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Making Your Natural Stone Tile Flooring Even Greener

October 11, 2013 by

Want to install a green floor in your home? Even without doing a bit of research, its easy to determine what type of floor you’ll be looking at. Woods. Stones. Anything with sustainability attached to it.

Making Your Natural Stone Tile Flooring Even GreenerNot surprisingly, natural stone tile is one of the greenest building materials you can use. Its moisture resistant, lasts a lifetime, and releases no harmful byproducts into your air supply. So installing it everywhere gives you instantaneous access to eco-friendly choices. But if you want to take it to the next step and make the installation process greener as well, here’s what you need to know.

Natural stone tiles have a high thermal mass, which means overall it can help you with your heating and cooling. If you place natural stone tile in a room with lots of light from south facing windows, the stone will soak up the warmth throughout the day and help keep your rooms naturally warm. Likewise in the summer months, natural stone tile will cool at night when you run fans over them in a dark room, retaining the coolness that will mean less use from your air conditioner. And if you want to take it to the next level and install radiant floor heating systems underneath your tiles, they will retain their warmth throughout the day, needing less energy for the actual heating process.

With natural stone tiles, don’t be afraid to look at recycled stone tiles as well. Stone tiles never die, and never reach a point where they can’t be recycled and used for another purpose. You can find perfectly good discarded tiles that would look just as good as “new” tiles in your room.

Different types of stone are commonplace in different regions throughout the world. If you want to stay as green as possible, make sure you are using stones that are quarried in a location near Colorado. By using local, you won’t burn large amounts of fossil fuel shipping it from around the globe and into your home. The more local you can stay, the less you will save.

Choose a low toxic sealer. Natural stone tiles do require a little bit of maintenance once they are installed in your home. A quality sealant will protect your tiles from spills and stains. Unfortunately most protectors on the market today have harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can bring serious health issues into your home. Always ask for installer to use a low toxic, low VOC sealer.

Seal your tile with a low toxic grout. In high moisture areas, you run the risk of mold and mildew if water gets under your stone and seeps into the floor boards. Make sure you seal all potential problem areas with a quality grout made from low VOC material.

Always remember to recycle when you are through. If you live in your home long enough, eventually you will want a change. Just remember natural stone tile never dies. If you remove it from your home, look for a place that will recycle it and put it to good use in another home or location. Its much better for it to be reused than to end up in the dump, where as much as 85 percent of construction waste ends up.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Tile Tagged With: ,

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.

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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: ,

How To Select The Perfect Tile For Your Backsplash

July 23, 2013 by

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? You’ll have dozens of choices to make in the coming months.

And while most people think “tile” and “flooring”, in today’s design, the word tile can also mean backsplash. Tiling is ultra modern and provides a sophisticated look to an otherwise nondescript area.

How To Select The Perfect Tile For Your BacksplashThe backsplash in your kitchen serves a useful purpose: it protects the walls from water, grease, food, and other grime. However, since the backsplash is such a large part of your kitchen walls, it also makes a style statement. You want your backsplash to complement your current interior kitchen design – and you also want it to reflect your own personal style.

Keep the following in mind when selecting the tile for your back splash.

  • Avoid fitting in with the latest trends. Just because something is trendy and stylish today does not mean it will still be appealing tomorrow. Choose tile that is neutral enough to blend into your current design theme, yet unique enough to make an understated statement.
  • Choose a tile material that is easy to clean and durable, such as glass or ceramic. You want a backsplash that is going to last for a long time, not one that is going to require repair or replacement in only a few months.
  • Choose a color of tile that enhances the beauty of your kitchen. You want your colors combinations to complement each other, not clash with each other. Take some samples home and see how they look in your kitchen, then choose accordingly.
  • If your kitchen is large, choose large tiles. If your kitchen is small, go for smaller tiles. The size of the tiles, if used incorrectly, can make small kitchens seem even smaller, or they can get lost in large kitchens.
  • Make sure that you choose tile that is glazed and non-porous to ensure durability and ease of maintenance.
  • Finally, make sure that your grout matches your tile. You want your grout and tile to match to give your kitchen a polished, complete look. If the grout clashes with the tile, your back splash will likely be an overly busy, hot mess.

