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Flooring
December 28, 2019

Selecting The Right Commercial Flooring For Your Needs

Commercial flooring takes a lot more abuse than standard residential flooring. It sees higher traffic levels. It takes more punishment as dirt, debris, and moisture scrapes across from shoes and moving inventory.

If you’re in the market for new commercial flooring, it’s important to think beyond the looks. An exotic hardwood may move to the top of your list based on looks, especially if you’re in finance or banking, for example. But will that exotic hardwood be the best choice for years to come given your traffic levels?

There’s a lot to consider before you make your final selection. Luckily, we have some tips for you, and have a few suggestions to help you make your final decision. The most important thing is to love the look now and for years to come.

Start with a great foundation

Unfortunately, most people start looking for commercial flooring based on price and budget. And while that may seem like the best place to start, it actually prevents you from considering all of your alternatives.

In many cases, it isn’t the flooring choice you should consider first; it’s the foundation. It’s the base that your flooring is installed on.

Take, for example, carpeting. People often select the highest grade of carpet they can, then skimp on the padding underneath. Yet it’s the padding that works to protect the carpet from wear, adding strength to the binding and backing to absorb the impact of foot traffic. Padding also determines how easily your carpet can be cleaned. With the right padding, it helps increase suction as it’s vacuumed, allowing dirt to be pulled easily from the depth of the fibers.

If you’re thinking of installing new commercial flooring, don’t start by looking at flooring choices. Instead, start by asking yourself a few important questions.

What kind of traffic will the flooring have to sustain each day?
Is contamination a consideration?
Does sound matter within the space?
Will the flooring be subjected to chemicals or excessive exposure to dirt?
What image will be portrayed to visitors?
Is worker comfort something to consider?

The more you define what will happen in your space each day, the easier it will be to select the right choice for your needs.

Laminate

One of the most popular choices for commercial spaces if laminate wood flooring. It’s easy to install and maintain over time, especially when compared with hardwood. It has an added benefit of being hygienic, making it the perfect choice for business in fields like medical, that care equally about aesthetics as well as functionality.

If you’re attempting to gain LEED certification, you’ll find that laminate leads the way in helping you achieve accreditation. Laminate isn’t hardwood, but instead is made up of a composite wood with an overlayment hardwood image that mimics the real thing. Focus on materials used to find the most eco-friendly product in the marketplace. We can help you do that.

Engineered Hardwood

If you want the look and feel of hardwood but are nervous about durability, consider engineered hardwood. Instead of being a solid piece of wood, engineered hardwood is a small slice of hardwood adhered to high-quality plywood. It’s less expensive than traditional hardwood, but provides the same look and feel. You’ll often find this in office buildings as it is more durable than traditional solid wood. It’s also more eco-friendly as it only uses a small amount of hardwood to produce the same results.

Vinyl composite tile

Vinyl composite tile is the perfect solution when you’re looking for an affordable, easy to maintain commercial flooring. What many business owners love about vinyl composite tile is the convenience; if you tear or damage one tile, it can be easily lifted and replaced. It’s also easy to keep clean; using mild cleaners, you can mop up just about any spills in no time.

The biggest drawback is durability. Depending on wear, the corners of the tile can start to peel back. The adhesive can also come loose, allowing the tile to shift into place. It can also fade if subjected to harsh light, or is cleaned with chemicals on a regular basis. Still, in the right location, vinyl composite tiles can offer you an affordable solution to your commercial flooring needs.

Luxury vinyl tile

Luxury vinyl tile is growing in popularity in both the residential and commercial markets for good reason. It can give you the look of just about any type of flooring in a more affordable package. Imagine having a floor that looks like hardwood, marble, or stone, yet gives you the convenience of vinyl composite tile. That’s the beauty of luxury vinyl.

It has a harder surface area than traditional vinyl. It also has a clear wear layer that provides more protection against wear and tear. Because of this wear layer, it doesn’t have to be stripped, waxed, or sealed like other choices. It’s becoming one of the preferred options for commercial property managers.

Carpet tiles

It’s hard to argue against the more traditional carpet tiles you’ll see in commercial properties all across Colorado. Since they are tiles, they offer an easy way to install and maintain the flooring. If you have a problem with one tile, simply pull it up and replace. Carpet tile also uses a strong adhesive for installation, making them stay in place longer than ever before.

Carpet tile comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. If you have something specific in mind, it can be dyed and created just for you. It reduces noise and provides a softer environment – especially important in wide-open spaces where noise reduction is essential. They are also better for safety reasons; they can reduce falls near entrances where people track in snow and slush.

What’s your choice for commercial flooring?

With all of these great choices, what’s the best flooring for your needs? If you can’t decide, stop by, and we’ll show you all of these choices and help you make a well-informed decision.

Start with what you know you want. It might be the type of flooring, or a desire to become LEED certified. We’ll show you your options and help narrow down your choices. We’ll help you pick the right product to suit your business needs.

Flooring, Tile Floors
December 20, 2019

Are Porcelain Tiles Good For Bathroom Floors?

Thinking of remodeling your bathroom? It’s fun looking at photographs of all the things you can do. What colors should you use? How about upgrading the tub? Or maybe adding a steam shower?

The possibilities are endless.

At some point, you’ll head down to the bottom – the floor. What’s the best flooring for a bathroom remodel? You’ll quickly find you can’t ignore tile. By far, tile is one of the most popular choices you can make. But even within the subcategory of tile, you’ll have a lot of decisions to make.

Which is better for bathrooms, ceramic or porcelain tile?

As you start looking at your options, you’ll quickly discover that tile falls into two categories: ceramic and porcelain. Porcelain tile is the more popular choice for bathroom floors for a variety of reasons. It’s made of a denser material, is harder, and a less porous option. That makes it more water resistant and stain resistant than ceramic tiles. And in a bathroom, those are both great things to have.

Porcelain tile is also the perfect choice for installing over radiant heating. And here in Colorado, tile and radiant heating naturally go together. Because tile can be on the cold side of things, that’s the first hurdle many home remodelers have. Homeowners want a floor that won’t be cold on their as they get out of bed on frosty winter mornings.

