Flooring Archives - Page 11 of 58

Flooring
January 14, 2022

Timeless Flooring Choices That Will Never Go Out Of Style

There’s a problem with most flooring choices – they last for a very long time.

Carpet can last between 5 and 15 years.
Luxury vinyl planks can last between 10 and 20 years with proper care.
Hardwood can remain in place for up to a century with proper maintenance and occasional refurbishing.

That makes it worth time and thought before you make your final decision.

Rather than fads or trends, it pays to think about timeless flooring choices. This ensures you have a high-quality flooring material that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Colors, styles, and patterns

Before we get into specific materials, it’s important to note that neutral stands the test of time over all else. Think back to the wild colors we’ve seen come and go over the past few decades.

Orange. Gold. Avocado green. Sunshine yellow.

They all have one thing in common: their bright shades and tones.

If you want a timeless, classic design, neutral is always better. If you can find it in nature, your chances of longevity are better. Think white, beige, and brown. If you see the same color, pattern, and style running from product to product, it’s more likely to stick around.

Of course, sticking with neutral doesn’t have to be boring or blasé. In fact, quite the opposite can take place. It can set the stage for strong, powerful lines. It can make the rest of your decor pop. And because flooring is often one of the more expensive items in any remodel, selecting wisely means it will last for years to come. Paint the walls. Buy new pillows. It’s nice to know your flooring will still be looking good.

With color and styles in mind, here are several timeless flooring materials we’ve seen selling well throughout the years.

Hardwood

Nothing is more beautiful than hardwood. That makes it top the charts of flooring lists year after year.

Here in Colorado, hardwood is also a classic design. It’s been used in mountain lodges, and the most sophisticated homes across the Front Range.

Hardwood creates a soft surface area that makes it comfortable enough to walk on with your bare feet. It’s warm enough to keep you comfortable even on the coldest nights.

While many homeowners might think twice once they look at the cost, it makes it one of the most economical investments you’ll make in your home when you factor in longevity. Hardwood can last for years with proper maintenance. And when it shows wear, it can be sanded down and refinished to add even more life to the material. Select wisely, and it can be refinished up to ten times!

Don’t forget about engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood may be the solution if you’re having trouble justifying hardwood in a room because of your lifestyle. It has the classic good looks of hardwood because it is hardwood. The hardwood veneer on top provides you with timeless looks, while the core structure makes it even more durable than hardwood. That gives you a flooring choice that will continue to look good throughout the years.

Luxury vinyl

If you’re looking for something more cost-effective that still gives you long life, you can’t ignore luxury vinyl.

It still sets the standard for places where moisture is a problem. Bathrooms. Laundry rooms. Mudrooms. Even kitchens. Plus, there’s an added benefit today from the classic good looks.

Luxury vinyl has come a long way since your grandmother’s time. Thanks to today’s technology, you’ll find luxury vinyl so closely mimicking hardwood, stone, and tile, you have to get down to touch it to notice the difference.

Choose wisely, and it has an added benefit: It’s waterproof. That makes it a flooring of choice for rooms where water may be a problem. Let the kids splash away. Don’t worry about the tub overflowing.

No matter what style or pattern you choose, if you make luxury vinyl your choice for timeless good looks, you won’t be disappointed.

Carpet

Travel back in time and you’ll find evidence of rugs dating back 4,000 years or more. That’s because we’ve long since loved the feel of soft fibers between our toes. Whether you walk across it, sit down and enjoy its comfort, or simply want to add warmth to your room, carpet is often the best way to go.

Wall-to-wall carpet is a newer addition to homes, but it’s still one of the most popular choices. While you might not want it in your high-traffic areas, nothing can beat it for comfort. That plush feeling you get when stepping out of bed in the morning can’t be initiated by any other product.

This is the one product where staying neutral can set the stage for your decor. Add a pattern in the fibers, and it won’t showcase traffic marks or surface dirt. Carpets today are also designed in ways that won’t attract stains, grime, and other messes. With good maintenance habits, your carpet will stay looking new for years to come.

Tile

Can you imagine a bathroom without tile? Neither can we. It’s been a staple in bathroom projects for decades. It’s one of the most timeless materials available.

Ceramic tiles can be crafted in an almost unlimited supply of patterns, colors, and styles. Stick with one or combine several for a truly unique look.

