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How To Choose A Floor You’ll Love

March 22, 2013 by

How To Choose A Floor You’ll Love

When considering new flooring options, you can quickly be overwhelmed by the sheer multitude of options.  If you recover from this shock, you will likely be sent reeling again when confronted with the price differences within each option.

So, do you go with a dark, wide wood floor or do you choose a light carpeting option?  Would it be better to have ceramic tile or stone in the bathroom?  Vinyl or real?  The questions go on and on, and in the back of your mind you are probably also wondering, will I still love it in a week, a month, a year?  While there is no guarantee that you won’t change your mind later, here are a few things to consider to aid you in your quest for that floor you will love.

Consider style – Your home is an expression of who you are.  So, who are you?  Are you the type that loves softness and cush?  Do you prefer elegance and refinement?  Are you laid back or go get ‘em?  Each flooring option makes a statement all its own, so try to find a statement that best matches your statement. [Read more…]

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

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Flooring Costs: What To Expect When You Are Looking

March 20, 2013 by

Remodeling the floors of your home can be quite an exciting experience. The flooring of your home is one of the first things people notice. You want your flooring to have visual appeal, to be beautiful and impressive. Unattractive floors can make even the most gorgeous home look ugly. When you are searching for new flooring, it is important to know what types of flooring are available and what you can expect from each one.

Carpet – carpeting is one of the most affordable and popular types of flooring. It provides softness and cushion – but it also requires lots of maintenance. It doesn’t take much to stain a carpet and make it look unattractive. Prices can start as low as $2 per square foot, yet make sure you are quoted for both carpeting and padding.

Hardwood – another popular choice in flooring, hardwood offers elegance and beauty – but often at a higher price tag starting around $3 per square foot. It also requires careful maintenance to avoid damage.Flooring Costs What To Expect When You Are Looking

Laminate – laminate is an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. It provides the look of wood without the high price. It is often a durable choice, but also requires maintenance, such as protection from moisture.  The price can start as low as $1 per square foot.

Vinyl – vinyl flooring is available in solid sheets or tiles. It provides excellent moisture protection, provided it is installed correctly. Prices vary based on the thickness of the vinyl, but it is a durable, affordable option available in a myriad of patterns. Cost starts around $1 per square foot.

Bamboo and cork – while the price tag on these types of flooring is on the high side ($4 to $12 per square foot), they both provide environmentally friendly floors. They are resistant to moisture, as well as allergens.

Tile – tile and stone flooring offer moisture protection and durability you would be hard-pressed to find in other types of flooring. Styles and patterns vary, making it easy to find the tile that complements your home’s interior. Cost can start around $3 per square foot.

Concrete and brick – these two types of flooring are increasing in popularity for their durability. Acid-stained concrete can be designed to enhance any room’s interior, and brick can give your home a retro-modern look for aesthetic appeal. Costs can vary depending on your specifications.

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

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Humidity And Wood Floors

March 15, 2013 by

We live in Colorado. Therefore humidity will never be an issue with your wood floors, right?

Think again. Even here in Colorado we go through dry and humid spells. We introduce various elements into our homes all year long – things that can be hard for your wood floors to deal with.Humidity And Wood Floors

When most wood floors and installed, they fit together perfectly and look great from room to room. Then time marches on and you begin to notice things. A crack here and there, cupping or even buckling in certain areas. These are the most common signs of changes in moisture. Solid wood floors will contract during periods of low humidity – the cold winter months where you run your furnace all the time. And the same floor may expand during summer months, especially during periods of warm afternoon rain storms.

Why does that happen? It depends on a variety of things. [Read more…]

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

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Evaluate Your Floor Before You Buy New Flooring

March 14, 2013 by

When you walk into your home, are you happy with your flooring? If not, it may be time to consider a change.

However, before you rush out to a home improvement store and buy new flooring, take the time to evaluate your existing floor. Evaluating your flooring will help you determine if you can afford new flooring, if your flooring can be repaired, and if there are any significant changes that must be made in order to install new flooring. Evaluate Your Floor Before You Buy New Flooring

The first thing you need to evaluate is the condition of your floor. If you have hardwood floors that look dull and scuffed, you may be able to refinish them for a new look. If you have carpeting that is bunched and wrinkled, you may be able to have it re-stretched for a new look. If you have a few damaged tiles or wooden planks, you may be able to replace the damaged pieces to make your floor beautiful again.

