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Smoked or natural Oak is a personal preference. If you are thinking of having a new Oak floor, there are some important decisions that you will want to make. One of the most appealing things about Oak is the way that it looks. With Oak you are getting a distinctive, classic and timeless floor covering that can last a lifetime if cared for properly.  The colour of natural Oak has golden, blonde and light brown tones running throughout.  A great alternative is smoked Oak, which gives a darker, richer brown colour. Read More

In the flooring industry, there are many misunderstood categories that confuse homeowners. They shy away from some flooring products simply because they don’t understand the name.

Engineered flooring falls into that category. Many picture ugly floors with a hollow sound, reminiscent of flooring used in homes long ago. Nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find today’s engineered flooring mimics solid wood so well, even the experts have to take a second glance. It’s less prone to moisture damage, and is easier to maintain. If you’d rather spend time with your family than fussing over your floors, engineered wood may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

What is engineered flooring?

Engineered wood flooring isn’t a solid plank, but instead consists of a wear layer and a stability core. It starts with a thin layer of wood on top, also known as wood veneer, and multiple layers of backing, which produces the core.

The thickness of the veneer and core depends on the product and manufacturer you select. Pay attention to the construction, as this will play the biggest role in longevity and how your flooring handles over time. Durable engineered flooring should have an overall thickness of ⅝ inch or greater, 3/16 inch veneer, with a core thickness of 9-ply or above. The core should be thicker than the veneer, giving it strength and durability. It should be constructed from the highest quality woods for the core, with each ply angled, so the grains run at a 90-degree angle to the previous level it is adhered to.

Most engineered flooring is mass-produced, which means it’s worth paying attention to the manufacturer you select to ensure the greatest care is given to the final product produced.

Because the surface of the veneer is applied in the factory, it can be one of the strongest wear layers on the market. They are often produced with five or more coats of tough polyurethane to ensure the veneer is well protected and can withstand anything a homeowner dishes out.

But is engineered wood flooring really better than hardwood?

Still skeptical? We get it. Many homeowners feel the same way when they first enter our store. Hardwood is a beloved flooring product, and the concept of engineered wood flooring has a lot of baggage attached.

Appearance – if you purchase a high quality product from a reputable company, you are very unlikely to be able to see the difference. In fact, few visitors will ever question its authenticity, with most people assuming engineered wood is traditional solid hardwood planks. It’s that good.

Durability – all you have to do is look at the warranty offered by engineered wood flooring products to know just how durable it is. Many of our top brands offer up to thirty years of protection, and stand behind their products in a variety of situations. They wouldn’t do that if they doubted their products.

Maintenance – if you’re already used to caring for traditional hardwood, you’ll love the fact that engineered wood is even easier. With it being less likely to warp and be damaged by moisture and spills, you can feel good about your decision to install it in places you may have been hesitant before. Worried about your hardwood in the kitchen? No more. While engineered wood still isn’t waterproof, the wear layer on most products means it will handle even better under pressure.

How is it different from laminate?

Great question. Engineered wood flooring has a wear layer veneer that sits on top and provides both strength and classic good looks once it’s installed. Laminate is constructed with a thin coating made to resemble hardwood. The rest is a high-density fiberboard that consists of a variety of wood fibers held together by resin. Engineered wood uses a genuine piece of hardwood as its wear layer. Laminate uses an image of hardwood topped off by a series of polyurethane coats.

While the aesthetics may be similar, the overall construction is different. And that results in a much higher quality product.

One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood over laminate is longevity. Engineered flooring can be restored by sanding it down and reapplying finishing coats to seal in the classic good looks. While you won’t be able to refinish the surface as many times as with solid hardwood, it still gives you several options. And with more manufacturers creating products in this industry, you’ll find countless colors, styles, and wood types to suit your needs.

Another reason many people turn to laminate over solid hardwood is the ease of installation. Laminate comes in a variety of installation methods, including click-and-lock technology, which makes it a snap for do-it-yourselfers looking for easy options. Engineered wood leans towards laminate as a do-it-yourselfers possibility. Because the planks are prefinished in production, you can find your product, bring it home, and install it the same day. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with the finishing work, and want to rely on a professional’s experience, we can help you with that as well.

Where can it be installed?

Engineered wood can be installed anywhere you’d lay hardwood into place … and more.