Thanks to today’s technology, tiles can mimic natural wood too. It’s a great way to bring the look of hardwood to places you might not be able to install it. Think bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.

Another benefit is they pair well with radiant heating. Slip the heating material underneath tiles, and you’ll never have a cold floor again. It can be a great addition to your master bath. You might like it well enough you extend it to other rooms in your home. Tile is a natural heat conductor, which means it’ll warm up faster and stay warm longer.

What’s your choice for a timeless flooring material?

If you stick with the basics, something that’s been around for years, you’ll love what you have installed.

It will be a great addition to your home for years to come.

Flooring
December 28, 2021

Ways To Make Your Commercial Space Healthier With Upgraded Flooring

There are many things that can make your commercial space more attractive to potential tenants.

Great location.
Incredible view.
Easy access to highways and major attractions.
Healthier commercial flooring

Wait, what?

Do tenants care about what is on the floors? Increasingly, the answer is: Yes.

Tenants are increasingly looking internally for what a building has to offer the people they bring inside. People often spend forty or more hours at their place of employment. And if that place isn’t comfortable, appealing, and healthy, they might consider moving.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely accepted green building rating system. It’s used in all types of building as a way for design to care more about health, efficiency, and cost-savings.

LEEDs was initially started by the US Green Building Council as a way of building homes and commercial buildings that focus on sustainability and being environmentally friendly. The founders discovered a passion for creating efficiency in building, and created this program as a way to let others follow in their footsteps. It’s not just a convenient green sticker that has zero backing. Instead, it’s a program that works hard to make a difference in the world. In the words of the USGBC itself:

62 percent of corporate leaders believe sustainability leads to market differentiation and improved financial performance
LEED-certified properties can command up to 20 percent more in rents, with vacancy rates some of the lowest in the country

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Whether you’re new to the LEEDs concept, or this is something you’ve been striving towards for years, one of the first places to start is with your flooring.

Better design starts with your flooring material

LEEDs certification is available for all building types and all building phases. Whether you’re furnishing new construction, or have a building decades old, there are ways to make your space more eco-friendly. LEEDs offers a rating system to help you start and progress as you make changes to your design. This isn’t something you have to complete all at once. It’s an ongoing structure that allows you to make changes on your own schedule, to strive for better sustainability over time.

If you’re new to creating a healthier environment, there are easy ways to go about it. With commercial flooring, the emphasis is often on durability. But there are easy ways to marry the two together, and create a dynamic flooring that can give you both. People often go with standards – tile in the bathroom – then simply replace periodically as the materials wear down. While that’s an easy way to stay on track with your upkeep, there are other things to keep in mind:

Some flooring may trap allergens and hold dust more than others
Some flooring choices may contain VOCs – volatile organic compounds which release toxic gasses that can make you sick
Some flooring can be made with cheap products that not only won’t hold up well over time, they release harmful chemicals into the air

Looks aren’t everything. In the case of flooring, what you can’t see may be harming your health.

Start with underlayments, adhesives, and finishes

We’ve seen it before. People have good intentions, and select a healthy flooring for their commercial space that has few or zero VOCs. Then they lose everything they’ve strived for by increasing harmful chemicals through the underlayments, adhesives, and finishes they install.

The amount of VOCs a flooring emits starts with the chemicals used during the manufacturing and installation process. Even a zero VOC floor can move to a toxic flooring if you don’t give equal weight to the entire process.

Underlayment provides multiple benefits, including leveling, cushioning, soundproofing, as well as creating a moisture barrier. Commercial spaces receive a lot of wear and tear. It’s only natural to want the greatest protection possible. But at what cost? Marry up your desire for easy maintenance and a long life with something that is healthier too. The good news is there are a lot of flooring choices that can give you both. Cork and low-VOC rubber can be great choices.

Pay attention to the installation process too. What adhesives are used to hold your flooring in place? Talk with one of our representatives about selecting VOC-compliant materials.

Consider oil-based for flooring sealants and finishes as it’s healthier than other options. With regular maintenance routines, you can ensure it’s always looking its best, and holds up over time.

The best flooring materials for a healthier commercial space

Chances are you have specific materials in mind. Tile for the bathrooms. Carpet for conference rooms and offices. Hardwood to make a grand impression.

