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Signs Your Wood Flooring Needs Refinishing

September 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment

When you first install new hardwood floors, they are simply gorgeous, the main attraction in your home. Then life happens and you simply use them the way they are intended.

Year after year goes by, and suddenly those shiny, beautiful floors don’t look quite the same. Is it time to replace them? Do they need refinishing? How do you know what to do?signs your wood flooring needs refinishing Signs Your Wood Flooring Needs Refinishing

There are a few basic ways to tell if its time for repair and refinishing.

What happens when you drop liquid onto the floor?

When you have brand new hardwood flooring installed, any liquid instantly beads up and lies on the surface. The older a floor gets, the more it begins to absorb spills as they occur. If liquid seeps into the boards, it can quickly create a deep, dark stain, and slowly begin to warp the wood. This isn’t a good thing!

Have you noticed gaps between the boards?

Over time, wood settles. It moves and shifts with all of the daily use you give it. And as these gaps become deeper, wider and more noticeable, they also become more problematic. When boards no longer match up properly, it creates an imbalance that can quickly damage the rest of your floor in short order.

Has the finish begun to dull?

Remember that shiny, new look you loved? While you simply forget that over time, if you take a few moments to look at your floors, you may see that they have dulled over time. Scratches have started to appear, discoloring has begun, and no matter what you do, they simply seem dark and dingy. This is a sign its time to refinish your wood flooring and return it to its natural beauty.

One important thing to keep in mind; refinishing will not repair damage to the floor. If you notice any signs of damage – spots, stains, warped boards, bent boards, cracks, squeaks, or other issues – repairing is mandatory before refinishing. And if the damage is too severe, it may be time to replace your wood flooring all together.

Have questions about your flooring? Stop by today. We can help you determine the best way to proceed from here.

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Know Your Facts About Bamboo Flooring Before You Install

July 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment

With the heavy focus on green or sustainable materials in today’s economy, when its time to replace flooring, the focus undoubtedly always turns to bamboo. Bamboo is technically a grass, not a wood, though it is sold as if installing a wood floor. A bamboo floor is constructed of rectangles of bamboo glued together, engineered as a top layer that sits over wood layers for strength and durability. The newest types of bamboo construction are strand woven, a process that makes the bamboo flooring harder then its predecessors.know your facts about bamboo flooring before you install Know Your Facts About Bamboo Flooring Before You Install

While bamboo flooring is a great option for many homeowners, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make bamboo your final choice.

Bamboo Expands

When installers lay a wood floor, they know to leave expansion room along the sides of the boards. With bamboo flooring, it will expand and contract along its length as well, so its important to leave expansion room on both the sides and the ends.

Janka Ratings and Strength

One of the biggest reasons people don’t fall in love with a wood floor its its potential for scratch and dents. Bamboo is no exception. Bamboo fibers are strong, but the lignins bonding them together are weak. During a Janka test, a round ball is pushed into the bamboo to test its durability. Bamboo is springy, so it can resist the ball test and appear more durable than it is. When a stiletto heel, for instance, is pushed into a bamboo floor, far more damage can be done. The exception is the new strand woven bamboo, which Janka provides more accurate results.

Acclimate

Bamboo flooring is often made in one location, then shipped in here to Colorado for final sale. With different temperatures and humidity levels, its always a good idea for your flooring to acclimate to its new conditions before it is laid in place. Solid bamboo flooring tends to acclimate quickly – three to seven days is typical. Strand woven bamboo acclimates slowly, needing even more time to adjust to its new conditions. If you choose engineered bamboo, it may not require acclimation at all – check with the manufacturer for more details.

Bamboo flooring is the perfect choice for your home … if you understand its properties and how it will act in certain situations. Make sure you choose a reputable company when making your final selection, and you will have a long lasting flooring choice you will be proud to come home to for many years into the future.

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Thinking Of Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors?

June 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment

One of the greatest benefits of installing hardwood flooring throughout your home is its longevity. With a little love and TLC, it can last for decades.

