Concrete Floors: The Right Choice For Your Home

Concrete Floors: The Right Choice For Your Home

Concrete.  Concrete forms much of the foundation of our homes.  It serves as a durable walkway (sidewalks) and an excellent road surface.  We all know about the functionality of concrete, but have you ever considered using it as a flooring option in your home?

In today’s world, concrete is no longer a boring grey substance that we associate with the standard facilities of our homes. In fact, it can be a whole lot more.

Modern flooring techniques have created several elegant finishes for even a substance as rough as concrete.  So, before you totally rule out concrete as a flooring option, consider some of the options available in concrete flooring.

Colors:  Concrete is now available in a rainbow of colors.  Depending on the look you are going for, there are several methods for adding color to concrete.  Integral coloring allows for the dyes to be added during the mixing process.  Stains are added later and create a translucent look for the floor.  Dyes are added right before application and create a very vibrant look.  Colored hardeners are added to freshly laid concrete and creates a surface level color.  Of course, paint on dried concrete is another option.

Surface:  The surface of concrete flooring can be textured based upon your desired appearance.  Of course, the most well known texturing method is troweling.  This isn’t the only option though.  If you chose concrete flooring, you could get the floors smoothed, polished, stamped in a tile pattern, or scored.

Most concrete floors are created by using a fine concrete mix rather than the more coarse mix typically used for industrial use.  There are options however, for homeowners who desire a bit more texture.

One other great feature of concrete flooring is its versatility.  Floor specialists can either use the existing concrete subfloor or create a decorative overlay depending on your budget and flooring needs.

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

Celebrating Earth Day 2013 and Colorado Flooring

Celebrating Earth Day 2013 and Colorado Flooring

How will you celebrate Earth Day in 2013 – The Face Of Climate Change?

The very first Earth Day was 43 years ago, April 22, 1970. On that day, a US Senator from Wisconsin decided he had to do something after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. He was inspired by the student anti-war movement, and realized if he could infuse the same energy into public consciousness about air and water pollution, people would begin taking action to help Mother Earth.

On that day, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate for a health, sustainable environment. This one act led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

The rest, as they say, is history. And we’ve been celebrating Earth Day ever since.

Here at Colorado Pro Flooring, we’re conscious of offering you the best flooring options available using the best products available. If sustainability is important to you, make sure you mention it when its time to upgrade your flooring. There are many options, you just have to ask. [Read more…]

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

Choosing Exotic Hardwood Floors

Choosing Exotic Hardwood Floors

Hardwood flooring can add elegance and charm to your room.  Many of the lighter tones come from domestic options like Oak, Birch, and Ash.  While these are beautiful options, if you are going for a more sophisticated, luxurious look you might want to consider something a bit more exotic.  After all, who doesn’t like the sense of high class sophistication that comes from telling your guests your floors are from abroad?  If you are considering exotic hardwood floors for your flooring needs, here are a few of the options available to you.

Brazilian Cherry – Who hasn’t heard of this luxurious and exotic flooring option?  Brazilian Cherry is one of the most popular exotic flooring options.  With its extreme variations in color, and its excellent Janka Hardness Rating, Brazilian Cherry is an excellent hardwood choice.

Santos Mahogany – Santos Mahogany is second only to Brazilian Cherry in its popularity among exotic flooring options.  Mahogany provides an interesting blend of colors and graining, adding interest and elegance to any floor.

Brazilian Walnut – Unlike its domestic counterpart, Brazilian Walnut flooring works well in high traffic areas.  Like the domestic Walnut flooring options, Brazilian Walnut flooring has a beautiful, deep brown tone.  Straight grains interwoven with irregular patterns create a visually stimulating and elegant flooring option.

Tiete Rosewood – Rosewood is known for its delicate pink rose color.  Tiete Rosewood darkens over time gaining a richer red color as it ages.  This process stabilizes approximately three months after installation, allowing the homeowner to have an idea of the deep, rich color they can look forward to for years to come.

Tigerwood – Tigerwood is also commonly known as Bolivian Koa.  This exotic wood got its name from the intense striping in the wood color.  Because of its unique color mixtures and graining, Tigerwood is best presented in larger planks to avoid an overly busy floor.

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

Choosing Domestic Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors add a wonderful effect to any room.  Hardwood floors have an amazing ability to add elegance or a rustic charm depending upon choice of wood, application, and coloring.  Many wonderful hardwood options are available from domestic hardwoods.  With a wide range of colors, grains, and overall appearance, you are sure to find an excellent option for you hardwood flooring needs whether you are looking for upscale or hometown rustic.