The good news is there is something for everyone, thanks to today’s technology. While there is no such thing as LEED certified flooring – the USGBC does not certify any particular product or material – what you should focus on is selecting a green flooring option that will add credits to your LEED application. Look for sustainability first. Ask yourself:

How is this flooring manufactured?
Is the flooring made from recycled products?
Is it sourced locally?
Does it contain low or zero emissions?

The more you can answer yes to these questions, the more likely you’ll score credits on the application itself.

No matter what type of flooring you prefer, ask for the most sustainable, healthiest option you can find. Make your choices wisely.

Historically, carpet hasn’t been considered a green option because of what happens at the end of life. More than 4 billion pounds of carpeting moves into landfills each year. But with a little work, you can find suitable materials from production to end-of-life, ensuring the most sustainable flooring material you can find. Look for natural fibers or recycled materials. Carpet tiles may not appear eco-friendly because of their backing. But they can hold up well when you only replace them one at a time, giving you longer life than you may get with a wall-to-wall option.

Hardwood seems like a great choice because it can be sourced sustainably from a certified eco-friendly forest. Care should be taken to ensure it meets the guidelines of a resource like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure proper forest management.

Don’t overlook options like bamboo. While similar in nature to hardwood, it’s more sustainable because it’s manufactured from bamboo grass, which can be harvested sooner than hardwood. It also doesn’t kill the plant, meaning it can produce multiple crops through a single planting. It doesn’t require fertilizer, pesticides, or much water, making it eco-friendly in many ways.

Are you looking for healthier commercial flooring? Want something that helps you with your LEED certification? We have many choices to suit your needs. Give us a call today.

Flooring
December 24, 2021

Upgrading Your Current Flooring – What Materials Have The Highest ROI

Have plans for moving in the near future? Thinking of renovating your home? It’s one of the biggest reasons people cite when upgrading their homes.

When you’re looking at your home through the eyes of a potential homebuyer, suddenly those annoyances you’ve lived with look a little bleaker. Especially when it comes to flooring.

A worn hallway can lead a potential buyer right out of your home. Stained carpet is an immediate turnoff. Broken tiles, cracked stone, and warped hardwood all make potential homebuyers wonder what else is wrong.

If you see any of this in your own home environment, it might be time to upgrade your flooring for the highest ROI possible.

Hardwood flooring – it’s what people want

This probably won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that hardwood flooring tops homebuyers’ wish lists. In one study, results found that homebuyers are willing to pay as much as $2,080 to have hardwood flooring already in place. If you’re selling to those under 54, it’s considered a “very important” feature, one that can make or break the deal.

But here’s the thing: hardwood can take on many different shapes and sizes and suit a potential homebuyer’s needs.

If traditional hardwood isn’t your thing, or you worry about how well it will hold up in your busy household, many options give you the look and feel of traditional hardwood with easier maintenance. How about engineered hardwood? Bamboo is a sustainable choice with many of the features of hardwood. Cork is growing in popularity because of its eco-friendly materials and softer base. If you want something that handles better in high traffic areas, you might consider ceramic tile that looks like hardwood. It’s a great way to boost your ROI while giving you a surface area you can enjoy while you’re still living in your home.

Hardwood is still popular here along the Front Range; that isn’t going to change. But the good news is technology has kept up with demand, and offers you many different options. Even luxury vinyl planks can provide you with the look and feel of hardwood, only with waterproof features. That means your pets and kids won’t ruin the finish almost as fast as you have it installed.

The key is in finding what works well for your family life, and marrying that up with something that looks great now and holds up well as you inch closer to putting your house up for sale.

Carpet – make sure it looks its best

People often assume carpet is a turnoff to potential homebuyers. Not so.

What is a turnoff is old, worn carpet with stains and dirt marks.

Certain flooring options work well in different parts of your home. Carpet still has a place in bedrooms, playrooms, and media spaces. If you love your carpet and don’t want to move away from this flooring material, your best bet as you remodel is to upgrade with a high quality carpet.

As buyers walk through a potential home, they move through a mental checklist of projects they’ll have to take on. The more a home fits their needs, the greater chance it has of staying on the potential purchase list. If you’re debating how to make an old carpet look better, it might be worth the expense to install something new. But don’t look at the bottom line first. Instead, look at quality first. If you move in two to three years and it already is showing signs of wear, you’ll never get your investment from it. If you move to higher quality materials, it may look like it’s brand new.

