Posts Comments

7 Things That May Make Tiles The Perfect Choice

August 17, 2013 by

Tiles. They are one of the most popular flooring choices around. You can use them anywhere in your home, inside or out, and give each room a clean, rich appeal.

7 Things That May Make Tiles The Perfect ChoiceAnd while most people know the benefits of using tile simply through use, there may be a few things you never knew about tiles – a few things that may make them the “flooring of choice” as you are considering your flooring options in the future.

1. Ceramic tiles are an eco-friendly option. Tile is made from clay, natural minerals and water. Because tile doesn’t retain any bacteria, allergens or odors, it’s the perfect choice for a home where a family member suffers from allergies or asthma.

2. Ever wonder why you find so many home kitchens and bathrooms with tiles? Because ceramic tile will not absorb moisture. When you spill liquids, no need to worry – just wipe up and know your tiles will retain their look and feel. Also, the humidity in bathrooms will never impact your tiling – allowing it to retain its natural beauty from year to year.

3. Ceramic tiles are a mixture of different clays pressed into shapes, then fired at very high temperatures to give them their hardness. They are given a hardness classification as to how much weight and stress they can sustain. Group I tiles are suitable for residential bathrooms with light foot traffic – this is also where wall tiles are placed. Group V tiles are for heavy foot traffic and dam areas, such as food service facilities, exterior locations such as swimming pools, etc. And of course in between – group III tiles – are suitable for most residential installations.

4. Tiles are one of the easiest flooring choices to care for long term. Ceramic tiles resist odor, stains and dirt, and can be wiped up any time with a damp sponge, or for larger spills, a wet mop. Most ordinary household cleaners will work well – or try a natural solution of vinegar and water for a clean and easy clean up anytime.

5. Worried about the dog’s nails, high heels walking across the floor, or your kids pulling their favorite toys, and what that will do to the appearance of your tiles? Stick with a Group III or Group IV tile and you’ll experience a tile very resistant to scratches and scuff marks.

6. To be a true ceramic tile, a tile must be made from clay or other nonmetallic minerals and fired or baked above red heat – at least 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Tiles come in all characteristics, durability and costs.

  • Cement tiles are usually low cost, high durability with low to medium maintenance.
  • Stone tiles are available at costs from low to high, have a medium to high durability factor, and require a medium to high level of maintenance, depending on type and where installed.
  • Porcelain tiles are at the more expensive end of the spectrum, have a high durability factor, and require very low maintenance once installed.
  • Glazed tiles are available at all price ranges, which means their durability and maintenance changes depending on the type of type selected.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Tile Tagged With: , , , , ,

Top Flooring Choices In Denver Colorado

August 14, 2013 by

If you’ve ever traveled, you know different regions consider different types of flooring to be “the norm”. Head to Arizona and you’ll likely find many homes with tiling throughout all living spaces. Head overseas to places like Spain, and you’ll likely find homes filled with native tiling in bright colors.

Top Flooring Choices In Denver ColoradoIn many ways, it’s the environment and the lifestyle that impacts flooring decisions.

Here in Denver Colorado, we are no exception to the rule.

If you visit today’s showhomes – have you checked out this year’s Parade Of Homes – you’ll find the latest choices in flooring that you can incorporate into your own remodeling plans. Here in Denver, people are choosing:

Hardwood floors – nothing says “timeless” quite like hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors today can mean a variety of things. Stick with the basics – floors like oak hardwoods are always a great choice. Or turn to one of today’s eco-friendly options – bamboo is growing in popularity as a great choice throughout your home.

Tiling – if you have an active household, tiling is the perfect choice. Tiling is durable, low maintenance and available in just about any style and color option you can dream of. It’s the perfect choice in mud rooms where you track in snow and dirt, or in kitchens or bathrooms where there are always unexpected spills. Tiling doesn’t have to be cold – check out radiant heating under the flooring to always wake up and have warm tiles under your feet.

Carpets – carpets are still a great choice for Colorado homes. Carpets help you keep the warmth in your room on those cold winter mornings. Nothing feels better on your toes as you get out of bed than a thick carpet. Colors, styles, textures – anything is possible in today’s world. And if you’re only doing a few rooms – maybe just the bedrooms – it can be an affordable way to have a new look and feel in your home.

