Hardwood Flooring Archives - Page 8 of 24

Hardwood Flooring
March 14, 2021

Can you save hardwood flooring after a flood?

Water. It’s not something we think much about here in Colorado.

When hurricanes ravage coastal communities, or large storms dump record-breaking amounts of water in a community in short periods of time, we may be grateful for our dry climate. Even river damage isn’t a big deal for most homeowners across the Front Range.

But that doesn’t make homes immune from potential damage from a flood.

Many homeowners have walked into their homes and found several inches of standing water. If a pipe freezes and breaks, the water can quickly build. If a dishwasher breaks, water will flood everywhere. Even a simple bucket of water that leaks over time can do extensive damage.

While certain types of flooring fare better than others to water, hardwood can be impacted quickly. If you have hopes of saving your hardwood, speed is key.

What you do in the first twenty-four hours is critical. The longer water stands on hardwood surfaces, the worse the damage will be.

It’s more than water removal. It’s also about proper drying. Only if the hardwood remains intact can you sand them down and refinish them. How do you approach water removal? How do you save hardwood flooring after a flood?

What happens to hardwood as it absorbs water?

Your hardwood floors can get wet from a variety of situations. A leaky toilet. The dog carrying in rain and snow from outdoors. A broken water heater. An overflowing bathtub. A high water table that forces water into your crawl space or basement.

Wood naturally absorbs water. Think of how your trees work outside in your landscaping. A tree soaks up water to live and thrive. It carries that quality even after it’s processed because of its natural fibers and material. When wood gets wet, it soaks in the moisture and starts to expand. With too much water, it eventually starts to warp or cup as it presses up against other planks in the floor.

While your hardwood floor planks come finished, and will take time to absorb the water, depending on how your flooring was installed determines how quickly the water filters through the cracks between the planks. And as it soaks down, it starts impacting other parts of your flooring. The sub-floor. Even deep down into the base of your home’s structure. Water can easily move along joints and connections, snaking over large areas rapidly. What started as a small leak can quickly escalate and impact large areas of your home.

The quicker you remove the problem, the more likely you are to save your flooring. It’s not just the wood, it can be potential mold and mildew problems too. Mold can start forming in as little as 48 hours. And once it takes hold, it can grow steadily throughout the structure of your home.

Just a quick note about insurance

Whether or not your insurance will cover your damage depends on the type of insurance plan you have. Overall, less than 20 percent of homeowners have flood coverage. Especially here in Colorado, it’s not something most homeowners consider. That means if water enters from outside, your insurance probably won’t cover the damage.

If, however, the water damage came from within – a frozen pipe or a broken water heater – there is a good chance you have coverage. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent before you proceed with work.

Steps to take for removing water and repairing the damage caused by the flood

Step 1: Stop the problem at the source

Before you start assessing, it’s important to find the root cause of the problem. If the flood is coming from inside your home, find the shutoff valve and stop the water from flowing. Each major appliance should have its own shutoff valve. Or you can find the water main valve and turn off the water that feeds into your home.

Step 2: Remove all wet items

Clutter and personal assets should all be removed from the area. This includes furniture, plants, stacks of books, area rugs, and anything else that could hold moisture close to your hardwood floors. If the items are wet and you hope to save them, move them to a dryer section of your home. Be sure to put down a waterproof barrier, so you don’t add additional problems to other rooms in your home.

If you have carpets or large area rugs on top of the hardwood, remove that quickly. The fibers will absorb water and tend to get musty and moldy first. If you have tack strips in place holding it down, remove those as well. They can be very sharp and hurt you or others as they work in the area. Plus, they can also be impacted by the water and rust, adding more problems to the situation.

Step 3: Suck up the water

Remove standing water as quickly as possible. If the flood impacted a large portion of a room or your home, it might benefit you to hire a mitigation company. They understand more about looking for problems that settle in deep into your home. They will be well versed in extracting water and ensuring your home is returned to original condition, remaining a safe place for your family to live.

For smaller areas, you might be able to do it with a wet vacuum. Be sure to get all traces of water, spending extra time at baseboards, cracks, and even along plank lines. Wet vacuums can continue to work even after it appears you’ve removed the moisture. You may also have to remove baseboards if the water has soaked beyond the dimensions of your room.

Step 4: Clean and disinfect

Once all water has been removed, you’ll need to clean the area thoroughly. It’s equally important to ensure mold doesn’t form.

Step 5: Dry out the space

Place a dehumidifier in the center of the room. This is where professional mitigation companies might benefit you, especially with larger floods. These powerful pieces of equipment should run for 2 to 3 days or even longer to ensure the moisture is gone from your home. Also install large fans to increase circulation and ventilation, and dry out moisture to stop further impact.

Step 6: Check for signs of damage

Only when everything is dry should you check for visible signs of damage. Remember that problems can occur underneath the structure too. If you have any doubts, it’s better to check with an expert before you move forward with refinishing. Mold and other damage can fester for weeks – months – before turning into a visible problem.

What other questions do you have concerning your hardwood flooring?

Hardwood Flooring
March 14, 2021

Can You Save Hardwood Flooring After A Flood?

