flooring
Do Your Bit for the Environment With Timber Flooring
Are you planning to renovate your house and refurbish its floors? This is a good opportunity to do your bit for the environment. You must be surprised by the connection between the two. What can possibly be the connection between decorating your floors and making a positive difference to the environment? The answer lies in timber flooring. This is because in this form of flooring, recycled timbers are used that are sourced from forests thereby encouraging more and more tree growth. We all wish to contribute something to the cause of a greener world but our super busy lives hardly give us a chance to fulfill them. Here, we can easily achieve that just by opting for timber while going for a flooring renovation. There are many individuals who feel that if something is environment-friendly, it cannot be good looking. However, this is completely untrue in this case. Timber looks really classy and colorful so that you can increase the style quotient of your house to a considerable extent.
This is not the only reason why you should go for timber. There are other benefits too that it has to offer. Firstly, it is a cakewalk to clean floors made of timber. While renewing your floors, you have to think of the practical side too. You cannot concentrate on appearance alone. It is true that the look will play an important role in defining the overall appearance of the house. However, that does not mean you should sacrifice on the practical aspect. In fact, it is something that you have to take into account in the initial stages of choosing and selection itself. Timber floors are better equipped to battle dirt and dust. Since they have a soft covering, you can easily eradicate dust mites. This is definitely convenient since now-a-days, nobody has the time to spend hours on cleaning floors and tiles. Moreover, it is not possible to spend a significant part of your savings on flooring frequently. You do want it to be a long-term investment. This can be guaranteed in this flooring type.
If you are an Asthmatic patient, you have one more reason to go for timber flooring. The simple reason is that timber has anti-allergic properties. Owing to this feature, timber is also used by professionals in their workspace such as offices, showrooms etc. The eclectic variety of colors facilitates a more inspiring work environment.
However, if you find this option to be too costly, you can go for regular hardwood flooring. Though it has been there for decades, you have no reason to think that it is outdated. There are certain things that never go out of fashion and it is one of them. When it comes to class and culture, hardwood truly scores. Moreover, if you ever sell your house in the future, you can get a slightly higher price just on account of wooden flooring. The best thing about it is that in spite of offering so many benefits, it is highly …
What Flooring Will Suit Me Best For My Bathroom?
Changing the bathroom flooring is a great way to give your bathroom a new look. Bathroom flooring can give your bathroom a sense of style and a sense of comfort. There’s something about the look of new floors that can change the entire feeling of a bathroom.
There are many types of flooring that are available to consumers, but thinking of you and your family’s needs you have to choose what flooring is right for you. Think about your style, do you like bright colours or earth tones? Figure out if you are a flower lover, marble design lover or do you just like straight coloured flooring? Whatever your taste make sure that you are happy with the flooring that you choose. Since there are so many flooring options around here is a list of some popular flooring that other homeowners are talking about.
Hardwood floors have become a well known favourite for bathrooms. Most people think they are only for hallways, living rooms and dining rooms but that is false many consumers are becoming hip to hardwood bathroom floors. This type of flooring looks beautiful and is solid. Just make sure that you install it or have it installed properly with no cracks or small crevices because moisture can damage it. Most people use this type of flooring in a half bathroom.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for bathroom flooring. This flooring comes in 5 types oak, pine, stone, travertine and slate. These types then come in different colours which opens up the range immensely. Laminate flooring is also probably the easiest flooring to clean. With laminate remember that it also has a wood base so take the same precaution as you would with hardwood floors and make sure that it is installed properly. Stone flooring can be a great flooring choice, however make sure that your finances are up to fit the style because this flooring is very expensive.
Stone flooring provides options such as marble, granite and limestone, it’s not easily damaged and it’s easy to clean. Most consumers love it because it lasts well beyond its years. Just make sure to wear socks or slippers when entering your bathroom because this flooring can be cold. Not to mention ensuring that the floor that you are putting it on is capable of withstanding the weight.