Combine all three? Of course. With space on different floors, all for different lifestyles, its easy to find a way to combine all three looks into one fantastic layout. Hardwoods are a classic look for your living areas. Worried about the performance in the kitchen? Change it out with a tile that blends naturally into the color of your wood. Lay hardwoods up the stairs and down the hallway. Then compliment the look with carpet that adds warmth and style to the bedrooms. Continue the look of tiles to your bathrooms – and of course add the radiant heat underneath – and you’ll quickly have a Colorado home anyone would be proud to own. Let us show you have Colorado flooring choices can enhance your home today.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Finding the Perfect Sized Area Rug

August 10, 2013 by

There are few items that can spruce up a room better than a gorgeous area rug. You can create any look you desire with an area rug, whether you want a modern or classic style.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Sized Area Rug
Buying a rug that is the perfect size is a challenge in itself if you don’t know what type of look you are going for. The key is to have fun when choosing an area rug to complement your décor and give your room a fresh feel. But before you pick out colors and patterns, you need to figure out what size rug you want to purchase.

You should figure out your budget for a new rug before you begin shopping. Large area rugs of quality can be fairly expensive compared to smaller ones, but you don’t want a choppy look that will make the room appear smaller and cluttered. There are no hard rules when it comes to selecting an area rug. Here are some tips to choose the best size rug for the perfect finishing touch in your room:

  • Measure the size of the area you want to cover before shopping. Ideally, you should measure the seating area and get the closet size up from that. The rug should cover at least the length and width of the furniture. If the room is large and the furniture appears to float, choose a larger rug. This will avoid the appearance of a smaller room.
  • Decide to keep the furniture legs on or off the rug. The key is to be consistent. For instance, if the legs of the sofa are on the rug, include the legs of the chair as well. This avoids a choppy look and creates a welcoming feel, especially in living areas.
  • Layer a smaller rug. If you fall in love with a rug that is too small for the room, try layering it over a larger rug in a natural fiber. This will make up the difference in space and offer a unique touch to the room.
  • Consider the layout of your furniture. If a room is broken up into different areas like a dining area and a seating area, treat each area as if it is a separate room to determine the best rug size.

The most important tip: Remember to have fun choosing your area rug to add style, flair and comfort to any room in your home!

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Rugs Tagged With: , ,

How to Protect Your New Hardwood Floors

August 8, 2013 by

The beauty of new hardwood floors simply can’t be beat. Their natural beauty and unique characteristics give a home a gorgeous look and lived-in feel. Hardwood floors are a fabulous addition to the interior of a home, and they are a smart investment as well. They have an incredible ability to increase the value of a home if you are considering selling.

How to Protect Your New Hardwood FloorsNo matter how long you plan on living in your home, the beauty of your hardwood floors depends on the amount of regular maintenance they receive. It is essential to protect them from damaging elements such as moisture, furniture and abuse. Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your new hardwood floors so that they last as long as your home:

Make use of rugs and mats. Not only do they protect your hardwood floor, they can add style and beauty to your home. Using rugs and mats in areas with high traffic will trap dirt and moisture from shoes that can get stuck on the floor.

Clean floors regularly. Sweeping and vacuuming should be a daily activity in order to keep dirt and dust from accumulating and damaging the hardwood floors. Clean your floors periodically with a wood-cleaning solution depending on what type of finish it has.

Keep the floors scratch-free. Make use of cloth furniture protectors under the feet of tables, chairs and heavy furniture. Be sure to remove shoes that can scuff the floor.

Keep humidity levels in check. Moisture is one of hardwood flooring’s worst enemies because it can cause the floor boards to swell and warp. Make sure that your home’s humidity level is kept at a reasonable level in the summer as well as in the winter when the air is dryer. Dry air can also damage your wood floor.

Look out for changes. While expanding is natural, wood floors should not raise or dip in certain areas. Look for changes and areas that are not even. You want to find the root of the problem before the entire floor is ruined.

Hardwood floors may require a bit of maintenance and tender loving care, but they will reward you in the long run with beautiful shininess and vitality.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,

Is Luxury Vinyl Tiling For You?

August 3, 2013 by

Choosing the right kind of flooring for you home can be quite the difficult decision to make. There are so many types of flooring available – it can be overwhelming to even know where to begin.

Is Luxury Vinyl Tiling For You?One type of flooring that is increasing in popularity is luxury vinyl tile. Before you assume that the word luxury means out of your price range, think again. Although this type of tile does cost a bit more than other types of vinyl, it is still vinyl, and it is still affordable – but it is just a beautiful as pricier types of flooring.

