Outdoor Flooring Choices – Get Ready For Summer

There is one thing about Coloradoans that’s almost universally true … we love our great outdoors!

When the weather turns warm in March and April, the first thing we contemplate is how we can begin living outside instead of inside. We buy portable heaters for the cool night air. We install outdoor kitchens way beyond the grill grandpa used to use. And we even install walls and ceilings – anything to help us enjoy the outside a little longer in the spring and fall.Outdoor Flooring Choices – Get Ready For Summer

When you make your outside a part of your home design, why not extend the flooring outside as well? There are many things you can do to get rid of the boring old concrete that was poured when your house was built. Consider these options.

Porcelain tiles are the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor locations. In fact, it’s a perfect way to combine the look and move from one location to the next. Imagine your beautiful kitchen tile covering the breakfast nook and going right up to the large sliding door. Then look beyond and see the same tile extended into a covered patio, complete with outdoor kitchen and a fully functioning dining room area. Leave the doors open and voila – instant beauty for all of your dinner parties.

Porcelain tile is pressed under higher pressure than other tiles. Its more dense than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are made from an extremely fine powdered clay that is pressed under heat – several hundreds degrees hotter than ceramic tiles. Which also means that porcelain tiles are much more durable than their ceramic counterparts – perfect for indoor and outdoor locations.

Because porcelain tiles come in a variety of styles, make sure you choose one that meets slip resistant requirements. Both kitchen and outdoor living areas may be exposed to water, making slip resistant surfaces vitally important. Slip resistant tiles have an invisible gritty surface that provides excellent traction when the tiles become wet.

Also verify that the tiles are frost proof and unglazed for floor use. In our harsh Colorado conditions, choosing a tile that will survive our occasional cold spells is vital to ensuring the look 365 days of the year.

Remember, there is a trade off to choosing tiles with a slip resistant surface. They will be slightly more maintenance and cleaning than other tiles, simply because the slip resistant features will also attract dust and dirt. But with regular attention, you can maintain a beautiful look – indoors and out – all year long.

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

Tips For Protecting Your Hardwood Floors From Your Furniture

You’ve waited a long time to put hardwood floors throughout your home. And now that they are installed, you want to protect them as effectively as possible to ensure that they maintain their beautiful look and feel for as long as possible.

Its easy to have people take off their shoes at the front door. But what about your furniture?Tips For Protecting Your Hardwood Floors From Your Furniture

Most people are unaware that any damage is occurring to their floors … until its too late and the damage has already been done. So the easiest way to avoid damage in the first place is to be aware of what can cause the damage, and fix the problem even before it begins.

There are number of protectors on the market today. Some are good and offer a lot of protection; some are not so good – you get what you pay for.

Tap On Pads

The first type of hardwood floor protection is the tap on pad. As the name states, these pads are held on by a small tack or a small hollowed out nail. These protectors are usually good for large, heavy furniture that is stationary and won’t move around much – a sofa or a dining room table.

Beware of using these on items that will be moved frequently, such as dining room chairs. The more these protectors are used and moved, the greater likelihood of breaking off. And when this happens, a small piece of metal may remain in the leg of your furniture. If it isn’t caught right away, the metal can cause serious damage to your floors.

Slip On Pads

As the name implies, slip on pads are generally made from rubber or soft plastic and fit over the leg of the furniture. If it’s a proper fit, there should be no problem with them coming off during use.

In some cases, the various types of footings on these pads can cause damage to your hardwoods. Rubber may leave scuff marks; plastic can wear down the finish over time; and felt eventually wears down, eventually allowing the furniture to come in contact with your flooring and cause damage to the finish.

Peel and Stick Pads

Peel and stick pads are the simplest to use and the least expensive to buy. They can be found at all hardwood and home improvement stores, and come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and colors.

Keep in mind that not all legs are level and flush with the floor. If the stick pad doesn’t completely secure to the leg, it risks being easily bumped or knocked off. You may need to sand the leg down flat in order to ensure a perfect fit. Once adhered, check it periodically and clean it to ensure it doesn’t scratch or gouge the wood over time.

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

Commercial Carpeting – How To Make An Entrance

When people enter your location, you want to give a great impression right from the start. Why not do that with customized commercial carpeting?

In most commercial spaces, the entrance has the biggest impact for setting the stage. From warehouses, to office buildings, to high rise residential, to hospitals, retail locations and more, the entrance is the place where impressions are made. And in some cases, accidents can happen.Commercial Carpeting – How To Make An Entrance

Carpeting isn’t just for looks; it provides functionality too. Here in Colorado, rain or snow storms can pop up at a moments notice. When people run in from outside to take cover, the last thing to worry about is safety. And with some flooring choices – wood, vinyl or tile – it can be a set up for a dangerous situation.

