Tips For Making The Right Commercial Flooring Choice

When it comes to commercial property, everything about it takes a beating. Heavy traffic, lots of use, and very few people that enter ever look down and really think about what they are walking on.

Yet commercial flooring is probably one of the most important materials within a commercial property. It must withstand dozens, even hundreds of people walking on it every day. It must survive dirt, grime, snow, sleet and rain, high heels, muddy boots, and everything in between.

Flooring for commercial properties takes more than choosing a color or a style; it involves getting to know the specific application and what the area will be used for. A high traffic entryway has different needs than individual offices.

Installation

When choosing a floor option for the very first time, its easy to look at the price first and make choices on budget. But with high traffic areas, that can be a mistake. If you choose an inexpensive option today, how fast will it have to be replaced? Will it be damaged after just a few Colorado snow storms? Installation in itself can be expensive. Even by upgrading one or two levels, you may pay a little more up front, yet gain several years worth of use.Tips For Making The Right Commercial Flooring Choice

Maintenance

Every flooring choice has maintenance costs. Wood flooring needs regular cleaning, stripping, waxing and repair. Concrete may need to be stained, repaired and refurbished. Carpet may need regular vacuuming, steam cleaning, and repair.

For each surface area, consider what the best choice is, then choose the highest quality option to ensure years worth of function.

Durability

Flooring is one of the most used, highest abused aspects to a building. No matter what option you choose and how well you maintain it, eventually it will wear out and need to be replaced. The longer the life of the material, the more you can stretch the time in between.

Safety

The traction of the flooring choice is important, especially for high traffic areas, or places where changes can occur regularly. Bringing in snow and slush on a cold winter day can present tripping or slipping hazards, depending on the flooring choice. Polished floors may look nice, but when buffed and cleaned may cause people to fall easily. If a situation has a potential for becoming wet, make sure you use a material with extra traction, such as epoxy quartz.

Comfort

Hospitals and medical offices already have sterile atmospheres – the last thing you want is to add to the feeling with cold cement. A modern color, hard working commercial carpet choice can not only make a few warmer and more comfortable, it can also dampen noise.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

Saving Money When Hiring A Flooring Contractor

Saving Money When Hiring A Flooring Contractor

We are all looking for ways to get the best bang for our buck.  After all, you work hard for your paycheck, you want it to go as far as possible.  Well, did you know there are ways you can save on services like flooring contractors?  This is great news, especially since eventually we all need to replace the flooring in our homes.  So, when it comes time to update your floors, what can you do to save a few pennies along the way?

Be careful what you pick – The price for flooring installation will depend hugely on the type of flooring you are putting in.  If budget is a major concern, be sure to choose a flooring type that is fast and easy to instal.  The less effort needed, the less expensive the job can be.

Shop around – One great way to make sure you’re getting the best possible price is to shop around for a contractor.  Get referrals from friends, co-workers, online rating sites, etc.  Then, contact several of the contractors you heard about and ask them for a quote.  You will be amazed at just how much variance there is between prices.

Ask about installation at your flooring store – Most flooring companies are also willing to install the product, for a price.  When you are picking out your new flooring, be sure to get a quote from the store. Since they are familiar with the product, often times the company’s quote will be competitively priced.

Do some prep work – Not only does your new flooring need to be put in, but the old flooring needs to be taken out.  When you get a quote, be sure to ask how much you could save if you moved furniture and tore out the old flooring yourself.  You might also consider disposing of the old materials yourself, as this can be another huge cost.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

The Best Flooring Choice For Each Room In The House

The Best Flooring Choice For Each Room In The House

If you are planning on redoing the floors of various rooms in your home, you are taking on quite a task – but one that will be well-worth the effort. The floors of your home are some of the first things that people see upon entering each room. You want your flooring to be a lovely addition to each room, an addition that complements the décor and makes the room beautiful. When choosing flooring, instead of going with a one-for-all approach, remember that certain types of flooring work best in certain rooms.

The kitchen of your home is a likely target for spills, mud, and general mess. You want flooring that is durable and easy to clean. Vinyl or linoleum is a great choice for kitchens because they are both easy to maintain and quite durable. With this type of flooring, a spilled drink or muddy footprints will be a breeze to clean – and both types of flooring are made to withstand lots of foot traffic to ensure they stay beautiful for years to come.

