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Travertine Flooring: A Basic Guide

January 10, 2013 by

The installation of travertine flooring is a decision that requires serious consideration. It is not as forgiving as the standard flooring types, including vinyl, laminate or even hardwood. If you have a home that has children or pets, travertine should not be your first choice as it is not very durable or easy to clean. If you are considering having this flooring installed in your home, you should understand all of the basics to make the right decision.

The Features

First and foremost, you must know that travertine is serious stuff. When travertine is installed, it stays on … which means you should consider it to be permanent flooring. Many consider it to be adult flooring; it is very difficult to clean, making it best for homes that only house adults. While travertine is a beautiful and timely choice, there are other important factors to consider as well.

Durability – There are a variety of stone floors available, each of which are extremely durable – travertine falls into that category with a few exceptions. Travertine stone is closest to is limestone, one of the weaker stones on the market. It can withstand normal wear and tear but it will suffer chips or cracks if you drop something hard on it.

Cost – Travertine is a costly material. Typically, you can find this material in luxurious homes that do not have children or pets, as the material contains a very high price tag and requires hefty maintenance. Expect to pay as much or more than granite.

Damages Easily – Just like granite, travertine is a porous material. This means that if you do not properly maintain it with sealing and polishing, bacteria and debris can get underneath it, causing it permanent damage.

Maintenance – It is a tough decision determining whether to polish this surface. Unpolished, this material could be permanently damaged or suffer from bacteria infestation. When you polish it, however, you have a very slick surface on your hands that could cause serious accidents.

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

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Types of Carpet

January 9, 2013 by

Whether you are moving into your first home or you are thinking about changing your existing carpet in your home now, it is important to understand the different types of carpet available.

Not all carpets are created equal. They have different qualities and different advantages/disadvantages. Before purchasing carpet, look at where the installation will take place, who will be walking on the carpet, and how often it will be walked on. Because there are so many options, it is important to weigh each one with care.

Pile

Cut pile is the most common type found in most homes. Made by cutting the regular loops of carpet fibers at the top, this carpet, gives the illusion of many yarn bundles piled on top of one another. People choose this texture because of its durability and resistance to looking crushed.

Cut and loop is another version of cut pile. This take on cut pile offers a bit more texture and durability. Available in solid and multi colors, this carpet is popular in areas of high traffic or areas with children.

Saxony

When two carpet fibers are twisted together, you get Saxony’s carpet. Similar to the cut pile, they are cut off at the top, yet the combination of the two fibers creates a softer, more luxurious texture. It can be used in many different settings, but it should be known that it shows footprints and other marks very easily.

There are also textured Saxony’s that offer a softer version of the regular Saxony’s. The textured version offers various colored combinations that make it more durable. It also makes footprints and other marks less visible.

Plush

For formal areas, plush carpet is common. It offers a look of luxury along with a feeling of softness underneath your feet. The level feeling of this carpeting offers the look of sophistication, but care should be taken because it does show every mark or footprint.

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

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The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Cork Flooring

January 4, 2013 by

Cork flooring is quickly gaining popularity in homes everywhere. Not only does it have the advantages of being a comfortable flooring surface in your home, it is also an attractive option. The main substance of cork flooring is suberin, which is what makes it mold resistant. It also has natural insulation properties that help to keep your room warm and your utility bills down. Cork flooring is the perfect choice for any room in a home, especially those where children spend a lot of time in. It is also good for commercial spaces where employees spend a lot of time on their feet.

Installation

One of the largest benefits of this flooring type is its ease of installation. There are not a lot of restrictions on it, allowing it to be installed over radiant heat systems, on surfaces that are less than even and it can even be installed over a different type of existing floor. The natural insulation and natural process of extraction also make this flooring very environmentally friendly.

Safety

As with any flooring, you need to know the safety factors involved in it. Cork is very fire resistant and does not release harmful chemicals, putting the respiratory health of anyone, especially children and the elderly at risk.