Luxury vinyl tile looks exactly like some expensive types of tiles. Manufacturers are able to create vinyl tile that looks like travertine or ceramic tile. Yet, because the tile is vinyl, it is much more affordable than travertine and ceramic – you get the best of both worlds!

Another key feature of luxury vinyl tile is its durability. It is made to withstand high-traffic, stains, scuffs, and other forms of wear and tear – unlike the expensive stones, which often require careful maintenance and care.

This type of tile comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns, making it easy to find the right style to fit your home’s décor – even in upscale homes. You will have little maintenance to worry about, as vinyl is made to be easy to clean.

This type of tile is even environmentally friendly because it has low volatile organic compound emissions. You can save money and save the planet at the same time!

If you are searching for a type of flooring that is comfortable, cushiony, durable, low maintenance, affordable, and absolutely beautiful – all at the same time – you may think you are searching for the impossible. Luxury vinyl tile is all of those things and more. It just might be the beautiful flooring addition you are looking for.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Tile Tagged With: ,

Hiring A High Quality Hardwood Flooring Contractor

July 26, 2013 by

Redoing the flooring in part or all of your home can be a tricky process. You must manage the maze of flooring options, price points, pros and cons, and places to buy flooring.

Hiring A High Quality Hardwood Flooring ContractorOnce your Colorado flooring has been chosen, you will likely be confronted with a new decision: what contractor to hire to do the job. Before you make your decision, here are a few qualifications you should be looking for.

1. Check for recommendations – Word of mouth is an excellent way to filter through the seemingly endless list of contractors. Ask friends, family, co-workers, realtors, builders, etc. if they have a contractor they have worked with satisfactorily in the past.

2. Get a second opinion – Always get at least two quotes for the job. Prices, inclusions, timelines, quality, and customer service can vary drastically from one contractor to another. Talking to multiple contractors before hiring one will help give you a better idea of what services are available to you.

3. Ask about past work – What type of experience does your potential contractor have? Have they worked primarily in residential or commercial settings? Do they have any experience installing the type of hardwood you want put in? Do they have any pictures of previous jobs, or past customers you can contact?

4. Ask for a detailed contract – You don’t want to start a project and be surprised half way through with a costly delay or problem. Be sure your contract details the work to be done (in detail), the anticipated timeline, the milestones for work and payment, etc. The more detailed the contract, the better your leverage if things go poorly.

5. Be careful about paying up front – All contractors will require a portion of the cost up front to cover initial costs. However, you should be wary of contractors that require a majority of the price up front.

6. Take time to think – You are under no pressure to sign a contract today. Take a night (or two) to look over provided estimates and consider if this is truly the contractor you want to install your floor.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: , , , , ,

Planning A Flooring Remodeling Project

July 24, 2013 by

You’re planning a big party. You’re inviting all the neighbors, your friends and your family.

Planning A Flooring Remodeling ProjectYou’ve signed with the caterer and even hired maid service for the day after – why should you clean the mess?

As you finalize your plans, take a look at the one thing you may have looked over, yet impacts everyone the moment they enter your home: your floors.

Think about it: the floors in your home are some of the first things people notice. If you have shoddy floors, such as stained carpets or scratched wood, your home’s beauty is going to be diminished. If you have beautiful floors, such as plush, clean carpeting and shiny, scratch-free wood, your home’s beauty will be maximized.

If you are looking for a way to make your home look like new without remodeling the entire place, it may be time to consider a flooring remodel. Simply redoing all of the flooring inside your home is a great way to give your home a fresh, new look.

Here are some tips for planning your flooring remodeling project.

  • Determine which type of flooring you want for each room (keep in mind that a uniform look is best) and start working on your budget. With every flooring choice, there is a low end and a high end. Do you want new carpets? How about wood – you can go with a standard wood, or choose an exotic wood with green features. Tile? Always a great choice. When you have your ideas in mind, head into our showroom and we’ll show you everything available – you’ll be surprised at the choices. The actual price will depend on the type of flooring you use, the size of the project, and your contractor’s exact prices.
  • If you have plans to sell your home in the future, keep the flooring neutral and uniform.
  • You can help keep your costs lower by avoiding complicated remodels, such as moving walls and plumbing. Simply remodel the existing flooring as is to save a few bucks on labor and materials.
  • The basic aspects of a flooring remodel include: removing existing flooring; repairing or replacing the subfloor; and installing the new flooring (or refinishing existing flooring, such as hardwood floors). These are just the basic steps you can expect – your contractor will go into detail with you about the exact process of your flooring remodel.
  • Have wiggle-room in your budget. You never know when unexpected costs will arise, so it is best to have room to breathe, just in case you have to pay for additional materials or labor.

