10 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Hardwood Flooring

A beautiful hardwood floor can be the pride of any home, offering prestige and character, but for many people it is a challenge to keep their hardwood flooring looking as healthy as it did the day it was installed. That’s why we have put together our top 10 tips for keeping your wood floors looking reliable and attractive in your home.

Don’t Slide Furniture

Whenever we move our furniture it always seems easier to slide things around, this is especially true on wood flooring as it makes it smoother and quicker to change the furniture round. This can be avoided by lifting, protecting your floor from scratches and scuffs which are unsightly and spoil the unique look.

Use Felt Pads On Feet Of Furniture

Felt pads are cheap to buy and easy to apply, put them on the feet of all your furniture to stop general wear and tear when the furniture is nudged, pushed or dragged on your floor.

No Heavy Mopping

Tempting though it may be, you should avoid heavy mopping of your wood floor. Use a minimal amount of water – preferably a damp cloth or mop – to ensure you can still clean but that there isn’t moisture soaking into the cracks or pooling on the surface.

No High Heels

If you’re the kind of person who likes to keep footwear on indoors then at least outlaw one piece of footwear – high heels. The heels, especially stilettoes, put all the pressure on the one pointed element meaning it’s easy to leave dents and impressions that will damage your floors.

No Grit/Mud

The one thing you don’t want to let into your home is grit, followed closely by mud. These substances can easily wear and scratch your hardwood flooring over time, they grind away in crevices and are travelled by feet until your floors become unrecognisable.

Use No-Wax Wood Floor Cleaner

A no-wax floor cleaner should be kept handy at all times, it helps to protect the floor and means you can avoid using liquid based products which would be soaked into your flooring. Whether you’re cleaning up moisture or mud, always use a no-wax product.

Use Large Doormats/Rugs

At the entrance points to your home you can place large mats or rugs, these extra long door mats reduce the amount of shoe-based traffic your hardwood floor sees. This way you can ensure that people either take off their footwear or that their feet are relatively clean before they walk on your floors.

Avoid Moisture

We’ve already talked about moisture from cleaning but it’s worth repeating that moisture should be avoided at all costs. This includes spilt liquids and rainwater if your floors are exposed when doors are open. Liquids can penetrate into your hardwood flooring and leave a stain if not dealt with quickly.

Sweep Regularly With Soft Broom

If you like to regularly clean your floors then it might be worth investing in a soft broom, this way you can sweep the floor and maintain it whenever you like without scratching or marking it, as you might with a hard bristled brush.

Avoid Prolonged Sunlight Exposure

We all love the feel of warm sunshine pouring in through the window but your hardwood floor will definitely not appreciate prolonged exposure to sunlight. Sun damage will cause fading and discolouring in patches but you can protect it by simply installing blinds, this will allow you to let light into a room without excessive UV rays hitting your hardwood floor.

To learn more about how maintenance and protection can keep your wood floors healthy then don’t hesitate to contact Pyramid Carpets. We are experts when it comes to all manner of flooring and will happily pass on our knowledge to your when fitting your new hardwood floor.

Commercial Flooring Solutions In The Hospitality Industry

In the hospitality industry the practicality and the aesthetic aspect of your flooring is key. The floor forms part of a customer’s first impression when they walk into your building, regardless of whether you operate a hotel, restaurant or cinema. The last thing you want is for people to turn around and leave as soon as they catch sight of your floors. Below we discuss the types of commercial flooring available to your business.

Cleanliness

At the core of your values you will want to present a clean and tidy place for visitors and customers, in order for this to happen your flooring needs to be easy to clean. The best kind of flooring in this instance would be rubber flooring. When food or any other messy substance hits your surface you immediately need to have it cleaned up, and staff will find it much easier to clean and maintain this style of flooring as it wipes clean in an instant, with no stain or residue left behind. Operating in any kind of food industry will make this hygiene factor ten times more vital as customers will balk at the first sign of poor cleanliness.
The slip resistant vinyl sheet flooring is also a perfect material for areas in which moisture is likely to be present, the bar area is a prime example of where the safety and cleanliness is most important both for your staff and your visitors.

Style and Design

For many industries the impression you make in terms of style and design is of utmost importance. Hotels and leisure industry premises will want to attract customers and keep them for repeat business and with luxurious carpets you can achieve both a practical and elegant interior. Considerations need to be made for the existing décor and the suitability for different areas of the building.
For many people there is nothing better than the soft feel of a plush carpet beneath their feet and this could make all the difference in certain areas of the hospitality industry. For others, the laminate flooring route provides both the style and the practical element needed.