If you want to use radiant heating in your home, engineered flooring is the perfect choice. The thinner boards heat better than a thicker, more solid piece of hardwood. Use a floating floor to hover over the radiant heating tubing, and you won’t risk damaging the system located underneath.

If you’re worried about installing solid hardwood in your basement, consider engineered flooring instead. Because of engineered wood’s production, the boards are less likely to expand and contract as moisture levels change. Be aware that engineered wood is still wood, which means if your basement is prone to moisture and flooding, engineered flooring may not be the optimal choice. Take care of any spills, drips, or other moisture problems that put the boards at risk.

Is engineered flooring the right choice for you?

The best way to see your options is to stop by and take a look for yourself. You’ll find our complete line of engineered wood on display. Find a few samples, and take them home today.

The post Understanding Engineered Flooring and Why It May Be Best For You first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Alzheimer’s awareness is not something often thought about until it affects family or friends.  But The Carpet Guys don’t want to wait until it afflicts our loved ones.  We will participate in the fight to help patients, caregivers and find research to end this horrible disease NOW.  Check out what The Carpet Guys are doing to help with Alzheimer’s awareness.

What is Alzheimer’s?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.”  It can affect not only our older generations but also people under the age of 65. The symptoms are characteristically memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and can even include problems with walking, swallowing, and speaking.  To learn more about this progressive disease, check out the Alzheimer’s Association webpage HERE.

The Carpet Guys Bring Awareness

According to Joe Zago of The Carpet Guys, Alzheimer’s isn’t stopping, and neither are we. By participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s we are raising funds and awareness to advance the fight against this disease — funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.

Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other types of dementia need us now more than ever — and with your help, we can be there for them.

Event Details

• October 30th, 2021
• Registration: 7:00am
• Opening Ceremony: 8:30am
• Walk: 8:55am
• Location: The Detroit Zoo
  • 8450 West 10 Mile Road
  • Royal Oak, MI 48067

How Can I Help Bring Alzheimer’s Awareness

The Carpet Guys are asking for donations to raise funds for this amazing cause.  Go to our Facebook page to donate by clicking HERE.

Or you can register for the walk and join The Carpet Guys family at the Detroit Zoo by clicking HERE.

You can also go to the Detroit event page HERE, to find out how you can donate your time for this amazing event.

Joe Zago, along with The Carpet Guys family have several causes that fall near and dear to our hearts.  But this is one that we can all agree needs to be addressed.  We look forward to seeing you at The Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

If you came here looking for help with flooring, don’t hesitate to contact us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or schedule a Free In-Home Estimate HERE.

The post Alzheimer’s Awareness appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

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Looking to update your home this autumn? Before you do, let’s take a look at what is actually trending in the interiors and flooring department this autumn so you can update in style. 

We’ll look at some of this seasons favourites that are here to stay: 

 

• Rich Colours Paired With Dark Woods
• Warm neutrals
• Rusty orange

 

Rich Colours Paired With Dark Woods

 

This first trend is one that will add a luxurious depth to any room in your home. Using a rich colour palette, paired with darker wood floors, furnishings and accessories is the perfect way to create a sumptuous space. 

 

Painting your walls shades that have darker undertones: burgundy, deep greens and blues is the perfect way to provide the foundation of this interior trend. 

 

Now for the dark woods. Incorporating dark woods into your design is the perfect way to offset your interiors. 

 

These can be introduced through furnishing such as coffee tables, sideboards, the legs of your sofas, and your flooring!

 

Dark Wood Flooring 

 

When it comes to dark wood flooring, there is a wide range of options you can choose from to complement your rich coloured walls. 

 

As dark wood is in relation to a colour as opposed to a flooring type you’re not limited to just one type of flooring. Laminate, solid wood, engineered wood, LVT and EvoCore are all great options that will have a wide range of darker shades available to suit your design. 

 

EvoCore Nature Forest Oak	Villa Harbour Oak	Studio Coffee Oak Engineered Wood
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So you’re not limited to styles or flooring types to suit your needs and lifestyle. 

 

Warm Neutrals 

 

You may have been familiar with the grey trend that has entered the homes of millions over the last few years. Well, this neutral trend has evolved even further from your typical grey, to greige. 

 

Greige blends the popular interior colours of grey and beige, creating the perfect balance of cool chic tones, and warm inviting tones. Due to the neutral qualities of this trend, it is easy to introduce brighter colours or metals and woods to accentuate and accessorise with. 

