.

And while you might start with installing tile on the floor, you may quickly discover a lot more places it’ll make your house stand out.

Want to upgrade your fireplace mantle?
How about using subway tiles as a backsplash?
Glass tiles to make your master shower stand out?
Continue the fresh look of your kitchen out to your outdoor living space?

There are so many things you can do with tile, we think you’ll have fun dreaming.

If you haven’t already started a pinboard over on Pinterest, we make that suggestion to all of our clients. Start pinning photos of rooms you love. They can help us point you in the right direction. You’ll start to see patterns arise in the things that you pin. You’ll find certain colors, textures, styles you like more than others.

Natural choices – the perfect trend in flooring for 2021

While we’ve spoken about a variety of different flooring options, we’d be amiss if we didn’t highlight one other trend.

Because of our focus on health this year, one of the biggest trends for 2021 is paying attention to natural choices. Green is in.

That means paying attention to the manufacturing process. Paying attention to how things are installed. Look for eco-friendly products that add richness and quality to your home.

You’ll find it in a variety of different flooring choices that come with natural options. If sustainability matters to you, stop by and let’s have a conversation.

No matter what your remodeling plans include for 2021, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.

New flooring may be the perfect way to ensure your 2021 goes a little smoother.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 15, 2020

Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home

What is sustainability?

It’s become a popular catch-phrase in our society.

Sustainability refers to the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources within our society in order to maintain an ecological balance. The more we learn about what harms our world, the more we find ways to change what we do to create equilibrium around the globe.

That means doing what’s right for the world. Paying attention to deforestation and how we handle crop rotation. Stopping the production and use of VOC – volatile organic compounds – that harm everything from our water to our air supply, to our health. Investing in technology to improve efficiencies of everything we do.

As buyers, we’re now more aware than ever about the products we bring into our lives. We’ve started noticing what materials are used, where they are sourced from, and how they impact our world.

And once you pay attention, you can no longer ignore.

What makes a flooring sustainable?

If you desire to install a sustainable flooring, it’s important to understand what that means. It’s about finding the right choice to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s about finding an option that is eco-friendly.

And it’s more than that too. It’s not just the product itself. It’s about every aspect, including:

The manufacturing process
The supply chain
What natural resources are used
Lifespan
Recycling

The entire process, from beginning production to the way the product is disposed of at end of life should be taken into consideration.

What are some of the top sustainable flooring options available?

Cork – don’t let the cork in your favorite bottle of wine fool you. Cork is a strong, durable material you can use on floors throughout your home. It’s harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree found on trees throughout the Mediterranean. Because the bark grows back every three years, it’s an ideal renewable resource. It has antimicrobial properties that can help improve the air quality of your home. It is also fire retardant, making it a great choice all across the Rocky Mountain region.

Bamboo – bamboo is another flooring material growing in popularity. Bamboo isn’t a tree, but instead, is a grass. It’s a sustainable option as this natural vegetation grows to maturity in three to five years. Even though it’s created from grass, it has the characteristics of hardwood. Its varied grains can create intricate patterns, and it’s available in a wide array of colors.

Linoleum – don’t confuse linoleum with vinyl; the two are separate products. Vinyl is made from a synthetic material, which can be harmful to the environment. Linoleum is crafted from linseed oil, cork dust, tree resin, wood flour, ground limestone, and natural pigments. That gives it similar qualities to everything you love about cork. It’s both fire retardant and water resistant, making it the perfect choice for many rooms in your home. This isn’t a new product; you might remember it from your grandmother’s house. It fell out of favor with the introduction of vinyl. Linoleum was also much more difficult to maintain dozens of years before. But with its reemergence, you’ll find vibrant colors, new sealants, and durability that can withstand whatever your family dishes out.

Glass tiles – glass tiles might not be the perfect choice for every situation, but when you choose them for your home, you’re going to love the results. Yes, you can install glass tiles as flooring. Think similar product characteristics as ceramic tiles. What’s more, you can find glass tiles recycled from a variety of products, including wine bottles. That could be a perfect addition to your wine cellar. Of course, glass tiles also work well in other applications – your bathroom shower, the backsplash in your kitchen. When you see the limitless array of colors, patterns, and finishes, you’re going to find the perfect choice for every situation.

Wool carpet – a lot of carpet is made from synthetic materials. But if you love the feel of carpet, and want a sustainable flooring option, look no further than wool carpet. It’s soft, comfortable, warm, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. While many carpet materials on the marketplace today are created with volatile organic compounds, wool carpet is all natural and eco-friendly. It’s one of the first materials used for floor coverings, and because of its strength and durability, is often passed down from generation to generation.

Hardwood flooring – hardwood flooring continues to be one of the most popular flooring choices across the Front Range. It’s good to know that if you choose wisely, it can also be a sustainable flooring choice too. Of course, not every hardwood flooring choice is sustainable; you’ll need to pay attention to the manufacturer you choose. There’s a lot of marketing going on making certain buzzwords sound better than they truly are.

