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Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

March 8, 2014 by

Changing the flooring in your home is a great way to give it a fresh, new look. Choosing the right flooring can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. One popular, budget-friendly flooring is vinyl. This type of flooring has various pros and cons that you should weigh before making your final decision.Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Pros

  • Cost – the cost of vinyl flooring can be much more affordable than other types of flooring. If you are looking to save money while giving your home a fresh look, vinyl might be the way to go.
  • Durability – vinyl flooring is a very durable floor. It is designed to withstand plenty of foot traffic.
  • Comfort – vinyl flooring is a comfortable type of flooring. It has “give” and cushiony support.
  • Low noise – this type of flooring does not have the noise factor like hardwood floors and other types of flooring.
  • Style – vinyl comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns to match your home’s décor.
  • Ease of installation – vinyl flooring is generally much easier to install than other types of flooring. You can choose individual squares of vinyl or sheet vinyl.
  • Low maintenance – vinyl is one of the easiest floors to maintain. Sweeping and damp mopping are usually sufficient to keep the dirt at bay. You also do not have to worry about moisture damage the way that you have to worry with other types of flooring.

Cons

  • Lack of warmth – vinyl flooring does not provide the same warmth under foot as carpeting. You may need to invest in throw rugs to keep your toes warm on cold nights.
  • Tears – vinyl is not made to be resistant to tears, even if it is thick. You will need to use caution when moving furniture or other large, heavy items.
  • Discoloration – this type of flooring can be subject to discoloration from the sun. You may want to avoid putting it in a room that gets lots of sunlight.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Laminate Tagged With: ,

How to Prepare For Carpet Installation

March 6, 2014 by

Its time to select your carpet.

The home carpet installation process is quite simple for a home that’s brand new or newly renovated and empty, or still being constructed. However, for homes that are currently occupied, the process will definitely entail a few additional steps for the homeowner.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for carpet installation:

Plan ahead of time- The first and most important stage perhaps is planning. This includes determining the schedule that works for you, and choosing the right contractor that can meet your deadlines and requests. Initially focusing on these factors will help save on time, money, effort, and yield the best results.How to Prepare For Carpet Installation

Identify the details- Once you have your carpeting selected and a contractor ready to go, be prepared for some surprises along the way. In some cases, there may be a need to use other services or materials to prepare the home and complete the installation. For instance, will you find mildew when replacing a basement carpet? While we never want to find problems, being prepared for them and allowing time in your schedule to deal with the unexpected will curb your stress throughout the process.

Prepare your home- As the day moves closer, box up and move as much of your fixtures, furnishings, and furniture as possible. While big items can be moved around as needed, its much easier if smaller items are out of the way during the process. Also keep in mind of other routine or out of the ordinary scheduled activities you may have in place. If the boy scout meeting always occurs on Wednesday night in your home, trying to complete the project and get ready may cause additional stress for you and your family.

Installation time- The average carpet installation process for homes usually takes up one or two days, although the number of hours or days varies depending on size of the area to be covered and the design and layout of the room. Your contractor will give you an idea of the time expected, and barring and unforeseen problems, will usually be a pretty good guess on the timing.

After installation-  Some carpet installation contractors offer services of taking care of dismantling and disposing of old carpet materials, re-installation of fixtures and moldings, and other services related to the project such as rearranging furniture. In some cases though, you will need to find a different contractor to take care of those details. You will most likely need to do some vacuuming and cleaning up after the carpet installation.

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

Filed Under: Carpet, Flooring Tagged With: ,

5 Great Choices For Your Bedroom Floors

March 1, 2014 by

Choosing the best flooring for your bedroom will ensure not only an overall aesthetic appeal, but also divine comfort for your feet! Here are 5 great choices for your bedroom floors to keep in mind as you make this vital decision.

1. Laminate – Laminate flooring is a good option if you want the look of hardwood flooring without the expense. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of shades to ensure that you can easily find one to fit your bedroom design. It is important to note that when the surface of laminate flooring becomes worn with age, it cannot be refinished – it will have to be replaced.5 Great Choices For Your Bedroom Floors

2. Carpet – Carpeting is one of the most popular choices for bedrooms because of its soft, luxurious feel under your feet. Carpeting comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and thicknesses, so you can find one that fits your bedroom design, as well as your specific tastes. Carpeting is affordable and provides warmth underneath your feet on a cold night. However, keeping carpet clean can be challenging, especially when it comes to liquid spills.

3. Vinyl – Vinyl flooring is an awesome choice for bedrooms because you can have the best of both worlds. You can have affordable flooring in a variety of patterns and designs to meet your style needs, as well as flooring that feels cushiony beneath your feet (thanks to the available cushiony underlayment). Keep in mind that vinyl is not the most environmentally-friendly flooring, so if you are making a “green” bedroom, you may need to make a different selection.

4. Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is another popular choice for bedrooms. With this flooring, you get a certain level of elegance that cannot be matched by other floorings. However, hardwood provides little insulation from the cold and heat, and it can be quite a noisy flooring, so you may need to invest in area rugs to cut down on the sound.

5. Cork – Cork flooring is a rising star when it comes to bedroom flooring. This soft, natural flooring feels great beneath your feet and provides insulation against the cold and the heat. Keep in mind that cork flooring does cost more than other types of flooring, and it also scratches easily – which means maintenance might be a chore.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Picking New Floors For Your Business

February 26, 2014 by

As a business owner, you’re busy every day. There’s always action, whether its with the production side or with customers coming in at all hours of the day. There really is never a good time to install new flooring. And yet the right flooring is important not only to the way your business presents itself to the public, but also to the safety of all who enter there.

If you’ve deemed it time to install new floors in your business, learn from these mistakes to minimize disruption.5 Mistakes To Avoid When Picking New Floors For Your Business

Mistake #1 Not selecting the correct flooring for your business

While you may love a certain type of flooring, before installing it make sure its proper for your type of business. A business with constant foot traffic needs a different approach than a company that uses forklifts all day. Work with a flooring contractor to assess your needs first, then select the right type of flooring for the daily activities of your business.

Mistake #2 Failure to treat the flooring properly

Businesses need to get on with business quickly; we understand that. But if you don’t install your flooring properly the first time, you could be in for a lot more hardship and costs fixing the problem down the road. If a flooring choice needs an epoxy coating first, give it the time to properly cure before moving your equipment back into place.

Mistake #3 Choosing a flooring contractor that doesn’t understand business

When you go with small flooring contractors that don’t offer a lot of options, you may wind up with a flooring choice that doesn’t match your needs. Flooring is one of the most important attributes within your business. If you don’t have mats in place, anti-slip coatings where needed, or practical options for the needs of your employees and customers, you could wind up with a choice that doesn’t fits your needs, and might even cost you money in repair and possible lawsuits. Make sure the flooring contractor understands your needs before you make your choice.

Mistake #4 Going for cheap flooring

Yes, we understand you’re trying to cut costs. But if you choose a floor just because it’s the cheapest, you may pay the price very quickly. Your flooring gets heavy traffic – a lot more traffic then would run through your home. If you go with the cheapest to get by, it may wear quickly and need replacing, costing you more money in the long run.

Mistake #5 Not following manufacturers guidelines for maintenance

You may have a cleaning company in place, but what is there policy when it comes to the floors? Each type of flooring comes with its own guidelines in order to give it the longest life possible. Make sure you get those guidelines from your installer, and share them with your contracted cleaning. Sticking with proper maintenance will give you the longest life possible, and keep any warranties in place.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: , ,

The Differences in Grout

February 22, 2014 by

Installing tiles involves an understanding of the differences in grout. You probably already know that grout itself is not a paver. It’s a material that is cement-based, and it is used to fill in spaces between tiles.

There are three types of grout that are used in tile installation: epoxy, sanded, and unsanded. So what are the differences in grout? It’s important to know so that you can complete the tiling job. Let’s take a look at the main differences in the types of grout available:The Differences in Grout

Sanded grout

This is the most common type of grout used for stone and ceramic tile, or any tile with bigger grout joints. Sanded grout is extremely absorbent, and if it is not sealed, it will soak up stains, dirt, and anything else that is spilled on the tile. Be careful about using sanded grout on polished stone such as granite, marble, or limestone, as it can scratch.

Unsanded grout

Unsanded grout is made for small grout lines, and it is like sanded grout except it doesn’t contain sand. It’s commonly called wall grout, and it is used on polished marble and ceramic tile. It is easier to work with than sanded grout, and is easier on your hands. It is especially useful on vertical surfaces such as a shower wall.

Epoxy grout

Epoxy grout is considered to be a top-of-the-line grout, and the best choice for the application of tile. It’s sturdier than sanded or unsanded grout, and needs no additional sealer. Epoxy grout is a waterless, two part grout made with epoxy resins and a hardener. Though they are the best choice, epoxy grouts are difficult to apply, and can be quite messy during application. Different brands of epoxy are more difficult to work with than others. Epoxy grout is the most expensive, but requires the least maintenance.

Taking the time to choose the right grout for your tile application is key in getting the job done correctly the first time around. Picking the wrong grout can result in many issues, so do yourself the favor of understanding grout’s power!

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

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: , , ,

How To Choose The Perfect Grout Color

February 19, 2014 by

When you install tile in your home, not only do you want to choose the perfect tile, you also want to choose the perfect grout to complement your tile.

