Change The Look Of Your Home With A New Area Rug

Here in Colorado, homeowners often have a one track mind: hardwood.

We love hardwood and we want it everywhere.

So we install it on the main floor, in every bedroom, even in the basement. It might take time to transition from using traditional hardwood to things like luxury vinyl planks that match and complement one another, but we get it done. And when you finally see the results, you’re more than happy. You love the look you’ve created, and you’re excited to start decorating.

Hardwood provides a wonderful base for any type of decor. Want light and breezy? Prefer country charm? Want minimalistic and modern? Hardwood can set the stage for each of these settings and look great in the process.

Yet once you get all of your hardwood floors installed and start to look around, you may discover you want a little softening in each room. That’s where a new area rug can add functionality and charm.

Let’s start by talking size and shape 

It won’t take you very long to discover that area rugs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Want something small for your kitchen or mudroom? Not a problem. Want something that fits your dining room, complete with a large table that seats sixteen? You can find an area rug to suit your needs there too.

Before you start to shop, it’s a good idea to measure your space and decide where you want your area rug to lie before you start settling in on ideas. You can measure and then do a quick search to find out what is available – will you have to order a custom rug, or will a standard size fit into place?

There isn’t a standard guideline for how to fit a new area rug into your home, but there are some general rules you can follow.

Tend to move towards a larger rug than settling for a smaller one. A larger one will make your space look larger, and provide more comfort as you go about day to day living. Smaller ones can leave you feeling shorted, which can be a major issue if you move furniture regularly, such as in the dining room.

It is important to take the size and shape of the room into consideration before you finalize your decision. As much as you love a circular rug, if you’re trying to fit it into a rectangular shaped kitchen space, it’s going to throw your entire decor off. An area rug should mimic the shape of the space, and work to bring cohesiveness throughout the room.

The area rug should fit all of your furniture comfortably without leaving random pieces of furniture hanging off to the side. Leave at least eighteen inches from the baseboard of the room to the area rug. If you do choose a smaller rug than what your furniture demands, ensure cohesiveness by placing the front legs of the sofa on it, for example, to tie everything together.

Think big or small. Either select an area rug that allows all of your furniture to be placed on it, or go small and use it as placement pieces. Runners on the sides of the bed can add a pop of color to a bedroom without requiring you to invest in a large area rug that fits the dimensions of the room.

While there are many different ways to incorporate a new area rug into your home, the key is making it work with your belongings. We often encourage homeowners to visit their favorite decor sites, start a pinboard on Pinterest to save their favorites, and choose a look to mimic in their own homes. This gives you an ever-important starting point for looking for something for your own home.

Color and style are equally important

Have you ever visited your favorite store and found the perfect accent for your home? You love the color and can’t wait to bring it home?

While you can easily change out a vase or even a comforter for your bed, it’s more difficult with something as large as an area rug for your floors. That makes the task of choosing color and style that much more daunting – do you go with the bright patterns you love? Or stick with subdued so you know you won’t grow tired of it in the long run?

Many homeowners stick with a neutral color palette, afraid to go “too wild”. Yet bolder colors can make your room feel alive, motivating you, even giving you more energy each day as you step into the room.

Every year Pantone sets a color of the year to help designers set what is popular. This year the colors are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Pantone defines these colors as the union of an enduring gray with a vibrant yellow that sends the message of positivity. It’s a color combination that gives resilience and hope.

Have more subdued furniture in a living room? A gray couch, neutral chairs, even earth tone window coverings? Maybe a pop of color in your living room area rug is just what you need.

If you’re nervous about moving forward with color or a certain style that may seem a bit too “wild” for what you’re used to, work with one of our consultants who can help put your mind at ease. Take the time necessary to ensure you’re happy with your final selection.

The most important thing about area rugs that most people forget

It’s easy to get caught up in the looks, color, and style. After all, that’s what you’ll be living with for the foreseeable future.

However, equally important is the backing material, and how you clean your new area rug.

If you select an inexpensive area rug made from natural fibers such as sisal or jute, there is little you can do with a spill. A dropped bottle of your favorite merlot may be a perfect recipe for requiring you to purchase a new rug.