Toughness

Some industries see more footfall than others and that traffic over favourite areas – such as entrances and waiting areas – will cause wearing and discolouration over time if you don’t have a sturdy and toughened flooring solution. Hard wearing, wooden materials such as engineered wood flooring give you the opportunity to protect your floors and present a sophisticated atmosphere. This kind of flooring will last much longer than a carpet or laminate floor and can be an excellent jumping off point for your interior design.

At Pyramid Carpets we can provide a fantastic range of commercial flooring solutions regardless of which industry you operate in with linoleum, rubber flooring and wooden flooring all available. Contact us today and we will help you find the perfect floor for you and your business.

The Most Expensive Rugs In The World

We all know how luxurious a rug can feel under our feet, that’s why they’ve remained so popular throughout the ages. Some people however, have expensive taste when it comes to getting the best rugs around, and the price of many antique rugs keeps rising by millions of dollars each year.
Here in this article we have collected some of the world’s most expensive rugs to give you an idea of just how far back the tradition of rug making goes and how prized some rugs can be.

The Pearl Carpet Of Baroda

This particular carpet was most recently sold for $5 million dollars back in 2009. It is so highly priced because of the many thousands of individually set pearls, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. It was originally intended for the tomb of the prophet Mohammed and was commissioned by the Maharaja of Baroda around the 18th Century. This is probably one of the most written and talked about rugs of all time.

The Persian Silk Rug

Persian rugs are often heralded as some of the best in the world, due to the craft being so traditional and refined. This particular rug fetched $4.45 million dollars in 2008, at a time when the financial crisis hit, making you wonder how much it might go for if sold today. It is prized due to its intricate colouring and knot density along with the fact that it was made over 500 years ago.

Kirman ‘Vase’ Carpet

Going for a price even beyond that of the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, this exquisite piece of Persian craftsmanship sold for $9.6 million dollars, smashing the record previously held. The rug was created in Kerman in Iran and is yet another example of how skilled the industry is in the region.

Ancient Persian Rug

It’s hardly surprising that another Persian rug is the current record holder. This 17th Century rug is also from the Kerman region in Iran and was sold in a bidding war for $33.8 million dollars. It was originally homed in a museum but had been sold to raise money with the aim of making future purchases.

These rugs will likely bankrupt most people in the world bar the elite, super rich, but if you’re looking for something just as luxurious for a more reasonable – and down to earth – price then why not check out the great range we offer at Pyramid Carpets. We have thousands of varieties to choose from and you can see all of them in our showroom, so visit us today or call our team for advice or to discuss your requirements today.

 

Your Guide To Buying Carpet Underlay

The comfort and feel of your carpet underfoot is important whatever style you choose, it helps to complete your home and make it welcoming for visitors. For businesses it’s important to have a carpet which will last and stand up to heavy traffic, but whether you’re buying carpet for a domestic or commercial property you need to think about what kind of underlay you need.
That’s why we’ve created a short guide to buying carpet underlay, including advice on which kind of underlay is best for you. Many people think that there is one standard kind of underlay but there are actually several options to choose from, all with their own benefits.

What Are The Benefits Of Underlay?

Clearly the main benefit of underlay is the comfort you get underfoot, providing a protective layer for your feet between the hard surface of the ground beneath and the carpet on top. The carpet itself also benefits from this layer of protection, without which it would wear far quicker.
If you need better thermal protection or you want to insulate from sound below then underlay has added benefits in these areas, as an absorbent layer it can keep the cold out from the ground and is acoustically beneficial. While you might not be pounding around the room, any heavy movement on your carpet can also be absorbed with the shock-absorption properties of the spongy material.

What Are The Different Types Of Underlay?

Waffle – the name relates to the look of this popular type of underlay, its bumpy features help to provide air pockets which offers greater comfort and shock absorption.
Flats – flat underlay is far more compact and therefore more stable and hard wearing, there are usually still rivets and air pockets but far less than the waffle style.
Crumb – made from a rubber and felt crumb this style is far less common than the usual rubber waffle but is hardier.
Felt – felt on its own is good for sound insulation and it the most environmentally friendly style of underlay.

Which Type Of Underlay Is Best For My Floor?