The next thing you need to check is for height differences. The floors in adjoining rooms could be of different heights – especially if you install new flooring. For instance, if you rip up the tile in the kitchen and install a new sub-floor before installing your new tile, your floor could increase by a half-inch to an inch in height. This could create problems with your appliances, such as your dishwasher, or it could create a significant difference between the height of the kitchen floor and the height of the adjoining hallway. [Read more…]

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

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Choosing A Carpet Runner

March 8, 2013 by

If you have hardwood floors that need protection in high-traffic areas, carpet runners may be the solution. Carpet runners are small rugs that easily installed, easily removed, and provide an ample amount of protection. They create a thin barrier between your expensive flooring and the high volume of foot traffic. When choosing a carpet runner for your home, keep the following in mind.

If you are using a runner in a common area, try to find one that has muted colors. You do not want the runner to be the center of attention. Rather, you want it to blend in with and complement your existing décor. Choosing A Carpet Runner

Carpet runners for stairways are likely to cost more than other runners. This is because they often have to be cut to fit the exact specifications of your stairway. These runners must also be installed by professionals to ensure that they do not slip and slide. Failure to have stairway runners installed properly can lead to serious accidents.

Runners for hallways can be purchased in a variety of colors. For instance, if your hallways seem somewhat dark, a bright carpet runner can make it seem brighter and more appealing to the eye. Hallway runners are ideal for muffling footsteps near bedroom doorways and providing warm between bare feet and cold floors.

Oriental runners are another choice of carpet runner. However, these are not your traditional runners designed to be used in traditional ways. These are elaborate runners that feature intricate designs and details. These are often considered works of art because they are made by hand.

Once you have the appropriate carpet runners installed in the right places inside your home, you will no longer have to worry about the safety of your flooring. You can have the beauty of hardwood, marble and other expensive flooring – and still have the peace of mind that comes with knowing it is protected in the areas where it needs protection the most.

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

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Clean Wood Floors Without Refinishing Them

March 6, 2013 by

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to a home.  But while these floors can be beautiful, they can also be a lot of hard work.  Proper maintenance can keep these floors looking beautiful for years, but even the best-kept floors eventually begin to fade.

So, what do you do to restore your floors to their former glory?  Refinishing is an extremely messy and expensive process.  Do you as a homeowner have any other options?  Are their any methods for cleaning your floors without refinishing them?  While it’s true that no floor will last forever, there are a few things you can do to renew your floors without refinishing.

Regular maintenance – Floors that have been neglected for years cannot be magically “fixed” with a deep cleaning treatment.  Regular sweeping and mopping with a slightly damp mop and mild solution will go a long way to clean hardwood floors today and tomorrow.Clean Wood Floors Without Refinishing Them

Spot cleaning – Life happens.  Even with the best flooring care plans, sometimes spots get a little bit more love.  These soiled spots then need a bit more love from you.  For dark stains use a mixture of one part ammonia to three parts water.  Sticky spots can be dealt with using a touch of mineral spirits.  If your furry friend caused a mess, attack it with half bleach and half water.

Deep cleaning – For those times that you really want to restore the shine, consider a deeper level of cleaning.  Sweep the floor to remove large debris.  Vacuum to get a better clean.  Next use a tack cloth to pick up any remaining litter.  Once the floor is as dirt free as possible, use a slightly damp mop to apply a light layer of hardwood floor cleaner (be sure to get a cleaner that is compatible with your flooring type).

These three steps should keep your floors shining for as long as possible.

And when you’re ready for a change, give us a call. We can help you choose new hardwoods, select a green technology flooring like bamboo, or add tiling for a more personalized choice.

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

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Is Carpet Dead?

March 1, 2013 by

Have you watched any of the home buyer shows on television? If so, you’ve probably noticed the one thing on everyone’s wish list … wood/tile floors. It seems as if everyone grimaces at the thought of carpet. But does that mean carpet is dead?
Carpets
Flooring is one of the most important features of a home. If you are buying a home, the flooring is likely to have a big impact on whether you make an offer. If you are selling a home, the flooring is likely to have a big impact on the number of offers you receive.

