Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Vinyl Floors
August 17, 2019

The Pros and Cons of Adding Vinyl Flooring To Your Home

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular types of resilient flooring because it’s easy to install, low maintenance, water-resistant, and is one of the most economical flooring choices you can make.

It’s also very popular among homeowners looking for a softer flooring that makes standing easier. It’s a great addition to hallways and entryways where high traffic is a given. It’s also a great choice in kitchens and bathrooms where comfort is needed as you stand in one place throughout the day.

What’s more, you can find vinyl sheets and tiles in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, one that will perfectly suit your needs.

But with all the positives of this flooring choice, vinyl flooring also has a few drawbacks. Like any flooring, vinyl isn’t perfect for every situation. If you know the pros and cons before you start the selection process, you’ll have a better understanding of what will make the perfect flooring choice for your home.

Pro: Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest flooring choices to install

Today’s vinyl is easier to work with than ever before. Technological advances mean you’re not limited to working with vinyl in large, difficult to work with sheets. Though sheet vinyl is still an excellent way to add flooring to a room without the use of multiple seams, there are other options too. How about vinyl planks? Or vinyl tiles? No matter what you choose, do it yourself or leave it to the professionals, you can have new vinyl installed in a short period of time.

The best brands in the industry offer easy installation methods. With self-adhesive methods, you can simply remove the backing and press the vinyl into place. Of course, you will need to ensure the subfloor is ready for installation. That will be the key to your vinyl flooring’s success. That means your subfloor should be level and smooth, clean, and ready to adhere to your vinyl flooring choice.

Con: Vinyl flooring can be difficult to remove

The good news is once vinyl flooring is laid into place, the adhesive sets and hardens to ensure your flooring stays put. The bad news is the adhesive hardens to the subfloor and is going to take power to remove it.

Fortunately, it’s not impossible. It’s just going to take a little elbow grease to bring your flooring back down to the original subfloor, ready for the next flooring choice you make.

If you do it yourself, you can do it with a utility knife and a scraper. Use a utility knife to cut the vinyl into manageable pieces, then follow with a scraper tool to loosen the hardened glue.

Pro: Vinyl flooring is affordable

It won’t take you long to realize that vinyl flooring is one of the most economical flooring choices you can install in your home. Even luxury vinyl can be installed at a fraction of the price of traditional hardwood.

That savings can also continue to grow as you consider maintenance factors as well. With vinyl, it’s as easy as sweeping and mopping to keep floors looking their best. Hardwoods need a lot more care to maintain their good looks. Even carpet needs frequent vacuuming and occasional cleanings to be the best it can be.

Con: Vinyl flooring isn’t the most in-demand flooring

Despite its advancement, thanks to technology, vinyl flooring is still vinyl flooring. It will always be and act like vinyl flooring. And for some homeowners, that falls to the bottom of the wishlist.

Still, studies show that homeowners like consistency more than they prefer certain types of flooring. And because high-quality vinyl flooring has made a lot of advances in the past decade, it’s good looks can be a welcome sight.

https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-flooring-increases-home-value/

The important thing is to focus on quality. Vinyl comes in a variety of thicknesses; the thicker the vinyl, the more cushiony, stable, and durable it becomes. Because homeowners typically install vinyl in places like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways – places where more accidents are likely to occur – high quality means spills won’t penetrate through to the subfloor, and moving items or dropping things won’t dent or tear the material.

Pro: Vinyl flooring can add beauty to any room

You can select vinyl flooring in sheet, tile or plank format. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, styles, and looks. Vinyl planks are designed to mimic hardwood flooring, and they do a pretty good job. Vinyl tile can give the appearance of natural stone tile – all at an affordable price. It’s a great way to add a little personality to any room, and move it up to give it a more modern appeal.

Con: Age impacts your vinyl flooring

With proper care, vinyl flooring can last 15, 20 years or more. But as it begins to age, the color and material can fade away with it.

Do you have vinyl installed in your older home now? If vinyl was produced in the 1980s or before, you might be at risk for having asbestos in your home. Once vinyl starts wearing it can release asbestos into the air. If you suspect it, get it evaluated right away. You can buy an at-home testing kit and run the test yourself. And if it tests positive, a professional must remove it to ensure the toxic material is removed in the proper way.

But today’s vinyl flooring is no longer as risky as they once were. Vinyl is created from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the past, they were often associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but manufacturers today often use little to no PVC in their flooring. Just ask and we can point you to the best manufacturers.

What’s Your Choice?

Like other types of flooring, vinyl can be the perfect addition to some rooms in your home. There will always be a need for vinyl flooring, and luckily today, that means you have a wide range of choices.

The low cost and durability can be a deciding factor. Add in good looks and resilience against water damage, and it can be a winner in certain areas of your home.

Think vinyl flooring is the perfect choice for your home? Stop by today and see what we have in stock for you.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
August 14, 2019

How Wide Should Hardwood Floors Be?

Do you love watching home improvement shows on HGTV? The ones where the hosts walk into truly ugly homes, rip it all apart, and build it back up again from the ground up?

Me too.

It’s a great way to get ideas from some of the top interior designers in the country. You can see the “in” colors for the year. Learn how to mix and match colors, styles, and patterns. And even take note of specific manufacturers, gaining valuable insight when it comes time to remodel your own home.

If you watch them as much as I do, I’m sure you’ve noticed there’s a trend in hardwood flooring. And it’s probably led you to ask a question if you’re thinking of redoing your own home:

How wide should hardwood floors be?

Because the trend is definitely moving upward in width.

In most cases, traditional hardwood planks are 4 inches in width. A narrow plank floor would range somewhere between 2 to 4 inches in width. You’ll find wide plank flooring starts at about 5 inches, and goes up from there, depending on the wood and the manufacturer.

Is one width better than another? Is there an easy way to make the perfect choice for your home? Let’s start with one of the first questions we receive when someone is considering hardwood flooring.

Are wide plank floors trendy?

One of the biggest reasons people hold back from selecting something new and different is out of fear. How will it look in the future? How will it hold up over time?