As a part of the maintenance process, hardwood flooring will on occasion need refinishing. The problem begins when most homeowners don’t plan for the process, and therefore forgo it for when they have more time. Without planning for it in advance and making the time, refinishing is often one of those things that gets put off indefinitely, until the wood is too forgone to save. Then it becomes an even more expensive task as the only way to make it look great again is to replace it.thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors Thinking Of Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors?

If you are wondering how long it will take to refinish your hardwood floors, here are some key points to keep in mind as you plan.

First, you need to decide if you will be using an oil based polyurethane or a water based polyurethane. Typically oil based polyurethane takes longer and lasts longer, but more people typically like the looks of oil based.

In general, it usually takes anywhere from three to five days to use oil based polyurethane to refinish hardwood flooring.

If you are going with a natural look with no stain, often three coats or polyurethane will do. After a coat is applied, it must have 24 hours to dry, assuming the weather is dry and humid conditions are not present. So for three coats of polyurethane, three days should complete the project.

If you will be staining the wood, it will depend on how dark of stain you will be using and how many coats will be needed. Dart stains typically need longer drying time, and your flooring should be dry before the polyurethane is applied. A dark stain may need anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and when you add in the three days for the three applications of polyurethane, a full five days will typically complete the job.

Another factor that will add into your time frame of refinishing will be the square footage of your home. A 1000 square foot living and kitchen area can easily be sanded in one day. An entire home with 3000 square feet or more, plus adding in detail work like hallways and staircases, can add into the time needed for sanding and repair.

When the dry time is complete, its still a good idea to continue letting the polyurethane cure for as long as possible. Consider taking shoes off and only wearing socks for a number of days following the refinishing. Keep furniture off the floors for a few extra days, especially if it has tiny legs that will put intense pressure directly onto your flooring.

Water based polyurethane will cut your time both in application and in drying time. If you are in a huge rush, this can sometimes be a solution that will work for the shorter term. You can usually move furniture back onto the flooring within 24 hours,

Whether you are thinking of refinishing your current wood floor, have questions about your existing flooring, or are looking to replace your flooring, we can provide you with answers. Stop by or give us a call today.

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Q&A For Cork Flooring

May 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Is cork flooring good for my kitchen?

Yes. Cork has a natural softness to it that makes it comfortable to stand on for extended periods of time. However, cork isn’t made for excessive moisture, so be sure to place a rug or mat in front of sinks or other appliances where water spillage or food spills are common. Use felt pads under furniture to avoid marks.

Is cork flooring good for my bathroom?qa for cork flooring Q&A For Cork Flooring

If you choose to use cork in the bathroom, extra precautions are needed. Because cork absorbs moisture, its important to caulk the perimeter of the room prior to installing moulding or baseboard. This will prevent spills from damaging the sub-floor or walls. Also make sure joints are completely sealed, and use only recommended products for care and maintenance.

Why should I consider cork flooring?

Cork floors are as durable as many of the other choices you may be considering. And it has the added bonus of being environmentally friendly as well. Cork is produced from a renewable resource: from the bark of a cork tree that when peeled off, won’t damage the tree. Cork is antistatic, sound absorbing, insulating, and hypoallergenic, making it the perfect choice for many rooms in your home.

Does cork flooring come in colors?

Yes, like many other flooring choices, you will have a vast array of choices when you decide to install cork flooring. The easiest way to see your options is to stop by and look at our samples.

I’ve done a little research and seen WRT by cork floors. What does that stand for?

WRT is wear resistance technology. It’s a multilayer UV cured finish on a cork floor that provides high resistance to abrasion, scratches and stains without changing the natural texture of the flooring.

Is cork good for a home with pets?

Only you can know your pets behavior. For the average pet, cork flooring will uphold its natural beauty just fine. Cork floors are coated with a finish that could be scratched with heavy use. Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed will help retain your flooring natural beauty for years.

Is cork flooring new?

While cork flooring is only recently seen a rise in popularity here in the US, cork has actually been used in homes throughout the world for more than a century. It has many attributes that are perfect for home use, including comfort, warmth, easy maintenance and a look that blends in with any style.