Water. It’s not something we think much about here in Colorado.

But that doesn’t make homes immune from potential damage from a flood.

While certain types of flooring fare better than others to water, hardwood can be impacted quickly. If you have hopes of saving your hardwood, speed is key.

What you do in the first twenty-four hours is critical. The longer water stands on hardwood surfaces, the worse the damage will be.

What happens to hardwood as it absorbs water?

Just a quick note about insurance

Steps to take for removing water and repairing the damage caused by the flood

Step 1: Stop the problem at the source

Step 2: Remove all wet items

Step 3: Suck up the water

Step 4: Clean and disinfect

Once all water has been removed, you’ll need to clean the area thoroughly. It’s equally important to ensure mold doesn’t form.

Step 5: Dry out the space

Step 6: Check for signs of damage

What other questions do you have concerning your hardwood flooring?

Carpet, Hardwood Flooring
March 10, 2021

Make This The Year You Install Carpet Runners and Area Rugs

Imagine a home here in Colorado without hardwood. Hard to do, isn’t it? That’s because hardwood flooring’s classic good looks blend in with a Rocky Mountain lifestyle.

Statistics show that sales of hardwood continues to remain steady. Especially for main living spaces, hardwood is the flooring of choice. As you move into bedrooms and other more personal living spaces, homeowners split between hardwood and carpet. Carpet adds softness and warmth that is critical in a bedroom, especially on a frosty, winter morning.

Yet no matter where you’ve installed hardwood flooring, there is still a demand for softness, durability, and even a way to add a pop of color to a room. Because of that, carpet runners and area rugs continue to be popular choices.

What are carpet runners and area rugs? What’s the perfect size? What should you look for before you settle on a choice? Read on for more.

What are carpet runners?

A carpet runner is designed to sit on top of your hardwood, covering your steps. Unlike wall to wall carpet, which covers the entire area from corner to corner, carpet runners cover most of the area while leaving hardwood on either side. They are bound on the sides to create a finished look.

Carpet runners are popular in homes with hardwood stairs for two reasons.

1. They make stairs safer. Hardwood flooring has the ability to be slippery, especially when you’re wearing socks. Imagine your kids flying down the stairs for breakfast, hitting a step wrong, and falling down the stairs. That’s not a good situation for anyone, but especially so if you have small kids or elderly that might be seriously injured in a fall. Carpet runners give your stairs the needed traction to keep them safe.

2. They add a decorative element to your home. While hardwood stairs can be a beautiful addition to any home, there’s just something special about adding a splash of color to a room. Luckily, you can find carpet runners in any style, color, or pattern you desire.

What to consider when selecting a carpet runner

While color and pattern are two obvious things you’ll look at as you shop, there are several other things to consider before making your final selection.

You’ll find runners available in different widths. Which is right for your needs? Start by considering the width of your stairs. For narrower, 3-feet wide staircases, we suggest choosing a carpet runner 27 inches in width. This will provide ample coverage to the stairs, look good and provide pleasing aesthetics, without going too narrow or overpowering the space. For wider staircases, you can move to a wider runner. For stairs 4 to 5 feet in width, consider a runner up to three feet in width. It will provide full coverage for safety, while leaving enough hardwood on the sides to create natural beauty. Of course, the final selection should be based on your tastes and needs. Have something in mind? Pin it on your Pinterest board, and bring it in. We can customize your carpet runner and create any look you desire.

We’ll also mention patterns for your consideration. Depending on your decor, you may want to add a pop of color to your home and select a carpet runner with a pattern. Be aware that patterns can be a challenge to match up as they wind up your stairs. With a straight staircase, it can be easier. But if you have a winding staircase, it will stand out if the patterns don’t match up as it progresses from one landing to the next. It’s best to go small on carpet runners, and stick with shapes that will easily blend no matter how they are positioned.

Decorative rods are also an optional accessory that can add magic to the overall look. A metal rod is placed at the back of the stair where the riser meets the tread. The rod isn’t an integral part of installation, rather it’s for decorative reasons to help you create the look you are going for.

What are area rugs?

An area rug is a carpet that is smaller than the dimensions of the room. While wall to wall carpet stretches across the entire room, area rugs are designed in different sizes to accent the surrounding area and the decor. Are rugs are used to tie a room together, provide softness and warmth to a room with hardwood or tile flooring.

What to consider when selecting an area rug

If you have hardwood flooring and love the look, there are many reasons to bring an area rug into your home to tie everything together. Area rugs:

Make any space quieter – carpet has a sound-dampening effect, which cuts back on the room’s noise levels. That makes it easier for you to relax and recharge, especially if you have rambunctious kids and pets circling your rooms every day.

Offer protection against damage – furniture scraping, pets nails digging in, kids playing and dropping toys – these are just a few things that can impact the condition of your hardwood floors. Area rugs offer a simple way to protect the main living space. They are easy to lift and move, meaning you can change up your decorating style whenever you choose.

Add warmth – in the heart of the winter, as the temperatures dip below zero, you’ll be glad you have an area rug to add warmth to a room. An area rug helps hold heat down at floor level longer.