Wide plank flooring isn’t for every home. That’s where consulting with one of our flooring experts can help. We can assess your room size, your current decor, and even your personal taste. Wider planks can take center stage, adding grandeur across a wide open space. Go with a lighter shade and it can create a sleek, yet modern appearance.

The wider the plank, the more it tends to show the characteristics of the wood. You’ll see knots and grain. You’ll see more of the imperfections. Wider plank brings a lot of the focus back down to the floor. It helps give the room a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Plus wide planks mean you’ll have fewer seams between the boards. That means less interruptions of the natural lines both in the wood and the way the room flows.

Of course, you wouldn’t want to put them in a busy room, it can make the room feel cramped. And if clean and polished is your thing, the busyness of the wood can sometimes be a distraction. Those imperfections really stand out, especially if you use darker woods.

What does all this have to do with being trendy? It’s our way of saying – no way!

The purpose of flooring is to provide a foundation your decor can grow on. And if you love the way it looks, if it suits the flow of your rooms, why not make wide planks your final choice?

Let’s talk wide plank hardwood humidity levels

If you’ve done any research on installing wider planks in your home, you’ve probably noticed a lot of talk about how humidity levels can impact the structure of your floor. Considering we live in a very dry Colorado climate, it’s important to take this into consideration.

Depending on the manufacturer you choose, not all hardwood planks are created the same. When deciding how wide hardwood floors should be, you can’t overlook that wider planks will be impacted by dryness and moisture. Humid August weather patterns will affect it one way, while continually running the furnace in the dead of winter will dry everything out.

Wider planks quite obviously use more wood per plank. And therein lies part of the problem.

Inexpensive wood flooring is cut from every part of the tree. These manufacturers will use limbs, branches – any piece where they can get what they need to create a plank.

The wider the plank, the more surface area a manufacturer will need to create the plank. Most lengths run one foot to six feet, coupled with a wide width means the manufacturer will use only the thickest part of the tree.

Better wood means better results.

Yet you should still pay attention to how much humidity is in your home. Especially upon installation.

A reputable hardwood flooring installer knows it takes time to acclimate the hardwood to your home before it’s installed. Professionals will leave wood to acclimate to your home’s conditions before the installation process begins.

Why does this matter?

Let’s say your floor is installed using glue-down method. Wood floors maintain their structure when your home is kept somewhere in the 28 percent to 48 percent range of humidity. But if moisture levels drop considerably, parts of the floor might not contract if the glue holds firmly in place, especially if the wood isn’t high-quality and has more movement in its structure. This can cause what is called “dry cupping.” Your floors can warp and bow.

Sometimes putting humidity back into the home can help. Sometimes it takes overhauling the wood, sanding it down and refinishing it once again, fixing any areas that were damaged in the process.

Unfinished vs Pre-finished

All hardwood flooring comes in both unfinished and pre-finished product lines. This is a matter of personal choice when you’re installing it for the first time.

Pre-finished allows for the fastest installation. With the hardwood already finished in the factory, it’s a matter of lining up the planks and putting in the finishing work.

Unfinished allows you to finish your floors on site. While it takes more time and is a bit messier, the benefits are you can finish it in any color you choose. You don’t have to stick with what the manufacturer produces.

Unfinished also means the entire surface area is covered and coated. Even the seams in the floor will be covered, making it even more water-resistant that pre-finished.

If you are considering wide plank hardwood flooring, start by giving us a call. We can help you craft the hardwood floors of your dreams. Something you’ll be proud to have in your home for years to come.

Carpet
August 12, 2019

How To Evaluate Carpet Quality Before You Invest In Commercial Carpet

Sure, it’s important how a carpet looks. You want it to be beautiful, and to add the “wow” factor to your room.

But equally important is carpet quality. If it isn’t made well, it won’t perform well over the lifespan of the carpet.

Carpet quality comes from a variety of factors, including how well the carpet was made, how well it’s maintained, and how well it’s installed. Of course, a carpet can do very well in a guest bedroom that sees very little use, yet be the wrong choice for a heavy-traffic office space that has dozens of people crossing over it every day.

How do you know where to start?

Carpet Fiber

The first characteristic to pay attention to is the carpet fiber. You can select carpet made from natural or synthetic fibers. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s crucial to pay attention to what each type offers, and know how well they would perform if you install them in your commercial location.

Natural Fiber

For some, the only way to go is by installing natural fibers. Wool is one of the most expensive fibers used in commercial carpet production, but it can be a great choice for some business applications. Wool fibers are strong and durable, crush-resistant, and matt-resistant. It can be a good choice in an office back from main entrances, where water isn’t a problem. While wool will resist some moisture, if it’s introduced to too much water, it will shrink.

Wool fibers will hide dirt well. They also resist holding dirt deep within the fibers. Manufacturers suggest that you clean wool carpets more than their synthetic counterparts, which should include both regular vacuuming and deep cleaning. Keep in mind that while wool carpets may be good at hiding dirt, they are more susceptible to being damaged from embedded dirt that isn’t quickly removed. It will impact the fibers, hurt them, and decrease the lifespan of the carpet.

Synthetic Fiber

If you prefer synthetic fibers for your commercial application, there are some great choices available.

Nylon is one of the most common fibers used in commercial environments because it’s strong, resilient, wears well over time, and resists moisture, oils, and chemicals too.

While wool fibers are dyed post-production, nylon fibers are solution-dyed during production. The color is added in the beginning with they nylon crystals before it’s formed into carpet fibers. That makes it more resilient throughout its lifespan against wear and fading. What you see is what you get for the life of the carpet.

However, nylon has the ability to generate static electricity, especially in drier environments like here in Colorado. That can be a problem in buildings where sensitive electronic equipment is stored and used. To reduce the impact of static, manufacturers coat the nylon fibers to help reduce static and dissipate it before it reaches dangerous levels.

Some turn to olefin fibers for this reason. Olefin is an excellent choice if you want a carpet that is fade-resistant, stain-resistant, moisture-resistant, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. While olefin is a good choice if your professional space frequently sustains accidents and spills, it doesn’t perform as well as nylon with ongoing dirt and debris. Dirt particles are often trapped in olefin fibers, damaging the surface and shortening the life of the carpet. More frequent cleaning will be needed if people track in dirt particles.