That’s where commercial carpeting becomes the best choice.

Commercial carpeting doesn’t have to be wall to wall covering the entire commercial location. Commercial carpeting can be any size, large or small. It can be whatever you choose it to be.

Why not have customized carpeting dyed to match your locations coloring, the perfect setup as people make their way inside and to the front desk?

Or why not try custom sizes, perfect for carpeting around obstacles such as built in cabinets, support beams or even anti-theft sensors?

In some cases, wall to wall carpeting isn’t the best choice. Rugs of high quality are a better choice. In commercial locations, rubber backing will help minimize mat movement, especially important in high traffic areas. Or consider customized styles, colors or even patterns.

If you’re ready to make a statement, there are many options that can allow you to do in any way you choose.

Ready to make a statement in your commercial location?

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

Tips For Choosing Commercial Carpets

What has the biggest impact on a business? First impressions.

Nothing says “I want to do business with you” more than walking into an environment that is clean, fresh, and in top condition. The more you find fraying or dirty carpets and a dingy environment, the more your prospects will turn and walk to your competitors.Tips For Choosing Commercial Carpets

If its time for you to change out the carpet and give your space a new look, it may not be as easy as heading down to your local big box store. Sure, they may have carpet samples. But do they know the difference between commercial carpeting and residential? Do they have the proper commercial carpets available – one that will give your space the potential for a fresh new look AND longevity to make the entire process affordable?

Commercial carpeting is not created equal. The more you understand what makes commercial carpeting different, the better equipped you’ll be to ensure that you choose the best one for your business.

  • Create a specific budget. Knowing exactly how much you have to spend will ensure that you shop only the carpeting that you can afford.
  • Consider the amount of foot traffic you expect. For high-traffic areas, you need a more durable carpet. For low-traffic areas, your options are more flexible.
  • Olefin and polypropylene are the most budget-friendly carpet fibers you will find. However, although these types of carpeting are easy on your wallet, their durability may leave you needing new carpets more often.
  • Nylon fibers are the best choice when it comes to durability. This type of carpeting will last much longer than olefin and polypropylene fibers. You may have to pay more initially for nylon carpeting, but it will stand up to the test of time, making it a sound investment.
  • Loop carpet pile is one of the most popular choices for commercial carpeting. This type of carpeting pile is designed for durability; however, do not expect the same amount of comfort under foot as you would expect with cut pile.
  • Cut pile is a more luxurious option for commercial carpeting. It is softer and offers more style for your commercial location. It may not be the best choice for the highest-traffic areas, but it is perfect for borders.
  • Carpet tiles, whether loop or cut pile, make good choices for commercial locations because individual tiles can be replaced if they become damaged or worn. Instead of having to replace all of the carpeting, you can simply replace one or two tiles.
  • When choosing commercial carpeting, make sure you understand the maintenance required. No matter what type of carpet you choose, it must be properly maintained to help ensure its longevity.

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

How To Pick The Perfect Floor

You’ve always wanted hardwood floors throughout your home. But now that you’ve decided to replace your flooring, you’re having second thoughts. Are hardwood floors really the perfect choice for you, your family, and your home?

Choosing the right flooring can be a daunting decision. Flooring isn’t something you change with the seasons; choose something you wind up not loving can mean years of disappointment. After all, it’s a surface your family and friends will walk on, stand on, sit on, play on and grow up on.How To Pick The Perfect Floor

If this is your year to replace your flooring – whether in one room or your entire house – ask these questions first.

Who will be using this room on a regular basis and how much traffic will this floor receive?

Your master bedroom with a small amount of daily traffic is different than a great room that routinely hosts parties and book club meetings. The more traffic a room receives, the more you should lean towards a flooring choice that is easy to clean and eay to maintain.

Kids? Pets?

Yes, kids and pets make a difference. Kid messes are different from pet messes. And of course all are different than the common spills and stains you’ll find from the adults that enter your home. Take your daily routines into account and choose the perfect floor that will stand up to anything you can dish out.

Will the floor have to withstand moisture?

There are certain areas of our homes that are subjected to moisture more than others. The kitchen will have regular spills. The bathroom deals with water and humidity. Even areas around the entrances to your home will deal with moisture as rain and snow fly in. The more moisture a floor will deal with, the more you should make sure its water proof and ready for the wear.

How long do you expect your new floor to last?

