Basement Flooring Options Are The Most Difficult To Find

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

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

But what can you do? Where do you start?

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

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

What flooring options should you consider for your basement remodel?

Luxury vinyl – it tops our list

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creating warmth with tile

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

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

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

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

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

Carpet is still a great choice

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

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

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

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

What’s your choice for basement flooring options?

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

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

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Want Cheap Flooring? We Suggest These

What’s the cheapest flooring option available? You’d be surprised at how many times that question is asked.

There are a lot of reasons people want affordable flooring. They are:

  • Adding flooring to a rental property
  • Fixing and flipping a home
  • Living on a budget
  • Looking for quick fixes for a problem room
  • Wanting to change out decor frequently

Of course, the reasons are endless – sometimes as homeowners, we just don’t want to break the bank by putting in new floors.

Still, if you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you might avoid looking for the answer, worried about the quality of flooring you might get. Thanks to technological advances, there are many inexpensive flooring options available to suit your needs.

Want a do-it-yourself option to save even more money? We can help with that.

Want something that’s as easy to take out as it is to lay into place? We can help with that too.

Want Cheap Flooring? We Suggest TheseWhether you’re looking for a DIY project for a bathroom project, or are redecorating a basement on a budget, there are many commonly used flooring materials that are going to give you long-lasting results with a budget-friendly price tag. Here are our favorite “cheap” flooring options.

Vinyl 

By far, vinyl brings the most to the table when looking for affordable options.

Vinyl flooring comes in sheets, tiles, and planks. It’s primarily made from PVC, which helps provide a durable, water-resistant flooring material that works just about any place inside your home. Want waterproof? With today’s technology, that’s available too.

Vinyl is easy to care for, easy to clean, and can stand up to anything your family can dish out. It provides a softer surface than other flooring options, making it a good choice if you’ll be standing for extended periods of time. While it’s one of the most affordable flooring options, it can also provide you with 25 years or more of life, depending on how well you care for it.

Sheet vinyl is one of the easiest to lay into place. You’ll typically find sheet vinyl in 6-foot and 12-foot widths. It can be difficult to handle as you bring it into your home, so it’s recommended you leave installation up to the professionals.

If you want a do-it-yourself option, consider vinyl tile. It gives you the same look and feel you’ll achieve with sheet vinyl in convenient smaller format tiles. Some provide stick-in-place technology, meaning you can have your room finished in just a few hours. No prior experience needed. It’s an easy project for homeowners to take on themselves.

Want to upgrade the look of your space? Consider luxury vinyl planks. It gives you the look of real hardwood or stone without the expensive price tag. Unlike sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl planks come in workable sizes similar to hardwood planks. Many come in peel-and-stick or click-and-lock systems, making installation fairly easy for those looking to do the work themselves.

No matter your budget, you’ll find one of these vinyl products perfect for home improvement projects.

Laminate

For some homeowners, only hardwood will do. They love the look and feel of traditional hardwood, yet the price tag can quickly scare them off. If you’ve been putting off your home improvement project because you think you can’t afford your dream flooring, take a look at laminate.

Laminate mimics the look of traditional hardwood, yet gives you a more affordable flooring option you’ll love. Laminate is created from a composite of materials, and uses a highly refined photographic image of hardwood embossed on its surface. It is finished with a protective top layer that creates the perfect structure for your busy lifestyle.

Laminate is installed as a floating floor, which means the planks click together and lock in place. Without having to be glued down, they are easier to install. If you want a do-it-yourself project, laminate offers user-friendly installation. Floating floors also offer the benefit of being able to be installed over some existing floors. Trying to hide old vinyl? Laminate may be your new flooring of choice.

Carpet

Carpet continues to be one of the best flooring investments you can make. If you’re focused on budget, carpet may very well be a great option.

Like vinyl, carpet offers you a variety of different options. Have one of our professionals install wall-to-wall carpet, or select a do-it-yourself option with carpet tiles. Depending on which you choose, with regular maintenance, you can easily expect ten years or more of wear.

People love carpet because of the warmth it adds to a space. Walk across it, and you’ll feel the warmth between your toes. Carpet also adds noise-canceling qualities. Carpet is a great addition to an upper floor living space where echoing below may present a problem.

Carpet brings added safety too. Install carpet on stairs to create a safer walking environment. If you have elderly at home, carpet can also cushion in the event of falls.

Carpet does not work well in areas where moisture is an ongoing problem. Avoid putting it in places like bathrooms or laundry spaces. It can be a problem with prolonged moisture, which can eventually lead to mold.

Tile

Ceramic tile is available in an almost unlimited color, pattern, size, and style range. If you can dream it, you can complete your floor design with ceramic tile.

It has the added benefit of being at the lower end of flooring material costs. Look for manufactured tile that’s rated at least a three on the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PCI) scale. Too thin and it will be brittle, and won’t stand the test of time when you use it as flooring material.

You’ll also have to take into account labor costs. Tile needs adhesive and grout to be laid into place. That means your cost will increase for installation. But when well cared for, tile can last for decades. That makes it a great choice for places you might not want to frequently remodel, like bathrooms or laundry rooms.

What’s your flooring of choice? 

Just because you start searching for cheap flooring options, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Find an affordable flooring material that suits your needs, one you’ll love now and for years into the future.

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Why Your Engineered Floors Should Have an HDF Core

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular choices for homes all across the Front Range. If you’ve hesitated having it installed in your own home, worrying about durability, your search might lead you to engineered floors.

Where hardwood flooring is made from a solid wood plank, engineered wood flooring is created from a wood veneer wear layer that sits on a multi layer core. One isn’t necessarily better than the other; they offer differences that provide benefits in different situations.

