Flooring Archives - Page 46 of 58

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 8, 2016

The Differences Between Hardwood Floor Finishes

Love your hardwood floors? Did you know there’s a number of different finishes?

Each finish has its own unique factors and offers different benefits. Choosing the right finish can make you love your hardwood floors even more. Here are the most common types of finish you’ll find.

Oil Based Polyurethane
This is one of the top choices in finishes, especially for commercial and sports flooring. Oil based polyurethane requires a long drying time between each coat and take several coats to offer full protection. Plan on waiting 8 to 12 hours between each coat. Oil based polyurethane has a high VOC content and a strong odor when applied. It’s very durable, perfect for high traffic areas.

Water Based Polyurethane
Similar to its oil based predecessor, water based polyurethane has a lower VOC content, a milder odor, and requires less drying time between coats. Plan on giving 2 to 4 hours of dry time between each coat, but keep in mind that they will require more coats for durability. Water based polyurethane is typically less expensive than oil based, and won’t yellow as much over time.

Moisture Cured Polyurethane
Moisture cured polyurethane is one of the hardest, most durable finishes available, and is more water resistant than other finishes. This type cures by absorbing moisture vapor from the air. It has an extremely high VOC content and very strong fumes – ventilation and respirators are mandatory for application.

Penetrating Oil
Oil is applied to penetrate the wood and fill the pores to create a durable seal. Penetrating oil consists of a blend of natural oils, is very durable, has low VOC and low odor, and dries with a slightly mellow sheen. It’s one of the simplest to apply and clean up. It will require long drying periods in between coats, usually of 24 hours of longer. It will turn a whitish color if multiple applications are applied too quickly.

Wax
This was a common floor finish before polyurethane was introduced. Wax seeps into the pores of the wood to give it durability. Yet wax still allows wood to be vulnerable to moisture and water spills. Wax needs regular maintenance and is not as durable as poly. It has low VOC content, but it will tend to darken the wood over time.

Varnish
Varnish was also commonly used on flooring before the introduction of polyurethanes. Varnish is very durable and will give your flooring a slightly amber look. When applied, it has a very strong odor and has a high VOC content.

Flooring, Tile Floors
April 5, 2016

The Advantages Of Using Subway Tile

Want to know the hardest working tile in America? The tile that is used in more places, in more ways?

From the moment ceramic subway tiles found their way in New York City’s train stations in the early 1900s, they have captured the attention of homeowners everywhere, inspiring designs in bathrooms, kitchens, and more. They are easy to clean, stain resistant, and light reflective; these 3 by 6 inch glazed white rectangles were everything people wanted them to be in the highest traffic areas of the home.

But now, over a century later, subway tiles are no longer white rectangles. They still come in the infamous rectangular shape, but even the sizes have changed. Choose a traditional 3 by 6 inch tile, or change it up by choosing a 4 by 8 inch plank, or a 1 by 2 inch mosaic. Choose just about any color of the rainbow, as well as finding a finish that matches any décor.

Depending on the size and the patterns, subway tiles often come attached to a mesh backing, making installation much easier than installing them one at a time. Spacing is everything. If you do have to space them one at a time, or when matching mesh sheets together, be sure to use spacers on the edges of individual tiles. Not only does this save time but money as well. It eliminates re-dos, and ensures you have a clean design every time.

Installing subway tile in showers is very popular because of the way the tiles brighten the space and soften the lighting. Subway tiles look shiny and clean easily, making them the perfect choice for busy shower areas. And depending on the color and finish, they brighten up with any style of hardware, from silver, chrome, gold or even brushed nickel.

While shower stalls are a common place to use subway tiles, they are by now means the only place they provide their classic style. Try using them as a backsplash above a vanity. Or as a backsplash in your kitchen. They can add style to any accent wall – how about behind a bar, in a gameroom, or even in your wine cellar? With so many colors and styles, they are the perfect compliment to whatever your décor.

To see some of the ways our customers have used subway tiles in the past, stop by today and let us give you the perfect idea for your next renovation project.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 2, 2016

An Overview on Parquet Flooring

There’s something nostalgic about parquet flooring.

The word “parquet” dates back to 17th century France, where Parquet flooring became the floors of choice, installed in palaces throughout Europe. They are still known today for their ability to bring an old-world, distinguished charm to any space.

Parquet is a decorative pattern that consists of wood strips arranged in geometric patterns such as a triangle or a square. The herringbone pattern is still one of the most popular choices. And it’s one of the most popular choices you’ll find to maintain historic, old-world charm in houses all across the Front Range.

