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Choosing Natural Carpet Fibers

October 2, 2014 by

In today’s world, natural is a very popular concept. We want “natural” in just about everything we do.

When it comes to carpeting, going natural is something you can easily do with the technology and offerings available to you. Give these options a try.

Wool Carpet

Wool is the most common natural fiber you’ll find in today’s carpeting. Its used frequently in both carpets and in rugs, and with good reason. Wool is strong, resistant to stains, resistant to piling, resistant to fire, and has a coating that causes small amounts of water to bead up, making it easy to clean up immediate spills. It also has natural heat and sound insulation, which can be a good thing on those cold, winter evenings.Choosing Natural Carpet Fibers

Despite the fact that wool does have natural tendencies to reflect small amounts of water, large amounts can quickly overwhelm. Wool carpeting should be installed in dry areas and should not be subjected to large amounts of water (such as in a bathroom, or near doors where it may receive moisture from the elements on a regular basis). Wool is susceptible to both mold and mildew if subjected to water for any length of time. If this is the case, wool carpeting is sometimes blended with hemp fibers to create a stronger resistance to both.

Sisal Carpet

Sisal is a soft, durable natural fiber that is relatively easy to dye and can stand up to high traffic areas without being uncomfortable underfoot. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and can be installed in any room in the house. However, because it is easily dyed, it also is easily stained and requires treatments to make it resistant to spills and stains.

Seagrass Carpet

Seagrass is a smooth anti static carpet choice made from natural plant fibers. Its produced from a crop that is grown like rice in paddy fields that are flooded with seawater each year during the growing season.

The tough fibers are nearly watertight, which means it resists stains, dirt and even discoloration. Which also means that it won’t hold dye from a manufacturer, so it is only available in it natural hue. It can be easily damaged if subjected to large amounts of water, or exposed to excessive humidity or moisture, so bathroom and kitchen installation should be avoided.

Coir Carpet

Coir carpeting is manufactured from the husks of coconuts. It is a coarse material that has a naturally rustic look, and therefore is often found in cottages or log cabin settings. Because it has a coarse, almost abrasive texture, it is best kept in high traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms. Avoid areas where you want soft carpeting under foot, such as in bedrooms and children’s play areas.

While coir is durable, it is susceptible to stains and can discolor from spills. It should be kept away from wet environments.

Jute Carpet

Jute is manufactured from a plant in Asia. The plant is soaked in water, its stalks stripped to make the individual fibers. It is most commonly used in both rope, and in carpet backing material.

Jute is soft and one of the least expensive natural carpet fibers available on the market. But it does lack in durability, making it not such a good choice in areas with a lot of foot traffic.

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

Filed Under: Carpet, Flooring Tagged With: ,

Using Exotic Stone Floors In Your Home

September 27, 2014 by

Tired of the same old flooring you’ve had for years? Want something different from every home on your block?

Instead of going with the tried-but-true as you choose new flooring for your home, why not do something different, give it a little pizzazz, and look to exotic stone floors instead?

Using Exotic Stone Floors In Your HomeExotic stone floors are used to up the “wow” factor of high end spaces. They are used to turn your home into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. If you are looking to increase the value of your home, plus make it both regal and sophisticated, look no further than exotic stone.

Travertine

Travertine is probably one of the most popular stones used today because it comes in many styles and colors, and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a popular form of limestone that is formed in hot springs caves, and has tiny holes in the surface due to the carbon dioxide that it was exposed to. It typically comes in earthy colors – browns and beiges – that make it a perfect choice when you are creating a neutral space in your home.

Soapstone

Soapstone can up the sophistication, while adding a touch of flair to any room in your home. It typically comes in dark gray or shades of black, and has a less polished look that brings more blemishes – and therefore more originality – to life. Soapstone tiles are a great addition when you are looking for a surface that is less slippery, and want a shorter turnaround time on installation. It typically will not stain, does not change color with cleaning products, and is non-absorbent, meaning its easier to maintain than a lot of exotic tiles on the market.

Slate

Slate is one of the few exotic tiles that comes in a wide variety of color, from white quartz to the darkest of blacks. With so many options, no two rooms will ever be the same. Slate is extremely durable, and in some cases can be used as exterior flooring as well, bringing your inside and outside living spaces together.

Limestone

Limestone is a popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. Once the flooring is sealed, its easy to maintain – simply wipe up spills to keep its overall look as good as new. Keep in mind that limestone can easily stain, so areas with a lot of traffic, or lots of standing dirt and debris, can and will alter the color over time.