Green can be used if any part of the process has environmental value. If a flooring is created from a recycled material, for example, it can be sold as green, even if the entire production process from beginning to end-of-life isn’t sustainable. That’s why it’s important to pay attention and ask questions to any product you choose.

Sustainability starts with farming. Is the wood harvested from sustainably grown forests? Are sustainable options used throughout the manufacturing process? Renewable energy in the factories? Sustainable transportation for getting the product ready for final delivery?

You can also look for products and materials that are properly certified from places like the Greenguard Environmental Institute. This is an industry-independent, third-party, non-profit organization that offers three certification programs to help you identify products and materials that meet certain qualifications. To achieve the certification, products must meet field-validated and performance-based standards in order to qualify. They must also demonstrate the use of low chemical and particle emissions.

Whatever flooring choice you choose, spend a little extra time thinking about how it was manufactured. A better quality product means better indoor air quality for your home. And when you pay attention, you can choose one that works well for your family and your home.

Is sustainable flooring in your future?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 10, 2020

What To Know About Cork Floors Now

The year 2020 will be remembered for a lot of things, but in your home, it might just be for the year you decided to spend more time at home.

Suddenly, you discovered you like being at home. All those little projects you left unfinished? They’re finally being completed. You need office space for you and your partner. A place for the kids to do their assignments and homework. And maybe a place where you can continue all of your crafts and hobbies you picked up along the way.

But 2020 is also a year you learned more about cleanliness and finding the perfect materials for everything inside your home. Take flooring; you know that old carpet has to go. What should you replace it with?

It might be time to consider cork floors. Why? For so many reasons. Let’s start with the biggest reason as we move forward from a pandemic.

Cork Floors are Hypoallergenic

If you’ve struggled with any respiratory problems in the past, such as allergies or asthma, you’re going to love cork flooring. It’s mold and mildew resistant, it contains antimicrobial properties, and repels things like dust mites, dirt, and other contaminants that may impact your floors’ cleanliness.

That can be a very big deal this year as you’re trying to keep your home clean. By installing them throughout your house, you know you have a natural material that will work hard to keep the air quality as clean as it can be.

However, keep in mind that if you are concerned about air quality, pay attention to the flooring manufacturer, and the method used for installation. Not all cork is the same. Look for products that were created to keep indoor air quality as safe and healthy as possible.

FloorScore is an index that helps you choose products based on independent certification for the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) it releases into the air. GreenGuard solutions is another certification that demonstrates how committed a product is to creating a healthy environment.

As you select a final product to come into your home, pay attention to te entire installation process. If a contractor uses a harsh adhesive for installation, it negates all the benefits you attain by selecting a reputable cork flooring product. That’s why it pays to get to know your flooring dealer first and trust them to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Cork Floors are Easy to Maintain

Is everything in your home a little cleaner this year? Are you looking for materials that make the cleaning process easier? Then look no further than cork floors.

While cork isn’t a maintenance-free flooring, with proper care, it can look beautiful for decades.

Many homeowners come in wary of cork, thinking about the topper in their favorite wine or the bulletin boards they used as kids. This is not the same cork. Cork flooring is pressed tighter and mimics some of the best hardwood floors in the industry. When they are sealed properly, they should hold up well against all sorts of spills and accidents. Like other materials, it’s all in how fast you react. If you leave red wine sitting for extended periods of time, it will stain. Just wipe off the liquid quickly, and you shouldn’t have problems.

Daily cleaning can be handled with just a simple dust broom or a vacuum with a bare floor setting. Oil-based soaps will damage the floor, so be sure to use water-based cleaners. Check with your flooring’s manufacturer for the right cleaning products, ones that won’t strip off the finish and leave it vulnerable to stains.

Cork Floors are Durable

Even though cork flooring is comparable to hardwood, it isn’t a hard surface. With small pressure points, it is susceptible to dents and tears. That means if your furniture has small legs that push weight down into the cork material, use coasters to level out the pressure points. If you wear high heels regularly, check them at the door. And be careful if you frequently move large furniture so the legs and other pressure points don’t dig in and tear the cork material.

Another threat to cork flooring can be dirt and small rocks. That’s why we suggest checking all of your shoes at the front door. When you drag in small amounts of dirt, sand, gravel, and other debris, they can become embedded into the cork material, scratching your flooring’s finish. At a minimum, we suggest floor mats at every entrance to wipe your feet and avoid tracking in damaging debris.

Cork Floors are Soft

One of the reasons people often pause before purchasing hardwood floors is the hardness factor. If you take a fall on a hardwood floor, you’re going to feel it. If you drop a dish on a hardwood floor, it probably won’t survive.

But cork flooring is different. That’s because cork isn’t a hard wood, but instead is made from the bark of a cork oak tree. The material is sheared off, ground, processed into sheets, and baked in a kiln until hard. The compressed material will bend and bounce back into shape. But it still contains air-filled pockets that give it that flexibility and sponge-like feel.