Stop by today and see our full selection of cork flooring. It may be the perfect choice for your home.

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Cork Flooring Throughout Your Home

April 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Cork flooring is one of the best kept secrets around. But its quickly losing its secrecy – here’s why.

Cork flooring has a unique look that makes it look like a hardwood floor. Until you step on it. That’s when you’ll know its different as the surface beneath your feet gives way, providing your with a soft, cushiony feeling that’s surprisingly comfortable for walking on, standing on, and even sitting on.

In addition to the feel, there are many more benefits to cork flooring. After you weigh the odds, come in and feel it for yourself. Then consider it for some of the main rooms in your home.cork flooring throughout your home Cork Flooring Throughout Your Home

Temperate Flooring

If you’ve ever had tiles in a kitchen, you know how they feel under your feet on a cold winter morning. The only way to solve the coolness is to install radiant heating under the tiles to get rid of that fridged feeling. But with cork tiles, you won’t have that feeling. Cork has an insulation quality because cork is made up of tiny air pockets that act as a cushion to insulate the surface. That means heat will be retained instead of seep out of the room, making your room more energy efficient.

Sound

The same insulation properties that make a cork floor retain heat and coolness will also help block out unwanted noise. If you live in a multilevel home, it can help block out noise filtering to the rooms below.

Maintenance

Cork flooring is a softer material than hardwood, which means it will show wear over time. Maintaining it means regular sweeping and vacuuming to remove dust and debris that can scratch the surface. A damp mop can also be used to remove stains. Keep in mind that furniture legs, high heels, or other sharp objects can cause chunks of material to rip from the surface. If you are thinking of installing cork in a high traffic, high entertaining area, this may be something to consider.

Cork flooring can be refinished to remove scratches and dents every few years. However, unlike hardwood, it can only be refinished a few times before the thickness wears thin. Refinishing every 5 to 10 years with a polyurethane finish will accent the natural features while creating a strong protective coating over the surface. With proper maintenance and refinishing, a cork floor can last upwards of twenty five years.

Which rooms are best?

Cork flooring is soft, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and in general a great choice for many rooms throughout your home. Living rooms, bedrooms, family rooms and even kitchens are a great place for cork. However, because of the humidity and water in a bathroom, cork typically won’t hold up well in these rooms. Also think twice about installing cork in a room where you’re kids will be playing with toys and roughhousing.

But if you’re looking for a soft alternative that looks beautiful too, cork can be a welcome addition to any room in your home.

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How To Find The Perfect Company To Install Your Hardwood Flooring

April 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard the horror stories of hiring the wrong contractor. He took the money and ran. He used less than reputable products. He spent weeks longer doing the job. The problems began within weeks of the finished job.

The list of complaints goes on and on.

When it comes to finding the perfect company to do business with, especially for a major project that will heavily impact your home, where do you start? How do you make sure you don’t hire a “shady” contractor, and have stories to tell for the rest of your life?

How To Find The Perfect Company To Install Your Hardwood Flooring How To Find The Perfect Company To Install Your Hardwood Flooring

Start by looking for a company that specializes in one thing. If you want a new hardwood floor, make sure they are specialists in flooring. A jack of all trades may spend one week on drywall, the next on flooring. Sure they can do it, but do they know the intricacies to make it perfect? A flooring contractor does nothing but floors, and knows how to watch for the little things that will impact your final product the most.

Look for a company that goes the extra mile. Many of the horror stories start by hiring a “local company that operates out of the back of a truck”. Look for a company that has stood the test of time. Do they have a retail location? How long have they been in business? Are they licensed, bonded and insured? Do they have connections with other organizations around the community? Reputable people work hard to build their reputation, and it should be fairly easy to verify.

Be specific about your needs. If you want a wood floor extended into areas that are currently carpeted, say so. If you have a kitchen island that may be a problem, talk about it. If you have wood floor that is currently warped, mention it. The more a flooring company knows about your current situation, the more they can direct you to the perfect product that will provide you with the results you are looking for.