Some people like to change flooring on a regular basis. Some hope their flooring will last for years. The more longevity you hope to get out of it, the more you should focus in on a flooring choice known for its wear. You can even work with your flooring consultant to choose specialty flooring that gives you even more bang for your buck. For instance, you may settle in on hardwood flooring, then improve it by adding a quality polyurethane to an extra hard surface to give you even more longevity.

As with all flooring choices, there are many options available. Be open and choose the one that’s right for you and your family, and you’ll be happy with your selection for years.

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

How Often Should You Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

If you have hardwood flooring in your home, you already know how much elegance and beauty it adds to your home. You also know that at some point, your hardwood flooring is either going to need refinished or replaced. No matter how careful you are, no matter how well you take care of your floor, time and regular wear and tear is eventually going to need to be fixed.How Often Should You Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

So, how do you know how often you should replace your hardwood flooring? After all, replacing hardwood flooring can be a hefty expense, so you do not want to tackle this project except when necessary. Here are some tips to help you determine when to replace your hardwood flooring.

  • If your subfloor shows signs of structural damage, you need to replace the subfloor and the flooring. The hardwood flooring likely has shifted or even warped from the damage to the subfloor. You cannot cover up significant subfloor damage, so replacement is your only feasible option.
  • If you have just discovered hardwood floors underneath another type of flooring, it may be damaged beyond repair. In particular, adhesives can be quite troubling to remove from hardwood floors. In many cases, it is more cost effecting and time saving to simply replace the flooring.
  • If your hardwood floors have already been refinished multiple times, it may be time to replace the flooring. Hardwood flooring can typically tolerate refinishing about 5 times, so if you have maxed out your floor’s endurance, it is time to replace it.
  • Finally, if your hardwood flooring has experienced significant moisture damage, you need to replace it. Moisture is one of the most damaging factors for hardwood floors – it leads to warping, buckling, cracking, and peeling. If your floors are moisture damaged, start making plans to replace the flooring.

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

Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Changing the flooring in your home is a great way to give it a fresh, new look. Choosing the right flooring can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. One popular, budget-friendly flooring is vinyl. This type of flooring has various pros and cons that you should weigh before making your final decision.Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Pros

  • Cost – the cost of vinyl flooring can be much more affordable than other types of flooring. If you are looking to save money while giving your home a fresh look, vinyl might be the way to go.
  • Durability – vinyl flooring is a very durable floor. It is designed to withstand plenty of foot traffic.
  • Comfort – vinyl flooring is a comfortable type of flooring. It has “give” and cushiony support.
  • Low noise – this type of flooring does not have the noise factor like hardwood floors and other types of flooring.
  • Style – vinyl comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns to match your home’s décor.
  • Ease of installation – vinyl flooring is generally much easier to install than other types of flooring. You can choose individual squares of vinyl or sheet vinyl.
  • Low maintenance – vinyl is one of the easiest floors to maintain. Sweeping and damp mopping are usually sufficient to keep the dirt at bay. You also do not have to worry about moisture damage the way that you have to worry with other types of flooring.

Cons

  • Lack of warmth – vinyl flooring does not provide the same warmth under foot as carpeting. You may need to invest in throw rugs to keep your toes warm on cold nights.
  • Tears – vinyl is not made to be resistant to tears, even if it is thick. You will need to use caution when moving furniture or other large, heavy items.
  • Discoloration – this type of flooring can be subject to discoloration from the sun. You may want to avoid putting it in a room that gets lots of sunlight.

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

How to Prepare For Carpet Installation

Its time to select your carpet.

The home carpet installation process is quite simple for a home that’s brand new or newly renovated and empty, or still being constructed. However, for homes that are currently occupied, the process will definitely entail a few additional steps for the homeowner.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for carpet installation:

Plan ahead of time- The first and most important stage perhaps is planning. This includes determining the schedule that works for you, and choosing the right contractor that can meet your deadlines and requests. Initially focusing on these factors will help save on time, money, effort, and yield the best results.How to Prepare For Carpet Installation

Identify the details- Once you have your carpeting selected and a contractor ready to go, be prepared for some surprises along the way. In some cases, there may be a need to use other services or materials to prepare the home and complete the installation. For instance, will you find mildew when replacing a basement carpet? While we never want to find problems, being prepared for them and allowing time in your schedule to deal with the unexpected will curb your stress throughout the process.

Prepare your home- As the day moves closer, box up and move as much of your fixtures, furnishings, and furniture as possible. While big items can be moved around as needed, its much easier if smaller items are out of the way during the process. Also keep in mind of other routine or out of the ordinary scheduled activities you may have in place. If the boy scout meeting always occurs on Wednesday night in your home, trying to complete the project and get ready may cause additional stress for you and your family.

