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10 Things You Should Never Do to a Wood Floor

September 13, 2013 by

Wood floors are a smart investment that can add elegance and style to any room in your home. Compared to carpet, wood floors are easier to clean and maintain than carpeting. However, it does take same time and effort to care for wood flooring. 10 Things You Should Never Do to a Wood FloorProper maintenance of wood floors also takes some knowledge of the dos and don’ts of caring for them.

Here are 10 things you should never do to a wood floor:

  1. Never use harsh chemicals on your floor. You shouldn’t use vinegar, oil soap, or any type of wax or silicone-based products.
  2. Refrain from using casters directly on the floor. These can wear down the floor in isolated areas, creating the need for frequent refinishing.
  3. Don’t use a steam mop to clean. Water in any form can break down the floor’s protective layer.
  4. Don’t pour cleaner and spread it on the floor. Products that are applied too much in certain spots can absorb into wood and cause an uneven look over time.
  5. Don’t let too much time go by between refinishing. Eventually, any floor will show wear, and then it’s time to re-coat. This should usually be done every four years or so.
  6. Never wear high heels on your wood flooring. They can cause denting and scratching, so leave them at the door.
  7. Don’t forget to protect your furniture’s legs. You should use protective pads under the legs of all furniture that touches your floor to control the damage on the finish.
  8. Refrain from dragging heavy items on the wood floors. Make use of felt pads when moving furniture or heavy appliances over your flooring.
  9. Don’t let pet stains set. Be sure to treat pet accidents right away in order to ensure proper removal of the odor and stain.
  10. Never let your dog’s nails go untrimmed. Believe it or not, they will ruin the finish of a hardwood floor when nails are long.

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

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Flooring for Flood Prone Rooms

September 11, 2013 by

Do you have a room that is always damp, or a basement that floods at the mere mention of rain?

Flooring for Flood Prone RoomsIf you’re looking for flooring for a flood-prone room in your home, don’t despair, because you do have options. Most flooding issues take place in the basements of people’s homes, but moisture can be a problem in any room of the house.

While you can’t control the weather, there are some common types of flooring that make sense for rooms that are prone to flooding and moisture.

Rubber

Rubber flooring is inexpensive, particularly black rubber flooring because it is made from recycled rubber tires. It is mildew and mold-resistant, and you can install it yourself. It is also a great insulator against transmitting sound, and it’s also slip-resistant.

Carpeting

You’re probably wondering why carpeting may be good for moisture-prone rooms. While it can be a challenge after a flood, carpet can be saved if you act quickly to absorb any wetness. It’s the best insulator and feels warm to the touch. It can also be very inexpensive depending on the type that you choose.

Vinyl tiles

Luxury vinyl tiles are great in moisture-prone areas because they are waterproof when they are installed with a waterproof adhesive. They are easy to clean and durable as well. Plus, they come in many different designs that can add style to any room.

Ceramic tiles

They are made of stone, so ceramic tiles are one of the most waterproof floors that you can buy. They have the ability to absorb about 1-2 percent of standing water. Ceramic tiles also keep homes cool in warmer climates. They usually need to be professionally installed to achieve greatest results.

While there is no perfect flooring for a room that is prone to water and moisture damage, there are plenty of choices that will help. Don’t forget to contact your insurance provider and see if you are covered against flood damage if you have flooding that occurs in your home.

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

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Everything You Should Know about Cork Flooring Before You Install It

September 5, 2013 by

Cork flooring is a great alternative to hardwood and other types of flooring. Before you consider the installation of cork flooring, you should know about its properties, advantages, and disadvantages.

Everything You Should Know about Cork Flooring Before You Install ItWhat is cork flooring?

Cork flooring is sustainably harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without harming it. It can be harvested every decade, and then it grows back. Most cork is grown in the area around the Mediterranean Sea. Cork flooring isn’t a new idea, as it has been used in the U.S. since the turn of the century. Traditionally, cork flooring has been used in churches and libraries. Cork is a durable option for flooring, but quality and maintenance can affect its lifespan.

How is cork flooring made?

After drying in the forest for several months, the bark is transported to a factory, where wine bottle corks are punched out of it. The leftover material is boiled and ground up and compressed. This ground-up product can be cut and used as a final flooring piece or for some unique patterns.

What are the advantages of cork flooring?

  • It comes in a wide variety of design possibilities
  • It is environmentally-friendly
  • It’s considered to be made from recycled content
  • It has a cushiony feel under your feet
  • It is sound-resistant
  • It offers insulation qualities
  • It’s antimicrobial

Cork flooring disadvantages

While cork flooring is a great investment for your home, it does have its disadvantages.