Olefin has the advantage of fibers that don’t generate static electricity. That’s why many business owners turn to olefin if they have sensitive electronic equipment or computers. But olefin does have a drawback of having a low melting point. Even simple tasks such as dragging heavy equipment across the carpet can cause enough friction to leave burn marks in its path.

Carpet Pile

When carpet is created, it is constructed with cut pile or loop pile. For either, carpet quality depends on density and the amount of twist.

With cut pile construction, the fibers are cut at the surface and woven tightly together to form the carpet and make it stand up. The fibers can be cut to create an even surface area, or cut at varying heights to create patterns and texture. Higher quality carpets will use two or three piles of yarn tightly twisted together to create a stronger fiber. This tighter weave, in general, will create better performance and more durable carpet quality.

With loop pile construction, the fibers are looped through the backing and woven tightly together to create a uniform look and feel. Loops can be all at the same level, or interwoven at varying heights to create patterns and textures.

Cut pile overall is not as durable as loop pile. When loop pile is subjected to constant pressure, it rebounds and returns to its original condition easier than cut pile. This rebounding makes it better suited for high-traffic areas.

Also, loop pile that’s tightly compressed together will be better at blocking dirt, making them the best at standing up to high traffic levels.

Carpet Backing

While it’s easy to choose carpet based on the look and feel of the fiber, carpet backing is equally important at determining carpet quality.

Carpet backing is what gives the carpet its strength. It provides a moisture barrier designed to keep spills from seeping through and impacting the carpet padding and the subfloor, where mildew and mold can begin to form. This is where it’s important to know your daily practices and ensure you choose the right carpet for the job.

In most cases, the yarn is stitched through fabric, which in turn is coated with latex to add strength and durability. Depending on the manufacturer, some add additional fabrics and materials to increase the resilience. Polypropylene, for example, offers mildew resistance qualities which can make the carpet better suited for damp or higher humidity applications.

You may also find some carpets with a foam back. While not as durable as other backings such as polypropylene, it can make installation easier. Just glue the carpet directly to the floor without a carpet pad in place.

Are you ready to add new carpet to your commercial space?

Don’t just focus on the looks and color. If you care about carpet quality, and want the best your money can buy, focus on how the carpet was made. If you spend a little extra time ensuring you have the right carpet for your commercial application, you’ll love the results for years to come. Contact the Denver flooring expert today and let us show you the possibilities.

Hardwood Flooring
August 7, 2019

How Do I Choose Hardwood Flooring

Want to take on a project that adds beauty and resale value to your home? Look down … the answer may lie with your flooring.

The average ROI for installing hardwood flooring is somewhere between 70 and 80 percent. Hardwood flooring can add up to 2.5 percent more to the price you charge for your home.

But even if you’re not ready to sell, and you have no immediate plans to do so in the future, the best reason to install hardwood throughout your home is for the sheer beauty of it.

Yet not all hardwood is created equal. There’s more to it than simply picking out your favorite color. You have to mix in aesthetics and performance to ensure you gain flooring you can live with for years.

Where do you start?

Engineered or solid hardwood

When most people think of hardwood flooring, they think of solid planks taken straight from the tree. In our modern times, you have a lot of different options. Solid hardwood still makes an excellent choice in many homes. But engineered flooring can be the perfect choice in certain circumstances.

Solid hardwood flooring is installed over one or two layers of plywood. That can raise a flooring level up and interfere with some floorplans. If you’re already dealing with a drop ceiling and you can’t raise a door frame, you might not have enough clearance for solid hardwood installation.

Engineered flooring can be glued directly to concrete or a soundproofing mat. It’s also the best choice if you want to install over radiant heating.

If you are going to install engineered wood, choose carefully. Engineered wood is created in several layers. In some cases, manufacturers create the top layer so thin, you can’t sand it down and refinish it in the future. That means your engineered floors won’t have the longevity of other hardwood options. It may be less expensive today, but you’ll pay for it down the road.

Of course, for some homeowners, nothing beats the feel of real wood. You can feel the difference. You can also hear the difference – solid hardwood makes a quieter living environment.

Prefinished or site finished

Hardwood flooring can be purchased unfinished that is laid into place and finished after installation, or prefinished, which arrives with stain and topcoat already in place. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

With prefinished hardwood, what you see is what you get. When you walk into our showroom, you can see the different colors, styles, grains, and patterns. You can match the color to your existing decor. You can coordinate it with the rest of your fixtures and appliances.

Prefinished also takes less time from beginning to end. If time is a factor, this is the way to go. Once the boards are laid into place, you’re ready to go. You won’t have to wait and stay off site as the boards are colored and sealed.

On site finishing may take a bit longer, but for some, the customization means the sky’s the limit for choices. You can mix and match and color. You can select your level of stain and sheen. With on site finishing, the boards are nailed into place unfinished. Then the unfinished flooring is sanded, stained, and sealed as a continuous plane. The advantage of that is sealant covers the spaces in between. It provides a stronger moisture barrier, which can be a great advantage in some areas of your home.

Wood type

If you’re trying to decide what type of wood to install, you can’t ignore oak. Here in America, oak is king in the hardwood flooring market. It’s a very durable wood that handles well in an active household. It also has appealing color and grain that mixes and matches well with other aesthetics in a home. Especially here in Colorado where hardwood rules, oak can be a welcome addition to any decor. And because of its popularity, it’s also one of the most affordable hardwoods on the market.

Of course, you don’t have to stick with oak. If you’re looking for something to set you apart from your neighbors and friends, there are a lot of choices for you. Walnut, maple, cherry, or ash – the choice comes down to preferences and taste.

If you’re looking at prefinished, what you see is what you get. But with unfinished wood, keep in mind that certain woods create darker finishes when the process is finalized. If you’re looking for a specific shade, be sure to talk over your desires with one of our consultants to ensure you get what you want.