Even more, porcelain is unmatched in its beauty. It can mimic any design you desire. Do you want natural stone without the care involved in keeping natural stone looking good? Do you want the look of hardwood floors without the upkeep? Porcelain tile is the solution for you. Depending on your budget, you’ll find it can take on just about any look you desire.

Porcelain tile typically comes in two basic types:

Through-bodied – where texture and color run all the way through the tile. This makes each tile strong and durable as it can hide scratches and chips better.

Glazed – where the entire tile is glazed with a wear layer that gives it a strong, dense surface. It also gives you the widest range of styles, colors, and patterns.

Do porcelain tiles chip easily?

Your bathroom floors take a lot of abuse. Think back what they’ve gone through just in the last few days.

Water spilling over from the tub
Moisture and humidity from that long shower you took on the coldest morning of the year
A dropped hair dryer
The mess when your makeup spilled

That’s a lot of different potential problems your floors will face. And flooring can be quickly damaged if you don’t select the right flooring for your room.

Porcelain is denser than ceramic, which means it has a lower absorption rate. This is what gives it water and moisture resistance, including the ability to withstand frost. That’s why it’s a great indoor/outdoor option.

That denseness also makes it less likely to chip. This is where you should also pay attention to something called a PEI rating. This will tell you just how resistant the surface of the tile is to scratching and chipping. A tile with a PEI rating will chip and scratch easier, meaning it’s better for applications where it won’t get much abuse, such as the walls. A PEI rating of 3 is good for all residential applications. Commercial or industrial often move to a PEI rating of 4 or 5.

Are porcelain tiles slippery?

When it comes to selecting a flooring product that has slip-resistant qualities, porcelain tile leads the pack. That’s why you’ll find porcelain tile in both residential and commercial, indoor and outdoor applications.

It is important to note that not every porcelain tile is perfect for wet spaces. It also depends on the surface structure and the glaze used in production. Porcelain tile does have slip-resistant qualities. But to ensure you make the right choice for your bathroom, ask which of your favorites would be best. We’re happy to help you make the right decision for your home.

Are porcelain tiles healthier than other flooring choices?

Bathrooms need to be a hygienic place. From spills to accidents, odors, and the chance for biological growth, your bathroom sees it all throughout the day. Yet porcelain tiles stand up well to the pressure.

They are easy to clean. You’ll be able to wipe off spills and accidents quickly.

They are hygienic, meaning the non-porous surface won’t trap allergens.

They also won’t allow mildew or mold and bacteria to grow.

If you want ease, porcelain tile is a great choice to make.

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Porcelain tiles are highly versatile and will give you the look you want!

If you think all tiles are the same, you haven’t looked at today’s tile. Especially with porcelain tile, they are designed to mimic just about any look you desire.

You’ll find them in every size, shape, and color. Want tiny tile to lay in mosaic format? Love the look of subway tile? Want a different shape – how about hexagon? Or maybe you want the look of exotic hardwood without the headache that comes along with installing exotic hardwood in the bathroom. Porcelain tile’s got you covered there too.

Plus, it doesn’t stop with selecting one look or feel. You can combine several different porcelain tiles to find a pattern that’s uniquely your own.

To find your ideal look, we recommend going online and finding design sites to look at. Sign up for Pinterest and you can create a pinboard that highlights the look and feel you desire. Then bring it in and share. It’ll give us a starting point to help point you in the right direction of the product lines that will be perfect to create the look you’re going for.

Are you ready to install porcelain tile in your bathroom?

When you’re ready to get started on your remodeling project, the best place to start is by stopping by and seeing our complete line. We can give you all the information you’ll need to make a decision on the tiles best suited for your needs.

Choosing porcelain tiles for your bathroom is the best decision you can make in your remodel. You’re going to love the look for years to come.

Flooring, Tile Floors
December 14, 2019

5 Tips When Choosing The Perfect Tile For Your Bathroom

Will you be taking on a home renovation project this year? Are you looking to freshen up the bathroom and making it look brand new?

We always recommend to start from the bottom up. You’ll be surprised at how a simple project like tiling your floors can change everything. Of course, you don’t have to end there. Tile is the right material for a wide variety of areas in your bathroom. You can use it for:

Shower stalls
Walls
Backsplashes
Countertops

Tile isn’t just for flooring anymore. It’s one of the most versatile materials you’ll find in the homebuilding industry.

But how do you know where to start? If you’ve ever walked into a showroom filled with tile, you know how overwhelming it can be. With hundreds of choices in every color, pattern, shape, and size you can imagine, how do you know what will look right in your home? Where do you begin? Luckily, we’ve been helping homeowners just like you for years. Here’s the basic plan we always share with our customers.

Start with your budget

Did we mention that tile comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns? And with all of those options, the price adjusts accordingly. Tile can be one of the most economical choices you can make for your bathroom project. But if you want something to “wow” your guests and visitors, you can find one-of-a-kind tiles that will do just that. Of course, you’ll pay for it …

With all of this in mind, know that your first step in your remodeling project is to establish a budget for your tile. Ceramic tile is one of the most affordable. Step up to porcelain, and you’ll increase your durability. What’s the difference? Ceramic tile has the look and feel designed on the surface. With porcelain tile, the color and design run all the way through. Porcelain is also a water-resistant option, which makes it a perfect choice for every surface in your bathroom.

Choose a theme

With an almost endless supply of tiles on the marketplace, you can quickly get overwhelmed with possibility. That’s why we suggest you create a plan before you even start looking. Of course, plans are meant to be broken. And you might find something completely different than what you came in looking for. But having a plan when you walk through the door helps you narrow down your options. It gives you a starting point.

Chances are you have a color or style already in mind. Do you prefer bright or subdued? Modern or country? Dark or light? Even with just these few ideas in mind, you can start narrowing your focus and selecting things right for your taste.

We also recommend heading over to Pinterest and starting a pinboard. Then have fun searching for the best home websites online. When you see a bathroom design you like, pin it to your pinboard. You’ll start seeing trends almost immediately. Bring it in and share it with us. We’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

Consider tile size

Tile is anything but standard anymore. You can choose mosaic tile barely an inch in diameter. Go with a classic subway tile that runs 4×16 in size. Or go big and bold – select a tile two-feet or more in width.