Also pay attention to the backing. Is it anti-slip? Does it provide a cushion for support? There are many choices, not all of which are necessary in every room in your home. But it is important to understand the properties and what it will give you overall.

Are you ready to install a new area rug in your home? Whatever your desires, we can help you select the right one for your needs. 

The post Change The Look Of Your Home With A New Area Rug first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

When you are installing a new hardwood floor it is imperative that you fully check and prepare the subfloor.  One of the most important things that you must do is to check the moisture of your subfloor.  The subfloor is the existing floor in your property, for example, wooden floorboards, concrete, joists, chipboard, etc. Read More

One of the most important questions that rarely gets asked is: What is the best carpet for stairs?  When you have a multi-level home, with steps up or down to any room or level of your home, that step is going to endure a vast amount of foot traffic and wear due to the weight of each person entering or exiting.  It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing your flooring.  The Carpet Guys can help you choose the best carpet for your stairs.

Choose Stair Carpet with a Flexible Backing

The first thing to keep in mind is that you want a medium weight style carpet.  A heavier weighted style, though soft under foot on a flat surface, is not going to easily bend over the step nose.  This may cause the carpet to sit wide over the step and cause slipping and accidents.  A lighter weight carpet, though it will most likely bend easier over the lip of the step, the sparse nature of the carpet pile will look even more open as the flooring is bent, causing a “bald” look to your stairs.

What Type of Flooring will the Stair Carpet Transition to?

The second thing you will want to think about is what type of flooring the stairs will transition too.  If it is going from your carpeted stairs to a hallway with the same carpet, it will easily make a smooth transition.  But if the steps end on tile or some other hard surface, you want to make sure to choose a carpet style that can easily transition at the riser to the other flooring type.

Get Great Padding

Lastly, you want to make sure that you have a good pad installed on your stairs with your carpet.  Installers will only install pad on the tread (flat surface that your foot lands on) to help protect the carpet from wear and tear.  Remember, that every time you step down onto a landing, that flooring surface is taking the equivalent of almost double your weight.  So, these surfaces must be able to endure a much larger amount of deterioration.  It’s also important for your body to have that exceptional padding underneath.  Your joints also feel the blows of each step and that padding will absorb much of that impact.

If you’re looking to have your stairs carpeted because your old flooring is worn or because you want to ease your joint pain, call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS or go to www.carpetguys.com.  We can help you choose the best carpet for stairs and any other room in your home. To learn more about flooring on stairs and the difference between a “Hollywood” stair finish and a “Waterfall” stair finish, check out our blog of What is a Waterfall Finish?

The post What is the Best Carpet for Stairs appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Want a new flooring material in your home? Want something that says “notice me” while at the same time offers durability?

Maybe it’s time to give cork flooring a second look.

We love cork flooring for so many reasons. But one of the top is its eco-friendly qualities. If you have a goal of making your home greener this year, cork flooring is the perfect step to take.

Instead of using a product that takes decades to harvest like hardwood, cork is taken directly from the bark of the cork tree. It is sheared off in layers, allowing the tree to continue growing and producing over the years. Very little goes to waste.

And because it’s a natural product, it also creates a healthier living environment. It resists mold and mildew, meaning it won’t harbor allergies like other flooring materials may do.

While cork may not be on the same purchasing level as traditional hardwood, it is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for something different.

Does this sound like you? Then let’s dive deeper into the reasons why it may be perfect for you.

People love the way cork feels

You probably have a lot of experience with cork – it’s been used in many ways throughout time. One of the most popular uses is with wine bottles – wiggle the cork out to gain access to what’s inside.

A wine cork is soft and flexible. You might also notice it stains easily, taking on the red tones from your favorite merlot or syrah.

Or how about the bulletin board you used as a kid. Remember pushing pins in to hold up your favorite mementos? The cork didn’t last long, did it?

