Flooring Archives - Page 34 of 58

Flooring, Tile Floors
November 5, 2017

Natural Stone: It’s Not Just For Flooring Anymore

When people think of natural stone, they tend to think of flooring. And we’ll admit that it’s one of our favorite materials to install as flooring. Nothing is as beautiful as the one of a kind look natural stone provides.

But natural stone is so much more. It can be used in any room in your home, on virtually any surface, for a multitude of uses.

It’s easier than ever to create a dramatic statement by including it just about anywhere. A backsplash. A shower wall. A fireplace. A bathroom.

And while many people associate natural stone with kitchens and bathrooms, we’ve seen them installed in every room in the home with dynamic results.

That’s the benefit of working with stone. It’s versatile no matter where you choose to install it.

How about a living room wall behind your television?

Or incorporate it into your home gym and create the luxurious look of a day spa?

We also love the look when you incorporate into unexpected places in your kitchen. Move it out from the backsplash and cover an entire wall. When you mix it with different materials for the countertop and cabinets, you can create a look that is uniquely your own.

And while you can find a wide range of inspiration from searching online, an easier way is to stop by our showroom. As your partner in home design, we can show you what works for different rooms in your home. Our design consultants are knowledgeable and can guide you through a wide selection of products. We can offer our expert installation team to ensure a professional experience from beginning to end.

We know your home is an expression of your style. Let us help you create rooms you’re not only excited to come home to each day, but ones that you’ll love showing off to your family and friends too.

Flooring
November 3, 2017

Flooded Floors? Will Homeowners Insurance Help?

Had water damage to your flooring? A lot of homeowners face water damage every year.

Water damage can happen for a number of reasons – too many to list here. But not all water damage is the same. Depending on the cause, your homeowner’s insurance may or may not cover the damage.

And while we aren’t the experts on whether or not your insurance will cover the damage, we have discovered that many homeowners start the replacing process without realizing what is covered – and more importantly, what isn’t.

In theory, insurance should compensate for like flooring. That means whatever you have in place before the flood occurred is what will be replaced after the flood. You’re entitled to the same type of flooring that you had in place, or something of equivalent value. This is how many insurance policies work – but not all. That’s why it’s important to understand your policy before it comes into play.

Most insurance companies will provide you with a report of what you are entitled to. An inspector will assess the damage and take samples of what is in place, use that for final analysis, and then compensate for the same sort of quality. For example, if you had an inexpensive laminate, you will be compensated for today’s costs of an inexpensive laminate. You might not be able to find the exact color, style, or materials. But you will be able to replace it with something equivalent to what is in place.

Then if you choose to upgrade, you would get an allowance for what materials are in place, and you would be required to pick up the difference.

In most cases, the estimate is forwarded to your insurance company where they use national rates for their estimates. It may or may not be based on your geographic region, depending on the company. But in general, if they see a legitimate estimate from a reputable company and the price is justified, they will cover the cost. Likewise, if there are additional items that come up during installation – if the subfloor is damaged after the original flooring is ripped out – they will usually replace this as well. (Again, you’ll have to work with your insurance company to find out the details.)

Keep in mind that it’s not always just the flooring that will be covered.

Furniture – Furniture often needs to be moved to install the flooring. Some homeowners choose to do this themselves. But if it requires help to have it moved, it’s often covered as a part of the estimate.

Baseboards – Often baseboards need to be refinished or painted, especially when putting in different types of flooring. Your homeowner’s insurance may cover the costs, depending on the circumstances.

Hotel – If you have extensive flooding, it may require a hotel stay to complete your flooring, especially if adding new hardwoods throughout. If it blocks basic living – bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen – your insurance company will often pay.

Have additional questions? We can often provide you with answers based on our experience. But keep in mind, a call to your insurance agent can help you discover the best way to handle your flood.

Area Rugs, Flooring
October 30, 2017

Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Area Rug

Nothing creates a more elegant look that an area rug accenting your hardwood floors. You’ve invested a lot of money in both your hardwood and your rug; how do you keep it looking good for years to come?

To extend the life of your area rug, the most important part is vacuuming it frequently. Dirt and dust can quickly settle into the rug fibers, especially if your rug is in a high traffic area.

Today’s vacuums promise powerful cleaning. But that cleaning can overwhelm delicate fibers of some rugs. To preserve your area rug, use vacuum attachments and a gentler setting, especially around the binding or outer edges. You can also use a carpet sweeper for everyday cleaning, which is manual and lighter to the touch.

Keep in mind that during the first few months you own your area rug, some shedding is normal.

Clean Spills Immediately

The most important thing you can do to preserve your area rug is to clean spills as quickly as possible. Carpet fibers can pull any moisture that lies on the top of the pile and draw it within. If the spill has time to dry, it can permanently stain the fibers. So the cleaning process may vary depending on the type of rug and stain itself.