Depending on the style of room and carpet you have, as well as the purpose of each room, there are particular types of underlay which will suit best. For homes the waffle and flats are the best option with flats better suited for wooden and laminate floors. If you have a high traffic area such as in a shop or in the entrance area of your home then the crumb underlay gives you the longevity you need. Felt is less resilient and will compact more easily but is a greener option for those rooms which might see less use than others such as spare rooms and study rooms.
Clearly there are a variety of underlay options available for any kind of room, but if you’re still a little unclear as to which will best suit you then don’t hesitate to contact the expert team at Pyramid Carpets. Our professional and friendly team will happily make the best recommendation on underlay when you purchase carpets and flooring from us to ensure the best results.

Top Tips: How To Lay Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an excellent flooring material for many different rooms in the home, including living rooms and hallways. Laying your own laminate flooring is a fairly big task, but if you have decent DIY skills then you should be able to get the job done for yourself.
We’ve put together a rough guide to help you when you take on the laying of you own laminate flooring. Remember, not all laminate flooring materials are the same and the size and shape of a room can factor into how hard a task it will be to lay.

Gather Up Your Tools

To ensure your DIY project gets off to a good start you need to ensure you have all the right tools to hand. It’s no use ordering lots of flooring panels if you have nothing to secure them with. Throughout the process you will need:
Masking Tape
Hammer
Knee Pads
Craft Knife
Spirit Level
Jigsaw
Mallet
Saw
Combination Square
Tape Measure

Measuring

To know how much flooring you’ll need for your room, you’ll have to do some measuring. The best formula to use for your calculations is width x length of the room (in metres). You should then add an extra 10% to cover for any wastage. Once you have this number you should divide it by the pack size of the flooring you wish to use – this number will be in m2. You will most likely get a decimal point so round the number up to the nearest whole and that’s how many packs you need!

Level Your Floor

Before you lay anything you need to make sure your floor is level throughout the room. To create a smooth surface you can use a self-leveling compound, and after your sub-floor is completely dry you can put underlay into place. You can choose from a variety of underlay, including Polyfoam, Combined and Wood fibre boards. If you have a concrete floor then you’ll also need to put in a damp-proof membrane before the underlay.

How To Lay The Boards

You need to first decide in which direction to lay your boards. The best way to lay them is in the same direction as your longest wall, but if all the walls are the same length then simply lay them in the direction of the light coming through the window.
The best place to start laying is in the corner, working your way up along the wall with spacers laid out around the wall to give the boards room to expand later. Most laminate materials will lock together, but they will need to be cut down in places to fit – you also need to cut out spaces for pipes on radiators.
Push completed rows together and tap gently with a rubber mallet to ensure they are tightly interlocked. If you need to get your boards under the architraves of your doors then work out the thickness of your board, saw out a space at the bottom of the architrave and slot your board underneath.

Here at Pyramid Carpets, we provide high quality laminate flooring to suit any home – simply contact us today and we’ll help you find the right style and quantity of flooring for your requirements.

What Flooring Is Suitable For Underfloor Heating?

Many people see underfloor heating as something as a luxury but it is becoming more and more popular in homes as people see the benefits. It’s long been a great option for bathrooms but it can also be useful in any room where the floor is cold or the room is susceptible to the cold. Kitchens, living rooms and even bedrooms can benefit from the added heat which flows through the floor to keep a room nice and toasty.
As we edge towards the autumn, and an inevitable drop in temperature, we thought now might be a good time to discuss the different types of flooring materials which work with underfloor heating.

Carpets

You might think that carpet isn’t compatible with underfloor heating, and while it isn’t the best suited, it can still be utilised if you get the right kind of quality carpet. You’ll need to look closely at the thermal resistance, with anything below 2.5 tog being the best – this is important to check, although most carpets should be less than 1 tog anyway.

Stone

Generally considered to be the best flooring material for compatibility with underfloor heating, there are many different kinds of hard stone which you can use. Slate, ceramic tiles and even marble can all be cold, making standing in any room with this kind of surface unbearable. By installing underfloor heating you get the benefit of a solid floor and the look you want but with all the comfort of comprehensive heating.

Wood

If you’re considering having a wooden floor with underfloor heating then you need to take care that you use the right kind of wood and that you get the thickness and width of the boards right. Engineered timber performs very well and hardwood also allows for good thermal conductivity, but the boards should be narrow for the optimal performance.