Gluing down the parquet tiles is the most crucial part of the installation process. Because parquet flooring is patterned, one wrong angle can through the entire floor off.

The flooring must be properly acclimated and the moisture content in the sublfoor must be acceptable for installation. Once at the proper levels, you can glue parquet on either plywood or a concrete subfloor.

If using a concrete floor as the subfloor, you may wish to consider a vapor-retarding subfloor to prevent extra moisture from seeing into the floor. Be especial diligent about checking moisture content on different areas of the concrete. Never lay parquet on a concrete slab that hasn’t had at least six months to settle.

When laying parquet flooring, it’s important to work in small sections so the adhesive doesn’t dry before the tiles are set in place. As the tiles are laid into place, gently lock in the tongue and grooves of the planks.

Once in place, parquet flooring can give you years of enjoyment. They can be sanded and stained as needed.

Have additional questions about installing parquet flooring in your home?

Flooring
March 29, 2016

The Perfect Floor For Aging In Your Own Space

It may have started with something simple, like replacing a broken toilet. And before you knew it you were looking at upgrades galore, from new showers, to tiling and floors.

That’s how it usually goes with a renovation. What may have been a simple project suddenly takes on a life of its own.

Today’s baby boomers aren’t just renovating, they are thinking of the future as well.

It starts with little things. A surgery can begin showing you telltale signs of things to come. You begin to realize handles aren’t convenient, vanities aren’t at the right height. You realize you may need grab bars in the shower, wider doorways to move around.

In many cases, you also start to realize something else; your flooring is the start of your problems.

Worn out carpeting creates wrinkles, changes in elevation. That can be difficult if you’re shuffling from one room to the next.

Uneven room dividers can also be a problem. It’s difficult to move up and down in elevation in a wheelchair or with a walker, even if it’s only a fraction of change.

Flooring is the base of your design. It not only sets the mood, but it also creates safety as well. Aging in place isn’t just about comfort, it’s about avoiding falls. If an older person falls and breaks a hip, it sets off a cascade of other health problems.

Bathrooms are the number one room for renovation when creating space for aging in place. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look at the flow from room to room. Doorways need to be widened. Transitions should be non-existant.

And don’t always discount flooring choices you may not have considered before. Luxury vinyls, for instance, can provide beauty and safety, softness and durability. They may help you create ambiance that says “wow,” while providing you with protection at the same time.

Looking for the perfect flooring for your renovation? Stop by today.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 26, 2016

Stopping Illegal Logging and Promoting Green Building – A Guide To Today’s Hardwood Flooring

Ready to install hardwood flooring? There’s more to it then simply selecting a grade of wood.

Illegal logging is just one of many problems facing the hardwood flooring market today. Here in the US, there are several domestic standards we use regarding sourcing imported woods. These standards are important because they allow you to be sure the flooring you install isn’t coming from a place where illegal practices occur, such as killing off habitats where wildlife is endangered.

It’s no longer just a matter of going green with your home improvement projects, it’s a balance we all must choose to create better living.

Illegal logging refers to the process of cutting down trees in violation of local laws. Illegal logging has peaked in the past several years, which has led to high levels of deforestation in the most needy places in the world.

But it’s not just a matter of allowing the practice of illegal logging to occur, it’s also had impact right here in the US with lenient laws and lack of oversight.

Because hardwood flooring is in high demand, it’s our job to ensure we select hardwoods that meet all criteria of sustainable production and manufacturing.

The Lacey Act was passed in 1900 to prohibit the sale of illegally acquired fish, plants and wildlife. In 2008, it was amended to apply to a wider range of plants, including importing illegally sourced wood. Now all imported wood must document the species and country of origin, and make every effort to ensure the wood was source legally.

Passing laws work, but enforcing laws is the key to solving the problem. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is dedicated to ensuring that all wood products are sustainably sourced. They also look into making sure workers’ rights are upheld on jobsites and that indigenous people are protected from the affects of illegal logging.

All FSC approved products will be stamped with the FSC Chain of Custody certification. It helps you choose products that support responsible harvesting practices and sustainable forest practices. FSC products can also contribute towards LEED projects.

Have additional questions about creating a sustainable, green flooring in your home? Just ask.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 23, 2016

Choosing The Best Hardwood Flooring For Your Bathroom

One of the most difficult rooms to choose flooring for is the bathroom. It’s susceptible to moisture, water damage, spills and stains.

So naturally your mind drifts to making the best choice possible when making your final selection. Tiles? A good choice. Carpeting? Not so much.