Always blot, never rub. Use water sparingly to keep the spill moist while you work on the spill. Use clean, dry cloth to blot at the spot until it fades away. It’s also a good idea to get your area rug professionally cleaned once or twice per year, depending upon its use.

Rotate Your Rug

Depending on the use of your area rug and what environment it is placed in, it’s a good idea to rotate your area rug on a regular basis. Turn your rug 180 degrees once or twice a year to prevent certain spots from fading or wearing out where traffic is heaviest.

Always Use A Rug Pad

Just like padding is essential for the life of your carpets, so too is a rug pad for the life of your area rug. A rug pad acts as a buffer between the hard surface and your area rug. It prevents fibers from being crushed. The rug wear will be kept to a minimum because it acts as a cushion against the flooring. It also keeps the rug from slipping on a hard surface.

And that’s it. With just a few tips, your area rug will stay looking its best for years to come.

Flooring
October 25, 2017

Waterproof vs Water Resistant Flooring: What’s The Difference?

In some areas of your home, moisture can be a problem. Which is why it’s important that you install the right flooring for the conditions of your room.

Manufacturers often state their products are “waterproof” or “water resistant”, but what is the difference?

Waterproof Flooring

Waterproof flooring will not degrade when it is submerged in water for extended periods of time. When we think of waterproof flooring, luxury vinyl is the first flooring to come to mind. If it sits in water, the color of the print film will not fade. It also means the wear layer will not curl up at the edges of the planks. Furthermore, the vinyl will not break down as it continues to sit in water.

Waterproof flooring can be installed in every room in your home. But many prefer it in places where moisture may be a problem: the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or the basement. Every once in awhile we are asked about installing it on patios, in rooms used as inside/outside entertaining areas. While the flooring may be waterproof, it isn’t warrantied for outdoor elements. That means cold, sun damage and other elements can impact it quickly. There are other options much more fitting these outdoor rooms.

Water Resistant Flooring

Water Resistant flooring will not be impacted by water in the short term, providing the water or other spilled liquid is mopped up in a reasonable amount of time. Water will not begin to penetrate the material from the moment it is spilled, like hardwood often does.

If a flooring is marked water resistant, it means issues can develop if water pools for extended periods of time. On vinyl planks, for instance, you may see discoloring or curling at the edges.

If you are installing a glue down water resistant flooring, we also recommend taking extra precautions and applying a moisture barrier to the subfloor. This barrier controls the moisture vapor emission rate from concrete slabs. It protects your floor coverings from moisture vapor and will ensure the integrity of the adhesive. For a floating system, an underlayment with attached moisture barrier is recommended.

Which is right for your situation: waterproof or water resistant? We have a wide array of options available whatever your needs.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 22, 2017

Want The Look Of Hardwood Flooring Without The Cost?

Here in Colorado, hardwood flooring continues to take top billing in what homeowners choose for their homes.

And while hardwood always looks beautiful in every setting, it doesn’t always make sense for every home. Hardwood requires more maintenance than other flooring choices. It is more susceptible to water damage.

If the look of hardwood is something you desire, there is an alternative. Vinyl plank flooring is a popular option for residential use when a more durable alternative is needed. In addition to durability and low cost, there are a few other things you should consider before selecting vinyl planks for your home.

Flooring Quality

Like every type of flooring on the market today, there are good manufacturers and the not so good. Selecting one simply because of price can leave you regretting your decision from almost the moment it is installed.

The quality of vinyl planks is dependent upon thickness and wear surface. You’ll find vinyl planks come in 2 millimeters on the low end to 6 millimeters and above on the high end. Look at warranty as an indicator. You should also pay attention to the scuff and stain resistant options for the urethane wear layer. Lower models may use a covering that mimics a urethane finish, but you want one that will continue to give you wear resistance for many years to come.

Flooring Installation

Vinyl planks can be installed by either gluing them down or floating them in place. Some have adhesive strips that overlap and secure the planks together during installation. Others click together and install like laminate flooring. Commercial grade is usually glued down with pressure sensitive adhesives, which makes them easy to replace if damaged. Select one that works best for the wear factor of your living arrangements.

Vinyl planks can offer you the look and feel of hardwood flooring without the maintenance that goes along with it. The key is in selecting a high quality vinyl plank that will give you years of wear. We can help you select the right one for you.

Flooring
October 16, 2017

Finding The Best Flooring For Insulation

When the temperatures start to dip here in Colorado, and the furnace kicks on in the morning, it’s natural to begin thinking about ways to make your home more efficient. Why let your conditioned air flow out of your home and pay more in the process?

Many will tell you to look to your attic, your windows and your doors for opportunity. We agree. But there is another place that many forget to look, and that’s down at your floors.

