Month: November 2020

What is sustainability?

It’s become a popular catch-phrase in our society.

Sustainability refers to the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources within our society in order to maintain an ecological balance. The more we learn about what harms our world, the more we find ways to change what we do to create equilibrium around the globe.

That means doing what’s right for the world. Paying attention to deforestation and how we handle crop rotation. Stopping the production and use of VOC – volatile organic compounds – that harm everything from our water to our air supply, to our health. Investing in technology to improve efficiencies of everything we do.

As buyers, we’re now more aware than ever about the products we bring into our lives. We’ve started noticing what materials are used, where they are sourced from, and how they impact our world.

And once you pay attention, you can no longer ignore.

What makes a flooring sustainable? 

If you desire to install a sustainable flooring, it’s important to understand what that means. It’s about finding the right choice to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s about finding an option that is eco-friendly.

And it’s more than that too. It’s not just the product itself. It’s about every aspect, including:

• The manufacturing process
• The supply chain
• What natural resources are used
• Lifespan
• Recycling

The entire process, from beginning production to the way the product is disposed of at end of life should be taken into consideration.

What are some of the top sustainable flooring options available?

Cork – don’t let the cork in your favorite bottle of wine fool you. Cork is a strong, durable material you can use on floors throughout your home. It’s harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree found on trees throughout the Mediterranean. Because the bark grows back every three years, it’s an ideal renewable resource. It has antimicrobial properties that can help improve the air quality of your home. It is also fire retardant, making it a great choice all across the Rocky Mountain region.

Bamboo – bamboo is another flooring material growing in popularity. Bamboo isn’t a tree, but instead, is a grass. It’s a sustainable option as this natural vegetation grows to maturity in three to five years. Even though it’s created from grass, it has the characteristics of hardwood. Its varied grains can create intricate patterns, and it’s available in a wide array of colors.

Linoleum – don’t confuse linoleum with vinyl; the two are separate products. Vinyl is made from a synthetic material, which can be harmful to the environment. Linoleum is crafted from linseed oil, cork dust, tree resin, wood flour, ground limestone, and natural pigments. That gives it similar qualities to everything you love about cork. It’s both fire retardant and water resistant, making it the perfect choice for many rooms in your home. This isn’t a new product; you might remember it from your grandmother’s house. It fell out of favor with the introduction of vinyl. Linoleum was also much more difficult to maintain dozens of years before. But with its reemergence, you’ll find vibrant colors, new sealants, and durability that can withstand whatever your family dishes out.

Glass tiles – glass tiles might not be the perfect choice for every situation, but when you choose them for your home, you’re going to love the results. Yes, you can install glass tiles as flooring. Think similar product characteristics as ceramic tiles. What’s more, you can find glass tiles recycled from a variety of products, including wine bottles. That could be a perfect addition to your wine cellar. Of course, glass tiles also work well in other applications – your bathroom shower, the backsplash in your kitchen. When you see the limitless array of colors, patterns, and finishes, you’re going to find the perfect choice for every situation.

Wool carpet – a lot of carpet is made from synthetic materials. But if you love the feel of carpet, and want a sustainable flooring option, look no further than wool carpet. It’s soft, comfortable, warm, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. While many carpet materials on the marketplace today are created with volatile organic compounds, wool carpet is all natural and eco-friendly. It’s one of the first materials used for floor coverings, and because of its strength and durability, is often passed down from generation to generation.

Hardwood flooring – hardwood flooring continues to be one of the most popular flooring choices across the Front Range. It’s good to know that if you choose wisely, it can also be a sustainable flooring choice too. Of course, not every hardwood flooring choice is sustainable; you’ll need to pay attention to the manufacturer you choose. There’s a lot of marketing going on making certain buzzwords sound better than they truly are.

Green can be used if any part of the process has environmental value. If a flooring is created from a recycled material, for example, it can be sold as green, even if the entire production process from beginning to end-of-life isn’t sustainable. That’s why it’s important to pay attention and ask questions to any product you choose.

Sustainability starts with farming. Is the wood harvested from sustainably grown forests? Are sustainable options used throughout the manufacturing process? Renewable energy in the factories? Sustainable transportation for getting the product ready for final delivery?