There isn’t a wrong size when it comes to choosing a tile for your bathroom. Of course, you’ll find a wealth of information online about sizing tile properly for a bathroom. We’ve even written about it here.

But the good news is when choosing tile for a bathroom, you’re going to love it more if you let your personality shine through. If you want to stick to tradition, stay with a more standard size. To create a timeless look, select subway tile. If you want the latest trend, there are many choices for you.

Think big picture

The tile blends with the cabinets and the decor to create a bathroom you’ll love for years. That’s what our flooring consultants are here to do. When you come in, bring your ideas. We’ll throw in a few of our own. Before long, you’ll have a wide range of ideas to select from.

If you already have a color scheme in mind, bring in paint chips, towels, or even countertop selections to help you match and compliment. You’ll see how different tones bring out different looks.

But don’t rely on what you see in the store. When you finalize it down to a few selections, bring samples home. Live with them in your space for a few days. See the at night with the lights on. View them during the day with natural light splashing around. You might be surprised at what choice you gravitate to when you see them in your own home.

Don’t stop with the floors

If you’ve spent any time visiting home improvement sites and saving your favorites to a pinboard, you know you can use tile just about anywhere. From the floor to the shower, to walls and behind sinks, tile can be used just about everywhere.

Especially in bathrooms where moisture and humidity can be hard on surface areas. If you select the right tile, just wipe it clean. And if it’s installed correctly, it will protect you from water damage as the years go by.

Bathroom tile can be subtle, blending in with the surroundings. It can bring clean lines and give a spa-like vibe. Move into rich tones, and it can take center stage. Instead of being only functional, it can be more of an artistic expression.

What’s your preference?

If you’re remodeling your bathroom this year, let your creativity run wild. Tile is one of our favorite flooring choices for good reason: there’s so much you can do with tile!

No matter if you have ideas in mind, or have no idea where to begin, your best course of action for choosing tile for your bathroom is to stop by and see our selection. We can give you ideas to think about, provide you with tools to start the planning process. And when you’re ready to complete your project, we’ll help ensure everything is done from beginning to end.

How can we help you choose the right tile for your bathroom?

Flooring, Tile Floors
December 10, 2019

How To Hire The Right Tile Contractor

When you’re ready to take on a remodeling project in your home, it’s easy to get lost in design. After all, that’s the fun part. Picking out colors, styles, patterns, and materials are things you can touch and feel.

But once your new flooring is installed, that’s where the problems begin if you cut corners in the wrong places. Cutting corners can mean different things. It can mean buying inferior products. It can mean selecting something based on price alone. It can mean turning your tiling project into a do-it-yourself project, even when you know you don’t have the skill.

In fact, according to one recent survey, after surveying over 2,000 Americans that have attempted DIY projects, floor tile installation was the most regretted project of all.

Why? Because it can be much more complicated than it seems. You need the right skills and tools, something most homeowners just don’t have. And that can lead to big problems.

If a tile is misplaced, for instance, it can throw the entire project off. It has a ripple effect on the rest of the project. In many cases, the only way to fix an error is to rip up the entire flooring and start all over again.

Want it done the right way the first time? Hire a tile contractor to ensure the flooring is installed the right way. While it’s a good idea even with a simple project, where tile is lined up in a relatively square room, it’s an even better decision to hire as the job becomes more complicated. Looking for an intricate pattern? Want special edging? Have a living space that is anything but square? Hire a tile contractor and know it’s installed correctly.

So how do you find a good tiling contractor? How do you know they’ll do a good job? Consider these five things as you make your final selection.

Start with experience

No matter how big or small your remodeling project is, cost matters. You only have so much funding budgeted for your project. The more you can save in certain areas, the more you can spend on others.

Resist the urge to cut on the most critical projects, like flooring. Your flooring is the base for your entire room design. Imagine carpet that wears quickly, or hardwood that buckles or warps. Instead of being proud to show off your room, you’ll have to spend time and money correcting the problem to make it livable again.

Don’t hire the handyman who tells you he’s tiled a floor several years before. Don’t rely on your next door neighbor who’s trying to earn a few extra bucks. You’ll never save money when you have to repair problems almost as soon as the flooring has been laid.

Ask about experience. Ask to see referrals. Focus on finding someone who’s laid tile in rooms similar to your own. If you want an intricate design, for example, ensure they can show you photographs that show off their artistic abilities.

Talk with professionals

When people are already in the business, they know other people who have skills and talents in doing what you want them to do. Don’t be afraid to ask contractors, architects, designers, and even our own sales staff for recommendations. We have experience working with professionals, and know who is the most qualified for the job you’ll be hiring for. We’ll give you the people we trust enough to recommend on a regular basis.

Also, ensure you look for the right contractor for the job. Tile laid in residential is different than commercial environments. And while laying tile is somewhat similar, commercial tile will need more wearability overall. Commercial tile installation is a growing field because of the demand.

Ensure contractor is properly licensed

If everything goes right with the job, licensing and warranties might not matter. But without them, you could face many problems in the future. Always ask about certification, incensing, and if they have current insurance. A reputable contractor will always be happy to share the information. One who is less than reliable will give you reasons why it’s not important.

Also, look for membership to professional organizations such as the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). This tells you that the contractor is in business for the long haul, and cares about the image he displays to his prospects and customers.

You can also ask about training. Have they trained through organizations like the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)? Organizations like this provide their own certification programs to ensure students have the proper training and are equipped with the latest techniques using today’s technology. It’s the best way you have to ensure you’ll receive service that will last.

Ask questions

The hiring process should never be one sided – don’t let a contractor do all the talking. By asking questions, you can start to determine just how knowledgeable a contractor really is. Key questions should include:

How do you determine how much tile the project needs?
How long will the project take?
Who will be working on the project?
Are they all properly trained?
Have you ever worked on projects like this before?

Be specific. Remember, no question is ever too dumb. You don’t have new flooring installed every day. It benefits you to fully understand the project long before the contractor steps foot into your home. Ask your questions, then ask some more. It’s the only way you’ll ensure you get the right flooring you’ll enjoy for many years to come.

Ask to see pictures

Many people will tell you to ask for recommendations. And while it is a good idea to talk with people that have used a contractor’s services before, there could be a world of difference between their project and your own.