Should runners match area rugs?

This is one of the most frequent questions we are asked, and for good reason. Homes all across the Front Range have open concept design, meaning the living space is visible from the dining space, which can be seen from the entryway as you walk through the door.

The general rule of thumb is if you can see an area rug or a carpet runner from one room to the next, they should complement one another. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have to match, or be made from the same material. But they should stick with the same color hue, pattern, and texture.

Where you can have some fun is with sizes. Maybe smaller rugs as accents in entryways, while moving to a larger rug that is more functional under your sofas and chairs.

If you need additional help picking out the right carpet runners and area rugs, we’re here to help.

Carpet, Hardwood Flooring
March 10, 2021

Make this the year you install carpet runners and area rugs!

Imagine a home here in Colorado without hardwood. Hard to do, isn’t it? That’s because hardwood flooring’s classic good looks blend in with a Rocky Mountain lifestyle.

What are carpet runners and area rugs? What’s the perfect size? What should you look for before you settle on a choice? Read on for more.

What are carpet runners?

Carpet runners are popular in homes with hardwood stairs for two reasons.

What to consider when selecting a carpet runner

While color and pattern are two obvious things you’ll look at as you shop, there are several other things to consider before making your final selection.

What are area rugs?

What to consider when selecting an area rug

If you have hardwood flooring and love the look, there are many reasons to bring an area rug into your home to tie everything together. Area rugs:

Add warmth – in the heart of the winter, as the temperatures dip below zero, you’ll be glad you have an area rug to add warmth to a room. An area rug helps hold heat down at floor level longer.

Should runners match area rugs?

Where you can have some fun is with sizes. Maybe smaller rugs as accents in entryways, while moving to a larger rug that is more functional under your sofas and chairs.

If you need additional help picking out the right carpet runners and area rugs, we’re here to help.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
February 28, 2021

A Guide To Installing Bamboo Flooring Throughout Your Home

Are you remodeling your home? Looking for a flooring that will last for years and look great too? Don’t want to follow the Joneses – want something you won’t find in your neighbor’s home?

Maybe it’s time to give bamboo flooring another look.

Bamboo flooring is often considered a category of hardwood, even though it isn’t a hardwood at all. Bamboo isn’t a tree, and isn’t a wood. Instead, it’s a grass native to China. It’s cut down as strips, bonded together and crafted into planks that resemble hardwood. You’ll find colors, styles, and finishes in all spectrums, and often stand out over other hardwood options.

One of the top reasons people turn to bamboo is because of its natural, renewable sourcing. Unlike trees which can require decades of growth before harvesting, bamboo stalks can be harvested repeatedly every five to six years. Most of the bamboo on the market today is sourced from plantation-like applications that approach their farming operations responsibly.

While bamboo farming is a growing enterprise, it is important to understand that if you are looking for a renewable resource, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the manufacturing process. Less than reputable manufacturers are still in abundance in this category, so it’s important to dive deep and understand the product you are purchasing.

If you find inexpensive options online, there is a reason. Ensuring you receive a quality product means doing your research early.

The different types of bamboo flooring

If you decide to install hardwood flooring, you’ll be able to select from a variety of styles: traditional hardwood, laminate, engineered.

With bamboo, it works in a similar manner. Bamboo is constructed in several unique ways.

Stranded bamboo – it’s created by shredding the bamboo stalks and compressing them into sheets using a resin binder and pressurized heat. They are then cut into planks to install in your home. You’ll find both click-and-lock and nail-down varieties.

Horizontal bamboo – is manufactured by cutting the bamboo into thin strips and then glued together to form the planks. With this method, you’ll see the grain from the fibers within the plant. Because it isn’t pressurized when created, it isn’t as durable as the stranded option. But because of its grainy appearance, it can create a striking look.

Engineered – this is created by bonding a thin layer of bamboo onto an MDF core or a piece of plywood. It’s structured similarly to engineered hardwood, and performs similarly. It’s the least expensive option, and cannot be refinished down the road.

Thinking about installing bamboo? Here are the pros and cons.

Before you settle on flooring for your home, it’s important to think about your lifestyle. An empty nest couple will have different needs than a young growing family. If you live alone, you’ll have different requirements than if you own several pets.

In many cases, what can be considered a “pro” by one household will be a “con” for the next. Bamboo flooring is a great choice for many homeowners, but for others, it can be a mess.

What we like best about bamboo flooring is:

It gives a luxurious appearance to any room you install it in. It has a look that steps beyond traditional hardwood.
Like hardwood, if you go with a solid bamboo, you can refinish it and have it last for decades. That makes it worth spending a little more on it upfront.
Today’s bamboo flooring isn’t what you could purchase even a few short years ago. It’s easy to find articles online that talk about how finicky bamboo can be. Yet today’s bamboo is more water-resistant than ever, and can even surpass the durability of some hardwoods.
It’s natural. If you care about going green, having a sustainable product inside your home, look no further than bamboo.
It can be less expensive than exotic hardwood, yet offers a completely unique look and feel. If you don’t want to replicate every other home in your neighborhood, bamboo flooring might just be what you’re looking for.