Marble

For a touch of sophistication, marble is always an easy choice. Its extremely durable and will maintain its look and feel for decades. Its great for high traffic areas, especially kitchens and hallways.

Onyx

This natural stone offers a bold look that stands the test of time. Onyx can be used anywhere in the home, but you’ll often find it in bathrooms, showers, and even swimming pools. Onyx comes in many colors and styles, offering an easy way to change up the appearance of any room in your home.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Tile Tagged With: ,

Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project

September 24, 2014 by

So you’re ready for new floors throughout your home? How exciting!

New floors can be a welcome addition to any home; they can truly change up your room and give you an entirely new look and feel.

Yet deciding its time to change your flooring is only the first, small step.

When it comes to tiling, you may quickly be overwhelmed by all the options you have. With different colors, styles, and sizes, there are literally thousands of options presented to you, and making that final decision can be difficult at best.Choosing The Right Size Tile For Your Project

Yet before you get into colors and styles, one of the most important decisions you can make comes down to sizing. What is the perfect size tile for your room? Why are there so many varieties of tile sizes? And once you choose a tile, how do you know you’ll be happy with the final selection?

Tiles have been made and used in living spaces for thousands of years. If you go back to the earliest of civilizations, you’ll find tiny mosaic tiles were used in abundance throughout Ancient Rome and Greece. These small tiles were often created by hand, and took many years to complete intricate designs.

The industrialization of the 20th century and the housing boom after World War II brought in a new form of production. No longer were things made one at a time; instead production kicked in and we found mass produced homes for better efficiency. Because things were now produced quickly, a more standardized size was needed. Tiles were quickly standardized to give a warm look to a home, while bringing greater efficiency to the tile laying process.

As buildings grew higher and more space was added, larger tiles were needed to complete the job more efficiently. The mega shopping malls of today simply would have been hard to produce if they were still laying small, mosaic tile. Instead, tiles in 4 foot square and above were used to make the floor stronger and more durable, and allow production to be completed in a fraction of the time.

For you, the homeowner, selecting a size of tile, is all dependent on the look you are trying to create. And of course what designers are showcasing as their top of the line styles.

You can look to your favorite home decorating shows for guidance. Or flip through a home improvement magazine to find rooms you are attracted to. Let these be your guides as you enter a tile department for the first time and see all the options before you.

You’ll still find tiny mosaic tiles that may be perfect for an intricate bathroom design. And you’ll find large slab tiles made from a variety of materials, perfectly suited for large outdoor rooms and patios. And of course everything in between. There is no steadfast rule when it comes to selecting size; it depends on the room you’re decorating and the look you are trying to achieve. Yet overall know that nothing can add more appeal, more warmth, and more durability than today’s tile. It truly is designed to last for years to come.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Tile Tagged With: ,

The Different Types Of Bamboo Flooring

September 20, 2014 by

So you’ve decided to install a greener, more sustainable product on the floors within your home. Good choice. Not only can it be a beautiful addition to any room in the home, the sustainability part will make it better for the environment overall.

Bamboo flooring is an excellent choice. But deciding on bamboo is only your first choice. There are actually many different grains, installation types, and color and texture types for you to choose from as well.

GrainsThe Different Types Of Bamboo Flooring

When it comes to the different grains of bamboo, there are three main choices: horizontal, vertical and strand woven.

Horizontal bamboo refers to the planks that are placed next to one another in a horizontal direction. They are attached this way before being pressurized and finished, randomly showcasing the knuckles, or growth rings of the stalk.

Vertical bamboo refers to the planks that are placed next to one another in a vertical direction. They are attached this way before being pressurized and finished, creating a smooth uniform look.

Strand woven bamboo refers to planks that are made from the remaining strands of the stalk trimmed away from the long bamboo fillets. They are compressed together with an adhesive before the pressurized and finishing treatments. Strand woven bamboo is twice as hard as horizontal or vertical bamboo, making it the best choice for high traffic areas of your home.

Installation Process

There are three different installation processes, each with their own benefits. Deciding on the installation process before you choose the type will help you know how much time is needed for installation, and how much material you’ll need to account for mistakes and imperfections.

Nail or glue installation is a process similar to installing hardwood flooring. Bamboo is very hard, making it nearly impossible to nail down with a standard hammer. Therefore special tools are needed, such as an electric hammer, to ensure the success of completing the job correctly. If using this method, there are special subfloor requirements for bamboo to be installed over; talk with your flooring consultant if this is a DIY project.

