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Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 4, 2016

Pros and Cons Of 5 Top Exotic Flooring Options

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

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

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

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

Zebrawood

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

Brazilian Cherry

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

Rosewood

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

Teak

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

Tiger

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

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

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
May 2, 2016

The Pros and Cons Of Using Teak As Flooring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carpet, Flooring
April 26, 2016

Is It Time To Replace Laminate With Carpeting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hardwood Flooring, Uncategorized
April 23, 2016

Should You Install Engineered Bamboo Flooring?

Engineered bamboo flooring has become a popular choice throughout the Denver metro area. It’s durable, environmentally friendly, and looks incredible in the process.

But just like all other flooring choices, there are pros and cons to using bamboo within your home. It depends on where you’ll be installing it. It depends on your lifestyle.

Is it the perfect choice for you?

Pros:

Cleaning – bamboo floors clean up easily. If you’ve ever had hardwoods in your home, bamboo requires a similar amount of work. Use a dust mop for daily cleaning. Avoid heavy cleaning products or water, as these can damage bamboo’s finish.

Easy installation – just like hardwood flooring, bamboo floors are easy to install. You can install it through a lock and click system, by nailing it or gluing it into place. How you install it depends largely on the type of bamboo you’ll install, and the subfloor it will sit on. A floating system is very easy for DIY projects.

Health friendly – engineered bamboo flooring is non-allergenic, making it the perfect flooring choice for people with medical issues, including allergies or asthma.

Green – bamboo crops can be regenerated in 5 to 7 years, making it more environmentally friendly than hardwood trees which can take 20 or more.

Cons:

Moisture – bamboo is more water resistant than hardwoods, but can still warp with extended exposure to moisture. If you spill, wipe dry immediately. If it sinks into the floor, it can warp or buckle. If selecting bamboo for kitchen or bathroom, be sure to talk with a sales representative to choose the right bamboo flooring for the location.

Softness – bamboo flooring is a soft surface area, which means it can be susceptible to scratches and dents. High heels, pet claws, furniture movement. can all accumulate over time and give a dull, worn out appearance. Be sure to use protective pads and rugs to increase the life.

Regulation – because bamboo flooring can come from countries that aren’t as regulated as the US, it is important to know where the product is coming from to ensure sustainable parameters are followed.

Uncategorized
April 19, 2016

Smart Choices For Basements

What’s one of the biggest concerns for finishing off or remodeling a basement? Moisture problems. Whether you’ve had leaks or floods in the past, or are simply considering the option as you finish your basement for the first time, moisture can be a problem in basements applications.

Which means it’s important to install the right basement flooring to ensure best results.

Because the floor of your basement is below grade, the lowest surface of your home, it requires special consideration before your flooring can be installed. If it is susceptible to water, addressing the problem before you lay flooring is a given. Sealing your basement from water and moisture can be a big part of your remodeling budget.

Humidity and condensation are other concerns. Moist, humid air is heavy; it sinks to the lowest part of your home. When warmer, humid air comes in contact with the cooler surfaces of your home, such as a concrete slab floor, it condenses. And if it sits for too long, it can bring about mold and mildew growth. Heating and cooling systems often are equipped with a dehumidifier that helps maintain relative humidity levels for better indoor environment. The key is addressing concerns before they cause a problem.

Then it’s decision time.

Surveys show that new basement installs use carpeting in almost thirty percent of the builds. It’s a warmer option than other flooring choices, something that is important in an already cool place of the home. It also adds soundproofing, which can be important on a cement base.

Wall to wall carpeting is the easiest to install, and a low-cost option for homeowners trying to stretch the remodel budget. If you’re still worried about moisture issues, consider a pad made to block moisture from either seeping into the carpet or seeping down to the concrete below. Cleanups will be easier, and you won’t have chronic problems in the event minor water damage occurs.

Tile can also be a great choice, especially over concrete slabs. With many styles and colors available, they can give your home a flair for fashion for years to come, while maintaining a durable flooring option in the process.

Many homeowners also lean towards engineered wood. While this can carry a hardwood theme from your upper levels down into your basement, it also gives your basement durability. Because solid wood changes dimensions with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, basements often increase the chances of warping and cracking. Laminate or engineered wood decreases those chances, adds reliability and durability in the process.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 16, 2016

Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
April 12, 2016

The Right Sheen For Your Hardwood Floors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?