living room dark wood flooring

Monthly Manufacturer Spotlight: StareCasing

/in /by
 Staircasing

The StairCasing Hardwood Overlay System delivers the classic look of hardwood stairs without inflicting the high cost of gutting your old stairs and installing new ones. If you’re tired of your old carpeted stairs, the StairCasing system will transform the look of your home with new, slick hardwood stairs at a fraction of the price.

The StairCasing system uses only 100% real hardwood ensuring that your new staircase is as striking as it is durable. StareCasing makes it simple and cost-effective to give your stairs a facelift in no time at all without any demolition or reconstruction; just remove the old carpet from your stairs and get started on your quick and easy StareCasing installation!

With the StareCasing system, installing new hardwood stairs can be done in mere hours without the hassle of demolition or strenuous labor; simply measure, cut and mount your new hardwood StareCasing directly over your old, worn-out stairs.

The system consists of two parts: the StareTread and the StareRiser, which work in unison to deliver your brand new, genuine hardwood staircase. The StareTread is designed to fit your old wood stair tread seamlessly, while the StareRiser can be pre-finished to match your StareTread, or it can be resurfaced for a smooth painted look. Whatever you choose, the StareCasing system makes it fast and easy to get the hardwood staircase of your dreams.

If you are looking to upgrade your staircase, the StareCasing overlay system will deliver the natural, timeless look of hardwood to your stairs without the inconvenience and cost of new construction. The StareCasing system takes the guesswork out of renovating your stairs and will seamlessly complete the stunning look and feel of your home.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

porcelain

Porcelain Versus Ceramic Tile

/in /by
porcelain

Beautiful porcelain flooring for your home.

Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom with tile is a great way to revamp the feel of your home. Tile is a multipurpose material that can be used anywhere from backsplashes to decorative wall art to give your home a unique vibe and personal touch. Because of tile’s versatility, it may be a no-brainer to use tile in your home, but purchasing the right tile can be stressful. With any home remodeling project, it is important to research the materials before you purchase them.

When you begin looking at different tiles for your remodeling job, you will see the words porcelain and ceramic when referring to specific tiles. It may seem easy to get the two confused. In fact, some people may even refer to these materials interchangeably. But what is the different between porcelain and ceramic tile?

Both ceramic and porcelain are made from the same materials—clay, sand and water. The difference in the two materials is the heat and amount of time the clay is baked. When clay is baked at a higher temperature for a longer amount of time—as porcelain is—the resulting product contains less moisture and is therefore a more solid material.

Because porcelain is baked longer and becomes harder and denser than ceramic, it can be safely used inside as well as outdoors. Ceramic on the other hand should be used indoors only.

The availability in color differs between porcelain and ceramic as well. Ceramic tile is known for its red, clay color and may be glazed with any color. While porcelain is generally left white or grey. Because porcelain is not glazed, it does not have the increased risk of becoming chipped and revealing its internal coloring.

If you are still unsure whether you would like porcelain or ceramic tile in your home, don’t base your decision off of the price. While porcelain tends to be more expensive, it has higher resistance to chipping, staining, and everyday use. In fact, porcelain’s lifespan in your home may be double that of ceramics making the overall cost worth it.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

carpet-family-room

Flooring Series: Pet-Friendly Carpet

/in /by
carpet

What are a few pet-friendly carpet factors to consider.

The versatility and comfort of carpet make it a flooring pop star! Carpet materials are durable, comfortable, conserve energy and allow for great variations in color, pattern and design and that makes it a great choice for any home. But is your carpet choice pet-friendly? Whether making mischief or just having innocent accidents, many things can go wrong between your pets and your carpet. Before you sit back and kick off your shoes and dig your feet into a new carpet, here are a few pet-friendly carpet factors to consider.

Only the best for your little friend. Depending on your pet’s age, size and knack for trouble, choosing quality carpet materials will make a big difference in keeping your carpet looking great and save you money on cleanings and costly repairs over the long run. Carpeting made from nylon fibers will offer you stain-resistance and durability at an affordable price.

