Flooring Archives - Page 45 of 58

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 21, 2016

The Advantages Of Installing Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

With so many options when installing hardwood flooring, why should you select unfinished hardwood flooring?

Prefinished flooring is the perfect option for homeowners who need a quick turnaround with the installation process. Or for homeowners that want an easy, click into place system for creating the look they desire.

But there are certain benefits to installing unfinished hardwood flooring.

You can customize your unfinished floor

One of the biggest advantages is the flexibility. With raw wood, it’s like working with a clean slate. You can choose how your flooring will look, colors and patterns, and design in any way you choose.

In contrast, prefinished flooring comes from the manufacturer with stain and finish already applied. There is no changing it. If you have an idea in mind, it’s difficult to create it without destroying the underlying benefits of having a prefinished system in place.

It can give you unlimited options, and it also makes it easier to coordinate and match up to existing floors.

Less risk

With unfinished flooring, there’s no risk of conflict when matching up old and new finishes. You can apply virtually any finish without having to worry how it will look with existing flooring. You can also experiment with colors and finishes to achieve the results you desire. It’s easier to blend and test out colors to find the perfect look.

Create your own look

If you’ve always loved the look and beauty of natural grain, there’s no better way to let it show it off than with unfinished flooring. You can site sand it to create beveled edges that give it a unique, hand finished and rustic look. You can finish it with very little stain, allowing the natural wood to shine through.

Of course, unfinished flooring does take more time to install, more time to complete the job. But if you have the time necessary to create a unique look for your home, it may be the perfect choice for you. We stock a variety of prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring to meet every need. Call us today to find the perfect flooring choice for you.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 16, 2016

Fisheyes In Hardwood Flooring? Here’s Why

You love your hardwood flooring. But what about those unsightly fisheyes you see periodically throughout the room? What causes them? Can you get rid of them?

Fisheyes are light depressions in the hardwood finish. They have smooth, rounded edges with a concave center. They are the result of some sort of contamination, usually created during the recoating process.

They are several common causes for fisheyes.

The biggest cause of fisheye is when solvents from a previous coat of finish haven’t fully evaporated before a new coat is applied. Liquid solvents must have ample time to evaporate and disappear from the hardwood before a new coat is applied. The solvent’s interaction with a newly applied coat of finish creates tension on the surface, which a new coat of finish cannot penetrate. What is left is a process known as “wetting out”, and is what produces a fisheye.

Because fisheyes form during refinishing process, they can sometimes be caused by years worth of damage. Over the years, a homeowner may use oil soaps, citrus based cleaners, wax or silicone based products that build up, penetrate into the depths of the finish, and contaminate the flooring for when the next layer of finish is applied. To prevent chemicals from seeping into the hardwood floors, make sure to follow instruction on the product packaging. Always go with guidelines established by the manufacturer of your hardwood floor. Using more of a product will not make it cleaner or provide more protection.

If you’ve owned your home long enough to be the original installers of hardwood flooring, you understand the care its received over the years. Yet in most cases, that’s rarely the case. Because you can’t be sure how a previous owner cared for the wood, it’s important to test and go slow when refinishing a hardwood floor. Sanding down to the bare wood and applying completely new finish allows for a contractor to overcome potential problems that can cause fisheye.

If you are recoating a current finishing process, it’s important to move slowly starting in an inconspicuous place. If you notice marks appearing in the finish, stop working and determine the source before fixing and moving on.

Whenever you finish a floor, be sure to leave ample time between coats. Proper air circulation ensures that each coat dries before the next coat is laid into place. Be sure to read the finish manufacturer’s drying instructions, paying close attention to suggestions made about the best conditions to ensure you are leaving enough time between coats.

If you have any questions about your current flooring, or how to gain the perfect look with any upgrades you have in mind, give us a call today.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 12, 2016

Maple Hardwood – The Perfect Choice For Sports Floors

Whether you’re installing a new floor in your rec center, or placing a new floor in your gym at home, selecting the best flooring will ensure longevity and easy maintenance for many years to come.

And while you may not have considered what flooring is under your feet as you race down the court with a basketball in hand, or dance to in your latest Zumba class, chances are it’s maple. Maple is used so widely in the industry that the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association even defines standards for sports floor installation and maintenance.

So what makes maple hardwood the best choice of flooring?

It Starts With The Hardness Rating

Maple is dense. It also has a higher Janka rating when compared with other common woods. The Janka hardness test was designed to rate the relative hardness of wood – on a scale of 0 to 4000. The test involves measuring the force required to embed a .444” steel ball into the wood to half its diameter. The higher the number, the more it can withstand. Maple’s Janka rating is 1450, considerably higher than ratings for other domestic species, including pine, walnut, and oak.

