Flooring Archives - Page 33 of 58

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 22, 2017

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood?

One of the best reasons to install hardwood flooring into your home is its ability to last a lifetime. With a little TLC and occasional refinishing, hardwood can last for decades.

But what about engineered hardwood? Can you refinish that too?

It depends on the engineered hardwood.

Engineered hardwood has a hardwood surface. And that surface layer can be refinished. How many times depends on how thick the hardwood layer is.

The layer of solid hardwood on engineered flooring is known as the wear layer. It ranges from 1mm to 8mm thick depending on the quality of the flooring. When an engineered floor is refinished, the sanding process will eliminate anywhere from .75mm to 1mm of the wear layer. That means you can refinish your engineered hardwood several times before you eliminate the wear layer altogether.

A floor with hardwood layers of 1mm should never be refinished. With 8mm of hardwood layer, it can be refinished up to 8 times.

Several factors reduce the number of time an engineered floor can be refinished.

Deep scratches or stains in the wood might be deeper into the wood that the wear layer
If moisture damage has occurred, cupping may occur near the edges of the planks. This can require more layers to be removed in order to bring the planks flush again. If the cupping is severe, refinishing may not be possible.
Uneven floors can have low spots that require more sanding. If refinishing is too deep and goes beyond the wear layer, you’ll have to replace rather than refinish.

If severe damage is done to the planks, you may be able to replace the damaged planks or repair the scratches with stainable wood filler. This can help you save time and money during the process and get more life out of the rest of your floor.

In some cases, adding a layer of polyurethane sealer to the existing finish, a process known as refreshing the finish, is a good option when only light wear has occurred. This can be a possibility if the wear hasn’t penetrated the wear layer starting to show on your floor.

Refreshing can be done every 4 to 7 years depending on how much traffic the floor receives.

If you don’t know the history of your engineered floors, then investigating the condition will be necessary. Removing a floor grate may expose an edge profile of the wood and allow you to measure the remaining wear layer. You can also remove baseboard trim to have access to the side.

If you need further assistance, we’d be happy to help and provide you with options on the best course of action for your flooring needs.

Carpet, Flooring
December 19, 2017

The Difference Between Cut Pile Carpet and Textured Carpet

If you’ve started researching to upgrade the carpeting in your home, you may be thoroughly confused by the sheer number of terms and styles and types within the industry. While we can’t answer every question within one post (that would be a very long post!), we can help you navigate the difference between cut pile and textured carpet.

When people in the industry talk about carpet type or carpet texture, what they are actually referring to is the way the fiber is attached to the back of the carpet. When they refer to textured carpet, in fact, what they are describing is a carpet that has a cut pile.

A cut pile is a carpet where the fiber is attached to the backing in loop fashion, then is cut creating a tufted surface.

So that means cut and textured are the same thing, right? Well … not exactly.

There are several different types of cut pile carpeting, varying in length and treatment of the fiber. True textured cut pile has fibers with uneven lengths. This gives it a fuller, more textured surface area. Cut pile can include other carpets including plush, frieze, shag or Saxony.

However, different carpet manufacturers might refer to their carpets in different ways. Some with use the terms “textured” or “cut pile” when all of them are more or less the same thing.

Textured carpets are one of the most popular choices for the home. This is because of the way they are made. The cut pile process combines uneven and twisted fibers, making them both extremely hard wearing and less likely to show dirt and tracks. There they are perfect for the areas of the home with high traffic, or in areas where kids and pets play.

Of course, the other element that will dictate the durability of your carpet is how dirt or stain resistant it will be, and that depends on the fiber. Certain fibers have more wear resistance than others.

Whether you opt for wool or from nylon or polyester will depend on your budget and what you are looking for in a carpet. But regardless of the fiber type, because of the nature of the uneven pile, textured carpets are considered to be one of the most durable in the business.

Even though textured carpets are in general more durable, there are a few things you can do to ensure you maximize their lifespan.

Select carpet with a built-in stain resistant finish. Many brands specialize in finishes for pet owners; be conscious of your lifestyle and what suits you best.