If you suffer from leg or back pain, and stay out of the kitchen because of the hardness of your flooring, cork can be a welcome relief. It can make standing for any length of time easier on your body. And if you have small children or elderly at risk of falling, cork flooring is a great way to create a stylish look in your home and still be safe in the process.

Cork Floors can be Refinished

Many homeowners love installing hardwood because it’s a flooring choice that will be around for decades. When the surface dulls and needs refreshing, you simply refinish it, and it looks like new.

Solid cork works in a similar fashion. Solid cork can be sanded down and refinished as well. While you don’t grind it down in the same manner, you can buff it with a palm sander to take a much thinner layer. Then apply a new coat of stain and sealer.

As with any natural product, cork isn’t meant to be a flawless material. That’s part of its charm. Every floor will have unique ebb and flow, based on the way the material comes together.

If you’re looking for something unique that adds to your comfort and durability, look no further than cork floors.

We think you’ll love the results.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 7, 2020

Is Exotic Hardwood Flooring Worth The Cost?

When you decide it’s time to remodel your home, your first thought is function. How can you increase the functionality of your home, giving you more usable space?

But another part of you wants something more. You want elegance. You want beauty. You want the WOW factor when everyone walks through the door.

To get that wow factor, you can’t shop your local big box store and make selections available to the masses. You have to stretch. You have to think bigger.

Exotic hardwood flooring may just be the wow factor you’re looking for.

Why the best place to start a remodel is with your flooring

Depending on the room you’re redoing, there are a lot of changes you can make that will impact the way it looks and feels. A fresh coat of paint can set the stage for bigger things. New furniture can upgrade your room and give you a modern feel.

But paint and new furnishings are surface level. They are things that can be changed easily. With flooring, it’s a little more difficult to change out.

That’s why when you’re selling your home, buyers know to look beyond surface level and focus on things that can be game-changers in the way they live. They can always grab a few gallons of paint, and for a hundred dollars or so, reset the room for their needs.

Flooring is different. It takes work. It takes time. And it takes money for big changes. And buyers know that adds up, especially if they are putting out a lot of their funding for purchasing the home. That’s why buyers look at flooring as one of their “make or break” items when finalizing their decisions.

Hardwood stands out. It’s what Coloradoans want. But increasingly, they are also looking for a step above the norm. And that’s where exotic hardwood flooring comes into play.

What is exotic hardwood flooring?

In the world of flooring, hardwood falls into two categories: domestic and exotic.

Domestic hardwood refers to any species of wood that is found in North America. It includes Oak, Birch, Maple, and American Cherry. Because domestic hardwood is easier to harvest and install right here in the United States, it’s considered to have a more traditional look.

Exotic hardwoods include species found around the world. It usually comes from tropical locations, where hardwood is more in abundance. Some of the species include Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Walnut, and Australian Cypress, among others. They will have a more striking appearance because you won’t see them in every home across your neighborhood.

That makes the biggest downfall of exotic hardwood the …

When homeowners come in and start comparing hardwood, they immediately notice the difference between domestic and exotic. Yes, you can find different colors, different hues. But one thing stands out above all: the price.

It takes more effort to source exotic hardwood in different parts of the world. There are manufacturing costs. There are shipping costs. And it takes more effort to get the product here, to you, in the states.

We’re living in a globalized economy. That makes international trade more accessible than ever. The more we build relationships with other countries, the more we trade to get things we need and want in different locations of the world, the less expensive items will become.

But for now, exotic hardwood flooring is still considered a more expensive option. And that means you won’t see the different colors, different hues, different grains, in the homes you visit in your local community.

Another problem with exotic hardwood flooring … sustainability

Exotic hardwood can sometimes be considered a status symbol. If you’re not conscious about where you harvest the hardwood from, it can be taken from sources that are overharvested, clear-cut, and at risk for extinction.

CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species – works hard to control wild fauna and flora. This issue is becoming more widely known because of global climate change.

If you don’t know where the wood is sourced from, there’s a good chance it comes from a less-than-reputable resource. Always question where the product comes from, and ensure you select manufacturers who adhere to the strict guidelines imposed by these different rules and regulations. That’s a big reason to visit a local flooring dealer as opposed to ordering flooring based on price from the internet.

Another thing to consider is carbon footprint. Is the wood sourced responsibly? What are the carbon offsets if you purchase the product and have it shipped in? A reputable manufacturer will be able to answer all of these questions and more.

Of course, there are a bunch of reasons why exotic hardwood flooring should be on your list

If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re in the market for exotic hardwood flooring, and you’re now on the search for the right product for your home. It’s hard to beat its beauty. But there are other reasons it might be the right choice for you as well.