 

This level of versatility is what has seen this trend become widely adopted by homes across the globe.

Flooring To Match This Trend

 

Lighter wood shades perfectly complement these neutral tones creating a beautiful warming space. 

 

EvoCore Design Floor Golden Fudge Oak LVT	Loft Natural Oak Laminate	Carpenters Choice Oak Engineered Wood
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You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to finding flooring options to match this interior trend.

 

Rusty Orange

 

This final trend is picked straight from the autumnal palette. Rusty orange. 

 

This beautiful colour has become a favourable tone to bring a splash of autumn. The warm orange tone, forces a cosy, warm and welcoming space. 

 

Just picture it. Shades of dark orange, the candles are on, the blankets are out. Simply stunning. 

 

This interior trend is achieved with using rusty orange walls and furnishings, coupled with natural wood accessories and flooring. 

 

Flooring To Match This Trend

 

Loft Golden Oak Laminate	Manor Natural Oak Engineered Wood	Hacienda Herringbone Engineered Wood
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And there we have a round up of some of our favourite Autumn trends to jump on if you are renovating this year. 

 

If you need any assistance with your flooring, get in touch with one of our experts today. 

The post Autumnal Interior and Flooring Trends 2021 appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

As a homeowner, maintaining your home is part of homeownership. When it comes time to upgrade your floors, you have two choices: natural or synthetic.

Natural flooring choices are created from things occurring in nature. It includes materials like slate, granite, wood, and marble. Synthetic flooring is human-made, created and engineered from products found in a lab. It includes laminate, vinyl, ceramic, quartz, and some fibers.

All you have to do is look at a design magazine to tell what’s trending in current home design. While synthetic materials grew in popularity after WWII, natural flooring has made a comeback in recent years.

A lot of that comes from wanting to increase sustainability. Selecting materials that don’t harm the earth is only part of the equation. We care about our health, and pay attention to indoor air quality. We want flooring materials that will stand the test of time. We want products that are good for our homes, and look great doing so.

That’s why natural stone flooring continues to top design lists.

According to a report “Natural Stone Market by Type (Marble, Granite, Limestone, and Others) and Application (Flooring, Memorial Arts, Wall Cladding, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019–2026,” the global natural stone market is expected to hit $48.06 billion by 2026, an increase of almost 4 percent growth per year.

With more people remodeling, creating space at home where they can work and play, natural stone flooring is being included for a variety of reasons. Natural stone refers to various mined substances pulled from the earth to be used in home decor. Common natural stone flooring products include granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, and travertine. While each of these substances makes for great flooring, they all have slightly different properties that react to daily usage in different ways. Before you make your final decision, it’s important to understand the different properties and select the one that suits your needs best.

As you shop for flooring, it’s easy to focus on what you can see – color, patterns, style. Yet there are other things you should consider before honing in on a particular product, to ensure it works well with your family’s lifestyle.

Water testing

If you’re thinking of installing natural stone, chances are it’s because of its durability. Whether you place it in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, the idea of not having to worry about moisture problems is appealing.

Yet different types of stone have different qualities that make some better where moisture is a concern. An absorption rating is given to natural stone flooring products to let consumers know how porous a material is. It’s a measure that can tell you the susceptibility to damage during freezing conditions, as well as the absorption rate in the case of liquid spills. It’s expressed as a percentage of weight change due to absorbed water. You’ll find natural stone classified as:

• Non-vitreous – this is the highest absorption level. They shouldn’t be used if dampness is an issue.
• Semi-vitreous – while they can handle some moisture, the more they are subjected to, the more maintenance they will need.
• Vitreous – this provides standard absorption and is considered appropriate for installing both indoors and out.
• Impervious – these products are resistant to absorption of liquids and are considered easier to maintain. You’ll find these products in commercial applications because of how well they stand up to wear and tear.

From the materials listed above, you’ll find sandstone is the most porous material, while granite will stand the test of time in high moisture situations.