Finish type

There are many different types of finishes for hardwood, but in general, they fall into one of two classes: oil or polyurethane.

Oil penetrates the wood and gives a soft glow that keeps the wood looking natural. But because it penetrates the wood, it leaves it more vulnerable to damage. Oil finishes scratch easier, but the very nature of an oil finish also makes it easier to cover them up. You can fix them on a spot by spot basis.

Polyurethane creates a hard topcoat that makes it more resilient to wear. This is often a better choice for busy households with kids and pets coming and going. Yet polyurethane is also harder to repair. In most cases, you’ll need to buff out problem areas, then reapply the finish to the entire section of the floor.

Plank width

In years past, hardwood planks came in traditional sizes, usually two to three inch strips. No more. Today you can select hardwood planks in a wide variety of widths, which can add luxury and personality to any home.

Wider plank widths work well in larger rooms. Have an open air concept, where the kitchen, dining, and living space all roll into one another? Wide planks can give the space its own unique look.

Four, five, six, seven – really, you can go as wide as you choose. If the space can handle the expansiveness of the wood, why not give it a go? Wider planks mean fewer seams. That means less opportunity for damage from seepage between the planks. However, it also means you might see more movement as wood expands and contracts. Because there aren’t as many boards to distribute the movement, you may notice it more in what’s installed.

Still, it’s hard not to notice the beauty in a floor that isn’t the “same” as everyone else’s.

So what’s it going to be? What hardwood flooring is perfect for your home? If you want to finalize your decision and add new flooring to your home, why not stop by and see your options today?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
August 3, 2019

Is Cork Flooring Good For High Traffic Areas?

Thinking of putting in new flooring in your home? Although cork flooring has been around for decades, it’s only recently started making waves in the flooring industry. New technology has made a viable flooring choice for just about any situation.

Why do people like cork flooring? One of the top reasons is it’s a “green” renewable resource you can install and feel good about your choice. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, select only sustainable materials for your home, and not have guilt about where the product comes from, cork is your choice.

While hardwood can take years to mature enough for harvest, cork is a quicker growing product. Cork comes from the bark of a cork oak tree, and is harvested from living trees rather than chopping them down. Once harvested, cork is ground up, compressed, and bonded into sheets using resins.

Does that make it a wise choice for use in high traffic areas?

Let’s talk durability

Cork isn’t a product that is new to the market. Cork was a well-loved flooring choice in Europe at the turn of the twentieth century, and many of those floors are still in use today.

What makes cork so durable is that it’s a movable flooring material that compresses and jumps back to its original position. When you walk on it, it has “give.” As you move away, it returns to its original shape.

Cork is also waterproof and is the only wood product that has this feature. That makes it a better choice in areas where water and spills are greater risk. When harvested, cork bark contains a waxy substance called suberin that gives it its unique waterproof characteristics. It also makes the material fire-proof, insect-resistant, and antimicrobial.

Cork is considered a wood floor. And like all wood floors, they can be damaged in different circumstances. Cork floors have a wear layer that provides a defense against daily wear and tear. These flexible polyurethane layers are well-suited to cork, but they do wear down over time. Like most wood floors, they will need occasional updating or refinishing, anywhere from three to seven years is a good rule of thumb.

But where hardwood is hard and is more prone to scratches and marks, cork’s softness means it’s more susceptible to dents and dimples. When someone walks across a cork floor in high heels, for example, those tiny pressure points can penetrate down into the cork and mark the flooring permanently. Because of cork’s resiliency, some of these dents can be “ironed” out with steam or a hot compress. Add a hot towel to the area for a few minutes, and you might be able to pull the dent out.

Like other wood products, there is a “quick fix” solution for tiny imperfections. If you have a scratch or dent that deters from the look of your cork flooring, you can create a patch. Using a sharp knife, a ruler, extra cork, and wood glue. Use the knife and ruler to remove the damaged section. Creating a small, squared off area means it will be easier to replace. When purchasing cork flooring, be sure to purchase and store a few extra feet of material. Then cut the new square in direct proportion to the piece removed. Fit it into place and secure it with wood glue. You can reapply a small layer of polyurethane finish to the surface to further seal the area and protect it against further damage.

It’s not just about wear and tear

When most people think about flooring choices for high traffic areas, they consider durability only. But there are other considerations too.

Depending on what you have in the area now, the room may be noisier or colder than you desire.

Cork is made up of tiny air-filled pockets. These act as barriers against noise production, and make any room quieter. If you’re tired of the echo sounds of laminate or hardwood, cork may be the perfect choice for your area.

Those tiny pockets of air also make it an excellent insulator. Just like it reduces sound from being transmitted down and throughout the room, it acts as a barrier against heat transfer as well. That means it keeps your home cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and the amount you pay on utilities each month lower than other types of materials.

If you have a family member sensitive to dust mites and other allergens, cork flooring is also a great choice for installation. Unlike carpet that can harbor dirt, dust, and other pollutants, cork tends to repel it. That means it’s easier to wipe away through regular cleaning. Because of this, cork flooring is often associated with a higher indoor air quality.

And because of the waxy substance called suberin that’s a natural part of cork production, cork floors are natural repellents to insects and other small vermin. That also makes cork floors more resistant to biological growth such as mildew and mold. And if these tiny organisms can’t grow, it can help you create a cleaner, healthier environment for you and your family.

Cleaning is a snap. When installed correctly, it will have a water barrier in place. Start the cleaning process with regular sweeping and vacuuming, taking care to remove dirt and grit that can damage the flooring as you walk on it. While you should always wipe up spills and messes as quickly as possible, you won’t have to worry about seepage because of the moisture barrier. However, depending on the spill and the length of time on the floor, it can be stained. Those grape juice and red wine spills can stain the flooring if left in place for too long.

Is cork flooring the right flooring for you?

Yes, there are a lot of advantages to installing cork flooring into your home. It can be the perfect choice for every room – kitchen, living space, bathrooms, and bedrooms – providing you understand the care needed to keep it looking its best.