Bamboo can be laid with a floating system, either with a glue seam or a glueless click process. For the glue process, its best to lay out the complete floor design and go back and install in sections as the adhesive dries quickly. With the glueless click process, the planks simply click together and fall into place.

Color and Texture

When it comes to color types, bamboo has several options.

Natural bamboo contains no colorants or stains, and will have a very light, blonde color to it.

Carbonized bamboo allows the sugars in the plant to caramelize as the bamboo is boiled for a longer period of time. The caramelization process adds color to the bamboo, depending on the length of time it is boiled. Carbonized bamboo is softer than other types of bamboo.

Tiger bamboo uses both natural and carbonized strips, creating a tiger pattern.

Stained bamboo is treated with wood stain, and can come in a variety of colors and shades.

Bamboo’s surface texture comes with three options, each with their own look and feel.

Smooth bamboo flooring is created with a machine, coated with several layers of sealant. Its smooth surface makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Hand scraped gives a floor and aged, antique look. It does require more manual labor during processing, so it is more expensive than its smooth counterpart.

Hand sculpted is similar to hand scraped, but provides a less distressed look.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,

Choosing The Right Area Rug For Your Home

September 13, 2014 by

Nothing adds warmth and style more than an area rug. These versatile pieces can add a pop of color anywhere, and create a pleasing visual point of interest that adds to the overall impact of your room. But how do you find the right area rug for your home?

Rug SizeChoosing The Right Area Rug For Your Home

The wrong size is often worse than no area rug at all. Finding one that fits the space will further define the look you are trying to create, and protect the flooring underneath as well. There are several rules of thumb:

  • The edges of the rug should be no more than 2 feet away from the walls
  • The edges should be no closer than 6 inches away from the walls
  • The rug should be at least 2 feet shorter than the smallest wall in the room

While you can find many rules of thumb when it comes to rugs, remember you should ultimately make sure it pleases you and the room you are decorating. A room designed as an office will have different requirements from a room designed as a dining room. With different needs come a different requirement in purpose, and ultimately a different requirement in sizing. When in doubt, ask a flooring consultant for guidance.

Rug Pile

Area rugs typically come either in high pile or low pile fibers. Shag would be considered high pile; low pile rugs have shorter, more tightly woven threads. Therefore low pile area rugs will be more resilient and durable than their high pile counterparts. If you have a room with high traffic, or where pets and children will frequently be, a low pile rug will be your better choice. Area rugs can be treated with stain resistors, which may be especially important in dining rooms where frequent spills are almost a given.

Color, Pattern and Style of Area Rug

If you’ve had a chance to look at area rugs, you know you can find any color, pattern or style you want. Your imagination can run wild when using an area rug to help pull the focal point together in your final décor.

This is where you can have some fun. It can also be the most confusing part of the process. To learn more, stop by and get some design tips from one of our consultants as you begin your process. Area rugs can blend in and provide comfort, or they can make a bold statement and stand out. You can use it to add color, or stick with a neutral shade to blend in.

There isn’t a wrong or right way to design with an area rug; have fun and see how your room can change with your final selection.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Rugs Tagged With: ,

7 Ways To Save On Apartment Carpet

September 10, 2014 by

Buying carpet for your personal home can be difficult. You want quality and style; something that will give you warmth, comfort and value for years to come.

But what about as a landlord or property owner? If you are buying carpet that you know one, two, even three or more tenants will ultimately use, how do you find carpet that will give you the style your tenants are looking for, and hopefully give you longevity to increase your profit margins as well?7 Ways To Save On Apartment Carpet

1. Choose a carpet with your needs in mind

Every rental property has different requirements. Do you typically rent to families with lots of small children? Do you accept pets? What income and occupation level are you targeting? If you expect to replace on a more frequent basis, a lower grade carpet is better for your budget.

2. Nylon outperforms in difficult situations

Nylon carpeting is the most recommended carpet fiber for rentals. It’s the most resilient, durable and easy to clean. It also has less likelihood to shed, fuzz or pile compared with other carpet fibers.

3. Know your padding options

The lifespan of your carpet doesn’t depend on what carpet you choose; it depends on what padding you select. With most apartment carpeting selections, a 7/16”, 6 pound padding is used. Again, by knowing who your average renter will be, you can choose to go up or down in quality and extend the life of your carpet an additional year or two, or save on money in the beginning knowing you’ll be replacing it in a shorter period of time.

