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The Evolution Of Cork Flooring

February 15, 2013 by

The Evolution Of Cork Flooring

Cork has an interesting history.  If you were to ask the average individual what cork was, the most common answer you would hear is it’s the stopper in a wine bottle.  Well, believe it or not, the cork that serves as a wine stopper is actually a natural material derived from a cork tree. (Wouldn’t it be nice if green backs were a natural material derived from a green back tree?)

Anyway, cork has served far more uses than just a beverage lid, so let’s take a moment to consider the evolution of another cork product…cork flooring.  Cork trees are actually a subspecies of the oak tree family.  This particular branch only grows in the coastal regions of the Mediterranean.  Cork trees are resilient, slow growing trees that can survive well in depleted soil and harsh conditions.  The bark of the cork tree is the primary source of cork materials.  Cork flooring (and other cork products) are environmentally friendly in part because the bark of the cork tree regrows within ten years of being harvested. [Read more…]

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

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The History Of Flooring

February 13, 2013 by

The History Of Flooring

We all love the soft sinking sensation of carpet between our toes, or the cool firmness of tile on a really hot day.  Hardwood floor is definitely pleasing to the eye, and vinyl tiles are a study in resilience.  But as you enjoy your flooring of choice, did you ever stop to think about what lead up to the vast variety of flooring options we enjoy today?

The very earliest flooring option was no flooring at all.  Homes were built in the dirt, on the dirt, and the floor was…dirt.  If this isn’t bad enough, for much of history, any waste was thrown on the ground and became part of the floor (and I do mean any waste).  If the animals spent any time indoors, their waste was simply added to the new flooring material.

Thankfully, flooring has come a long way from clinging quite so close to nature.  Eventually, people began using thresh or sand to cover the dirt floors.  When the material got too dirty, the housewife would simply sweep the material out with the trash and lay fresh thresh or sand.  In case you were wondering, the term threshold came from this time.  The threshold was the barrier at the door that served to keep the thresh in the house. [Read more…]

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

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A Guide To Natural Linoleum Flooring

February 8, 2013 by

True linoleum flooring has always been one of the most eco-friendly flooring options available.  Everything from creation to disposal of this flooring meets the highest green standards.  This being said, customers looking for eco-friendly linoleum flooring need to be careful.  Within the flooring industry the term linoleum has long been used to also refer to vinyl flooring.  This synthetic material does not share the environmentally friendly features of true linoleum flooring.

A Guide To Natural Linoleum Flooring

Natural linoleum flooring makes use of renewable resources.  All the materials used to make natural linoleum flooring exist in nature.  For instance, the cork dust is ground from the bark of a cork tree that regrows its bark every ten years.  The rosin that is used to give flexibility and strength is tapped from the trunks of pine trees (a process that causes no damage to the trees).

Many forms of natural linoleum flooring require no form of adhesive.  The only step of creating or using linoleum flooring that could cause any negative environmental impact is the installation of the flooring.  Many forms of linoleum avoid this possibility by requiring little or no adhesion to the subfloor.  If you do need an adhesive to lay your flooring, be sure to use one that meets all low VOC requirements. [Read more…]

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

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Best Choices In Flooring For Wet Locations

February 6, 2013 by

Trying to find the perfect flooring choice can always be a difficult and overwhelmingBest Choices In Flooring For Wet Locations task. Add in extenuating circumstances, such as a room that is subjected to a lot of water or humidity, and your choices become that much more difficult.

Wet locations provide a particularly difficult challenge when it comes to flooring.  For dry areas, your choices can be mainly guided by budget, personal taste, or functionality.  When you are considering flooring for wet locations, your main consideration centers around how well your flooring will wear over time.

So, what are the best options for flooring these wet areas of the house?

Concrete is one of the best options for flooring in wet locations.  If you concrete is only for patios and garages, think again. With today’s new modern technology, concrete floors can look good anywhere – from your laundry room, to your kitchen, to your front entry and more.

Sheet Vinyl is another good option for wet locations. Sheet vinyl today is not what you remember in your parents or grandparents’ homes. Today its stylish and functional, giving you a sophisticated look in any room in your home.  If vinyl is your choice, go with the sheet vinyl and avoid the vinyl tiles. Since sheet vinyl comes as one solid piece, there are no crevices for water to seep through the flooring and damage the under layers or the sub flooring itself. [Read more…]

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.

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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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A Guide To Natural and Synthetic Rugs

January 25, 2013 by

Choosing a rug for your home? Not only will you have size, color and style options, you’ll also decide what fibers are right for you.

Rugs are made in two ways, either using natural fibers or synthetic fibers.A Guide To Natural and Synthetic Rugs

Natural fibers:

  • Require more drying time because of their absorbency
  • Are more easily damaged – they shrink, stain easily, show spots, fade, and attract mold and insects
  • Are “green”, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources

Synthetic fibers:

  • Are strong and resilient, can often handle extended periods of water and weather
  • Are stain and fade resistant
  • Require more frequent cleanings
  • Can yellow with age, flatten, and dull with age

Natural fiber rugs include:

Wool – soft, luxurious, includes a natural stain resistance and flame retardant qualities. While it can be expensive, it also offers you value and longevity – if properly cared for, a wool rug can last 50 years or more.

Silk – soft and luxurious with a high sheen. It will fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

Cotton – soft but will wear quicker than wool. Stains easily and isn’t a good choice for high traffic areas.

Jute – the softest of all plant fibers, and less durable than many. It works well in low traffic areas, is mildew resistant, but can deteriorate with consistent moisture or sunlight.

Synthetic fiber rugs include:

Nylon – the most popular of all synthetic rug choices. It works well on wooden floors and will not scuff or mar the way some fibers will. Its resistant to mildew, aging and sun fading.