Exotic hardwood floors are durable. Some can last for years – decades – giving you a viable flooring option that can last a lifetime.
The grain of different species can add to the beauty of your home. Select finishes, stains, and patterns that are far beyond what you can expect from domestic.
Hardwood flooring is hypo-allergenic. If you’re worried about how your floors impact your health, rest assured hardwood is one of the healthiest flooring choices you can make.
Don’t forget the environmental friendliness of hardwood flooring. As long as it’s harvested in a sustainable way, it can add to the beauty of your home without impacting the environment.
It adds value to your home. This can be especially important if you are considering selling your home in the near future.

Is exotic hardwood flooring for you?

Whether you’ve made your decision or are in the beginning process of selecting the right species and materials, the best place to start is to stop by and see what’s available.

We can help you narrow down your selections, and finalize your decision. Whatever questions you have, we can help you find the answers.

While it may take a little time to acclimate the product to your home, and have it installed the right way, once it’s laid into place, you’ll have a flooring you’ll be proud of for years to come.

What questions can we answer for you about exotic hardwood flooring?

Flooring
November 4, 2020

Choosing Hardwood? Should You Select Solid, Engineered, or Laminate?

Have you come to the conclusion you want hardwood throughout your home? It’s a popular choice here in Colorado.

But making the decision to install hardwood is only the first step in the process. You have choices. And today’s hardwood isn’t like what your parents had installed.

Before you move forward, take the time to discover the differences between solid, engineered, or laminate hardwood. Discover which is best for your unique situation. Install the right choice and you’ll be happy with your flooring for years.

https://pro-flooring.com/its-the-best-season-to-install-new-hardwood-flooring/

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? It’s solid. And that’s what attracts so many homeowners to it.

Solid hardwood floors are made from a solid piece of hardwood. The entire plank is cut from the tree, meaning the flooring used is natural to the core.

In most cases, hardwood flooring manufacturers create these planks to be three-quarters of an inch thick. To give it strength, it must be nailed down to a wood subfloor. That means if your home was built on a slab or concrete base, solid hardwood isn’t the choice for you.

The biggest benefit to solid hardwood flooring is it’s the real thing. If you want natural beauty, you’ll never go wrong with a hardwood floor. Because it’s solid, it’s easier to install and maintain for years to come. It’s one of the easiest flooring choices to sand and refinish. Plus, you can do it again and again, meaning with the right solid hardwood floor in place, it can last you for decades to come.

While it is easier to maintain and repair, hardwood is also softer than the two other types of hardwood. If you drop a heavy object on it, it can easily damage the floor. If you spill water on it and leave it for any length of time, it can swell and expand, causing warping and gapping. For this reason, you can’t use solid hardwood in moisture-prone places such as bathrooms or basements.

You’ll also find solid hardwood to have the largest price tag – it takes a lot to create solid hardwood planks.

Engineered Hardwood

Did the thought of solid hardwood flooring just take a step down from your desired flooring choice? Never fear, maybe engineered hardwood is for you.

Engineered hardwood is built in layers, with only the top layer containing real hardwood. The inner layers are built from plywood, fiberboard, and in some cases hardwood. The top layer is usually a hardwood veneer, but here’s where you create your style. This hardwood layer can be made from whatever hardwood material you desire – cherry, maple, oak.

Because engineered hardwood is made from several layers of materials, it has more flexibility in how it’s installed. If you have a slab subfloor or one made of concrete, engineered can be glued down.

But one of the best reasons homeowners turn to engineered wood is because it does better in moisture. If you’ve seen hardwood below-grade, in basements throughout the Front Range, chances are it’s engineered. That’s because it can stand up to dampness and perform quite well. It’s also a great addition to install over radiant heating – making it an even better choice in your finished basement.

https://pro-flooring.com/yes-you-can-have-wood-floors-in-your-bathroom/

You won’t have to worry about this buckling under pressure. And it costs less than solid hardwood, giving it an advantage in certain situations throughout your home.

Laminate Hardwood

Laminate flooring is one of the easiest to install. It comes in a tongue and groove system that makes it easy to click into place. Laminate contains a resin-based surface that is laminated to a wood-based core. It contains several layers of fiberboard and pressboard, installed over a protective backing. This isn’t a hardwood surface, instead, it’s created with a realistic photograph mimicking hardwood’s good looks. With today’s technology, it is very realistic.

Laminate is, in general, only one-third of an inch thick. It can easily be laid into place over other flooring options. That makes it a breeze for transitioning from one room to another if you aren’t using the same choices from room to room.

The biggest benefit is the cost. Installing laminate flooring can be as much as 50 percent less than solid hardwood. And for some homeowners, that is its biggest draw.

It’s also one of the hardest choices, being more durable and resistant to scratches because of its pressed wood materials.

However, laminate does not do well with moisture. This isn’t a product to install in your laundry room or bathroom. Any moisture can cause the layers to break apart, peel, and wear down.

Another issue with laminate is peaking. This is where two planks move together and create a raised surface area. Laminate is a popular DIY project. But if you install it incorrectly, if the glue isn’t put properly into place, or if there isn’t enough room between the flooring edges, peaking can occur.