Don’t worry; cork flooring is nothing like your memories of cork. It’s manufactured to be a flooring that stands up well under pressure while maintaining its softness to your feet. Do you stand for lengthy periods? Are you tired of how tile or hardwood feels over time? Cork flooring may be your solution.

Homeowners also love it because the softness also creates an environment with noise reduction too. It’s a quiet floor, one that won’t sound hollow as someone walks on it. It won’t creak over time. And that can be beneficial if you share home office space, or have babies or small children trying to nap.

People love cork flooring for its warmth

One of the reasons tile isn’t as popular here in Colorado as it is in states with warmer temperatures is because of our cold winters. Stepping on a cold tile when it’s zero outside can be a little intimidating.

You’ll never find cork flooring to be anything but warm. That’s because cork is a natural insulator, one that protects against both heat and cold. You’ll find it comfortable in your living space no matter what the temperature is outside.

Cork is also a natural insulator against noise. Have a home office where you produce podcasts and videos? Cork floors may be a perfect addition to help create the perfect backdrop.

People love cork flooring because it’s non-slip

The softness factor of cork flooring also gives in a natural grip. That makes it a safer flooring product than things like tile or even LVT.

While cork is water resistant, it still needs to have proper sealant installed if you’re using it in places prone to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Be sure to speak with one of our consultants about what you can expect before you install it.

People love cork flooring because it’s hypoallergenic

Do you or a family member struggle with allergies or asthma related symptoms? You might be remodeling your home to make it a healthier place to live. Cork flooring may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

Cork contains microbial properties that make it resistant to mold and mildew. It also repels dirt, dust, dander, and other contaminants better than other flooring choices. Simply wipe them away.

If you are worried about volatile organic compounds – VOCs – in the products you choose for your home, cork is a great addition to help improve the air quality. Just be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer you select, and that they’ve received proper certification. Look for things like FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold certification to ensure the manufacturer created a product that is truly beneficial for the environment.

People love cork flooring because it’s durable

It’s worth stressing that cork flooring is a durable flooring product you’ll love for virtually any room in your home.

Cork lies somewhere between carpet and hardwood. It’s not as soft as carpet, but it’s more comfortable underfoot than hardwood.

The biggest enemy of cork can be sand and rocks. If these tiny particles aren’t swept away, they can dig in and grind cork away. But there’s an easy solution; place mats at the door to remove most of the grit from outside off your feet before you come in. Better yet, make your home a shoe-free zone and add extra protection.

Heavy furniture can also create dents. Those tiny legs on chairs and sofas can sink deep into the cork and leave a mark. Use coasters to spread the weight out, and consider shifting your furniture slightly from time to time to avoid pockmarks.

People love cork flooring because it can be refinished

There are many flooring choices that are a one time use. That’s why many turn to hardwood because you can refinish the surface multiple times.

If that has been one of your key reasons for looking at hardwood, give cork another look. Solid cork can also be sanded and restained. The trick is using a palm sander and a fine grit sandpaper. You don’t want to take any more than just the surface of the flooring.

This doesn’t apply to a cork veneer or composite – you can’t sand it when it’s built out of multiple layers. You’ll damage the flooring and have to replace it.

If this is something that motivates you, be sure to speak with one of our representatives about finding the perfect cork floor for your needs.

Is cork flooring in your future?

The post Cork Flooring – An Eco-Friendly Flooring Solution first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Thinking of remodeling your home this year? You’re not alone.

According to one report, home renovation is at an all-time high. Nearly half of all homeowners are living in their first purchased home. And when they’ve lived there six years or more, 61 percent of them opt for remodeling a portion of their home in some way.

Why are homeowners thinking now is the perfect time for a remodel? The pandemic tops the list.

For the first time, many homeowners are seeing their homes in a different light. While they may have been running from activity to activity before, spending very little of their waking time at home, things have changed. Today people work from home, attend school from home, even take part in their favorite activities all from the comfort of their homes.

But what if that home isn’t as comfortable as you remember? What if you simply don’t have room for everything you do each day? You need better function. You need more flexible space.

What better time to do that than right now?

But there’s another consideration you should pay attention to: the health of your home.