Vinyl – it’s a popular choice in today’s market

If you’ve started looking at flooring, chances are you’ve looked at today’s vinyl products. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are a hot item because of the benefits they offer.

Do you want hardwood without the high cost and maintenance? Luxury vinyl planks can give you the look you desire.

Want a luxurious bathroom with the look and feel of marble … without the cost? Luxury vinyl tiles may be just what you’re looking for.

While people love traditional hardwood, it’s not the best choice in rooms that see a lot of wear and tear.

Flooring in the kitchen goes through all kinds of messes – how about a broken jar of pickle? Or an overflowing drain that’s clogged from dinner the night before?

Bathrooms take a lot of abuse. Overflowing toilets. Humidity from your showers. Splash time when the kids are in the tub. Not every flooring choice can handle it all. Today’s vinyl is waterproof – yes, waterproof. That means it stands up to anything you can dish out, and looks good during the process too.

Colorado homes almost always have basements for extra living space. Below ground rooms present special circumstances that make certain flooring difficult to maintain. Not so with vinyl. It handles well in these cooler, moisture areas. Plus they continue to look good with pleasing aesthetics because of the wide variety of choices you have to choose from.

Bottom line – be mindful of the flow

Do you see potential in this post? Are you dreaming of what flooring you’ll install in your remodel, gaining a clearer picture of what can bring you the highest ROI when you list it for sale?

Before you begin, look at the big picture. Think of how someone will flow throughout your home.

Then choose flooring that follows that progression. The last thing any homeowner wants is to see transitions that don’t make sense, and a space that doesn’t flow. As a professional flooring company, that’s where we can help.

Whether you choose to have one flooring product throughout, or transition from one room to the next, flow through is everything. We can help you create eye-pleasing results as you move from room to room.

Not only will potential buyers love it, you’ll love it too. You’ll enjoy your new flooring for as long as you live in it, before you move on to your next new home.

How can we help you find the perfect choice when upgrading your flooring, to receive the highest ROI when it’s time to sell and move to the next phase of your life?

Flooring
December 21, 2021

5 Reasons It’s Time To Upgrade Your Commercial Flooring

Commercial properties have undergone a lot these past two years. With many people working from home, when we head into the office, we’re noticing things we might have ignored before.

A lot of our opinions are formed in the first few seconds. Walk through a door of a commercial location, and your first impression is everything. Is the commercial flooring dull and dingy, or fresh and new? Is the decor modern and appealing? Is it warm and inviting to walk into? Or does it leave a person pulling their masks tighter across their face?

If you’ve been biding your time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your flooring, now may be the time. While certain flooring choices can last decades with the proper care, maintenance is critical no matter what your selection.

Keep in mind that today’s technology has made flooring choices even better than before. Whether you prefer tile, wood, or carpet, there’s a flooring choice that will be perfect for your commercial application.

Reason #1: Improve aesthetics

When most people start to think of adding new flooring to their commercial space, they look at aesthetics first. Maybe the carpet is threadbare and stained. Maybe the hardwood is scuffed and dented. You notice it from the moment you enter the property, and it doesn’t leave a great impression.

Especially as tenants are changing and moving around, it’s more important than ever to have an attractive space from the moment they enter. Given that flooring is often one of the first things to leave an impression, now may be the perfect time to make the investment.

If you haven’t upgraded flooring in a while, you’ll be amazed at the technology currently in place. Today’s carpet is now more problem-free than ever, helping you create a clean and menial look, while offering warmth and soundproofing qualities at the same time. Want hardwood? There are many options for you. You can stick with classical hardwood, or try engineered hardwood. It offers you even greater impact as well as being even easier to maintain. And if you want waterproof technology, take a look at commercial grade luxury vinyl planks. It often looks so authentic, even experts have to take a second look.

No matter what choice you make, you can instantly upgrade the looks of your commercial space by upgrading your flooring. Whether you have specifics in mind, or are keeping your options open, taking a look at what’s available now will help you move forward as you bring in new tenants or employees.

Reason #2: Create a healthier environment

As a society, we’re becoming more aware of the harmful effects of indoor air quality every day.