So, what’s your choice?

With today’s technology, any of the three have their place in a modern home. It starts by asking some questions about your expectations, and making the decision based on your needs.

Where will I be installing my new floors?
Does one hardwood choice make sense over the other?
How durable do I expect my flooring to be?
How much maintenance am I willing to give it?
Am I planning on selling my home soon?
Do I plan to live in my home for decades to come?

With just a little planning, you can start to see one hardwood choice be better than another.

https://pro-flooring.com/the-easiest-ways-to-save-money-on-your-hardwood-flooring/

Still have questions? That’s what we’re here for.

Give us a call today. Better yet, stop by.

We can show you our complete line of hardwood, let you see and feel the difference between solid, engineered, and laminate hardwood, and help you make the right choice for your home.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 28, 2020

Yes, You Can Have Wood Floors In Your Bathroom

What’s the number one flooring request homeowners have when upgrading their homes? If you guessed hardwood, you’re correct.

Real estate agents across the US state that as they show buyers potential homes, they overwhelmingly want hardwood.

But as much as homeowners love hardwood, in some areas, it might not make sense. Traditionally, you’d never install hardwood in a basement, a laundry room, or a bathroom. Moisture and wood simply don’t mix.

With technology changing, upgraded polyurethane, and sealers promising more than ever before, is that still the case? If you’re creating the master bath of your dreams, for example, can you now install wood floors in your bathroom?

Look no further than manufacturers themselves for the answer. While they’ve been making huge strides towards tougher, more durable finishes, most will still caution you when using their flooring in wet spaces.

A good oil-based polyurethane sealer can do wonders for making your flooring more functional. It can seal cracks between the floor boards and make it harder for moisture to seep in. But you’ll never find a hardwood manufacturer adding “waterproof” to their features and benefits. Most will say “water-resistant” and only if you carefully follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

You have hardwood flooring throughout your home. It’s only natural you want to continue the look into your bathroom. You can, with a few things to consider:

Manufacturers will most likely challenge warranty claims on hardwood installed in a bathroom. Depending on the product you choose, it may even have warnings against it in the fine print.
If you do install hardwood in a bathroom, you can expect increased care and maintenance to go along with it. At least once a year, plan on reapplying a sealer designed for wet environments.
If you do have a splash or spill, wipe it up immediately. Take extra caution around areas where splashes or spills are a part of your normal routine.

Hardwood may not be the perfect choice for a family bathroom where kids love to play in the tub, or a space where saunas and moisture is the norm. But in a guest bath, an open concept master bath, or a powder room off the living space, hardwood may be the perfect choice.

Engineered wood flooring? Maybe not

Surprisingly, engineered hardwood flooring takes a backseat to more traditional hardwood for bathroom installation. Here’s why.

Engineered hardwood is created for ease of use. You’ll find it in planks for easy installation, made up of tougher layers to provide you with strength in more high traffic areas.

The problem with engineered wood flooring is the finishing work. You bring it into your home in plank format, lay it in place, and it’s finished. The problem is the boards slide together, without any sealing properties other than how they slide together. In certain areas of your home, that tight connection may be okay. But in a bathroom, the environment changes.

You close the door, humidity builds, and changes can occur in the way the planks come together. They shrink and expand, if only a little. That’s just enough to allow moisture to seep down underneath. It’s the perfect place for water to get down to the foundation and over time, rot out.

Hardwood is a better choice

When deciding between the two, natural hardwood will react in your bathroom spaces better than engineered wood. But pay attention to how it’s laid into place.

Instead of buying finished hardwood in plank format, choose to have unfinished wood, and stain it and seal it after it’s in place. This will allow the sealer to move between the boards, helping to seal every square inch of your flooring against spills and moisture.

As a bonus, polyurethane will also add a texture to your hardwood floors, giving it a slip-resistant feel. That can be an upgrade to a bathroom, where moisture is ever-present.

Again, care and maintenance will be a big part of your life. You should always wipe up excess moisture immediately, and apply more sealant on the boards frequently.

But wait, you have other choices

Luckily, you don’t have to stick with engineered or natural wood to get the hardwood look you love. Thanks to today’s technology, you have other choices waiting for you.

How about luxury vinyl tile? This isn’t the vinyl flooring you grew up with in your parent’s house. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is now one of the fastest growing floors in the flooring industry because of its looks and maintenance-free living.

LVT is waterproof – yep, you read that right. It can stand up to all the water your family dishes out.

And it looks good in the process. So good, that even experts have to take a closer look to determine its authenticity. What’s more, you can find it in a large array of colors, patterns, and textures. You can find one that matches or blends perfectly with your surroundings.

Not quite sure about installing vinyl in your home? That’s okay. We have another option for you: how about stone tile?

The magic of technology has impacted this market as well. You’ll find wood-look tiles cut and shaped to resemble hardwood planks. Yet when you install tile, you’ll get one of the toughest products on the marketplace. What’s more, we enjoy the fact that tile is the perfect flooring choice to sit over radiant heating. How about having a toasty warm floor as you get ready for the day? You’re going to love it.