You can also look for products and materials that are properly certified from places like the Greenguard Environmental Institute. This is an industry-independent, third-party, non-profit organization that offers three certification programs to help you identify products and materials that meet certain qualifications. To achieve the certification, products must meet field-validated and performance-based standards in order to qualify. They must also demonstrate the use of low chemical and particle emissions.

Whatever flooring choice you choose, spend a little extra time thinking about how it was manufactured. A better quality product means better indoor air quality for your home. And when you pay attention, you can choose one that works well for your family and your home.

Is sustainable flooring in your future?

The post Choosing Sustainable Flooring For Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

We have two new Engineered Oak floors in our Charnwood Oak range.  Both of the floors are 190mm wide and have a 3mm wear layer of solid oak on top of the engineered base. The surface is textured as the flooring has been brushed and then finished with a UV oil for protection. Read More

The year 2020 will be remembered for a lot of things, but in your home, it might just be for the year you decided to spend more time at home.

Suddenly, you discovered you like being at home. All those little projects you left unfinished? They’re finally being completed. You need office space for you and your partner. A place for the kids to do their assignments and homework. And maybe a place where you can continue all of your crafts and hobbies you picked up along the way.

But 2020 is also a year you learned more about cleanliness and finding the perfect materials for everything inside your home. Take flooring; you know that old carpet has to go. What should you replace it with?

It might be time to consider cork floors. Why? For so many reasons. Let’s start with the biggest reason as we move forward from a pandemic.

Cork Floors are Hypoallergenic

If you’ve struggled with any respiratory problems in the past, such as allergies or asthma, you’re going to love cork flooring. It’s mold and mildew resistant, it contains antimicrobial properties, and repels things like dust mites, dirt, and other contaminants that may impact your floors’ cleanliness.

That can be a very big deal this year as you’re trying to keep your home clean. By installing them throughout your house, you know you have a natural material that will work hard to keep the air quality as clean as it can be.

However, keep in mind that if you are concerned about air quality, pay attention to the flooring manufacturer, and the method used for installation. Not all cork is the same. Look for products that were created to keep indoor air quality as safe and healthy as possible.

FloorScore is an index that helps you choose products based on independent certification for the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) it releases into the air. GreenGuard solutions is another certification that demonstrates how committed a product is to creating a healthy environment.

As you select a final product to come into your home, pay attention to te entire installation process. If a contractor uses a harsh adhesive for installation, it negates all the benefits you attain by selecting a reputable cork flooring product. That’s why it pays to get to know your flooring dealer first and trust them to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Cork Floors are Easy to Maintain

Is everything in your home a little cleaner this year? Are you looking for materials that make the cleaning process easier? Then look no further than cork floors.

While cork isn’t a maintenance-free flooring, with proper care, it can look beautiful for decades.

Many homeowners come in wary of cork, thinking about the topper in their favorite wine or the bulletin boards they used as kids. This is not the same cork. Cork flooring is pressed tighter and mimics some of the best hardwood floors in the industry. When they are sealed properly, they should hold up well against all sorts of spills and accidents. Like other materials, it’s all in how fast you react. If you leave red wine sitting for extended periods of time, it will stain. Just wipe off the liquid quickly, and you shouldn’t have problems.

Daily cleaning can be handled with just a simple dust broom or a vacuum with a bare floor setting. Oil-based soaps will damage the floor, so be sure to use water-based cleaners. Check with your flooring’s manufacturer for the right cleaning products, ones that won’t strip off the finish and leave it vulnerable to stains.

Cork Floors are Durable

Even though cork flooring is comparable to hardwood, it isn’t a hard surface. With small pressure points, it is susceptible to dents and tears. That means if your furniture has small legs that push weight down into the cork material, use coasters to level out the pressure points. If you wear high heels regularly, check them at the door. And be careful if you frequently move large furniture so the legs and other pressure points don’t dig in and tear the cork material.