Durability

Durability is important for many areas, including those with children or in commercial areas. Cork flooring is very durable as long as it is maintained, allowing you to have a safe, comfortable surface for many years to come.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantages of cork flooring include its limited color availability and its high cost. In addition, it is a bit costly to maintain. Every 5 years, you must seal it in order to keep its waterproof properties. It can also easily stain if you do not keep up the sealing process in a timely manner.

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

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How to Choose a Perfect Area Rug

January 3, 2013 by

An area rug is the perfect way to add gorgeous, affordable décor to any room. As with any other items in your home, understanding how to select the right rug is important in order to make the most of your investment and obtain the most benefits.

Continuation

If you wish to continue the look you already have in your home, it is possible to have a section of your existing carpet made into an area rug. All it takes is to have a piece of carpet cut to size and professionally bound around the edges to prevent fraying or wearing out.

Green Choices

Many homeowners look for environmentally friendly additions to their home. Natural fiber area rugs fit the bill perfectly since they are made from resources that are renewable from the earth. Caution should be taken with this material because it is not easy to clean, making it important to only use natural fibers in areas of low traffic.

Add Beautiful Color

If you want to add some frill and excitement to a room, an area rug is the perfect way to do it. They allow you to add pattern, bold color or a mixture of both to your room without making it permanent. You can change rugs out as your tastes change much easier than you can change large furniture or paint on the walls.

Faux Choices

If you are looking to add an affordable item to your room that brings a bit of flair but doesn’t break the bank, look for faux versions of your favorite type of area rug. A popular faux rug is the imitation Oriental rug. These items are highly sought after for their incredible beauty, intricate design and ability to make a room look sophisticated. Because the real deal can cost you a great deal of money, many people are turning to the very plausible and beautiful faux choices.

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

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What Type of Flooring is Best for Resale Value

December 27, 2012 by

If you are thinking about selling your home, it is important to make it as aesthetically appealing as possible. This will help increase its value and make it stand apart from the many other homes on the market today.

One of the largest areas to consider is the flooring. A new floor in your entire home or even a small part can make a huge difference in how it looks, as well as increase its value.

Replace Carpeting

If you can afford it, you should replace any or all carpeting in your home. Pay close attention to areas where pet messes or other disasters have occurred. One stain on your carpet can take away the aesthetic appeal of the entire room. Most potential buyers would prefer to see laminate flooring or any other cheap alternative to stained carpeting in a potential home. If replacement is not in your budget, make sure you have the carpets cleaned by a professional to ensure their beautiful appearance. [Read more…]

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

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What Carpet is Best for Allergy Sufferers?

December 26, 2012 by

If you are an allergy sufferer, you could find that when you are around various carpeted rooms, your symptoms become worse. This is a common reaction for those with allergies and asthma, simply due to the presence of toxins, molds, dust, and debris that are trapped in the fibers of various carpets. If you are one of these allergy sufferers, there are a few things you should know about carpeting and minimizing your symptoms.

Type of Carpeting

Carpets that are made of synthetic materials are the best type for allergy sufferers simply because they repel the normal allergens that are found in carpets, such as dust or other harmful particles. The carpeting that you need to look for should have short hair, tightly woven fibers, and have a low VOC level in order to reduce the amount of chemicals that enter your home upon installation. [Read more…]

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

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The Pros and Cons of Installing Hardwood Floors In Your Kitchen

December 20, 2012 by

Hardwood floors have long been a favorite flooring type for homeowners. Hardwood offers incredible beauty and an elegant feeling that is hard to replicate with any other type of floor.

A decision that many homeowners struggle with, however, is whether hardwood floors are a good choice in the kitchen. As with any new addition to your home, there are pros and cons to this decision.

Pros

There are the obvious benefits of wood flooring, including its incredible beauty and immense value that it can add to your home. Potential home buyers are more likely to seriously consider a home that has wood floors rather than one that does not. In addition, these floors are easy to care for if they are properly maintained, including sweeping on a daily basis and immediately wiping up spills.