Final thoughts on wood floors in the bathroom

If you’ve been dreaming about a house filled with hardwood flooring, keep dreaming. It’s possible.

Now it’s up to you to decide what way is best for you.

Should you install hardwood throughout, being careful to seal it properly on a regular basis?

Should you move towards an enhanced product, like luxury vinyl tile?

Should you use one of the latest trends, natural stone tile? Its realistic hardwood look will make you give it another look.

Good luck with your project. And enjoy your new floors! Whatever you choose, you’re going to love the look.

Flooring
October 25, 2020

Choose The Right Flooring For Your Home Office

This is the year millions of us will change the way we work forever.

Instead of driving into the office, spending hours a day commuting, many of us have shortened that drive time considerably. It’s now a matter of walking from room to room.

And while that might give you more hours in the day, it can also lead you to look at your house in an entirely new way. While your three or four bedroom home may have had ample space before, suddenly, you’re fighting for territory as you claim your area for a home office.

The good news is, people are being creative about where they work. While the extra bedroom might not be perfect, it has the space. If you need two home offices, you can always add one in the basement. Or maybe hire a contractor to add an extension. Or convert that old laundry room into the perfect home office suite.

You’re seeing your house in an entirely new way.

Once you select the right place, it’s time to decorate. You can add the personal touch that makes your home office cozier, more you.

And at the base is your home office flooring. Here are a few things to consider.

Carpet

Let’s start with carpet because it’s a great choice for a variety of reasons. It can help your space stay warmer in the winter, and even help with noise reduction. That can be a big plus if you have several people at home, working in front of the computer and talking regularly on Zoom calls.

Because home office space is often separated from other living space, it can have different flooring. If you prefer a more luxurious carpet selection in bedrooms or family living space, you might want to change up your options in your home office. Low pile is ideal for office environments because it’s easier for office chairs on wheels to move around. It also accommodates office furniture, including heavy computer equipment, without damaging the fibers.

A looped berber is ideal for a home office as they have a lower profile than other residential choices. If you select berber, consider a level profile where the loops are all the same size. This will avoid snagging as chairs and other equipment are moved across the floor.

You may also wish to move from residential to commercial carpet applications. Commercial grade carpet is designed for heavy traffic in an office environment. Since they are created with heavy use in mind, they will be a great choice for a work from home office space. They are typically low profile pile that handle well in a variety of situations. You can customize it to match the look and feel of your home, or step out and personalize it to blend with your company brand. This can work well if you have an outside entrance, and in the future, may consider bringing clients into your space.

One final thought about carpet. If you’re building a home office, chances are you’ll bring in computer equipment to help you function. That luxurious pile carpet may be perfect for the bedroom, but can cause problems in a home office. Especially here in Colorado where static can be a problem, it’s important to ensure that the carpet you select has a good anti-static treatment to help you out. While all carpets come with a standard treatment, you can upgrade and ensure it has enhanced anti-static guard. Commercial carpet often comes with added protection, something that may be important if you have an expensive setup or have experienced problems in the past.

Laminate

Maybe you want an upgrade from the look and feel of carpet for your home office floors. Maybe you think hardwood is the only way to go.

While hardwood can be a good choice, depending on what you do, it might also be a good time to look at laminate flooring.

It’s an affordable choice that allows you to create a variety of looks in your home. Laminate can take on the look of any hardwood floor, and even move into other styles and patterns, including stone and marble. That’s because laminate is a human created flooring choice that is built using several layers. It has a strong backing that can stand up well under pressure.

That means no matter how much you roll back and forth in your chair, your flooring will stand up to the pressure.

It’s a relatively maintenance-free flooring choice. With regular dusting to pick up tracked in dirt, and an occasional swipe of a damp mop to take care of more messy problems, your floor will continue to look its best

Luxury vinyl planks

Want the look and feel of hardwood while gaining the benefits of having waterproof flooring? Look no further than luxury vinyl planks.

What makes luxury vinyl planks a good choice is they come in a variety of styles, looks, and colors. Want an exotic dark hardwood? Or maybe a gray whitewash is more your style? You can find it all in luxury vinyl planks.

And the technology makes them so realistic, that even experts have to take a second look to determine it isn’t the real thing.

Yet you won’t trade in looks for functionality. Because of the technology used to create luxury vinyl planks, you can enjoy your flooring without worrying about spills. Their water-resistant backing means they’ll stand up to all you can dish out.

That means you can close the big deal without having to worry about the flooring.

It’s your home office, your style

Having a home office isn’t just about bringing your work materials home. It’s also about creating a warm and inviting space you’ll be happy to spend your days in.

Choose a desk that allows you to be creative.

Select functionality to match your personality.

Don’t forget the lighting; it’s an easy way to brighten your office space even on the darkest, dreariest of days.

