If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well. That’s exactly why we’re proud to share this stunning transformation, thanks to Karen from popular interiors blog, The White Approach. We spoke to Karen about her ideas for her landing renovation, and the difference it has made to her home.

Where did you draw inspiration from when looking for ideas for your landing makeover?

“Inspiration for my hallway makeover comes from my love of interiors and my existing home style.  As a homes and interiors blogger I watch trends and incorporate aspects I feel will suit my home style.  Plants are currently a big trend and I recently discovered I could keep them without killing them off! So decided to include them in the hallway makeover.”

What made you decide to renovate?

“I decided to renovate the hallway because living in a home with four men, there is an awful lot of footfall.  We had a carpet down which was looking very sorry for itself despite my attempts to keep it clean. The wooden flooring I chose from Direct Wood Flooring was not only beautiful, but very hard-wearing.”

Did you fit the flooring yourself?

“My amazing husband fitted the flooring. He is inspirational in his ability to turn his hand to all of the jobs around the house I ask him to do.”

What made you choose engineered wood for your flooring?

“I chose engineered wood flooring because it was both beautiful and hard-wearing. It is also amazing value for money for the quality.”

How did you find the floor to fit?

“From where I was standing it looked pretty straightforward to fit the flooring. My husband is a perfectionist, but I know the fact that there were FIVE doorways to fit into might test the patience of a saint!”

See also: How to glue down engineered wood flooring

Are you pleased with the end result?

“I am over the moon with the end result. I am hoping we can lay the engineered wood flooring in our bedroom and the twins’ room in the near future. It is a real pleasure to go up the stairs these days. It’s so easy to keep clean, has not marked despite the constant people traffic and is beautiful to look at.”

Would you recommend this flooring and a DIY installation to your friends?

“I would absolutely recommend this flooring and Direct Wood Flooring to my friends and yes, DIY installation saves an absolute fortune.  I am very lucky I have such a talented husband, although the engineered wood click floorboards are very straightforward to lay.”

There are many benefits to engineered wood flooring that make it so popular in high-traffic areas such as Karen’s landing. High durability, plus the ability to sand and re-finish if required, means it has outstanding longevity. Meaning Karen’s landing stays looking beautiful for longer!

You can read more about the renovation on Karen’s blog, The White Approach. The project was covered in two posts: laying the engineered flooring, and the final results.

We offer up to four free samples if you’d like to shop our range of engineered wood flooring. Simply order online, call 03308 088777 or email [email protected].

The post Landing Renovation: Karen from The White Approach appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Fitting your new carpet? Why we recommend using a certified expert 

Upgrading your carpet is a big step- it can cost a lot and make a difference to the feel, appearance, and even price, of your home. Getting your carpet fitted by an accredited expert can easily feel like an unnecessary additional expense- and the temptation is always to attempt to fit your own, cutting down on the hefty price of the carpet itself. Perhaps you’re keen to buy the best looking, highest quality carpet possible and to absorb the additional expense you’re hoping to dust off your DIY handbook and tools and fit it yourself. Perhaps a friend or relative, or someone in your area, is a bit of an odd jobs man or woman, and has offered to do the job for less. It’s natural to want to save money, so why not explore the options available?

This is an understandable train of thought, and one shared by many homeowners- including all the ones who end up regretting their cost-cutting decisions. Some experienced DIY-ers can fit a carpet in a few days with the right experience, instructions, tools and equipment. But botch jobs are common and with something as expensive as a new household carpet, a single mistake could be a really, really expensive one. Fitting underlay adds a second more complex dimension to the process, and can easily be done sloppily- which will affect the feel of the flooring that will sit on top. The presence of air bubbles or creases, laying the wrong way up or poor fitting and inaccurate measurements and cuts.

The reason we always recommend using an accredited carpet fitter is that this uncertainty outweighs the extra cost. A mistake while fitting can cost a lot to undo, and it’s not one you’ll want to risk twice. By using an accredited carpet fitter you can trust that your carpet fitting will be completed quickly, efficiently and to the high standard we all want in our homes. Using professionals might sometimes feel like an extra expense- but the cost is worth it.

For more information on our carpet fitting services, or help finding your dream flooring, contact our team or drop into our extensive Sheffield showroom. We help all our customers find the carpet, LVT or other surface that they love, to ensure maximum satisfaction and the best possible experience with us.

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Rustic interiors strike the perfect balance between comfort and ruggedness. The beauty in rustic design is how natural elements complement the clever use of a space’s unrefined charm. So where should you start when it comes to creating your own rustic interior?

Colour Palette

You guessed it, natural colours are the preference when it comes to rustic interiors. Greys, browns and greens are common colours that are rife within a rustic home, and help to create warmth.

