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flooring

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying Wooden Flooring

April 12, 2021
Lilly Miller
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Wood or hardwood is one of the most popular flooring materials for both residential and commercial properties. These wooden flooring have proven to be both aesthetic and durable. Hardwood flooring has many other advantages. Naturally, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for this as their flooring solution. 

However, you should be cautious enough while buying hardwood flooring for your home or commercial property. After all, you are not going to install a new one every year. It’s a long-term investment that needs extreme care while buying. Here are a few important aspects that need to be kept in mind at the time of buying hardwood flooring: 

The brand

The American market has several such brands of wooden flooring. To select the most appropriate one amongst them, you must carry out a detailed investigation of their brands. Find out how many years they are in the market, their certifications, the guarantee and the warranty they provide on their products and services, after-sales services, etc. It is advisable that before selecting a brand after going through their corporate website you must review what the previous buyers are saying about their products. 

Color, texture, and finish

Color, texture, and finish affect the looks of the final product and also the kind of convenient usage you make of the flooring. While selecting the color of the floor bear attention to the decor of the rest of the room. Take notice of the color of the furniture and the walls before selecting the color shade. Choose from whites, browns, greys, etc. Go for lighter colors if you have a pet. Some of the textures you can select from are that of deep brushed, burnt, brushed, smoked, sawn, and stained. The texture will depend on the kind of usage you will make of the floor. For example, if the flooring is for a children’s room then the texture must be clean. It is best to go for a lacquered finish for the flooring. You can have it in matt or gloss. However, a matte one will offer more friction and hence is safer. A glossy one will look better.

The thickness

The thickness of the flooring will have a great impact on its strength and durability. Ideally, these floorings come with a 2- or 3-layer format that has an HDF core. The plank thickness ranges 7 to 21mm. The top layer comes around 2.5 to 8mm. 

Installation

This is just an important aspect that must be taken into consideration at the time of buying a wooden floor. It is either glued or is kept floating. Ask the brand regarding the best way they will take up in your cases.

Maintenance

This is possibly one of the most important questions you must have in mind at the time of buying wooden flooring. Never forget to ask the brand from where you are buying about the guidelines to be kept in mind for maintenance of the floor. Ask them about the solutions you must use and the chemicals that must be avoided at all costs. 

Wood flooring is a wonderful idea but it needs an expert team to install. Besides checking what you are buying, take care of these aspects too. 

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5 Beautiful Ways To Introduce Raw Materials Into Your Interiors

August 20, 2020
Mike Johnston
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This season is all about bringing the outside in and taking the inside out. A need to connect with nature has never been more desirable than it is today when we have already stayed away from our natural roots far into the depths of technological innovations. One way to become one with Mother Nature once again is to introduce raw, natural materials into your house. Start by checking out some of our ideas on how to enhance your home in a nature-friendly manner.

Photo by Kam Idris on Unsplash

Incorporate wooden elements for the finishing touches

Wood is the ultimate finishing material and the reason that so lies in the many possible ways you can design it for any purpose you imagine. It can be transformed into anything from a raw and unstained cover with knots and grains to a marble-like surface. In any case, one thing is for sure – it looks great. Bringing wood into your home is one of the most efficient ways to reconnect your everyday space with nature. 

Aside from the finishing touches, you can use wood to completely cover your floors, ceilings, and walls, giving the room a rustic, cabin-like look. Wooden furniture is also very welcome since it is the most sustainable furnishing solution. 

Image by khiem tran from Pixabay

Enjoy a lifetime of quality flooring with concrete

If you want a truly long-lasting flooring solution, you should be on the lookout for sustainable decorative concrete which has become incredibly trendy in interior design. You can choose to have your concrete flooring done in different colors, but probably the most stylish choice would be to leave it raw and exposed. This type of flooring will definitely look the same for many years just as it looks today. 