  • It is not indestructible, and it will scratch from heels and furniture feet.
  • It has a potential to fade with exposure to light.
  • Cork flooring can also be affected by the level of humidity in your home, causing it to swell up or warp.
  • Cork flooring is more costly than many varieties of carpet and tiles.

Now that you are properly informed about cork flooring, you can have it installed to enjoy it for years to come!

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

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The Best Flooring Choices For Basements

September 3, 2013 by

Having a finished basement will add value to your home and give you additional living space. Basements are a great choice for an extra family room because they are located under your home – completely out of the way. Lots of people choose to use their basements as play rooms for their children or TV rooms.

FThe Best Flooring Choices For Basementsinishing a basement may sound as easy as adding some flooring and furniture. However, you must remember that your basement is underground, which could pose some problems. When choosing flooring for your basement, keep the following tips in mind.

  • Be aware of any possible moisture buildup. Since your basement is below ground level, it might have some moisture buildup on the floor. Determine if your basement’s concrete floor gets damp by placing plastic over the floor and sealing it with tape. If moisture builds up underneath the plastic, you have to find the source of the moisture and fix it.
  • Be aware of any possible seepage on the walls. While this may not be an extremely damaging factor, if your basement walls do occasionally experience seepage, you need to choose flooring that can withstand some moisture.
  • If you have a moisture-proof basement, your flooring options are plentiful. You can add carpeting, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, or tile.
  • If your basement is prone to some moisture issues, you should stick with vinyl flooring because it is easier to maintain and resistant to moisture damage. Laminate and hardwood will quickly succumb to damp environments.
  • You can always choose to leave your floors uncovered and simply paint or stain the concrete.
  • Carpeting is better suited for moisture-proof basements. Water can quickly damage carpeting and the padding, leaving the basement smelling of mold and mildew. If you are adamant about having a carpeted floor, choose carpet tiles with rubber backings.

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

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Stay Green – Carpet from Recycled Plastic Bottles

August 29, 2013 by

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to that plastic bottle you tossed into the recycling bin, chances are good that you can find it transformed right beneath your feet … and into your carpet. Intended for residential use, this earth-friendly carpet offers many sustainable advantages that have become part of green efforts for many homeowners.Stay Green – Carpet from Recycled Plastic Bottles

The recycled bottles contain a resin in the polyester family known as polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. These bottles are labeled with the familiar “1” recycling code.  Just in the last ten years, the use of PET carpeting has been recommended as a component to effective sustainability practices. The recycling of soda and water bottles produces yarn that is higher in quality than almost every other synthetic carpet yarn. There are a little more than twenty North American PET recycling companies in operation.

Advantages of PET

PET carpet has many advantages and qualities that make it a practical and lovely addition to a home.  In addition to being earth-friendly, it is exceptionally soft and supple. Here are some other advantages of green carpet made from recycled plastic bottles:

  • The plastic fiber of PET carpeting wears well and resists absorbing stains. It also reflects light, which gives the carpet clarity of color.
  • PET is superior to lower grades of virgin synthetic fibers used in making other brands of polyester carpet yarns.
  • The installation process and care are the same as traditional carpet.
  • Old PET carpet can live on when it is “down-cycled” for use in other applications such as car parts, insulation, and even furniture stuffing.
  • PET carpets are naturally stain-resistant and do not require the chemical treatments used on most nylon carpets, and they retain color and resist fading from exposure to the sun or harsh cleaning.

Carpeting made from recycled plastic bottles is available in all sorts of colors, patterns, and sizes to match the décor in any room in your home. For a stain-resistant rug or carpet that is environmentally friendly and safe, choose carpet that is made out of soda and water bottles and discover the advantages!

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

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Floor Installation – Do It Yourself or Hire A Professional?

August 27, 2013 by

Ahhh, wouldn’t it be great to give your room a fresh, updated look?

Now that you’ve made the decision to move forward, should you tackle the project yourself, or turn it over to the hands of a professional?

More and more homeowners are turning to DIY installation projects when it comes to flooring. And the biggest reason behind this favoring of the DIY world is to save money. Floor Installation – Do It Yourself or Hire A Professional?

It is pretty simple – when you do something on your own, you do not have to pay someone else to do it. You can save a lot of money in installation costs by installing your own flooring.

However, you have to weigh the pros and cons of DIY floor installation against hiring a professional.

If you decide to install your own flooring, you will still have to pay for the materials you need. You will also have to pay for the equipment needed to handle the installation. You will have to provide your own supplies and if anything breaks, it falls on you to replace it.