Depending on what your home was built on, your conditioned air may be doing little good. As you walk around, all you feel is cold, damp air.

Building insulation is used to help maintain internal temperatures. A home that is properly insulated will be more energy efficient. That also means your heating and cooling system will not have to work overtime to get the job done. Typically, you’ll find insulation placed in attics, exterior facing walls, and under the subfloor if you have a crawlspace or basement in your home.

There are many different types of insulation available: spray foam, radiant barrier, batt insulation to name a few. Pretty much any floor can be installed over insulation, so determining the best floors for insulation is a simple process.

Insulation may not be the only factor in decided how to retain heat in your room. It may also help to ask which floors hold heat the best. The answer is stone or tile flooring. And what helps even more, stone and tile can be installed over a radiant heating system.

You can also install floating vinyl floors over radiant heat as well. They key is floating – this means the interlocking vinyl planks that are growing in popularity.

If you have a concrete subfloor, using an underlayment can also help insulate your room. Underlayment is a cost effective way to create an insulation barrier underneath vinyl and hardwood floors. The underlayment acts as an insulation barrier to hold in heat and keep the cold from moving from your subfloors to your actual floors. It can also help prevent against moisture.

Want to learn even more about flooring and insulation? Give us a call today.

Carpet, Flooring
October 12, 2017

4 Reasons To Use Carpet Tile For Your Commercial Location

Upgrading your commercial flooring? There are many things to consider before you finalize your decision. Of course, you want it to look great. It’s important to have it maintain well over time. It’s also important that you get the best deal possible – why have this choice cut into your bottom line?

While many people settle on broadloom carpeting throughout their commercial space, more are moving towards carpet tile because of its good looks and ease of use. Here are the top 5 reasons we think you’re going to love this option.

Easy Maintenance

What makes carpet tiles so versatile is they are easy to care for and easy to replace. Depending on the traffic in your commercial location, some carpets may need monthly deep cleaning. With broadloom carpet, stains can set in quickly if not treated immediately. With carpet tiles, it’s never a problem. Just pick up the tile that’s been impacted and replace it with a new one.

Easy Installation

To fully install carpeting throughout your commercial location takes time and exact measurements. Especially if you have specific shapes or challenges within your space. Carpet tiles are loaded up in boxes, meaning they are easier to transport no matter where your commercial space is. Carpet tiles are easier to cut into any size and shape and fit them into places that are much more difficult than with a full roll. It also makes it easier to replace – just keep an extra box or two, and you’ll keep your space in top condition all the time.

Easily Customizable

Carpet tiles come in many different colors, patterns, styles, and themes. You can add them easily wherever you want them. And unlike broadloom carpet, you can piece together carpet to create the look and pattern you desire. You could create a checkerboard pattern, add stripes of different colors, or give your space a unique look to match any decor. There are so many different possibilities – you can let your imagination run wild.

Cost Effective

Carpet tile one of the longest lasting carpets you’ll ever select. You don’t have to purchase underlayment or padding with carpet tile because it has a backing already in place. It tends to last a lot longer than other carpet choices because you can replace individual sections on an as needed basis. In general, it is also easier to install.

Are carpet tiles in your future? Stop by and see the many possibilities available to you today.

Flooring
October 9, 2017

Home Office Makeover: Choosing Your Flooring

When you think about home renovation, chances are the flooring is one of the last things you consider. If you are in the process of giving your home office a makeover, it’s more exciting to look for the right desk, select paint colors for the walls, and purchase new accessories than it is to choose a flooring. Yet your flooring is vitally important to your surroundings. You walk on them every day, place furniture on them, even subject them to different kinds of spills than what you’d find throughout the rest of your home.

It may be a part of your home, but it is important to consider finding the best flooring to match your needs.

Hardwood

This continues to be a favorite for both home and office environments. Why? Because it’s durable. While your home office may contain nothing more than a desk, a chair, and a filing system, those can be tough on your floors. If you move in a wheeled office chair, it can leave marks or even crack, rip or tear some flooring materials. Not so with hardwood. They will look great and last a long time too.

Ceramic or Other Tile

Tiling is also another choice that is perfect for the home office. They wear extremely well and are durable and easy to maintain. What’s more, if you want your room heated efficiently, consider placing radiant heating underneath your tiles. Because tiles come in all kind of materials, styles, sizes, shapes, and colors, your potential is unlimited in creating the perfect look for your home office. And if a tile happens to crack, it’s easy to replace. Just be sure you keep a few extra tiles on hand for the just in case.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a great choice depending on the dynamics of your home office. If you have wheeled office chairs, understand that they can mar, dent, and even tear the bamboo. If this is the case, using a clear chair mat can help preserve the bamboo. If most of the wear comes from walking and sitting, bamboo can be an attractive alternative, and is green and eco-friendly too.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is another excellent choice for the home office. Engineered hardwood is durable, and is easy to take care of because it’s sealed. What makes engineered hardwood so attractive is its composed of entirely real wood but is layered with a top layer that can be virtually any color or style. Yes, it can create the look of exotic hardwood. Yes, it can create the look of marble or stone. The possibilities are endless. And because many engineered hardwood systems are click and place, by saving a few extra pieces you can easily replace it if necessary in the future.