Vinyl, Laminate & Rubber

Finally, the laminates and vinyl flooring materials common in most homes can also be used to help heat up a room. These flooring types are usually deployed in the kitchen or bathroom, making underfloor heating advantageous for the colder months. Due to the thin material, all linoleum and rubber flooring options conduct heat well but will heat up and cool down a lot quicker. You should check with the manufacturer as to how much heat they are able to withstand, although most materials can handle up to 27°C of heat – this should be plenty to heat your room and keep your feet toasty.
No matter which material you select for your home to go with underfloor heating, you should always consult the experts to avoid disappointment. Manufacturers and suppliers will have a much better idea of which flooring style is best suited to you and your home.

Pyramid Carpets

Here at Pyramid Carpets we supply a range of carpets, wooden and vinyl floors. Simply contact us today to find out more information about which materials will work best with underfloor heating and their thermal properties.

One of the great reasons to live in Colorado is to enjoy indoor/outdoor living twelve months of the year.

The summers are gorgeous. Why not get the gang together for a barbeque?

The winters are spectacular. Why not gather around the fire pit and enjoy a few rounds of smores and hot chocolate?

That’s why more homeowners are choosing to remodel and expand their living spaces beyond the boundaries of the walls. Instead of pushing out the kitchen, or adding an extra internal room, why not create outdoor living space that’s functional year-round instead?

We’re not talking your parent’s patios here. This is way beyond a slab of cement with a charcoal grill. Instead, this is about creating truly functional space you can use no matter what the weather is like outside. And here in Colorado, that means a wide fluctuation in temperatures, as well as dealing with everything from harsh sunlight to several feet of snow.

How can you do all of that easily?

It starts with your floor. Choose a tile that works well inside and out, and will carry functionality and durability throughout, blurring the space to add continuity and style.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Bringing the outside in

One of the best ways to bring two spaces together is by using the same tile in both locations. This isn’t time to fall in love with indoor tile and try and make it work outdoors. Instead, pay attention to what works well outdoors, and bring it in.

Choose a tile that works well no matter what the weather is like outside. Flagstone works well. Flagstone is porous, so you will have to seal it from time to time. Just make sure you choose one based on functionality, and one that will dow well in all kinds of elements. It should hold up well to stains and other damage it might receive from being outdoors.

Mixing and matching 

Just because you want to bring your indoor living outside, doesn’t mean you have to use the same flooring materials throughout. Be selective. Just make sure they blend well together.

If you’re using fold-up glass doors, the lines will already be blurred between indoor and outdoor living. Select tile that works well outside, and bring it in several feet to merge with your interior space. Then use a material you enjoy on the inside – like the hardwood you’ve always dreamed about. Transitions are everything. And that’s something we’re experts in – just ask.

Matching grains

Here in Colorado, people love their hardwood. If you’ve had hardwood in your kitchen for years, you might not want to change it. You can’t imagine anything but hardwood. But carrying the look outside isn’t possible. Wood products you use inside – oak, pine, or ash – are simply too soft to use on the outside.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use the same concepts in both locations. Change up the color. Use decking material outside, and mimic the size and plank orientation, so it flows directly into your indoor living space. You might even be able to invest in tile planks, which often do a very good job of mimicking hardwood. You can use it to transition from one location to another. Or use it to blend the looks into something you truly desire.

Stay simple

In many cases, the reason you elect to build glass walls that can open up to the outside is to take in a breathtaking view. Focus on the view by staying simple with your choice of flooring material. As you’re choosing a tile, go with neutral colors that blend rather than stand out. It’s a perfect way to allow the natural beauty of the surrounding area to create just the ambiance you’re looking for.

We love staying light when we go neutral. Choose a soft sand, beige, or tan color. This allows you to mix and match color choices as you desire. Of course, this is also where your own design options can come into play.

How about a darker color – a dark gray that is less likely to show muddy footprints from your four legged friends? Travertine and slate are always great options, both inside and out. Their durability makes them high in demand. Just be conscious of manufacturers’ guidelines. Some require sealants to ensure they are well protected from stains and damage.

Mixing materials

What makes some living spaces so special is their uniqueness. They don’t stay within the mold, they destroy it. And that’s the beauty of redoing your living space today … anything is possible.