Oak – Oak is one of the most popular choices among the domestic hardwood flooring options.  Oak comes in two distinct varieties: red and white.  As the name would suggest the greatest variance between the varieties is the coloring of the wood.  Red Oak Natural has a red/brown hue while the White Oak Natural tends to come in a lighter, golden brown.
Choosing Domestic Hardwood Floors
Maple – Maple hardwood comes from the Maple trees grown in the northern areas of the United States and much of Canada.  This wood type is known for its pale, creamy color and light graining.

American Cherry – American Cherry wood has a rich red/brown color with a unique graining.  This particular flooring option is typically installed in wider planks.  The finished effect provides a floor with unique graining in each panel that provides individuality without looking overly busy.

Birch – Birch wood comes in two varieties much like Oak.  Yellow Birch is more common among homeowners and has a light golden color.  Red Birch has a darker tone and comes from the heartwood of the tree.

Walnut – Walnut hardwood has a rich, dark brown color that looks like it has stood the test of time.  The mellow tones and gentle wood grain make a cozy, comforting addition to your room.

Pine – Pine is one of the softer hardwood options available.  Pine is most well known for its rustic look.  It’s light color and knotty grains appear at home in a cozy cottage in the woods.

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

What Does Stain Resistant Carpet Really Mean?

When you are shopping for carpeting for your home, you are bound to come across the term “stain resistant”. You may automatically assume that the term means your carpet will never be stained. It is important to understand exactly what stain resistant carpeting really means, so you will know exactly what you are buying.
What Does Stain Resistant Carpet Really Mean?
The first thing to remember is that no carpet is stain-proof. It can be resistant to staining, meaning that it is harder to stain, but that does not mean it will never stain. Stain resistant carpeting is coated with a chemical finish to repel liquid spills and dirt. The repelling makes it harder for the liquid or dirt to set into the fibers of the carpet.

Stain resistant carpet makes it easier to clean up spills and messes. As long as you address a spill right away, you can usually clean it with soap and water and never see the stain again. Stain resistant carpeting maintains its appearance longer than other types of carpeting because you do not have to worry that every drop of juice or mud will leave a stain. [Read more…]

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

The Best Carpets For Allergies

The Best Carpets For Allergies

If you or one of your loved ones suffers from allergies, it can wreak havoc on your life. Allergies can make it hard to enjoy day-to-day living. Allergies can make it difficult to even step outside during certain seasons. They can force you to be bound to the pollen count given by your local weather channel.

Allergies can also make it hard to choose flooring. Many allergy-sufferers avoid carpeting because it can trap dust, mold and other allergens in its fibers. However, it is possible to enjoy the soft comfort of carpeting, even if you have allergies.

When shopping for carpet, keep in mind that many of today’s synthetic materials are resistant to allergens. These synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, do not make good homes for allergens. These materials repel the allergens, rather than attract them. If you suffer from allergies, pay attention to the materials that comprise the fibers and avoid wool – it creates a perfect environment for allergens. [Read more…]

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

Carpet Pads and Uneven Floors

You love your home. You love the details, the way it flows, and the memories that have been made over the years.

Yet once in awhile, its time for an update. It doesn’t have to be a big change; by replacing the floors, you can freshen up the look and feel, and make you fall in love with your home all over again.

When its time to replace the flooring and you choose carpeting, it sounds like an easy task. Simply rip out the old and install the new. But what if it isn’t as easy as that. What if you have an older home, and the house simply wasn’t built to today’s standards? What do you do if your subflooring is uneven? Is there a solution to the problem, or will you have to live with sloping floors?

When your home was originally built, before the decorative side of things – your flooring – was installed, a subfloor was installed to give it a suitable base. Its also used to house heating and air conditioning ducts. Properly constructed, they increase the life of the floor you actually walk on.

If the subfloor is uneven – not level – it may contain dips or slopes as you walk across the floor. They can be subtle; so subtle you don’t even notice it when the carpet is on top. But once its removed, that’s when the problems begin. Carpet Pads and Uneven Floors

It can cause a tripping hazard if it becomes more apparent.

It can cause wear and tear on your carpet, as you won’t be walking on it evenly, distributing pressure in uneven batches.

It can be a nuisance when trying to decorate. A long coach may suddenly have a wiggle or a rocking motion because of the different heights between legs.

If you are on a budget, the simplest solution is to lay carpet padding. Carpet padding adds a cushion between the subfloor and your carpet. It may cover up minor flaws and give the appearance of an even flooring. But keep in mind this is a temporary solution. The padding will wear out faster and unevenly, meaning your carpet will wear out faster in the long run.