When you ask to see pictures of final projects, you can determine skill level and how well they perform. Don’t look at it for the big picture, ask to see details too. Look for tiles evenly spaced, and finishing work to complete the look. Pay attention to how tiles are cut all the way around the room. A good tile contractor knows how to handle every situation. They know how to make a room look good, and how to finish a job for an elegant look.

When in doubt, go with your gut. Don’t trust just anyone; look for someone who will do a good job for you. Your flooring can last years – decades if done right. When you hire the right tile contractor, you’ll be ensured you’ll get the very best service, and the job will be done the right way the first time.

Flooring
December 7, 2019

Are Porcelain Tiles A Durable Option For Your Home?

When you’re ready to start a home remodel, most people start with the floors. Your flooring choice sets the stage for all of your home decorating ideas. Hardwood provides a different air than carpet, while tile takes it in an entirely different direction.

If you’re looking for a flooring choice that’s as durable as it is beautiful, you can’t ignore porcelain tile. Though it’s made from similar materials as ceramic tile, they are, in general, considered more durable and better made. Of course, like every flooring choice, porcelain tiles have their benefits and downsides; only you can decide if they are the right choice for your home improvement project.

What is porcelain tile?

Before we get into the pros and cons of porcelain tile, it’s important to understand what porcelain tile is. Porcelain tile is created from a very dense clay that is fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic tiles (2000 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.)

This process removes nearly all of the water, creating a highly uniform in construction, non-porous product. This makes it a better flooring choice in rooms that can fluctuate greatly in temperature, or in areas where you choose to integrate radiant heating into your area.

Porcelain tile is denser and harder than many other building products, including ceramic tile. Many can withstand freezing temperatures, making it perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Unless they have a polished finish, they are also slip-resistant.

What are the benefits of porcelain tile?

We find a lot of people come in with a couple of predetermined beliefs about porcelain tile, and are leary of using them in their home.

They think they’re cold
They think they’re more expensive than other options

Both are relative. Porcelain tile can be cold to the touch. It’s also one of the best choices for use with radiant heating. Porcelain tile is more expensive than other choices. But it’s also a flooring product that can last for decades if well cared for. That can make the higher price tag worth it when you know your flooring will last for years. Of course, there are many other reasons you should take a look at porcelain tile.

Wearability

Some flooring choices can be accidents waiting to happen. The first glass of wine knocked onto a light colored carpet, for example, can quite literally take your breath away.

You won’t have that if you install porcelain tile. It’s highly resistant to wear, and tends to last longer than a standard ceramic tile does. That’s because of the way porcelain tile is designed. It’s denser, has fewer air pockets, and is more uniform in consistency. It’s harder and thicker than other tile formats.

Because they do last for so long, they aren’t just a great choice for homes, but also for busy commercial locations. If you have an office space where you meet clients regularly, porcelain tile may be the perfect choice for years of wearability. Of course, what makes it good for lots of foot traffic, also makes it great for wearing well with pets. They’re less prone to breaking, scratching, and can’t be dented.

Low maintenance

What good is a new floor if you can’t sustain your normal lifestyle out of fear you’ll spill and stain it? No worries with porcelain tile. Porcelain tile looks great, they’re tough, and they’re easy to maintain.

Because of their hard surface area, they don’t need special sealants to keep out moisture like other tile choices do. They’re easy to clean – just water and a mild detergent will keep them looking their best. That’s why you’ll see them being used in the most difficult rooms in a home – like your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, entryways, or basement. Keep in mind they aren’t completely waterproof, but resist water enough that if you clean up messes quickly, they won’t be harmed.

Great in high traffic areas

After reading about the other benefits, you’ve probably determined porcelain tiles would be great in high traffic areas. You’re correct. That’s what also makes porcelain tile in-demand for business use.

No matter how much you dish out, they deliver. They don’t scuff, break, or wear down easily. They repel moisture and are easy to clean. What else do you want in a floor?

Whether you have a family that is always coming and going, or like to throw dinner parties every weekend, you’re going to love the look and durability of porcelain tile. It holds up to the use and abuse any family member can dish out.

Beautiful

One of the biggest reasons to consider porcelain tile is their looks. They come in a full spectrum of appearances, and add aesthetics to any room in your home. No matter what your taste or personality, there is a porcelain tile waiting for you.

Even better, porcelain tile can take on the look of many other products. Want to lay a flooring that gives the appearance of marble, granite, hardwood, or even limestone, but is more durable and easy to care for? Porcelain tile can create those looks. And in many cases, by comparison, using porcelain tile instead will give you a more cost effective way of installing new floors. If you haven’t looked at porcelain tile lately, it’s time you did.

Let’s talk about the disadvantages

There are always two sides to every discussion. And while porcelain tile is the right choice for many, it does bring its own disadvantages to the table too.

They are difficult to install. This isn’t a do-it-yourself project unless you have a lot of experience laying porcelain tile. It’s more difficult to lay into place, hard to cut, and even harder to create the perfect layout that will wear well throughout your home.

It’s heavier than other flooring choices. And while that’s what makes them more durable, it can make it more problematic in certain homes. If you want to lay it in a second floor bathroom, for instance, you have to be sure your home can sustain the added weight.

It’s more difficult to repair. Once a tile is broken, you’ll have to replace it with a new tile. That means you’ll have to order multiple extra tiles and keep them on hand. You’ll also have to have a professional come in to replace it and ensure it looks good with the rest of your flooring.

And as we already mentioned, it’s costlier than other flooring choices. If you’re on a pretty tight budget, the price can be a sticker shock. Don’t forget it’s not just the material price; you also have to plan for installation, and possibly subfloor upgrades to ensure your porcelain tile is laid perfectly into place.

Is porcelain tile the right choice for your home?

We love porcelain tile. It can be a great choice, depending on your needs.

If you’re attracted to porcelain tile and think it would be a great addition to your home, why not stop by and look at our full line and selection? We think you’re going to fall in love with porcelain tile as much as we have. You’ll love what it can do for your home.

Flooring
December 4, 2019

Are You Asking The Right Questions When Getting a Flooring Estimate?