There are several ways to use decorative concrete, but the most obvious choices are definitely driveways, pool surrounds, paths, and al frescos. By leaving the concrete design exposed, you’ll prevent slipping and also nail that natural look that fits perfectly in both an indoor and an outdoor landscape. 

Photo by Huy Phan from Pexels

Color your house with lavish greenery

Probably the healthiest way to invite nature into your home is to let the greenery in. Plants are not only lush stylish décor elements but they are also natural air purifiers, which gives them the title of number one must-have element in any eco-friendly, nature-oriented home. All kinds of flowers and potted plants are welcome and the more you have – the happier you will be.

Psychologists have shown that the color green has calming effects, which any Zen lover can confirm. While large plants and small indoor trees are more suitable accent items for bigger rooms, don’t forget that there are hanging plants that can easily fit in smaller rooms and look just as adorable.

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels

Paint your home with the colors of the wind

When it comes to choosing a color palette, focus on the hues you can find in nature and forget about strongly pigmented RGB mutant colors. If your first thought is that you should make your home plain green and brown because these are the colors that first come to mind, remember that nature is much more colorful than that. You might find various shades of red quite interesting, such as brick red, burnt red or terracotta, while marine blues can complement these reddish tones in order to make the perfect blend with the wooden and sandy shades.

Mocha, beige and sage green are another winning combination for those of you who are fans of brighter hues. With just a bit of grey coming from the concrete flooring and a cozy fireplace, you will have yourself the ultimate nature color palette.

Photo by Alisha Hieb on Unsplash

Trust in the beauty of raw imperfection

Remember that the word “raw” can be translated into rough and imperfect. The art of incorporating raw elements into your home lies in leaving it unfinished – just like nature would. It’s not that often possible to see sharp corners and steep edges in nature, yet we tend to geometrize every part of our homes. In order to avoid this artificial setting, opt for curvy edges and imperfect finishes as much as you can.

 

Incorporating raw materials into your home will only bring you one step closer to nature, but consider this being only an intro into a more organic and eco-friendly lifestyle. Some further steps could be trying to reduce the amount of waste you produce, shopping for organic ingredients, and cycling to work. You will see how every new step towards a more natural way of living will only become easier.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Flooring

February 20, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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The flooring of your home is central to its overall aesthetic. The main issue with your flooring is that it is the foundation of your space. And if this foundation looks old and beaten down, then your space also looks the same. Everyone dreams of having a fantasy-like home where everything looks like it has been put onto the cover of a catalog. But with real houses come actual life issues, such as damage caused by pets and children. This is a simple yet effective way to cause serious wear and tear to the flooring of your home. And this can be a huge issue, especially if you are thinking of reselling. 

There are many reasons why people recommend upgrading your floor every now and then. If you are entertaining guests or have potential buyers coming in, you want to look your best. And if your home does not showcase that because of your old flooring, then your picture-perfect fantasy is gone. Having a floor in mint condition that matches the theme and design of your house is essential. It gives structure and purpose to each room in the house and makes everything look new. So, in order to have an upgrade, you need to start fresh. You will have to completely change your floors, courtesy of Flooring Removal in Sydney, and begin the process. It is an understatement that your flooring is vital to your home. Here are a few reasons why: 

flooring

  • A Lasting First Impression 

It is a false belief that first impressions don’t last. The impact of a first impression can go a long way, and the same can be said for your flooring. Your floor is a way of greeting friends and family when they visit. It is a way of showing how well kept your house is. It is also a good way to grab the attention of potential buyers. Whatever the case may be, the flooring in your house matters and should be taken care of. 

  • The Design of Your Home is Affected 

When people walk into your house, your floor lets them know of its condition. This matters a lot as a lot can be found from the flooring. People will assess your space because flooring takes up a lot of real estates. They will note tiny details underfoot, such as any sounds or cracks. They will see if the design and size of the room match your floor and if the aesthetic is good enough. So whether you want your house to look warm, snug, cool, or huge depends on the kind of flooring you have.