According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution is responsible for 3.8 million deaths across the worldwide. It’s generated from a variety of activities, including cooking, smoking, use of electronic machines and consumer products, as well as from various building materials.

Depending on when your commercial property was built, and the materials inside were installed, the indoor air quality could be releasing a variety of toxic chemicals into the air supply.

Luckily, today’s manufacturers are aware of the problem. When you do your research, you’ll find many of today’s leading flooring brands create low or no VOC flooring options to help you create a healthier environment. People are becoming more aware of what they surround themselves with. If you pay attention and use healthier materials as you remodel and upgrade, it’s a point you can emphasize to new tenants or employees.

Reason #3: Cut down on cleaning costs

These past two years have taught us a thing or two about cleaning. We’re more aware of surface areas than ever before.

When you start with new flooring, it gives the impression of being clean. And when you select the right type of flooring materials, it will make every act of cleaning and sanitizing that much easier.

You may have new cleaning processes throughout your commercial space, thanks to the pandemic. If you’ve been having trouble with your current flooring taking on this new practice and looking good too, it’s time to upgrade and select one that’s better suited for your process. How clean is clean with the people who occupy your property? Medical is different from retail; it’s important to make the right choice to suit your needs.

Luckily, there is a flooring choice suitable for every situation. Come in with an open mind, and let’s find the right commercial flooring to suit your needs.

Reason #4: Upgrade your clientele

Think about your favorite stores for a moment. Are they large and inviting? Modern and intimate? Clean lines? Or filled with country charm?

That look didn’t happen by accident. Every space is created with a specific target client in mind. Consider who your current clients or tenants are. Are you trying to upgrade the target group you appeal to? One of the easiest ways to do that is by giving your space a facelift.

Start that process with new flooring. Whether you know what flooring you want, or have questions about what would be best for your commercial property, we can answer all of your questions and help you make the right choice.

Reason #5: Make the space more functional

Every commercial space has low and high traffic spaces. Each area has different needs to be met. Whether you want the same flooring throughout, or are looking for a variety of commercial flooring options to blend and work well together, we have the perfect solution for you.

Before you make a final decision, consider the use of each space you wish to add new flooring to. How much traffic does it receive during the day? How often does it get cleaned?

With those thoughts in mind, we can help you find the right commercial flooring application to suit your needs.

And give you a property people enjoy stepping into every day of the week.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 18, 2021

Why Engineered Hardwood Is Great For Your Laundry Room

Nearly all homebuyers – 91 percent – state that a laundry room is essential or a must-have on their list of desires. Not only is it high on the list, but it is also the top item that will turn people away if you don’t have it.

People define laundry rooms in different ways. What used to be located in the basement, or behind a closet door in the main living space is no longer acceptable. What homeowners want now is a convenient room that is as attractive as the other spaces inside their home.

No longer are homeowners willing to have tight spaces with few options. They want dedicated sinks, space for drip-drying clothes, and a place to sort, fold, and press items before returning them to the bedroom.

Where do you start if upgrading your laundry room is on your to-do list this year? We have a few ideas for you, including selecting the right flooring for your space.

Start with a plan

Laundry rooms are evolving. Depending on where they are in your home, they may be large enough to house additional features. Put them on the main living floor and they might house mudrooms, hobby benches, workshops, or pet care storage centers. If they are located near the bedrooms or on a separate floor, they may be combined with art stations, sewing centers, play rooms, or extra storage areas.

These spaces can be as functional as they are creative. It starts with identifying your needs. Then determining what makes the most sense with your creative spirit in mind.

According to a Time Use Survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American woman spends 17 minutes a day on laundry. That leaves a lot of time open for additional activities. What can you add and combine to create a functional room that suits your needs?

With work from home and distance learning changing the way we function each day, there are many ways you can add these activities to a multi-purpose room. How about an area to record your podcasts? Or a quiet space to take Zoom calls? While it doesn’t take much workspace, it can easily be built into counter space that can be used to fold clothes too.

Before you finalize your decisions, dream big. What can a new laundry space provide for your family?

Engineered hardwood and laundry rooms go together

Every remodel begins at the bottom – with selecting the flooring. While it’s easy to repaint wall color or add new decor, your flooring sets the base for everything. It has to flow with the rest of your home design. Yet it has to be functional too.

That’s why many homeowners start by considering hardwood for their laundry rooms – then doubt their choice when they read more about it.