Another threat to cork flooring can be dirt and small rocks. That’s why we suggest checking all of your shoes at the front door. When you drag in small amounts of dirt, sand, gravel, and other debris, they can become embedded into the cork material, scratching your flooring’s finish. At a minimum, we suggest floor mats at every entrance to wipe your feet and avoid tracking in damaging debris.

Cork Floors are Soft

One of the reasons people often pause before purchasing hardwood floors is the hardness factor. If you take a fall on a hardwood floor, you’re going to feel it. If you drop a dish on a hardwood floor, it probably won’t survive.

But cork flooring is different. That’s because cork isn’t a hard wood, but instead is made from the bark of a cork oak tree. The material is sheared off, ground, processed into sheets, and baked in a kiln until hard. The compressed material will bend and bounce back into shape. But it still contains air-filled pockets that give it that flexibility and sponge-like feel.

If you suffer from leg or back pain, and stay out of the kitchen because of the hardness of your flooring, cork can be a welcome relief. It can make standing for any length of time easier on your body. And if you have small children or elderly at risk of falling, cork flooring is a great way to create a stylish look in your home and still be safe in the process.

Cork Floors can be Refinished

Many homeowners love installing hardwood because it’s a flooring choice that will be around for decades. When the surface dulls and needs refreshing, you simply refinish it, and it looks like new.

Solid cork works in a similar fashion. Solid cork can be sanded down and refinished as well. While you don’t grind it down in the same manner, you can buff it with a palm sander to take a much thinner layer. Then apply a new coat of stain and sealer.

As with any natural product, cork isn’t meant to be a flawless material. That’s part of its charm. Every floor will have unique ebb and flow, based on the way the material comes together.

If you’re looking for something unique that adds to your comfort and durability, look no further than cork floors.

We think you’ll love the results.

The post What To Know About Cork Floors Now first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Carpet maintenance can seem tricky or even intimidating. After your investment of new carpet, you of course want to maintain it and extend the life of the carpet as long as possible. Your carpet acts as a filter for your home and traps a great deal of dirt, dust, and debris. In fact, over time all of these factors can actually change the color of your carpet. Here are some ways to keep your carpet in good shape: 

• Even before installing the carpet, it is important to have a good foundation. This is important because it feels better under your feet and extends the life of the carpet. 
• Vacuuming your carpet regularly. However, consider a quality vacuum as well because a low-quality vacuum can leave dirt and soil particles behind and also drag/scrape on the carpet and cause it to wear over time. For a list of approved vacuum cleaners from the Carpet and Rug Institute click here.
• Place entrance mats outside the door so that you and your guests can eliminate any dirt, water, debris, etc on the rug outside the home. Be sure to also clean those regularly. 
• Reorganize! Reorganize your furniture to change the foot traffic in the room. This helps prevent constant wear and tear to the same pathway on your carpet!
• Place carpet protectors on the feet of your chairs, tables, etc. to redistribute the weight of the furniture evenly. This helps prevent crushing the carpet pile.
• Spot clean with the appropriate treatment.
• Help reduce the exposure to sunlight. Apply window treatments to the windows such as shades, blinds, or curtains.
• Professional cleaning. Let the experts come in and give your carpets a little TLC. 
• It is particularly important to note that if you clean your carpet with soap and water that you use the correct amount. Never use excessive amounts of water and always let your carpet dry thoroughly.

You can preserve the life of your carpet by taking care of it. For a thorough list of carpet maintenance tips from the CRI visit here. For any questions about your carpet, call the experts today! The Carpet Guy’s are here to help!

The post Carpet Maintenance Tips and Tricks appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

When you decide it’s time to remodel your home, your first thought is function. How can you increase the functionality of your home, giving you more usable space?

But another part of you wants something more. You want elegance. You want beauty. You want the WOW factor when everyone walks through the door.

To get that wow factor, you can’t shop your local big box store and make selections available to the masses. You have to stretch. You have to think bigger.

Exotic hardwood flooring may just be the wow factor you’re looking for.

Why the best place to start a remodel is with your flooring

Depending on the room you’re redoing, there are a lot of changes you can make that will impact the way it looks and feels. A fresh coat of paint can set the stage for bigger things. New furniture can upgrade your room and give you a modern feel.