Selecting kitchen tile in the Denver metro area is easy with Pro-Flooring.

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

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Coordinating Colors – Selecting Tile To Match Your Décor

June 21, 2013 by

Coordinating Colors – Selecting Tile To Match Your Décor

Some people are visual by nature. And some aren’t.

For some, its easy to choose curtains, fabrics and décor, then easily match it up with the tile for a perfect look every time.

And for others, its not quite that easy.

When decorating your home, you want to do everything you can to ensure that all colors complement each other; that everything “flows” together well. Learning how to coordinate your décor and your choice of tile can be tough. Just because something looks good in your mind or on paper or on a computer screen does not mean it will look as good once it is in your room. Here are some tips to help you coordinate your tile with the rest of your décor.

Use swatches to help choose your tile color. Take a pillow from your couch or a towel from your linen closet with you to the tile store. Use that to help you find a tile that complements the color. Don’t be afraid to ask – two opinions are better than one as you are making your final selections.

Create a color scheme. Consider different colors as you determine your theme. Once you have narrowed the list down to one or two dominant colors, and one accent color, start looking for tile to fit your needs. Your tile can be a dominant color or an accent color, the choice is yours. You can even have your tile contain both dominant and accent colors to really blend in well with your décor.

Coordinate countertops with flooring, backsplashes with countertops, and tie everything together with various accent pieces and colors. For example, if your tile flooring matches your countertops, which are a dominant color, use an accent-colored tile here and there to tie in the flooring with the rest of the room’s color scheme.

Be bold and creative with your choice of colors, whether it is for your tile or the rest of your décor. The only time you may want to hold back and remain a little neutral is if you plan on selling your home in the near future. Your bold style and tastes may not be a potential buyer’s style and taste, so neutral may be the better choice. However, going neutral does not mean it has to be dull. You can make a room “pop” with color by using accent tiles, accent pillows, and other splashes of color around the room.

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

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Choosing The Right PEI Rating Tiles For Your Room

June 20, 2013 by

Choosing The Right PEI Rating Tiles For Your Room

When you decide to add tile to a room in your home, heading into a retail location is the first place to start. There you will be able to walk through rows of selections, taking in price and pattern options.

Price and pattern are the two most logical places to start. After all, you have to like the coloring of the tile. And you have to be afford the tile when its fully installed in your home.

Yet there is another consideration that is very important to the way your tile maintains over time, and few people understand how to use it. Its called the PEI rating.

The PEI rating of tile helps you determine the durability and hardness of the tile in question. PEI stands for the Porcelain Enamel Institute, and its rating will provide you with the information you need to select the right tile for each room of your home. Remember, just because you like a price or a pattern does not mean that a certain tile is right for every room of your home. Different rooms will have different levels of foot traffic, which is why you have to consider the PEI rating.

The PEI ratings are as follows:

Class 1 – This type of tile is not fit for any level of foot traffic and should only be used on walls

Class 2 – This type of tile can withstand a light amount of foot traffic. It can be used on walls, as well as on bathroom floors.

Class 3 – This type of tile can withstand light to moderate foot traffic. It can be used on walls, countertops, and on floors with a normal amount of foot traffic.

Class 4 – This type of tile can withstand moderate to heavy foot traffic. It can be used in all types of residential applications, as well as medium commercial applications and light institutional applications.

Class 5 – This type of tile can withstand heavy to extra-heavy foot traffic. It can be used in all types of situations, from residential to commercial and institutional.

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

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How To Use Tiles In Your Bathroom Remodel

June 14, 2013 by

How To Use Tiles In Your Bathroom Remodel

Tile is a versatile, cost effective material to use in several areas of your home.  If you are considering a bathroom remodel, there are several ways you can tie tile into your new design.  With such a diversity of sizes, colors, styles, textures, and finishes tile can make a great addition to the bathroom of your dreams.