Those commercials you see on television promising several rooms of carpet for one low price sound enticing, don’t they? Yet you know there must be a catch.

There is.

Those commercials have a catchy ring to them. You want new flooring; they have a great deal. But when they show up at your home ready to complete the purchase, the fees start adding up. They push for upgrades. They discover special needs in your living space. And by the time you sign on the dotted line, you’re wondering where the “deal” really was.

Don’t be fooled by those special promotions. If you want new flooring, give yourself the advantage by learning all you can before you make a final decision. The best place to start is with a flooring estimate.

Understanding the flooring process

Flooring isn’t something you upgrade in your home on a regular basis. If you choose wisely, it can last for years – decades – depending on the material. There are two parts to the selection process: selecting the flooring material, and having it installed.

But in between is the estimate process. It’s important to ask the right questions to ensure you get the best flooring product for your money. While surprises can be a good thing, they never are when you discover you have to spend more money to get the flooring of your choice.

If you’re in the market for new flooring, the best place to start is with a little education. Don’t walk into a big box store and expect to find what you’re looking for. Instead, take the time to visit several places. Consider this your flooring education session. Talk to the salesperson. Find out what they know about each flooring type you’re considering. Get comfortable with the terms and technology.

Then ask yourself another question. Who do you trust? Very quickly, you’ll start to discover some people sell flooring because it’s in their job description – they have to work 40 hours somewhere. Others do it because they truly love the industry.

What questions should you ask as a part of the flooring estimate process?

Is this the right flooring for my lifestyle?

You love hardwood. You’ve dreamed of installing hardwood. But is it the right choice for you?

We’ve all made purchases we’ve regretted not long after we laid down our credit cards. While it’s not such a big deal when you purchase new shoes or a blouse, it is when you’re investing in new flooring.

Talk with the sales team and ask what your options are. If you have small kids and pets, an inquisitive salesperson may steer you away from hardwood and show you laminate or even resilient flooring made to look like hardwood. Their goal isn’t to sell you any flooring, it’s to discover what will work best on a daily basis inside your home. They will give you options, and let you make your final decision based on a thorough understanding of how each product performs.

Can I take home samples?

A reputable flooring dealer will always let you take home samples. Colors, styles, and patterns look great in pictures online, might even look great sitting on a showroom floor. But those lighting conditions don’t match your own home. The only way to see if something looks good in your home is to bring it into your home.

Asking for a sample allows you to avoid making a big mistake. It’s the only way you’ll discover which sample is too gray, which has too much brown in it, or which is simply too dark. It’s how you determine which blends well with your kitchen cabinets, and which one works well with your decor.

If you have trouble, that’s where our expertise can come into play. Narrow it down as much as possible, then we can provide you with the benefits of each of your final selections.

Is there a cost for an estimate?

Don’t assume flooring estimates are free. Not all flooring companies offer estimates for free. If you schedule a time for an estimator to come to your home and measure your rooms, the last thing you want is a surprise bill at the end of the meeting. Ask about costs every step of the way. Separate out what’s included in a flooring company’s service, and what you pay for along the way.

What are the hidden costs?

Don’t think you’ll be offending a salesperson by asking about hidden fees. They understand there are less-than-scrupulous companies within the flooring industry. If they do get angry at this question, isn’t it nice you weeded them out of consideration before you laid down your credit card?

Depending on what type of flooring you’re having installed, and what kind of flooring currently exists in your home, you could end up with a variety of fees above materials and labor. Delivery fees, costs for clean up, costs for moving furniture, padding, subfloor work – there are many different areas that might incur additional charges along the way.

When can my flooring choice be installed?

In most cases, you can’t walk in, select flooring, and have it installed the next day. There are lead times for most of the products you’ll choose from.

Take hardwood, for example. Depending on what choice you make, the hardwood might have to be ordered to ensure you receive the same product to install throughout your home. Hardwood also needs to acclimate to your home before installation. That means the product will be delivered and stored in your home for a series of days or even weeks before installation, to ensure it has adjusted to your home’s environment before it is installed.

Ask “when can you start” at the very beginning to ensure your deadlines are met. If you have a specific time you want the work completed by, tell us. It’s the best way to ensure we’re all on the same page throughout the process.

What about warranties and guarantees?

Different manufacturers have different warranties. Different companies offer different guarantees for the products they install. In most cases, you’ll have two separate guarantees – one from the manufacturer of the product, another from the company that provides the installation. What happens if the flooring isn’t correctly installed? What does it take to ensure manufacturers’ guidelines are met throughout the process? Don’t be afraid to dig a little to find out more about the final product being installed in your home.

No question is too dumb

The more questions you ask, the more you may think of. Don’t stop until you’re comfortable with your final purchase.

Flooring estimates are designed to help you feel sure about your final purchase. It’s a way for you to get to know the flooring company you’re choosing to work with. If you don’t like an answer as a part of the estimate process, chances are you’ll have problems somewhere else in the process.

How can we help you make the right flooring choice for your home?

Flooring
November 24, 2019

What Are The Best Flooring Options When You’re On a Budget?

Stepping into a room that’s worn or out of date can be frustrating. Everywhere you look is a reminder that your room is in desperate need of a remodel. But where do you begin?

Sure, you can change the color with a can of paint. New decor is always fun to shop for. You’ve been dreaming of a new couch; you even have it picked out from a local store.

But in truth, you know where the real problem lies. Yes, the paint and new decor will do wonders for improving your mood. Yet it’s the flooring that’s the real problem. And replacing the entire floor is a much bigger – and more expensive – job than you ever hoped to take on.

Where can you cut corners? Should you try and live with your ratty old carpet another year? Should you attempt a do-it-yourself flooring project you can take on yourself? We get when you’re shopping for best flooring options on a budget, you look at it from all angles. And luckily, you have a lot of choices.

However, if you focus on the “budget” part of the equation, you could end up with cheap flooring. And if it’s too cheap, you could regret your decision almost from the moment you have it installed.

Before you get started on your flooring project, it pays to do a little research first. Spend some time learning all you can about the most affordable flooring options on the market today. Then consider your lifestyle carefully. Do you see where the two marry up?

The perfect choice for one homeowner might not be the best choice for another.