Grading systems

While natural stone is known for its classic beauty, its long-term durability, and its lasting value, it’s important to select the right type of stone to suit your needs. When you start looking at flooring products, be sure to pay attention to their grading system. Grading systems will help you determine the quality of the product and how well it will stand up over time. Quality is usually referred to as:

• Grade 1 – high quality stone with uniformity throughout the product
• Grade 2 – may have minor defects and slightly irregular surface areas
• Grade 3 – highly irregular surface areas, making them appropriate for smaller applications, such as accent pieces or decorative applications

It’s equally important to pay attention to the indoor/outdoor rating. Some natural stones are better suited for handling outside surface areas than others. This is especially important if you’ll be carrying the look of a kitchen to an outdoor living space, for example. Here in Colorado, the natural stone must be rated to handle extreme temperature changes, as well as handle well in moisture where slipping can be a problem. Non-vitreous materials will absorb rain and snow, crack under pressure, as well as expand and contract from season to season. They aren’t suitable for outdoor use.

Types of natural stone

While you might have a specific stone in mind, it’s wise to learn all you can about the various materials before you make your final selection.

Granite – granite continues to be on top of flooring lists because of its durability. It won’t scratch or scorch, and stains are rarely a problem as long as it’s properly sealed. It’s easy to maintain as it hides dust and grime well. Granite also works well for bringing the indoors outside as you carry your decor from one location to the next. Its wide variety of colors and patterns gives you even more reasons to say yes to this flooring product.

Limestone – while not one of the more popular choices for home use, limestone is known for its durability. Its unique markings can create a beautiful living space. It handles similarly to marble and travertine,

Marble – marble says “luxury” in a way other stones can’t. Its smooth texture, high gloss finish, and dramatic veining can take center stage in any room in your home. You’ll find a variety of colors, although white marble remains one of the most popular. While marble is often chosen in kitchen and bathroom applications, keep in mind that it is a softer calcium-based stone that can dull and scratch from acidic foods and drinks.

Sandstone – sandstone provides a warm, earthy look and feel. If you’re focused on natural decor with a beachy feel, sandstone maybe your flooring choice. It’s sleek and uniform without a lot of variation. It’s relatively porous, so it can scratch and stain easily.

Slate – you’ll recognize slate by its fine grain texture. It comes in a variety of colors, with greens, reds, purples, blacks, and browns running through from tile to tile. Slate can be finicky depending on the product you install. Some can be easy to maintain and highly resistant to damage, while other products can be the opposite. It’s a good idea to test your product before finalizing your decision.

Travertine – travertine is formed by hot spring water moving through limestone and giving it its unique characteristics. It’s an ideal flooring for high moisture areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. While it handles well in wet situations, it’s also softer, much like marble. It can be scratched and etched from harsh cleaners and acids. If you use it in the kitchen, it may take additional maintenance.

What’s the right natural stone flooring for your home? Bring your questions into our showroom, and we’ll help you find your perfect choice. 

The post Why Natural Stone Flooring Is The Right Choice For Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

If you want to know how to clean laminate floors, this is the blog for you!  The Carpet Guys can give you all the best tips on daily cleaning and also some deep-cleaning options.  Read on to find out more.

Do NOT Use Water on Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is a wood by-product.  Water and wood do not mix.  If water is allowed to sit on laminate flooring it may cause damage, swelling, joint separation, and delamination.  Do not use steam mops on any hard surface flooring.  They push heated water into the grooves of the floor and can cause harm to the subfloor. Only use approved cleaning products by the flooring manufacturer so the flooring warranty is not voided. 

To learn more about Mohawk’s approved cleaners and processes, check out this link Mohawk’s RevWood and Wood Cleaning and Maintenance. It is also recommended to invest in a reusable, microfiber dust mop.  The removable, soft pad can be used for regular dusting of the flooring surface and can be used with approved cleaners and then machine washed.  Remember not to use fabric softeners when cleaning your dust mop pads because they will cause a build-up of residue on your floors.

For Daily Cleaning of Laminate Floor

For daily cleaning, use the dust mop mentioned above, a soft-bristled broom, or a vacuum with the hard surface setting (disengage the beater bar).  It’s important to keep the flooring clear of debris to avoid scratching the surface of your laminate.  Make sure to keep pet’s nails short and clean up spills immediately with a clean cloth.  If using a proper laminate floor cleaner, do not spray it on the floor.  Spray the cleaner on your dust mop or a clean rag and then wipe the surface. Do not use abrasive cleaners, oils, soaps, varnish, or other “shine enhancers”.  These could cause damage to the surface of the laminate and void your warranty.

Some other suggestions for the daily protection of your beautiful, clean laminate floors are:

• Install UV protective shades or blinds to the windows
• Use protective pads on feet of furniture
• Don’t drag heavy objects across the flooring
• Use mats at entry ways and rugs in high traffic areas
• Rearrange furniture periodically to allow your flooring to wear evenly

For Problem Areas

If there’s wax or gum, use an ice cube to make it hard and gently scrape it off the surface with a credit card.  Wipe the residue up immediately.  For stains like tar, markers, oil, or paint, use an acetone nail polish remover and a white, clean dry cloth.  Make sure not to allow any product to sit on the surface for long.  Most manufacturers also recommend maintaining proper humidity in the rooms with laminate. 30-50% humidity in the room is ideal.  The heat from the winter and humidity in the summers cause warping of the flooring over time.

If you don’t have laminate floors but are interested in the ease of maintenance they provide, call The Carpet Guys today.  We not only install carpet but also laminate, luxury vinyl, hardwood, and more!  Our experienced Design Consultants will bring samples to your home and let you know if laminate will work for your household needs.  Schedule your Free In-Home Estimate now at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or click HERE to schedule it online.

The post How to Clean Laminate Floors appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Hardwood flooring adds elegance and style to any home. If you want to preserve the appearance of your hardwood for as long as possible, you want to avoid damage. Save your hardwood from damage with these tips:

Routinely cleaning your hardwood floors can help you maintain the appearance and quality of the floors for years to come. If dirt and grit are not removed from your flooring, it can lead to nicks and marks on the surface. In order to prevent this from happening, you can vacuum and mop your floors at least once a week. Microfiber mops are best to make sure dirt is lifted.

If you live with a pet, their nails can lead to scratches on your floor. Trimming your pet’s nails or claws on a routine basis can prevent them from becoming overgrown and damaging your floors.

You may not think of your shoes as something that can damage your floors, but the sharp edges and dirt of your shoes can actually lead to marks on your floor. You should definitely avoid wearing heels or cleats in the house, and dirty shoes should be worn only on mats or rugs.

Furniture is a must-have in your home, but it can damage your hardwood floors. To reduce the amount of damage heavy furniture can do to your floors, consider placing your furniture on rugs or felt pads. This can protect your floors from scratching that can happen from the natural shifting of furniture when it is sat on.

If you’re shopping for hardwood flooring for your home, check out what we have to offer at flooring.org. You can shop our selection online and call us at (800) 689-9006 with any questions.

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

Yes, you can have parquet block flooring in a kitchen. It can really look amazing and as a kitchen is one of the most used rooms in you home, you will want a floor that gives a wow factor.  You will also want a durable floor.  Kitchens usually have lots of fluctuations in temperature, especially with cooking and other electrical appliances. Engineered parquet block flooring copes with these changes in temperature as it expands and contracts to compensate for the humidity levels in the air. Read More

Unfinished hardwood flooring has been around for centuries.

Before painting, staining, and sealers, people would use wood harvested from local resources. They would cut, sand, and lay the boards into place.

A lot has changed over the years, but the natural beauty of hardwood lives on. It’s in discerning houses across the Front Range.

What is unfinished hardwood flooring?

By calling it unfinished hardwood flooring, certain characteristics come to mind. It can be a bit confusing until you dive deeper to discover what “unfinished” really means.

Unfinished is still processed flooring ready to be installed in your home. The difference comes with the final process of sanding it, staining it, and sealing the wood.

In the 1940s, prefinished hardwood found its way to the market as an option to speed up the installation process inside homes. The difficult process was handled as a part of the manufacturing process, meaning you could see exactly what the flooring would look like just by glancing at one of the boards. That was a big draw for flooring and home improvement stores, as it allowed shoppers to “see” what they would be installing before making their final selection.

That gave consumers a greater choice when shopping for goods for their homes.

• Unfinished hardwood comes without a finish applied; homeowners finish it after the hardwood is installed.
• Prefinished hardwood is ready to install, and will be completed once the final board is laid into place.
• Unfinished hardwood is laid with flat boards to create a smooth appearance.
• Prefinished hardwood has beveled edges to hide inconsistencies as it’s butted against other boards.
• Unfinished hardwood requires additional work after installation.
• Prefinished hardwood is ready to go once it’s installed.
• Unfinished hardwood may take additional cure time depending on stain and sealer preferences.
• Prefinished hardwood can be ready to walk on and have furniture moved into place right after installation.
• Unfinished hardwood gives you unlimited opportunity for style and color.
• With prefinished hardwood, what you see is what you get.

Why many homeowners think unfinished hardwood flooring is the only way

In our consumer-driven world, being able to walk into a showroom and find a perfect choice is part of who we are. It’s nice being able to see your ideas in front of you, select, and have them installed in a short period of time.

Prefinished was created exactly for those scenarios. It’s a perfect way to find your ideas easily, match colors and textures, and “see” what you’re getting before you finalize your decisions.

Yet for others, they envision a color palette that is uniquely their own. They want something only unfinished hardwood flooring has to offer.

One of a kind look

Have you ever entered a home and recognized the flooring immediately? It’s popular, and everyone is using it. While it may be popular for a reason, it’s just not your style. You want your own unique look, and you can’t get it when you see the same thing in every store you visit.

Unfinished flooring may be for you. An experienced installer can help you create the exact look you’re looking for.

It starts with the hardwood. Different species will have different variants and characteristics that shine through when stain is applied.

It also is about what stain and sealer you use. The possibilities are endless when you’re mixing colors to create the right choice to suit your needs.

Uniformity

If you’ve ever picked out prefinished hardwood before, you’ve heard the sales associate tell you to ensure all of your product boxes are from the same dye lot. That’s to ensure a similar color resonates through to all the boards used for your flooring. Even with careful mixing, color might vary over time.

When you install unfinished hardwood, all of the finalization techniques are handled on site, meaning you’ll have uniformity no matter how large or small the room size. Sanding ensures every board is tightly fitted together. Staining on site ensures a uniform color spreads to every corner of the room. And every inch of space will be properly sealed, giving you less chance of spills seeping between the cracks.

That’s one of the biggest reasons people often select unfinished. When the final sealant goes into place, it fills in the empty spaces and cracks, giving you an even structure across all of the flooring planks. You’ll have extra protection throughout the wear life of your flooring.

Remodeling and rematching

You want new hardwood floors, but you also want to stay true to some of the home furnishings you already have in place. And every time you bring home a sample prefinished hardwood board, something isn’t quite right. It’s not the correct shade. The color is a little off.

That’s where prefinishing has the advantage. Whether you’re trying to match an antique dining room set, the cupboards in your office, or the cabinets in your kitchen, you’ll never be able to match them with prefinished in quite the same manner as you can with unfinished.

That’s because an experienced installer can mix color combinations to give you the perfect look you’re vying for.

Along with color, an installer can help you match the consistency of finishes and sheens throughout your home. From high gloss to matte, when you’re in control of the final look, you can achieve anything you desire.

A quick thought on DIY

While some flooring products are great for do-it-yourselfers, unfinished hardwood flooring is best left to the pros. If you have a certain look you desire, it can be difficult recreating that look without the experience behind you.

For example, a red oak species will provide strikingly different results than maple. You may like the appearance of the wood in the store, but how will it appear after staining and sealing?

And with the sheer amount of options with stains and sealers, do you know which combination is best to suit your needs? Get it wrong, and you could find yourself experiencing buyer’s remorse almost as soon as you have your new floors in. Worse, they could be compromised with the first spill landing on the boards, meaning you might have to change the floorboards out shortly after they’ve been installed.

Finishing unfinished hardwood flooring is labor-intensive and time-consuming. As a DIYer, it’s best to choose other projects, and leave this one to the pros.

Is unfinished hardwood flooring the best choice for your upcoming remodel?

The post Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring The Right Choice For Your Remodel? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Radiant heat is quickly becoming a popular option across the Front Range. On a cold winter morning, nothing feels better than hopping out of bed and hitting a warm floor.

However, not all flooring choices work well with radiant heating. To get your desired result, choose your flooring wisely. The right flooring choice will give you the warmth you’re looking for, without jeopardizing your safety in the process.

What is radiant flooring?

Before we get into floor selection, it’s important to understand what radiant flooring is.

There are three separate types of radiant heating: hydronic, electric, and air-heated. Of the three, hydronic and electric offer the most efficiency, making them the most popular choices.

Radiant heating doesn’t work like a gas-forced air heating system. Heat doesn’t rise, which makes it possible to cover a larger area with lower temperatures.