Grout is more than just a style enhancement for the tile – it serves a purpose of protecting the edges of the tile. However, since the grout is going to be seen right along with the tile, you want to choose the best color. Choosing the perfect grout color may seem like an easy task, but it is still something that needs a bit of thought and effort.How To Choose The Perfect Grout Color

  • In most cases, you want to choose grout that blends with the tile. This is because you want your tile to be the focal point of the floor, not the grout. Grout comes in a wide assortment of colors, so you should have no trouble finding a color that blends in with the color of your tile.
  • If you are trying to create a certain look with your tile and grout, such as a checkerboard pattern, then you will want to choose grout that contrasts with the tile. For example, pairing a white grout with dark tile will create a clearly contrasted appearance.
  • You can also choose a grout color that is more of an accent to your tile and the rest of your design theme. For instance, if you have a certain accent color that you are focusing on in a particular room, you can choose a grout color to match that accent color. The only drawback to this is that if you change the overall design theme in the room, as well as the accent color, you will need to change the grout color, too.

If you have any problems finding the perfect grout color, you can always ask a professional flooring contractor for advice. Once you have the perfect grout color to complement your tile, your flooring will be complete – and it will match the vision in your mind.

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

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: ,

5 Things You Might Not Know About Your Hardwood Floors

February 15, 2014 by

Whether you are looking at flooring for a brand new home, or are finally remodeling and putting in the floors of your dreams, chances are hardwoods have made the top of your list. And with good reason. Nothing says style, class and elegance like hardwood flooring.

If you are new to hardwoods, there may be a few things that you didn’t know about this popular flooring choice. While they do make a great choice for just about every room in the home, there are a few tips that will keep them looking great longer, and keep you happy with your flooring choice for years.5 Things You Might Not Know About Your Hardwood Floors

Janka hardness test

Did you know every hardwood available as a flooring has a unique ranking? The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear. It measures the force required to embed an 11.28mm steel ball into wood into half the ball’s diameter. The higher the ranking, the more suitable it is as a flooring choice. When looking at wood choices, make sure you ask about the Janka hardness test and where your options fall in ranking.

High heel shoes can damage your hardwood flooring

The concept of having hardwood flooring is a little deceiving because hardwoods can be damaged. High heels, spikes, sports shoes – all can be damaging to your wood flooring. Because pressure points strike the floor with more force per inch than an elephant’s foot, you’ll quickly see the damage if you walk around.

Different flooring companies work different ways

Some flooring companies look to make quick sales and install your flooring as fast as possible to move onto the next customer. We never take that approach. All of our hardwood flooring is installed to ensure you long lasting results. No matter what type of hardwoods you choose, we finish installation with glue and nails to insure you’ll never find movement or gaping in the months and years to come.

Colorado is dry – take care of your hardwoods

You probably feel it by this time of the year. Colorado is a very dry climate. Sure we get the occasional snow or rain storm, but after the heater runs nonstop through the coldest of days, you’re bound to feel the tightness and dryness in your own skin. The same applies to your floors – they feel the dryness too. Hardwoods are meant to live with moisture; so take care of your flooring and install a humidifier. Both your floors and your skin will thank you.

Take your time decorating

The hardwoods are in. The new sofa is purchased. One last piece is a new rug to add a splash of color to the room. Area rugs are a great additive for protection. But don’t add it to your room too fast. Give your hardwood flooring at least two to three weeks to cure before covering it up with a rug. It will allow the glue to thoroughly dry and the floors to settle before adjusting to the new covering.

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

Filed Under: Flooring, Wood Floor Tagged With: , ,

The Best Flooring Options For Senior Citizens

February 12, 2014 by

Whether you are upgrading your own home for universal design, or are remodeling a parent’s home so they can remain in their home longer, one of the key focuses will be on the flooring. Nothing makes a home more unsafe than poor flooring choices.

Choosing a flooring means balancing the safety, the ease of maintenance, and of course the overall look and feel. The ideal choice should be soft to ensure bones aren’t broken in case of a fall. It should be easy to clean and maintain in case of frequent spills. And at the same time, this is still your home; why wouldn’t you want a classic design that will endure many years to come?The Best Flooring Options For Senior Citizens

Carpeting

Carpet is one of the best choices to offer warmth, comfort and a soft landing in the event of trips and falls. Here in Colorado, warmth is a factor as we face long, cold days and nights throughout the winter months. And because seniors spend more of their time at home in relatively stationary activities, it can be the perfect insulator to help keep them warm. Carpeting can be a great choice, however keep in mind it is also one of the most difficult to clean and maintain. Spills and accidents will have to be cleaned immediately to avoid future stains.