Hardwood can be sanded down and refinished again and again. Engineered wood can only be refinished a handful of times. Engineered wood’s core gives it more stability against warping than traditional hardwood, especially in areas prone to higher humidity levels. Engineered wood may be your flooring choice if you’re looking for wider plank width and varying color choices.

Homeowners and contractors alike turn to engineered hardwood flooring because of its durability, affordability, and better moisture resistance. Where hardwood is a solid piece of wood, engineered hardwood is created using a variety of core materials. These materials continue to change with new technology, making today’s engineered flooring one of the most durable on the market.

Of course, different manufacturers will use different core materials. That’s where it benefits you to pay attention. Some may include plywood. Others use a high-density fiberboard (HDF). What are the advantages of using an HDF core?

What is an HDF core?

On the surface, a high-density fiberboard may seem weaker than plywood. HDF is created from recycled wood materials, such as excess hardwood veneer and other hardwood not used in production. These materials are ground up into sawdust, mixed with resin, and pressed together using high pressure into an ultra-dense core.

Why Your Engineered Floors Should Have an HDF CoreThis high pressure process can create a floor core density of up to 60 pounds per cubic foot. The resin used gives it moisture resistance, making it more repellent to water than traditional hardwood. It’s this process that also makes an HDF core higher on the Janka hardness scale than plywood. Some HDF cores reach a rating of 1700 or higher. Compare that to plywood made from poplar that may only reach 500.

What’s the purpose of an HDF core?

An HDF core is designed to provide added benefits to what you already love about traditional hardwood. It’s designed to remedy the problems associated with many hardwood floors.

Moisture

Let’s start with moisture. Homeowners often take a step back and think twice about hardwood, especially if they have a busy household with kids and pets. Accidents happen. And if you don’t wipe up a juice spill, if pet accidents go unnoticed, or you’re worried about wet paw prints tracking across your floors each day, you may fall out of love with your hardwood floors as quickly as you fell into it.

Moisture and hardwood simply don’t mix. If left without wiping it up, spills can easily seep into the grain, between the boards, causing warping and cracking.

By adding an HDF core to engineered wood, you’ll have better protection against moisture problems. While it’s still not waterproof, it can stand up to higher humidity levels, which gives you a longer life with fewer potential problems. It also means you won’t have an unsightly floor with boards that pop up from being dry, brittle, warped, and worn out.

Dent resistance

Engineered wood with an HDF core also provides more dent resistance. That higher Janka rating means the core provides better protection against all of the daily activities your family dishes out.

If you prefer the look of a softer wood, the HDF core increases hardness levels, making your wood floors more durable over time. It’s no longer about what hardwood you select. That means you can pay attention to the look and feel of the product, and still get the durability you’re seeking. Engineered wood will stand up better under many different conditions.

Installation

Engineered wood flooring also brings more flexibility to the way it’s installed. Traditional hardwood needs room to expand and contract with the varying conditions inside your home throughout the year. To ensure hardwood looks good spring, summer, winter, and fall, a hardwood floor will have to be nailed into place. If you don’t have suitable subfloor material, that will be an added expense at the time of installation.

Engineered wood floors have more installation options. Engineered wood can be placed over many different subfloors, including concrete. They can be glued into place. Or purchase engineered wood floors with click and lock technology.

The HDF core gives engineered floors more flexibility no matter how you choose to install them.

Additional benefits of engineered wood floors

Traditional hardwood is uniform in the way it’s produced. That can be both a positive and negative, depending on your home. While we all like to assume our homes were built with strict guidelines, careful measurements, that rarely is the case. Because hardwood flooring comes in a standard size, you may have difficulty fitting it into certain spaces.

Do you have interior wood doors that hug closely to the ground? Engineered wood is more flexible in how high the flooring is from the subfloor. Do you have cabinets or appliances that were retrofitted into place? Engineered wood can be more forgiving with the way it lays into place.

Have you always wanted hardwood in your basement? If you’ve ever researched possibilities, you know hardwood isn’t recommended.

Engineered wood can be installed below grade. If you have a moisture issue, you might still think twice about installing engineered wood in the basement. The wood veneer and HDF core are still constructed out of wood. That means that while it’s more stable, moisture can still be an issue.

Engineered wood with an HDF layer is often stronger because the layers are laid perpendicular for less expansion and contraction. This means the fit will be tighter, which is better as the weather changes throughout the seasons.

Are engineered wood floors the right choice for you? Look for an HDF core, and you’ll have one of the most durable flooring choices for your home.

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Why Resilient Flooring Is Becoming More Popular

Resilient flooring has seen tremendous growth over the past two years for two reasons: the pandemic and the current housing market. As more people stayed at home, they looked around and discovered they needed different space. Whether they chose to move or remodel, one of the first places they started renewing was the flooring, and resilient floors just make sense in many situations. With an increase of more than 21 percent over the past year, that makes resilient flooring the industry leader.

Flooring is a multi-purpose product with many requirements, depending on what room it’s installed in. It should be durable to stand up to anything your family can dish out. It should be long-lasting – who wants flooring that needs replacing soon after it’s installed? It should also be attractive, matching your decor, and giving the room a sense of your personality.

More and more, people are finding that in resilient flooring.

What is resilient flooring?

Resilient flooring is an umbrella term that describes a variety of different flooring products, including rigid core, flexible luxury vinyl, vinyl tile, vinyl sheet, linoleum, rubber, and cork. It gets its name because it’s built to endure daily life, with the ability to spring back into shape under most situations. Depending on the quality, it makes a perfect addition to residential and commercial applications.