But paint and new furnishings are surface level. They are things that can be changed easily. With flooring, it’s a little more difficult to change out.

That’s why when you’re selling your home, buyers know to look beyond surface level and focus on things that can be game-changers in the way they live. They can always grab a few gallons of paint, and for a hundred dollars or so, reset the room for their needs.

Flooring is different. It takes work. It takes time. And it takes money for big changes. And buyers know that adds up, especially if they are putting out a lot of their funding for purchasing the home. That’s why buyers look at flooring as one of their “make or break” items when finalizing their decisions.

Hardwood stands out. It’s what Coloradoans want. But increasingly, they are also looking for a step above the norm. And that’s where exotic hardwood flooring comes into play.

What is exotic hardwood flooring?

In the world of flooring, hardwood falls into two categories: domestic and exotic.

Domestic hardwood refers to any species of wood that is found in North America. It includes Oak, Birch, Maple, and American Cherry. Because domestic hardwood is easier to harvest and install right here in the United States, it’s considered to have a more traditional look.

Exotic hardwoods include species found around the world. It usually comes from tropical locations, where hardwood is more in abundance. Some of the species include Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Walnut, and Australian Cypress, among others. They will have a more striking appearance because you won’t see them in every home across your neighborhood.

That makes the biggest downfall of exotic hardwood the …

When homeowners come in and start comparing hardwood, they immediately notice the difference between domestic and exotic. Yes, you can find different colors, different hues. But one thing stands out above all: the price.

It takes more effort to source exotic hardwood in different parts of the world. There are manufacturing costs. There are shipping costs. And it takes more effort to get the product here, to you, in the states.

We’re living in a globalized economy. That makes international trade more accessible than ever. The more we build relationships with other countries, the more we trade to get things we need and want in different locations of the world, the less expensive items will become.

But for now, exotic hardwood flooring is still considered a more expensive option. And that means you won’t see the different colors, different hues, different grains, in the homes you visit in your local community.

Another problem with exotic hardwood flooring … sustainability 

Exotic hardwood can sometimes be considered a status symbol. If you’re not conscious about where you harvest the hardwood from, it can be taken from sources that are overharvested, clear-cut, and at risk for extinction.

CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species – works hard to control wild fauna and flora. This issue is becoming more widely known because of global climate change.

If you don’t know where the wood is sourced from, there’s a good chance it comes from a less-than-reputable resource. Always question where the product comes from, and ensure you select manufacturers who adhere to the strict guidelines imposed by these different rules and regulations. That’s a big reason to visit a local flooring dealer as opposed to ordering flooring based on price from the internet.

Another thing to consider is carbon footprint. Is the wood sourced responsibly? What are the carbon offsets if you purchase the product and have it shipped in? A reputable manufacturer will be able to answer all of these questions and more.

Of course, there are a bunch of reasons why exotic hardwood flooring should be on your list

If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re in the market for exotic hardwood flooring, and you’re now on the search for the right product for your home. It’s hard to beat its beauty. But there are other reasons it might be the right choice for you as well.

• Exotic hardwood floors are durable. Some can last for years – decades – giving you a viable flooring option that can last a lifetime.
• The grain of different species can add to the beauty of your home. Select finishes, stains, and patterns that are far beyond what you can expect from domestic.
• Hardwood flooring is hypo-allergenic. If you’re worried about how your floors impact your health, rest assured hardwood is one of the healthiest flooring choices you can make.
• Don’t forget the environmental friendliness of hardwood flooring. As long as it’s harvested in a sustainable way, it can add to the beauty of your home without impacting the environment.
• It adds value to your home. This can be especially important if you are considering selling your home in the near future.

Is exotic hardwood flooring for you? 

Whether you’ve made your decision or are in the beginning process of selecting the right species and materials, the best place to start is to stop by and see what’s available.

We can help you narrow down your selections, and finalize your decision. Whatever questions you have, we can help you find the answers.

While it may take a little time to acclimate the product to your home, and have it installed the right way, once it’s laid into place, you’ll have a flooring you’ll be proud of for years to come.

