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How To Find The Perfect Company To Install Your Hardwood Flooring

April 12, 2014 by

We’ve all heard the horror stories of hiring the wrong contractor. He took the money and ran. He used less than reputable products. He spent weeks longer doing the job. The problems began within weeks of the finished job.

The list of complaints goes on and on.

When it comes to finding the perfect company to do business with, especially for a major project that will heavily impact your home, where do you start? How do you make sure you don’t hire a “shady” contractor, and have stories to tell for the rest of your life?

How To Find The Perfect Company To Install Your Hardwood Flooring

Start by looking for a company that specializes in one thing. If you want a new hardwood floor, make sure they are specialists in flooring. A jack of all trades may spend one week on drywall, the next on flooring. Sure they can do it, but do they know the intricacies to make it perfect? A flooring contractor does nothing but floors, and knows how to watch for the little things that will impact your final product the most.

Look for a company that goes the extra mile. Many of the horror stories start by hiring a “local company that operates out of the back of a truck”. Look for a company that has stood the test of time. Do they have a retail location? How long have they been in business? Are they licensed, bonded and insured? Do they have connections with other organizations around the community? Reputable people work hard to build their reputation, and it should be fairly easy to verify.

Be specific about your needs. If you want a wood floor extended into areas that are currently carpeted, say so. If you have a kitchen island that may be a problem, talk about it. If you have wood floor that is currently warped, mention it. The more a flooring company knows about your current situation, the more they can direct you to the perfect product that will provide you with the results you are looking for.

Pricing should not be your determining factor. Many people have theories about pricing – throw out the lowest and highest bids and select from there, for instance. The problem with that is in many cases, the bids aren’t equal in the first place. Make sure you get detailed quotes, and ask questions so you understand the differences. In some cases companies use different products, or may not include things they will try and charge you for later. Make sure you understand everything from beginning to end before you make your decision.

Finally, this is a short term relationship. Once you hire a contractor, he will be in your home for a short period of time for installation purposes only. Make sure you meet the contractor upfront, and go with your gut feeling. Do you connect? A lot can be said for connection.

Then welcome into your home, let them do the job you paid them for, and enjoy your final results.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,

Should You Buy Carpet Remnants?

April 9, 2014 by

You have that small room down in the basement that you’d love to turn into a functional space. Nothing fancy, but you would like to have it carpeted and be warm and cozy for the long winter months. Should you look towards carpet remnants?

Many flooring stores have a section in which they sell carpet remnants. They are usually smaller pieces of carpet that are rolled up and sold as is. They usually come at a discounted rate compared to a regular piece of carpet. But is it really a deal? Or is is something you should be wary of, even if you only need something for a small basement room?

Should You Buy Carpet Remnants?
In a store that carries carpeting, they buy carpet in large rolls. As customers select and purchase carpeting for their homes, the carpeting is removed to cover the home’s square footage. When a roll becomes too small to cover a standard space – usually 20 feet or less –the store staff will roll up what is left, discount it, and sell it as a remnant.

If a store does a large amount of business, these remnants can change out fairly quickly. They may consistently have a variety of options for you to choose from. And usually these remnants will be from their most popular carpets.

Smaller stores may still have a variety of options, but they will typically buy remnants in bulk from the manufacturers, so they will be more at the mercy of what the manufacturer sends, instead of having popular options based on what their clients tend to buy.

The biggest advantage of buying a remnant is you can have a quality piece of carpeting for less money then you would have paid under regular circumstances. That small room in the basement is the perfect opportunity for carpet remnant shopping.

You’ll also have the advantage of seeing what you get and taking it home with you immediately. You won’t have to make a selection and wait for special orders, or even for the staff to make the cut off a larger roll. It’s a quick and easy way to complete a DIY project in a weekend.

The most obvious drawback is selection. If you have something specific in mind, you may be disappointed by your offerings. Styles and colors will vary depending on what’s on hand.

