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.

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.

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.

Is Linoleum Making A Comeback?

The world of flooring is a fickle world – what is popular and stylish one day can quickly become dated and unappealing the next. However, given enough time, some types of flooring come back into style. Such is the case with linoleum. What was once delegated to hospitals and commercial settings is now being found inside modern homes. The linoleum of today is nothing like that of yesterday.

Linoleum today can be found in a wide range of colors and styles. Just like with vinyl, you can buy linoleum in sheets or tiles. You will find a limitless array of patterns and colors, as well as a wide range of prices, ensuring that all budgets are able to enjoy this beautiful flooring. Is Linoleum Making A Comeback

The installation of linoleum tiles is easy enough for the average homeowner to handle – but sheet linoleum should be left in the capable hands of a professional to ensure proper installation. Linoleum has many benefits, including:

  • All-natural materials
  • Durability
  • Resistant to fire
  • Recyclable
  • Hypoallergenic

However, there are a few drawbacks to buying linoleum. Like wood, it can contract and expand when exposed to too much moisture. It also requires upkeep and maintenance of the finish. You can expect to re-finish high-traffic areas at least once a year – sometimes every few months, depending on the amount of wear that is showing.

Linoleum is trying to make a comeback – you will find this durable, all-natural, hypoallergenic flooring in more and more homes as time goes by. The vast array of patterns and styles, as well as the affordability and durability of linoleum is simply too much to resist. However, is it the right choice for your home? That is a decision that only you can make. Keep the benefits and drawbacks in mind as you consider linoleum and ensure that it is the best type of flooring for your home.

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

Is Pergo Flooring the Right Option?

If you are looking at replacing older flooring, or placing floors for the first time, you have probably come across a relatively new option in the flooring market: Pergo flooring.  Pergo flooring is a brand of synthetic flooring designed to imitate the look of real wood floors.  Pergo floors are available in a variety of sizes, with the larger planks looking and sounding more like the real wood floors they are striving to emulate.

One obvious benefit of Pergo flooring is the appearance of a timeless flooring option at a fraction of the cost.  Your floors will have the classy appeal of wood without wilting your wallet.  But is a lower cost enough reason to choose Pergo flooring over classical wood floors?  How can you tell if Pergo flooring is the right option for you?Is Pergo Flooring the Right Option

Another key benefit to Pergo flooring is greater durability.  Hardwood floors can be scratched by pet claws or warped by excess water.  Pergo flooring holds up better under the every day wear and tear of households containing small children or pets.

One drawback of Pergo flooring is the very fact that it is synthetic.  While it may look real, Pergo flooring can’t quite mimic the feel or sound of true hardwood floor.  This can be a major drawback in certain settings where the real thing is the only thing that matters.

Another drawback of using Pergo flooring rather than true hardwood flooring is the difference in home improvement value.  If you are or soon will be trying to sell your home, real wood floors will have a dramatically greater impact on the value of the home.  Pergo floors still serve as a home improvement (and therefore improve the value of the home) but the improvement is not nearly as drastic as it would be with wood.

So you decide.  What is your situation?  What are your goals for your home?  Is Pergo flooring right for you?

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

Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring

Choosing the best flooring for your home can be a tough choice. There are so many types of flooring available, and prices and styles are numerous. For instance, carpeting is a popular flooring choice because of its affordable price and comfort level – but it may not be the best choice for pet owners or families with small children.

Cork flooring is a type of flooring that is increasing in popularity. Its environmentally friendly, looks good and wears well, and can add to the ambiance of any room in your home.

Before buying cork flooring for your home, be sure and weigh the pros and cons to ensure that you are making the right choice.

Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring

Pros

Cork flooring has several benefits.

  • It is a hypoallergenic type of flooring.
  • It is resistant to mold and mildew, making it an ideal choice for people who suffer from allergies or other respiratory problems.
  • Cork flooring provides a bit of cushion when you walk, and it is warmer underfoot than wooden or vinyl floors.
  • It is not as hard under the feet as hardwood – but it is every bit as durable, if not more durable.
  • Cork flooring stands up well under high-traffic conditions. It is sure to provide you with many, many years of use.

Cons

As durable, clean and comfortable as cork flooring is, it still has its disadvantages.

  • The first disadvantage is the price. Cork flooring carries a higher price tag than other types of flooring, such as carpet and laminate flooring.
  • Cork flooring also requires attention to detail. While it is a durable floor, you still have to take care of it. For instance, if you fail to use furniture coasters, your cork flooring could indent under the weight of the furniture.
  • This type of flooring must never be wet-mopped because the water could damage the flooring.
  • It is also susceptible to discoloration from the sun, an important factor to keep in mind before installation.

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

Hardwood Floors and Resale Value

Hardwood Floors and Resale Value

If you have decided to sell your home in the coming months, you are probably looking for ways to increase its resale value. You want to get the most money for your home as possible, yet not break the bank while getting it ready.