What we often recommend to our customers is to dream a bit before they start their design work. It may sound silly – after all, dreaming is what made you want to remodel in the first place. But sometimes people don’t dream big enough before they start shopping. What we’re talking about here is developing a pinboard on Pinterest, or even a vision board where you cut out pictures from magazines and attach them to a posterboard where you can see your ideas on display.

Use these concepts to really see what your design style is like. You’ll start to see trends. You’ll discover what features really excite you, and scream “install me” every time you look at them.

Don’t listen to proper design etiquette. Some of the most unique designs in the world incorporate different materials together. Concrete, wood, steel, tile, glass – it can all add character to your overall design. Choose what suits you best, and rely on a designer to make suggestions to make it work.

Choosing a tile – we’re here to help

What’s your preference? What kind of space are you creating for your indoor/outdoor living? No matter if the temperatures hit record highs or extreme lows, whether it’s the heart of the summer, or the darkest of winters, isn’t it nice to know you have the perfect spot for your family gatherings?

Choosing a tile doesn’t have to be difficult. You just have to rely on someone who can help you make the right choice. We’re here to help.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Do I need underlay? Which underlay should I use? Is there a difference between wood flooring underlay and laminate flooring underlay? We’re here to answer these questions, and explain the importance of new underlay should you need it. 

 

When creating your dream home, it takes a lot of deliberation. Flooring, as well as which accessories to use, bear no exception. 

 

We know there’s one subject that has potential to cause confusion: underlay.  To make your decision easier, this post covers all you need to know about flooring underlay. 

Depending on your flooring type, as well as fitting method, you may or may not require underlay. If using a gluedown installation, underlay shouldn’t be used, but secret nailing and floating floors can use underlay. Extra comfort, prolonged flooring lifespan, increased insulation and noise reduction are all key benefits of using underlay. However, make sure to use new underlay with new flooring to make the most of these benefits!

 

From flooring types to fitting methods, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need – all in one place.

Do You Need Underlay?

Now, you may have been told to purchase new underlay as an essential, but whether you actually need it is another story. 

 

Flooring underlay is a soft cushioning that sits between your flooring and the surface you’re laying it on. Underlay offers a number of benefits, should you require it. 

 

We’ll run you through these benefits in a moment, but for now, we’ll delve into fitting methods and flooring types to see whether you’ll require underlay or not.

Flooring Fitting and Type

Gluedown 

As mentioned above, there are some fitting methods and types of flooring that simply do not require the use of flooring underlay. The gluedown method is one of them. 

 

This technique consists of the application of a strong adhesive (made specifically for wood) to the subfloor in small, workable sections. Glue is also used in-between each of the planks’ ‘tongue’ and ‘grooves’, and slotting them into place. 

 

This fitting process can be used on all wood flooring types including: parquet, laminate, engineered wood and luxury vinyl tiles, but is mostly used on solid wood boards. The nature of the process does not allow for the use of underlay. 

 

Secret nailing

This technique can be applied to wood flooring types such as: parquet flooring, engineered wood flooring and solid wood flooring. 

 

Secret nailing is a method that allows for underlay to be brought into the equation to reap the benefits wood flooring underlay brings. However, it is not entirely essential and the use of underlay is dependent entirely on the room you’re wanting to fit the flooring in.

 

This process works by driving nails through the ‘tongue’ of the floorboard at a 45 degree angle, and into the subfloor. This fixes the flooring firmly in place and prevents any gaps forming.

 

If your flooring is being laid on a ground level, it has less of a requirement for underlay than if it is being laid on a higher level floor. This is because there is less need for noise reduction affecting floors below. 

Floating floor

This installation technique seeks no ‘yes or no’ consideration as the floating floor method requires the use of underlay. 

 

Though not actually hovering in mid-air as the name might suggest, the need for underlay stems from the floor not being attached to the sub-floor. This leaves room for slight movement when walked upon. Good quality flooring underlay reduces this movement and adds comfort underfoot.

 

Commonly used with: engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl tiles, and Evocore360 that boasts its very own EvoCore Underlay. This is a popular method with lots of advantages, though excites some exceptions to the rule. 

 

Purchasing Evocore Essentials and Premium eliminates the need to purchase any flooring underlay at all; these ranges have underlay built in, making for an easier decision. 

 

Types of Underlay

Decisions of this nature may seem difficult, only because the options out there are plentiful. However, narrowing down your options becomes a lot easier when you’re given the knowledge to inform your decision. 

 

Below we explore the different types of underlay and their compatibility, to help you ensure you go away knowing your dream home is one step closer to completion.