Look for the “stain-resistant” label. Chances are your companion’s going to make a mess of things now and then, so you want to look for carpets made of rich, stain-resistant and bleach-proof materials. Many carpets are designed with your pets in mind, equipped with special pet pads that prevent spills from soaking through to the subfloor and coated with innovative stain-resistant technology that helps your carpet stay clean and dry by repelling dirt and liquids.

Other things to keep in mind. When choosing a pet friendly carpet, consider the design. If you have a large dog, for example, you may want to shy away from loop yarn as your buddy’s nails can scratch or get snagged in the fiber and cause damage to the carpet. Additionally, the color and pattern of your carpet will not only make your home pop, but can also help hide excessive shedding. Also, consider alternatives to the traditional wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet tiles, for example, are a great option for pet owners as replacing damaged sections is a simple swap. Be sure to talk to your local carpet experts for tips on proper maintenance and help on finding the perfect carpet for you and your pet.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

laminate

Flooring Series: Pet-Friendly Laminate

/in /by
laminate

beautiful pet friendly laminate

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, there are many factors to consider, but few are more important than how it will interact with your pets. Whether making mischief or innocent accidents, your pets can take a serious toll on your floors. So before you decide on checking out that hardwood, here are a few reasons to consider pet-friendly laminate flooring instead.

Strong without breaking the bank

The top reason to go with laminate of course is its affordability. Laminate flooring is strong and naturally resistant to wear and tear and highly durable, all while being very reasonably priced.

I is it wood?

Made you look! Laminate flooring also gives you that classic look of hardwood, but gives your pets the freedom to run around and be themselves while you get some peace of mind. Laminate has a tough protective finish layer, which means less worrying about scratches, dents and potty training mishaps. You can even treat your laminate flooring for extra water resistance to keep moisture out and protect your floors from those occasional accidents and spills. In the event something does go wrong, laminate flooring is much easier to install or repair than real wood and other flooring materials.

Take your time

Consider your options carefully. When picking laminate material, keep in mind that laminate flooring can be slippery and this can spell some trouble for your pets, especially dogs. Stick with laminate flooring that comes with a textured or embossed finish. This will give your furry friends some added traction and protect them from injury.

If you’re updating your floors or looking to make renovations, keeping your pets in mind will pay off in the long run. Be sure to talk to your local flooring experts for tips on proper maintenance and ways you can make your laminate flooring best work for you and your pets.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

hardwood

Hardwood Flooring or Laminate Flooring?

/in /by
hardwood

While these two flooring options offer the same look, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing between the two.

Homeowners love the look and feel hardwood gives to their home. Hardwood can warm any room and add value to your home, but laminate flooring is competing with hardwood more than ever. In recent years, laminate floor manufacturers have produced laminate floors that mimic the look of hardwood for a fraction of the price.

So which is better? Hardwood flooring or laminate flooring? While these two flooring options offer the same look, there are plenty of factors to consider when choosing between the two.

Cost.

Due to the variety of hardwood floors available, from the type of wood—maple, bamboo, or engineered wood, for example—to the finish, stain, and special effects like distressing, hardwood flooring comes in a range of pricing options. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is generally made of plastic and is thought of as a picture printed onto fiberboards. For this reason, laminate floor can imitate almost any hardwood floor, and its material is more budget-friendly. This is not to say laminate cannot be expensive. In fact, laminate also comes in a range of prices from inexpensive to high-end laminate. In general, however, laminate tends to be much more cost effective. The downside? Laminate does not add value to your home like hardwood does.

Resilience.

Laminate floors are durable and soft so they do not warp and crack when the floor comes into repeated contact with moisture like hardwood does. Laminate floors also fair better in humid environments. Laminate floors, unlike hardwood, are resilient to stains and their finish does not require polishing or treatment. They also make clean up a breeze and do not have cracks where dirt and crumbs can escape into.

Feel and Appearance.

Hardwood is often preferred to laminate because hardwood is known to not only deaden sounds like foot steps and echoes, but hardwood is known to feel warmer than other flooring options. Hardwood is also designed to have many layout options, including diagonal, straight lines, and artistic styles. Laminate, on the other hand, is not as versatile, and because it is essentially pictures printed onto a tile, laminate repeats itself rather than varying strip to strip.

Installation.