And bring in your personal touches; it’s easier than ever before.

This is your workspace. Select your home office flooring to make it the best.

Carpet
October 21, 2020

Here Are The Biggest Mistakes When Buying New Carpet

Any time you make a change to your home, it’s exciting. Remodeling can be fun.

If you’re looking for an easy way to change up your decor, and give your home a fresh, new perspective, look no further than your floor. Whether you get your dream floor, add a pop of color, or just want to refresh a tired look, your flooring should top your lists of things to do this fall.

But having buyers remorse from the moment the installation is complete is one of our biggest worries. It stops many homeowners in their tracks, unsure of what to do. Is there a way to ensure you don’t make mistakes when buying new carpet? We have a few tips for you.

Making a decision based on a promotion

Watching home improvement shows can get your creative juices flowing. They often start with a room that’s barely livable, and turn it into something extraordinary. What’s not to love about watching transformation in process?

And tucked in between the hour long show is a variety of commercials to push you towards making decisions for your own home. You’ll often find flooring dealers hawking their wares, promising you a great deal to carpet every room in your home. Should you trust them?

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Companies are in business to make a profit. No matter how they advertise a “deal” in a commercial, they invariably have worked out a way to profit from every job they take.

Let’s say they promise you carpeting for one room for a $99 charge. Sounds good. But what they don’t tell you is all the hidden charges that will be tallied up on your final bill. They’ll charge for tack strips, staples use, seaming tape, and more. But the biggest question of all is: Is the carpet they promise a high quality carpet?

If they give you a deal, they have a specific carpet in mind. You won’t get to choose, except possibly the color. And that means they found a way to get a great deal from the manufacturers. It might not be a quality carpet that will last and look good throughout the years.

To avoid mistakes when buying new carpet, your first tip is to think, and fall in love with your choices only after you know and trust the company you’ll ultimately do business with. That is the best way to ensure you have a reputable company that will ensure you install a carpet you’ll love for years.

Assuming all carpets are the same

This can be difficult to do, especially when you aren’t a carpet expert. It looks the same, doesn’t that make it the same?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

This is especially true when you compare carpet bids from two separate retailers.

We often field questions like this when homeowners come in and find carpet from reputable carpet manufacturers, and notice they might be priced higher than what they find from the same manufacturer at a big box store. Why is it so?

It may be from the same manufacturer, but it isn’t the same carpet. That’s because manufacturers make a variety of different makes and models, depending on demand.

Carpet manufacturers for big box stores are created in mass. If you look closer, you’ll start to notice their differences. Compare fibers, weight, style, and quality. Look at their warranties, how many years out do they give you? It’s easy to find the differences when you look closely. Then it’s up to you to determine what’s important with your investment.

Focusing on weight

We’re used to focusing on numbers and statistics to help us make the better deal. If something has a higher ratio, a larger number, and greater value, we assume it to be a better deal. However, that isn’t always the case.

As you look at carpet, you may notice that one carpet has a weight of 40 ounces, while the next moves up to 50 ounces. That doesn’t necessarily make the second better than the first.

There are a variety of things to look at when selecting carpet.

Carpet density ratios will tell you how close together fibers are stitched together to the carpet backing.

Fiber twist is determined by the number of times strands of fiber are twisted together within a one-inch length of fiber.

The type of fiber is also important. Is it natural, such as wool or sisal? Or is it synthetic, including nylon or polyester? Each fiber will handle in their own unique way.

While all of the characteristics together will start to paint a picture of carpet quality, if you take any one individually and try and compare it, you’ll miss out on how good the quality really is.

Not paying attention to the carpet pad

What’s more important, the carpet or the carpet pad? If you said both, you are correct.

Yet many homeowners select the highest quality carpet they can afford, and skimp on what’s underneath. This isn’t the best way to go.

It’s hard spending money on something that doesn’t even show. But carpet padding is an insurance policy to help you get the most life from your carpet.

The carpet pad saves wear and tear on the fibers by absorbing the shock of foot traffic, so your carpet doesn’t have to. Instead of letting the fibers take the brunt of the impact, it sends the shock down to the padding. Installing a better grade pad will help your carpet look better, longer.

It also makes your floors more comfortable to walk on. It adds the cushion to your steps.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, we would recommend that you lower your investment on the carpet and spend a bit more on the padding. You’ll be happy with your investment.

Staying true to your lifestyle

It’s easy to fall in love with a carpet choice in the showroom, only to feel regret from the moment it’s installed. When we hear stories about this happening, it’s almost always because they didn’t consider their lifestyle before finalizing their selection.

That cream color shag may be perfect for individuals who live alone, but large families with kids and pets can turn it quickly into a stained nightmare.

Pay attention to stain resistance. You can also look for carpets that hide dirt easily, especially if you have a busy household. Berbers and Friezes both do the job well.

The carpet you decide to install may not be your dream, the one you saw being installed on the home improvement channel on TV, but it should be the one that works perfectly for your family.