But when you finally select the right flooring for your needs, and you spend your money wisely getting the highest quality product you can, you’ll love your floors for many years into the future.

That also means you consider costs carefully, weighing the costs and benefits to determine the right flooring choice for your budget. It might mean putting off the project for a bit until you can afford what makes the most sense for your home and lifestyle. It might mean taking out a home equity line of credit. Only you can decide what’s right for you.

Flooring To Consider

If you have your heart set on one specific type of flooring, shop with that flooring choice in mind. Keep an open mind, however, as you talk to one of our flooring consultants about choosing the best product for your situation. Some flooring choices hold up better than others, especially in high traffic areas. And if you focus on price alone, you might wind up with a product that can’t handle under pressure. No matter what your budget holds, here are some of our favorite flooring choices for your home.

Hardwood

Rather than putting it at the bottom of the list, we’re listing it right at the top. We know homeowners all across the Front Range have hardwood at the top of their wish lists. It’s a great flooring choice because it’s beautiful, durable, and timeless – you simply can’t go wrong when you install hardwood.

The biggest disadvantage of hardwood is they don’t stand up well in certain circumstances. They warp if they’re exposed to moisture. They dent and scratch when not properly maintained. They can shrink and swell if they are subjected to varying temperatures.

That means they aren’t the best choice in your bathrooms or basement. If you have an active kitchen, another product may be a better choice. But in the living room and dining room, spending a little extra might be the perfect thing to do.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood looks like solid wood, but is made with layers to stand up better under pressure. It has layers of plywood, a thin veneer of natural wood on top, and a laminated top coat that makes it wear better than hardwood. It gives you the look of real hardwood at a more affordable cost.

Engineered wood can work well in the same spaces as solid wood. In addition, consider installing it in other rooms such as basements. For your main living areas, it’s regarded as the second-best choice.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is created in much the same way as engineered wood. Instead of a thin veneer layer, however, it uses a photograph under a clear plastic coating to create the final look of the product. That means laminate can take on just about any look, including stone, tile, or hardwood. And with today’s technology, the photograph is extremely real looking, often requiring even the best experts to kneel to see the difference.

Laminate comes in both tiles and planks, and you can install them without nails or glue. They float into place. Because they are easy to install, it makes a perfect do-it-yourself project – another great way to save money.

Laminate is a good flooring choice for high traffic areas. It’s also a good choice for basements. But avoid laminate where standing water might be a problem, such as in laundry rooms or bathrooms, as they can warp and crack.

Vinyl

Vinyl has come a long way from the flooring choices your parents installed. It’s considered resilient flooring, made from a flexible material that feels softer underfoot. It comes in several forms, including sheet, tile, and click-style planks that replicate the look of hardwood.

Vinyl is a tough material that stands up well to both traffic and moisture. If you’re looking for the perfect choice to stand up well in all conditions, comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, and simulates any look your desire, vinyl may be your choice.

How To Save On Flooring

Once you make a choice, it’s important to focus on quality rather than price. However, there are still ways you can buy the best flooring options for your home, and stick with your budget too.

Be flexible

Don’t go in with your heart set on specifics. Instead, be willing to look at alternatives. A flooring consultant can show you ways to get the look you desire and still stick with your budget.

Ask for samples

Don’t make a decision on the showroom floor. Instead, take a sample home and live with it for a few days. Do you like the color in all lighting conditions? Does it work well with the rest of your decor?

Install it yourself

Depending on the material you choose, there are flooring choices that are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. You can save installation costs when you do the work yourself. That means you can get a higher quality product that will give you a greater lifespan. Plus, you’ll feel good every time you walk into the room, knowing you installed the best flooring choice for you.

If you’re thinking of taking on a home improvement project this year, it’s easy to find the best flooring options on a budget. Stop by today, and we’ll help you find the perfect choice for your home.

Flooring
November 10, 2019

Best Time Of Year To Upgrade The Flooring In Your Home

Is there a best time of year to upgrade your flooring? Like most home improvement projects, the answer is: yes.

The great thing about flooring is it isn’t something you have to rush to make a decision about. You can weigh your options, compare your choices, and make an informed decision.

Flooring is all about lifestyle. What works for one homeowner isn’t necessarily the best choice for another. Whether you’re thinking of installing carpet, hardwood, or tile, your ultimate goal is to get the best deal possible. That stretches far beyond monetary; it also includes ensuring you get a product that will last, and deliver the results you are looking for.

If you’re ready to renovate your home, and want to know the best time of year to upgrade the flooring, we have a few things to consider:

When you can get the best deals on flooring
How the time of year impacts installation
How installation affects your health

When you can get the best deals on flooring

For most homeowners, there’s a fine line before need and desire. If you have champagne taste on a beer budget, you know what I mean. You have a strong desire to install the best, most luxurious flooring on the market, but your budget tells a different story.

The key to getting the best deal is to focus on what’s most important. Chances are if you’re reading this, you have a strong desire for a particular material. Maybe you want to rip up old carpet and lay hardwood throughout your living space. Or perhaps you want a fresh new color in the bedrooms, carpet that’s plush and soft to the touch.

When you start shopping, don’t walk into the first store and fall in love. Take your time to look around.

Also, don’t shop the big box stores and assume they buy in big quantities and get the best deals. It’s simply not true. They have less selection because they demand certain profit levels on every product they sell. They select products they know they can sell, and charge the most they can get for each selection.

As a flooring expert, we have a wide selection. That means we can help you get the best product for your money, as well as make suggestions based on your needs and desires. We can also steer you to comparable products that provide the same wearability, yet might be easier on your budget.

How the time of year impacts installation

Now that you’re comfortable with the deal you got on your flooring product, what about installation? Is there a best time of year to install your flooring?

In general, spring and fall are the best seasons for adding new flooring to your home for three reasons.

First, installing new floors takes a lot of work on the part of the installation crew. They have to rip out the old flooring before installing the new. They have tools to bring in and out to get the job done. They have to bring the new product into your home.

That means the doors will be open a lot. If you do this on a cold day, your furnace will be running excessively to compensate for the temperature difference. In the summer, your air conditioner will work overtime to keep up with demand.