Laminate floors can be an easy DIY project if you are up to the task and require little work to prepare the subfloor, while hardwoods may require a professional. Hardwood flooring can be nailed or glued, but may require a special subfloor depending on the moisture levels of the subfloor. This moisture factor also affects where hardwood can be installed. Laminate floors are much more versatile and can be installed in many areas of your home where hardwood may not hold up so well.

So how do you decide between the two? The option is really up to you. Consider the amount of maintenance and longevity you’d like to get out of your floor, as well as the area you will install the flooring. If you are still on the fence, take a look at both options. Either way, you’ll be sure to find flooring that fits your home.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

vinyl

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

/in /by
vinyl

is affordable vinyl really the best option for your home?

The negative connotation of vinyl floors in the past is now being revamped with praise and esteem as the new variety of designs has made vinyl popular once again. Vinyl “tiles,” as they are referred to, come in a variety of patterns, colors and visuals including ceramic tiles, wood, and stone. Vinyl is also a very versatile material that can be used in highly trafficked areas in your home, such as your kitchen or bathroom, with little to no wear and tear. The material is also water resistant and makes spills easy to clean up. But is affordable vinyl really the best option for your home? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of vinyl.

Pros:

  • Vinyl is budget-friendly and replicates the look of expensive wood, ceramic or stone
  • Vinyl is an easy DIY project that can be installed over existing floors
  • Vinyl is flexible and does not warp or crack from excessive moisture, like ceramic or wood floors do
  • Vinyl’s slick surface makes any clean up a breeze
  • Vinyl’s finishing does not require polishing or shine like other floors
  • Vinyl is resistant to scratches and dents from everyday use and furry friends

Cons:

  • Vinyl can not be used in areas like the shower or tub
  • Vinyl is a soft material and, therefore, any particles left on the subfloor may show through as bumps and lumps in the floor
  • Vinyl is resilient against scratches and dents, but dropping a sharp object on the vinyl may gouge out a portion of the floor
  • Vinyl requires furniture pads to be used on the flooring, and sliding furniture around may cause a vinyl “tile” to pop out
  • Vinyl does not improve the value of a home

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

vinyl

Vinyl Flooring or Linoleum Floors?

/in /by
vinyl

Vinyl and linoleum floors are both considered resilient floors because they are made to withstand the test of time.

If you aren’t a floor expert, and let’s face it, unless you are installing floor in your home by the season, you probably are not, you may not know the difference between vinyl and linoleum floors. In fact, these two floors are often spoken about interchangeably. But, in fact, there is a difference between vinyl and linoleum.

Vinyl and linoleum floors are both considered resilient floors because they are made to withstand the test of time. These two flooring options stand up against moisture, every day wear and tear, and can be installed in areas with high traffic or areas popular with your furry friends. Both flooring types come in “tile” form and are laid on your floor in a similar manner. The difference?

While vinyl floors are soft and easy to install on your own, a professional must install linoleum. Both of these floor options are very budget-friendly, but having a professional install your linoleum floor can end up costing you more in the end. On the other hand, certain vinyl floors may benefit from a professional installer. Vinyl is capable of being installed over any existing floor, but the subfloor the vinyl is installed over must be free of any particles or it may result in bumpy and lumpy flooring. Also, vinyl flooring comes in two options. The easy DIY peel and stick vinyl floors may not hold up as well as the vinyl tiling, which may be a little more difficult to install.

But aside from installation, what really sets these two floors apart? Not much, unless you are concerned about being environmentally friendly. Linoleum is made from abundant materials as well as some recycled products. Linoleum is also recyclable and is biodegradable. Vinyl, on the other hand, is far from recyclable at this current time, although technologies are in the works to make vinyl recyclable in the future.

Both vinyl and linoleum have made a come back due to their wide variety of modern flooring options including color and style. So when choosing between vinyl flooring or linoleum floors, the deciding factor should be the look you want as well as the price you are willing to pay for installation, but you can’t go wrong with either option.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

anderson

Monthly Manufacturer Spotlight: Anderson Floors

/in /by
anderson flooring

Anderson Floors has a unique and broad range of options to choose from.