You may also have problems if you need a specific size. Make sure you measure your room and know exactly what size you’ll need. Then verify that the carpet selected will fit perfectly into your area.

Also remember that most remnants are sold as is. Which means you take it as is without warranties. Taking a piece of carpeting without warranty really depends on your final use. The small basement room probably won’t get much foot traffic, so it may not need a lot of protection. The low cost is worth it to have warmth added to the space.

Ultimately only you can decide what’s the most important factors to you. If price is a top consideration, remnants may be your perfect choice.

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

Filed Under: Carpet Tagged With: ,

8 Simple Rules For Decorating With Area Rugs

April 5, 2014 by

If you have hardwood floors, you know the importance of having area rugs for protection.

Yet when you head out to buy an area rug, do you do so with a bit of trepidation? Do you buy one hoping it looks great? Or do you have a plan for how it will impact your overall design?

While there are many ways you can decorate with area rugs, here are a few rules we share with our customers to help them make an informed decision when selecting their final choices.8 Simple Rules For Decorating With Area Rugs

Rule #1 Front legs on the rug, back legs off. When it comes to size, it can be a tough decision on how much of your living space to cover. You don’t want it to be big enough to take over your entire room; instead it should accent your furniture. Keep area rugs large enough that the front legs of your furniture are on the rug, back legs are off, and you’ll create a room with a good sense of proportion.

Rule #2 Keep all legs on the rug. Like uniformity? Then consider choosing a rug that’s large enough to allow all legs or your furniture to be placed on the rug. Make sure you lay out your room in advance and measure the size needed to have plenty of space to work with.

Rule #3 No legs on the rug. This rule works great when you’re looking to add a pop of color or pattern into your room. By using a smaller rug between your furniture, it will emphasize the rug and put it more on display.

Rule #4 The 18 inch rule. This has been an industry standard for years. If you have an enclosed room, a piano room or a dressing room perhaps, having a rug perfect proportioned to fit in the room with 18 inches of bare space between thr wall and the rug edge will provide you with a sophisticated look and feel.

Rule #5 Extend the rug 12 to 18 inches around the bed. Just because you love hardwoods doesn’t mean you like feeling them under your feet as you get out on a cold winter morning. An area rug not only adds warmth, it adds style as well. Make sure your area rug provides you with a generous flow around the bed – 12 to 18 inches will do the job.

Rule #6 Extend the rug 24 inches around the table. With any dining room, you want elegance as well as usability. A chair that sits half off the rug and half on is never comfortable. Make sure your rug is at least 24 inches extended beyond the table itself, and you’ll provide each guest with a comfortable sitting experience no matter how close or far away they are from the table.

Rule #7 Cover the walking area. Hardwoods make a grand entrance. But they are also the most used area in your home. In entry ways and hallways, make sure you choose an area rug the perfect size for the main walking area to protect from dirt and scratches.

Rule #8 Combine rugs. Have a large open area in your home? Why not break it down into intimate settings? By combining furniture and rugs in separate areas, you can make each area have a specific interest, while using color and patterns to tie it all together.

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

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What’s The Best Flooring for Commercial Common Areas?

April 2, 2014 by

Commercial common areas need to have durable flooring that can withstand wear and tear and plenty of foot traffic. When it comes to the type of flooring, which is best: Carpet or bare floor? There are various advantages and disadvantages of choosing between commercial common area carpets and bare floor. Here are some comparisons for both:

What’s The Best Flooring for Commercial Common Areas?Style

In terms of style, carpets come in many colors, materials, and design. This adds flexibility and variety in choices in aspects of color schemes and textures. Floors made of tiles, wood, or parquet on the other hand gives a rather bare effect making the area look more spacious.

Quality

Quality of carpets depends on the manufacturer. There are high end carpets that are made of organic materials while the low-end varieties are usually made from synthetic materials. It is expected that durability of carpet depends on how it is used, but on the average, specifically wall to wall carpeting will need to be replaced within five years. Floors made from tiles, wood, or parquet on the other hand are expected to last for decades.