What questions can we answer for you about exotic hardwood flooring?

The post Is Exotic Hardwood Flooring Worth The Cost? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

There’s a lot of flooring options out there. While it may be difficult to narrow down your selection, engineered hardwood flooring is a considerable option. Here’s why you may want to consider engineered hardwood flooring:

You want floors that are strong. Even if you don’t plan on putting heavy furniture in your space, strong flooring can withstand frequent traffic and wear and tear. Engineered hardwood flooring is made from top-quality plywood with a hardwood upper layer. This layering of wood increases the durability of the flooring. It is a strong and sturdy product that can withstand scratches, moisture, rotting, and pests.

Looks are everything when you’re shopping for flooring. If you’re picking out flooring for your space, you’re probably looking for flooring that matches your interior design aesthetic. Engineering hardwood flooring is beautiful. Just because it isn’t “natural” doesn’t mean it can’t resemble natural hardwood flooring. Engineered hardwood is actually available in more colors and styles than regular hardwood flooring because it is man-made, meaning you are more likely to find engineered hardwood flooring that matches your style than natural hardwood.

As the years go on and your flooring experiences natural wear, you can actually refinish engineered hardwood. This is why engineered hardwood is attractive to home buyers. Refinishing engineered hardwood flooring is easy and can transform a space’s appearance for the better.

Discover beautiful engineered hardwood flooring when you shop with flooring.org. You can browse our selection online with ease. You can also call our customer service team at 800-689-9006 with any questions regarding our products. We hope you will shop with us soon!

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

Hand scraped engineered Oak flooring is the perfect choice if you are looking for something with extra definition and texture.  The surface of the flooring has been scraped, by hand, before having protective coatings added.  The result is a rustic and textured plank of flooring with plenty of character and charm.

Oak is the most common species of wood to be used for hardwood flooring.  When you choose engineered Oak you are getting a versatile and natural flooring.  Oak is hard wearing and durable and you can fit engineered Oak in almost any room in your home (except for wet areas). Once installed it is easy to clean and look after.  See our Wooden Floor Cleaning Guide for more information.

 

Which new hand scraped Oak flooring are in this range?

We have four new hand scraped Oak floors for you to choose from:

 

Light Hand Scraped & Natural Oiled 

This light Oak coloured floor has the natural grain pattern and visible knots running throughout.  The natural oil that has been used to protect the surface, keeping the beauty and charm of the Oak.

 

Dark Hand Scraped & Dark Oiled 

Here, the Oak grain and knot patterns are fully visible, but a dark coloured oil has been added to the surface.  This dark oil gives the necessary protection to the floor, while darkening the overall colour slightly.

 

Hand Scraped & White Oiled 

Although this flooring has a white oil added, the overall colour is quite dark.  The white oil helps to protect the flooring, while added glimpses of white throughout the grain pattern.

 

Hand Scraped & Grey Oiled 

By adding a grey oil to this Oak, you get a unique looking floor.  The beauty of the Oak comes through but is combined with the modern trends of grey.  The oils does not completely change the colour of the flooring, rather it adds grey highlights and tones.

 

 

If you would like to find out more about hand scraped wood flooring, have a look at the following:

What is Hand Scraped Wood Flooring?

The post New Engineered Oak Flooring: Hand Scraped appeared first on The Wood Flooring Guide.

This post appeared first on https://www.ambiencehardwoodflooring.co.uk

Have you come to the conclusion you want hardwood throughout your home? It’s a popular choice here in Colorado.

But making the decision to install hardwood is only the first step in the process. You have choices. And today’s hardwood isn’t like what your parents had installed.

Before you move forward, take the time to discover the differences between solid, engineered, or laminate hardwood. Discover which is best for your unique situation. Install the right choice and you’ll be happy with your flooring for years.

https://pro-flooring.com/its-the-best-season-to-install-new-hardwood-flooring/

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? It’s solid. And that’s what attracts so many homeowners to it.

Solid hardwood floors are made from a solid piece of hardwood. The entire plank is cut from the tree, meaning the flooring used is natural to the core.