Can cork flooring be the perfect choice for your high traffic area? Yes … as long as you understand the product and are willing to provide the proper care. It’s one of the most time-tested, beautiful choices you can make for your home. And the colors and options available will soon have you saying “yes” to new cork floors.

Tile Floors
July 27, 2019

Choosing The Right Commercial Tile For Your Location

Selecting flooring for a business location is a little more difficult than picking out tile for your home. Not only does it have to look warm and inviting for your visitors, but it also has to be durable and hold up well in high traffic situations.

Can you walk into a flooring store and select anything? Or is there an art to finding the best commercial tile for your location? First impressions are everything. So before you make your final selection, consider these items first.

Durability

Businesses often have a lot of action throughout the day. People come in and out at all hours. They come in whatever the outside weather – sleet, rain, snow, or sun. They don’t think twice about the flooring; they concentrate on where they are going. But that doesn’t mean they won’t notice if something is wrong.

Ever noticed ripped up flooring? Carpeting fraying around the edges? Or tiles that are scuffed and broken? Doesn’t make a very good first impression, does it?

A durable commercial tile stands up to whatever the traffic into your commercial property can dish out. It should be easy to maintain, as well as stand up to scratches, stains, marks, and more.

The tile industry rates all tile according to the PEI scale. A PEI 1 is more fragile, while a PEI 5 is most resistant. For a commercial setting, we recommend selecting a PEI 3 or above. The more traffic your area gets, the higher the rating. This will ensure you are happy with your final selection well into the future.

Safety

When you operate a business, safety should always be at the top of your focus list. Different flooring choices offer different traction levels, depending on the situation. Because Colorado’s weather can change on a dime, it’s important to have flooring that works in any kind of situation, and won’t be more prone to accidents when some tracks in water, slush, or snow.

A glazed ceramic tile, for example, will be slippery when wet. This wouldn’t be a good choice for entryways where people can track in water from the outside.

Instead, look for a textured tile that provides a stronger hold in all kinds of situations. This can include natural stone, textured porcelain, or even an unglazed ceramic tile. You should also discuss with your flooring consultant sealants to ensure your tile continues to look good and wear well in all kinds of situations.

Maintenance

Commercial tile should be able to handle traffic without a lot of care. You want tiles that are easy to clean, easy to maintain, and can do so for years without a lot of thought.

That’s why so many commercial properties select tile as their number one favorite for overall functionality. It won’t scuff and wear like hardwood, won’t scratch and fade like vinyl. Depending on the circumstances, you can expect your commercial tile floors to last for years, and still look as good as the day you installed them.

Just be conscious of the cleaning products you use to maintain the finish. You can speak with one of our flooring consultants about the best way to care for the commercial tile you choose.

Design

When you select tile for your commercial location, you can create any design or style you prefer. That’s because tile comes in an almost infinite supply of sizes, colors, patterns, and options.

For business applications, we usually recommend that you stick with “tried and true” tile rather than going with the latest trends. You never want your flooring to “stand out” and be the only thing people talk about when they head out of your building.

Instead, focus on statements, on choosing a tile that reflects your personality. For a large office building, stone tiles can create an elegant entrance. For a small studio, wood-look tiles may be the perfect way to invite people in. Or maybe mix it up with porcelain tiles, and create truly unique mosaics using different sizes, shapes, and colors. You’ll be amazed at what you can create with just a little thought.

Keep in mind that your flooring also controls the noise level of the room. While carpet or cork floors absorb sound, tile can amplify it. If you’re looking for a quieter environment, you may do best by combining tiles with rugs.

You also want to match the grout to your tiles for a consistent look. Grout is what holds your tiles together. It can also change the look of your flooring from subdued to dramatic. Be sure to have a proper sealant in place so the grout won’t wear, become moist and spread mildew or mold. Be sure to clean the grout properly to avoid problems down the road.

What’s the best tile for your commercial location?

Now that you know what to look for, let’s discuss some of your options.

Ceramic tile – Undoubtedly, this is where your largest selection will come from. Ceramic tile is made from clay pressed together and fired at high temperatures. Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed, and come in many different styles and sizes. They are ideal for commercial locations because of their durability and versatility. Be sure to look for high quality tiles, as they will stand up to high traffic situations in the long run.

Porcelain tile – Made from a mixture of clays like quartz and feldspar, these are fired at higher temperatures and are generally more durable than ceramic. They wear better, and won’t scratch like ceramic tile. They are great for entries and busy hallways. What’s more, it can come in all kinds of colors and patterns – why not select porcelain stone that mimics natural stone or slate? Plus it handles even better as it won’t scratch or chip.

Slate tile – This is a fine grain stone made from clay and shale. It’s created through heat and pressure, and offers a natural slip resistant surface that makes it the perfect choice where you need traction. Few would argue it’s earthy tones provide a stunning finish; that’s why you’ll see slate in a lot of high end office spaces.

Granite tile – Granite is harder than other stone, which makes it the perfect choice for entryways and other high traffic areas. The varied colors and veining is also something that is unbeatable in large open spaces. If well cared for and polished, it won’t scratch. But this is at the high end of the cost scale, so it’s best to keep it in areas where you want to make a statement.

Limestone tile – Looking for an eco-friendly version? Why not give limestone a try? This tile comes in earthy tones that work well in spas and offices looking to create a natural vibe. It is a denser stone that other tile choices, so it’s best to keep this in locations with a more controlled traffic.

Want more options? Not sure what’s the best tile for your commercial location? Stop by today and discuss your needs – we have many options perfect for your situation.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
July 23, 2019

Does Hardwood Plank Width Matter?

Are you ready to redecorate your home? Have you been longing for hardwood flooring for years?

Hardwood flooring is something many Coloradoans long for in their homes. It’s elegant. It’s beautiful. And it can up the resale value on your home if you plan on selling in the future.

But once you decide on adding hardwood flooring to your home, don’t think your decision-making process is complete. Making a decision on the right hardwood flooring also includes type, style, color and plank width. Because every decision you make will impact how your home looks. And if you select the wrong hardwood plank width, for instance, it can change the aesthetic value of your home right along with it.

What are hardwood plank widths?