It Has High Shock Resistance

Maple is also the wood of choice thanks to its high response in bouncing back from foot traffic, thus reducing potential fatigue and injury on an athlete’s joints. Its shock resistance contributes to the bounce of the ball, which is important when installing a hardwood floor for multipurposes. It’s high shock resistance makes it better to sustain heavy wear. You’ll find bowling alleys use maple wood and pins, providing bounce as it continually receives pressure from play. And maple provides stability over time, which means the wood is less responsive to changes in the environment, meaning it won’t contract and expand with changes.

Appearance

Maple has a light, bright wood look. It’s grain texture is smooth, which means it’s perfect for staining and painting. And because maple trees are extremely common in the US, it’s a sustainable product that can be easily grown and harvested again and again.

Installing a home gym, or looking at replacing your commercial flooring for something new? Maple can be the perfect choice for you. Give us a call today and find out how to incorporate maple hardwoods into your construction plans; you’ll be happy with the results.

Area Rugs, Flooring
May 9, 2016

How To Choose The Perfect Area Rug

Remember your childhood home? If it was like mine, it had wall to wall carpeting, even brightly colored in a choice we wouldn’t even consider today.

Today, when we choose to move into a home and create the ambiance we desire, hardwood in some format is almost always at the top of our wish list. But as much as you love your hardwoods, I’m guessing on some days you crave a little coziness too.

That’s where area rugs come into play. But finding the right area rug isn’t always easy. And in fact, can be a several month long journey. It’s not as simple as saying “I like the color.” You should also learn about many other things, including the pile, durability, size, shape, pattern, texture, weight, dye, practicality, manufacturing process, and of course cost.

Because different area rugs are made for different areas of your home. If you put the wrong area rug in your breakfast nook or running down a hallway, you’ll be unhappy from the moment you bring it home.

When I talk with people about selecting the perfect area rug for their space, I usually give them three pieces of advice.

1. Consider it’s purpose
An area rug in a dining room is susceptible to spills on a daily basis. You’ll clean a rug in a dining room more than you would a bedroom. It’s important to consider where it will be placed and the kind of maintenance required to keep it in top condition.

2. Longevity
Purchasing an area rug can be a difficult decision. They can be expensive. They can last many, many years. When you choose an area rug, is it something that can be incorporated into your design over and over again? Will it work in the family room and the bedroom? Can you use it year after year? While it’s fun to change things up every once in awhile, if you invest in a quality rug, make sure it’s something you’ll love for years.

3. Cleanability
Rugs get dirty. No matter where they are located in your home, they’ll eventually need cleaning. How difficult is the process? How will you clean it? Is there a lot of hassle involved? How does cleaning impact the rug? If you know before you buy, you’ll have less of surprise down the road.

Buying an area rug can be a fun process if you start with the right frame of mind. Want additional tips? Stop by today.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 6, 2016

What’s Causing My Squeaky Floors?

It’s one of the most common questions we receive. And it’s a problem almost every homeowner faces at some point.

And while every squeak that exists in your home can be fixed, you must first determine the cause.

Cause #1: Wintertime weakening
When did the squeaking first occur? As temperatures get colder, the heat kicks on in your home. And as the warm air filters through your home, the air becomes drier.

Wood is susceptible to the changing moisture levels inside your home. As it gains moisture from air conditioners in the summer and loses moisture from the heat in the winter, the wood changes and moves.

In the winter, the wood contracts. The planks rub against each other or against the nails that hold the planks in place. If the squeaking is caused by flooring gaps, its more than likely the wood’s reaction to winter weather. Although winter squeaks may be annoying, there’s no cause for alarm.

The easiest way to combat the problem is by introducing moisture into your home. A humidifier will not only keep your flooring happy, but it can make your environment more comfortable to live and breathe in too.

Cause #2: Flooring joists
If your flooring squeaks year round, no matter what the temperature is outside, it might be a problem with your flooring joists. Joists are part of the base of your floors. They provide the support for your flooring above. In order to determine if the source is your joists, go to the floor beneath (if you have access) and look at the subfloor. If you see that the joists appear to be loose, you can buy a repair kit to drill down through the floor and tightly secure the joists back into place. Repeat until the squeak subsides.

You can also attach a special brace to the subfloor to tighten the joist into place.

Cause #3: Uneven subfloor
If a subfloor is built or moves and becomes uneven, it can cause gaps between the flooring and subfloor. When you put weight on the floor, it causes the subfloor to rub against the flooring joists, causing the floor to squeak.

Again, return to the basement or floor beneath the air of concern. Have someone walk over the area with the squeak. If the subfloor moves, it may be a gap problem. A loose subfloor can be fixed by drilling up from below into the subfloor, drawing the subfloor and the flooring closer together. Be careful not to go too far, or you’ll come through the flooring into your living space.