Cons

The largest disadvantage of installing wood flooring in your kitchen is its lack of durability. If you have pets, children or simply have a lot of traffic coming through your kitchen, you might find it difficult to keep up the beauty of your floor. They scratch and dent easily, making it difficult to keep them beautiful in a room that gets so much action. In addition, any type of excessive water can cause the floor to warp, leading to further expenses for repair or in extreme cases, replacement.

The decision whether to choose hardwood floors in your kitchen is based on personal preference. Some people see the frequent cleaning that this flooring type requires as a con, while others do not have a problem with it. If you are a family that is very careful on your floor and does not drag, drop or spill a lot, you will not find wood floors to be difficult. On the other hand, if you have small children or simply use your kitchen a lot, you might find another flooring type to be more beneficial.

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

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How to Remove Scuff Marks from your Floor

December 18, 2012 by

Anyone that owns a home is most likely familiar with the unsightly scuff marks that can be left on their floor. It does not matter what type of floor you have – the ugly black marks can be left on your floor from a variety of items, such as shoes, ladders, chairs and even toys. Luckily, with a few simple tricks you can remove the marks.

Household Items

You might be surprised to find out that items such as pencil erasers, tennis shoes or tennis balls can easily remove your scuff marks. With each item, you simply rub with mild pressure to help the spot disappear. If your marks are very large, the tennis ball works best and involves the least amount of physical labor. Simply cut an X in the tennis ball and insert a broomstick in the hole. You now have an eraser on a stick that can easily remove the black marks.

Cleaning Items

If you feel as if you need to use a cleaning solution rather than just an eraser, you can use a few simple products:

Baking Soda – Baking soda is a universal cleaner and is great at removing spots. Simply mix a few tablespoons with enough water to make a paste. Scrub the paste on the spot and rinse it clean.

Toothpaste – You can use toothpaste on its own to remove marks by simply rubbing it into the spot in circular motions and rinsing clean.

Store Bought Products – If you wish to purchase something at the store rather than make your own, there are plenty of products on the market. Try to buy the mildest formula available in order to avoid using harsh chemicals on your floor and running the risk of ruining the finish.

Scuff marks are never a pleasant sight on your floor, but with a little elbow grease, you can easily remove them, keeping the beauty of your floor alive.

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

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Understanding Tongue And Groove Flooring

December 14, 2012 by

Tongue and groove flooring is a method of flooring that holds each piece in place with a system of interlocking pieces called tongues and grooves.  One side of the panel is rounded out in a tongue.  This rounded out side fits well with the concave side of the next panel, locking the two together.  Tongue and groove flooring is a much more secure method of flooring compared to the standard flat panel flooring.

Tongue and groove flooring works much like a puzzle, allowing the installer to fit smaller pieces together in a tight pattern to form a much larger finished product.  Tongues and grooves work to keep individual pieces together, while the pressure caused by the tight space works to keep the entire floor in place.
[Read more…]

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

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Tips for Finding the Best Flooring Contractor

December 13, 2012 by

When you are looking for a professional flooring contractor, it is important to proceed with caution. Even though the internet and yellow pages are filled with thousands of available contractors, it does not mean that they are all created equal. Anyone can build a site, claiming to be a reputable installer. But without the proper credentials, you may be taking on a lot of risk. Look for the following qualifications in any contractor before hiring them.

Referrals

It is always best to start with referrals. Typically, you can trust those that you know to be brutally honest with you regarding the work that someone performed on their home. If you do not know anyone that has had a new floor installed recently, take the time to read the reviews online, both on the contractor’s website and on third-party websites, to see what the consensus is regarding the company you are thinking about using.

Contracts

Once you have narrowed your choices down, get written estimates from those companies. Once you have the estimate in writing you can compare all of the estimates and determine which one is the best price and value. With the contract in writing, it also gives you a form of insurance regarding the work that will be done, as well as the prices that will be charged. Remember, price isn’t everything. The guarantee of how someone will work with you throughout the process can be worth its weight in gold. [Read more…]

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

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