Still, bamboo flooring isn’t right for everybody. Some of the cons for using this in your home include:

It’s just as easy to find poor quality bamboo as it is high quality. Don’t select a bamboo flooring online based on cost – less-than-reputable companies will give you a lower quality product. If you install the wrong bamboo, it will be softer and won’t hold up very well over time.
How it’s created is important too. A less than reputable company can press the strands together using a high VOC adhesive, which can make it more dangerous to your health once you install it.
It can be a sustainable, eco-friendly option … unless you go with a greedy manufacturer. There are lots of ways to cut costs in this product line. Be careful before you finalize your purchase.
Flooding, high moisture, or pooling water will damage your bamboo flooring.
It can be scratched quite easily. It isn’t the best choice with lots of pets who love to run and play.

Still think bamboo flooring is right for you?

Age is everything – select wisely

When manufacturers harvest bamboo, they know the proper age to ensure the highest quality. Again, this is a reason to go with a trusted resource.

With bamboo, age is important. Age determines its durability.

Most of the bamboo used in manufacturing today comes from China, and is created using a species of bamboo called Moso. Moso bamboo takes 5 to 6 years to reach maturity, and will achieve a base diameter of 4 to 6 inches, while reaching a height anywhere from 40 to 80 feet tall.

Maturity gives bamboo its strength. The younger the plant, the weaker the strands, the less durable the end product – your floors – will be.

If you’ve ever heard of homeowners unhappy with their bamboo floors, it’s most likely because they installed a weaker product. That’s when flooring will break apart, split, warp, and crack under pressure.

Talk with a flooring associate about the product line. Do your own research too. Don’t settle until you’re sure you have the perfect product for your home.

Are you ready to install bamboo flooring in your home?

We’re happy to help. Give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions about bamboo flooring, and help you make the right decision for your home.

Hardwood Flooring
February 3, 2021

What Flooring Adds The Most Value To Your Home?

When you’re planning to sell your home, a lot of things go through your mind. You might be excited about the new property you’re purchasing, but you can’t forget to make your current home look its best.

So you slap on a new coat of paint. You fix the dripping faucet that’s leaked for months. You box up a few of your belongings to try and give it a clean look. But is it enough?

Take a second look at your flooring – it’s one of the most important features a new homeowner will look for. It makes a big impression from the moment they walk through the door.

Is the hardwood dull and scuffed? Is the carpet filled with stains? Does the vinyl look like it’s been there since 1982?

Why People Move

According to a study put out by the National Association of Realtors Research Group, 35 percent of US homeowners prefer to move to a new space rather than remodeling the one they’re living in. Think that number has risen as we adjust to our lives beyond COVID? We’re seeing movement everywhere as people relocate and find new places to call home.

When they walk into a home for the first time, curb appeal is everything. Some won’t even walk through the front door if it doesn’t “feel right” as they drive up. Once inside, modernization matters. Do they like what they see? Or do they start adding projects to their improvement lists? The closer the two meet, the more likely they’ll put a bid in on your property.

What People Want

It should come as no surprise that when people enter a home, hardwood flooring will tick one of the first boxes off their list. Hardwood flooring has been in demand for years, and will continue to be there for years to come.

However, it’s not as simple as that anymore. Buyers like hardwood, but they also pay attention to functionality. Sometimes hardwood just doesn’t make sense. And that’s when buyers look for flow.

Have you ever walked through a house where there are different flooring choices in every room? You move from hardwood to tile to carpet, with vinyl thrown in for good measure. The transitions are all wrong. The colors don’t even match. It’s a hodgepodge mess. It just doesn’t work.

People want transition. They want a solid look throughout the home. They love to see hardwood in the main areas, including stairways and hallways. But if there’s carpet in the bedrooms? That’s okay. Consistency matters most. It has to make sense to how they see their lives operating if they were to move in.

And the worst thing you can have is two different hardwoods touching. If you installed hardwood in one room with hopes of adding on slowly, beware of how it looks as it moves from each section on. Again, it’s the puzzle piece layout that leaves a potential buyer with dreams of ripping it up.

Hardwood Flooring – Lots of Options

If you’re remodeling your home with the hopes of increasing resale value, it’s also important to pay attention to your market.

If you’re at the high end of the luxury market, you can better believe buyers will be looking for top of the line hardwood. Think exotic wood would turn a buyer’s head? There’s nothing like adding a product that’s hard to find into the mix, to help make the home unique and one of a kind.

If you do choose to install exotic hardwood, just be sure you do so in a sustainable way. Reputable suppliers will practice responsible and sustainable production, and will be aligned with organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure it remains environmentally friendly.

Another option may be to choose hand scraped hardwood flooring. This provides hand scraped planks that provide a retro or vintage look. Each plank will have its own unique look. When combined, it creates a look that many luxury homebuyers yearn for.

Not every home sits firmly in the luxury marketplace. That doesn’t mean there aren’t high quality products that give you beautiful results.