In your living room, which is likely to be the main spot for entertaining, consider the beauty of hardwood flooring. This type of flooring can last for years because it can be re-stained numerous times before it needs replacing. Hardwood flooring brings a certain level of elegance and beauty to a room – but it must be taken care of properly to avoid damaging it. This includes cleaning up any spills right away, as well as making sure furniture is not dragged across the floor or hard-heeled shoes, like boots and high heels, are not worn on the floor.

The bathroom is a room best suited for tile flooring. Because the bathroom is a room with higher humidity and moisture levels, you want a flooring that can withstand the heat. Tile flooring is hard, resistant to moisture damage, and can last for many years in your bathroom.

Finally, for your basement, consider having the concrete floors stained for minimal upkeep and maintenance. Carpeting is also a decent choice for a basement family room, as long as you are prepared for the vacuuming and shampooing that must be done to keep the carpet beautiful.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

10 Questions To Ask Before You Buy New Carpet

10 Questions To Ask Before You Buy New Carpet

Does the price of the carpet include carpet padding and installation?

Different carpet companies make their offers in different ways. Don’t assume anything. Always make sure you are getting full pricing for all three pieces of the process, or you may be shocked at the end with a bigger bill than anticipated.

Does the price include removal of old carpet?

Its easy to get so excited about the final outcome, you forget about the process. If new carpet is going in, something must be on the way out. How will you dispose of it? Can they haul it out for you, or will you need to find other means?

Is there a guarantee or warranty on the carpet, padding, and installation?

Different manufacturers have different rules and offers. Not all companies are the same. When you narrow your choices down to the final few, dig deeper into what each company offers. Don’t forget to ask about the warranties on the padding as well. Also find out the company’s policy on workmanship – if you have a problem in a few weeks, what’s the process for having it fixed?

What do I need to do to maintain the warranty?

In order to maintain a warranty, some companies require a certain amount of maintenance. Vacuuming, carpet cleaning all can be a part of the process to keep your warranty effective.

Will someone come out to take accurate measurements of my room?

One of the worst situations to be in is to not have the right carpet size for the situation. With some companies, you’re completely on your own for final measurements. For some, they prefer to send out a representative to take charge and make sure everything is in top shape throughout the process.

Can I borrow samples of my choices to determine the perfect choice for my room? How long can I have the samples?

Carpets are a major decision. And with each selection, they may impact your room in different ways. By comparing carpets side by side in your room at different times of the day, you’ll ensure your final selection is the right one.

Where will seams fall within my room (s)?

The last thing you need is to have a seam right in a heavy traffic area. And problems with it keeping its shape in just a few short months. Discuss your traffic patterns and the final room setup with furniture and décor with your flooring consultant. They will be able to request final layouts that make sense for your room and your family.

Is there any other charges that I may not know about up front – metal stripping at thresholds, stair step charges, etc?

We all hate nickel and diming at the final payment. Before you move forward, ask for any additional fees that may effect the outcome.

Is there a charge for moving furniture?

Moving furniture takes time – time away from the actual installation of your carpets. If the layers have to do it, chances are you’ll find the fee on your final bill. Make sure you ask upfront for charges and make any adjustments to your rooms ahead of time.

Is this carpet choice the best for my situation (pets, kids, heavy traffic, etc)?

Every family has different needs. When you head in and make your choices, the flooring consultant doesn’t understand your situation. Do you have 3 year old triplets that are constantly making messes? Do you own two dogs and two cats? The more they know about your lifestyle, the more they will help steer you towards choices that are right for you.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

Coordinating Colors – Selecting Tile To Match Your Décor

Coordinating Colors – Selecting Tile To Match Your Décor

Some people are visual by nature. And some aren’t.

For some, its easy to choose curtains, fabrics and décor, then easily match it up with the tile for a perfect look every time.

And for others, its not quite that easy.

When decorating your home, you want to do everything you can to ensure that all colors complement each other; that everything “flows” together well. Learning how to coordinate your décor and your choice of tile can be tough. Just because something looks good in your mind or on paper or on a computer screen does not mean it will look as good once it is in your room. Here are some tips to help you coordinate your tile with the rest of your décor.