The Resilient Flooring Covering Institute (RFCI) originated in 1976 to bring the highest quality manufacturers of resilient flooring together and set standards for the industry. If you select a manufacturer that abides by RFCI guidelines, you can ensure the resilient flooring you choose is good for other reasons too. RFCI:

  • Seeks out recycled or upcycled materials – manufacturers look for replenished natural resources, and can repurpose it at end of life too.
  • Uses low emissions – they certify that their flooring produces as little off-gassing as possible.
  • Prioritizes a low carbon footprint – reducing global impact is everyone’s business.
  • Assesses durability – natural resources like wood have a global impact beyond production. RFCI manufacturers look for ways to impact the environment in a good way.

Types of resilient flooring

Why Resilient Flooring Is Becoming More PopularWhen many of today’s homeowners think about new flooring, the term “vinyl” might not be the picture of durability. It brings back soft, dated material used on your mom’s or grandmother’s floors. It yellowed, scratched, dented, ripped, and in general, doesn’t bring back fond memories.

But times are changing thanks to the introduction of luxury vinyl flooring. One of the leading resilient flooring options on the market falls into the vinyl category. This includes luxury vinyl tile (LVT), luxury vinyl planks (LVP), solid vinyl tile (SVT), and vinyl composition tile (VCT). You don’t have to go very far to find these products, as they seem to be popping up everywhere.

It’s not your only option. Linoleum has also made a comeback for homeowners looking for a natural product. Linoleum is a natural product created from linseed oil, wood, limestone, cork, and resins. You can find it in large sheets, glue-down tiles, or click-and-lock planks.

Cork is another option for homeowners looking for organic flooring. It’s made from thinly sliced cork from a cork oak tree. It’s considered an eco-friendly product because the cork is sheared from the trunk without killing the tree. The tree reproduces cork over and over again.

For gym, studio, or even garage settings, rubber is often a good option to create a soft, padded surface area. While rubber was once made from rubber trees, it is now mainly constructed from synthetic rubber.

Why homeowners rave about resilient flooring

Homeowners turn to resilient flooring for a variety of reasons. They often come in with specific problems they are trying to overcome:

  • Cracked tiles
  • Warped wood planks
  • Ruined hardwood from flood damage
  • Smelly carpet with mold and mildew embedded in the fibers

Resilient flooring offers style and personality combined with features homeowners love.

Durability – resilient flooring can be installed just about anywhere and will stand up to all a homeowner can dish out. It’s created with a combination of wear layers that are designed to minimize scratching, stains, and scuffs, as well as prevent wear and tear.

Maintenance – resilient flooring is easy to maintain. Its protective coating means you can wipe up spills with ease. Daily sweeping with periodic mopping is all you’ll need to maintain its good looks. Plus, its moisture-resistance and waterproof core means it can stand up in places where other flooring materials can’t. If you have moisture issues in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or basement, resilient flooring will be your flooring of choice.

Flexibility – with some flooring choices, paying attention to the subfloor can create headaches. Resilient flooring is capable of being installed over other products, and doesn’t need a perfectly level floor to create lasting beauty. You won’t find this cracking or pulling away with minor imperfections underneath.

Comfortable – while tile may be beautiful, it can be hard and uncomfortable if you’re standing on it all day. Resilient flooring is soft enough to take pressure off and provide comfort if you’re standing on it for longer periods of time.

Cost – you’ll find resilient flooring to be one of the most economical options for your home remodeling needs. If you have a budget in mind, you’ll find options well within your budget.

Looks – all you have to do is stroll down an aisle, and you’ll fall in love with the way resilient flooring looks. If you have a design in mind, you’ll find options with resilient flooring. Manufacturers understand the benefits of this product, so they’ve put more resources into creating options homeowners will love. Whether you have a specific style, look, color, or pattern in mind, you’ll find it with resilient flooring.

Is resilient flooring the right choice for your needs? 

The best place to start is by coming in and seeing your options. Start with a specific product, a color choice, or a design style. We’ll point you in the right direction to help you narrow down your choices. Take a few samples home and see them in your home’s ambiance. When you finalize your choice, you’ll be sure it’s the perfect one for you. 

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Redoing Your Kitchen? Consider One Of These Flooring Options

As a homeowner, you might spend time dreaming about your perfect kitchen. You see it in vivid color. You have specific details laid out in your mind.

However, once you make plans to remodel and create the kitchen of your dreams, it’s an entirely different story. Where do you begin?

One of the most important features of any kitchen is the flooring. With so many kitchen flooring options, starting at the bottom can help you lay the foundation for what you install in the rest of your space. It might not be as exciting as choosing cabinets or decor, but if you select the wrong floors, you’ll never be completely happy with your space.

The right kitchen floors have a big effect on the appearance. And, of course, how much time you’re going to have to spend in the kitchen cleaning. Kitchens are spaces where people congregate. Whether you’re grabbing a snack for the big game, or whipping up a five-course feast, spills are part of the process. That makes your final choice important for aesthetics, strength, and durability.

Do a search online, and you’ll find every flooring choice has an array of pros and cons. Here’s our list of recommendations on what we see homeowners installing in their own kitchens.

Hardwood

Whether it’s living in the Rocky Mountains, or simply built into Coloradan’s psyche, homeowners all across the Front Range have requested hardwood throughout their living spaces for years.

That’s because hardwood makes a great flooring choice, and has done so for centuries. Hardwood is durable, warm, stylish, and can stand up well to all that goes on in the kitchen. When laying hardwood in the kitchen, be sure to select a flooring product that is sealed and provides ample protection against moisture and spills.

While no hardwood will ever be waterproof, today’s manufacturers have made great strides in creating products that do well in a variety of situations. If your family is tough on floors, you might consider engineered hardwood or laminate.