With other interior design concepts, a colour palette is ordinarily designed from flat colours to match textured elements such as upholstery. In rustic interiors, the colour palette usually takes inspiration from natural materials; think wood, leather, or stone when forming the basis of your palette.

Furniture

When looking at furniture, simple works best. The design and shape take a backseat, allowing the natural materials to shine through. Whilst modern interiors favour minimalist furniture (often meaning tiny sofas and even smaller tables), rustic interiors favour the oversized look. It’s more inviting, and instantly appears more comfortable.

To achieve the desired look through your furniture, it’s worth considering an upcycling approach. A connection to the past is what gives many rustic interiors their charm, and used furniture can give exactly that. Rather than buying new, shop around for pieces with character and enquire about having them restored. An old dressing table can become your new favourite showpiece with a sand and lick of paint!

Flooring

If you’re committed to achieving a rustic look with your interior design, a change in flooring may play a big part. It should follow the same natural theme as the rest of the space, meaning stone, tile or wood are all good options.

Solid or engineered wood flooring are the most efficient when it comes to the authentic wooden look and feel. Choose something that will add a warm feel to your décor, carefully choosing a colour that suits your preference. The grains and twisting knots will add to a room’s character, with brushed wood flooring being the preferred choice to make these more accentuated.

If a wooden floor is out of budget, there are alternatives such as laminate flooring that give you the same feel at a fraction of the price. Certain ranges, such as our Chalet range, devote themselves to rustic interiors, meaning you’re spoiled for choice. Luckily, Direct Wood Flooring offer up to four free wood samples!

A rustic interior is all about making the most of natural elements, whilst still creating a homely, comforting space. It’s a broad term, one which encompasses many different design elements. You can incorporate modern features in moderation, whereas you can also include rustic elements in the relatively contemporary interior you already have. It’s all about striking a balance.

Charming and authentic, rustic is difficult to pin down as one exact style. Find an interior that works for you, while you stay true to a natural and unrefined look.

If you’d like some advice on flooring for your rustic interior, get in touch with our team by calling 03308 088777 or email [email protected].

The post Guide to Rustic Interiors appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Mediterranean tiles

Colourful motifs and abstract patterns…

Inspired by traditional Moroccan tiles our laminate Mediterranean collection makes a practical flooring option.

The influence of Morocco’s position in North Africa, boarding the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, is prevalent through its local art and design. With cobalt and saffron being reminiscent of the of the oceans and sweeping deserts. While the epic mountain ranges and ancient medinas have inspired travellers for centuries.

Originating in Morocco in the 10th century the original tiles were in subdued hues of white and grey. The pattern features geometric triangles, diamonds and delicate fauna. This is due to the representation of living beings being increasingly prohibited in Islamic tradition from the 9th century. As the style developed rich colours soon became the most popular option. There was an emphasis on cobalt and saffron being used as kitchen and bathroom walls.

The patchwork appearance of the traditional hand laid tiles is replicated in our flooring through the misaligned pattern and grout. This will also ensure that your floor will be unique to your home once laid. Each laminate piece is finished with a smooth surface to give a sleek look, reminiscent of natural stone tiling.

At the centre point between east and west, north and south Morocco’s architecture and interior design are influenced by its European and African neighbours. This results in amazingly vivid prints and patterns, with a strong focus on feature walls and mosaic tiles.

Moroccan decor is perfect for adding bohemian flair to your decor. The bright and carefree style is perfect for homes in the United Kingdom as it adds much-needed colour during winter. The use of lively colours, intricate details and texture can be found throughout walls and floors in Moroccan interior design. This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to introduce Moroccan style elements to your home. Think mosaic patterns, lantern-style lamps and textured throw pillows.

View our full Meditteranean collection now

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

Planning to have your hardwood floors refinished? Refinishing hardwood floors is one of the best things you can do to make your home look and feel more beautiful and complete. It also will increase the value of your home and last for years, if you take care of it. At Floor Craft Sanding, we have years of experience in refinishing and installing hardwood floors. Need a quote? Give us a call at (317) 759-2575 or contact us online.

1. Save the floor for last. 

Planning other renovation projects? Whether you also plan to paint, replace any drywall or baseboards, redo the bathroom, etc., save the floor for last. It’ll save wear and tear on your new floor. 

2. Dry weather is best. 

Try to avoid refinishing floors during wet weather or during high humidity. (Although, let’s face it, this can be hard to plan for in Indiana!) Wood is a porous material, and when the old finish is stripped away, the wood surface will absorb moisture. If the weather is wet or especially humid, the finish could take longer to dry or may not be as even. 

3. Protect against dust. 

We’ll take measures to control dust, but some may seep out of the room we’re working in. Our advanced dust containment system, which utilizes the most cutting-edge equipment, captures 95 – 98% of all airborne dust.  Still, you may want to cover other nearby furniture. For wall hangings or pictures in the room, remove or cover them. 