Ceramic tile flooring is the most popular choice for consumers by far in today’s market. This flooring looks great, feels great, is inexpensive to the wallet and is waterproof. Don’t forget the easy cleaning that comes with it as well. You can’t go wrong with this flooring and it’s easy to install.
That’s four extremely popular choices for your flooring. Some expensive and some much more affordable. Whatever your choice is all of them will transform your bathroom completely.…
Choose Cork Flooring
When choosing flooring options, many people only know about wood, tile and carpet. Very few have ever considered let alone heard of cork flooring. Cork flooring is a growing trend amongst eco-friendly families and home builders alike. Houses that are aiming to Go Green are not only enjoying the beautiful natural color of cork, but the cushy, low impact that it provides.
If you are considering going green and choosing cork here are some things for you to consider:
Comfort – Cork flooring is often found in children’s playrooms, as a strong yet safe way to protect children even when they run, jump, and even come crashing down. This flooring is a natural shock absorber. Unlike hard wood and ceramic flooring, cork will absorb the impact of every step making it perfect for athletes and children alike.
Durability – If properly cared for cork will easily outlast you. Cork is a resilient material that unlike wood is not prone to scratching or chipping, making this a good choice for any busy family.
Health – If you suffer from allergies, this type of flooring may be just what you’ve been looking for. Cork will not allow mildew and mold to fester, nor does it attract dust or pollen. Cork floors are hypoallergenic and resist static electricity.
Variety – Generally less expensive than any other floor option on the market, flooring is available in virtually any color. Cork can also be purchased in planks like hardwood, or vinyl covered tiles for easier clean up.
Efficiency – Cork flooring is an excellent insulator. Keeping the warm or the cold in your home where it belong. When looking to create an environmentally friendly, energy efficient flooring option, cork is definitely the right choice for you and your family.…
Bamboo Flooring: The Amazing Growth, Manufacture and History of Bamboo
Bamboo flooring, widely in use from ancient times, is now making a dramatic comeback around the world and particularly in Melbourne. For the Chinese, bamboo has been an important part of their culture for many thousands of years. It was, and still is, used for a wide range of applications including: Houses, floors, kitchen utensils, furniture, paper, construction, weapons and even the shoots are eaten as a delicacy.
Modern bamboo flooring is made differently from its ancient cousin. It is refined, treated, pressed and polished for long life as well as great looks. This is essential for modern-day practicality and appearance which means that modern pre-finished bamboo flooring is extremely fast to install, long-lasting and beautiful!
Bamboo is actually a grass and there are many varieties of bamboo around the world. It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world and can grow up to 100 cm in a day. It is literally possible to see a bamboo shoot grow! Bamboo essentially consists of a stem with a hollow tube-like structure, interspersed at intervals with vascular bundles in the cross section.
There are about 1450 species of bamboo in the world. They occur in Northern Australia, the Asian continent, sub-Saharan Africa and in the Americas. Europe is more or less the only place which does not have a native bamboo species.
Bamboo grows to its full height and girth in the space of 3 to 4 months. Initially there are no branches but as the bamboo grows older, the culm or “stem” hardens and begins to sprout branches. It is considered fully matured in its third year and ready for harvest within 3 to 7 years.
Bamboo, as a flooring material, has caught the imagination of many people as when laid, looks unique and has a beautiful, long grain signature. Most bamboo floors are made from the bamboo commonly known as Moso which is largely manufactured in China. It has characteristics similar to hardwood timber flooring which means it is strong and durable. It also has powerful resistance to insects and if manufactured correctly, is very resistant to moisture. Over and above all this it is considered very eco-friendly due in large part to the huge amount of carbon it absorbs during its rapid growth.
There are different techniques used in manufacturing bamboo flooring and this largely depends on local preferences, availability of bamboo and viability. In lower-end markets it is mainly cut, treated and then nailed to beams or larger bamboo pieces. With bamboo flooring Melbourne, the flooring is far-more sophisticated as it is highly processed and refined to appeal to modern customers.