Depending on which manufacturer you select, you’ll find a number of choices in hardwood plank width.

When hardwood flooring first came into style, all manufacturers kept their designs to a 2 or 3 inch width. No more. Today, you can find hardwood in a variety of lengths and widths. Known as “random widths”, you’ll find hardwood from anywhere a 4 to 10 inch width. Want wider? There are products with widths all the way to 24 inches wide. But these are considered more specialized, and aren’t often used in our modern structures.

Width often depends on what hardwood you choose – looking for oak, hickory, or other more traditional hardwood? These tend to be narrower due to the nature of the source of the wood. Hardwood trees are softer than softwood trees, which means the final product will be narrower as well.

Width also determines the cost. The wider the hardwood plank, the larger the tree needed for production. Larger trees need a longer time to grow, which increases the cost due to more extended harvesting.

With cheaper hardwood planks, they often come from the fastest growing trees. And in a lot of cases, they use every part of the tree: trunk, branches, and limbs. The wider the hardwood plank width, the more it’s produced from the thickest part of the tree. That makes it more expensive due to processing.

Of course, larger trees in diameter are also the tallest trees in the forest. When manufacturers create wider hardwood plank widths, they usually increase the length with it. This is partially because they have the length to work with. But it is also because longer lengths are visually more appealing when installing wider planks.

What about hardwood plank width installation?

If you’ve ever installed hardwood in your home before, you know one of the top tips is to bring in the hardwood several days before installation to acclimate the hardwood to your location. That process is needed no matter what the width, and is especially true the wider planks you choose.

Hardwood flooring does best when kept at a relative humidity range between 28 and 48 percent humidity. For wider planks, it’s even more important.

But it’s also important to remember that wider planks are created from higher quality trees. That means there’s a greater chance the hardwood was properly prepared. The timber was processed, cut and dried in the proper way, which means it has a higher chance for success once it’s laid into place.

Like every project, it’s important to understand your surrounding area before you make your selection. Does your home fluctuate throughout the year? Do you have a humidifier in place?

Humidity stability is important with wider plank widths. And while wide planks can be a challenge due to Colorado’s varying weather patterns, knowing your space well can help make installation a success.

Should you choose unfinished or prefinished?

There’s something appealing about walking through a flooring store and finding the perfect color for your floors. A lot of people like that process; that’s why prefinished hardwood choices are growing.

But it’s not always the best flooring choice for your situation.

For a do-it-yourselfer, finding the perfect prefinished floor boards can mean an easier project for you to take on. You won’t have to mess with the messy part of the project, and can have instant results as you lay each board into place.

However, factory finished flooring comes with stain and sealant already in place. They produce a hard shell for protection, but that’s more difficult to take off in the end. That means if you desire to strip and refinish your hardwood down the road, you’ll have a much more difficult time.

By going with unfinished, you can choose to finish the hardwood in any way you choose.

For wider planks, that means you can play with the look and placement before you stain and seal. That can ensure you get the flooring pattern you like before you finish off the project.

Another advantage of installing unfinished is seam filling. After the boards are laid into place, there are tiny seams between each board. Water and spills are one of the worst enemies with hardwood. Prefinished leaves these spaces open and can cause problems down the road. But with unfinished, you stain and seal the flooring after it’s installed. That means the tiny cracks will be filled in with sealant too, giving your entire floor a better chance at withstanding years of wear and tear.

What’s the right choice for you?

Selecting which hardwood to install in your home is a personal decision. It’s based on your personality, your decor, and your lifestyle.

If you choose a hardwood plank width too narrow or too wide, it’s not something you can easily change. So it’s important to spend time considering your choices carefully before you say “yes” to a plank size.

Have questions about what flooring is the best choice for your home? Want to learn more about hardwood plank width and how to incorporate it into your decor? Stop by today.

Hardwood Flooring
July 20, 2019

Is It Okay To Put Hardwood Floors In a Kitchen?

Nothing says “Colorado” quite like hardwood flooring. But can you put hardwood floors in a kitchen?

Will they handle well no matter how much you use your kitchen? Will they stand up to spills and messes? Will they show their wear sooner then if you installed more resilient flooring like ceramic or porcelain tile?

Is It Okay To Put Hardwood Floors In a Kitchen?

Hardwood floors provide a rigid flooring material that stands up well to high traffic situations. Yet hardwood isn’t as hard as you think. Hardwood is a porous material that accepts stain to bring out the characteristics of the wood. That also means hardwood is susceptible to moisture and liquid penetrating into the grain, and changing the quality of the wood over time. Places where moisture is a problem – bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements – aren’t the best places to install hardwood flooring.

But what about kitchens? They don’t deal with water spills on a daily basis as you jump out of the shower. They don’t have nonstop humidity from the length of your showers.

Should you install hardwood floors in the kitchen to create a space you’re proud to call home?

Are Kitchens Considered High Risk For Hardwood Flooring?

A lot goes on in most kitchens. They are usually the central hub of the home.

You gather to complete homework there. You sit back and share a glass of wine with your spouse. How many holiday parties have been planned out sitting at the kitchen island? What about the dinner party you’re planning for later this year?

There’s no doubt your kitchen is the busiest room in your home.

That means your floor will have to take a lot of punishment. Walking. Jumping. Scuff marks. Dog nails. Dropped toys. Water spills.

Have you ever dropped a glass of water onto the floor? Not only do you have 8, 10, even 12 ounces of water or more spread across the floor, but you also deal with broken glass splintering everywhere. It takes minutes to wipe up the mess and ensure the fractured pieces are cleaned away.

Now let’s talk about the pickle jar that fell and broke. Or the pot of boiling water that slipped out of your hands.

Hardwood can stand up to some abuse if you react quickly. A spill here and there that is mopped rapidly up won’t impact the looks of your floor.

But kitchens have a lot more potential for disaster than a dropped glass of water.

What happens if the line to your ice maker in your refrigerator has a slow leak? Water puddles just a little bit underneath, and you don’t notice it for weeks? What if the line to the dishwasher breaks while you’re away at work?