Redoing Your Kitchen? Consider One Of These Flooring OptionsBecause hardwood has been popular for so long, you’ll find many different design options waiting for you. Current trends lean towards lighter finishes. You’ll find hardwood in colors like blonde and honey, as well as whitewash and grays. But if darker wood is still your thing, you’ll never be disappointed with deep walnuts and cherry finishes. They are considered classic and timeless, and stand the test of time.

You can also move into different patterns, or select hardwood that’s reclaimed, recycled, or has sustainability features. It’s driving the industry right now, and you’ll easily be able to create any look you’re going for.

Porcelain tile

If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, or you’re not sold on the features hardwood brings to the table, porcelain tile may be more suitable for your needs. It’s long been a popular choice for kitchen designers because of its resistance to damage and waterproof features.

Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are better suited for the needs of a kitchen. They’re harder than ceramic tiles, and depending on the sealant, can offer waterproof features to your design.

If you have a color, style, or texture in mind, you’ll find it with porcelain tile. Lay large tiles across your surface for a cohesive look. Or piece together intricate designs that showcase your personality.

The kitchen is often a place where friends and family gather. You can give the space added warmth by installing your porcelain tile over radiant heating. No more worrying about where vents and registers will be installed.

While porcelain tiles offer a lot to kitchen design, keep in mind that it’s one of the hardest surface areas you can choose. If you’re on your feet all day standing at the counter, you may notice it by the end of the day. That hard surface area can also be damaging to your glasses and dishes; they most likely will break if you drop them.

Vinyl

So you love hardwood, but are concerned with its durability. You’re not sure if it’s the right choice because spilling is second nature. You like the idea of porcelain tile, but you had in mind something warmer. Why not give vinyl a second look?

While you can still install sheet vinyl reminiscent of bygone years, today’s vinyl is anything but blase and dull. Often referred to as luxury vinyl tiles or luxury vinyl planks, this product looks so much like the most popular flooring choices on the market, even experts need a second glance. It’s designed to look like hardwood, marble, or stone. But it’s softer, more durable, and more comfortable than other surface areas.

Plus it’s waterproof. Yes, waterproof. Just be sure to mention it to your sales associate that waterproof features are high on your desire list. And if you’re trying to match other design features, you’ll have an easier time with luxury vinyl. The colors, styles, and patterns are almost unlimited.

Just keep in mind that with any luxury vinyl product, there is a shorter lifespan than both hardwood and porcelain tile. Hardwood can be refinished multiple times. And porcelain tile can withstand decades of use. Not so with luxury vinyl. But for the cost and durability, you’ll be impressed with the results for many years to come.

3 great choices … How do you pick which one?

Do you have a kitchen flooring choice in mind? Have you gravitated towards one, convinced it’s the right flooring for you? Then it’s time to shop.

But if you’re still debating between your options, ask yourself what the most important attributes are.

Do you want a long lifespan? Hardwood can be refinished multiple times.

Are you looking for a softer flooring choice? You can’t go wrong with luxury vinyl.

Or maybe warmth is important. Radiant heating under porcelain tile can leave your feet warm even on the coldest days.

How big is your budget? Vinyl is at the lower end, while hardwood costs can escalate.

Whatever flooring you choose, learn about maintaining it, and build a maintenance schedule into your normal routine. It’ll ensure your flooring looks its best from day one throughout its lifespan.

What’s the right kitchen flooring for you?

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Understanding Engineered Flooring and Why It May Be Best For You

In the flooring industry, there are many misunderstood categories that confuse homeowners. They shy away from some flooring products simply because they don’t understand the name.

Engineered flooring falls into that category. Many picture ugly floors with a hollow sound, reminiscent of flooring used in homes long ago. Nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find today’s engineered flooring mimics solid wood so well, even the experts have to take a second glance. It’s less prone to moisture damage, and is easier to maintain. If you’d rather spend time with your family than fussing over your floors, engineered wood may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

What is engineered flooring?

Engineered wood flooring isn’t a solid plank, but instead consists of a wear layer and a stability core. It starts with a thin layer of wood on top, also known as wood veneer, and multiple layers of backing, which produces the core.

The thickness of the veneer and core depends on the product and manufacturer you select. Pay attention to the construction, as this will play the biggest role in longevity and how your flooring handles over time. Durable engineered flooring should have an overall thickness of ⅝ inch or greater, 3/16 inch veneer, with a core thickness of 9-ply or above. The core should be thicker than the veneer, giving it strength and durability. It should be constructed from the highest quality woods for the core, with each ply angled, so the grains run at a 90-degree angle to the previous level it is adhered to.

Understanding Engineered Flooring and Why It May Be Best For YouMost engineered flooring is mass-produced, which means it’s worth paying attention to the manufacturer you select to ensure the greatest care is given to the final product produced.

Because the surface of the veneer is applied in the factory, it can be one of the strongest wear layers on the market. They are often produced with five or more coats of tough polyurethane to ensure the veneer is well protected and can withstand anything a homeowner dishes out.

But is engineered wood flooring really better than hardwood?

Still skeptical? We get it. Many homeowners feel the same way when they first enter our store. Hardwood is a beloved flooring product, and the concept of engineered wood flooring has a lot of baggage attached.

Appearance – if you purchase a high quality product from a reputable company, you are very unlikely to be able to see the difference. In fact, few visitors will ever question its authenticity, with most people assuming engineered wood is traditional solid hardwood planks. It’s that good.

Durability – all you have to do is look at the warranty offered by engineered wood flooring products to know just how durable it is. Many of our top brands offer up to thirty years of protection, and stand behind their products in a variety of situations. They wouldn’t do that if they doubted their products.

Maintenance – if you’re already used to caring for traditional hardwood, you’ll love the fact that engineered wood is even easier. With it being less likely to warp and be damaged by moisture and spills, you can feel good about your decision to install it in places you may have been hesitant before. Worried about your hardwood in the kitchen? No more. While engineered wood still isn’t waterproof, the wear layer on most products means it will handle even better under pressure.