Next, you’ll want the option of leaving your windows open for ventilation. No matter what flooring choice you select, there will be fumes and odors that come along with the process. Depending on the flooring you choose, you may have offgassing from the materials, floor adhesive odors, fumes from adhesive removal materials, stains, and sealers. Being able to leave your windows open and create cross-breezes for ventilation means you’ll eliminate the smells faster.

Finally, it’s also important to pay attention to temperatures and humidity levels, depending on what flooring you’re installing. While temperature and humidity can impact all flooring installations, it’s especially crucial for hardwood and laminate. Both need to acclimate to the environment before they are installed. This is easier to do when the temperatures stay between 50 and 75 degrees, and you don’t need to turn on the furnace or the air conditioner.

If you install flooring without the acclimation process, it can dry out your flooring. In winter, running your furnace regularly can suck moisture out of the air. In summer, your air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier. When your wood floors dry out, they can crack, shrink, warp, or even pull apart.

A good rule of thumb is to have materials acclimate for 7 to 14 days before the installation process. Rely on your flooring consultant for what’s best for the flooring product you select.

This can impact when you make your purchase, as well. If you’re planning a holiday party, or want your home to look good for a summer event, be sure to give yourself plenty of time.

How installation impacts your health

If you focus on bringing a sustainable, low VOC product into your home, you might think you’re at lower risk for having chemicals released into the air supply. While it is a good idea to make conscious choices for how they impact your health, the truth is all new products produce some offgassing when they are introduced into your home. You can’t avoid that new product smell, no matter what choices you make.

Some of it can dissipate quickly, especially when you can leave doors and windows open. By letting the fumes and odors release out of your home, that means they aren’t accumulating in every room in your home, impacting your health.

For this reason alone, we often suggest the best time of year for installing new flooring is fall and spring. Of course, here in Denver, we can have spring and fall-like weather almost twelve months of the year. It’s always a good idea to let fresh air into your home whenever possible.

So when is the best time to upgrade the flooring in your home? It depends on a variety of things, including the material you select your lifestyle.

If you have any questions about how to select the best flooring for your situation, or just want to compare your options, stop by today. We’ll provide you with honest feedback and help you make the right decision for you.

Carpet, Flooring
November 2, 2019

Carpet Density – What You Should Know

Have you ever wondered why carpet is as thick and plush as it is? It isn’t by accident.

Imagine a carpet with a few scraggly fibers sticking up. You wouldn’t want that in your home. When you purchase new carpet, you expect a certain quality. That’s why, over time, rules and regulations started filtering into the carpet industry to protect you when you finalize your purchase.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) establishes regulations about carpet weight and density, to require manufacturers to create products that meet certain requirements. They’ve created two categories: one for single or multiple family dwellings, and one for elderly or care facilities.

Buying new carpet isn’t an easy endeavor. When you upgrade your carpet, you hope for a long life. If you get anything but the best, it’ll start to fail quicker, and you’ll be more convinced you made a costly mistake.

If you want to make a wise choice about the carpet you have installed, get past the color or pattern and dig deep down to the carpet grade. Your carpet’s specifications are the only way to know you’re installing the right product for the foot traffic you have in your home. The wrong grade will wear out faster, and will show the wear sooner rather than later.

Carpet Weight

Face weight is the weight of the fiber used in the manufacturing of the carpet pile. Face weight refers to the total ounces each square yard of fiber is. This does not include the weight of the carpet backing – that’s included in the total weight.

In general, you’ll find carpet across a full spectrum of face weight, somewhere from 20 to 100 ounces. For residential use, most carpet weight settles in between 35 and 60 ounces. A higher face weight does not equal a better grade of carpet. Higher face weights will not mean you’re selecting a more durable product.

Carpet Density

The FHA also requires fibers in carpeting to meet minimum density requirements, as well. Density refers to how close each fiber strand is at the base of the carpet. It also is determined by how many strands of fiber the carpet contains altogether.

Higher density numbers mean the carpet will have less matting and show less evidence of foot traffic through normal activity. You’ll often find higher density carpet used near doorways or main thoroughfares, where the carpet will get more use.

Keep in mind that once again, carpet density by itself will not tell you about quality any more than carpet weight; it’s all context. Think of it more as a starting point to learn more about quality.

Carpet Height

If you’re trying to find the best carpet for your situation, we have one more measurement you should consider. Carpet height refers to how long the fiber is from base to tip. The longer the carpet height, the more fragile the fibers will be. For high traffic areas, including stairs, pile height is a major determinant.

Calculating Carpet Density

To calculate carpet density, it’s a simple calculation of carpet face weight x 36/ carpet pile height. If you take the carpet face weight number in ounces and multiply that by 36, then divide that number by carpet height, you’ll get the density. Here’s a simple example:

Carpet with a 60 ounce face weight and a .75 inch pile height would be calculated as follows:

60×36/.75 = 2880

This would be a density of 2,880 ounces per cubic yard.

What does this number tell you? It can show you the best placement for the carpet, depending on the final number.

The Carpet and Rug Institute provides specific standards for the carpet and rug industry on carpet installation. When purchasing a carpet for most residential situations, you’ll want to install a carpet with at least a 3,600 density. Of course, higher is always better. Higher values signal a thicker, denser carpet that will handle better under pressure before it begins to show wear. If you’re installing in a commercial location, it’s recommended that you look for density of 5,000 or higher to ensure a long life.

How Carpet Density Impacts Daily Living

If you decide to install a carpet with higher density, it will impact wearability. Denser carpet lasts longer because it withstands impact better. It also makes it more difficult for dirt and stains to penetrate away from the surface and migrate down to the backing. When it’s easier to clean, which means you’ll have better looking carpet, longer.

However, there’s another carpet term to familiarize yourself with that impacts durability even more.

Carpet twist is the number of times a strand of fiber is twisted per inch. Higher twist level of four or more will be less likely to unravel over time, which makes them more durable overall.

Once again, the two are not interchangeable. A carpet doesn’t have to have high density to be durable; if the twist count is high, it might hold up well over time. The opposite can also be true.

Yet as you start to build a picture of the overall quality of a carpet, you can start seeing all of these things work together.