In most cases, hardwood flooring manufacturers create these planks to be three-quarters of an inch thick. To give it strength, it must be nailed down to a wood subfloor. That means if your home was built on a slab or concrete base, solid hardwood isn’t the choice for you.

The biggest benefit to solid hardwood flooring is it’s the real thing. If you want natural beauty, you’ll never go wrong with a hardwood floor. Because it’s solid, it’s easier to install and maintain for years to come. It’s one of the easiest flooring choices to sand and refinish. Plus, you can do it again and again, meaning with the right solid hardwood floor in place, it can last you for decades to come.

While it is easier to maintain and repair, hardwood is also softer than the two other types of hardwood. If you drop a heavy object on it, it can easily damage the floor. If you spill water on it and leave it for any length of time, it can swell and expand, causing warping and gapping. For this reason, you can’t use solid hardwood in moisture-prone places such as bathrooms or basements.

You’ll also find solid hardwood to have the largest price tag – it takes a lot to create solid hardwood planks.

Engineered Hardwood

Did the thought of solid hardwood flooring just take a step down from your desired flooring choice? Never fear, maybe engineered hardwood is for you.

Engineered hardwood is built in layers, with only the top layer containing real hardwood. The inner layers are built from plywood, fiberboard, and in some cases hardwood. The top layer is usually a hardwood veneer, but here’s where you create your style. This hardwood layer can be made from whatever hardwood material you desire – cherry, maple, oak.

Because engineered hardwood is made from several layers of materials, it has more flexibility in how it’s installed. If you have a slab subfloor or one made of concrete, engineered can be glued down.

But one of the best reasons homeowners turn to engineered wood is because it does better in moisture. If you’ve seen hardwood below-grade, in basements throughout the Front Range, chances are it’s engineered. That’s because it can stand up to dampness and perform quite well. It’s also a great addition to install over radiant heating – making it an even better choice in your finished basement.

https://pro-flooring.com/yes-you-can-have-wood-floors-in-your-bathroom/

You won’t have to worry about this buckling under pressure. And it costs less than solid hardwood, giving it an advantage in certain situations throughout your home.

Laminate Hardwood

Laminate flooring is one of the easiest to install. It comes in a tongue and groove system that makes it easy to click into place. Laminate contains a resin-based surface that is laminated to a wood-based core. It contains several layers of fiberboard and pressboard, installed over a protective backing. This isn’t a hardwood surface, instead, it’s created with a realistic photograph mimicking hardwood’s good looks. With today’s technology, it is very realistic.

Laminate is, in general, only one-third of an inch thick. It can easily be laid into place over other flooring options. That makes it a breeze for transitioning from one room to another if you aren’t using the same choices from room to room.

The biggest benefit is the cost. Installing laminate flooring can be as much as 50 percent less than solid hardwood. And for some homeowners, that is its biggest draw.

It’s also one of the hardest choices, being more durable and resistant to scratches because of its pressed wood materials.

However, laminate does not do well with moisture. This isn’t a product to install in your laundry room or bathroom. Any moisture can cause the layers to break apart, peel, and wear down.

Another issue with laminate is peaking. This is where two planks move together and create a raised surface area. Laminate is a popular DIY project. But if you install it incorrectly, if the glue isn’t put properly into place, or if there isn’t enough room between the flooring edges, peaking can occur.

So, what’s your choice?

With today’s technology, any of the three have their place in a modern home. It starts by asking some questions about your expectations, and making the decision based on your needs.

• Where will I be installing my new floors?
• Does one hardwood choice make sense over the other?
• How durable do I expect my flooring to be?
• How much maintenance am I willing to give it?
• Am I planning on selling my home soon?
• Do I plan to live in my home for decades to come?

With just a little planning, you can start to see one hardwood choice be better than another.

https://pro-flooring.com/the-easiest-ways-to-save-money-on-your-hardwood-flooring/

Still have questions? That’s what we’re here for.

Give us a call today. Better yet, stop by.

We can show you our complete line of hardwood, let you see and feel the difference between solid, engineered, and laminate hardwood, and help you make the right choice for your home.

The post Choosing Hardwood? Should You Select Solid, Engineered, or Laminate? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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