How is it different from laminate?

Great question. Engineered wood flooring has a wear layer veneer that sits on top and provides both strength and classic good looks once it’s installed. Laminate is constructed with a thin coating made to resemble hardwood. The rest is a high-density fiberboard that consists of a variety of wood fibers held together by resin. Engineered wood uses a genuine piece of hardwood as its wear layer. Laminate uses an image of hardwood topped off by a series of polyurethane coats.

While the aesthetics may be similar, the overall construction is different. And that results in a much higher quality product.

One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood over laminate is longevity. Engineered flooring can be restored by sanding it down and reapplying finishing coats to seal in the classic good looks. While you won’t be able to refinish the surface as many times as with solid hardwood, it still gives you several options. And with more manufacturers creating products in this industry, you’ll find countless colors, styles, and wood types to suit your needs.

Another reason many people turn to laminate over solid hardwood is the ease of installation. Laminate comes in a variety of installation methods, including click-and-lock technology, which makes it a snap for do-it-yourselfers looking for easy options. Engineered wood leans towards laminate as a do-it-yourselfers possibility. Because the planks are prefinished in production, you can find your product, bring it home, and install it the same day. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with the finishing work, and want to rely on a professional’s experience, we can help you with that as well.

Where can it be installed?

Engineered wood can be installed anywhere you’d lay hardwood into place … and more.

If you want to use radiant heating in your home, engineered flooring is the perfect choice. The thinner boards heat better than a thicker, more solid piece of hardwood. Use a floating floor to hover over the radiant heating tubing, and you won’t risk damaging the system located underneath.

If you’re worried about installing solid hardwood in your basement, consider engineered flooring instead. Because of engineered wood’s production, the boards are less likely to expand and contract as moisture levels change. Be aware that engineered wood is still wood, which means if your basement is prone to moisture and flooding, engineered flooring may not be the optimal choice. Take care of any spills, drips, or other moisture problems that put the boards at risk.

Is engineered flooring the right choice for you?

The best way to see your options is to stop by and take a look for yourself. You’ll find our complete line of engineered wood on display. Find a few samples, and take them home today.

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Why Natural Stone Flooring Is The Right Choice For Your Home

As a homeowner, maintaining your home is part of homeownership. When it comes time to upgrade your floors, you have two choices: natural or synthetic.

Natural flooring choices are created from things occurring in nature. It includes materials like slate, granite, wood, and marble. Synthetic flooring is human-made, created and engineered from products found in a lab. It includes laminate, vinyl, ceramic, quartz, and some fibers.

All you have to do is look at a design magazine to tell what’s trending in current home design. While synthetic materials grew in popularity after WWII, natural flooring has made a comeback in recent years.

A lot of that comes from wanting to increase sustainability. Selecting materials that don’t harm the earth is only part of the equation. We care about our health, and pay attention to indoor air quality. We want flooring materials that will stand the test of time. We want products that are good for our homes, and look great doing so.

That’s why natural stone flooring continues to top design lists.

According to a report “Natural Stone Market by Type (Marble, Granite, Limestone, and Others) and Application (Flooring, Memorial Arts, Wall Cladding, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019–2026,” the global natural stone market is expected to hit $48.06 billion by 2026, an increase of almost 4 percent growth per year.

With more people remodeling, creating space at home where they can work and play, natural stone flooring is being included for a variety of reasons. Natural stone refers to various mined substances pulled from the earth to be used in home decor. Common natural stone flooring products include granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, and travertine. While each of these substances makes for great flooring, they all have slightly different properties that react to daily usage in different ways. Before you make your final decision, it’s important to understand the different properties and select the one that suits your needs best.

As you shop for flooring, it’s easy to focus on what you can see – color, patterns, style. Yet there are other things you should consider before honing in on a particular product, to ensure it works well with your family’s lifestyle.

Water testing

Why Natural Stone Flooring Is The Right Choice For Your HomeIf you’re thinking of installing natural stone, chances are it’s because of its durability. Whether you place it in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, the idea of not having to worry about moisture problems is appealing.

Yet different types of stone have different qualities that make some better where moisture is a concern. An absorption rating is given to natural stone flooring products to let consumers know how porous a material is. It’s a measure that can tell you the susceptibility to damage during freezing conditions, as well as the absorption rate in the case of liquid spills. It’s expressed as a percentage of weight change due to absorbed water. You’ll find natural stone classified as:

  • Non-vitreous – this is the highest absorption level. They shouldn’t be used if dampness is an issue.
  • Semi-vitreous – while they can handle some moisture, the more they are subjected to, the more maintenance they will need.
  • Vitreous – this provides standard absorption and is considered appropriate for installing both indoors and out.
  • Impervious – these products are resistant to absorption of liquids and are considered easier to maintain. You’ll find these products in commercial applications because of how well they stand up to wear and tear.

From the materials listed above, you’ll find sandstone is the most porous material, while granite will stand the test of time in high moisture situations.

Grading systems

While natural stone is known for its classic beauty, its long-term durability, and its lasting value, it’s important to select the right type of stone to suit your needs. When you start looking at flooring products, be sure to pay attention to their grading system. Grading systems will help you determine the quality of the product and how well it will stand up over time. Quality is usually referred to as:

  • Grade 1 – high quality stone with uniformity throughout the product
  • Grade 2 – may have minor defects and slightly irregular surface areas
  • Grade 3 – highly irregular surface areas, making them appropriate for smaller applications, such as accent pieces or decorative applications

It’s equally important to pay attention to the indoor/outdoor rating. Some natural stones are better suited for handling outside surface areas than others. This is especially important if you’ll be carrying the look of a kitchen to an outdoor living space, for example. Here in Colorado, the natural stone must be rated to handle extreme temperature changes, as well as handle well in moisture where slipping can be a problem. Non-vitreous materials will absorb rain and snow, crack under pressure, as well as expand and contract from season to season. They aren’t suitable for outdoor use.