But what about hardwood flooring? Chances are you’ve already integrated hardwood floors into other rooms of your home. But what about the bathroom? Do they make a good choice, considering it will face daily steam, moisture, spillage and more?

The answer is yes. If you select the right hardwood flooring for the situation.

Because any kind of moisture is harmful to wood, it’s important to choose a floor that is known for its water resistance and stability.

Engineered hardwood flooring is dimensionally stable and will not fluctuate much when exposed to humidity. Therefore its one of the best choices to make when installing in a bathroom.

Like solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood comes in a variety of styles, patterns and colors.

White oak is less porous and more water resistant than most wood species.
Red cedar and redwood are both exceptional at water resistance. You’ll find them in many outdoor applications, such as decks and furniture. With rich, red hues, they add character and sophistication to any space.
Reclaimed hardwood has natural character. It’s distressed look functions well in all situations, and is better at hiding potential problems down the road.

Once your hardwood flooring is installed in your bathroom, take a few extra precautions to keep it looking its best long into the future.

Use urethane coatings to help retain its water resistant shield
Place mats in front of sink and near the tub and shower to reduce potential standing water
Do not clean with vinegar or bleach. Use preapproved hardwood flooring cleaners
Install high powered fans to keep moisture low

Trying to find the right hardwood flooring for you bathroom? Stop by today to find the perfect option for your home.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 20, 2016

What Do The Different Wood Grades Mean?

Want new hardwood flooring in your home?

There are many factors that go into determining which hardwood floor is the best to install for your new project, including the species, board size, and the finish. And while all of that matters, selecting the right wood grade can also make a difference in how well your floors handle throughout the years.

There are many different wood grades, all ranked and rated for many types of projects. While some are more suitable for construction or furniture, some are suitable for flooring. The mos common are:

Clear – the cleanest grade of hardwood flooring, with little variation in color and exceptional average board length.You won’t find defects or knots in this quality of wood.

Select – minimal character markings with small amounts of color variation and average overall plank length. This is the most widely used grade of wood for flooring.

No 1 Common – flooring may have small knots and mineral streaks. Moderate color variation throughout the wood. Small average length of boards.

No 2 Common – significant manufacturing marks. Prominent color variation throughout the wood. Short overall board length. Is usually used to create a rustic setting, such as in a cabin.

What do the different grades mean?

The grade of wood will not affect its durability, hardness or overall quality. Grading is used more for aesthetic purposes, as a way of determining character markings and variations in the wood.

What ultimately matters is customer preference. Clear grade wood will provide a smooth, contemporary look, while No 2 Common is best in a rustic setting.

Which is right for your home? Which do you prefer?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 18, 2016

Protecting Your Hardwood Floors In The Summer

Ahhh. Those seventy degree days are here, signaling spring and summer aren’t far behind. As much as you love the warm weather and being outside, it can bring unique problems into your home.

Hardwood floors are susceptible to damage. Here are the three elements that pose the largest threat to the longevity of hardwood floors, and some ways you can prevent them from doing so this year.

Threat #1 Stains
Summer means more activity. You’re in and out of the house more. Your kids play more. You’re simply more active.

Those barbecue parties take place several nights of the week. Carrying food and eating from paper plates means more accidents are likely to occur. And that dropped popsicle that your child’s friend “forgot” to mention has dried into the floor.

Place rugs near entrances to pick up debris as your family enters your home. Be sure to have plenty of cooking and eating space outdoors to encourage messes to stay outdoors as well. Encourage your family to clean up messes immediately rather than allowing them to settle into your hardwood floors.

Threat #2 Sunlight
Direct UV rays will impact most urethane finishes. Sunlight turns polyurethane an amber color over time. It can also discolor different species of wood.

To limit the effects of sunlight on your hardwood flooring, keep your window drapery closed during the hottest times of the day. If your window has blinds, use it to direct sun rays up and away from your flooring. In some cases, a window upgrade can add a film to the glass, preventing harmful rays from entering your home.

Threat #3 Water Damage
Hardwood flooring and water don’t mix. If water is allowed to sit and soak into the wood, it can cause plank wood to warp, split or become cupped over time.

Keep plenty of towels near doorways. Encourage kids to dry off before entering from their squirt gun wars and swimming pool parties. Also, keep gardening shoes outside to prevent water from accumulating underneath.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
March 8, 2016

Using Cork Flooring In The Kitchen

When you think of cork flooring, you think of a soft, cushiony, porous material. And many would argue that doesn’t make the best flooring choice for a kitchen where spills happen on a regular basis.