Carpet Padding

When selecting a carpet to install in your home, a lot of emphasis is placed on the carpet itself without mentioning the carpet padding. If you purchase carpet from a less-than-scrupulous source, they may play down the importance of padding, pushing you towards carpet that brings in more revenue. But we’ll tell you the two work closely together, and you should focus on the quality of each.

Carpet padding is what helps stabilize the carpet onto the subfloor. If you purchase the wrong padding for your situation, it can adversely impact the wear of your carpet.

Like carpet, pads also have a density rating. In most areas of your home, you should have a pad density rating of at least a 6 or greater. Pay attention to thickness as well, with 3/8 to ½ inch thick a good level for most locations throughout your home. For high traffic areas including your stairs, opt for a slightly thinner and higher density pad to give you more wearability.

Now that you know more about carpet density and how it impacts wearability, stop by today, and find the right carpet for your home.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 18, 2019

What To Know About Bamboo Flooring Before You Buy

Looking for a new flooring option? Not sold on the same old hardwood floor?

There’s a new option for you … bamboo flooring.

If you haven’t considered bamboo flooring in the past, you may have heard and believed some of the rumors. It’s soft. It’s difficult to maintain. It won’t last as long as more traditional hardwood.

Don’t believe the rumors.

Bamboo flooring is one of the fastest growing materials in the flooring industry. For good reasons.

Let’s start with resale value.

You may or may not be planning on selling your home in the future. But even if it isn’t a thought, most of us like installing things that will bring us up to modern times. Sure, we want our own personalities to shine through. But we also want something that will last, and won’t look straight out of last century within a few short years of installation.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, a poll they conducted asked real estate agents what they believe about houses with hardwood flooring:

99 percent say the house is easier to sell
90 percent say they can sell it for more money
82 percent say it sells faster than homes with other flooring options

And while type of hardwood is always a personal choice, one real estate agent stated that bamboo floors were at the top of the list for providing greater intrinsic value.

Bamboo flooring can help produce an easier sale.

Convinced you should take a second look at bamboo flooring?

What is bamboo flooring?

While we keep referring to bamboo flooring as a hardwood, it in fact, is not wood. It’s a grass. Yet because it doesn’t fit or resemble other flooring categories – tile, vinyl, laminate – it is slotted into the hardwood category because it looks a lot like hardwood.

What makes it even better than hardwood is its renewability. Because it is a grass, it grows very quickly. It can be harvested in as few as three years, cut down to be made into flooring materials. Compare that to some exotic woods that can take as long as half a century to come to maturity. It’s easy to see why this renewable resource is becoming so popular.

Processing

You’ll often hear bamboo flooring referred to as either horizontal or vertical, or strand-woven. It’s important to understand the difference.

If bamboo is cut either horizontal or vertical, it will give you a floor that looks like actual bamboo. During processing, bamboo stalks are sliced into strips. They are boiled to remove the starch, dried, and laminated into a board format. These boards are milled into planks to create strip flooring.

These stalks can be laid either horizontally or vertically into the board, thus creating either horizontal or vertical bamboo strips. Horizontal bamboo gives a greater impression of it looking like bamboo stalks, while vertical placement creates what is often referred to as tigerwood because of its streaks.

Strand woven bamboo flooring combines smaller pieces of the bamboo shoot and interweaves them with adhesive to make a stronger flooring product. Because the bamboo is pulped and mashed up, it can be formed into many different types of flooring, taking on a variety of appearances.

Durability

Because of the way bamboo flooring is processed, it is an extremely durable product that won’t change a lot over time. That means it’s an excellent choice for active households and high-traffic areas.

Because of the processing and the addition of adhesives to the final product, it creates a hardness factor that can easily compare to some of the more popular hardwoods. The Janka Hardness Scale puts natural bamboo somewhere around 1400. Compare that to Douglas Fir with a 660, or even red oak with a 1290.

It’s just as hard, if not harder, than the most popular hardwoods. It looks just as good as hardwood. And it can cost us to 50 percent less per square foot than some hardwood choices. All of that adds up to a flooring material that seems perfect for your home.

The downside of bamboo

It’s no wonder people are turning more to bamboo flooring than ever before. But before you dive in and add bamboo to the top of your list, there are a few things you should know and watch for.

Quality

There are several hundred different bamboo species, and not all of them are up for the job of becoming flooring. Yet that doesn’t stop some manufacturers from trying to pass it off as flooring.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most bamboo comes from China. And not every manufacturer holds itself up to high business standards. As a result, many companies put profits first and product last. This causes quality issues to vary widely throughout the product lines.

If bamboo is harvested too soon, mixes toxic chemicals in with adhesives, or bonded with inferior material, it weakens the end product. This can lead to flaking, peeling, easier scratched or dented product line.

There isn’t a set standard for bamboo flooring that crosses the globe. Without set standards, buying bamboo is often buyer-beware. That’s why you should think carefully before you make your final selection, and find a reputable dealer who spends time sourcing from high-quality manufacturers.

Moisture

With set standards in place, every aspect of production would be carefully controlled. Because that isn’t the case, bamboo is produced in all kinds of factory conditions.

Even when properly processed, consistent moisture is important throughout the drying process. This is important to create a product that is stable and handles well over time. Once on the job site, it’s important to let bamboo acclimate to its new surroundings. Strand woven bamboo can take anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the climate.

That’s why it’s important to select a contractor who understands bamboo. This isn’t just another hardwood. You can avoid potential problems if installation is done only after testing and gauged to be ready to install.

Chemicals

From a health perspective, it’s also important to focus on the entire manufacturing process. To create bamboo flooring, adhesives are mixed with bamboo pulp to create the final product. Some Chinese factories use things like urea and formaldehyde in glues, which are known to harm health. Not only do installers run a greater risk by handling the product, but off-gassing can also cause serious health problems for everyone in the household.

We can help you make the best selection

We don’t say all of this to make you afraid of installing bamboo flooring in your house. Instead, as Denver flooring experts, we tell you this to ensure you ask questions before you make your final selection.

Bamboo flooring is a popular choice for many reasons. We love the look and durability factor.

But to ensure you get a great product, don’t trust those “too good to be true” sales where you find material at a very low cost. Spend the time to get a high-quality product you’ll love for years.