What is your favorite flooring for your home office remodel?

Flooring
October 5, 2017

Flooring Ideas For Your Home Gym

We all have the best of intentions to eat better and exercise more. Sometimes your best motivator isn’t a gym membership, but instead is having the gym right there in your home.

Home gyms can be a perfect addition to your home if you want privacy and solitude while working out. They can be cheaper in the long run once your initial investment for equipment is in place. And it doesn’t take much to give you everything you need: a weight bench, a treadmill, a stationary bike and an exercise ball may be all you need.

But there are other factors too. Safety is important to ensure you stay safe while using the equipment. And an important aspect of that is in the flooring. There are numerous things to consider when selecting the flooring for your home gym: the kind of heavy equipment you are installing, where the gym will be in your home, and what kind of exercises you plan to perform in the space.

Gym flooring should have a lot of different characteristics: durability, strength, low maintenance, comfort, noise reduction are just a few to keep in mind.

Carpet

Carpet may be your least expensive option. It’s also one of the most popular. Select commercial grade carpet tiles as they are durable and easy to install. They also give you the option of replacing tiles on an as needed basis.

Rubber

Rubber is the most common gym flooring in commercial gyms. It is water resistant, easy to maintain, and can withstand the weight of most gym equipment. Rubber is very heavy to work with and requires professional installation.

Vinyl

Vinyl comes in lots of formats, including flexible, interlockable tiles that are easy to install. There are many styles, patterns, colors and options to help you make your home gym as unique as your home. Vinyl is capable of handling cardio rigor, but if you are doing a lot of weight training, keep in mind that the constant friction can damage vinyl.

Cork

Cork is also emerging as a popular gym choice. It is hypoallergenic and is easy to maintain. It can bear the impact of moderately heavy objects with ease. Like vinyl, it cannot take heavy equipment or rigorous lifting and movement.

Utility Grade Wood

Utility grade wood handles weight extremely well. However, keep in mind that if you drop heavy weights on it, it may splinter or crack. It can work quite well with heavy machinery that remains stationary, but think twice if weightlifting is a part of your routine.

What’s the right flooring for your home gym? Let one of our associates help you select the right flooring for your room.

Flooring
September 30, 2017

How To Fight Allergies With Your Flooring

With the change of seasons comes a whole new round of potential aggravators for allergy sufferers. Trees, plants, furry friends, all can trigger allergy symptoms and leave you feeling like you’re not quite yourself.

But there is a way to combat the effects of allergies by incorporating the right type of flooring into your home.

These days, our homes are filled with toxic chemicals that can cause a variety of ailments. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, more than half of the population suffers from some form of allergies. And most of these come from inside the home.

By carefully considering what flooring choice you introduce into your home, you may be able to eliminate one major source of problems, and allow your family to breathe a little easier.

Common allergens around the home include:

Dust mites – dust mites are microscopic insect too small to be seen by the naked eye. But they are unavoidable and are everywhere.
Pet hair – our favorite fluffy friends shed animal dander and contribute to allergies by salivating, urinating, defecating, and bringing in biological playthings in from outdoors.
Mold – anywhere there is moisture you risk having mold. It can grow easily in damp places including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

The best flooring choices to combat these issues are:

Cork – cork flooring is an excellent choice on many levels. It is antimicrobial due to suberin, a naturally occurring substance that reduces the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and other allergens. It’s a surface that is easy to clean and easy to maintain.
Hardwood – hardwood continues to be one of the most beautiful and durable flooring choices around. The hard surface leaves no room for dust mites to hide, and is easy to clean and maintain.
Bamboo – bamboo offers all the surface properties of hardwood and is water resistant and less likely to retain moisture than traditional hardwood. It’s important to check the manufacturing to ensure the bamboo is low VOC before you purchase and install.
Stone – not all stone if allergy friendly, but as a rule, smooth stone will be much less likely to harbor allergens because it isn’t as porous. Select a marble or granite for a clean surface area that is durable and easy to maintain.
Tile – tile is one of the best choices because it’s easy to care for and dust is easy to spot and clean up. Be sure to install with VOC-free adhesives.
Vinyl – much like cork flooring, high-end vinyl offers all the benefits of a hard surface. It’s easy to clean and easy to care for, with no pockets to collect moisture, mold, or mites. With vinyl, you do get what you pay for. Ensure your vinyl is manufactured with low VOCs, which can increase your allergen risk.