Luxury vinyl tile is one of the hottest flooring trends to come along. Maybe it’s because it’s easy to clean, easy to maintain, and offers you a waterproof flooring option you won’t find with traditional hardwood.

We think it’s also because of its good looks. Thanks to modern technology, today’s luxury vinyl tiles look so close to the real thing, even experts have taken a second look. They imitate some of the most popular flooring choices on the market, from exotic wood to stone flooring. You can find color choices at all ends of the spectrum. Want a wood floor as close to black as you can get? You’ll find it. Looking for a whitewash to brighten up your home? You’ll find that too.

Luxury vinyl tile offers a lot of what hardwood does, only it adds the waterproof part in it too. Plus you’ll find luxury vinyl tile is softer and warmer on the feed than traditional tile, and it’s slip resistant as well. You can install it in the bathroom and never give it another thought. Try that with exotic wood.

Your Flooring Should Make Sense

If you’re remodeling with the hopes of adding value to your property, you’re looking at it through your wallet. How can you improve the looks for as little hit to your budget as possible?

But a homebuyer looks at it as home. They want to move in and not have to think about flooring for a very long time.

Whether you’re thinking of installing carpet in the bedrooms or exotic hardwood throughout, the important part is creating a place that someone will want to call home.

Consistency is the first key. Don’t install new flooring in a couple of rooms because that’s all you can afford. Work within your budget restraints to choose a flooring that will give you results. It would be much more beneficial to select a lower grade material and refinish the entire home, then to install a higher quality in one or two rooms.

Second is quality. People look for options in a home that ensure they can move in and live with it for years to come. When in doubt, stick with neutral. This isn’t a choice for your home – this is about resale. And a homebuyer will be much happier with a clean, finished look that can look good no matter what their decor.

Carefully consider your options before making your final choice. While there isn’t one strategy that’s best, the right choice could make your home easier to sell, and bring in more money on the final offer as well.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 17, 2021

Cork Flooring – An Eco-Friendly Flooring Solution

Want a new flooring material in your home? Want something that says “notice me” while at the same time offers durability?

Maybe it’s time to give cork flooring a second look.

We love cork flooring for so many reasons. But one of the top is its eco-friendly qualities. If you have a goal of making your home greener this year, cork flooring is the perfect step to take.

Instead of using a product that takes decades to harvest like hardwood, cork is taken directly from the bark of the cork tree. It is sheared off in layers, allowing the tree to continue growing and producing over the years. Very little goes to waste.

And because it’s a natural product, it also creates a healthier living environment. It resists mold and mildew, meaning it won’t harbor allergies like other flooring materials may do.

While cork may not be on the same purchasing level as traditional hardwood, it is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for something different.

Does this sound like you? Then let’s dive deeper into the reasons why it may be perfect for you.

People love the way cork feels

You probably have a lot of experience with cork – it’s been used in many ways throughout time. One of the most popular uses is with wine bottles – wiggle the cork out to gain access to what’s inside.

A wine cork is soft and flexible. You might also notice it stains easily, taking on the red tones from your favorite merlot or syrah.

Or how about the bulletin board you used as a kid. Remember pushing pins in to hold up your favorite mementos? The cork didn’t last long, did it?

Don’t worry; cork flooring is nothing like your memories of cork. It’s manufactured to be a flooring that stands up well under pressure while maintaining its softness to your feet. Do you stand for lengthy periods? Are you tired of how tile or hardwood feels over time? Cork flooring may be your solution.

Homeowners also love it because the softness also creates an environment with noise reduction too. It’s a quiet floor, one that won’t sound hollow as someone walks on it. It won’t creak over time. And that can be beneficial if you share home office space, or have babies or small children trying to nap.

People love cork flooring for its warmth

One of the reasons tile isn’t as popular here in Colorado as it is in states with warmer temperatures is because of our cold winters. Stepping on a cold tile when it’s zero outside can be a little intimidating.

You’ll never find cork flooring to be anything but warm. That’s because cork is a natural insulator, one that protects against both heat and cold. You’ll find it comfortable in your living space no matter what the temperature is outside.

Cork is also a natural insulator against noise. Have a home office where you produce podcasts and videos? Cork floors may be a perfect addition to help create the perfect backdrop.

People love cork flooring because it’s non-slip

The softness factor of cork flooring also gives in a natural grip. That makes it a safer flooring product than things like tile or even LVT.

While cork is water resistant, it still needs to have proper sealant installed if you’re using it in places prone to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Be sure to speak with one of our consultants about what you can expect before you install it.

People love cork flooring because it’s hypoallergenic

Do you or a family member struggle with allergies or asthma related symptoms? You might be remodeling your home to make it a healthier place to live. Cork flooring may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

Cork contains microbial properties that make it resistant to mold and mildew. It also repels dirt, dust, dander, and other contaminants better than other flooring choices. Simply wipe them away.

If you are worried about volatile organic compounds – VOCs – in the products you choose for your home, cork is a great addition to help improve the air quality. Just be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer you select, and that they’ve received proper certification. Look for things like FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold certification to ensure the manufacturer created a product that is truly beneficial for the environment.