4. Make arrangements for pets.

Unless you are able to keep your pets outside, contained in another room, or crated during the day we’ll be working, we suggest all pets be kept away from the house. Our finishes are indoor air quality certified, so fumes aren’t a health concern; however, your pet’s nails, hair, and footprints can be very damaging (and costly) to your new floor.

More questions about prepping your Indianapolis home for refinishing your hardwood floors? Check out our FAQ page! Give our expert team a call at (317) 759-2575 or contact us online. 

The post How to Prep before Your Hardwood Floors Are Refinished appeared first on Floor Craft Sanding.

There’s no question: hardwood floors add charm, class, and value to your home or business. They’re an investment that will give you great satisfaction for years to come. One of the things to consider when exploring hardwood flooring is which installation option you should choose: prefinished or finished on-site? Whatever your choice, Floor Craft Sanding will make the process go smoothly, giving you the affordable, well-made hardwood floor of your dreams. Contact us online or call (317) 759-2575 to talk to our team of experts. 

On-Site Floor Finishing

If you choose on-site finishing of your solid hardwood, it can be customized to your exact specifications. With this option, it is also simpler to add specialty services like borders, medallions, and custom graphics. And future wood floor repairs will be much easier and less expensive because it won’t be necessary to match a manufacturer’s finish.

Prefinished Wood Flooring

Prefinished floors are finished and sanded by the manufacturer prior to installation. Because those potentially messy and time-consuming processes have already been completed by the time the flooring gets to you, the wood floor installation process takes less time and produces less dust. It also means less disruption thus is a good choice if you can’t afford to be away from your home or office for very long. On the down side, prefinished options often result in a more difficult refinishing process down the road because it’s harder to match the manufacturer’s finish.

Hardwood Floors Done Right

Installing hardwood floors is a rewarding and beneficial investment that will stand the test of time. From the moment you have them installed, you’ll love the warm, natural splendor of hardwood from Floor Craft Sanding. Be sure to check out our specials on installations, repairs, and refinishing projects in Indianapolis and nearby Indiana areas. Questions about your project? Contact us at (317) 759-2575. 

The post Installing Hardwood Floors: Prefinished or Finished On-Site? appeared first on Floor Craft Sanding.

Winter’s arrival means hot chocolate, warm sweaters, and candles, but also more moisture and corrosive salts that may be walked into your home. However, hardwood floors are up to the challenge. With just a few precautions, your hardwood floors will make it through the season just fine. Questions? Call the hardwood flooring experts at Floor Sand Crafting at (317) 759-2575 or contact us online. 

1. Avoid using salt on your front porch. 

Protecting your hardwood floors this winter starts with keeping de-icing salts far away. Salt leaves a white, abrasive residue and salt particles can scratch your floor’s finish. If left on the floor too long, salt can harm the wood itself. (Here are some non-salt ice-melting ideas.)

2. Use mats at all entrances. 

Placing doormats at all entrances will give snow and salt a chance to be wiped off shoes and boots before they walk onto your floors. If there is a particular area of your floor where shoes collect or that receives a lot of outside foot traffic, consider laying down a large area rug to protect the floor during the winter.

3. Mop up water or snow right away. 

Sitting water or snow can damage hardwood floors, so immediately removing puddles is the key to protecting your floors. Use a towel to remove the moisture, mop the area, and dry. Sweep your floors regularly to remove debris. 

Do your hardwood floors need professional help to look their best? When it comes to hardwood flooring, Floor Craft Sanding has the experience and knowledge to make each project a success. We believe every floor can be a hallmark of your home, and we take every precaution to make sure all aspects of installation are done with precision and attention to detail. Contact Floor Craft Sanding today at (317) 759-2575 or contact us online to ask how we can add the timeless beauty of wood flooring to your Indianapolis, Indiana area home.

The post 3 Easy Ways to Protect Hardwood Floors in Winter appeared first on Floor Craft Sanding.

Patterned or plain? Bold or neutral? How to choose the perfect flooring shade for your room

Unless you’re an interior design expert, choosing your new flooring is likely to leave you with a twinge of doubt. What looks great in the showroom, when actually fitted, might show dirt, seem gloomy or bland or just ugly. A sample that might look great, when sized up to fit your living room, doesn’t always gel. So what guidance is there to ensure you end up with the right flooring surface for your home? Our brief guide

1. Choose the right surface

The last thing you want is to fit a new carpet that then becomes worn or dirty. The difference a more durable flooring surface can make to high-traffic areas over the years truly makes them worth considering. Hallways, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that experience high foot traffic as well as spills, stains and scuffs will remain brighter and more attractive in the long term the more durable a surface you use.