Let us show you how to pick the best Colorado flooring and then sit back and enjoy the party. And the rave reviews about your new floor.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: , , , ,

A Starter’s Guide To Buying And Caring For Slate Flooring

July 19, 2013 by

Slate flooring can be an excellent option for your home. However, since it is not as common as carpet or hardwood, many people don’t know what to look for or what to expect from this flooring type. Here are a few things that you should know as you are looking at potentially using slate for your flooring.

A Starter’s Guide To Buying And Caring For Slate FlooringReasons to consider slate flooring – Slate flooring has several positive qualities that make it an excellent choice for your floors. Slate flooring is created from clay, silt, and volcanic ash. These elements, naturally resilient, are made even harder through the process of creating tiles from these materials. As a result, slate flooring is an extremely durable flooring material that is resistant to scratching or the effects of temperature change. The materials used in slate flooring, also create a texture that is highly slip resistant.

Color options – Slate tile is typically grey. Variations of composition materials can cause variations in the coloring of the tile. Some of the more common alternate colors include bluish-grey, red, green, and ivory. Since the materials themselves are responsible for the tile coloring, slate tiles are highly resistant to fading.

Uses – Slate works especially well in high traffic areas. Kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms are excellent locations for slate flooring tiles. Bedroom floors can be laid with slate tiles if you are looking for a more modern feel. Another great place for slate is your patio. The natural, earthy tones of slate allow this type of flooring to blend well with the great outdoors.

Care – Slate tile flooring is an extremely easy flooring option to care for. The key to keeping up with slate tiles is regular sweeping. This will help remove loose dirt and debris. For more stubborn spots, simply mop with warm water. Since the flooring is naturally porous, it is especially important to allow the flooring to completely dry before placing floor mats and the like.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: , ,

The Best Hardwood Floors For Dogs

July 16, 2013 by

Want hardwood floors throughout your home? Have a dog?

the best hardwood floors for dogsYes, in many cases, people will tell you the two simply don’t mix.

Yet if you are protesting, and still want your hardwoods throughout, is there another option? In many cases, the answer is yes –there are choices that will satisfy the hardwood desire with the dog lover inside.

The main issue with hardwoods and dogs are the claws. Whether Fido is running to the back door to check out the squirrels, or casually walking from room to room to be a part of the family, each step is a potential for scratches. You can lay out runners and rugs, but in the end Fido will step beyond these protectors. And when he does, your hardwood floors are at risk.

Scratches are the biggest problem, but in no way are the only. Have a puppy or an older dog with bladder issues? Urine can also spell big trouble for your hardwood floors. Then add in muddy paws, snow and wet paws, dirt, rocks and other debris, and the potential damage keeps rising.

When it comes time to shopping, don’t head down the aisles looking at the options – you’ll only get your heart set on something that may be the wrong choice. Instead, start by talking with a flooring consultant and tell her your family situation and your worries. Then follow her to the best choices for you. Some ideas to keep in mind as you head out to do your research include:

  • Focus in on hardwoods, not soft. Yes, even in the hardwood floor arena, different woods are available, each with their own level of softness. The harder the wood, the more scratches and claws won’t impact. It.
  • Look for solid hardwood, not engineered wood. Engineered wood flooring is a sandwich of laminated wood with a real hardwood veneer on top. Because engineered wood can only be sanded and repaired a few times, you can quickly run out of opportunities for repair – meaning you’ll be replacing on a much more frequent basis.
  • Look at all your options. You’ve had your heart set on hardwood floors, but when was the last time you looked at your options? With today’s technology, you may surprised at what is available to you. Check out vinyl flooring, which can provide the look of wood in sheet, tile or plank form. Or look at tiles – there are some beautiful tiles on the market today that may provide you with a look you never considered before.

Still want hardwoods? Three choices you may choose to look at are:

Brazilian Walnut – its universally hard and dense, and is tough enough that it used occasionally on exterior decks.

Hard Maple – maple is used on basketball courts, so it should stand up to quite a bit of traffic within your home.

Bamboo – bamboo is an up and coming green alternative to wood flooring, and depending on the manufacturing process, can have a hard resin that will make it one of the hardest on the market.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,

Tips For Making The Right Commercial Flooring Choice

July 5, 2013 by

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.

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »