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Are you remodeling a home with aging in place in mind? Do you have a family member with a disability, and finding friendly flooring isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity?

Before you make your final purchase, there are a few things in mind.

ADA and flooring

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a ruling that went into effect in the 1990s that guarantees equal opportunity accommodations for people with disabilities. The standards created through this act apply to all building materials, including flooring. The ADA states flooring should be:

• Slip resistant – there should be adequate traction for wheelchairs and other mobility devices to gain a firm grip on the floor without slipping or skidding
• Firmness – the flooring should dent or compress from the weight of the mobility device
• Stability – it shouldn’t slip, slide, detach, or fold as one moves over it
• Smoothness – it shouldn’t be bumpy or uneven, or cause hurdles that are difficult to navigate
• Softness – it should provide give in the case of falls or accidents

When creating a space for aging in place, it’s important to consider many different options. Some people may need assistance walking and do well with the air of a cane or walker. Others may require full-time assistance from a wheelchair.

Aging in place is about ensuring you have the products and materials in place to ensure transitions. Focus on:

• Ease of movement – ensure you can walk or roll freely from one room to the next without bumpy transitions of loose material that can be a tripping hazard.
• Cushion for potential falls – falling is the number one risk of injury for people as they age. To ensure cushion, pay attention to both subfloor and flooring.
• Ease of maintenance – choosing the right flooring also means creating an environment that’s easy to clean and maintain with little effort.
• Comfort – at the end of the day, flooring should create an environment you want to live in. Choose the right flooring that gives you the base you need as well as the looks that allow you to call your house a home.

What disability friendly flooring choices should you consider?

With so many different types of materials on the market today, there are a variety of choices that can suit your needs.

Tile

For wheelchair use, tile is considered one of the best choices on the market for a number of reasons.

Tile is hard and durable, meaning it won’t change or wear with a lot of use. They come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and textures, so that you can optimize your living quarters for better traction. The ideal tile surface would have a grain or stone texture, rather than a smooth surface that would be a little more slippery. Smaller tiles also provide more opportunities for grout lines, offering traction for better grip for wheels.

But what’s good for wheelchairs might not make it the best choice for other mobility disabilities. Smaller tiles with more grout lines can create a tripping hazard for people with canes and walkers.

Tile is also one of the hardest surfaces available. Tile won’t give in a fall, meaning there’s a greater chance of injury.

Vinyl

Today’s vinyl is growing in popularity because of its good looks and easy maintenance. You can find vinyl in many different styles – sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl planks, and luxury vinyl tiles. They create a sturdy, level surface area that supports disability friendly flooring options in all kinds of situations. If you go with a commercial-grade, it’s designed to stand up in all kinds of situations, and can make a good addition to a home where walkers and wheelchairs are in constant contact with the floor.

With sheet vinyl, a wear mark or tear might mean replacing the entire floor. With newer options, such as luxury vinyl planks, you can replace smaller spaces to avoid the expense of replacing the entire living space. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, and can mimic anything from stone to tile to wood, giving you both aesthetics as well as functionality.

Laminate

Laminate gives a homeowner the look and feel of real hardwood with more durability as well as ease of maintenance. It can be a great candidate for flooring when mobility issues are a part of your daily living.

What’s more, laminate is also budget-friendly, meaning it’s easier on the wallet when you decide to make a change inside your home.

Laminate comes with a rating scale known as the Abrasion Class (AC) to help you determine how much wear and tear it can handle. Err on the side of heavy use, selecting heavy residential or even commercial grade ratings when you’re selecting the flooring materials. A rating of at least an AC3 will give you maximum efficiency for moderate traffic at the commercial level, and will have more properties to resist scuffing and scratching, as well as regular wear and tear.

Engineered hardwood

Hardwood remains at the top of homeowner’s wishlists. To ensure the flooring you install handles well in all kinds of situations, engineered hardwood may be the perfect choice for your needs. Engineered wood comes with a real hardwood veneer that makes it tough enough to handle all kinds of traffic, including wheelchairs and walkers. Its grain texture provides some traction and slip-resistance as well.

When choosing an engineered hardwood floor, look to the Janka rating to help select a hardwood species that will do well under pressure. This rating gives you an indication of the hardness of the wood species, with woods like oak, hickory, and maple being higher up the list. This makes them more durable than softer woods like pine, will hold up better over time against things like scuffs and dents.

Low pile carpet

For many homeowners, carpet is still up high on their wishlists. It makes a great choice for both softness and warmth. Yet for mobility issues, it’s important to select a carpet that isn’t too thick or plus, and that won’t resist when wheelchairs move across it.