Types of natural stone

While you might have a specific stone in mind, it’s wise to learn all you can about the various materials before you make your final selection.

Granite – granite continues to be on top of flooring lists because of its durability. It won’t scratch or scorch, and stains are rarely a problem as long as it’s properly sealed. It’s easy to maintain as it hides dust and grime well. Granite also works well for bringing the indoors outside as you carry your decor from one location to the next. Its wide variety of colors and patterns gives you even more reasons to say yes to this flooring product.

Limestone – while not one of the more popular choices for home use, limestone is known for its durability. Its unique markings can create a beautiful living space. It handles similarly to marble and travertine,

Marble – marble says “luxury” in a way other stones can’t. Its smooth texture, high gloss finish, and dramatic veining can take center stage in any room in your home. You’ll find a variety of colors, although white marble remains one of the most popular. While marble is often chosen in kitchen and bathroom applications, keep in mind that it is a softer calcium-based stone that can dull and scratch from acidic foods and drinks.

Sandstone – sandstone provides a warm, earthy look and feel. If you’re focused on natural decor with a beachy feel, sandstone maybe your flooring choice. It’s sleek and uniform without a lot of variation. It’s relatively porous, so it can scratch and stain easily.

Slate – you’ll recognize slate by its fine grain texture. It comes in a variety of colors, with greens, reds, purples, blacks, and browns running through from tile to tile. Slate can be finicky depending on the product you install. Some can be easy to maintain and highly resistant to damage, while other products can be the opposite. It’s a good idea to test your product before finalizing your decision.

Travertine – travertine is formed by hot spring water moving through limestone and giving it its unique characteristics. It’s an ideal flooring for high moisture areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. While it handles well in wet situations, it’s also softer, much like marble. It can be scratched and etched from harsh cleaners and acids. If you use it in the kitchen, it may take additional maintenance.

What’s the right natural stone flooring for your home? Bring your questions into our showroom, and we’ll help you find your perfect choice. 

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What Flooring Should You Install Over Radiant Heating

Radiant heat is quickly becoming a popular option across the Front Range. On a cold winter morning, nothing feels better than hopping out of bed and hitting a warm floor.

However, not all flooring choices work well with radiant heating. To get your desired result, choose your flooring wisely. The right flooring choice will give you the warmth you’re looking for, without jeopardizing your safety in the process.

What is radiant flooring?

Before we get into floor selection, it’s important to understand what radiant flooring is.

There are three separate types of radiant heating: hydronic, electric, and air-heated. Of the three, hydronic and electric offer the most efficiency, making them the most popular choices.

Radiant heating doesn’t work like a gas-forced air heating system. Heat doesn’t rise, which makes it possible to cover a larger area with lower temperatures.

Hydronic systems use circulated water through tubing embedded in the concrete slab. This is usually done during construction. Hydronic systems can be powered with a wide variety of power supplies, including electric, solar, geothermal, natural gas, and oil, or any combination of them.

What Flooring Should You Install Over Radiant HeatingElectric systems use rolled cables in a looping pattern braced with mats, mesh, or film. It’s embedded in a concrete slab, installed underneath the subfloor or flooring, depending on the installation method used. This is often the best choice if adding radiant heating after construction.

While air-heated is an option, it doesn’t compare to the other two, and isn’t used as frequently. Air is pumped through a series of pipes embedded in the flooring. Because air can’t reach and maintain temperatures as well as other power sources, this is thought to be a secondary heating source instead of the primary one.

Design tips for flooring over radiant heating

Because you’ll be laying flooring over the radiant heating system, it’s important to consider your options carefully to achieve the best results possible. Why spend the time and money installing radiant flooring if it doesn’t heat your home well? Depending on what flooring you choose, you’ll experience different results.

What pushes individual flooring choices into the “good” or “bad” for use with radiant heating centers on the thickness of the flooring, and the conducive nature of the flooring materials. Thicker choices are harder to heat, and dissipate the heat quickly after heating. Mineral-based flooring are excellent thermal conductors. Some flooring materials expand and contract based on inside conditions, while others maintain their shape in all kinds of situations.

While virtually all flooring materials can be used with heated floors, there are special considerations to keep in mind depending on your final selection. Flooring options have different R-values, which impact how much heat you’ll receive by using them in conjunction with radiant heating.

The worst at meeting all of these needs is carpet. While it can be used with radiant heating, you won’t be as happy with the results compared to other flooring materials.

Porcelain or ceramic tile

Choosing a flooring that already has thermal-conducting properties, such as stone, marble and ceramic tile, will hold more heat than other choices, making them preferred flooring choices over radiant heat. Ceramic tile consistently tops the list for bathroom choices because it stores heat well. If you’ve dreaded cold mornings in the master bath before, filling your room with plush rugs, radiant heating can change the way you look at tile, and make your bathroom warm whenever you desire.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are ideal for use with radiant heating because it conducts heat well. Its thin structure means it’s easy to lay over the heating system, and will continue to hold heat without a lot of work. Tile will heat up rapidly, and retain the heat longer once the system is turned off. Tile is also the perfect choice to use when moisture can be an issue, as it will not rot when used with hydronic systems.

Natural stone

Like porcelain and ceramic tile, natural stone is also a good choice for use with radiant heating systems. Like tile, it will warm quicker and retain heat longer after shut-off. Natural stone is thicker than tile, and will take longer to warm to the touch. Yet it has a lot of other qualities of tile in that it won’t be impacted by moisture, and won’t degrade over time.