Use swatches to help choose your tile color. Take a pillow from your couch or a towel from your linen closet with you to the tile store. Use that to help you find a tile that complements the color. Don’t be afraid to ask – two opinions are better than one as you are making your final selections.

Create a color scheme. Consider different colors as you determine your theme. Once you have narrowed the list down to one or two dominant colors, and one accent color, start looking for tile to fit your needs. Your tile can be a dominant color or an accent color, the choice is yours. You can even have your tile contain both dominant and accent colors to really blend in well with your décor.

Coordinate countertops with flooring, backsplashes with countertops, and tie everything together with various accent pieces and colors. For example, if your tile flooring matches your countertops, which are a dominant color, use an accent-colored tile here and there to tie in the flooring with the rest of the room’s color scheme.

Be bold and creative with your choice of colors, whether it is for your tile or the rest of your décor. The only time you may want to hold back and remain a little neutral is if you plan on selling your home in the near future. Your bold style and tastes may not be a potential buyer’s style and taste, so neutral may be the better choice. However, going neutral does not mean it has to be dull. You can make a room “pop” with color by using accent tiles, accent pillows, and other splashes of color around the room.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

Choosing The Right PEI Rating Tiles For Your Room

Choosing The Right PEI Rating Tiles For Your Room

When you decide to add tile to a room in your home, heading into a retail location is the first place to start. There you will be able to walk through rows of selections, taking in price and pattern options.

Price and pattern are the two most logical places to start. After all, you have to like the coloring of the tile. And you have to be afford the tile when its fully installed in your home.

Yet there is another consideration that is very important to the way your tile maintains over time, and few people understand how to use it. Its called the PEI rating.

The PEI rating of tile helps you determine the durability and hardness of the tile in question. PEI stands for the Porcelain Enamel Institute, and its rating will provide you with the information you need to select the right tile for each room of your home. Remember, just because you like a price or a pattern does not mean that a certain tile is right for every room of your home. Different rooms will have different levels of foot traffic, which is why you have to consider the PEI rating.

The PEI ratings are as follows:

Class 1 – This type of tile is not fit for any level of foot traffic and should only be used on walls

Class 2 – This type of tile can withstand a light amount of foot traffic. It can be used on walls, as well as on bathroom floors.

Class 3 – This type of tile can withstand light to moderate foot traffic. It can be used on walls, countertops, and on floors with a normal amount of foot traffic.

Class 4 – This type of tile can withstand moderate to heavy foot traffic. It can be used in all types of residential applications, as well as medium commercial applications and light institutional applications.

Class 5 – This type of tile can withstand heavy to extra-heavy foot traffic. It can be used in all types of situations, from residential to commercial and institutional.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

How To Use Tiles In Your Bathroom Remodel

How To Use Tiles In Your Bathroom Remodel

Tile is a versatile, cost effective material to use in several areas of your home.  If you are considering a bathroom remodel, there are several ways you can tie tile into your new design.  With such a diversity of sizes, colors, styles, textures, and finishes tile can make a great addition to the bathroom of your dreams.

Flooring

Naturally, any discussion of tile’s functionality in a bathroom would have to include a section on flooring tiles.  Tile provides a durable, moisture resistant, elegant look for your bathroom floor.  Since this is the floor and is the largest single area to be covered, you should consider going with a neutral toned tile.  Stone tones, or light colors serve to add a touch of warmth without overwhelming the space.

Shower or Tub

Another excellent way to use tile in your bathroom remodeling is in the tub or shower.  Tiles along the walls will add a touch of color or interest to an otherwise bland area.  If you prefer a more traditional approach, white tiling provides a clean, crisp look in the tub or shower.  If you are a bit more daring, add a splash of color.  Tile size can also add a bit of interest or drama.  Whatever you choose, be sure it ties in with the decor of the rest of the room.

Countertops and Back splashes

Countertops are another great area for tiling.  Tile’s durability and moisture resistance makes it an excellent material for countertops.  Since it is the smallest unified area to be covered, you can be a bit more daring in your color scheme.  Just remember to keep your color and pattern choice in harmony with your room decor.

Tile can create a great look no matter what budget you have in mind.  With such a wide range of looks available, you can create a look that reflects your individuality without breaking the bank.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

How To Protect Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a popular flooring choice for several reasons. It is a durable, easy maintenance type of flooring. It is available in thousands of patterns, so you will never have trouble finding a pattern to complement your home’s interior. Vinyl flooring is available in sheets or tiles, and it offers an easy installation that many DIY homeowners can handle. However, like any other type of flooring, it does require some maintenance and protecting. The following tips will help you protect and maintain your vinyl flooring to ensure its longevity.