Avoid carpets thicker than ½ inch and look for something shorter, commercial-grade, with compact fibers. Avoid a thick carpet pad as well as this will show more wear over time.

Ensure it is glued or tacked into place, so it doesn’t move and bunch up as a wheelchair passes over it. You should never use peel and stick tiles as they aren’t strong enough to hold up over time.

What’s your choice for a disability friendly flooring?

The post Disability Friendly Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Stone effect laminate flooring is a synthetic floor covering that has been designed to look like stone or tiles.  Laminate flooring is essentially a high-quality photograph of another floor, in this case stone or tiles. Your range of choices are almost endless, so you are sure to find something to suit your room and style of décor. Read More

Every year brings about all new changes.

We make resolutions to try and move towards new habits and patterns. We clean up our diets, our homes, and sometimes our lives.

When you shop, you’ll find colors that are fresh and new. Pantone selects new colors each year, and for 2021, it’s Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a bright and cheerful yellow. You’ll see these colors popping up everywhere you shop.

But maybe you’re looking beyond new paint for the walls and a new pillow for the sofa. Maybe you’re thinking of a more significant change – new flooring for 2021. New flooring sets the stage for new aesthetics throughout your home. Whether you make a small change by replacing carpet with something similar, or going wild and selecting an exotic hardwood, it can have a big impact on your lifestyle.

What do we see as the growing trend in flooring for 2021 and beyond? Natural flooring. Experts agree it’s what homeowners want as they freshen up their homes.

What is natural flooring?

When most people refer to natural flooring, what they really mean is flooring that comes from a renewable resource. This includes materials such as cork, bamboo, linoleum, wood, resin, stone, porcelain, glass, concrete, and some fibers.

Natural flooring has many benefits.

Sustainable – this is one of the top reasons people are moving towards natural flooring: it’s sustainable and not as taxing on the environment. The materials can be extracted from nature without harming the world we live in. Not only is the material from a renewable resource, but it’s also readily biodegradable and can be recycled or returned to nature without harming the earth.

Durable – if well maintained, natural flooring can last for many years and look good in the process.

Resilience – natural floors exist within your home without damaging indoor air quality. They have hypoallergenic attributes, can be insect and pest repellant, and can adapt to their surroundings. Natural flooring isn’t made in a lab, nor does it require harmful chemicals to install it or keep it looking its best. It naturally shines, which makes it a choice that can work well in your home for years to come.

Beauty – it’s hard to deny the classic good looks of natural flooring products. Because they’ve been around for years – centuries – people never tire of their looks.

With all of that in mind, what are our top choices for natural flooring this year?

Grained hardwood

Hardwood is a flooring choice many homeowners want. Studies continually show that hardwood flooring stays at the top of homeowners’ wishlists.

Yet because hardwood has been around for decades, installing the “same old wood” can be a little boring for some homeowners. They want something fresh, new, exciting. For all these reasons and more, grained hardwood is growing in popularity.

Instead of smooth, clean lines associated with some hardwood choices, grained hardwood is installed with bold textures that can’t be ignored.

Smooth – over half of all hardwood is smooth. It gives classic elegance, and has been the most in-demand product for generations. It highlights the grain by providing an overall appearance that is soft and delicate. But if you want other options, try:

Open grain – instead of sanding it smooth, wood is cut to add texture to the floor. Open grain species such as elm, oak, or hickory are considered “ring-porous” and have large pores and distinctive grain patterns visible to the eye. They create rifts and valleys that are apparent when the floor is laid into place.

Wire brushed – this finish is created by running a wire brush over the planks to create a soft grain textured surface. It showcases the natural beauty of the wood.

Handscraped – each plank is handscraped and handcrafted to create an aged, worn look. It gives old-world charm that makes a perfect addition to some homes.

Distressed – distressed hardwood is manufactured with both a wire brush and handscraping to give a rustic appeal with a dimensional texture.

No matter which you choose, adding grained hardwood to your home will give your home personality and charm that lasts for years.

Natural carpet

While most carpets are created using some type of synthetic material, there are a few carpet choices prized for their natural fibers and eco-friendly renewable resources.

Wool is the most common fiber choice because it’s strong and resists pilling, stains, and fire damage. It also has natural lanolin that causes spills and moisture to bead up rather than soaking in. Wool can make an excellent addition to any home because the fibers trap air, creating an environment that’s both soundproof and insulated against extreme temperatures.

Jute is another carpet choice that is made from fibers from plants in the Corchorus genus, which are grown in abundance in Asia. The plant is soaked in water and stripped of its fibers. It is an especially soft fiber that can make a good choice in low traffic areas such as bedrooms.

Sisal is made from fibers from Agave sisalana plants. These fibers are easy to dye, and can make a versatile addition to any home. It stands up in high traffic situations, but it can be slippery in certain situations. It’s not a good choice for stairs. It can break down with too much moisture, so place it in rooms accordingly.  

Eco-friendly flooring lifespan

While we often consider specific types of flooring material when making our final selections, it’s also important to note that to truly be concerned about the overall carbon footprint of a flooring product, look at the entire life cycle when making a selection.

Selecting a natural carpet like wool can be a good choice for your home, but if you rip it out every few years and it winds up in the landfill, it’s defeating the purpose of being a carbon neutral selection.

Homeowners rarely think about vinyl when it comes to making a natural selection, but some products on the market today are made from recycled materials. And when it reaches the end of life, it can also be recycled and used in other ways.

How about cork or bamboo? Both products grow rapidly in nature, and when sourced ethically, can be a welcome addition to any home.

If you’re looking for natural flooring to install in your home here in 2021, the possibilities may astound you. Stop by today and take a look at all the different materials and products we have available, and find the right flooring choice for your home.

The post Why Natural Flooring Is The Rage in 2021 first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

When you’re creating a home for your family, you pay attention to the little things that will keep everyone safe. You install smoke detectors. You ensure the blinds are cord-free and don’t pose a safety risk. You select cleaners that don’t use harmful chemicals that can make your family sick.

But what about the laminate you install on your floors? Do a little research and you’ll find laminate contains formaldehyde. Or at least that’s what a quick Google search will have you believe.

Is it true?

Is laminate safe?

Or should you pull laminate out of your home, and never consider it again?

Let’s talk about formaldehyde

If you want to learn more about formaldehyde and its impact on health, it’s best to go to a respected resource such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is a division of the CDC.

According to the ATSDR:

• Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that has a distinct, strong smell
• Formaldehyde can be quickly broken down in the air, usually within hours
• The emissions put out by formaldehyde will decrease as the product ages
• Formaldehyde dissolves easily but dissipates quickly in water
• Formaldehyde will not build up in the human body
• The primary way humans are exposed to formaldehyde is by breathing it in if it’s in the air supply
• Indoor air is more susceptible to carrying formaldehyde than outdoor air

In general, people won’t show reactions from small amounts of formaldehyde entering their systems. Low exposure may irritate eyes, nose, throat, skin, or airways. Of course, it depends on a person’s sensitivity as to how much of a reaction they have. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the very young, and the very old may produce more severe reactions.

Prolonged exposure can give rise to sensitivities, and create chronic conditions over time. Formaldehyde is also linked to certain types of cancers, including leukemia.

If you’re attempting to keep your home as free of chemicals as possible, the thought of introducing formaldehyde into your home can be unnerving – why bring something potentially harmful into your house? If laminate contains formaldehyde, wouldn’t you be better off to select something else?

There’s more to the story than that.

Laminate and formaldehyde – what’s the story?

Back in 2015, 60 Minutes ran an expose that revealed through investigative reporting, laminate from Lumber Liquidators’ contained dangerous levels of formaldehyde. They eventually agreed to pay a $33 million penalty for misleading investors about formaldehyde-laced laminate flooring from China.

With this history, it should be easy to find safer laminates. In many cases, it is. But it’s still a marketplace filled with buyer beware. If you buy based on price alone, you may not get the product you think it is. Without a little research first, you could be installing something in your home that puts your health at risk.

Protect yourself when buying laminate – and make sure it’s free of formaldehyde

When you purchase flooring based on price alone, you’re often getting an inferior quality product that was mass produced for selling in large quantities. You’re less likely to know where the material is sourced from, and run a greater chance of having problems with the product at some point in the future.

These mass produced laminates are often for sale at online resources that contain discounted flooring materials. You may also find them at local big box stores that sell one product for an extremely reduced price.

There’s a reason it’s such a good deal. Is that what you want as you’re flooring for the next decade or more?

When buying laminate flooring, the best way to make your final selection is to follow guidelines set up by the EPA. Only buy products that are labeled or stamped with compliance from one of the major organizations that check for safety, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and California Air Resources Board Air Toxics Control Measure (CARB ATCM).

Why laminate?

Laminate is more susceptible to using chemically-laden materials in production because it’s constructed from multiple materials. Laminate flooring is a multilayer product that contains:

• A plywood base layer
• A realistic photo image layer that mimics the look of real wood
• A hard, durable plasticate wear layer

Some laminates have a built-in underlayment attached for easy installation.