Have additional questions about your flooring? We’re here to help.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 4, 2016

Pros and Cons Of 5 Top Exotic Flooring Options

Hardwood flooring is all the rage these days. It’s the first thing new home buyers request when searching for a home. It’s also the number one choice when remodeling or replacing existing flooring. And with good reason. It’s a beautiful and durable option in all kinds of situations.

Yet with hardwoods popping up in homes everywhere, it’s easy to want to change course and choose something else when it comes time for redoing your home’s interior. After all, you don’t want to look like the “Joneses” having the same flooring as every other neighbor on your street.

How can you have the looks and durability of hardwood, with a twist?

Consider exotic hardwoods. They’ll give you a fresh new perspective you’ll love living with for years to come.

Zebrawood

Zebrawood has a distinctive striped grain with a strong, consistent color. Like other hardwoods, its durability and beauty will work well with any décor. Yet zebrawood has been overharvested in recent years to meet demands. Look for sustainable manufacturers when selecting floors from this exotic wood.

Brazilian Cherry

Also known as Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry is not a type of domestic cherry. Its presentation is smaller, mirroring that of mahogany, and is equally hard and resilient. The hardness makes it difficult to install, requiring professional installation to avoid gapping between boards. Like other brightly colored hardwoods, it’s sensitive to light, and therefore susceptible to color change over time.

Rosewood

Rosewood has a beautiful natural polish to it, creating a sophisticated look wherever it is installed. It gets its name from the distinguishing scent of roses that arises from the wood. Like Zebrawood, Rosewood has a history of unsustainable harvesting, so it’s important to choose producers that grow Rosewood sustainably on farms.

Teak

Teak originates in Southeast Asia, and more recently grown sustainably in Brazil. This wood is resistant to both water and pests, making in long lasting and ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Its density makes it difficult to install and at risk for leaving gaps if not installed professionally.

Tiger

Tiger wood is from an African tree that also has been unsustainably harvested. It’s durability and color has made it a very attractive flooring option. However, it is susceptible to color change if subjected to harsh light over time.

Exotic hardwoods can be a beautiful addition to any home. If you’re ready to learn more about exotic and find the perfect one for your home, stop by today.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 2, 2016

The Pros and Cons Of Using Teak As Flooring

Teak wood is considered one of the most beautiful choices for flooring within a home. Grown in Southeast Asian countries like India, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, Teak is an affordable and comparable product to those considering adding wood to their home renovation plans.

Yet be aware there are differences in the quality of Teak you’ll find on the market. Low priced teak will be low quality. For a premium teak grade expect to pay prices more in line with quality hardwoods.

Teak wood comes with a straight grain pattern. It’s rich brown color makes it attractive in all kinds of homes. When finished, it retains a beautiful and shiny appearance for years.

Teak wood is also very dense, with a wood texture that is hard and ring porous. When put under pressure, it’s one of the most resistant woods, and can take heavy levels of wear and tear. For this reason, you can move heavy furniture over it and have it installed in areas that are susceptible to heavy traffic.

After installation, teak retains its oil content well, meaning it won’t dry out and crack even without being treated on a regular basis. It will retain its shape after years of use. The oil that gives it its durability also helps it resist water. It has a tight grain structure that makes it hard for water and humidity to penetrate. Since its high in water resistance, it also is more resistant to pests, fungal stains, mold and other damage that can destroy wood. Because of this, the life span of Teak flooring is longer than other types of wood.

Overall, Teak wood is easy to maintain. Every few years it will begin losing some of its oil. This means you’ll need to refinish it every two to three years with teak oil. You should also use a hardwood cleaner on a regular basis, check with the flooring’s manufacturer, or we can guide you to a product perfect for your floors.

With all of the pros teak flooring has, are there any cons?

The biggest disadvantage of using teak flooring is its cost. It’s reasonably expensive, more in line with other top or exotic hardwood lines.

If you install teak in direct sunlight, the exposed area will soon begin to fade. Area rugs can be used to protect the areas subjected to intense light.

Maintenance is also above average, needing refinishing every two to three years, depending on traffic. Because Teak is a hardwood, it isn’t a project you can do yourself. Installing teak is a job best left to the professionals.

The fact that teak is so durable makes it a perfect choice for many homes across Colorado. Want to see teak flooring up close and personal? Stop by today.

Carpet, Flooring
April 26, 2016

Is It Time To Replace Laminate With Carpeting?

You were dazzled with your laminate floors when you first had them installed. You loved the wood look, loved the patterns and design. You were also excited about it being more durable, easier to clean up.

And then there’s longevity; you thought your laminates would be the perfect home addition for years to come.

Now, though, you find yourself tired of the look. Your room is louder than you like. You miss the comfy feeling of carpeting underfoot.

The good news is carpeting is still as popular as ever. And with today’s technology, is more durable and stain resistant than ever. Making it the perfect replacement for the laminates that might have lost their luster.