Maintenance

Common area carpets need more maintenance care than bare floors. Regular vacuuming and disinfection is required to avoid accumulation of dust, dust mites, and molds, especially when there is heavy foot traffic in the winter months. Bare floors do not require as much care as that of common area carpets with the exception of wooden floors, which require layers of polyurethane coating to protect wood from scratches and warping.

Cost

Wall to wall carpeting or common area carpets cost less than installing tiles, wood, or parquet on floor. When choosing wall to wall carpeting for your commercial common areas, request for an initial quote hat includes the total area to be covered, the cost of installation, and maintenance costs.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,

Outdoor Flooring Choices – Get Ready For Summer

March 29, 2014 by

There is one thing about Coloradoans that’s almost universally true … we love our great outdoors!

When the weather turns warm in March and April, the first thing we contemplate is how we can begin living outside instead of inside. We buy portable heaters for the cool night air. We install outdoor kitchens way beyond the grill grandpa used to use. And we even install walls and ceilings – anything to help us enjoy the outside a little longer in the spring and fall.Outdoor Flooring Choices – Get Ready For Summer

When you make your outside a part of your home design, why not extend the flooring outside as well? There are many things you can do to get rid of the boring old concrete that was poured when your house was built. Consider these options.

Porcelain tiles are the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor locations. In fact, it’s a perfect way to combine the look and move from one location to the next. Imagine your beautiful kitchen tile covering the breakfast nook and going right up to the large sliding door. Then look beyond and see the same tile extended into a covered patio, complete with outdoor kitchen and a fully functioning dining room area. Leave the doors open and voila – instant beauty for all of your dinner parties.

Porcelain tile is pressed under higher pressure than other tiles. Its more dense than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are made from an extremely fine powdered clay that is pressed under heat – several hundreds degrees hotter than ceramic tiles. Which also means that porcelain tiles are much more durable than their ceramic counterparts – perfect for indoor and outdoor locations.

Because porcelain tiles come in a variety of styles, make sure you choose one that meets slip resistant requirements. Both kitchen and outdoor living areas may be exposed to water, making slip resistant surfaces vitally important. Slip resistant tiles have an invisible gritty surface that provides excellent traction when the tiles become wet.

Also verify that the tiles are frost proof and unglazed for floor use. In our harsh Colorado conditions, choosing a tile that will survive our occasional cold spells is vital to ensuring the look 365 days of the year.

Remember, there is a trade off to choosing tiles with a slip resistant surface. They will be slightly more maintenance and cleaning than other tiles, simply because the slip resistant features will also attract dust and dirt. But with regular attention, you can maintain a beautiful look – indoors and out – all year long.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,

Tips For Protecting Your Hardwood Floors From Your Furniture

March 26, 2014 by

You’ve waited a long time to put hardwood floors throughout your home. And now that they are installed, you want to protect them as effectively as possible to ensure that they maintain their beautiful look and feel for as long as possible.

Its easy to have people take off their shoes at the front door. But what about your furniture?Tips For Protecting Your Hardwood Floors From Your Furniture

Most people are unaware that any damage is occurring to their floors … until its too late and the damage has already been done. So the easiest way to avoid damage in the first place is to be aware of what can cause the damage, and fix the problem even before it begins.

There are number of protectors on the market today. Some are good and offer a lot of protection; some are not so good – you get what you pay for.

Tap On Pads

The first type of hardwood floor protection is the tap on pad. As the name states, these pads are held on by a small tack or a small hollowed out nail. These protectors are usually good for large, heavy furniture that is stationary and won’t move around much – a sofa or a dining room table.

Beware of using these on items that will be moved frequently, such as dining room chairs. The more these protectors are used and moved, the greater likelihood of breaking off. And when this happens, a small piece of metal may remain in the leg of your furniture. If it isn’t caught right away, the metal can cause serious damage to your floors.

Slip On Pads

As the name implies, slip on pads are generally made from rubber or soft plastic and fit over the leg of the furniture. If it’s a proper fit, there should be no problem with them coming off during use.