Attack stains as soon as they happen for best results. Have a handy cleaning kit ready at all times.

Use rugs and doormats to help keep the outside out, and make your inside cleaner.

Ensure the details of the warranty before you install and follow manufacturer’s guidance at all times. Have a question? We can help.

Carpet, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 11, 2017

Home Flooring Trends – The 2018 Guide

Planning on giving yourself a gift this holiday season? Want to update your home in 2018 with brand new flooring? We have a few ideas in mind.

It’s that time of year where top home and fashion magazines make predictions on colors and styles for the coming year. And while we prefer to stick with things that have longevity and will offer you classic style for years, it is important to watch for updates to the flooring choices we like best.

And you’ll love what the “latest and greatest” ideas are for your flooring needs are!

Eco-Friendly Flooring

In every industry, technology is shaking things up a bit. It’s no different in the flooring industry. Using organic materials just makes sense, especially when they are as good looking as cork, marmoleum, or linoleum. If you’re looking for a clean, minimalist option, any of these eco-friendly options are sure to please. And because of their gain in popularity, you’ll find all new patterns and styles that don’t remind you of a hospital or school corridor. The best part of it is you don’t need to stick with one to have a perfect look. We’ve seen combinations work well together too. Try mixing marmoleum and cork for a modern day twist in your downtown condo. Or change the color and lighten a bedroom up with white cork flooring. Whatever you choose, you’ll love the look and the ease.

Hardwood Flooring

Of course, hardwood flooring never goes out of style. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be updated along the way. Planks are getting wider, and we’re seeing spaces that blend rustic and contemporary elements into the final design. As well as wider planks, we are also seeing planks with different widths to give a less uniform look. Again, this offers you options without having to find actual reclaimed hardwood planks. And the best thing is with this new look is you can find any color and pattern you choose, giving you the ability to create any ambiance you desire.

Vibrant Rugs

One of the best new trends is something that’s more flexible, more changeable. You’ll find lots of opportunities to showcase strong design elements throughout your home with a vibrant color and pattern palette available for you to choose from. Key color trends for 2018 are bright, yellow, lime green, cherry tomato red, sky blue, bright purple, and fuchsia. You’ll find many different rugs available to showcase your wild side in any one of these colors. It’s not just about the color, texture plays an important part as well. It’ll be easier than ever to give your home a personal touch

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 7, 2017

How To Protect Your Wood Floors From Damage

Is upgrading your floors to hardwood on your to-do list this year?

There are many good reasons to install hardwoods throughout your home. It adds elegance and warmth to any space. They are highly durable and long lasting. They add value to your home.

It’s a classic and timeless choice for flooring. And if cared for properly, they can last a lifetime.

But that also means they take a little extra effort to ensure they keep their beauty and strength. If you change your routine and properly maintain them, you’ll love the look no matter how many times you redecorate.

Sweep and Clean Regularly

The simplest way to keep them looking their best is to clean them on a regular basis. Even small particles of dust, dirt, gravel, or other debris can dent or scratch the surface. Make sure to sweep up often to eliminate these elements that can shorten your floor’s life.

Vacuum

Sweeping is best for wood floors. If you vacuum, make sure you are using the right attachment for your floor. The bristles you use for carpets are too rough for wood surfaces and can scratch the wood. Make sure you use the hardwood feature that is specially designed to be gentler on wood surfaces.

Stop Mopping

Water and wood don’t mix. Saturating your wood floor with moisture can cause the water to seep into the wood fibers which can swell, warp, or permanently damage hardwood. If you need to deep clean due to a mess or spill, use lukewarm water and immediately wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Choose Cleaners Carefully

Just because it says “good on wood floors” doesn’t make it so. Many of the cleaners on the market today can strip off the finish and dull the shine of your hardwood. Start by checking with your flooring manufacturer; they will have guidelines for the best cleaning methods for your floors. As a general rule, avoid cleaners that use vinegar or ammonia, as these can dull floors over time. Oil soaps can create buildup on the floors that can be difficult to remove over time.