Pricing should not be your determining factor. Many people have theories about pricing – throw out the lowest and highest bids and select from there, for instance. The problem with that is in many cases, the bids aren’t equal in the first place. Make sure you get detailed quotes, and ask questions so you understand the differences. In some cases companies use different products, or may not include things they will try and charge you for later. Make sure you understand everything from beginning to end before you make your decision.

Finally, this is a short term relationship. Once you hire a contractor, he will be in your home for a short period of time for installation purposes only. Make sure you meet the contractor upfront, and go with your gut feeling. Do you connect? A lot can be said for connection.

Then welcome into your home, let them do the job you paid them for, and enjoy your final results.

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Tips For Protecting Your Hardwood Floors From Your Furniture

March 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment

You’ve waited a long time to put hardwood floors throughout your home. And now that they are installed, you want to protect them as effectively as possible to ensure that they maintain their beautiful look and feel for as long as possible.

Its easy to have people take off their shoes at the front door. But what about your furniture?tips for protecting your hardwood floors from your furniture Tips For Protecting Your Hardwood Floors From Your Furniture

Most people are unaware that any damage is occurring to their floors … until its too late and the damage has already been done. So the easiest way to avoid damage in the first place is to be aware of what can cause the damage, and fix the problem even before it begins.

There are number of protectors on the market today. Some are good and offer a lot of protection; some are not so good – you get what you pay for.

Tap On Pads

The first type of hardwood floor protection is the tap on pad. As the name states, these pads are held on by a small tack or a small hollowed out nail. These protectors are usually good for large, heavy furniture that is stationary and won’t move around much – a sofa or a dining room table.

Beware of using these on items that will be moved frequently, such as dining room chairs. The more these protectors are used and moved, the greater likelihood of breaking off. And when this happens, a small piece of metal may remain in the leg of your furniture. If it isn’t caught right away, the metal can cause serious damage to your floors.

Slip On Pads

As the name implies, slip on pads are generally made from rubber or soft plastic and fit over the leg of the furniture. If it’s a proper fit, there should be no problem with them coming off during use.

In some cases, the various types of footings on these pads can cause damage to your hardwoods. Rubber may leave scuff marks; plastic can wear down the finish over time; and felt eventually wears down, eventually allowing the furniture to come in contact with your flooring and cause damage to the finish.

Peel and Stick Pads

Peel and stick pads are the simplest to use and the least expensive to buy. They can be found at all hardwood and home improvement stores, and come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses and colors.

Keep in mind that not all legs are level and flush with the floor. If the stick pad doesn’t completely secure to the leg, it risks being easily bumped or knocked off. You may need to sand the leg down flat in order to ensure a perfect fit. Once adhered, check it periodically and clean it to ensure it doesn’t scratch or gouge the wood over time.

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How Often Should You Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

March 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment

If you have hardwood flooring in your home, you already know how much elegance and beauty it adds to your home. You also know that at some point, your hardwood flooring is either going to need refinished or replaced. No matter how careful you are, no matter how well you take care of your floor, time and regular wear and tear is eventually going to need to be fixed.how often should you replace your hardwood flooring How Often Should You Replace Your Hardwood Flooring

So, how do you know how often you should replace your hardwood flooring? After all, replacing hardwood flooring can be a hefty expense, so you do not want to tackle this project except when necessary. Here are some tips to help you determine when to replace your hardwood flooring.

  • If your subfloor shows signs of structural damage, you need to replace the subfloor and the flooring. The hardwood flooring likely has shifted or even warped from the damage to the subfloor. You cannot cover up significant subfloor damage, so replacement is your only feasible option.
  • If you have just discovered hardwood floors underneath another type of flooring, it may be damaged beyond repair. In particular, adhesives can be quite troubling to remove from hardwood floors. In many cases, it is more cost effecting and time saving to simply replace the flooring.
  • If your hardwood floors have already been refinished multiple times, it may be time to replace the flooring. Hardwood flooring can typically tolerate refinishing about 5 times, so if you have maxed out your floor’s endurance, it is time to replace it.
  • Finally, if your hardwood flooring has experienced significant moisture damage, you need to replace it. Moisture is one of the most damaging factors for hardwood floors – it leads to warping, buckling, cracking, and peeling. If your floors are moisture damaged, start making plans to replace the flooring.
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5 Things You Might Not Know About Your Hardwood Floors

February 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are looking at flooring for a brand new home, or are finally remodeling and putting in the floors of your dreams, chances are hardwoods have made the top of your list. And with good reason. Nothing says style, class and elegance like hardwood flooring.