People choose laminates over other wood types for a variety of reasons.

Laminate is traditionally more budget-friendly than most other types of hardwood. It also has a durable wear layer that makes it more durable than hardwood, able to resist scratching far more than a softer flooring. It’s also more resistant to moisture, making it an even better choice for the multi-purpose rooms in your home, such as the kitchen, laundry room, and the basement.

Learn to shop for non-toxic products

Laminate is created from multiple resources. That means depending on which laminate you select, there might be more than formaldehyde that lurks inside.

Laminate is made up of multiple layers. It takes adhesive and other products to put them all together. And that’s where other chemicals can creep into the production line and be in the final product you select.

VOC means volatile organic compounds. Have you ever noticed a “new car smell”? That’s VOCs, and you smell it as it goes through a process of off-gassing. This is where it releases chemicals back into the air supply as it settles into place. VOCs can contain a variety of chemicals, including:

• Benzene
• Ethylene glycol
• Tetrachloroethylene
• Toluene
• Xylene
• And yes, formaldehyde

Can you find non-toxic laminate? Yes. Pay attention to the manufacturer, and look at your labels. GreenGuard Certified is just one organization that checks for harmful chemicals, and pays attention to what is released in the off-gassing process.

Also pay attention to the installation process. If an installer uses harmful chemicals to attach the laminate to the floor, you’re defeating the process of trying to reduce exposure. Choose a click-in-place laminate that floats and isn’t directly attached to the floor.

What other questions do you have about laminate flooring? If you’re ready to choose the safest product for your home flooring, we can help you make the best selection for your family’s needs.

The post Does Your Laminate Contain Formaldehyde? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Oak style laminate flooring is just as it sounds. It is laminate flooring that has been designed to look like planks or blocks of Oak. As laminate flooring is essentially a photograph of a wooden floor. The choices are almost endless, so there will definitely be something to suit your needs and requirements. Read More

Did you know that all flooring comes with a warranty?  If you want to maintain that warranty, there are instructions to follow to keep it intact.  Read on to find out how The Carpet Guys give you access to that information.

The Carpet Guys Provide a Lifetime Installation Warranty

If you purchase any flooring from The Carpet Guys, we provide you with a Lifetime Installation Warranty.  We will fix any problem with the installation for as long as you own your home.  And since we use the best American-made products in the industry, we know you’re going to love your new flooring for a long, long time.

The top flooring companies we purchase our flooring from provide a warranty on their products as well.  The Carpet Guys believe in doing business with only the best companies, so our Customer Service department has it easy.  To maintain a flooring guarantee, there are some things that you will have to adhere to.  For example: Mohawk’s carpet warranty requires that you vacuum once a week with a Carpet and Rug Institute approved vacuum cleaner and also have it professionally cleaned once every 12-18 months.  Follow the links here for all the flooring product assurances you need:

Comprehensive List of Flooring Warranty Links

Mohawk Flooring Warranty  – this page includes links to all the different types of flooring that Mohawk carries (carpet, wood, vinyl, etc.).

Phenix Carpet Warranty – this site has all the Phenix Flooring resources, including care & maintenance and warranty information.

Shaw Floors All Surface Warranty and Registration – this page contains links to all Shaw Floors warranty information and an easy registration form.

Engineered Floors Carpet Warranty, Care & Maintenance – this page has a link to the guide for warranty information and a Carpet Care Checklist

Make sure you follow your flooring companies requirements and coupled with an amazing Carpet Guys Installation; your flooring will be beautiful for the life of your home ownership! After adhering to these requirements, if there’s still a problem with your flooring or installation, The Carpet Guys can help. Also, to find any of these companies’ products, schedule a Free In-Home Estimate with us today.  Or you can call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) and one of our professional representatives will help you.  The Carpet Guys provide a knowledgeable Design Consultant for free.  They will know what type of flooring that’s best for your lifestyle and budget.  Can’t wait to hear from you!

The post DID YOU KNOW FLOORING COMES WITH A WARRANTY? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

When you’re building a new commercial property, or remodeling one already in existence, a lot of thought goes into marketing. Who do you want to attract to your property? What type of clients do you wish to lease to?

Because every business has a different look and feel they portray to their target audience. All you have to do is look at the differences between McDonald’s and Elway’s to understand that to be true.

Some businesses thrive on high traffic. They need durable surfaces that can take abuse as customers come and go all day long.