In some cases, the various types of footings on these pads can cause damage to your hardwoods. Rubber may leave scuff marks; plastic can wear down the finish over time; and felt eventually wears down, eventually allowing the furniture to come in contact with your flooring and cause damage to the finish.

Peel and Stick Pads

Peel and stick pads are the simplest to use and the least expensive to buy. They can be found at all hardwood and home improvement stores, and come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and colors.

Keep in mind that not all legs are level and flush with the floor. If the stick pad doesn’t completely secure to the leg, it risks being easily bumped or knocked off. You may need to sand the leg down flat in order to ensure a perfect fit. Once adhered, check it periodically and clean it to ensure it doesn’t scratch or gouge the wood over time.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,

Commercial Carpeting – How To Make An Entrance

March 22, 2014 by

When people enter your location, you want to give a great impression right from the start. Why not do that with customized commercial carpeting?

In most commercial spaces, the entrance has the biggest impact for setting the stage. From warehouses, to office buildings, to high rise residential, to hospitals, retail locations and more, the entrance is the place where impressions are made. And in some cases, accidents can happen.Commercial Carpeting – How To Make An Entrance

Carpeting isn’t just for looks; it provides functionality too. Here in Colorado, rain or snow storms can pop up at a moments notice. When people run in from outside to take cover, the last thing to worry about is safety. And with some flooring choices – wood, vinyl or tile – it can be a set up for a dangerous situation.

That’s where commercial carpeting becomes the best choice.

Commercial carpeting doesn’t have to be wall to wall covering the entire commercial location. Commercial carpeting can be any size, large or small. It can be whatever you choose it to be.

Why not have customized carpeting dyed to match your locations coloring, the perfect setup as people make their way inside and to the front desk?

Or why not try custom sizes, perfect for carpeting around obstacles such as built in cabinets, support beams or even anti-theft sensors?

In some cases, wall to wall carpeting isn’t the best choice. Rugs of high quality are a better choice. In commercial locations, rubber backing will help minimize mat movement, especially important in high traffic areas. Or consider customized styles, colors or even patterns.

If you’re ready to make a statement, there are many options that can allow you to do in any way you choose.

Ready to make a statement in your commercial location?

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

Filed Under: Carpet, Flooring Tagged With: ,

Tips For Choosing Commercial Carpets

March 19, 2014 by

What has the biggest impact on a business? First impressions.

Nothing says “I want to do business with you” more than walking into an environment that is clean, fresh, and in top condition. The more you find fraying or dirty carpets and a dingy environment, the more your prospects will turn and walk to your competitors.Tips For Choosing Commercial Carpets

If its time for you to change out the carpet and give your space a new look, it may not be as easy as heading down to your local big box store. Sure, they may have carpet samples. But do they know the difference between commercial carpeting and residential? Do they have the proper commercial carpets available – one that will give your space the potential for a fresh new look AND longevity to make the entire process affordable?

Commercial carpeting is not created equal. The more you understand what makes commercial carpeting different, the better equipped you’ll be to ensure that you choose the best one for your business.

  • Create a specific budget. Knowing exactly how much you have to spend will ensure that you shop only the carpeting that you can afford.
  • Consider the amount of foot traffic you expect. For high-traffic areas, you need a more durable carpet. For low-traffic areas, your options are more flexible.
  • Olefin and polypropylene are the most budget-friendly carpet fibers you will find. However, although these types of carpeting are easy on your wallet, their durability may leave you needing new carpets more often.
  • Nylon fibers are the best choice when it comes to durability. This type of carpeting will last much longer than olefin and polypropylene fibers. You may have to pay more initially for nylon carpeting, but it will stand up to the test of time, making it a sound investment.
  • Loop carpet pile is one of the most popular choices for commercial carpeting. This type of carpeting pile is designed for durability; however, do not expect the same amount of comfort under foot as you would expect with cut pile.
  • Cut pile is a more luxurious option for commercial carpeting. It is softer and offers more style for your commercial location. It may not be the best choice for the highest-traffic areas, but it is perfect for borders.
  • Carpet tiles, whether loop or cut pile, make good choices for commercial locations because individual tiles can be replaced if they become damaged or worn. Instead of having to replace all of the carpeting, you can simply replace one or two tiles.
  • When choosing commercial carpeting, make sure you understand the maintenance required. No matter what type of carpet you choose, it must be properly maintained to help ensure its longevity.