  • Displaying the Function of a Room

Your flooring will represent the functionality of the room it is in. Wooden flooring, for example, matches the feel of a living room. On the other hand, bathrooms need a set color of tiles to look good. The options you pick will instantly let people know what kind of room they are in and what it is meant for. The wear and tear of the flooring also say a lot about your home. So it is wise to make the right decision. 

  • Showcasing Your Artistic Taste 

Flooring is all about creating and experience. The ambiance that it portrays matches your personal taste and style. As there are hundreds of different options to choose from, everyone can find something. For people with particular tastes, there is a range to represent what appeases to them. With unique patterns and interesting designs, you can make your home look distinct and new. 

  • Your House’s Value is Increased 

One of the best aspects of having good flooring is the impact it has on value. The overall price of your home increases automatically if you have invested in a high-quality floor plan. Even if you are not selling your property, it is always good to have this on your side. New floors should be a part of all home renovations as they drive up the value instantly.   
living room

Why Upgrading Your Flooring is a Good Idea 

Upgrading your flooring is always a good idea during renovations. While it is not an easy or affordable decision, it is essential to the look and value of your home. You will have to consider the practical function of the flooring you choose, along with its maintenance. If you have children or pets, you might be worried about immediate damage or you may even fret about the budget. All of these things will not matter when you want the interior of the house to look beautiful. So here are five reasons why you should upgrade your flooring: 

  • Find Something Easy to Maintain 

The best part about going for an upgrade is that flooring is easy to maintain. Not only are new floors easier to clean, such as hardwood, but they do not wear down either. These floors can be swept and vacuumed every other day to keep up their fresh look. They also do not accumulate dirt or debris and the best part is that even if you do not clean for a while, they will not look dirty, unlike carpets. So with stain resistance and a new style, this is a good reason for an upgrade. 

  • Take Advantage of Durability

Upgraded floors last longer and are durable. This means that even as the years go by, they will continue to look beautiful and attractive. Even if you choose to refurbish them, it will only take a few extra costs. Once you have floors that are well kept and maintained, there is no issue with refinishes or renovations. They will look great for a long time and will continue to prove that the investment was worth it. 

  • Choose from Different Varieties of Color

When you choose a new flooring plan, you get to pick the color. This is a good time to dig into your artistic side and try something new. You can opt for darker shades that give a bold statement or go with light hues for a subtle look. The style and the aesthetic will depend entirely on the color you choose and it will have a big effect. So when you go for an upgrade, you can pick something vibrant and fun which will stay for many years. 

  • Boost the Value of Your Home With a New Plan 

The concept of value in today’s market is not “bigger is better”. Instead there is more focus on planning and strategy which applies to the floor and its upgrades. So it does not matter how much living space you have as long as it is utilized properly. What this means is that if you go with an open floor plan and add flexibility, buyers will appreciate it. As it tops the list of the most desired home features, people are willing to pay more. This is especially good if you are looking to sell because you can up the price significantly.

  • Opt for Your Aesthetic and its Appeal 

Flooring upgrades range from full removals to simple refinishes. No matter what you choose, you can find your own aesthetic in it. From mahogany to cherry, and even simpler options, you can find your own appeal in the plan. The transformation that follows reflects the people how you view your home and what it means to you. Not only is this an elegant change, but it is subtle in its impact. 

floor plan

Conclusion

In conclusion, upgrading your flooring plan is a good idea. Not only does it significantly improve your house’s value, but it also adds to the overall look. Upgrading the floors can range from smaller changes to larger ones, like refurbishing and coloring. An upgrade should add more and not take away from what already exists. So whatever you opt for, make sure it fits your preference and the design of your home.

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Evergreen Flooring Solutions

May 29, 2018
cooper klein
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The time has finally come when we’ve started paying the necessary attention to our floors. In the past, home decor magazines and articles focused mainly on the walls, furniture and decor pieces, but in the recent years, the attention focus shifted towards floors. Since the floor is the base of the entire room, it is only natural that it should be your starting point when decorating or redecorating. So, let’s discuss a few flooring trends that will always stay in style. Besides, let’s face it, you probably won’t be changing your flooring solutions whenever a new trend pops up.