Other businesses thrive on luxury. They don’t worry about a revolving door. They cater to the ones and two’s. They have a very specific audience, and they’ll go out of their way to protect the image, only bringing in prospects if they meet certain qualifications.

This targeting process may rely on marketing, but it starts with something even more basic. It starts with the decor. When people walk through the door, they expect high class. And nothing says that in greater detail than with natural wood floors.

Selecting the right wood floors for a commercial property

Just like in your home, flooring sets the stage for what lies inside. Imagine walking into an investment firm with old rug tiles where half of them were torn or missing? Would you trust them for investment advice?

Studies show we form our opinions quickly. It takes only one-tenth of a second for us to form an opinion about people. We assess judgment about trustworthiness, likeability, competence, and aggressiveness in just 100 milliseconds.

Still think your flooring doesn’t matter?

Hardwood flooring has always worked well in commercial spaces. The key is in selecting something durable.

Oak is one of the most popular and durable wood surfaces on the market. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and does well in high traffic situations. It also has the potential to last for years. When it needs refreshing, you simply sand it down and resurface it to give it new life.

But what we love more than all else is the timeless beauty that comes along with wood floors. Especially here in Colorado, hardwood goes right along with our outdoor way of living. That’s why interior designers and business owners alike install wood floors just about anywhere. They know it will never go out of style.

All you have to do is think about your favorite store, restaurant, or hotel. Chances are there’s hardwood in there. Hardwood has been popular for decades – centuries – and with today’s technology added into the mix, it’s likely to remain at the top of wish lists for many years to come.

Other reasons to select wood floors in your commercial property

We realize it probably won’t take much to sway you towards hardwood as a selection. But there are many other reasons for you to consider this as your flooring of choice.

Wood floors add to property values. You might not be thinking about selling, especially if you’re just building. But it’s nice to know that wood floors will boost up the value if you ever do decide to sell. Buyers want materials that are timeless, that they won’t have to replace immediately after taking ownership. And with hardwood flooring ticking that box, it’s one more benefit to choosing it as your final selection.

Another big benefit that is often overlooked is the improved air quality that comes with wood floor installation. Are you trying for green certification? Do you have hopes of creating a LEED certified building? Wood floors can help you do that by providing the base on which to build on.

Where do wood floors work best?

If you’re leaning towards wood floors for your commercial property, our advice would be to go with your gut feelings. Chances are you know what it’s like living with wood flooring at home, and you can bring that same feeling to the commercial side.

Keep in mind that commercial grade wood flooring is different from residential. We can help you find the perfect solution to fit your needs.

Hotels, for example, are a great place to display wood floors. From the lobby, to the hallways, to each individual room, it can create a clean, minimalist look your guests will love. Many five-star resorts boast luxury, and wouldn’t want anything else to adorn their floors but hardwood. It might require a little more maintenance from your staff for upkeep, but that’s all part of the process. Your customers demand it, and it creates a look that will have them saying “see you again” from the moment they step inside.

Of course, hotels aren’t the only place for wood flooring. Offices are a prime candidate for hardwood throughout. Office space is often a balance between practicality and aesthetics, depending on who your customer is. Floors should be functional enough to maximize productivity, while creating a workspace conducive to avoiding risk or distractions.

In heavy traffic areas, remember that hardwood can create potential noise pollution caused by people walking in certain shoes or heels. Be aware of this and pay attention to the product you select, and choose a thick underlayment that helps reduce noise.

Restaurants are also a great place to install wood floors. Do you love hardwood in your dining room at home? Mimic that look in your restaurant. Just be aware that food and drinks will be spilled. Select a quality product that can stand up to the abuse. Also, be mindful of the color, finish, and aesthetics of the material. Some colors show stains and marks easier than others.

A room with primarily adults would require different surface materials than a family-friendly environment. A romantic evening for two has a different appeal than a place you take the whole family.

Are you adding wood floors to your commercial property? How can we help you finalize your decision?

The post Want Wood Floors In Your Commercial Property? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

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Are you wanting to add value to your home? Loft conversions, new kitchens or real wood flooring and open plan living have been revealed amongst the top 5 most value-adding property features to invest in right now. 

In this blog, we will be looking at 5 ways to add value to your home, including:

 

1. Loft conversions / extensions
2. New kitchen
3. Open-plan living
4. Real wood floors
5. Designated work from home space

 

1. Loft Conversions

 

Wanting to add value to your home whilst utilising your space to its full potential? Then a loft conversion may be your answer. 

 

Loft conversions are often one of the best ways to add value to your home. This is because gardens are a highly thought of and desired feature in a home. However, in the current market, open plan living is also a desired feature. In turn, people are extending out into the back of the home, which of course affects the size of your garden.