Hydronic systems use circulated water through tubing embedded in the concrete slab. This is usually done during construction. Hydronic systems can be powered with a wide variety of power supplies, including electric, solar, geothermal, natural gas, and oil, or any combination of them.

Electric systems use rolled cables in a looping pattern braced with mats, mesh, or film. It’s embedded in a concrete slab, installed underneath the subfloor or flooring, depending on the installation method used. This is often the best choice if adding radiant heating after construction.

While air-heated is an option, it doesn’t compare to the other two, and isn’t used as frequently. Air is pumped through a series of pipes embedded in the flooring. Because air can’t reach and maintain temperatures as well as other power sources, this is thought to be a secondary heating source instead of the primary one.

Design tips for flooring over radiant heating

Because you’ll be laying flooring over the radiant heating system, it’s important to consider your options carefully to achieve the best results possible. Why spend the time and money installing radiant flooring if it doesn’t heat your home well? Depending on what flooring you choose, you’ll experience different results.

What pushes individual flooring choices into the “good” or “bad” for use with radiant heating centers on the thickness of the flooring, and the conducive nature of the flooring materials. Thicker choices are harder to heat, and dissipate the heat quickly after heating. Mineral-based flooring are excellent thermal conductors. Some flooring materials expand and contract based on inside conditions, while others maintain their shape in all kinds of situations.

While virtually all flooring materials can be used with heated floors, there are special considerations to keep in mind depending on your final selection. Flooring options have different R-values, which impact how much heat you’ll receive by using them in conjunction with radiant heating.

The worst at meeting all of these needs is carpet. While it can be used with radiant heating, you won’t be as happy with the results compared to other flooring materials.

Porcelain or ceramic tile

Choosing a flooring that already has thermal-conducting properties, such as stone, marble and ceramic tile, will hold more heat than other choices, making them preferred flooring choices over radiant heat. Ceramic tile consistently tops the list for bathroom choices because it stores heat well. If you’ve dreaded cold mornings in the master bath before, filling your room with plush rugs, radiant heating can change the way you look at tile, and make your bathroom warm whenever you desire.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are ideal for use with radiant heating because it conducts heat well. Its thin structure means it’s easy to lay over the heating system, and will continue to hold heat without a lot of work. Tile will heat up rapidly, and retain the heat longer once the system is turned off. Tile is also the perfect choice to use when moisture can be an issue, as it will not rot when used with hydronic systems.

Natural stone

Like porcelain and ceramic tile, natural stone is also a good choice for use with radiant heating systems. Like tile, it will warm quicker and retain heat longer after shut-off. Natural stone is thicker than tile, and will take longer to warm to the touch. Yet it has a lot of other qualities of tile in that it won’t be impacted by moisture, and won’t degrade over time.

Laminate

If you want the look of hardwood, many homeowners lean towards laminate because of the additional benefits it offers. If moisture may be an issue, laminate will hold up better than traditional hardwood. However, laminate is still wood. Water will impact the structure quickly to the point of no return.

If you want hardwood in your home, and love the thought of heated floors too, laminate is the way to go. Its thinness makes it a good choice when installing over radiant flooring. However, you will have to take added precautions depending on the type of radiant heating you use. If a hydronic system allows moisture to escape, your laminate would be permanently damaged.

Most laminates also have a maximum temperature point; check with your manufacturer before combining with radiant heating. Still, laminate naturally feels warmer to the touch than other flooring choices. When combined with a radiant flooring system, it may be the perfect choice for keeping your home warm.

Vinyl plank and floating floors

Vinyl plank flooring is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons:

• It’s affordable
• It’s easy to install
• It comes in a wide array of colors and patterns
• It’s beautiful
• It’s waterproof
• It’s a DIYer’s dream

Vinyl planks come in click and lock technology, which floats above the subfloor without the need for adhesives or nails.

All of that and more makes vinyl plank a great option to install over radiant heating. It adds waterproof features that make it handle well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even the basement.

Just be sure you follow manufacturer’s guidelines when heating. Many manufacturers recommend staying under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you exceed the limits recommended, you can compromise the integrity of the flooring.

What flooring should you install over radiant heating?

With so many choices, you’ll have the ability to select the right flooring for your needs, and get the latest technology to keep your home warm at the same time.

Stop by today and see our full line of flooring products. We’ll help you find the perfect choice to suit your needs.

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