When hardwood floors are installed in your kitchen, they are sealed to provide a certain level of protection. The trouble is that protection often can’t stand long term abuse. Hardwood is most often installed as hardwood planks. If the seams aren’t tightly placed together, if the sealant doesn’t fully cover every inch of the hardwood material, water has the chance to seep in. And disaster is waiting.

Hardwood Comes In Two Formats

When you select hardwood as your flooring choice, you can install it into your home in one of two ways: site finished or prefinished.

Prefinished hardwood is created at the manufacturers. It’s cut into planks, stained, and sealed, before being boxed and packaged up, and delivered to your home. It’s convenient in that once it’s installed, it’s ready to go. No waiting for the staining and sealing process. It also means it’s more susceptible to damage because there isn’t a top layer that covers the seams between the boards.

With site finished hardwood, unfinished hardwood planks are installed in your home. The surface is raw wood, without stain or sealant in place as it is nailed or stapled into place. Once the flooring is completed, only then does the installer stain the wood if desired, and after the staining process is completed and dry, a sealer is placed over the top, protecting hardwood and the seams.

This means with site finished hardwood, it has a more cohesive layer that gives you complete protection over the entire floor area, including a filler for the seams.

But Is Hardwood Durable For Kitchens?

Are you still contemplating using hardwood floors in your kitchen? Depending on your lifestyle, hardwood can be a beautiful addition to your home.

In general, we see homeowners deal with three durability issues with their kitchen hardwood. If you’re aware of them and work to decrease the odds of these happening in your home, the chances you’ll love hardwood in the kitchen even more.

Scratches and dings – If you drop a can, the lip of the can may dent the floor. If you wear your high heel shoes in the kitchen, the heel may press down and dent the floor. Knowing this beforehand means you change your lifestyle just a little bit. Declare your home a “no shoe zone.” Add colorful throw rugs where you’re most likely to drop heavy objects – by the pantry, or near the kitchen sink.

Traffic – Even within the kitchen, some areas are going to have more traffic than others. Over time, you may start to see these paths worn into the wood. The good thing with hardwood, however, is you can sand it down, stain and seal it all over again for a new look.

Sun – If you have large windows or big patio doors that let the sun stream in, the sun may bleach the color out of your hardwood floors. The darker the stain, the more sun bleaching can occur. You can prevent this by protecting these areas – close blinds during the sunniest parts of the day, or use throw rugs to deter the process.

Should you install hardwood floors in your kitchen?

They make a beautiful addition to any home.

If you have a lifestyle that reduces the risks associated with hardwood flooring damage, hardwood floors might be the perfect choice for you.

Increase the durability by selecting site finished flooring, knowing you can create any look and feel.

And if you have any other questions about installing hardwood floors in your kitchen, stop by today. We’ll help you make the perfect choice for your home.

Carpet, Flooring
July 16, 2019

How To Choose The Right Carpet For Your Space

When it’s time to choose the right carpet for your home, where do you start? It’s a major undertaking. Because carpet has the biggest impact on how your room looks and feels, it’s important to take the time and get it right. It can last for years – a very long time if you don’t like it from the moment it’s installed.

At the same time, there’s more to selecting carpet than color and price. If you focus on just those two points, you might miss installing the best carpet for your lifestyle. Style, texture, pattern, padding – there are a lot of decisions to be made to ensure you get the best flooring for your needs.

Where do you start?

Where are you installing new carpet?

Your first step is to plan out where your new carpet will go. Are you installing it throughout your home? On one floor? In the bedrooms? In high traffic areas?

Let the amount of traffic the rooms receive guide you to make your decision. If you’ll regularly be entertaining in the room, ensure it can handle the foot traffic and potential spills. If your new carpet is going in the dining room, stain and soil resistance is a must. If it’s being installed in a bedroom or playroom, softness underfoot will be nice throughout the year.

How much are you willing to spend?

We realize that cost is a major factor when settling in on a floor. While it’s important to choose the right carpet for your needs, it’s equally important to realize there are other costs in your decision. Padding plays an equally important role in how well your carpet wears and lasts. Installation is also a factor in the final pricing.

The final cost often increases because homeowners forget about the little things that impact price. Have you considered closets, hallways, door frames, and other protrusions that require carpet too? Have you considered repeating patterns, seams, and furniture placement that will impact how much carpeting you need?

How do you pick styles and colors you like?

Wall to wall carpet has a big impact on the overall personality of your space. It can stay quiet and subtle, or pack a punch and be put on display.

Still, a lot of homeowners are nervous when it comes to color. They often shop with one thought in mind: I want it beige-y but not too beige-y. Have you ever thought that?

Looking at the vivid colors and patterns on display might capture your eye. But how do you make a final decision? How do you choose the right carpet for your room?

Start by talking with one of our flooring consultants. We can help you narrow down selections that would work well for your lifestyle.

Also, realize you won’t be making your final selection in just an hour or two at the store. You’ll want to live with your choices before you narrow in and make your final one.

We suggest narrowing in on three to five carpet sample boards. They usually are arranged with multiple choices, from darkest to lightest in descending order. Looking at them, you can probably eliminate most of the colors. But there will be several that are contenders. These are what you should focus in on.

Lay the sample board down in your room. Then cover up the samples you won’t choose, and compare the others and how they look in your home. Keep in mind that carpet usually looks about half a tone lighter once it’s installed because of the way the natural light will hit the fibers.

Live with your samples for at least a full day, watching the way the light changes. How does it look in morning sunlight? How about midday? Or evening light?

Then settle in on undertones. When you look at certain color choices, you’ll see certain colors. Maybe one color has too much grey, while another has too much brown. Compare it with your other decor – does it blend or contrast with your new couch? How about the wallpaper? Or the new drapes being installed?

If you get it down to two or three and still can’t make a decision, come back in. We can even order larger swatches for you to bring home and compare once again. A larger piece means you can move it more freely around your home. Butt it up against the baseboards, or throw it out in the middle of the room. You’ll be living with this for a long time; taking the time to order larger swatches and live with it for a few days is worth the hassle and time.

What carpet is right for each room in the house?