With a professional, you only have to pay for the materials and installation labor. You do not have to pay for equipment rentals, and you do not have to replace broken tools – that falls on the shoulders of the contractor. You may have to pay additional costs for moving furniture or cleanup, but you can always opt to take care of that on your own to save some money.

Another important thing to consider before you install flooring on your own is your skill level. Are you equipped with the knowledge to correctly install the flooring? Some types of flooring are best left to the pros, such as hardwood and stone or ceramic tiles. Even carpeting normally requires a professional installation if you want your carpeting to be tight and without noticeable seam lines.

Determine your personal skill level and decide if you can handle the job ahead of you – or if it would be best to let a contractor take care of the installation to ensure a polished, professional result.

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

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Laminate Flooring or Hardwood Flooring – Which Is Right For You?

August 22, 2013 by

Wood flooring. Its what the finest homes across Colorado have on display.

Laminate Flooring or Hardwood Flooring - Which Is Right For You?When you’re ready to upgrade to wood and change the look and feel of your home throughout, simply deicding on “wood” isn’t your stopping point. In fact, its just the beginning.

When it comes to wood, you have two choices: hardwood or laminate.

The flooring in your home is a big investment. You want to invest in flooring that is not only going to be durable and meet your needs, but will also be a beautiful addition to your home. You also have to make sure you choose flooring that fits your budget.

And that’s where your decision lies: will you choose laminate or hardwood?

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the good and the bad of each type will help you decide which is best for your home.

Hardwood flooring has a longer lifespan than laminate. Good hardwood floors can last 20, 30 years or even longer if you maintain them regularly. If hardwood flooring ever becomes damaged, it can be refinished to give it a brand-new appearance.

Hardwood flooring also adds value to your home. There is something special and elegant about true hardwood floors that cannot be matched by laminate.

Finally, hardwood flooring is a quieter type of flooring than laminate. You will not have to worry about noisy footsteps down your hallway with hardwood flooring.

Laminate flooring is geared toward the DIY homeowner. It can be installed with relative ease on your own – hardwood flooring normally requires professional installation. You will also find that you have more pattern choices with laminate flooring without worrying about the wood type changing colors or patterns over time.

You will also find it much easier to determine how much foot traffic laminate flooring can withstand from the Abrasion Class (AC) rating, which takes the guesswork out of defining durability.

Finally, laminate flooring is more durable when it comes to moisture. Hardwood flooring is not suitable for rooms where the moisture level may be high, such as kitchens or bathrooms, because it is prone to moisture damage. With laminate, you can put that worry to rest.

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

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Wool Carpets – Non-Toxic and Chemical-Free

August 20, 2013 by

Are you considering wool carpeting for your home? Wool is known as a “miracle fiber” because it is derived from nature and offers amazing benefits and outstanding beauty that is hard to match in traditional carpeting. Wool provides a long-lasting and durable carpet that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Wool Carpets - Non-Toxic and Chemical-FreeFor homeowners who take pride in a green lifestyle and sustainable living, wool is the perfect choice for carpet and rugs. Along with a variety of styles and patterns, you can choose from various sizes of wool carpeting to fit a small area of your home or an entire room. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of wool carpets:

Wool is a natural protein. It is grown directly from sheep without the use of chemicals. A sheep will continue to grow wool for its entire life.

Wool is biodegradable. Unlike synthetic materials which will take years to biodegrade, wool will biodegrade in a much shorter amount of time when placed in the soil.

Wool has non-allergenic properties. It prevents the growth of bacteria or dust mites and it does not give off harmful odors like many synthetic materials.

Wool carpets provide a safe and healthy indoor environment. They also provide moisture control.

Wool is naturally resistant to burning. Wool carpet self-extinguishes due to the upper pile that forms a thick insulating char layer which inhibits fire. If wool is exposed to high temperatures, it gives off a strong non-toxic odor which provides an early warning signal.

Wool carpet is safe for pets. Because of its non-allergenic properties, it is a safe and healthy choice for pets. Wool carpeting is also naturally soft and warm, making it perfect for pets.

Wool is a natural filter. Wool traps particles such as dust, pollen, and fungal spores, keeping them out of the breathing zone where they could cause respiratory problems.

As you can see, the benefits that wool offers make it the ideal material for rugs and carpet in your home. Wool offers valuable insurance for your family and home. For a smart investment that can be enjoyed for many years, choose wool and experience the amazing benefits and natural attributes.

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

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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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Top Flooring Choices In Denver Colorado

August 14, 2013 by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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