 

Types of underlay	What it Looks Like	Compatibility
Fibreboard		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Built in Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Eco-Friendly Underlay		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Luxury Vinyl Tile Underlay		Suitable for luxury vinyl tiles and underfloor heating
EvoCore 360 Underlay		Perfect for EvoCore 360
Underfloor Heating		Perfect for wood and laminate flooring underlay
Self-adhesive		Perfect for solid wood

 

Benefits of Underlay

We’re finally at the part you really want to know. Why should you use underlay? 

 

You know whether or not you need underlay, and you know which underlay is for which flooring. But what exactly are you getting out of it? Believe us when we say… You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

 

1. Increased comfort – Underlay introduces a cushioned feel to the flooring. It softens your strides and alleviates any discomfort underfoot. 
2. Prolongs flooring lifespan – Underlay’s cushion helps to absorb some of the shock from playing children, to clumsy drops. Wear and tear are reduced substantially, increasing your floor’s longevity.
3. Noise reduction – Underlay for flooring adds density, and provides another layer to absorb more sound made by walking, running or any movement on the flooring above.
4. Reduces heating bills – Underlay acts as an insulating layer that helps trap heat, meaning your space is kept warmer for longer.
5. Environmentally friendly – You’ll be pleased to know that we pride ourselves in doing our part for the environment, and our new range of Eco Underlay is made from 100% recycled materials, as well as being recyclable.
6. Certain types are compatible with underfloor heating – Got underfloor heating? Not to worry, we have flooring and underlay that are compatible to ensure you still acquire the benefits of a heated floor.

 

Enough benefits for you? The practicality of underlay is invaluable; which is exactly why we recommend you take the necessary steps in finding and marrying up the perfect combination to suit your needs. 

New underlay

Underlay is important, but what’s more important is using new underlay when laying a new flooring. Why? Because as time goes on, these benefits begin to fade with natural wear and tear. To get the most out of your new flooring, make sure you pair it with a new underlay.

 

Investing in new underlay to replace your old one allows you to make the most of the benefits good quality underlay bestows. Whilst not on show to see the wear, the old stuff has been walked on just as much as the flooring you’re about to replace. Buying new will improve your experience with your new flooring purchase as well as prolonging the lifespan of it.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered the in’s and out’s of the factors that play a part in ensuring your new flooring journey is as smooth as possible.

 

Remember the key considerations to keep at the forefront of your mind when weighing up your decision. Does the flooring fitting and type require underlay? If so, what underlay is compatible with your chosen flooring? All that’s left to do now is to start browsing for your perfect product!

 

Still not sure? Get in touch with our flooring experts today for the best advice for your new underlay. 

 

The post Underlay for Wood, Laminate and Other Hard Flooring appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

If you or someone you live with uses a wheelchair, you want your home to be as accommodating as possible. When you are choosing flooring for your home, you want to consider the needs of yourself or your loved one. You want flooring that is safe and durable. Read on to discover what is the best flooring for wheelchairs.

Soft flooring, such as carpet, is not suitable for wheelchairs. Even though carpet is warm and inviting, it is also difficult to clean. It can also reduce traction, making it difficult for an individual to maneuver their wheelchair. Hard flooring is best for wheelchairs, but some flooring is better than others. For example, softwood and cork hardwood flooring is too soft for frequent wheelchair use.

Ceramic and porcelain are excellent flooring options for wheelchair use if you like the look of tile. Keep in mind that smaller tiles are better suited for wheelchair use because large tiles are more likely to crack under pressure. When shopping for tile flooring, pick tiles that are 2 inches in size or smaller. You also want the grout lines between the tiles to be made from a material that improves traction. Additionally, unpolished tiles are a better pick than polished tiles because they provided a more firm grip.

If you would rather pick hardwood flooring over tiles, consider luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood. If you pick a waterproof vinyl or engineered hardwood, the flooring will hold up well against frequent wheelchair use. These types of flooring are also easy to clean and hold up well against spills and moisture.

Once you’ve determined what type of wheelchair-safe flooring you want, you’re ready to shop with flooring.org. You can browse our inventory online and call us at 1-800-689-9006 with any questions.

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

With so many options for flooring today, it’s no surprise that settling in on one choice can be difficult at best. Maybe you’ve already decided to purchase new hardwood floors. Maybe you have your dream flooring in mind.