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

Filed Under: Carpet, Flooring Tagged With: ,

How To Pick The Perfect Floor

March 15, 2014 by

You’ve always wanted hardwood floors throughout your home. But now that you’ve decided to replace your flooring, you’re having second thoughts. Are hardwood floors really the perfect choice for you, your family, and your home?

Choosing the right flooring can be a daunting decision. Flooring isn’t something you change with the seasons; choose something you wind up not loving can mean years of disappointment. After all, it’s a surface your family and friends will walk on, stand on, sit on, play on and grow up on.How To Pick The Perfect Floor

If this is your year to replace your flooring – whether in one room or your entire house – ask these questions first.

Who will be using this room on a regular basis and how much traffic will this floor receive?

Your master bedroom with a small amount of daily traffic is different than a great room that routinely hosts parties and book club meetings. The more traffic a room receives, the more you should lean towards a flooring choice that is easy to clean and eay to maintain.

Kids? Pets?

Yes, kids and pets make a difference. Kid messes are different from pet messes. And of course all are different than the common spills and stains you’ll find from the adults that enter your home. Take your daily routines into account and choose the perfect floor that will stand up to anything you can dish out.

Will the floor have to withstand moisture?

There are certain areas of our homes that are subjected to moisture more than others. The kitchen will have regular spills. The bathroom deals with water and humidity. Even areas around the entrances to your home will deal with moisture as rain and snow fly in. The more moisture a floor will deal with, the more you should make sure its water proof and ready for the wear.

How long do you expect your new floor to last?

Some people like to change flooring on a regular basis. Some hope their flooring will last for years. The more longevity you hope to get out of it, the more you should focus in on a flooring choice known for its wear. You can even work with your flooring consultant to choose specialty flooring that gives you even more bang for your buck. For instance, you may settle in on hardwood flooring, then improve it by adding a quality polyurethane to an extra hard surface to give you even more longevity.

As with all flooring choices, there are many options available. Be open and choose the one that’s right for you and your family, and you’ll be happy with your selection for years.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,

How Often Should You Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

March 12, 2014 by

If you have hardwood flooring in your home, you already know how much elegance and beauty it adds to your home. You also know that at some point, your hardwood flooring is either going to need refinished or replaced. No matter how careful you are, no matter how well you take care of your floor, time and regular wear and tear is eventually going to need to be fixed.How Often Should You Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

So, how do you know how often you should replace your hardwood flooring? After all, replacing hardwood flooring can be a hefty expense, so you do not want to tackle this project except when necessary. Here are some tips to help you determine when to replace your hardwood flooring.

  • If your subfloor shows signs of structural damage, you need to replace the subfloor and the flooring. The hardwood flooring likely has shifted or even warped from the damage to the subfloor. You cannot cover up significant subfloor damage, so replacement is your only feasible option.
  • If you have just discovered hardwood floors underneath another type of flooring, it may be damaged beyond repair. In particular, adhesives can be quite troubling to remove from hardwood floors. In many cases, it is more cost effecting and time saving to simply replace the flooring.
  • If your hardwood floors have already been refinished multiple times, it may be time to replace the flooring. Hardwood flooring can typically tolerate refinishing about 5 times, so if you have maxed out your floor’s endurance, it is time to replace it.
  • Finally, if your hardwood flooring has experienced significant moisture damage, you need to replace it. Moisture is one of the most damaging factors for hardwood floors – it leads to warping, buckling, cracking, and peeling. If your floors are moisture damaged, start making plans to replace the flooring.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: ,
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