Laminate

If you want the look of hardwood, many homeowners lean towards laminate because of the additional benefits it offers. If moisture may be an issue, laminate will hold up better than traditional hardwood. However, laminate is still wood. Water will impact the structure quickly to the point of no return.

If you want hardwood in your home, and love the thought of heated floors too, laminate is the way to go. Its thinness makes it a good choice when installing over radiant flooring. However, you will have to take added precautions depending on the type of radiant heating you use. If a hydronic system allows moisture to escape, your laminate would be permanently damaged.

Most laminates also have a maximum temperature point; check with your manufacturer before combining with radiant heating. Still, laminate naturally feels warmer to the touch than other flooring choices. When combined with a radiant flooring system, it may be the perfect choice for keeping your home warm.

Vinyl plank and floating floors

Vinyl plank flooring is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons:

  • It’s affordable
  • It’s easy to install
  • It comes in a wide array of colors and patterns
  • It’s beautiful
  • It’s waterproof
  • It’s a DIYer’s dream

Vinyl planks come in click and lock technology, which floats above the subfloor without the need for adhesives or nails.

All of that and more makes vinyl plank a great option to install over radiant heating. It adds waterproof features that make it handle well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even the basement.

Just be sure you follow manufacturer’s guidelines when heating. Many manufacturers recommend staying under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you exceed the limits recommended, you can compromise the integrity of the flooring.

What flooring should you install over radiant heating?

With so many choices, you’ll have the ability to select the right flooring for your needs, and get the latest technology to keep your home warm at the same time.

Stop by today and see our full line of flooring products. We’ll help you find the perfect choice to suit your needs.

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Why The Popularity of Bamboo Flooring Is Growing

People choose different flooring options for a variety of reasons.

Some want something new, something durable, sustainable.

Some have been dreaming about a certain material for years. It’s their dream flooring.

Others look for the latest trends.

Do you see yourself in any of those? For all those reasons and more, now may be the time to give bamboo flooring another look. It’s growing in popularity, and makes an excellent flooring choice anywhere in your home.

How bamboo flooring is made 

People love hardwood flooring. But one of the downsides to using hardwood is its sustainability. It can take decades to grow a tree. Depending on the species, there may be other risks associated with harvesting, such as deforestation issues.

While bamboo looks like hardwood, it isn’t harvested from trees. Instead, bamboo flooring comes from the stalks of a bamboo plant, which can be harvested in a matter of years, with the added benefit of being able to produce stalks again and again, without being chopped down at the core.

The bamboo plant is cut into thin strips, then bonded together in layers using an adhesive resin. These layers can be layered horizontally to reveal the plant’s natural shape, or vertically to reveal a striated pattern. Another option is to shred the stalks into fibers, pressing them together with adhesive into “strand woven” bamboo flooring, which is one of the most durable bamboo products on the market.

Like hardwood, you can select solid bamboo made from one of the three mentioned processes above. The planks will be made entirely from bamboo fibers. Or select engineered bamboo, which offers a thin solid strip of bamboo placed on the top of a plywood or fiberboard core. Like engineered hardwood, engineered bamboo has the benefit of being easy to install, as the planks can be floated into place using click and lock technology. No glue. No nails.

People love bamboo’s sustainability

Green living. Eco-friendly design. Sustainable materials and production.

While homeowners once paid attention only to how products looked, they are now looking beyond to determine how they are made.

Why The Popularity of Bamboo Flooring Is GrowingAnd in some cases, flooring materials are created from less than earth-friendly resources.

It’s hard to ignore the sustainability factors of using bamboo flooring.

To start, bamboo grows and reaches maturity in a fraction of the time it takes a tree to reach maturity. While a bamboo stalk can be harvested in just a few years, trees can take decades to reach the same point.

Once you chop a tree down, your only option is to plant a new one. The growing process starts all over again, with decades to move from seed to maturity. But a bamboo plant starts to regrow new stalks from the moment it’s been harvested. This means you won’t have to replant a bamboo plant every time you cut down a stalk.

This process is also more earth-friendly to everything around it. Because you’re only taking the stalk and not the entire plant, it leaves the forest more intact. Less disruption for the wildlife in the area that depends on it. It also leaves the forest floor more stable, meaning it’s less likely to cause soil erosion and other environmental damage.

Bamboo is stylish, versatile, and showcases its own unique beauty

While many homeowners pay attention to sustainability first, a product wouldn’t grow in popularity if it didn’t look good too.

Luckily, bamboo checks all the boxes a homeowner looks for when selecting new flooring. The bamboo stalks give bamboo flooring a unique beauty that many homeowners are demanding. Yet because it looks and feels like hardwood, it’s a flooring choice that can easily be laid into place and enjoyed for years to come.

https://pro-flooring.com/not-all-bamboo-floors-are-created-equal/

Like traditional hardwood, bamboo flooring comes in a wide range of colors and styles. From there, it extends to unique patterns that can only be found with bamboo. If you’re looking for a specific color choice, a certain texture, or a look that screams your personality, we think you’re going to love bamboo flooring.

Bamboo is durable too

When bamboo first hit the market, there was some question about its durability. It was softer than some hardwood, and didn’t stand up to an active family home life.

No more. With today’s technology, you’ll find bamboo floors can be just as hard, if not harder than some hardwood choices. Strand woven bamboo flooring is woven together and compressed to be even harder than oak flooring.

Are you looking for a flooring product to lay over radiant heating? Bamboo flooring fits the bill there too. The stability of strand woven technology means it has the right structure for laying into place.