The bamboo manufacturing process that is normally used is as follows: Firstly, the culms have their outer skin and nodes removed. They are then cut into equal sized lengths which are then sliced into strips of the desired width. The strips are then boiled in a solution of boric acid to remove the starch and sugars present in the bamboo which if not removed …
Want Wide Plank Pine Flooring Underfoot?
Wide plank pine flooring is a versatile look that can go with a variety of decorating schemes. Country, contemporary or covered with antiques and bright leather chairs and sofa, this wood flooring practically screams “home sweet home.” Wouldn’t you like to have this be the foundation for your abode?
First thing that a homeowner needs to do is to find a style and stain color that they like. There is a large variety out there, so it’s wise to go to showrooms, pick up a few samples and bring them back to your house to see how they will look. There are narrow planks as well as wide ones, and light, medium and dark stains. There are some that are very smooth and refined looking, while others are adorned with personality-plus knotholes and irregularities. Some wood has been converted from antique sources that have been recovered from old barns, pickle vats, factories and homes. How’d you like to have a bit of history converted into your gorgeous new floor? Not only is this a huge design statement, but it’s a green thing to do in that you’re recycling used wood rather than cutting down another tree in the forest. Once the style of wood has been picked out, it’s time to get it installed.
Some handy homeowners can do it themselves. Others will need to hire an experienced installer in order to have it done professionally. Since pine is a softer wood than some of the hardwoods such as oak, it tends to be an easier installation. A do-it-yourselfer will need to own or rent a ready supply of tools such as a table saw, circular saw, a heavy duty stapler, nails, clamps, router, tape measure or ruler, and of course a hammer and some nails. Drills with an assortment of drill bits will also be needed. If there is existing flooring or carpeting in the home, tools will be required to tear it out as well. This tool list will depend of the type of flooring to be removed. A trip to the dump to discard the old carpet, padding or tile remains may be in order, as well.
Once the floor has been assembled in place, the handy homeowner or professional installer will need to finish with sandpaper, stain and wood oil. The best thing about wide plank pine flooring is that it will only get better with age. The natural wood will adapt to the surroundings and develop a look all its own.…
EarthWerks Flooring – A Beauty Only Mother Nature Could Create
A product of the 73-year old Texas-based Swiff-Train flooring manufacturer, EarthWerks is known by the hardwood flooring industry as a leader in natural-looking hardwood floors, with woods so beautiful, only Mother Nature herself could shape them.
Woods created by EarthWerks are subtle and soft. The company’s artisans favor soft touches of pigment and light distressing techniques rather than splashing the woods with bold colors and hiding the wood’s natural character.
In EarthWerk’s Prestige engineered line, oak, walnut, maple, birch, hickory and cherry hardwoods are handsculpted and hand scraped at the surface, with a variety of colors and color application techniques. The techniques, such as the “bleed technique” are what truly separate this line from all other manufacturers.
With the “bleed technique,” color seeps onto the outer edges of the planks. When the floor is installed, the darker outer edges make each individual plank stand out, giving the floor a very earth, “old-world” feel. Natural French Bleed Cherry is absolutely charming, with a floor that looks to have come straight out of a 17th century French cottage.
Walnut Antique is another hit in this collection, hand sculpted with rich shades of umber and burnt sienna. Birch Latte is another favorite, also hand scraped, with shades of russet and sepia swirled so eloquently to create a marble effect.
If the swirls are something that appeals to you, you’ll also appreciate Smooth Walnut Natural, with a soft watercolor effect softly blending light to medium shades of brown. The depth of the walnut woods in this collection are truly incredible!
In EarthWerk’s Durango collection, you’ll see some of this marble effect as well, but with more of an American-Western vibe. The clay-colored Mesa and the coppery Sunset are favorites of that line, although people who enjoy dark wood floors will be drawn to Adobe.