But all that can be thrown out the window when you walk into our showroom and see all of your options. Even if you have a style or pattern in mind, just seeing the many different options can leave your head spinning. Why is this such a difficult decision?

It is until you remember one thing: walking across a great hardwood floor will give you pleasure for years to come.

And really, that’s all there is to it.

Don’t be wow’d by the options. There are dozens – hundreds of options because every homeowner is a bit different. But it’s fairly easy to settle in on your choices when you keep a few things in mind.

Let’s start with the hardwood – what does that mean?

If you’ve looked at flooring at all, you know there are a lot of different products available.

If you’re sold on hardwood, your first choice is between solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring.

Solid wood is as the name implies. It’s created from one solid piece of hardwood. Because of this, it pays to know the manufacturer you’re trusting when you purchase. Some companies pay attention to the overall structure of the timber, while others attempt to use every piece of wood that comes through their manufacturing plant. If you have envisioned keeping your flooring for decades, this can be a major factor in how well it holds up over time.

Engineered wood is created from multiple component layers, giving you an exact thickness and wear level. Engineered wood is often perceived as more stable, because every single layer is created based on manufacturers guidelines. Every piece is created equally to ensure stability of construction. Yet what is stable in one environment might not work well in others. Because it isn’t solid, it can also run the risk of wearing faster than a high quality solid hardwood plank.

When it comes to deciding the right flooring for your unique situation, lay all the facts on the line. One of our consultants would be happy to help you determine the right choice for your needs.

What do you want your flooring to look like?

For some homeowners, they see a solid surface area where the wood blends harmoniously together. For others, they see their flooring as a work of art; they’re looking for ways to stand out from the norm.

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That’s what we love to share with people who come in ready to purchase new hardwood floors.

In today’s world, you don’t have to settle for a neutral color with single planks all running in a row. Instead, the sky is the limit on potential.

Why not go with an exotic wood? You can create a color palette anywhere from the lightest to darkest woods.

Or how about changing it up with a larger plank size? Two to three inch oak boards might have been the norm once upon a time, but no more. Instead, you’ll find six, eight, even ten inch width planks or wider. That can really make your great room pop, or your bedroom to be just a little bit more luxurious. All because you changed it up a bit and made it unique to you. Those boards create drama in all the right ways.

Light or dark, it’s up to you 

Light or dark wood? It seems like an easy enough choice. After all, you probably have your preferences on the tip of your tongue.

We’ve all walked into a kitchen before and felt the “love it or hate it” from the moment we walk in. Do you like light, white, and airy? Or do you prefer the drama of dark wood and sophisticated lines?

The same thought process goes into selecting the right hardwood floors.

Often, you can just see yourself living with one or the other. Your ideal picture clearly comes with light or dark wood.

Dark wood floors have been popular for some time now. You can select many different shades of dark, or with unfinished hardwood installation, custom stain it as dark as you wish.

Dark wood works great with modern furniture and lots of color. It makes the color pop.

Dark wood also is a great choice if you desire to move towards a more rustic and casual feel. In some cases, you can find dark wood floors that bring out an aged look. That can blend in quite nicely with your farmhouse, country charm look.

Dark brings out the coziness wherever it’s laid into place. Picture a dramatic ski lodge in the heart of winter. Don’t you just want to light a fire and snuggle down for the evening?

Of course, dark wood does have a few drawbacks. You’ll see everything on the floor much easier with the darkness as a backdrop. And dark wood floors are more sensitive to the appearance of wear. While that can be perfect if you’re going for an aged look, it might not work so well with clean, modern lines. That’s where it pays to take your family and your lifestyle into consideration before making a selection.

Light wood, on the other hand, creates a light palette you can build from to show off a variety of looks. It makes the space look larger, brighter.

What we love about light wood is it goes with almost any decor. If you go with the more traditional oak or maple, it blends in well with whatever designs you create. Or you can go as light as possible – how about ash – and make your light hardwood center stage.

Just remember lighter hardwood often requires a little more maintenance, including the right sealer to prevent spills from turning into stains. And because light wood hides dirt a bit easier, that can work to your disadvantage if you really need a clean location.

What’s the best hardwood floor?

With dozens of choices, the purchase of new hardwood floors can seem intimidating at first, until you realize that deep inside you already know what you want.

Trust your instinct. Whether you want light or dark, wide planks or more traditional, there’s a right hardwood flooring waiting for you.

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