With a hardness factor that moves up the Janka rating, you can install it in commercial applications if you select the right bamboo flooring. It stands strong to even heavy footfall, making it a reliable choice in some office settings.

Low maintenance makes it an even better deal

We all lead busy lives. That means when it comes to selecting the right flooring, it’s important to do so with daily upkeep in mind.

Do you really want to be fussing over your flooring when there are better things to do? Luckily, that’s another reason bamboo flooring will meet your needs.

Because of bamboo’s durability, it requires little more than an occasional sweep to remove dust and debris from the surface. Wipe up spills right away, and it will continue to look great throughout the year.

Bamboo also provides moisture resistance. As long as you wipe up spills in a timely manner, they shouldn’t penetrate the floor. That makes it a good choice for areas you’ve been leery of installing hardwood before. While it’s not waterproof, it still does a pretty good job of keeping moisture on the surface, and not having it impact the individual planks.

Is bamboo flooring the right choice for you? 

To see our entire line of bamboo flooring, stop by today. We can answer your questions, show you which lines meet your specifications, and help you select a new bamboo floor you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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Is Your Subfloor Made From The Right Materials?

Shopping for new flooring can be an overwhelming process. Enter a flooring store, and you’ll walk into thousands of choices. Even after you select material, color, pattern, and style choices can leave you thinking and comparing for days.

But once you make a decision, flooring associates will dive in deeper into material selections. It’s not just what flooring you choose that determines longevity. Your subfloor materials impact lifespan too.

Subflooring? Do you really need to understand subfloor materials? There are many advantages to selecting the right subflooring. Choose wisely, and it can improve energy efficiency, make your living space more comfortable, and make your flooring choice look better, longer.

So what do you need to know about subfloor materials before you start shopping for flooring?

Your flooring is multi layer

When you walk across the floor, you tend to focus on the top layer – the layer you can see and feel. But there are one or two other layers as well.

Many flooring choices need an underlayment. Underlayment is put into place to provide a sturdy, durable layer for your flooring to sit on. Underlayment can be made of many different materials, but the goal is to provide added support for your flooring.

The subfloor lies beneath the underlayment. A subfloor is the foundation of the entire flooring structure. It’s secured to the baseboard joists to provide structure to your flooring. Subfloors are usually made from plywood, particleboard, or oriented strand board (OSB).

Though the different types of subfloors are often treated similarly in building, they are quite different. Plywood is made from thin strips of wood veneer, layered at 90-degree angles, glued, and hot pressed together. Particleboard is composed of small wood particles that are glued and pressed together, and formed into sheets. OSB consists of 3 to 4-inch strands of wood layered and configured into a cross pattern, then glued and pressed together.

Is Your Subfloor Made From The Right Materials?OSB is the newest entry to the market, and has a lot of benefits, depending on what flooring material you are using.

OSB is considered to be more structurally sound as it uses smaller strands of wood than plywood. Because plywood is pressed sheets of wood veneer, if any one sheet is weak or compromised, it can leave a soft spot in the flooring. OSB creates a denser product because of the smaller strips of wood.

OSB is better at warding off moisture. Once wet, plywood does a better job at drying out. This makes OSB weaker at the edges, where moisture has a better chance of seeping through.

OSB often costs less than plywood because of its method of construction. Because plywood depends on larger pieces of wood, it can fluctuate in price depending on the wood market.

Concrete subfloor is also an option in some cases. Tile and stone flooring can be installed directly over concrete, but most other flooring materials require some kind of underlayment, as well as a waterproof barrier for added protection.

Ensuring is subfloor is the right thickness

Depending on what material is used for the subfloor, ensure the proper thickness for the right support for your flooring choice.

The minimum suggested thickness for plywood is about ⅝ inch. OSB won’t hold fasteners as well as plywood, so it’s recommended to increase the thickness level to ensure a quality subfloor. These are minimum suggestions. When making a final decision, it’s important to consider the flooring materials selected to provide the proper support.

Joists are the horizontal structure beams used to frame in the open space beneath the floor. They serve to provide the stiffness and structural support that lies just beneath the subfloor material. The farther apart these supports are, the greater thickness needed in the subfloor material to ensure a durable floor.

For example, if the joists are 16 inches or closer, the contractor may have installed a ½ inch plywood subfloor. This will handle well with many different flooring options. In an older home where the joists are farther apart, using a thicker plywood of ⅞ or more may be required for the same stability.

The stiffness of the subfloor also matters. While you might have more wiggle room when laying carpet into place, tile and wood planks need a flat surface to ensure a smooth, even flooring once everything is laid into place.

Selecting flooring material thickness will also provide an R-value, or insulating qualities for your home’s comfort level. R-value is the ability to keep heat from escaping through the floor in the winter, while preventing it from seeping up into the home during the summer. A thick, wool carpet would have high R-value, while a thin laminate would have lower R-value.

This also applies to subflooring. Plywood has a lower R-value than OSB because of the way the subfloor is structured during production. While you can often get by with a thinner subfloor, it may make sense to increase the thickness for more warmth and protection to ensure insulation qualities.

Select the right subfloor material for your needs

It’s easy to ignore what’s underneath your flooring choice, and let contractors install the cheapest option out there. But that may not be the best choice to keep your home safe and comfortable.

With a basic understanding of subfloor materials and how they contribute to better insulating your home, you can take the next step in ensuring you select the right flooring materials for your home. An experienced flooring associate can help you select the right floors for your personality and living space. With that step chosen, you can make a more informed decision about what goes underneath – and helps with both structure and insulation of your home.

Whether you know exactly what you want for your home remodel, or aren’t quite sure about how to change things up, we have a wide variety of options that will make perfect additions to your home.

Stop by or give us a call. We can help you select the right floors, and the right subfloor material, for your needs.

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