2. Pattern for space

Large and small spaces alike benefit from a sense of light and space, though the exact impact you want to achieve depends on the room. Smaller rooms, such as bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens, always depend on features and furnishings to achieve a welcoming sense of space. This can often be a challenge to combine with the placement of functional features such as appliances. The best approach for these is to use patterns such as grids and ceramic tiled patterns to open up a room. While also fitting the functional theme, a ceramic tile pattern such as the classic black and white chequered ‘chessboard’ flooring lends your floor an optical illusion that provides a striking impression of space.

3. Colour for light

Very light or very dark colours can both provide a sense of light. By carefully working light and dark shades, you can produce a great brightening effect in otherwise dingy-feeling rooms. A very dark floor can bring out the light in a room with white fittings and walls, while a lighter floor can create a broad neutral feel that accentuated décor features and accents.

4. Consider the bigger picture

Your entire house, throughout the entire day, will be a wide range of shades and atmospheres, as natural light moves and changes. Neither will you be in one room all day- so factor in the feel of a flooring as part of the whole.

If you ever need any help choosing your new flooring, feel free to ask the advice of our flooring experts at our Sheffield showroom. We’ve helped homeowners across South Yorkshire find the right floor for their homes, with years of experience we’re confident we can help you too!

The post How to choose the right flooring appeared first on Pyramid Carpets – News.

Hardwood floors are beautiful, easy to maintain, and provide a clean, safe surface for your family. They are also the most environmentally sound choice for your floor. So, if you want to make a difference with your flooring choice, pick hardwood and let the experts at Floor Craft Sanding install it for you. Questions? Contact us today or give us a call at (317) 759-2575.

1. A Renewable Resource

Wood flooring is the most abundantly renewable flooring material available. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the annual net growth for hardwoods is greater than the average annual removal rate, thanks to responsible harvesting techniques. That means that trees are growing faster than they are being used.

In terms of CO2 removal, trees remove the most CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the air when they are young, long before they are ready for harvest. By the time they are harvested, the process by which they take in CO2 and release oxygen is slowed significantly. This means that the earth still is benefiting from their most “productive” oxygen emission phase.

2. Fewer Chemicals

Hardwood floors contain far fewer harmful chemicals than carpet or linoleum. Once in your home, hardwood floors are far easier to clean than carpet, keeping your family and pets free and clear of debris, dust, and chemicals brought in from treated lawns.

3. Longer Life

Wood floors use less water and energy to produce than carpet and linoleum. They last the lifetime of a house, rather than needing to be replaced every 10-15 years.

Floor Craft Sanding is a family-owned business here in Indianapolis. With our environmentally safe techniques, we can provide you with eco-friendly solutions for all of your wood flooring needs. Contact us online, or call (317) 759-2575 to learn about how your new flooring can meet all of your needs!

Source: Bona.com

The post 3 Reasons Why Hardwood Floors Are Most Environmentally Sound Flooring Choice appeared first on Floor Craft Sanding.

Vinyl Flooring from Pyramid Carpets: A practical, stylish choice

A well-chosen floor can transform any room; discover why with our five-point guide

Versatile and easy to manage

Vinyl flooring is the ultimate versatile floor surface, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and wet rooms. It’s incredibly easy to cut & adjust, fitted in minutes to all kinds spaces. Simple to adjust to even complex appliances and fittings, with vinyl, you can upgrade your floor in a day.

Realistic prints

Modern floor printing means vinyl floors no longer look bland or boring. Exciting prints and textures can replicated stone or other surfaces with incredible precision and accuracy, while nuanced subtle colours can easily bring a new dimension to the space.

Durable and tough- perfect for a family home

Nothing holds up to wear & tear like vinyl. Strong a resilient to cuts, stains, scuffs or spills, good vinyl holds up for years without fading or deteriorating. Perfect for high- traffic areas of the home, such as the kitchen or bathroom, it also resists moisture brilliantly- meaning that water, food, mud and other spills that could cause stains, smells or slips can be contained and cleaned up without fuss.

Creative patterns for less

Stylish designs and stunning patterns are easily available through vinyl flooring- which is also one of the most cost-effective flooring solutions available. These designs are often ideally suited to rooms where bringing light and space is a real benefit- rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen, which are often small and can easily appear cramped or dark. Open up a feeling of bright, modern roominess with a cutting edge vinyl floor.

Great value

Vinyl floors, to put it simply, are great, great value. Affordable and hardwearing, they can be fitted easily (cutting out the need for professional fitting) and are virtually indestructible, meaning you won’t need to replace them every few years. The flipside of this is that they’re easy and quick to replace if you ever need a change. Vinyl floors are really the ultimate practical flooring solution!

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