Remove Shoes

Removing shoes at the door is one of the best ways to preserve your floors. High heels act as tiny hammers that scratch and dent. If sand and rocks stick to soles, they can scratch with every step you take. Leaving your shoes at the door reduces the chances that you’ll bring damaging debris into the house and carry it onto your floors. Leave a mat or rug near your doors and even consider having a pile of slippers available in the cold winter months.

Implement a Care Routine

Because wood floors need regular maintenance, it’s important to develop your routine right from the start. When cared for properly, they can last for decades. Have tools readily available and use them frequently. You should even ask your flooring consultant about stripping and adding a new layer of wax to ensure you provide what’s best for the wood.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 5, 2017

The Best Alternatives To Hardwood Floors

What’s the one thing holding you back from installing hardwood flooring throughout? For many, it’s the cost of the wood. Traditional hardwood is a costly investment. It’s also more difficult to maintain than other flooring choices. As a result, many property owners are looking for more affordable, durable options.

We have some ideas for you. To determine which material is right for your home, take a look at these budget-friendly alternatives.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a common flooring choice that still offers beauty and appeal. It’s natural textures and characteristics give the appearance of hardwood. And because it’s a sustainable material, it can offer eco-friendly characteristics into your home. However, bamboo’s structure is similar to hardwood in that it will scratch and dent easily. Cleaning regularly should be used as a way to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

Cork

Cork is increasing in popularity and is a completely renewable alternative that is available in both tiles and planks. It has an added benefit of absorbing loud noises and insulating the surroundings. You’ll love this cushioned floor if you stand for extended periods of time. However, it does have a low tolerance to humidity and can dent easily under heavy furniture.

Vinyl and Laminate

For those who want the visual appearance of wood without the prices and upkeep to go along with it, synthetic materials such as vinyl and laminate offer a viable alternative. They offer the convenience of a floating floor installation that duplicates the look and feel of real wood. They are also highly resistant to stains and discoloration due to spills, sunlight, or heavy foot traffic. However, their longevity is shorter than hardwoods and will need to be replaced on a more frequent basis.

Tile

With today’s technology, tile can create the look and feel of hardwood with all of the durability and ease you come to expect with tile. It’s the most versatile flooring choice for every room in your home. And with their protective glazes and sealants, they can withstand water damage and stains. That means you have an unlimited amount of design possibilities combines with durability that will last the test of time. Homeowners also love being able to install them over radiant heating, which can make even the coldest room in your home a little bit warmer even during the cold, winter months.

See a choice that sounds perfect for you? Stop by today and we can show you all of your alternatives and help you make the right selection for you.

Flooring
November 30, 2017

Removing Tree Sap From Flooring

Nothing says Christmas quite like a live Christmas tree. They’re beautiful. They smell wonderful.

But what happens when the floor underneath gets sticky from tree sap?

The best way of dealing with it is preventing the problem before it sets in. But when it happens, cleaning it up quickly is your best line of defense. Here’s how.

Ice It Away

If you have small areas of sap, placing an ice cube over the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes is an effective way of dealing with the problem. This causes the sap to harden. After wiping up the water, pick at the hardened sap with your fingernail or a plastic knife. Position it almost parallel to the floor, being careful not to scratch or scrape the floor in the process. Once it’s removed, wipe the area down with your favorite cleaner to pick up all residue.

Soak

For a hardwood floor, soak the sap in a small amount of oil soap for fifteen minutes. This is the kind used for cleaning most hardwood floors. Dab most of the soap up with a paper towel, then scrub the area with a soft brush. Use a damp sponge to remove all soap residue. Rubbing alcohol is an alternative in place of an oil soap.

Acetone

Acetone is sold as nail polish remover. Using a microfiber cloth, rub the stain and work from the outer rim toward the middle. Do not rub outward because you can spread the sap to other areas of the floor. Continue until the stain dissolves and disappears. When fully removed, wash the area with an approved floor cleaner.