You don’t want to bring in just any building material. After the past year, you now understand just how important your health is.

As you’re building the base for your new space, pay attention to every material you bring through your door. And start it out by choosing eco-friendly flooring that looks great, wears well, and improves your living conditions too.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for the environment

To truly understand how your flooring impacts the environment, you have to start at the point of origination. Where does your flooring material come from? How was it created?

Some flooring is created in a lab, made from all kinds of chemicals and products designed for specific reasons. Plastics can add strength and durability. Binders and adhesives can add to that strength and add longevity.

Yet just because they exist and we have them available to us, doesn’t make them good for the environment.

If you are specifically looking for environmentally friendly flooring products, pay attention to the specifics of how it was made.

Bamboo flooring, for example, is a hard, durable flooring material designed to give you the same appearance as hardwood floors. But bamboo is different from hardwood. Instead of taking decades for harvest, bamboo can be harvested in just a few years. Bamboo is a grass that grows extremely fast, and is woven together to add to its strength and durability. If you looked at bamboo years ago and were leery of its strength, look again. Today’s bamboo is a welcome addition to any home, and may be the perfect choice for your remodeled space.

Of course, bamboo isn’t the only option. How about linoleum? Yes, linoleum has been around for decades, and many homeowners don’t even think to look at this eco-friendly product. But combined with today’s technology has made it a wonderful choice for some rooms in your home. Linoleum is made from tree resin, linseed oil, cork dust, bits of wood, limestone, and pigments. It’s pressed together to make a natural flooring product perfect for some areas of your home. If you’ve wanted a flooring that’s easy to clean, and provides water-resistant benefits, linoleum might be your choice.

Want other options? Look no further than cork. This environmentally friendly material comes from thin layers of a cork tree. To harvest cork, workers sheer off a thin layer of cork, leaving the tree intact. The tree continues growing and can produce multiple layers of cork throughout its life. While most people are leery of cork in the beginning, with pictures of wine corks and bulletin boards floating in their minds, you’ll find cork flooring much different than other types of cork you have around your home. Manufacturers use a process to make cork hard enough to be installed in your home, and wear well under pressure. It has give that hardwood and tile won’t have, yet offers durability that can last for many years to come.

Of course, when you want to install eco-friendly flooring, look beyond the flooring itself to ensure you’re getting what you truly want. Cork floor may seem like a great choice, but if it’s harvested in less than stellar ways, you’re really not getting what you paid for. Look for certifications that ensure it’s an eco-friendly product. Things like Green Label Plus or Forest Stewardship Council have all set up organizations to follow the entire process of the product, and ensure it meets guidelines along the way.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for your home

People usually select eco-friendly flooring for two reasons.

1. They want a product better for the environment.

2. They want a product better for the health of their family.

If you suffer from allergies, if you have a family member prone to asthma or other respiratory illnesses, you may be looking for ways to create a cleaner living environment. Eco-friendly flooring can help with that.

One of the greatest benefits of selecting eco-friendly flooring is the fact that they use fewer chemicals in the production process. Volatile organic compounds – VOCs – are gases that are released from certain types of building products. As they release into the environment, they produce a host of health issues, including headaches, sinus problems, and other respiratory issues. While manufacturers as a whole are working to lower VOCs, they are still higher in some types of flooring than others. Eco-friendly products will focus on creating a product that is environmentally friendly throughout the process, from harvesting to disposal at the end of its useful life.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for you

When you shop for new flooring, or start a remodeling project, what’s the first thing you consider before starting your search? Chances are it relates to your budget.

That’s where eco-friendly flooring can help once again.

Just because you have a budget to stick to doesn’t mean you have to select a flooring product that isn’t a sound investment. Some of the most eco-friendly flooring choices on the market today are also easy on the pocketbook.

Eco-friendly flooring is in demand. And because of that, a lot of manufacturers are producing a wide variety of options.

No matter what your budget is, or what desires you have for your final project outcome, there’s an eco-friendly option for you.

Stop by today – we can help you find the perfect choice to suit your needs.