4. Reuse when you can

Typically when you have a rental property, you replace carpeting all the time. Which means you are consistently purchasing carpet on a large scale. By using the same carpeting, in some cases you can save a portion of carpet or pad, while replacing only what needs to be replaced. For instance, the main living space may be in need for replacement, but the bedroom still has another year or two. By choosing the same carpet manufacturer and style, you may be able to save money over time.

5. Do the job yourself

Do you have maintenance workers on staff that can change out carpet as a part of their job requirements? We can easily help you find the best carpet choice for you, and let you handle the labor.

6. Communicate with your contractors

Keep an open line of communication with your flooring contractor. If you run a large apartment building and need carpeting on a routine basis, lets stay in touch about the best selections for you. If we know what you’re looking for, we can watch as styles and trends change, helping you save money in the long run. Also, if you forsee big changes, or know a problem unit will soon be vacated, let us know early so we can have your carpet ready and waiting when its time to replace. Its always easier to have things ready to go then to live through a stressful moment not sure if you will have everything ready before the next tenant moves in.

7. Inspect after installation

When your carpeting is installed, chances are you will be in the middle of a lot of things. Time is money and you want your renters in as fast as possible. Yet don’t forget to take a look at the carpeting after its installed. Make sure it’s the correct carpet, color and style. Look for defects or problem areas right from the beginning. If you notice anything, take the extra time to have it repaired. It could mean the difference between having to replace your carpets almost immediately, or having them last an extra couple of years.

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

Filed Under: Carpet, Flooring Tagged With: ,

Buying Carpet For Its Cleanability

September 6, 2014 by

What keeps a carpet clean?

From all of the ads you see on television, you would think its up to the vacuum cleaner you choose. Buying Carpet For Its Cleanability

Not all carpets are created the same.

  • Some carpets are less likely to attract soil
  • Some carpets release dirt faster
  • Some carpets don’t trap dirt as deep
  • Some carpets are easier maintained than others

What should you look for when selecting a carpet?

Pile

Carpet pile is used to describe the carpet fibers attached to the backing. Pile can be a loop (loop pile) or cut open (cut pile). Loop pile makes it harder for dirt to penetrate into the carpet, meaning a recent stain will clean up easier and faster when treated right away. However, if dirt is allowed to penetrate, the dirt sinks in deeper, meaning it will be harder to clean over time.

Low pile carpets such as Berber are easier to clean than their high pile counterparts. And the thicker, higher in density carpeting will mean dirt takes longer to penetrate, meaning its easier to keep clean in the short run.

Soil and Stain Treatments

Stain resistant carpeting will have a better chance of maintaining its appearance and will make it easier to clean overall. Yet they are called stain resistant for a reason; nothing will ever be stain proof. Different types of fiber will attract different types of stains, and allow dirt and grime to sink in at different rates. The less stress you give your carpets, the more wear they will provide overall.

Fiber

Carpets are created with their own unique benefits and downsides. Speak with a carpet consultant about the most important features for you, then select the right carpeting for your circumstances.

  • Nylon offers great resiliency and doesn’t attract oil stains. It holds up well and is fairly easy to clean. It is more prone to stain from food and beverages.
  • Olefin doesn’t hold its shape as well as nylon, but has more water resistant qualities.
  • Polyester is stain resistant by design, but also is more attracted to oily stains.
  • Natural fibers are naturally resilient and even moisture repellant. You do have to be careful about cleaning products, as the fibers are more sensitive to chemicals.

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

Filed Under: Carpet, Flooring Tagged With: ,

Signs Your Wood Flooring Needs Refinishing

September 2, 2014 by

When you first install new hardwood floors, they are simply gorgeous, the main attraction in your home. Then life happens and you simply use them the way they are intended.

Year after year goes by, and suddenly those shiny, beautiful floors don’t look quite the same. Is it time to replace them? Do they need refinishing? How do you know what to do? Signs Your Wood Flooring Needs Refinishing

There are a few basic ways to tell if its time for repair and refinishing.

What happens when you drop liquid onto the floor?

When you have brand new hardwood flooring installed, any liquid instantly beads up and lies on the surface. The older a floor gets, the more it begins to absorb spills as they occur. If liquid seeps into the boards, it can quickly create a deep, dark stain, and slowly begin to warp the wood. This isn’t a good thing!

Have you noticed gaps between the boards?

Over time, wood settles. It moves and shifts with all of the daily use you give it. And as these gaps become deeper, wider and more noticeable, they also become more problematic. When boards no longer match up properly, it creates an imbalance that can quickly damage the rest of your floor in short order.

Has the finish begun to dull?