People love cork flooring because it’s durable

It’s worth stressing that cork flooring is a durable flooring product you’ll love for virtually any room in your home.

Cork lies somewhere between carpet and hardwood. It’s not as soft as carpet, but it’s more comfortable underfoot than hardwood.

The biggest enemy of cork can be sand and rocks. If these tiny particles aren’t swept away, they can dig in and grind cork away. But there’s an easy solution; place mats at the door to remove most of the grit from outside off your feet before you come in. Better yet, make your home a shoe-free zone and add extra protection.

Heavy furniture can also create dents. Those tiny legs on chairs and sofas can sink deep into the cork and leave a mark. Use coasters to spread the weight out, and consider shifting your furniture slightly from time to time to avoid pockmarks.

People love cork flooring because it can be refinished

There are many flooring choices that are a one time use. That’s why many turn to hardwood because you can refinish the surface multiple times.

If that has been one of your key reasons for looking at hardwood, give cork another look. Solid cork can also be sanded and restained. The trick is using a palm sander and a fine grit sandpaper. You don’t want to take any more than just the surface of the flooring.

This doesn’t apply to a cork veneer or composite – you can’t sand it when it’s built out of multiple layers. You’ll damage the flooring and have to replace it.

If this is something that motivates you, be sure to speak with one of our representatives about finding the perfect cork floor for your needs.

Is cork flooring in your future?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 10, 2021

Hemp Flooring – Is It Right For You?

There’s a new flooring in town – hemp flooring is gaining in popularity.

Why? Because it’s a great product for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly building material that helps make their home healthier too.

Where trees can take years to grow as a crop ready for harvesting to create hardwood flooring planks, hemp can go from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days. That makes it an incredible resource to use for creating building materials.

Yet hemp is something people are only starting to understand. While hemp flooring might not be as wildly popular as hardwood, we’re intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to share it with you. Let’s start with a little research into the industry.

The history of Hemp

Hemp is most commonly associated with the cannabis plant. When most people hear “hemp”, their mind slips back to their college days, and think of it being used for only one thing. Yet hemp is turning into a crop with many uses.

As a nation, we’re starting to accept it as a crop. Under the USDA, the 2018 Farm Bill expanded protection for hemp cultivation throughout the country. It allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state lines, and does not restrict the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, so long as the products themselves are consistent with the law.

While CBD related products may still have varying degrees of legality from state to state, other products – like building materials – can be sold anywhere.

How hemp flooring is made

Hemp flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, yet it’s a more sustainable product that isn’t hardwood at all.

The concept of having hardwood flooring created from other byproducts isn’t new. Homeowners are already in love with materials like bamboo, which is a grass-like product, and cork, which is made from the bark of a tree.

Hemp is just another way to use a natural product and give it a useful life inside our homes. If it can do it in a better way for our environment, and healthier for our bodies, why not?

Hemp flooring is manufactured by compressing dried hemp stalks into blocks using a soy-based binder. Extreme pressure is used to seal the stocks together into 4 foot planks. These blocks are pressed together using a hemp veneer pressed onto a plywood board. The result are boards resembling hardwood planks, with a tongue and groove application system.

What makes it eco-friendly is the process used for pressing the material together. The top finish of a hemp floorboard is made from a non-toxic liquid that solidifies quickly and doesn’t evaporate like other water-based products. That means only trace amounts are released into the ozone during processing.

The curing process is also more eco-friendly. To create the boards, manufacturers use UVA and UVB light, meaning it’s a formaldehyde-free, zero-VOC process that creates a durable top coat. This process also makes a floorboard that is as much as 25 percent harder than some of the most popular hardwoods on the market.

Let’s talk more about Hemp sustainability

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you care greatly about building a home from sustainable products. You’re trying to move towards carbon neutral living and want to do so in an efficient way.

People love hardwood because of its sustainability. Yes, you need to be aware of where the wood is sourced from, how it’s produced, and how it’s installed. But with adequate research, you can use hardwood like oak and feel good about your purchase.

Hemp can make that process even better.

As we’ve already mentioned, hemp grows much faster than an oak tree used as a crop. While an oak tree can take years to reach maturity, hemp moves from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days.

If you’re aware of your carbon footprint, it’s worth looking at hemp. According to one study, a plot of hemp absorbs four times more carbon as compared to a plot of trees the same size. Given that hemp can be harvested over and over again, this adds up over time. By the time a crop of hemp is harvested, one ton of hemp will have sequestered on average 1.62 tons of CO2.

While this article focuses on hemp flooring, it is also exciting to point out that flooring isn’t the only building material being targeted by the hemp industry. Insulation, particleboard, plaster, roofing materials, and finishing products such as caulking, sealants, varnishes, and paints are all utilizing the environmental benefits of using hemp as a base.

Strength and durability

While homeowners and manufacturers alike are excited about the potential hemp brings to the market, sustainability isn’t enough if durability isn’t also a factor. Luckily, hemp flooring has that too.

Hemp flooring is designed to look and feel like oak. Even better, hemp flooring is engineered to be as much as 20 percent harder than traditional oak wood. Tests have shown hemp to have a hardness factor of more than 2,000 on the Janka scale, which gives it a similar quality as Brazilian Cherry.