The post 3 Benefits For Choosing Eco-Friendly Flooring For Your Remodeling Project first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Are you building or remodeling a space in your home? If so, you already know there’s a lot to consider during this process. One thing to think about is the flooring in your home. Not only do you want high-quality and eye-catching flooring, but you also want flooring that is suitable for your lifestyle.

First things first: determining your ideal flooring. When you go to pick the flooring for your space, think about the usage your floor will receive. Who will be walking on the floor and how often will they be walking there? Will you be placing heavy furniture on this floor? How often are you able to clean and maintain your flooring, who will be installing it, and what is your budget? These are some of the top questions you should ask yourself before you select flooring for your space.

Once you’ve thought about all of these flooring factors, you’re ready to narrow down your choices. Hardwood is always a great flooring option. Hardwood can improve the value of a space because it’s timeless, versatile, and durable. Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl are also good alternatives. Laminate flooring is another good pick if you have a smaller budget. For spaces like bathrooms and kitchens where moisture is more likely, tile is a great pick. And if you want something soft and cozy, carpet is always an option for the rooms in your home.

Now that you know your flooring options and you’ve thought about your lifestyle needs, you’re ready to get shopping. Flooring.org is an outstanding place to find countless types of flooring for your home. Shop our website or give us a call at 1-800-689-9006.

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

What is a Waterfall finish?  This sounds like something you might ask your tour guide on your South American trip of the Amazon.  But in the flooring world, The Carpet Guys know this is a style for finishing a carpet installation on your stairs.  It’s not the only style of finish, there’s the Hollywood style finish as well.  Read on to learn about the two different styles of carpet installation for your staircase.

Staircase Part Names

A staircase has several parts.  The most important parts to know when installing carpet on your stairs are:

Note: There are several other parts of the staircase, as you can see in this image, that The Carpet Guys salesperson will need to note on your installation contract as well.  These will all be factors in how easy or difficult your flooring will be for the installer to put in.

Waterfall Style

A waterfall style finish is one of the easier installation methods.  The carpet piece “falls” over the nose to the next tread.  There will be a gap just under the nose of the stair but is not noticeable in most cases.  With a runner, the gap of the waterfall finish will be noticeable from the side of the stairs (see image of runner).

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Notice in the side view of the carpet runner you can see the gap where the carpet is falling over the nose of the step but not noticeable in the above image where the carpet is wall-to-wall.

Hollywood Style

A Hollywood style finish is more difficult to install but does provide a more completed look.  The installer tacks and folds the carpet piece under the nose.  Next, it’s attached into the crease of the nose and the riser and dropped down the riser.  It’s rumored this glamorous style came from how carpet was installed on old Hollywood movie sets.  A lavish finish found in most upscale homes today.

The post What is a Waterfall Finish? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

We’ve given you wood effect, we’ve given you tile effect, and we’ve even given you Herringbone. But the evolution continues with EvoCore Nature.

 

EvoCore Nature is our new line from our ever evolving EvoCore Range. All of the traditional benefits of EvoCore, whilst boasting a stunning real wood veneer, this magnificent flooring allows you to introduce an organic charm to any home.

 

Whatever your lifestyle, aesthetic, or practical needs, EvoCore Nature has an option for you. It’s arguably one of the most versatile yet stunning floorings on the market, if we do say so ourselves – bringing a lavish touch of nature to any space in your home.

 

What is EvoCore Nature?

 

EvoCore Nature is the height of practicality and luxury, whilst accommodating any lifestyle. Got kids, pets, a busy household? Not to worry! EvoCore Nature can withstand these pressures thanks to being highly durable, waterproof, pet-friendly and easy to maintain, and all of this whilst looking exquisite.

 

There’s no need to compromise when it comes to EvoCore Nature you can have it all, high risk areas, high traffic areas, EvoCore Nature has got you covered.

 

The Specification

 

One thing that separates EvoCore Nature from other flooring types is the quality of the product. A thicker board, a stylish enhanced bevel, and a real wood veneer are what make this flooring the premium quality that it is. 