Go green

First and foremost, as with everything else, you should focus on choosing the greenest possible solution, because green will never stop being the best option. The eco-friendly movement made its way in every single aspect of our lives, so choosing a green flooring solution has never been easier. Some innovative but definitely worthy mentions in this field are cork, concrete and wood. Let’s clarify.

Cork

Image Source: AAFloors.ca

Cork has only recently been introduced as a flooring option, which is quite surprising if we look at its traits and the benefits it brings to the table, or in this case, floor. For starters, cork floors are extremely comfortable because cork is somewhat soft, so it “gives” when compressed. This will provide a comfortable, almost cushioning, underfoot surface that will be mild on your joints. Also, it is an excellent flooring option for those suffering from various allergies, because it’s very mold- and mildew-resistant. And finally, cork works as an excellent acoustic and thermal insulator, which makes the rooms with cork flooring warm and quiet. This is an excellent option for people living in apartment buildings.

Concrete


Although concrete is completely different from cork, it definitely has its own set of benefits. Apart from probably being the sturdiest flooring solution, it is also very flexible in terms of fitting into a room’s overall design. Let’s clarify a bit, shall we? First, as you probably already know, concrete is used in various high-traffic areas because it’s extremely durable. This means that no high heel, pet claw or furniture leg will damage its look. Second, being as awesome as it is, concrete is very easy to maintain. You can clean it with any neutral cleaning agent by simply mopping it every once in a while, and for additional protection, you can apply a coat of floor sealant or wax twice a year. Finally, when it comes to style, there are various decorative concrete options to choose from. They can be stained to match (or contrast) any color palette, or they can be made to resemble slate, tile or marble – the choice is entirely up to you. Also, keep in mind that concrete floors are much cheaper than tile, marble or natural stone floors (but can imitate them pretty well), which is definitely another huge plus.

Wood

Image Source: ShaadiInvite.com

Wooden floors are another evergreen option you can choose to go for. Not as soft as cork, but not as hard as concrete, wooden floors are perfect for those who like traditional looks. Here, there are also some variations when it comes to sturdiness (e.g. laminate vs. hardwood) but they are not as drastic as the previous two. Laminate is a bit more sensitive than hardwood, but some consider it to be a somewhat greener solution, since very little actual wood is used in its production. On the other hand, hardwood floors can be made of reclaimed wood salvaged from old residential flooring, which makes them pretty green as well. Lastly, when it comes to looks and finishes, both options are so versatile, you’ll have no problem finding something that will perfectly match your taste.

As with everything in life, if you have a good and solid starting point, everything that comes after becomes much easier to tackle. So, when it comes to designing your living environment, start with a solid flooring solution that’s not only green, but that will stay in style for many years to come.

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The Right Type of Flooring for Every Room in Your Home

October 12, 2017
Lana Hawkins
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One of the most important decisions in your home is choosing the right flooring. It’s the biggest choice of all, some floors fit in rooms and not in others, so it’s important that you choose exactly the right one for you. This blog is going to take you through some of the rooms in your house, and hopefully, help you to make a decision.

Living Room/Bedroom

Your lounge and your bedroom are the places where you’ll spend most of your time at home relaxing and kicking your feet back, so it’s important to make sure that you have ultimate comfort and a superb sense of style. Your living room is essentially your pièce de résistance, and a room that is used for relaxing, but also hosting dinner parties so it’s important you find the right middle ground. Your bedroom, however, is the ultimate relaxation zone, so it is important your flooring reflects that.

For your bedroom we’d recommend hardwood flooring, in particular, engineered. Warm colours add a lovely aesthetic to your room, and make it feel incredibly homely, especially as the winter months roll in! It can also have underfloor heating installed. Living room wise, we’d recommend parquet because it has a beautiful style, but is also incredibly practical. It’s a very traditional zig zag style flooring, so adds a really stylish addition to your house. It is also incredibly practical and durable.