Installation time- The average carpet installation process for homes usually takes up one or two days, although the number of hours or days varies depending on size of the area to be covered and the design and layout of the room. Your contractor will give you an idea of the time expected, and barring and unforeseen problems, will usually be a pretty good guess on the timing.

After installation-  Some carpet installation contractors offer services of taking care of dismantling and disposing of old carpet materials, re-installation of fixtures and moldings, and other services related to the project such as rearranging furniture. In some cases though, you will need to find a different contractor to take care of those details. You will most likely need to do some vacuuming and cleaning up after the carpet installation.

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

5 Great Choices For Your Bedroom Floors

Choosing the best flooring for your bedroom will ensure not only an overall aesthetic appeal, but also divine comfort for your feet! Here are 5 great choices for your bedroom floors to keep in mind as you make this vital decision.

1. Laminate – Laminate flooring is a good option if you want the look of hardwood flooring without the expense. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of shades to ensure that you can easily find one to fit your bedroom design. It is important to note that when the surface of laminate flooring becomes worn with age, it cannot be refinished – it will have to be replaced.5 Great Choices For Your Bedroom Floors

2. Carpet – Carpeting is one of the most popular choices for bedrooms because of its soft, luxurious feel under your feet. Carpeting comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and thicknesses, so you can find one that fits your bedroom design, as well as your specific tastes. Carpeting is affordable and provides warmth underneath your feet on a cold night. However, keeping carpet clean can be challenging, especially when it comes to liquid spills.

3. Vinyl – Vinyl flooring is an awesome choice for bedrooms because you can have the best of both worlds. You can have affordable flooring in a variety of patterns and designs to meet your style needs, as well as flooring that feels cushiony beneath your feet (thanks to the available cushiony underlayment). Keep in mind that vinyl is not the most environmentally-friendly flooring, so if you are making a “green” bedroom, you may need to make a different selection.

4. Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is another popular choice for bedrooms. With this flooring, you get a certain level of elegance that cannot be matched by other floorings. However, hardwood provides little insulation from the cold and heat, and it can be quite a noisy flooring, so you may need to invest in area rugs to cut down on the sound.

5. Cork – Cork flooring is a rising star when it comes to bedroom flooring. This soft, natural flooring feels great beneath your feet and provides insulation against the cold and the heat. Keep in mind that cork flooring does cost more than other types of flooring, and it also scratches easily – which means maintenance might be a chore.

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

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Picking New Floors For Your Business

As a business owner, you’re busy every day. There’s always action, whether its with the production side or with customers coming in at all hours of the day. There really is never a good time to install new flooring. And yet the right flooring is important not only to the way your business presents itself to the public, but also to the safety of all who enter there.

If you’ve deemed it time to install new floors in your business, learn from these mistakes to minimize disruption.5 Mistakes To Avoid When Picking New Floors For Your Business

Mistake #1 Not selecting the correct flooring for your business

While you may love a certain type of flooring, before installing it make sure its proper for your type of business. A business with constant foot traffic needs a different approach than a company that uses forklifts all day. Work with a flooring contractor to assess your needs first, then select the right type of flooring for the daily activities of your business.

Mistake #2 Failure to treat the flooring properly

Businesses need to get on with business quickly; we understand that. But if you don’t install your flooring properly the first time, you could be in for a lot more hardship and costs fixing the problem down the road. If a flooring choice needs an epoxy coating first, give it the time to properly cure before moving your equipment back into place.

Mistake #3 Choosing a flooring contractor that doesn’t understand business

When you go with small flooring contractors that don’t offer a lot of options, you may wind up with a flooring choice that doesn’t match your needs. Flooring is one of the most important attributes within your business. If you don’t have mats in place, anti-slip coatings where needed, or practical options for the needs of your employees and customers, you could wind up with a choice that doesn’t fits your needs, and might even cost you money in repair and possible lawsuits. Make sure the flooring contractor understands your needs before you make your choice.

Mistake #4 Going for cheap flooring

Yes, we understand you’re trying to cut costs. But if you choose a floor just because it’s the cheapest, you may pay the price very quickly. Your flooring gets heavy traffic – a lot more traffic then would run through your home. If you go with the cheapest to get by, it may wear quickly and need replacing, costing you more money in the long run.

Mistake #5 Not following manufacturers guidelines for maintenance

You may have a cleaning company in place, but what is there policy when it comes to the floors? Each type of flooring comes with its own guidelines in order to give it the longest life possible. Make sure you get those guidelines from your installer, and share them with your contracted cleaning. Sticking with proper maintenance will give you the longest life possible, and keep any warranties in place.

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