That’s the easiest way to avoid buyer’s remorse, and love your carpet for years to come.

Flooring
October 16, 2020

What If The Flooring I Choose Is Too Trendy?

Are you renovating your home to add more space? Instead of a wide open family room, are you trying to find office and school space for every member of the family? Is your open concept no longer working for you?

Welcome to 2020.

Who would have thought last year that our entire vision of home design could change as fast as it has?

Yet as you are focusing on design, as you are coming up with ideas, you might also worry about your final choices. Is the flooring too trendy? Is the color going to fade right out of style? Because flooring is expensive, and once you have it installed, you hope it’ll last for a while.

We get that. That’s one of the biggest reasons homeowners procrastinate on making their final decisions.

Flooring costs a lot of money. The last thing you want is regret just a few short months or years after your flooring is installed.

That’s why we’re sharing this post. We help homeowners every day, just like you, finalize their decisions AND feel more confident in their selections. We know you’ll love your final choice, and keep on loving it for the long haul.

Let’s talk about timeless design

If something is timeless, it holds true for the long haul. The passage of time makes no difference on the results.

It’s no wonder that when a designer talks about timeless design, she’ll incorporate decor items that looked just as good in a home one-hundred years ago as it does today.

That’s why hardwood flooring works well. That’s why neutral colors are ever-popular. Because they’ll look as good today as they do decades from now.

Yet if you go back in time twenty, thirty, or even fifty years ago, certain styles were “in” or “popular” and those choices aren’t necessarily what’s “in” today. Shag carpet might have been all the rage, tile was perfect in certain rooms, even hardwood was used in certain houses, but it was different than it is today.

That’s because even if the concept is equal, our knowledge expands. We have new ways of creating fibers, we’re more adapted to creating “harder” wood. And that gives us a new perspective on what decor we select.

Defining your own classic design

If you want to avoid a flooring that is too trendy, there’s only one way to do it. It’s time to define what a classic, timeless design means to you.

Ultimately, this is all about the way you live, your lifestyle, and what you desire in a design. If you love open, airy, bright spaces, to tell you to install a dark hardwood floor wouldn’t work for you.

How can you tell that? Open up your favorite design magazine. Pull up Pinterest and start searching for decor. Or watch your favorite television show on the home and garden channels. What spaces do you naturally move towards?

Do you prefer light or dark spaces? Whitewash oak or dark cherry? Do you like neutral spaces with only a hint of color? Or are you born with “bright color” as your middle name?

If you aren’t sure what your design style is, it’s time to take note. We love Pinterest for that.

Head over to Pinterest and open an account. Then create a few pinboards to fill with ideas. If you’re remodeling a bathroom, start there. Fill one with kitchen ideas if you’re planning for a gourmet kitchen. And start pinning away. Even with just a few pins, you’ll start to see trends. You’ll see where your eyes gravitate, what your tastes explore. And you’ll quickly start defining your own timeless desires.

Is trendy all that bad?

Let’s head back in time to your parent’s home, filled with shag carpet. Maybe it was gold, brown, or green.

You can still find shag carpet today, and can even find shades of gold, brown, or green.

Yet today’s carpet is different for a variety of reasons. The fibers are treated differently. The padding is improved. While we once had no idea what volatile organic compounds (VOCs) even were, today we’ve put focus on reducing them.

Carpet is only designed to last up to ten years. That means if you purchase and install it today, change your entire decor to fit the space, you’ll have several years of loving the design space you’ve created.

If hardwood is more your thing, even hardwood can be changed. If you went with a more traditional oak a decade ago, you can refinish it today and add an upgrade. Lighten it up. Make it brighter. Add a whitewash. Or make it darker. If you choose a high quality hardwood, you can resand and refinish it up to ten times.

Think long term. Select quality over cost. Because no matter what your final selection, the most regret you’ll ever have is with an inferior product.

If the fibers wear down, if the hardwood cracks, if the vinyl fades and yellows, that’s when you’ll have your most regret.

But a good looking floor will add into your design, even if you paint the walls and bring in a new couch.

A flooring can’t be trendy if you love the look. A flooring offers timeless beauty if it fits your decor. No matter how you change up your space, add a new area rug, or bring in new wall paint, it will continue to create the space you ultimately desire.

Still worried about your flooring being too trendy?

Then we have a few final questions for you.

Is the flooring you are considering adaptable to many design elements? Your flooring should be the base for your overall design. If you can mix and match with ease, you’ve found your flooring choice.

Is it simple? Intriciate patterns and textures can move out of style more quickly. If you keep the design simple, flawless, it will stay in your heart for a long time.

Is this my taste? No matter where you are in life, you have personality and design. Something that makes you sit up and take notice. Something that makes you say YES all the time.

Take the time to define your style. Because once you do, it will shine through in everything you own.

The only way to be disappointed with your purchase is not to trust your gut.

What flooring choices are you leaning towards?

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