Kitchen/Bathroom

One of the most difficult places to choose in your house is your kitchen and bathroom. Both rooms are exposed to moisture and water, so it’s important to ensure that whilst getting the style is important, it’s also imperative it’s practical.

Laminate flooring is our recommendation, it is sturdy and water resistant, and can still look stylish, it is also the most cost effective. Hardwood flooring has a tendency to expand in wet conditions, so it is best avoided in these rooms. They will also be areas of high traffic and heavy footfall, and laminate handles the pressure well.

Dining Room

The final main room in your house is the dining area. You’ll find with this room sometimes style is a little more important the practicality, so a classy and elegant design is what we would recommend to ensure you impress your parties and guests.

The two best options are hardwood and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). LVT is a practical alternative to hardwood and is an all-purpose solution. It has great durability features and would fit perfectly in your dining room. It comes in a number of different designs, and can easily cope with these stress of scraping chairs and any spillages with considerate ease!

Article was written by Ben Duke from Poshflooring.co.uk

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Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

August 28, 2017
Lillian Connors
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After a tiring day, we probably just want to relax on our patio or on our deck. Additionally, we spend most of our time there while entertaining our friends and relatives.  Being said that, making our deck comfortable is very crucial. The best way to start doing a patio or deck make over is through your flooring.

Here are some flooring ideas for you.

Traditional Wood Decking

Wood flooring is one of the most adaptable kinds since it looks good on any furniture and fixture. It can also be very versatile in terms of appearance because it can give a rustic ambiance that can be very laid back but with a modern touch. With wood, you will be sure that your choice will not go out of style.

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

Tile Flooring

Making tiles as your flooring can have many benefits. First, tiles can be very flexible because there are countless of designs you can choose from. There are tiles that look exactly like a stone to give your patio a natural-looking one, or you can select a contemporary design. Second, it is very affordable, especially when compared to other floorings. Applying tiles can only cost you around $2 – $15 per square foot depending on the design, quality, and size that you want. Lastly, tiles are very easy to maintain as you just have to occasionally sweep or mop the area. Sun and rain don’t damage them, unlike wood floorings.

 

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Artificial Grass

A high-quality artificial grass looks and feels like a real one already. Additionally, using this kind of flooring can also be very convenient for you. Unlike real grass, you do not have to worry about spending a lot of time mowing the lawn just to maintain the grass. You do not also need to water or set up a sprinkler for it. It can be a great alternative if you have allergies to real grass. While it is true that artificial grass is more expensive than that of a real one, just imagine how much you can save from maintaining it all throughout the year.

Concrete

If you are thinking concrete can be very boring for a patio floor, think again. You can use staining or stamping methods to vamp up your concrete and create a stylish design on your patio. Firth an expert in concrete paving says that another reason why you should choose concrete is that you will undoubtedly be able to keep it for the entire time you live there. It can also be very easy to clean and it is a super cheap option.

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

Brick

Bricks can give you a lot of flexibility in your flooring because there are so many designs and patterns you can do with it. As a very durable material, it can cost you a lot up front but you will still be able to technically save money from it because it doesn’t break unless you do it intentionally. It is also a slip resistant material. You also just have to do minimal works to maintain your flooring.

Outdoor Flooring Ideas for Style and Comfort

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring can be a very affordable option for you. It will just cost you $2 per square foot but there are still more expensive choices but they are still cheap enough compared to other flooring types. Additionally, rubber floorings are very comfortable for walking. It is highly advisable to use this if you have small children or older people in your house because rubber floorings are slip resistant even if it gets wet. Just do not expect that much longevity to your rubber floors and you might have to replace it after some time.