While carpet is still a popular flooring choice, it is quickly losing ground to wood, laminate, tile, and stone. [Read more…]

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

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What Do Creaking Floors Mean?

February 27, 2013 by

What Do Creaking Floors Mean

When you walk through your home, do you notice a creaking sound in certain spots?

Does your teenager know where to hop and jump to avoid being noticed late at night?

Do you have a walking pattern to avoid the sqeeks as you make your way from kitchen to living room to bedroom?

The older the home, the more spots probably come to mind. And while creaking floors can be quite a nuisance, they can actually be an indicator of a problem.

The creaking comes from the shrinking and swelling of the wood. Varied moisture levels can cause wood to shrink and swell. Over time, the problem becomes permanent. The boards then rub against each other when you walk across them – this creates the creaking sound.

To repair the problem, you have to immobilize the moving wood. If you can access the wooden floor from a basement, you may be able to insert a wood shim to keep the boards from moving. [Read more…]

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

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What Is The Best Flooring Choice For Each Room In Your Home

February 22, 2013 by

Each room in your home is unique.  Between different looks, functions, and traffic, each room in your home tells a different story of your family.  Whether you are looking to redo the flooring in your entire home, or looking to redo the flooring in a few specific rooms; one important question is: what are the best options for flooring in this room?  While flooring choices are as unique as your taste, here are a few suggestions to help you get started in your quest for the perfect floor.What Is The Best Flooring Choice For Each Room In Your Home

Kitchen – When it comes to flooring the kitchen, the most important factor to consider is durability.  Tile (stone or ceramic), linoleum, vinyl, and laminate are some of the best options for this room.  Just be sure any cracks are sealed against water damage.

Dining room – The purpose of this room is generally the same from home to home, but the formality level is different in every home.  This room allows the greatest versatility when it comes to flooring, so let your imagination wander.  Carpet and hardwood floor are excellent options, but the ultimate guide is your own personal taste.

Living room – The living room is another room that sees a lot of traffic.  Carpet is common for living room flooring, since it provides a gentle cushion for your feet.  However, since this room sees a great deal of traffic, you might want to consider hardier options like laminate, hardwood, vinyl, and the like.

Bedrooms – Your bedroom is your sanctuary.  As you consider flooring for your bedroom, think about what you want your room to portray.  For children’s rooms, carpet is an excellent option (stain resistant please) since it provides a bit of protection for falls.

Bathrooms – The words to remember here are “Water resistant.”  Tile, vinyl, linoleum, and the like provide the best bathroom flooring since they have the best water resistant features.

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

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Comparing Your Flooring Options

February 20, 2013 by

Comparing Your Flooring Options

When it comes to your flooring, today’s decision has implications on your family and your home for years to come.  When you go to replace your current flooring, you want to get the best value for your money.  So, what flooring will be the best for your family?  What flooring will be the best for your home?  What flooring option will provide the greatest resell value?  It’s important to consider the pros and cons of your flooring options before settling on one.

Carpet flooring is very comfortable underfoot, and provides great acoustic dampening.  Carpet also works well at retaining heat in the winter.  However, since it is composed of pile, carpet is not very fire resistant, bug resistant (fleas, mites, etc.), mold or mildew resistant…you get the point.  Carpet is comfortable, but not necessarily the cleanest option.

Hardwood flooring is very elegant, durable and easy to clean.  It is also a fairly eco-friendly flooring option.  However, hardwood floors can be difficult to install and repair, and do not provide a significant source of insulation.

Cork flooring is growing in popularity on the flooring scene.  Created from natural, renewable resources, cork is comfortable underfoot, provides excellent insulation, and has high marks in resistance to fire, mold, mildew, insects, and the like.  Since cork is a relatively newer option, it may be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for in your area. Talk with your flooring consultant to explore cork flooring further.

Tile creates a beautiful, durable floor.  When properly sealed, tiles are highly water resistant and easy to clean.  However, tile floors are hard and cold underfoot and provide very little insulation.

Vinyl flooring ranks differently in the comparison depending on the type of vinyl flooring being used.  All vinyl is easy to clean and very durable.  However, if you choose to go with a sheet or rolled vinyl, you may find that it can be very difficult to install.  Vinyl flooring also does little to add value to your home.

In the end, you have to weigh the pros and cons, then go with whatever you like best.  Happy shopping!

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

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