Cork

Cork flooring is becoming one of the most popular choices in flooring today. Its very soft underfoot and will provide give if a person trips or falls. Like carpeting, it is a thicker material that provides a fair amount of insulation against noise and heat loss. Cork flooring is also an anti-slip surface and provides natural traction, which means a senior can actually move easier on it to avoid accidents in the first place. Cork flooring is relatively easy to care fore. With a sealant over the surface, it protects from stains. However it is soft and can be damaged easily with sitting water, or punctures from furniture legs, high heels, or other sharp objects.

Linoleum

Linoleum is one of the easiest flooring choices to care for. With routine sweeping and mopping, linoleum will retain its beauty for years. Its also a natural antistatic material, which means dust and other harmful microorganisms will repel from it, keeping the home less prone to allergies and other immune complications. Linoleum itself is a relatively thin material, when installed over a subfloor will not provide much give or support. To provide more cushion, make sure it is installed over padding to make it softer for unexpected landings.

Flooring To Avoid

While any of the above would make great choices, when installing something for the sole purpose of making a seniors life easier, it is important to avoid tile. Natural stone, ceramic, glass and other tiling materials are naturally hard, making them very harsh and unforgiving to people that are prone to trips and falls. They can also create an uneven floor pattern, depending on how its laid, which adds into its potential for a tripping hazard.

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

Filed Under: Flooring Tagged With: ,

What Goes Under A Tile Floor?

February 8, 2014 by

If you are planning to install tile flooring in your home, you might think that the most important decision you will make is your choice of tile. While the tile you choose is important in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal, you have another important decision to make – one that can make or break your tile installation: Choosing the right substrate for ceramic tile.

Here are some things to keep in mind.What Goes Under A Tile Floor?

  • There are four primary types of substrate that are suitable for tile flooring – concrete, exterior plywood, sheet vinyl flooring, and backer-board.
  • Backer-board is made for the installation of ceramic tile. You can find it in various brand names, and it should always be your first choice.
  • Concrete is also suitable for tile, but you must remember the expansion joints. If you tile over these joints without some sort of crack suppression membrane, your tile will crack.
  • Exterior-grade plywood is suitable for ceramic, and it does not swell.
  • Sheet vinyl flooring will also adhere to ceramic tile, but it must be fully attached to the underlying floor, and it must only be one layer.
  • Avoid installing tile on these types of substrate: large areas of drywall; interior plywood; vinyl flooring with multiple layers; and OSB wood.

When choosing the best substrate for your tile flooring, keep in mind that you want to ensure that the substrate is resistant to moisture. If the substrate becomes damaged by moisture, it is going to affect your tile flooring.

If you are ever in doubt about your choice of substrate, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. You can talk to the staff at your local hardware store, or even call up a contractor and ask a few questions. Knowledge is power, so be informed to ensure the long life of your tile floor.

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

Filed Under: Tile Tagged With: ,

10 Tips for Choosing Carpeting

February 5, 2014 by

Buying carpet is an important investment for your home. It can add style and beauty to your home as well as functionality. Quality carpet can also add value to your home, which is important if you are thinking about selling in the next few years.

When you purchase carpet, it’s a lot like buying a car. There are tons of choices available, and it can be a challenge to choose the right carpet for your particular needs and style. Here are some carpet-buying tips:10 Tips for Choosing Carpeting

  1. Check for signs of quality carpet. Start by looking at and feeling the carpet. A good carpet will have a luxurious feel, front and back. Check the label and feel the fibers. Ask questions and get recommendations from the consultant that is helping you with your choices.
  2. Ask about the details. Ask the salesperson the weight of the carpet, the tuft twist number, the density rating, and warranty for texture retention.
  3. Choose a fiber that fits your needs. Be sure to evaluate your carpet needs when picking a fiber. The most durable and resilient carpet fiber is nylon. It’s good for high-traffic areas and is easy to maintain. Polyester carpeting is resistant to stains and is very soft. It comes in many bright colors, and it’s best for low-traffic areas. There are also fiber brands that have anti-stain properties.
  4.  Pick the best carpet for each room. For example, stain-resistant products may be worth the investment in your busy family room, but more affordable low-traffic carpeting may be just fine for your guest rooms.
  5. Do your research. Consider your family’s lifestyle and traffic levels when making carpet decisions in each room.

More tips:

  1. Don’t let the salesperson make your decision. Its your home, your living situations; you should feel comfortable with your final decision.
  2. Ask for options. Go in with an open mind and discover what is the best choice for you.
  3. Choose a carpet provider wisely. They are not all the same. Make sure they’ve been in business and will be around for you in case of any questions or problems in the future.
  4. Understand the maintenance that is required. Different carpets require different care. Make sure you are prepared.
  5. Don’t buy carpet simply because it has a good warranty. Consider all its factors.

Selecting the wrong carpet can result in endless cleanings, quick fading, and worn carpet. If you do a little comparison shopping, you can find the perfect carpeting at a great price.

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

Filed Under: Carpet Tagged With: ,
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