 

So making use of your loft space is a great alternative to adding value to your home whilst adding space. 

 

Using Your Space

 

Why not create a cosy guest bedroom, the perfect study to work from home, or an extra bedroom for your growing family. Whatever the reason for needing extra space, lofts are versatile spaces in the home and can be used for almost any room needed. 

 

Whilst we can’t put a figure on how much value a loft conversion will add to your house as lots of factors will affect this, industry professionals research shows that a loft conversion will add an average of 21% to the value of your home. 

 

Adds Value to Your Home and Lifestyle

 

Not only does a loft conversion add value to your home, it will add value to your lifestyle. If you opt for a comfortable working space, it will enhance your working from home experience. If you opted to convert a 3 bedroomed home into a four, you have the use of the extra space to facilitate a growing family perhaps. 

 

Thinking more fun? You could even persuade other members of your family to convert it into a cinema or games room!

 

Either way, whatever your reason for converting, the extra space will help you achieve it!

 

Other Considerations

 

When it comes to a conversion of this level, there can be many factors to consider beyond its purpose, that you should consider prior to beginning your conversion. This is because these considerations may affect your ability to convert your loft space.

 

1. Planning Permission – Always seek to get planning permission prior to making alterations to the structure of your home
2. Different uses of the space will have a different impact on the value added.
3. Different types of conversion will add different values to your home
4. A loft conversion may affect your insurance policy 
5. With this room being at the top of the home, flooring is a major consideration. Flooring such as EvoCore, or using Underlay will help with noise reduction for the rooms below. 

 

All in all, a loft conversion is a great investment when it comes to adding value to your home. It is one of those decisions that can often pay for itself when it comes to seeing a return in the value it has created, not only in space but in your lifestyle too!

2. New Kitchens 

 

Next on this list is the heart of the home, kitchens! 

 

Installing a new kitchen can add roughly between 5-15% to your property value. This range is quite large however many different factors can affect this. Size, design and style are just some of the factors that can affect the added value.

 

Considering the style and age of your property is essential when choosing your kitchen design. Having a period property and incorporating an all-singing, all-dancing kitchen with in-built LED lights and built-in speakers, may not correspond well with the rest of the property. 

 

If you’re investing in a new kitchen because you’re selling up, this may put off potential buyers.

 

Designing your kitchen 

 

Now the fun part; the design! There are many ways to add value to your home with a new kitchen design, doing the research into latest trends, and how to add value to your home with a new kitchen design is a great way to begin your design.

 

Below are some of our favourite options for designing your kitchen with adding value to your property in mind.

 

Light and Airy

 

Light and airy kitchen designs are currently a desired kitchen design. When you imagine your dream kitchen, does it have an island and bi-fold doors? Come on, we know it does!

 

This is easily achievable by opting for more neutral colours in your worktops, cabinets and flooring. 

 

Flooring actually plays a large role in the overall look and feel of your home. If it’s a light and airy aesthetic you decide on, Great!

 

This will open up your space and make your kitchen feel bigger. There are a wide range of flooring options available that offer lighter tones that you can incorporate. So you’re definitely not limited and budget shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to wanting to open up your room.

 

Make most of your space

 

Making the most of your space is a great way to impress with a new kitchen. 

 

We’ve all seen those swanky wine coolers built into an island, or the singular cupboards that pull out and transform into a multitude of organised compartments. Organisational heaven! 

 

Another way to make the most of your space is to conceal your appliances. Having an in-built dishwasher or fridge concealed within a cupboard space can help with space saving as having a large bulky fridge can give the illusion there is less space as well as taking away from the design and creating an eye-sore in some cases.

 

Maximising your space is the perfect way to make the most out of your kitchen space whilst adding value to your home.

 

Multifunctional Spaces

 

Being the heart of the home, this room tends to attract a lot of love for having time spent here. This has created a need for multifunctional spaces. 

Creating a space where you can cook, eat and entertain is a great way to make the most out of your kitchen, which is why this design is a desired option. 

 

Tip: Being frequented a lot by the whole family, this makes this room of the home a high traffic area. A versatile flooring such as EvoCore can not only withstand the pressures of a high traffic area of the home but also the demands of a kitchen whilst looking stunning in the process.

 

Hopefully some of these design ideas get the creative juices going when it comes to your kitchen design and adding value to your home. Doing the research into the best design for your home is paramount. 

 

3. Open Plan Living 

 

The home improvement that can add value to your home we will take a look at is Open-plan living. 