Foam Tiles

Even though foam tiles are not created the same, there are still a lot of benefits. Just try to be specific if you will put it indoors or outdoors. Foam tiles are best for floorings beside the pool area because they are very slip-resistant and they are anti-mold and mildew. However, the downside is it is the least durable materials on this list.

Outdoor Carpet

Carpets can generally feel you more comfortable as it gives the more homey feel. It can make hanging outside more relaxed compared to other materials like bricks and tiles. When it comes to style, carpets have a lot of styles available in the market. You can mix and match the design to make it look better. It is a very cheap material because it can cost as low as $1 but it requires a lot of maintenance to keep it in good shape.

Stone Steps

While the stone material is very expensive, buying one can ensure that it will last for a very long time and it doesn’t need extensive maintenance. For some cases, you don’t even have to sweep or clean it. It can add a simple but natural feel to your home. Just consider putting in some natural designs for your outdoor flooring needs.

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Patterned Patio

You can use different materials to make a patterned patio. For instance, a checkered flooring design with an oversized green and white color can be best for red handprints on the edges. With this kind of patio, your imagination is the limit. You can do a lot of design whether you want a retro, contemporary, or modern ambiance to your whole deck.

 

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Wood Looking Tile Versus Hardwood Flooring

October 21, 2016
Chloe Taylor
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For homeowners planning to install hardwood flooring, the high price tag involved can be quite off-putting. The total cost for the average home can easily reach $5,000 or even more. But did you know that you can enjoy the look and style of hardwood flooring without paying the high cost of one? Faux wood tile is a type of tile that is designed to resemble real wood in almost every way.

Put the wood-looking tile and actual hardwood side by side and you cannot tell the difference. The tile has been engineered to resemble hardwood flooring in color, patterns and even texture. If you really wanted hardwood flooring but the cost puts you off, wood looking tile is a great alternative.

Durable

flooring

The biggest advantage of choosing faux wood tile over actual wood flooring during your home remodel is the added durability. Tile flooring is hard and can resist most types of damage, whether from moisture, pets or traffic. This means that it lasts longer without requiring frequent maintenance. Essentially, you enjoy the warmth of hardwood flooring and the durability of tile.

This type of tile can be especially beneficial for high-moisture areas like the bathroom and kitchen and high-traffic areas such as the entryway and hallways.

Cost Effective

While the cost difference between faux wood tile and real hardwood is not that big (some high-end tiles are even more expensive than hardwood), tile proves to be far more cost effective. It does not require expensive or frequent maintenance, making it a lesser financial burden on the homeowner.

Variety

floor

There is no shortage of variety when it comes to choosing wood looking tile. Whether you are going for a chic urban look, a more formal contemporary style or a cozy countryside décor, you will find the perfect tile for your needs. The process used to manufacture faux wood tiles allows the makers to create virtually any pattern they want.

What About Real Hardwood

hardwood flooring

Real hardwood of course has its advantages. Before you make a decision on which one to go with, we recommend that you compare the pros and cons of each. For example, real hardwood has a certain warmth that just cannot be matched by tile. There is also the fact that wood is not has hard as tile. If you stand too long on tile, your feet and ankles will complain. Wood is much friendlier towards your legs, especially for people with feet problems.

On the downside, hardwood requires a little more work in maintenance. After sometime, you need to polish it to get rid of any wear and tear. Over several years, the maintenance costs can add up.

Making a Decision

wood looking tile VS hardwood

None of the options is the best and none is the worst. The best choice depends on your needs, preferences and budget. Talk to your contractor for advice on the best choice for your home. For example, you may find that tile is better if you have pets that tend to scratch a lot.

For a more comprehensive comparison, take a look at this article from Sebring Services, “Tile That Looks Like Wood vs Hardwood Flooring.

This article was written by Bryan Sebring, the owner of Sebring Services, which is located in Chicago’s western suburbs.  Bryan is very passionate about educating homeowner’s.  From design ideas to hiring contractors, his goal is to help homeowner’s in the process of remodelling their homes.

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