For a more permanent solution, a leveling agent can be used. Because of the preciseness of the product, it is best handled by a professional between ripping out the old and installing the new.

You can also install plywood to bring the flooring levels up to a parallel level. Precise measurements should be used to lay plywood as needed. This is also permanent in nature, giving your floors a smooth and even look and feel.

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

Does New Carpet Mean New Carpet Pad Too?

You’ve decided to have new carpet installed. Yet its only been a few years since your current carpet was installed. Is the padding underneath still okay? Can you get by with shopping for carpet only?

Great question. Lets look at it from a variety of ways.

Carpet padding is simply the foundation of your flooring. Its installed to act as a cushion and a shock absorber between the subfloor and your carpet. When a carpet is manufactured, they stipulate the minimum pad weight density and maximum thickness required to assure this foundation is adequate enough to meet their expectations … and yours. While carpet padding is designed to insulate, add comfort, and improve vacuuming efficiency, the most important role is to limit movement in the carpeting itself. The less movement, the more your carpet stays in shape for years to come. In this case, every carpet comes with its own recommended padding … which may not be what was installed with your current carpet. Does New Carpet Mean New Carpet Pad Too

Technology also increases every year. And carpeting is no exception. With technological advances and an assortment of warranties on everything from material quality to texture retention, padding plays a big part in holding your flooring together. Just like you wouldn’t use a floppy disk in today’s computer, using yesterday’s padding with today’s carpet can seriously damage the warranty and the life of your new carpet choice.

When you purchase carpet and carpet padding, its easy to assume they are two separate units. But in reality, carpets life cycle stems from the wear and tear on the carpet padding. Yes, your carpet will undergo stress and strain from every day life. It will take the brunt of living – stains, pet odors, dirt and grime – and that must be cleaned and maintained every day. But the padding is what keeps your carpets looking good. Even if your pad is only a year or two old, it still sustained wear and abuse from use with your current carpets. New carpet is a major investment; and because new padding is only a fraction of the investment, why compromise quality? You may lose warranties or years of wear without replacing … why take that chance?

With these things in mind, and considering the vital role padding plays on the long term use of your carpet, its definitely worth the small investment for years of enjoyment in the future.

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

A Guide To Basement Floor Insulation

If your home has a basement, and you want to utilize it for something other than storage, you will have to choose flooring. The right flooring is essential to any finished basement because the basement environment is different from the rest of your home. Without the right flooring, the cold that seeps up through the floor – and the moisture associated with basements – will not let you enjoy your new space. A Guide To Basement Floor Insulation

To make the most of your finished basement, you need to invest in basement floor insulation. This insulation will protect your flooring from basement moisture (an inevitable factor since the basement is below the surface of the ground), as well as help keep your flooring warm for your feet. Insulation comes in a variety of thicknesses – as much as 12 inches thick – so choose a thickness that is not going to take away too much height from your basement ceilings.

Styrofoam insulation can be placed between the concrete floor and the plywood subfloor of your basement. This rigid foam provides insulation for warmth, as well as protection from moisture.
[Read more…]

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

Focus On Flooring

We walk on it every day, we notice the dirt (but try to ignore it), we appreciate the feel of it under our bare toes, and we wish someone else would clean it.  Our floors do so much for us, and do so much to make our houses homes.  Unfortunately, these essential elements wear out overtime, so if you are facing a flooring fix up, here are a few things to keep in mind as you focus on your flooring.

Keep things flowing – Your home is made up of several separate areas, but your flooring doesn’t have to stop at the threshold.  Keeping a similar flooring throughout most of the house helps the home to flow and gives the illusion of larger spaces.  Different flooring in each area creates a choppy, broken up feeling.

Focus On Flooring

Make it match – Not all flooring types are good options for every area of your home.  Carpet may look lovely and inviting in the living room or your bedroom, but it is a poor choice for bathroom flooring.  Where you chose to change flooring types, you can still maintain the flow if you keep a similar color palate for the new flooring type.  The more drastic the color change, the more jarring the final effect.

Don’t disrupt the decor – As you are considering flooring options, consider the overall decor of your home.  If you have a stylistic home, you can either accentuate or destroy the effect with a poorly chosen flooring option.  Remain as true as possible to the overall vision of your home as you choose your new floors.

Bigger is better – Narrow plank wood floors and small ceramic tiles are out.  More and more people are leaning toward broad beams for their wood floors and larger stone squares rather than mosaic like patterns.

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