Flooring

Naturally, any discussion of tile’s functionality in a bathroom would have to include a section on flooring tiles.  Tile provides a durable, moisture resistant, elegant look for your bathroom floor.  Since this is the floor and is the largest single area to be covered, you should consider going with a neutral toned tile.  Stone tones, or light colors serve to add a touch of warmth without overwhelming the space.

Shower or Tub

Another excellent way to use tile in your bathroom remodeling is in the tub or shower.  Tiles along the walls will add a touch of color or interest to an otherwise bland area.  If you prefer a more traditional approach, white tiling provides a clean, crisp look in the tub or shower.  If you are a bit more daring, add a splash of color.  Tile size can also add a bit of interest or drama.  Whatever you choose, be sure it ties in with the decor of the rest of the room.

Countertops and Back splashes

Countertops are another great area for tiling.  Tile’s durability and moisture resistance makes it an excellent material for countertops.  Since it is the smallest unified area to be covered, you can be a bit more daring in your color scheme.  Just remember to keep your color and pattern choice in harmony with your room decor.

Tile can create a great look no matter what budget you have in mind.  With such a wide range of looks available, you can create a look that reflects your individuality without breaking the bank.

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

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Pros and Cons of Marble Tile Flooring

February 1, 2013 by

In today’s most elegant homes, you’ll likely find granite on the countertops and marble on the floors.

Marble can be the perfect choice for your formal rooms; yet like every flooring choice it comes with its own pros and cons.  Consider the following before making any installation decisions.Pros and Cons of Marble Tile Flooring

Beauty

Just like any natural stone flooring, marble adds incredible beauty and value to any home.  Because marble is natural, not manmade, each pattern is unique to itself. Marble comes in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find a pattern and color that will match any room.

Longevity

Marble is one of the hardest materials from the earth. This is a definite benefit for homeowners because no matter what is dropped on the floor, it is unlikely your flooring will be impacted. Caution should be taken, however, that anything that you do drop might shatter simply due to the hardness of the floor.

Stains

Marble is extremely porous, which means that it can easily stain. Anything that spills can instantly be absorbed into the floor, leaving a permanent stain. Care should be taken to clean up spills immediately.

Expense

Marble is one of the most expensive flooring choices on the market today. Not only can you expect to pay premium dollars for the flooring, its equally expensive for installation due to the nuances of the process. It is not recommended to perform the installation yourself, however, because it requires a special installation technique that should be left to the professionals.

Marble flooring is a gorgeous choice for many homes. It adds great value and beauty and as long as it is properly cared for, it can last for a very long time. Marble is gaining popularity throughout the United States, despite its high cost and likelihood to stain.

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

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: ,

Pros and Cons of Travertine Tile Flooring

January 31, 2013 by

Travertine tile flooring has gained popularity in recent years. This flooring, which is known as luxury flooring, is made from limestone, similar to that of marble. Because it is natural, just like marble, the style and variations greatly depend on the minerals that are in the materials that comprise the tile.Pros and Cons of Travertine Tile Flooring

Location

Travertine is very porous, which means its more easily stained than other flooring choices. Thus it means it might not be a top choice for the kitchen where many items are spilled quite often. Or for rooms that have high traffic, such as entryways, because of its ability to scratch or dent easily. It is best kept in areas of low traffic and minimal usage, such as dining rooms and formal living rooms.

Finish

There are four different types of finishes that travertine flooring can possess. The polished finish is not typically recommended simply because of how slippery it can make the flooring. The most popular finish is the honed finish, because of its matte texture; it is not slippery and can be easily cleaned up.

Installation

Travertine flooring needs to be installed on a flat surface without any bumps or grooves. Travertine is considered a permanent flooring choice, so consider it carefully before final selection. Because it is a natural material, you won’t find definite patterns in the tiles. Lay it out and finalize the way it looks before adhering it permanently.

Cleaning

Proper care and regular maintenance are mandatory with travertine. Any spills need to be cleaned up right away and daily vacuuming should also be a part of your routine in order to keep it in good condition. Mopping should take place once a week or less, in order to protect the finish, yet clean up any dirt and debris that remains.

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

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Travertine Flooring: A Basic Guide

January 10, 2013 by

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

The Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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