Yet that isn’t true. Although there are guidelines for using cork in a kitchen, both cork tiles and floating cork flooring can be excellent for kitchen installation. And both provide a number of advantages.

#1 – Cork can be sealed for added protection
Unlike some flooring choices that require aluminum oxide, oil or wax finishes that can never be sealed, a polyurethane sealant can be used on cork to give it strength and durability. While polyurethane coatings must be reapplied throughout the life of your cork floor, it will give you a scratch and stain resistant shield that will protect it from most spills and messes that occur in the kitchen.

#2 – Cork floors are soft and cushiony
The kitchen is the one room in your home where you’ll spend the most amount of time on your feet. And with the softness of a cork floor, standing will be much easier for longer periods of time. It can also be an added benefit if your home has children or elderly, where there is a potential for falling. Drop a dish on a cork floor and you’ll have your greatest chance of having it survive the fall.

#3 – Cork is environmentally friendly
Cork comes from the bark of the Cork Oak tree. Because cork is harvested from the bark of the tree, obtaining it does not destroy the tree. Most cork trees will live around 200 years, making the production process a naturally sustainable practice.

#4 – Cork can be a healthy choice
Cork is naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, which means it’s the perfect addition to homes where health issues are of concern. If anyone in your family has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory diseases, cork flooring can aid in maintaining an allergen-free living space.

#5 – Cork is available in many colors and patterns
With a wide array of colors and patterns available, cork can be the perfect addition to whatever kitchen décor you choose.

Have additional questions about using cork flooring in your kitchen? Stop by today and learn the difference between our entire line of cork flooring.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
February 27, 2016

What’s Better, Water-Based or Oil-Based Polyurethane Floor Finish

Depending on the type of floor you install, you may have to choose between a water-based or an oil-based polyurethane floor finish. What’s the difference? Which is a better fit for your home and your lifestyle?

Water-based polyurethanes

Water-based polyurethanes enhance the natural color of whatever flooring you are installing. It provides a clear finish and has low odor. Water-based polyurethanes are quick drying, with most applications being able to dry in around two hours. If you start early enough in the day, you can apply the recommended four coats in one day, and be living in the room as early as the next day. Clean up is also an easy process. Simply use water to clean your tools.

Cost

Water-based polyurethanes will cost more than their oil-based comparisons. Most water-based polys contain only 30 to 35 percent solids, compared to 45 to 50 percent with an oil-based. Since these solids give the protective finish, you need to apply four coats of water-based compared to two or three coats of the oil-based. You’ll also have to apply water-based polys on a more frequent basis, every two years or so.

Protection

Both water-based and oil-based polyurethanes provide good protection for your floors. The biggest difference between the two is the look. Water-based is a great choice if you want the natural wood look to shine through, as is the case with woods like maple. For a lighter wood, like oak, a water-based polyurethane may leave the floor boards too light, making the amber glow of an oil-based polyurethane a better choice.

Odor

Water-based polyurethanes have lower odor, lower levels of drying time. Due to the small quantities of solvents in a water-based formula, there are some VOC emissions just after application and during the drying time, yet these to down to near zero after just a few weeks since no SVOC (semi volatile organic compounds) being in use.

Oil-based polyurethanes

Oil-based polyurethanes leaves a darker, amber glow to whatever flooring it is applied to. While oil-based polyurethanes require fewer coats, it does take more drying time between coats, with a recommended five hour wait times between applications. Also plan on waiting at least twelve hours before the last application and moving furniture back into your room. Oil-based polyurethanes also have a stronger odor to content with during the application process.

Cost

Oil-based polyurethanes will cost less than their water-based comparisons. Most oil-based polys contain 45 to 50 percent solids. Since these solids give the protective finish, you need to apply fewer coats (two or three) than water-based products. Also, You’ll also have to apply oil-based polys on a less frequent basis.

Protection

Odor

Oil-based polyurethanes have a higher odor and longer drying times. With oil-based polyurethanes, low VOC emissions exist after application and curing, but SVOC emissions are higher for a longer period of time due to the nature of the product.

The Verdict

Both water-based and oil-based polyurethanes provide you with a finish that will stand up to all your family can dish out. The important factor is to eliminate dirt on a regular basis, as grit can dig in, scratching and wearing the finish down. Sweep or vacuum the area often, and use throw rugs in high traffic areas.

About Pro Flooring Brokers

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Commercial and residential customers love our huge selection of carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. Check out our products to learn more. Visit our showroom, meet our team, and let’s start your flooring project together. We offer:

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you.