Cooking Oil

Have a spill on your kitchen vinyl? Consider using olive or cooking oil to help loosen the sap, especially if it’s dried. Anything super oily can loosen up the sap and help break it away. For certain fibers, using a little peanut butter may also do the trick, rubbing it gently into the affected area. Just be sure you wash the area completely once you are through.

What messes have you found to be difficult to remove from your flooring?

Flooring
November 26, 2017

How To Survive Floor Renovation And Stay Married Too

Taking on a new renovation project in your home? It can be costly, time consuming, and sometimes confusing too. Add in a little stress and emotions, and it can lead to fights with a spouse, making the project even more difficult to endure.

Even the simplest of tasks can be tedious when you add in stress. And when the project impacts your living arrangement for years to come, it can be difficult at best. Add in the fact that a significant amount of money may be going into this project, and it’s the perfect storm for potential marital disaster.

One of the biggest problems we find begins with the planning process. Often, one person has done more research or has more expectations than the other. And when they aren’t on the same page from the beginning, that’s the start of when things can go wrong.

Blaming is never the solution. Planning can help you both get on the same page. Here’s where to start.

Start with your funding

No matter how well you plan for a home improvement project, chances are budgets are tested in the process. Changing your home from carpets to hardwoods? Is the subfloor in prime shape? Ripping up vinyl to install laminate? Are your floorboards and baseboards in good shape?

The two of you should come to an agreement on how much to put into your new flooring project long before you start looking at options. This will help you stay on track with your needs and desires, and give the contractor helping you a better idea of where you can splurge or need to hold back.

Communication is key

Many spouses don’t take the time to talk about their concerns before they start looking. If one partner has an idea and the other chooses something different, the fighting can start before the project begins.

In some cases, the little things can be the biggest holdback. You may both be on the same page as far as styling – hardwood is mandatory for both of you. But instead, you find yourself differing on color. With today’s resources, there are many ways to see all of your options before you make your final selection. Talk to your neighbors and get opinions on functionality and durability. Who will be cleaning the floors? That might easily sway the advantage one way or another.

Compromise

Just like many situations, be willing to give. There are many different types of flooring choices available – many may even surprise you.

Instead of coming in with exact ideas in mind, be open and willing to look at your options. With the new materials available, you may just find an option that you’d never thought of considering.

Decide what your most important characteristics are – durability, long-lasting, and color may be key. Then let one of our associates show you your options.

You may be surprised at what you decide.

Flooring, Vinyl Floors
November 17, 2017

Do I Really Need To Acclimate My Laminate Floors?

You want the look and feel of hardwood floors. But laminate floors will serve you better. They’re more durable. They’re easier to care for. And they’re easier to install.

But that doesn’t mean you can purchase them from your local flooring shop and install them the same day. Like hardwood flooring, laminate floors need a little TLC along the way. From the moment you finalize your purchase, there are a few things you need to do to ensure quality installation.

Sadly, some flooring dealers will tell you that you don’t have to acclimate laminate floors. They will tell you that laminate isn’t real wood, so it doesn’t matter. However, what they don’t tell you is that by not acclimating it to your space, you may actually be voiding the warranty.

Why do you need to acclimate laminate flooring when it isn’t a hard wood product? Like hardwood, laminate is made from materials that can change in different climate situations. If you take laminate from a warm, dry warehouse and install it in a cool, moist basement, there is a chance the humidity will cause the laminate to expand. It might not be extensive change, but even small amounts can cause your floors to buckle.

The opposite can happen too. If you take laminate from a cool, moist warehouse and install them in a dry, warm home in the middle of winter, the floors could cause gaps that pull apart. This can make your floor uneven, even unsightly depending on the width of the gaps.

And all of this could be avoided if the contractor simply applied acclimation times to the materials before installation.

Acclimation times vary based on manufacturers, but you’ll find most list between 48 and 72 hours. This means the materials have to brought to your home and placed in the room in which it will be installed at least 48 to 72 hours before work is performed.

If you are trying to find the best flooring company for purchasing laminate floors, you should always lead with this simple question before you lay down your credit card.