Hemp can be cut, sanded, and stained just as you would any traditional hardwood. That makes it a perfect choice for every room you would install hardwood. It also makes it the perfect choice for other building projects such as facing, furniture, and molding. As always, be sure to test the product thoroughly in the space you desire before you use it in your home.

Are you ready to use hemp flooring in your home?

While it’s still considered a new product, and isn’t yet available on the mass market, it’s only a matter of time before you see it installed in a wide variety of places.

Because it won’t warp like hardwood, and doesn’t have to be designed while avoiding knots and other blemishes, there is a decrease in wood waste.

This is one building product that homeowners and designers alike are going to enjoy putting inside remodels and renovations.

The only question left is: will you be installing hemp flooring in your home?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 7, 2021

Dogs and Hardwood Floors Can Co-Exist Together

Every remodeling or renovation job starts at the bottom – with the flooring, that is.

That’s because your room design starts with great flooring.

Can you imagine a bathroom with carpeting? Or slick, ceramic tile in the kitchen? Both would be a disaster waiting to happen.

Instinctively, we know what flooring works best in each room in our homes. But once you move past the basics – no to the carpet in bathrooms – it gets a little tricker.

Especially when your family includes dogs. As a nation, we love our furry friends. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that 38.4 households across America own a dog. That’s more than one in three!

Yet Coloradoans also love their hardwood flooring. It continues to be one of the most popular flooring choices, with hardwood flooring being one of the top requests from people out looking for a new home.

A global pandemic in 2020 didn’t change that. What it did change, however, is the type of hardwood in demand. While it’s still speculation what homeowners will want in 2021 and as we move forward, places like Hardwood Flooring Magazine are already predicting consumer demand.

Thanks to technology, you have a lot of choices when it comes to installing hardwood flooring in your home. And growth is predicted in lines where durability, upkeep, and cleanliness are all at the top of the benefits list, something we appreciate even more during 2020 as we’ve dealt with COVID.

According to Hardwood Flooring Magazine’s 2021 outlook, they are predicting an uptick in engineered and factory-finished hardwood. Both are extremely durable, easy to care for, and have hard surfaces that are especially conducive to keeping clean. They also handle well in high traffic situations, and perform equally as well when you have pets.

Dog adoptions are up.

Remodeling is booming as we get our homes ready for more staying in place.

Is hardwood the perfect choice for both situations?

Choosing hardwood flooring when you have a dog

Think about all your furry friend does during the day.

She runs circles throughout your home
She eats and drinks from bowls placed on your floor
She digs in with her claws to gain traction
She naps in the sun

Is hardwood flooring the best to handle all of that?

Fortunately, there are several choices of hardwood flooring that work well for all of those activities. Consider:

Pre-finished hardwood flooring – this offers a major benefit over unfinished hardwood where you stain and coat it once it’s laid into place: it comes with a harder, more durable surface. That’s because manufacturers have more options when they finish a product inside their production facility. Most manufacturers apply an aluminum oxide finish to the surface, which creates a stronger surface coating that can withstand more abuse from what your family can dish out. That gives it more scratch-resistant properties.

What species you’ll install – there are many different species types used for hardwood flooring, including ash to walnut and everything in between. Some species are harder than others; they’ve developed a Janka hardness scale to rate each type of wood to help you make your final decision. Soft woods are more susceptible to scratching while hard woods can sustain more impact. If you have dogs and an active household, be sure to select a hardwood on the harder side of the scale.

Surface – every hardwood has its own unique characteristics. Some have a more textured appearance, helping them hide scratches and dents more easily. For example, hand-scraped flooring has grown in popularity, and with its slightly uneven texture, it adds warmth and personality while hiding scratches and dents at the same time.

Care for your hardwood floors when you share your home with a dog

No matter what type of hardwood flooring you decide to install, it’s important to create a regular maintenance schedule to keep it looking its best. There are a number of things you can do to ensure your flooring has a long life, and looks great in the process.

Wipe your dog’s paws

While you can’t ask your dog to leave her shoes at the door, you can ensure that she leaves the dirt and debris she collects outside where it belongs. Set up a routine for when your dog comes in from the outside. On dry days, using a pet-safe towel to wipe down their paws may be all it takes. On snowy days, don’t forget to check their paws for chemicals they may have picked up on your daily walk from snowmelt and other chemicals used for snow clearing.

Use doormats

Every entryway in your home should have a doormat to help collect dirt from your shoes and boots. It will also help reduce dirt from your dog’s paws as he enters from the outside. Ensure it has a solid backing to prevent it from slipping as you both track in water, snow, and ice.

Cut your dog’s nails frequently

The American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that a dog’s nails be trimmed just as they touch the ground. When you hear a clicking noise as they walk on a solid surface, it’s time to schedule a trim with your vet or groomers, or do it yourself. Be sure to educate yourself on the procedure before you begin.

Use a dog bed

Hardwood flooring can be hard as your furry friend sleeps during the day. Instead of leaving them basking in the sun on the hard surface, invest in a dog bed to give them a more comfortable spot. As your working from home, place it nearby so she feels like a member of the family as you go about your day.