All woods in both collections come in the standard five-inch wide planks with random lengths. Durango’s woods are beveled on four sides, whereas Prestige’s are either four-side rolled or micro beleved. Prestige offers a lifetime structural warranty with a 25-year finish, while Durango offers a 20-year finish warranty.…
Discover the Beauty of Cork Flooring With Cork Flooring Reviews
With its many benefits and overall beautiful appearance, cork flooring should either: be high on your list of upgrades to your current home, or be one of the options for your soon-to-be-built home. The bottom line is that natural cork flooring, although not as well known as other floor materials, is fast becoming one of the most popular wood floors being installed today; and for good reason. The remainder of this article will discuss the many advantages of cork; from cork flooring tiles to floating plank patterns and other variations in between. Thankfully, there are many cork flooring reviews you can consult regarding many of the features and benefits of a cork floor. Let’s begin with a few advantages of discount cork flooring.
Durability and Cushioning Effect:
One of the primary benefits of cork as a flooring material is its ability to be long-lasting under years of use as well as its capacity to cushion the feet while being walked, run, or hopped upon. Let’s face it. Sometimes landing on a solid wood floor is not the most comfortable of situations. With cork as your base, that landing is much softer and safer. Even though you might relate cork such as lisbon miro, as being too soft, it’s just the opposite that is true. A real cork floor, when applied and finished correctly, is extremely durable and strong; and only requires routine maintenance to keep clean, such as a gentle whisk broom.
Cork Flooring is Warmer and Safer:
By reading various cork flooring reviews, you will come to realize just how happy thousands of cork floor customers are in two primary areas: warmth and safety. It’s true. A cork floor, due to it intrinsic structure, is a top insulator; which subsequently means a warmer floor. In addition, cork is one of the best materials available for the reduction of certain types of allergic material. Cork floors are hypo-allergenic and better yet, powerfully mold resistant; a pair of features that only increase the benefits of cork. And if you are concerned about the environment and how cork wood is harvested, take ease because cork wood is harvested primarily from the bark of trees which themselves are highly sustainable and replenishable.
To conclude, cork floors are being seen in more and more homes due to its beauty, durability, mold and allergy resistance, and lessened impact on the environment. It’s also available at a very reasonable price, usually costing as much as cheap laminate flooring. Read the latest reviews about cork floors and you, too, will fall in love with the natural beauty of cork floors.…
Where To Find Discount Laminate Flooring
Whether you are remodeling your home or building a new home you will inevitably have many decisions to make regarding the kinds of materials to use. And if you are like most homeowners one of your main objectives will be to save as much money as possible. One of the best ways to make sure your costs are as low as possible is to use discount laminate flooring.
Many people are very happy with their decision to save money on this area of their homes as no one can usually tell the difference between this type of floor and hardwood. If you are unsure about using this cheaper alternative, visit some stores to see what kinds are on the market. There are many different shades to choose from so almost everyone can find something they like.
Home improvement stores are great places to do some research on the different types. Even if you decide not to purchase from these stores shopping around to compare styles and prices will mean you can get the best deal on what you really want. Another way some people go is to buy their materials online.
A benefit to purchasing anything online instead of from a traditional store is that you may be able to get a better price. Some people may be hesitant to do this because they will not be able to see the product before it arrives. Remember that you can visit stores to see similar products or sometimes even the same product in person before you buy them online.
One of the great benefits of this kind of material instead of real hardwood is that it is easier to take care of for many people. Besides being a cheaper alternative, it will also save you time while cleaning. If water is spilled on it, there is no chance that it will be damaged unlike real hardwood.
These materials are also easily installed with a little practice. Even if you are not a professional, if you are doing other household repairs or installations, you should have no problem doing this as well. For those of you not quite so inclined to take on this project remember that there are many options for contractors who would be happy to do this job for you.
Using discount laminate flooring is something every homeowner should consider when replacing this part of their home. This is especially true if saving money is at the top of your list. And without even trying you will have great looking floors as well.…