You can help ensure that this happens by making sure that key selling points are addressed. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms are huge selling points for homes. Remodeling your kitchen and bathrooms can add value to your home, garnering you a larger profit upon selling your home.

Flooring is another selling point that must not be overlooked. If your home has hardwood floors that need restored, or if you are thinking about installing hardwood floors, keep the following in mind to ensure that your floors add value to your home.

Location of the flooring – hardwood floors can add value to a home if they are installed in the right rooms. For example, hardwood flooring in the kitchen is always a plus. People enjoy the look and cleanliness of hardwood flooring in the heart of the home. They also prefer hardwoods in major traffic zones, such as entryways and hallways. People are also leaning towards hardwoods in busy living areas, such as the family or dining rooms.

Match the flooring to the home – installing expensive floors in a modest home is not likely to get you any extra money. Potential buyers will be looking at your modest home because they are on a modest budget. They may not be able to afford to pay more for the floors.

Consider the location of the home – just as the flooring should be in ideal locations, so should the home. If your home is located in a modest neighborhood, again, only modest buyers will be shopping your home. Installing expensive hardwood floors in a home located in a modest neighborhood is not likely to increase the resale value. The value of homes is dependent on the neighborhood. No matter how much money you pour into your home, you cannot change its location.

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

Pet Friendly Flooring Choices

Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences. A pet often becomes a member of the family. He loves you during your worst moments and expects nothing from you but love in return.

A pet brings joy to the lives of millions of people – but he can also wreak havoc on your flooring. If you own a pet, it is important that you ensure that your flooring is pet friendly. When building a new home, or replacing flooring existing home, instead of looking at coloring and style, think durability instead.

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice of flooring – but it is not always suitable for pets. Your pet’s nails can scratch and damage the flooring when they walk across it. Pet accidents can leave stains on your hardwood floors, along with odors. Too many accidents can actually damage the flooring to the point where it buckles or becomes so smelly that it must be replaced. If you love hardwood flooring and can’t see yourself living with anything else, make sure you choose a hard style instead of soft, more easily damaged styles. Talk with your flooring consultant about durability before you make your final selection.
Pet Friendly Flooring Choices
Laminate flooring is a more affordable option to hardwood, but may not be the most pet friendly choice. This type of flooring is very slippery. Pets often have a hard time walking across, and if they routinely run and play, you may be in for a lot of slipping and sliding. If your pet is older and has trouble walking anyway, it can further complicate the issue, winding up with hip problems and other issues.

Bamboo flooring is even harder than hardwood flooring. It is also an ideal choice for pet owners. This type of flooring is resistant to stains, and since it is so hard, you won’t have to worry about your pet’s nails damaging the flooring.

Stone tile is another good choice for pet owners. Stone tile is hard and resistant to scratches, wear and tear. Accidents will not affect the appearance of the stone. However, it is often cold to lie on, so you may want to get your pet a soft bed to keep him comfortable.

Vinyl is another good choice for pet owners because it resists stains and is durable. Today’s vinyl comes in a wide range of patterns and colors, so you will have plenty of choices.

Finally, carpeting, although affordable and soft, can be one of the most problematic choices for a pet owner. This type of flooring will quickly soak up an accident, even soaking it up into the underlying floor, which can lead to costly repairs later. It accumulates hair, stains easily, and can pick up debris tracked in from your pet. If you do have carpets in select rooms, create a routine maintenance schedule for vacuuming and maintaining small spots.

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

Finding The Best Flooring Company Online Or Off

Finding The Best Flooring Company Online Or Off

When it comes to flooring, you are well aware of the multitudes of choices available for what you eventually put down.  But have you yet considered the multitudes of choices you have for who will put it down?

Replacing flooring in an existing home or office (or placing it in a new one) is a pricey investment.  It is important to not only look into the qualities of the flooring options you like, but also into the company you will have installing it.

Look for the long term – Past history is a comforting thing for flooring clients.  If a company has been around for a while, they are likely to be good at what they do.  They are also less likely to go out of business and leave you hanging in the middle of a project.

Look for varied knowledge – The more a company can tell you about all the flooring options available, the better.  A company that excels in installing hardwood floors, may not present alternative flooring options that would work better for your particular needs.  If you find a company familiar with all flooring types, they will be able to help you choose the flooring option that will last for years to come.

Look at their product – Not all wood planks are created equal.  On that note, not all flooring types are created equal.  As you are considering a flooring company, take some time to research the quality of the materials they use.

Look at their warranty – Sometimes things go wrong and there is nothing we can do about it.  Before you sign on the dotted line, look into a company’s warranty on flooring and labor.

Look at previous work – If you can, try to go to places that the company has installed flooring in.  Talk to previous customers to get a feel for what they think of their floors and their flooring company.

It may seem time consuming, but doing your research now can save you huge headaches and reap great benefits later.

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