 

Thickness:	8mm	Wear Layer:	1.2mm
Pack Coverage:	1.8m²	Board Length:	400 – 1220mm
Board Width:	125mm	Species:	Oak

 

 

Benefits of EvoCore Nature

 

With the successes of our current ranges, thanks to its amazing host of benefits, we’ve evolved even further delivering even more benefits! Let’s take a look at these benefits: 

 

• Built-in cork underlay backing
• Pet Friendly 
• Child Friendly
• No Expansion / Contraction
• No acclimatise
• Click Lock System
• Hides Subfloor Imperfections
• Noise Reduction
• No Glue Needed
• Anti-Slip
• Eco Friendly
• Waterproof
• 100% Recyclable
• Easy to Maintain
• Scratch Resistant
• Fantastic Warranties
• Home Wide Suitability
• Stain Guard
• Durable & Hardwearing
• Real Wood Top Layer

 

Long list, we know! All of these benefits coupled with a beautiful appearance are what makes EvoCore Nature a cut above the rest.

 

EvoCore Nature Underlay 

 

One of the great features of EvoCore Nature is its built-in cork underlay. Not only does this have amazing practical benefits such as adding stability to your flooring, noise reduction and increasing the longevity of your flooring, but it also means you will benefit financially. You’ll save money in installation costs, and having to purchase a separate underlay.

 

Installation of EvoCore Nature

 

Now you’ve heard us say that EvoCore Nature is easy to install, but just how easy is it and how do you do it? 

 

If you’re wanting to fit your EvoCore Nature flooring yourself, then you can follow our step-by-step guide below!

 

Installing EvoCore Nature Flooring is similar to installing click LVT or tongue and groove and click wood flooring, due to its similar click-lock system. However, the installation of EvoCore Nature is a quicker and easier process thanks to the built-in cork underlay. 

 

EvoCore Flooring is installed using the floating floor installation method, as no glue or adhesive is needed to secure your flooring. You can also lay it over existing floor tiles, making for a much quicker fitting process:

1. Measure your room to know how much flooring you will need to purchase.
2. Choose your favourite EvoCore Nature flooring 
3. Ensure your subfloor or existing floor is clean and clear of debris.
4. Lay your waterproof flooring over the subfloor. No underlay is needed because EvoCore Nature Flooring has cork underlay pre-installed on the underside of each plank. You can lay your flooring lengthways or widthways, depending on what style you are looking for.
5. Use the click-lock feature on each plank to attach them to one another, which creates a tight seal between each plank.
6. Cut the planks when necessary using a fine tooth saw or tile cutter to fit in the area of your room. As well as this, be sure to cut planks that need to work around set features of your room, such as a shower, toilet, cupboards, or sinks and so on.
7. Once your flooring has been installed, add skirting to the perimeter of your room if necessary. We offer a wide range of matching EvoCore accessories such as skirting.

 

Yes, it’s as easy as that! 

 

Shop the Range

 

EvoCore Nature has an array of bold organic textures and tones throughout its range, ensuring there is a colour and style for all aesthetics. Below are some of the amazing styles you have to choose from in this range.

 

Glacier Oak	Natural Oak	Forest Oak
More Info	More Info	More Info
Add Sample to Cart	Add Sample to Cart	Add Sample to Cart

 

If you want anymore information on our incredible EvoCore Nature, get in touch with one of our experts who will be happy to help. 

The post EvoCore Nature – The Evolution Continues appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

When you are thinking about having a new floor you will want to consider your children.  Especially if they are babies or toddlers that are moving around frequently spilling drinks or dropping food.  Wooden floors are great as they can easily be cleaned and are hygienic. Read More

There’s a new flooring in town – hemp flooring is gaining in popularity.

Why? Because it’s a great product for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly building material that helps make their home healthier too.

Where trees can take years to grow as a crop ready for harvesting to create hardwood flooring planks, hemp can go from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days. That makes it an incredible resource to use for creating building materials.

Yet hemp is something people are only starting to understand. While hemp flooring might not be as wildly popular as hardwood, we’re intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to share it with you. Let’s start with a little research into the industry.