 

This living style has grown in popularity, providing the space and opportunity for families and friends to spend quality time together whilst eating, living, cooking, cleaning, entertaining. 

 

Whatever you’re doing, open-plan living allows you to combine multiple functional rooms together seamlessly without the transition of door or hallways.

 

Time with family and friends is of high value, and that combined with the stunning finish an open-plan design can offer, is what makes this home improvement in high demand. So if you’re selling up, this style of living might be a desired one when it comes to potential buyers. 

 

Some homes have multi-use spaces. One of these uses often being the kitchen with desired modern designs typically compromising of an open-plan layout creating a light and airy vibe, as well as adding a social aspect. 

Add an extra layer to your design and introduce flooring zones. This can often be a way to create distinctive areas depending on usage and distinguish between areas whilst still housing them in one space. 

Take an open plan kitchen diner for instance. Zoning can be a great way to separate the two, having defined areas with their own vibes. In addition, adding a tiled flooring in the kitchen, flowing to a wood flooring in the dining space of the room could be just one of the many kitchen flooring ideas that could enhance your space.

 

 

Mix and Match Designs with EvoCore 360

More open to open-plan living? Great! This home improvement is pretty much guaranteed to improve your home and quality time with your loved ones. Which are all added benefits after adding value to your property. 

 

EvoCore 360 flooring is a great way to exercise zoning within your open plan living spaces. It’s 360 omni click system allows for an easy installation and unique patterns and styles to be achieved, including the popular Herringbone design and the ability to fit wood to tile.

 

4. Real-Wood Floors

 

Real Wood Floors are a sought after flooring option for many homeowners. They offer a timeless design, complimenting any décor, period or contemporary, as well as providing a luxurious feel.

 

Not only that, the longevity of wood flooring is exceptional, with them lasting a lifetime when looked after property. So when it comes to a worth while home improvement, this one is definitely worth it!

 

One of the beauties of wood flooring is that you can sand and reseal your wood flooring if it starts to look worn. 

 

Due to the quality of this type of flooring, it’s of a higher expense than your Laminates or LVT’s. However, its elegant appearance and longevity are enough to warrant the higher cost.

 

Real Wood flooring is available in a wide range of colours and styles, even offering captivating parquet designs. So there is something for everyone when it comes to aesthetics and preference.

 

Because of the benefits Wood Flooring offers, this in turn adds value to your home, making this another home improvement that is worth the investment!

 

5. Designated Working From Home Space

 

Last but not least in ways to add value to your home is adding a designated working from home space to your property.

 

Working from home space is not something that everyone requires; however, it may attract potential buyers. This is because many people have families with children that may need a place to do their schoolwork, they may be self-employed and need somewhere to work themselves or it may be used as a place to support hobbies such as artistry or writing. 

The possibilities are endless.

 

The great thing about this investment is that it is usually not a large expense, and you can often use a space that already exists in your home. 

 

An attic, an annex, a spare room or a sun house are common rooms converted into designated working from home spaces. 

 

Top Tip: If your designated working from home space is in fact housed within your sunroom, ensure that you have got the correct flooring to support the pressure of this room. Be aware of temperature moisture and fluctuations if this room is not fully regulated. EvoCore is the perfect flooring option to meet the demands of a room such as this as it is not affected by either of these issues.

 

Who knew working from home would be beneficial? In the name of adding value to your home, it can add around 5% to your property. So pull out the desks and filing cabinets, and make a start on your home office now.

 

Ready to start improving your home? Hopefully this blog has given you some ideas on how to add value to your home. Whether it’s to enhance your lifestyle whilst you’re living in your home or to add value to sell up and attract potential buyers, these ideas may help you decide on the best investments for you. 

 

If you have any questions regarding the best flooring for any of these spaces, get in touch with one of our flooring experts today who will be more than happy to help you. 

 

The post 5 Home Improvements to Invest in During 2021 appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Remember when hardwood floors were fresh and new? You didn’t see them everywhere you went. The colors were a bit more vibrant. They made every room they were in pop.

Fast forward to today’s world, where 52 percent of homeowners say they have hardwood somewhere in their homes. Two-thirds say hardwood is the only thing they’d install in their dream homes.

There’s a good reason for that. Hardwood is a great choice for flooring throughout your home.

• It’s durable, and can last for decades if well cared for
• It’s one of the most attractive flooring materials you can install
• It’s easy to clean – vacuum or sweep up each night, and it will always look its best
• It’s affordable – because hardwood is so popular, you’ll find an option in every price bracket
• It’s eco-friendly – if you pay attention to the manufacturing process
• It adds value to your home – with two-thirds saying hardwood is the only thing they want in their dream home, there’s a good chance that the buyer looking at your home will love your hardwood flooring

Whatever your reason for installing hardwood in your home, you won’t be disappointed with the results.

