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Cork

Cork comes from the Quercus suber or more commonly known as the cork oak. Cork is a soft floor that feels great underfoot. Cork is a great insulator and noise reducer. A cork floor can help you save on heating and cooling. Many people are unaware that a cork floor can be refinished like hardwood. Cork flooring is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and eco-friendly. The best part about cork flooring is it is easy to clean and maintain.

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Hardwood Floor Finishes

A finish does not only enhance the wood grain, but it also protects the wood. Aluminum Oxide is the most durable finish. It can last up to 25 years. Acid Cured or a Swedish finish is ideal for smooth-textured flooring. Water-Based Polyurethane is popular because it provides a clear finish. It has a traditional hardwood look and feel. Make sure you choose the correct finish for your home.

Hardwood Colors and Finishes to Hide Scratches

Hardwood floors are beautiful there is no doubt, but what kind of wood is going to hide nicks the best? Lighter color floors hide imperfections better than darker floors. Matte or little to no gloss finish hardwood floors can help hide scratches better than higher gloss floors. Distressed hardwood floors make any marks look like it is part of the design. The plus to a hardwood floor is that you can always refinish it. So even if the floor gets starched up you can refinish it instead of fully replacing it.

Click! Installing Click Flooring

DIYers love click flooring. There is no need for glue, nails or staples. This will also save on materials needed and tools rented. Different flooring such as hardwood, bamboo, cork and laminate come in the click installation method. Most click floors are soft underfoot especially when paired with a high-quality underlayment. Floating floors can handle humidity changes. As seasons change humidity will rise and fall, this will create expansion and contraction in wood.  Traditional hardwood flooring can develop gaps when exposed to moisture.When the click method is used moisture will not be something you need to worry about.

Dos and Don’ts: Laminate Floors

Dos and Don’ts: Laminate Floors

To make sure your laminate floor stays looking like new follow these simple dos and don’ts.

Do not install laminate floors over carpet.

Do not install laminate floors in high moisture areas.

Do not walk on the laminate floor with stilettos heels or athletic spikes or metal cleats.

Do not seal, lacquer, finish or sand your laminate floor.

Do not use a wax seal, polish or abrasive cleaner on your laminate floor.

Do choose the right underlayment to protect against any moisture coming through the subfloor.

Do make sure before you install your laminate floor that the subfloor is level, clean and dry.

Do use a dry mop or vacuum to clean your laminate floor.

Do lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling it to avoid scratching the floor.

Do keep your curtains or blinds drawn during the sunniest times of the day. Direct sunlight can fade your laminate flooring surface.

Vinyl Stains?

Life can be messy, and our floors normally take the brunt of it. These tips will help remove spots on your vinyl floors. If the stain is permanent these guidelines may not fully remove them but can at least help lighten them. Gently rubbing the stain with rubbing alcohol (91% isopropyl) will remove spots like black heel marks, lipstick, hair dye, or shoe polish. Odorless mineral spirits will help remove permanent marker, tar, ink, paint and varnish. If you have scuff marks on your vinyl floor all you will need is a tennis ball and a broom handle. Cut an X into the tennis ball and slide it on the broom handle. The texture of the tennis ball will remove the marks from the vinyl surface without any cleaning aid.