If you are new to hardwoods, there may be a few things that you didn’t know about this popular flooring choice. While they do make a great choice for just about every room in the home, there are a few tips that will keep them looking great longer, and keep you happy with your flooring choice for years.5 things you might not know about your hardwood floors 5 Things You Might Not Know About Your Hardwood Floors

Janka hardness test

Did you know every hardwood available as a flooring has a unique ranking? The Janka hardness test measures the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear. It measures the force required to embed an 11.28mm steel ball into wood into half the ball’s diameter. The higher the ranking, the more suitable it is as a flooring choice. When looking at wood choices, make sure you ask about the Janka hardness test and where your options fall in ranking.

High heel shoes can damage your hardwood flooring

The concept of having hardwood flooring is a little deceiving because hardwoods can be damaged. High heels, spikes, sports shoes – all can be damaging to your wood flooring. Because pressure points strike the floor with more force per inch than an elephant’s foot, you’ll quickly see the damage if you walk around.

Different flooring companies work different ways

Some flooring companies look to make quick sales and install your flooring as fast as possible to move onto the next customer. We never take that approach. All of our hardwood flooring is installed to ensure you long lasting results. No matter what type of hardwoods you choose, we finish installation with glue and nails to insure you’ll never find movement or gaping in the months and years to come.

Colorado is dry – take care of your hardwoods

You probably feel it by this time of the year. Colorado is a very dry climate. Sure we get the occasional snow or rain storm, but after the heater runs nonstop through the coldest of days, you’re bound to feel the tightness and dryness in your own skin. The same applies to your floors – they feel the dryness too. Hardwoods are meant to live with moisture; so take care of your flooring and install a humidifier. Both your floors and your skin will thank you.

Take your time decorating

The hardwoods are in. The new sofa is purchased. One last piece is a new rug to add a splash of color to the room. Area rugs are a great additive for protection. But don’t add it to your room too fast. Give your hardwood flooring at least two to three weeks to cure before covering it up with a rug. It will allow the glue to thoroughly dry and the floors to settle before adjusting to the new covering.

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How To Protect Your Hardwood Flooring

January 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Installing hardwood flooring in your home is a great way to add elegant beauty and additional value to your home. Hardwood floors provide aesthetic appeal and durability that is going to last for many years – provided, of course, that you properly maintain your flooring.

how to protect your hardwood flooring How To Protect Your Hardwood FlooringHardwood floors require a certain level of maintenance, just like any other type of flooring, to ensure its longevity and everlasting beauty. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you protect your hardwood flooring.

  • Protect your flooring from moisture. Moisture is one of the biggest dangers to hardwood floors. You must protect your flooring from flooding, spills, and humidity. All of these factors can lead to moisture damage, which can cause the planks of flooring to bow and buckle. Make sure you clean up any spills as soon as possible. Also, keep the humidity level in your home adjusted properly all year round.
  • When cleaning your hardwood floors, it is essential to remember that these floors must be protected from moisture. So, you should not slap a soaking-wet mop onto the floor. Instead, only damp mop your floor with a solution of water and vinegar. You can also buy various hardwood-cleaning products to clean your floor and maintain its shiny appearance.
  • Hardwood flooring must be protected from scratches to maintain its beauty. You can do this by using area rugs in high-traffic areas, as well as floor protectors under the legs of your large pieces of furniture, such as a couch. When moving furniture across the floor, you can use a blanket in a pinch underneath the furniture to protect your flooring.
  • Finally, take the time to know your flooring. If you feel any areas that seem to dip or rise in comparison to the rest of the floor, address the area immediately – it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as a water leak.
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