When it comes to flooring, hardwood is America’s number one choice and Anderson Floors offers the best selection of hardwood floors in the market. Founded in 1946, Anderson Floors began as a small family business that has flourished into a respected brand, well known for its craftsmanship and quality hardwood. Today, Anderson Floors continues to thrive as one of the nation’s leading hardwood manufacturers.

Anderson Floors has a unique and broad range of options to choose from, ensuring that your hardwood floor is distinct and just right for your home or business. From distressed hickory to smooth maple, Anderson Floors offers a wide variety of hardwood species and a distinguished collection of beautifully surfaced hardwood, including pebbled, hand scraped, and wire-brushed. With innovative and vibrant designs, Anderson Floors definitely has the hardwood floor to suit your needs and unique style.

Anderson Floors prides itself in being an American manufacturer, producing quality hardwood products right here in the states. Hardwood’s inviting and rustic good looks make it one of the most desirable flooring products around the world. But more than just beauty, hardwood’s durability make it a practical and smart investment that can increase the value of your home. Whatever the nature of your project, Anderson Floors can help you transform any space into a stunning work of art. If you are looking to update the look, feel and style of your home, Anderson Floors’ exceptional craftsmanship can make your vision a reality.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

padding

Pick the Perfect Padding

/1 Comment/in /by
padding

The backbone of your carpet’s comfort is the padding.

Underneath the surface of your carpet sits the backbone of your carpet’s comfort: the padding. Not really sure which carpet padding to pick? Does each room need a different type? Wait, there are different types?! Don’t worry, here’s a quick cheat sheet on what you need to know to pick the perfect carpet padding.

First, find out the carpet manufacturer’s general requirements. This will help you choose the thickness and density that you will need to make sure your carpet performs the way you want it to. Also, knowing the general requirements can help you avoid an issue such as having a carpet that is too thick and interferes with the anchoring of the carpet.

Second, determine how much traffic your carpet’s location will be getting. For bedrooms, dens, lounging areas, and rooms that receive only light to moderate traffic it is suggested that you get a thicker cushion. Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, stairs and heavy traffic areas demand a thinner and firmer cushion.

Thirdly, be sure to learn your specific carpet type. There are many different constructions of carpet ranging form cut pile to level loop to patterned-pile so be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendation for your carpet type to ensure that you pick the perfect padding.

Finally, be aware that if you have a heated floor system, underneath the carpet may require a specific cushion. Be sure to check the thermal resistance rating of both the carpet and the padding.

The many benefits of having the perfect padding includes an increase in the carpet’s comfort level, extending the carpet’s life, and helping reduce sound. Examine all your options and don’t be afraid to ask professionals for their opinion.

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.

pet friendly

Pet-Friendly Hardwood Floors

/in /by
pet friendly

beautiful flooring can also be pet friendly!

Do you love your four-legged companion? Do you love hardwood floors? Are you afraid you will have to choose one over the other? Don’t sink your tail between your legs just yet because there are plenty of pet friendly hardwood floor options out there – you just might have to do a little digging.

When picking your pet-friendly hardwood floors remember that it needs to be durable enough to withstand nail scratches and it can’t be warped by the occasional potty accident. The best option is Brazilian Walnut, which is hard and dense, and Hard Maple, which is typically used in basketball courts so if your pet is running across, it will be like child’s play.

There are a couple of conditions you should look for when picking your pet friendly hardwood. The wood should be pre-finished so it is stained and sealed with layers of aluminum oxide-impregnated urethane finish. Second, obviously be sure to choose a hardwood rather than a soft wood like pine or fir. Soft woods will not be able to protect against your furry friend’s claws.

Finally, make sure your hardwood is solid hardwood and not engineered wood. Engineered wood is laminated wood with a real hardwood veneer on top and can fall prey to your doggies’ clawed feet. The engineered wood may be able to be sanded back to life once, but after that there is a risk of exposing the structural wood underneath all the eroded layers.

Of course, another alternative to a real hardwood floor is a vinyl or laminate floor that looks like real hardwood. Laminate floors have a protective finish that helps protect against scratches, stains, and soiling. A vinyl floor is a durable and long-lasting material that also protects against soils and stains as well as moisture and abrasions.

No matter what wood or other material you use, your pet will love your floor as much as you do!

This post was written by Thais Sousa. Follow Thais on Google.