While there isn’t a set guide for what carpets work best in each room, we do have a few guidelines we suggest.

For living rooms, we feel plush or Saxony will hold up well. Well-constructed nylon will bring years of service to one of the most functional rooms in your home.

For family rooms, your best bet is a dense carpet that holds up well under pressure. Might we suggest a Berber in a neutral color? This will give you years of functionality and will stand up under pressure.

For dining rooms, ensure a stain-resistant carpet. Don’t go too light; instead, choose a shade darker. You might even want to focus in on texture and patterns to keep your carpet looking good for years to come.

For bedroom living, these are the lightest traffic rooms in the home. Yet don’t skimp on comfort, because nothing feels as good as scrunching your toes into the carpet on a cold winter morning.

Of course, beneath it all is equally important. A good padding minimizes wear and tear on the carpet. When in doubt, bump up the level of padding and decrease your choice in carpet. You’ll be glad when you see how well your carpet handles under the pressure.

Is this the year you upgrade your carpet?

Are you ready to choose the right carpet for your home? If you’ve decided that this is the year, it’s time to take action. Stop by today and let us help guide you towards the right carpet selection. With hundreds of styles, colors, and patterns, there’s a perfect choice waiting for you.

Are you ready to find it?

Tile Floors
July 14, 2019

How To Use Different Tile Shapes Throughout Your Home

If you’re in the market for new tiles, you’ve probably noticed that today’s selection gives you infinite possibilities. Visit one store, and you’ll have thousands of tile shape options. Head into another, and you’ll be faced with thousands more.

It’s all a little overwhelming. Where do you start?

Especially when you’re only goal was to remodel a room and give it a fresh, new update.

But now that you’ve seen the tile selection that’s out there, you’re ready to begin. You want something different, something with personality. You’re ready to expand beyond the norm, and head for the wow.

Skip the standard sizes, shapes, and colors. You’re ready for something more.

What does that mean? How about these for a few fresh, new ideas.

Penny Tile

Instead of going with a large or even extra large tile, think small instead. One of our favorite tile shapes is the penny tile. Penny tile, or circle tile, is making its way back on the scene. Originally popular around the turn of the twentieth century, these small circular tiles were found in black and white in all kinds of places.

No more. Today’s penny tile comes in a wide array of colors, styles, materials, and finishes. And once installed, the look is fabulous.

Because penny tile is small, it’s easy to install. That makes it perfect for a do it yourself project you’ve been itching to try. And because they’re small, they can be placed just about anywhere. Move them up from the floor, into your shower stall, and even covering the wall.

Of course, with a smaller tile, it means they will require more mortar and grout than larger tiles. But that roughness can create a safer, more slip-resistant surface. They do come in sheet format to make it easier to work with and easier to install.

Mosaic Tile

If you don’t want small circle tiles, how about square tile shapes instead? Mosaic tile usually come in small squares of two inches or less. And like the penny tile from above, mosaic tile comes in an array of colors, styles, patterns, and materials.

If you’ve ever traveled through history, looking at photos or movies about times past, you’ll notice mosaic tiles in their homes and open spaces. Yes, mosaic tile has been around a long time. Maybe it’s because of their versatility. Maybe it’s because you can create any design you please with just a little thought and ingenuity. Use them to cover your floors and walls. Use them to brighten up a border. Use them to compliment your bigger tile and open up the space. There isn’t a bad way to use mosaic tile.

Subway Tile

You can’t talk about tile shapes and not discuss the classic subway tile. This tile shape was made popular in the early 20th century when they were used in the design and creation of the New York City subway stations. And ever since, they’ve been a mainstay in the tile industry because of their beauty and versatility.

Subway tiles come in a variety of dimensions. They typically come in widths of 1 to 4 inches, with lengths of 4, 6, 8, and 12 inches.

If you think about the way subway tiles were initially applied, they were most often placed on walls to create an easy atmosphere for both durability and ease of maintenance. While they may have been designed for walls, they look just as good on floors. Mix and match.

What’s more, you can play with different color tiles, contrasting color grout, and move from subdued to vivid and bright with just a few changes. You can keep them straight in a line, or switch it up with a herringbone pattern to add uniqueness to your room.

Square Tile

You can’t discuss tile shape without talking about squares. This has been the most popular, widely used tile shape throughout history. There really isn’t a square too small or too large to create an elegant decor. Try small tiles in 1, 2, or 3 inch square for a colorful mosaic design. Think large with an 18 or even 24 inch square to create a clean, modern look. Or mix it all up for a design all your own.

Square tiles have an advantage of being easy to install. They easily fit together, and you never have to second guess how to create a pattern or look. You can mix and match with different colors or patterns. You can even combine them with other shapes for a more dramatic backdrop.

Just remember that with smaller tiles comes more grout. And more grout means a more textured, slip-resistant space. That gives you plenty of ways to create traction in water-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even your outdoor space.

Plank Tile

Plank tile is taking the industry by storm, and for good reason. With the advances in technology, today’s tile can take on any look, pattern, or color.

Want the look of hardwood and the durability of tile? You can have it now with plank tile. Technology can mimic hardwood patterns so closely, you’ll have trouble telling it’s not hardwood until you touch it.

Yet you’ll appreciate the difference when you make a mess in the kitchen, or the kids bring the outside in, tracking water and dirt all over your floors. Because it’s tile, it’s simple to clean and wipe away, without the worry about stains or scratches.

Don’t confuse plank tile with subway tile. Plank tiles are going to be wider and longer. You’ll find widths from 4 to 9 inches, and lengths from 12 to 48 inches. They are designed to mimic hardwood, and in some cases can do it better.

Looking for a whitewashed look? Want reclaimed wood? Have a specific color in mind? Sometimes that can be hard to find with real wood. But through technology, they’ve made it easier to get the lights and darks into the finished product, and make it look good in the process.

And just like hardwood, you can be as creative as you desire. Lay them straight out, or give a herringbone design a try. Stick with one color or mix and match with several. The possibilities are endless – one of our design consultants is happy to help you design and create the perfect space for your home.

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