Do you need to acclimate laminate floors before installation? The answer is always yes.

If they try and tell you otherwise, leave and find a flooring company you can trust.

Flooring
November 14, 2017

Getting Your Floors Ready For The Holidays

How are your holiday plans coming along? Are you hosting parties all season long?

It’s one of the most popular times of the year to have family and friends over, entertaining, cooking, baking.

That’s a lot of foot traffic across your floors.

Your floors are the first thing your guests will notice. If they’re dirty, dingy, or drab, it can take away a little of the excitement they feel as they walk through the doors. If they’re clean, they’ll admire your beautiful home.

Where do you begin?

Give your floors a deep clean

Not only do you want your floors to look their best before guests arrive, but you also want them to look great after they leave. By deep cleaning first, you can protect your flooring from stains, scratches, and dirt. Sometimes when dirt and debris builds up, it can cause scratches as shoes walk across the floor or a table or chair slides into place. Deep cleaning can remove that layer of dirt that will most likely cause damage. While you can find mild cleaners at your favorite store, we recommend checking with the manufacturer before you use a solution. Sometimes natural is the best way to go. A mixture of one part vinegar and three parts water works well every time.

Invest in extra rugs

Rugs can help you prevent scratches and stains before they occur. Mats work well in hallways, entryways, and around the kitchen. Be selective of where you lay them. Consider the flow of your home as well as where your guests are likely to gather. And while you can invest in large rugs to be a part of your room’s decor, don’t shy away from smaller rugs that accent the room just for the holidays. Just be sure they are high quality and won’t be dangerous, adding into the potential for slips and falls.

Add felt pads under your furniture

Guests often spend the most time in your kitchen, breakfast nook and dining room. Chairs are often slid back and forth over and over again. They may also be spending more time on your sofa, plopping down for a movie or a video game with the kids. Every time they move around, your furniture has the potential of moving just a bit. And those sudden movements can scratch the finish and move deep into the wood. If you don’t have a rug underneath, invest in high quality felt pads and attach them to the legs of your furniture. They’re easy to superglue into place.

Invest in a repair kit

Scratches might occur, and when they do, there is a solution. Most hardware stores have repair kits to hide the scratches and scuff marks, and prevent them from getting worse. If you have one on hand, you can touch up any problem areas from the moment they occur. You can quickly hide the blemishes as you’re getting ready for your next big party.

It doesn’t take much to have your floors looking their best this holiday season. So relax. With just a little bit of planning, you can enjoy your time with family and friends without worrying about your flooring after the events.

Carpet, Flooring
November 9, 2017

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters When Selecting A Floor

Indoor air quality – or IAQ – has become somewhat of a buzzword in the home improvement industry. You’ll hear it referred to with just about any product you buy.

And with good reason. We’re just starting to realize the importance of the air we breathe in and its effect on our health for the long term.

Studies show that Americans spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, whether at work, school, or at home. And when you consider all of the harmful compounds and even carcinogens that go into building materials, you can see how the impact can really add up.

Volatile organic compounds – VOCs – are commonly found in many things. And if you look down at your flooring, you can find VOCs in just about any type of flooring – carpets, vinyl, wood, glues, paints, and finishes. If you finish a floor with a poly finish and you smell a noticeably strong scent, you’re essentially smelling chemicals being offgassed from the finish. And that’s not good for your health.

Although offgassing is the strongest at the time of application, it doesn’t stop there. Offgassing occurs months, years after the initial installation, though the amount decreases over time. Things can also trigger it back into action, such as water damage from a flood.

Approximately 7 million American children suffer from asthma. And children, in general, are more susceptible to the effects that can trigger asthma-like symptoms. That includes the effects of harsh chemicals.

That means whether you’re looking at replacing flooring in a residential or commercial location, it’s worth a little extra time to consider the impact of how it will affect your IAQ. Especially if you are bringing young children into your location on a regular basis.

It doesn’t take much to find safer, healthier alternatives to whatever flooring choice you desire. We can show you options you’ll love for any location, work or home.