According to the World Floor Covering Association, fifty to fifty-five percent of all flooring sold each year is carpeting. Why?

Lots of Choices
When it comes to selecting a carpet for you home, you’ll have an almost unlimited supply to choose from. If you have a pattern, a look, a color or a need in mind, chances are it can be met perfectly with carpet.

Hardworking Fibers
People often associate the most resilient carpeting with a scratch, stiff surface. Not so anymore. Manufacturers use technology that combines synthetic molecules tightly together, so the fibers are smaller in diameter. This means more softness per square inch of carpeting.

That also means it’s more crush and stain resistant. And because today’s carpets can be made with few chemicals that are more earth-friendly by nature, you’ll also be installing a carpet that’s better for your health. That’s a big plus for families with sensitivity to chemicals, or parents who may be worried about what their kids are playing on.

Competitive Costs
Many homeowners choose laminate because of its low cost. Carpeting can come in around the same price points. And because you’ll find warranties and lifespans can equal that of laminate, it makes sense to keep carpeting at the top of your potential list.

Should you trade in your laminates for carpeting? It’s always a personal choice. Laminates will always be a great option when you choose to bring in the look of wood or tile to a room for less than the real thing. It’s easy to install, and a durable option for any home. But carpeting has its benefits too, especially in rooms where comfort and warmth is a part of your life.

Stop by today to see the differences. And learn which is the right choice for you.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 16, 2016

Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring

Looking for a fresh new look for your floors? Why not install bamboo?

Bamboo flooring happens to be one of the most durable, stylish flooring choices on the market today. It’s natural, organic, and can add class to almost every room in your home.

But do a little research and you’ll quickly find it’s faults. Because bamboo is a natural product, it can break down quickly if not well maintained. Add a little moisture and you’ll quickly find fading, warping, and cracking taking over large portions of your floor. That means bamboo should never be introduced to a room where it may come in contact with moisture, right?

Well, not necessarily. The key is in the type of bamboo flooring you choose.

Because of all the good things bamboo brings to the flooring industry, manufacturers continually strive to make it even stronger, more durable. One of the ways is through a process called weaving.

Strand bamboo flooring adds strength and durability to an already great product line. After production, strand woven bamboo can have twice the hardness of Domestic Oak. That alone makes bamboo worth looking at for the high traffic areas of your home.

Strand woven bamboo uses parts of the bamboo stalk that haven’t traditionally been used in other forms of production, giving this an eco-friendly alternative. Bamboo strands are pressed together and put under high pressure to form blocks, which eventually will be cut into flooring planks.

Strand woven bamboo is an environmental breakthrough with a unique manufacturing process. Because it uses 100 percent of the stalk and environmentally friendly adhesives, the creation process leaves no waste. Its low formaldehyde adhesives mean that strand woven flooring contributes to better indoor air quality overall. And because bamboo regenerates quickly, it can be harvested every 5 to 7 years, making it the perfect crop for all kinds of flooring needs.

Considering bamboo for your next project? Stop by today and see the many different colors, styles and patterns of bamboo flooring.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 12, 2016

The Right Sheen For Your Hardwood Floors

Installing a new hardwood floor in your home? It’s not just the wood that will make a difference. It’s also the finish – the sheen – that will determine how it looks throughout your home.

Polyurethane floor finishes typically come in four different sheen levels. A finish’s sheen level is determined by measuring the amount of light that reflects off the floor at a 60-degree angle. It measures how shiny or glossy the finished floor is.

Different people have different preferences. The glossier you go, the more light reflects off the floor, This in turn will show more dirt and dust, and will also allow imperfections to shine through.

Different types of woods will also produce different sheen levels. Open versus closed pore woods will produce subtle variations in sheen level.

Satin
Satin produces a 40 percent luster. It has some sheen but doesn’t appear too glossy. It gives the room both a classic and a contemporary feel. It shows scratches, imperfections and dirt less than other sheen levels, which means its easier to clean and maintain. It’s currently the most popular and stylish sheen used on hardwood flooring.

Matte
A matte finish produces a 25 percent luster and has very little sheen. Because of its low sheen, some may feel the look is too dull and dingy, while others like its clean flat look. It’s purely a preference

Semi-Gloss
A semi-gloss finish produces a 55 percent luster. It is generally used on hardwood floors where homeowners prefer a shinier finish.

Gloss
A gloss finish produces about a 70 percent luster. You will typically see this level of sheen on a gym floor or a bowling alley. It is often used on certain exotic woods to complete the look. A glossy finish tends to show every spec of dust, every dent in the floor, every footprint. These floors require more cleaning and maintenance than other types of finishes.

Is there a right choice? Nope, its all in your preference. If you want to learn more about finishes and need help determining which is right for your flooring, your lifestyle, give us a call today.