But for some homeowners, the idea of installing the same old hardwood can leave them feeling underwhelmed. Maybe you want hardwood … but you want something more.

Maybe exotic wood floors would be better for your home.

What is exotic wood flooring?

If you start looking around at wood flooring, you’ll see certain types over and over again. Oak, birch, pine, these species of wood are ever-popular because they do well as flooring. They look good, they are easy to maintain, and they are easy to grow and harvest to turn into building materials. That also is what gives them affordability.

Exotic wood comes from harder to reach places. They are sourced outside of America, and typically grow in places that require a tropical climate. You’ll find exotic wood often comes from places like Asia, Africa, or South America.

When you move into species that grow in more tropical locations, you’ll also find the appearance of the wood changes its look. The grain tends to be wider and more pronounced. The color is usually more vibrant, often coming in shades of red, yellow, or purple.

Of course, when you source these exotic woods from faraway locations, you can also run into ecological issues. That’s why it’s important to shop wisely when looking for exotic flooring. Because many of these regions don’t have the laws and policies we do, some of these woods can be sourced using less than desirable practices. Be sure to look for things like the FSC accreditation on the label to ensure they use eco-friendly guidelines.

There’s also a cost issue. Because exotic hardwood is sourced from different regions of the world, it will cost more to harvest and bring it to market. Expect to pay more than flooring made with domestic woods.

I want exotic wood floors. What are the benefits?

If you want exotic wood floors, you’ll have to do your research. Just like other flooring choices, each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. You may know how to live with domestic hardwood, but bringing a different species of hardwood can change things up a bit. It’s better to do your research early than to make a mistake and hate your floors from the moment they’re installed.

People enjoy exotic wood floors for many of the same reasons as domestic wood flooring.

• They’re extremely tough, often tougher than domestic woods
• That makes them even more durable on your floors
• They require little maintenance and can look good for years to come
• They have a unique natural beautify that’s unparalleled in any other wood on the market
• They come in a vibrant range of colors and looks
• They are a great investment and can give you an edge if you’re selling your home

Before we get into the types of exotic woods, it’s important to understand the Janka Hardness Scale. The scale was developed as a way of displaying the results of the Janka hardness test. The test uses a 2x2x6-inch piece of wood and a 0.444-inch steel ball to determine how hard the wood is. The test measures how many pounds per square inch of force are needed to push the steel ball halfway into the piece of wood.

If you have an idea of what the Janka rating is for the exotic wood you’re looking at for your home, you’ll understand better how much wear and tear it will be able to handle over the years before it needs repair or replacement. A good Janka rating will only be an indication, because every hardwood in every home is put to different use, depending on the needs and lifestyle of the homeowners.

For a closer look at how different species of wood rank on the Janka scale, you can look at hardness tests to see where the species you’re considering lies. Brazilian Olivewood and Bolivian Cherry fall towards the hard side, while White Pine and Douglas Fir are in the softer range.

What are some of our favorite exotic hardwood species?

When you start looking at exotic hardwood, you’ll fall in love with the vibrant shades, the deep grains, and the unique looks. You’ll never find this in every house in your neighborhood – that’s what makes it so desirable.

While there are many different options, start by looking at:

Acacia Wood – this is one of the hardest and most durable woods in the flooring market. It works well in high traffic areas, such as hallways, dining rooms and living spaces. You’ll love the distinctive beauty with its unique grain patterns, and the color ranges that vary from golden tans to deep, rich browns.

Jatoba Wood – this is also known as Brazilian Cherry, and can be sourced from Brazil, Peru, or Mexico. It’s a tough wood that can be sanded down and refinished many times throughout its lifespan. It has a luxurious look and feel that many homeowners love.

Teak Wood – teak wood continues to grow in popularity because of its versatility. It’s sourced in many areas, including Burmese, Africa, and Indonesia. It has an elegant color with a luster to it that many find appealing. It has a high water resistance, which can give it an advantage in rooms with higher moisture, such as bathrooms.

Of course, these are just a few of the many exotic wood flooring choices on the market today.

Want to see our full line? Stop by today. 

The post Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Install Exotic Wood Floors first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Dark brown coloured flooring can bring style and sophistication to your home.  Darker floors are perfectly paired with light and bright interiors, which will give a great contrast of colours. They can suit most styles of home, including rustic cottages and even more modern styles houses or apartments. Read More