Clean up any spills as soon as possible. The sooner you wipe up spills, the less time they will have to potentially cause damage. This is especially important if you have vinyl tiles. Liquids can seep into the seams and possibly cause the tile to unstick from the floor.
How To Protect Vinyl Flooring
Do not use any abrasive products on your vinyl flooring. They can damage the surface of the vinyl and make it dull. The same is true for products promising to make your floor shine – the truth is that they will make your vinyl look dull.

Do not use any scrubbing tools on your vinyl because they, too, can make it look dull and lusterless.

Do not vacuum your flooring with a vacuum that has a beater bar – this can physically damage the flooring and reduce its luster.

If you have to move heavy furniture across your vinyl flooring, use blankets or plywood on the floor. You can then “walk” the furniture on the blanket or plywood across the vinyl without tearing or scratching it.

Use furniture sliders under the feet of your couches and chairs. These will prevent the feet of the furniture from digging into your vinyl over time and leaving unsightly indentations.

Place welcome mats near doorways to reduce the amount of dirt and grime that is tracked across your flooring. The less dirt and grime on your flooring, the less cleanup you will have to do, and the better your vinyl will look.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

What To Look For When Shopping For Parquet Flooring

Parquet flooring is truly unique among the flooring options available.  It is made of wood, so it retains the class and style of traditional wood floors.  However, the wood within these tiles has been compiled in a creative fashion, lending itself to a totally original floor.

These tiles are typically laid in a pattern chosen by the homeowner, and are sanded and finished in the home.  The end result is a beautiful, uniquely patterned floor all your own.What To Look For When Shopping For Parquet Flooring

So if you have decided to install one of these one of a kind floors in your home, what should you be looking for?  What type of things should you ask about before hand, to avoid heartache after the job is done?

Always consider price – Parquet floors are often more affordable than their traditional wood counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they are affordable for every budget.  The type of wood will affect the final price tag, so be sure to find a wood type that you and your wallet can live with.

Shop around for patterns – One of the most unique elements of a parquet floor is the pattern of installation.  When you are looking for your new floor, ask installation experts to see the patterns they are willing to do.  You want your floor to be as unique as you are, so be sure you find that one of a kind pattern you just love.

Be cautious of experience – These floors require sanding and finishing on site…that means in your home.  So, the installation team needs to get it right the first time.  Otherwise, you are left with a messy floor and a headache to fix it.  Before you sign anything, be sure you are comfortable with the expertise of the company or individual you will be working with.  References are a good idea.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

Choosing Flooring For Home Theaters and Media Rooms

Choosing Flooring For Home Theaters and Media Rooms

Want to remodel your basement? One of the most popular rooms to include is a media room with home theater. Imagine being able to host your own parties on Saturday night – you bring the popcorn AND supply the movie theater experience. It’s a perfect way to keep the kids at home and entertained.

Yet while you’re dreaming of your new theater, you may have visions of a full library in the back, or soft leather chairs to curl up in, the flooring may not be a thought. Yet it should.

You may not realize it, but the flooring of your media room can have a big effect on sound quality. When choosing flooring for your home theater or media room, keep the following tips in mind.

Choose flooring that absorbs sound, rather than reflects it. Carpeting is the best choice for media rooms because of the soft surface. Carpeting is also cushiony and comfortable, making it ideal for sprawling children. Make sure you use thick padding, as well, because it will also absorb sound, making for a better movie-viewing experience.

Choose a color of carpeting that is dark in color. Light colors of carpet can reflect the light from the television screen, causing glares that make viewing difficult. You can even use different shades of carpeting to create a theater-style feel. To complete the look and feel of a theater, add small floor lights to line the “aisle” of your home theater.

If you already have hard flooring installed, use thick area rugs to help absorb the sound. You can also decorate the room with plush furniture to absorb sound. Make your media room as cozy and comfortable as possible, no matter which type of flooring you have.
Once you have the ideal flooring installed in your media room, you and your family can start enjoying many nights together. Nothing beats quality time with your loved ones!

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.