Avoid bones and other heavy objects

The younger your dog, the more they enjoy playing. Pay attention to what toys and bones you give them, avoiding the heaviest objects or reserving them for outside play. Puppies especially are prone to picking things up and dropping them repeatedly. That can quickly damage softer woods.

Do you have a dog at home? Are hardwood floors on your list of projects for the year?

It’s easy to marry the two together when you put a little thought into your project before you begin.

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

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 28, 2020

Hardwood Flooring Trends for 2021 and Beyond

Have you ever wondered where hardwood flooring trends come from? They ultimately come from you, the buyer.

As demand increases for a particular type of hardwood flooring material, manufacturers follow up by giving in to the demand. They create what you want. So the more you ask for it, the more they deliver.

Of course, manufacturers are also working hard to give you a better product as well. Hardwood has long since been a durable and aesthetically-pleasing option for your home … why not make it even better! And if you compare a lot of the products on the market today, you’ll find they handle better than ever before.

If 2021 is the year you upgrade your flooring, and you’re trying to select the right options for you, we have some advice on what hardwood floor is trending right now. Stop by, and we’re happy to show you lots of options that will fit in with any decor.

Here’s what we’re seeing our customers want right now.

Dark Hardwood Floors

Remember when a lighter, more golden color was the standard? No more. Today you’ll find dark hardwood flooring has taken over the most popular hardwood homeowners want in their homes. For some, that means black. For others, it means a chocolate color. No matter how you define dark hardwood, there’s an option for you.

One of the most frequent questions we get about dark hardwood is its durability and maintenance. Luckily manufacturers have created products that give you both in whatever color combinations you choose.

Dark hardwood can highlight dirt and stains more than lighter wood, and tends to scratch easier than other types of hardwood. But don’t let that stop you from installing it. The darkness of the wood also tends to blend gaps and uneven surfaces better, making it well better over time. If you’re going to have hardwood, you’ll get used to the care and maintenance it requires; it’ll be a part of your day.

Use a soft mop daily to keep dust, dirt, and crumbs off the floor
Plan on restaining your flooring every 10 to 15 years
It’s a great way to make the rest of your decor pop – accent it with light walls, and any color will make your home shine

Grey Hardwood Floors

Are you the type of person that looks at dark hardwood and thinks: no way? For some, light furnishings will always top their list.

Then you might benefit from looking at another top trend, grey hardwood floors.

What we love most about grey hardwood floors is the fresh, clean look you’ll get just by installing them. They look good everywhere: the kitchen, living room, dining space, or even the basement.

Be conscious of the color grey you select. A softer shade can keep your home fresh and minimalist, while a darker grey can have an aged effect. The good news is you can set the tone if you’re willing to have them stained after installation. It’s a simple process of adding white to ebony to come up with any shade of grey you desire.

The key with any hardwood flooring you choose is to opt for a higher grade water-based polyurethane finish to give you the protection you need. You can decide how glossy or matted it is based on your desires.

If you have a question about the best color for your home, ask one of our consultants for advice. They can provide you with several samples to take home so you can see how it looks in your room. Be sure to look at it in all lighting conditions, sunlight throughout the day, as well as artificial light at night. You’ll want to be happy with your choice no matter what time of day you spend in your room.

Whitewashed Wood Floors

If you want a neutral palette to work from inside your home, consider whitewashed wood floors as your base. Whitewash wood has the advantage of brightening up any room, no matter how much natural light spreads through the windows.

Whitewash wood is also one of the best color choices if you have a busy household with kids and pets running in all directions. That foot traffic, including scratches and small dents, won’t show as easily with a whitewash design.

While homeowners who choose whitewash tend to love color, you can always mix and match different shades of wood. We especially love mixing whitewash with varying shades of blue – from Mediterranean to a deep navy, whitewash accents the final color choice nicely.

Whitewash wood can start with many different hues. While they may not appear to be that different on the showroom floor, you’ll be surprised at the differences when you bring them home. From greens to blues, browns to greens, and more, it’s important to stick with hues that match your decor. That’s where one of our consultants can help you choose. And if you have a specific color in mind, a contractor can always mix and match your ideas once the planks are laid into place.

Wide Planks

Wide plank wood flooring is also a growing trend in 2021. Gone are the days of standard sizing, you’ll find planks getting wider in size because of the way they open a room up.

Before you lay a wider plank in place, be sure you know what’s underneath the planks. A wider plank size should have a perfectly smooth subfloor to ensure a quality floor.

With a wider plank, be sure to purchase your product from a reputable dealer. We’ve heard many stories of people that found great “deals”, but were greatly disappointed when cupping and curling occurred throughout the flooring shortly after the installation process.

Seasoning is important with all hardwood jobs, but especially when you’ll be installing wide plank hardwood floors. That helps the wood acclimate to your surroundings before you lay it into place.

What questions do you have about installing new hardwood floors? If you want the latest trends, something you’ll love for years to come, let us help you pick out the perfect hardwood floors for your home.