Remember that shiny, new look you loved? While you simply forget that over time, if you take a few moments to look at your floors, you may see that they have dulled over time. Scratches have started to appear, discoloring has begun, and no matter what you do, they simply seem dark and dingy. This is a sign its time to refinish your wood flooring and return it to its natural beauty.

One important thing to keep in mind; refinishing will not repair damage to the floor. If you notice any signs of damage – spots, stains, warped boards, bent boards, cracks, squeaks, or other issues – repairing is mandatory before refinishing. And if the damage is too severe, it may be time to replace your wood flooring all together.

Have questions about your flooring? Stop by today. We can help you determine the best way to proceed from here.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,

What Flooring Can Go Over Radiant Heat

August 30, 2014 by

Are you ready for a long, cold winter? While Colorado has its share of warm sunny days, those cold, below zero days can leave you chilled to the bone. Which explains why one of the fastest growing trends in new home construction is radiant heating. Even in many remodels, radiant heating is growing in popularity, and with good reason. Its an efficient way of heating room space, and requires a lower temperature to do so.

Typically there are three different radiant heating systems: electric, hydronic and air heated.What Flooring Can Go Over Radiant Heat

Electric is the best choice for after construction additions. It comprises of rolled cables attached and embedded in a mat constructed of resilient, heat conductive materials. It can be embedded in concrete during construction, installed under the subflooring, or even directly under the flooring itself, depending on the type.

Hydronic is embedded into the concrete flooring, making it a good choice during new construction, not so good in existing homes. Air heated is a system in which air is heated and pumped through pipes embedded in the floor. Yet because air cannot retain a great deal of heat, it isn’t effective to keep a room heated.

Once radiant heat is installed, its time to choose the best flooring.

By far, stone will provide you with the best results. Porcelain, ceramic and stone tile are all excellent heat conductors, do not expand or contract with heat, and will not warp or crack under pressure. Tile will stay warm to keep your feet warm as you sit or stand in the area, and will allow the heat to gently rise and fill the room with natural heat.

If you prefer carpeting, certain types of carpet can be installed over radiant heat. To be most effective, choose a thinner carpet with low pile – berber carpet, for example can allow the heat to come through.

Laminates can be used with caution. Make sure you talk with your flooring consultant to choose the right materials for the job. The underlying floor structure must be clean and dry to minimize changes do to heat and moisture to avoid warping and cracking. Its also good to consider the method of installation, as certain types of adhesives don’t mix with the radiant heat installation process.

Hardwoods have a natural tendency to react to both heat and moisture, so installation over radiant heating is difficult at best. Its best in a dry climate with little room variants – avoid places like the basement where severe changes are likely.

If radiant heat is in your future, keep in mind that there are many options available to you. Start by talking with your flooring contractor about the process, and determine which choice will be best for your situation.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,

Choosing Flooring For Sound Reduction

August 27, 2014 by

Have you ever walked on a floor, and the sound became almost unbearable? Your shoes echoed, and made you feel self conscious with every step?

Sound can carry a long ways. And when it comes to flooring, the more muffled the sound the better it is, especially in a multi-story office building, house, apartment or condominium.

Sound is transmitted when hard objects connect with a hard surface, such as tile or stone, and there is nothing to absorb it. The sound waves can spread and multiply, creating an echo effect off the walls and moving through the floors. It can become quite a distraction for all people involved.Choosing Flooring For Sound Reduction

Overall, flooring is rated using three different standards, each defining the way sound is transmitted. Impact Insulation Class (IIC) is measured in terms of how well sound vibrations travel through a floor to the room below.

IIC50 has the least sound absorption quality, and is usually used for ground floors. Stone and tile fall into this category.

IIC60 has a medium impact sound absorption quality, and includes flooring choices such as wood, laminate and some vinyl.

IIC 65 has a high impact sound absorption quality, and includes superior sound reduction materials such as carpet and cork.

While the flooring choice itself has influence, the underlayment, insulation and subflooring can also have a significant impact. The loudest floor is stone or tile laid directly over concrete. By adding any type of subflooring, including passing or insulation, the noise factor will be reduced. You can also fill in joints with adhesives, sealants and other sound deading agents to help trap and dissipate the sound.

Overall, if sound is a factor for your room, and you wish to keep it as quiet as possible, your best choice is carpeting, followed by cork, vinyl and laminate. If you wish to learn more about how to keep your room quiet, stop by today. We can show you a complete selection of noise reduction flooring, and help you choose the right one for you.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,
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