Hardwood floors and water don’t mix. They are prone to buckling and cupping when they come into regular contact with water. No matter how careful you are, it’s hard to avoid water in a laundry space. Whether you spill laundry detergent, drip water as you move clothes from the washer to the dryer, or prefer to drip-dry your clothing, moisture is inevitable. And that can spell disaster. You’ll be replacing your flooring in no time.

Enter engineered hardwood flooring. While engineered may not be as affordable as laminate, it is more stable in varying environments than traditional hardwood. With today’s technology, you’ll find engineered hardwood can stand up to a lot of abuse, including humidity and moisture-prone areas.

A deeper dive into engineered hardwood – what is it really?

Engineered hardwood starts with a thin layer of hardwood that sits on top of multi layers of backing. Different manufacturers produce different products, so the thickness and construction may vary a little from product to product. This is what determines the strength of the product, and how long it will stand up over time.

What makes engineered hardwood more durable is its construction. While the top layer is a thin layer of hardwood, the core layers consist of multi layers of wood, each positioned in a different direction to add to the hardness of the plank. This protects the board from warping or cupping the way hardwood would in moist situations.

This gives it the advantage of being able to be installed in areas most experts would say hardwood should not. This includes below grade and in places like laundry rooms and kitchens. It’s a great way to get the look of traditional hardwood – because it is – and combine it with the easy care and maintenance of a more durable product.

Is engineered hardwood flooring the right choice for your home?

Real hardwood creates a look like no other product can. Here in Colorado, it adds a certain appeal that many homeowners want throughout their homes.

Engineered hardwood gives you the option of combining the look and feel of traditional hardwood with the ease of other products that are easier to maintain. Depending on the thickness of the plank, the quality of the product, and how well you care for them, engineered hardwood can last for years – decades – and still give you a beautiful floor.

Todays’ innovation also means it stands up better to normal use in ways that weren’t possible even a few short years ago. Yes, it’s hardwood. But with the multilayer function, and the rigid top layer, it can provide a moisture layer that stands up to all your family can dish out. Add a protective moisture barrier underneath, and you can install it in places traditional hardwood simply can’t.

Engineered hardwood is real wood. It’s not created from plastics. If that’s important to you, you’ll love what engineered hardwood has to offer. Many products provide zero VOCs, and provide eco-friendly and sustainable measures throughout the production process. Just ask. We can direct you towards products you’ll fall in love with.

Is engineered hardwood right for your home remodel?

Flooring
December 14, 2021

The Only Guide You Need To Select The Right Commercial Flooring

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

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

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

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

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

Selecting your purpose for your commercial space

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

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

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

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

Hardwood flooring

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

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

Laminate flooring

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

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

Vinyl flooring

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

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

Tile flooring

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flooring
December 7, 2021

Flooring Renovations For Each Age and Stage of Life

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

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

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

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

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

What do people want?

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

Of course, even those concepts change based on age.

Baby Boomers

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

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

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

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

According to the CDC website, 3 million falls occur in the elderly population each year due to falling. Those falls cause broken bones and head injuries, and often are the start of more serious problems.

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

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

Gen X

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

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

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

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

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

Millennials

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

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

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

It’s time to renovate!

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

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

Flooring
November 30, 2021

Tired of Cold Floors? Flooring Tips Might Help

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

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

How can it possibly be warm?

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

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

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

Flooring’s purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes it’s not just about the flooring

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

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

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

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

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

Are you tired of cold floors?

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

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

Flooring
November 21, 2021

Install These Top Flooring Materials In High Traffic Areas

High traffic areas in homes and businesses have special needs.

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

Is it a place you truly want to be?

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

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

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

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

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

Defining what to look for in a high traffic floor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What type of flooring should you consider?

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

Tile

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

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

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

Luxury Vinyl

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

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

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

Laminate

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

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

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

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

Flooring
November 18, 2021

Want Affordable Flooring? Take a Look at Floating Floors

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

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

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

What is a floating floor?

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

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

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

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

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

What finishes are available?

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

The basic floating floor materials include:

Laminate

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

Engineered wood

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

Luxury vinyl planks and tiles

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

Cork

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

Tile

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

Are floating floors the right choice for you?

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

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

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

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

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

Want to view all your options? Stop by today.