Polypropylene – significantly less expensive than nylon. It resists nold and fading from direct sunlight, yet easily crushed under weight.

Polyester – is soft to the feel with a wooly texture. Its best kept in low traffic areas as it tends to mat quickly.

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

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Selecting Your New Kitchen Flooring

January 23, 2013 by

Planning a remodel project this year? A new kitchen in your future? Remodeling can be one of the most rewarding and fun home projects you’ll ever do. It can also be the most stressful. Choosing a contractor is just the start of your tasks. From there you’ll be Selecting Your New Kitchen Flooring selecting everything from cabinets to cabinet hardware, countertops to appliances. And of course to tie it all together, your flooring choice can add to the overall enjoyment of your room for many years in the future.

Our kitchens are the center hub of our homes. With family members and guests in and out all year long, it’s the one floor that will take daily abuse – from shoes with heels to spills of every magnitude. While you may spend hours debating the right color for your cabinets, its your floors that should receive the most amount of attention.

Thanks to the range of flooring materials currently available on the market today, its easy to find the perfect kitchen floor that’s both functional and looks great too.

Tile Flooring

Many homeowners choose ceramic tiles for their kitchen flooring because of the range of benefits that comes along with this choice. No other flooring offers you the same amount of color, style and size choices. One of the greatest benefits of ceramic tiles is that they look great in almost any kitchen. Yet they are inexpensive enough to fit into any budget option you may have. They hold up great year after year, and can survive just about anything you do within the confines of your kitchen. Smaller kitchen designs usually stick with smaller tiles to have more flexibility in reaching in to smaller corners; larger kitchen designs typically go with a larger tile. You can even install radiant floor heating underneath to keep your kitchen warm on those cold, winter mornings.

Hardwood Flooring

Nothing beats the look and feel of hardwood flooring. It not only looks great, it holds its value well to … a fact you’ll appreciate when it comes time to sell. Despite the concerns about water damage with real wood flooring, its actually more durable than you think. The key is cleaning up messes and spills as quickly as possible. And sealing the wood properly and keeping up with routine maintenance over the years. Hardwood flooring has the added perk of going with just about any choices you’ll make in your kitchen. It can complement a traditional kitchen design, or enhance a modern or contemporary style.

Laminate Flooring

As technology offers better solutions, laminate flooring continues to grow in popularity. Laminate flooring is essentially a manmade flooring option – its created to give you the appearance of expensive materials, such as real wood or stone, without the costs or durability risks. It’s a way to have a luxurious look on any budget, no matter how big or small. Because the top layer of a laminate is sealed, it preserves the floor from scuffs and other damage. Which means it’s the perfect choice for a kitchen that sees a lot of action from morning til night.

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

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How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

January 18, 2013 by

If you just had new laminate flooring installed or you are looking into getting new laminate flooring, you might be wondering how long your investment will last.  As with any flooring type, there are three factors that greatly impact the overall lifespan of your laminate flooring.How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

Wear – Wear is the first factor you should consider in calculating how long your flooring might last.  Different rooms have different levels of traffic and therefore wear on the flooring.  Rooms like the kitchen or bathroom have the shortest lifespan for laminate flooring since water can seep between the board and cause them to warp.  High traffic rooms like the living room have a slightly longer lifespan, but since they see constant use, the flooring will wear faster.  Bedrooms have the longest laminate flooring lifespan since they see the least amount of traffic.

Care – The type and quality of care will also drastically impact the lifespan of your laminate flooring.  Regular cleanings will keep the floor in peak performance for longer, since it helps remove dirt, debris, and stains that would otherwise damage the laminate.  Be sure to clean spills quickly to avoid warping or staining of the boards.  Also, follow the manufacturer’s suggested methods of cleaning for the best cleaning results and the longest laminate lifespan.

Quality – The quality of a product will always play a large role in the lifespan of that product.  Laminate flooring is no exception.  The better the quality of the flooring material, the longer it will last.

Having said all this, you may still be wondering how long your laminate flooring will last.  While conditions are different in every scenario, laminate of good quality, average wear, and regular care will probably last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.  Laminate in heavy traffic areas, kitchens, or bathrooms could last as little as 2 years.  On the flip side, laminate in bedrooms could last well over ten years.  Remember, low wear, proper care, and good quality will allow you to enjoy your laminate flooring for years to come.

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

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How To Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring

January 16, 2013 by

Laminate flooring has several good points.  It’s fairly inexpensive, it’s durable, and it’s rather attractive flooring.  However, there is one major drawback to laminate flooring: once it has been installed, there is no way to refinish the flooring.  So, if your floor gets damaged in any way, you are very limited in your options.  If your laminate floor has gotten scratched, here are your options.How To Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring

Colored pens or pencils – For minor scratches, the best solution is to use a colored pen or pencil.  Your local flooring company will probably carry repair kits with laminate flooring pens or pencils.  Be sure to take a sample of your flooring to find the best color match.  Once you have purchased the proper pen or pencil, simply color in the scratches for an almost new look.

Polymer filler – If your flooring scratch is more than surface level, you might want to consider using a polymer filler instead.  These can be purchased anywhere you find the pens and pencils.  The polymer works better than the pens on deeper scratches because it provides a filler for the scratch.  The pens can only try to help a scratch blend in.  When using the polymer filler, follow the packaging instructions for best results.

New boards – Unfortunately, some damage cannot be dealt with by either the pen repair kits or the polymer repair kits.  If the damage is too severe, your only option (aside from just living with it) is to get that section of the floor replaced.  If you are currently purchasing laminate flooring, it would be wise to purchase an extra box of boards.  That way, if a section of your flooring does get damaged beyond the scope of the repair kits, you have a way to replace the flooring with a matching set of boards.

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

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