White Flooring Options

While symbolizes peace and tranquility. Many homeowners select white as their coloring scheme to have a place to come home to after a long day to relax. Yet while installing white cupboards and painting the walls white isn’t difficult to see in your mind before you install, many people struggle with white or light color floors.

Will they be easy to live with? Is maintenance going to be a chore?

White Flooring OptionsWhite wood flooring is one of the most popular choices when considering white/light flooring. It’s fairly easy to achieve if you already have wood in your home. Sanding the floorboards and using a white floor paint and sealant can do the trick. You can also use a light toned solid hardwood flooring – white oak or ash – and then whitewash stain the boards to your ideal color.

To avoid the mess of using hardwood already in your home, you can achieve the look by installing brand new engineered hardwood floors that have been prefinished with white stain or paint.

The options continue with selecting white toned luxury vinyl tiles, wood-like porcelain tiles, or stone with the white floor look and feel. Porcelain tiles aren’t just for the bathroom. With today’s technology, you can find a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, some with plank look and feel, perfect for every room in your home. In short, if you prefer a certain color with a certain flooring material, you’ll find it here.

White flooring can be the perfect addition to any home. But is it right for your lifestyle?

White floors do create a minimalist aesthetic. And because white is light and airy, it will go with all decor styles. From shabby-chic to modern industrial, you can blend it in any way you choose.

White floors also look cleaner, brighter, more open and airy. It’s the best way to create an uncluttered, calming, peaceful space to live in.

White floors also put the emphasis on your furniture and your decor rather than on your floors. This is perfect for the piece of artwork you have on display and want to make the focus point of your room. It gives you the freedom to change the look and feel easily without having to “match” the color of your floors.

Of course, white floors also have their challenges. To keep white floors looking their best, you have to be willing to clean them regularly. They will show messes and furballs easier than darker shades. With a busy family, that may be a difficult task. However, you will be ensured your home is always clean – you can see when it isn’t, so it ensures you stick to a regular cleaning schedule.

You should also be conscious of the white floor tone you select. Not all white tones are the same. Some extra bright tones can glare and tire your eyes, particularly if your space receives a lot of direct sunlight. And if you’re planning on painting your walls and trim white, it’s a good idea to ensure the color tones match.

Have additional questions about white flooring choices?

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Which Transition Strip To Use Where

Want to have different types of flooring installed in different spaces of your home? No problem. The look you create will be uniquely your own.

However, it is important that you transition the flooring from room to room to give your home a seamless look.

There are different types of transition strips, with different styles, prices, and options available depending on which you choose.Which Transition Strip To Use Where

A T-bar is a metal transition strip of aluminum or lightweight steel. You’ll also find them in vinyl, composite, or wood too. They get their name because of their T shape, and are used to transition from two hard surfaces of the same height.

A carpet transition strip is used between carpeting and hard flooring because the materials are not the same height. Carpet transition strips are smooth and catch your eye to let you know there is a change in flooring coming. Teeth on the carpet side of the transition grip help hold the material in place.

End bar transition strips are used between hardwood and laminate flooring where it meets a door, step, or another flooring type. Most hardwood transition strips are made of wood or laminate to match the hardwood flooring. They are notched on one side to cover the edge of the flooring. The other side is bullnose to gently transition into the other flooring.

Stair nosing gives your stairs a finished appearance while protecting the front edge of each tread. They are typically made of wood or metal, and create a 90 degree turn downward to ensure your safety and footing.

Quarter round transition strips cover the expansion gap at the perimeter of the wood flooring if the gap isn’t covered by baseboard trim.

Baseboard transitions give the perimeter of a room a finished look and cover any expansion gaps required during installation. Quality baseboard is made from solid hardwood, though you’ll find many different types depending on your budget and needs.

You’ll find transition strips made from a variety of materials – rubber, metal, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. It all depends on the look you hope to accomplish.

Have a question about transitions?

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Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood?

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

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

It depends on the engineered hardwood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Difference Between Cut Pile Carpet and Textured Carpet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Benefits Of Frieze Carpet

Frieze carpet has two characteristics. First, frieze is often also known as twist or twisted carpet. Second, frieze is a type of cut pile where the carpet fibers are woven in a looped formation before cut to create the pile effect.

Both frieze and texture carpets can be similar in appearance. The main difference is when you look closer, you’ will see that the fibers in a frieze carpet are extremely twisted to the point they curl or kink. Where textured carpets have 3.5 to 5 twists per inch, a frieze carpet may have 7 to 9 twists per inch. This extra twist provides a stronger construction and a more durable product.The Benefits Of Frieze Carpet

The main reason frieze carpet is increasing in popularity is because it is very good at hiding footprints and vacuum tracks. The twisted surface is much more forgiving than other plush carpets.

That also means the surface area is equally good at hiding dirt too. Yet depending on the fiber length, dirt does have the possibility of dropping down and getting trapped at the base of the fiber. The more foot traffic you have, the more you’ll need a good quality vacuum to ensure the dirt doesn’t stay.

Frieze carpet tends to have a more casual or relaxed style. That means it’s perfect for rooms like family rooms or bedrooms, but not necessarily in more formal locations.

Because true frieze carpet has a highly twisted fiber, it is more costly than texture carpet. But because it is likely to give you more years of looking its best, it may be worth the investment to continue its good looks for years to come.

Like any great carpet, watch for the best brand names in the business. We know the selection of frieze carpets can be overwhelming, stick with the brand names you know and love.

Stainmaster has options that will give you lots of color choices, from light creams to dark chocolates. You’ll also have Stainmaster’s protection system which includes PetProtect which makes it easier to vacuum up pet hair.

Shaw flooring has dozens of designs that fall into the frieze category. You’ll find a large array of options to consider, including dozens of colors and patterns. They also include their patented LifeGuard waterproof system that provides a moisture barrier to help prevent liquids from soaking into the carpet, padding, and subfloor.

Of course, the options don’t end there. The best way to see them all is to stop by our location today. We’ll help you find the perfect carpet choice for you.

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Home Flooring Trends – The 2018 Guide

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

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

And you’ll love what the “latest and greatest” ideas are for your flooring needs are!Home Flooring Trends - The 2018 Guide

Eco-Friendly Flooring

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

Hardwood Flooring

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

Vibrant Rugs

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

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How To Protect Your Wood Floors From Damage

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

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

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

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

Sweep and Clean Regularly

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

Vacuum

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

Stop Mopping

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

Choose Cleaners Carefully

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

Remove Shoes

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

Implement a Care Routine

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

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The Best Alternatives To Hardwood Floors

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

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

Bamboothe-best-alternatives-to-hardwood-floors

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

Cork

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

Vinyl and Laminate

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

Tile

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

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

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Removing Tree Sap From Flooring

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

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

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

Ice It Away

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

Soak

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

Acetone

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

Cooking Oil

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

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

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How To Survive Floor Renovation And Stay Married Too

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

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

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

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

Start with your funding

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

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

Communication is key

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

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

Compromise

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

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

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

You may be surprised at what you decide.

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