The history of Hemp

Hemp is most commonly associated with the cannabis plant. When most people hear “hemp”, their mind slips back to their college days, and think of it being used for only one thing. Yet hemp is turning into a crop with many uses.

As a nation, we’re starting to accept it as a crop. Under the USDA, the 2018 Farm Bill expanded protection for hemp cultivation throughout the country. It allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state lines, and does not restrict the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, so long as the products themselves are consistent with the law.

While CBD related products may still have varying degrees of legality from state to state, other products – like building materials – can be sold anywhere.

How hemp flooring is made

Hemp flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, yet it’s a more sustainable product that isn’t hardwood at all.

The concept of having hardwood flooring created from other byproducts isn’t new. Homeowners are already in love with materials like bamboo, which is a grass-like product, and cork, which is made from the bark of a tree.

Hemp is just another way to use a natural product and give it a useful life inside our homes. If it can do it in a better way for our environment, and healthier for our bodies, why not?

Hemp flooring is manufactured by compressing dried hemp stalks into blocks using a soy-based binder. Extreme pressure is used to seal the stocks together into 4 foot planks. These blocks are pressed together using a hemp veneer pressed onto a plywood board. The result are boards resembling hardwood planks, with a tongue and groove application system.

What makes it eco-friendly is the process used for pressing the material together. The top finish of a hemp floorboard is made from a non-toxic liquid that solidifies quickly and doesn’t evaporate like other water-based products. That means only trace amounts are released into the ozone during processing.

The curing process is also more eco-friendly. To create the boards, manufacturers use UVA and UVB light, meaning it’s a formaldehyde-free, zero-VOC process that creates a durable top coat. This process also makes a floorboard that is as much as 25 percent harder than some of the most popular hardwoods on the market.

Let’s talk more about Hemp sustainability

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you care greatly about building a home from sustainable products. You’re trying to move towards carbon neutral living and want to do so in an efficient way.

People love hardwood because of its sustainability. Yes, you need to be aware of where the wood is sourced from, how it’s produced, and how it’s installed. But with adequate research, you can use hardwood like oak and feel good about your purchase.

Hemp can make that process even better.

As we’ve already mentioned, hemp grows much faster than an oak tree used as a crop. While an oak tree can take years to reach maturity, hemp moves from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days.

If you’re aware of your carbon footprint, it’s worth looking at hemp. According to one study, a plot of hemp absorbs four times more carbon as compared to a plot of trees the same size. Given that hemp can be harvested over and over again, this adds up over time. By the time a crop of hemp is harvested, one ton of hemp will have sequestered on average 1.62 tons of CO2.

While this article focuses on hemp flooring, it is also exciting to point out that flooring isn’t the only building material being targeted by the hemp industry. Insulation, particleboard, plaster, roofing materials, and finishing products such as caulking, sealants, varnishes, and paints are all utilizing the environmental benefits of using hemp as a base.

Strength and durability 

While homeowners and manufacturers alike are excited about the potential hemp brings to the market, sustainability isn’t enough if durability isn’t also a factor. Luckily, hemp flooring has that too.

Hemp flooring is designed to look and feel like oak. Even better, hemp flooring is engineered to be as much as 20 percent harder than traditional oak wood. Tests have shown hemp to have a hardness factor of more than 2,000 on the Janka scale, which gives it a similar quality as Brazilian Cherry.

Hemp can be cut, sanded, and stained just as you would any traditional hardwood. That makes it a perfect choice for every room you would install hardwood. It also makes it the perfect choice for other building projects such as facing, furniture, and molding. As always, be sure to test the product thoroughly in the space you desire before you use it in your home.

Are you ready to use hemp flooring in your home?

While it’s still considered a new product, and isn’t yet available on the mass market, it’s only a matter of time before you see it installed in a wide variety of places.

Because it won’t warp like hardwood, and doesn’t have to be designed while avoiding knots and other blemishes, there is a decrease in wood waste.

This is one building product that homeowners and designers alike are going to enjoy putting inside remodels and renovations.

The only question left is: will you be installing hemp flooring in your home?

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