Keeping Your Area Rugs at Their Best

Posted on March 31, 2012 by flooramerica123

Your area rugs are a special part of your room design, and as such, deserve special care. With a little regular maintenance, and an understanding of the rug itself, your area rugs can provide years of enjoyment.

The first consideration in caring for your area rug is understanding what specific kind of rug it is, and what kind of care is appropriate for it. A delicate needlepoint rug under a living room coffee table will receive much lighter use than a rugged dhurri in a playroom. Likewise, the beautiful Oriental rug that defines a reading area in a master bedroom will call for slightly different care than the durable knotted hall runner near children’s rooms. But regardless of the type of area rug you own, certain steps are essential for the care of every style.

First and foremost is the area rug pad. Every area rug, even those going over carpet, should have a good quality pad underneath it. The pad will keep the area rug in place, keep the floor surface underneath the rug cleaner, and prevent any “bleed” of colors from the area rug to the floor. Area rug pads are an important safety feature as well, especially for rugs placed in high traffic areas and on hard surface floors such as wood or tile. The pad will hold the area rug in place, and help prevent slips and slides. Use only quality vinyl rug underlay from your flooring retailer as rubber, foam back, or plastic mats may discolor the floor.

A weekly vacuuming (or more often, if the rugs are in a high traffic area) will extend the life of your area rugs. A thorough vacuuming prevents dirt and soil from becoming embedded into the rug’s fibers, and helps keep the nap of the rug fresh-looking. The traditional practice of shaking small area rugs is not recommended. The stress of flapping the rug by hand to loosen dirt and dust will stress the fibers of the rug, and accelerate its wear. When vacuuming those rugs that have fringed edges, avoid the fringe while doing the body of the rug. Then set your vacuum on the rug, and pull it towards you over the fringe. This should avoid any tangles or damage to the fringed border, and keep those fibers dust free as well.

Should a stain or spill occur, warm water and a mild soap may be all that is needed for the cleanup. Cleaning instructions should come with new, manufactured carpets, so be certain to follow the maker’s cleaning recommendations. Older and handmade rugs are a bit trickier. If a stain occurs on one of these, test your cleaning solution (soap and water, club soda, commercial spot remover, etc.) on a small, hidden part of the rug, or on the reverse side, to make sure the dyes in the fibers will not run. Once you are certain that you will not damage the rug by spot cleaning, proceed carefully as you would with any carpet. If it seems that the solutions may damage your rug, it’s time to call a professional.

Even with good weekly vacuuming, rugs will collect some dust and dirt over time, so a professional cleaning should be done at least every two years. In-home steam cleaning companies may be able to take care of your area rugs, and reputable off-site rug cleaners (often operated in conjunction with dry cleaners) can also give your rugs a fresh, renewed look.

To reduce uneven wear from traffic and fading from natural light, rotate your rugs 180 degrees every two or three months. By turning the rug, you will distribute the actual use of the rug over its entire surface.

Following these guidelines will protect the appearance of your rugs and increase their longevity.

Call Flooring America to learn about our amazing selection of area rugs today!

Care for Laminate Flooring

Posted on March 29, 2012 by flooramerica123

The rocketing popularity of laminate flooring choices is not just because of the products’ beauty, simplicity of installation, and reasonable price. Maintaining a laminate floor is simple, easy, and requires no special equipment; with regular care, your laminate floors will give you years of enjoyment.

The care regimen for laminate floors couldn’t be simpler. As with any floor, vacuum the laminate flooring regularly using a soft brush attachment. When needed, a wipe down with a damp cloth or soft mop will return the flooring’s original shine. The new, disposable dust mop products seem to work especially well in removing dust and pet hair from laminate floors.

Should you face an especially soiled area, such as a spill that has dried, or a heavy traffic area that has been neglected, a wet sponge and a little elbow grease is all you need to remove the soil. Avoid using soap based detergent when cleaning a spill, and never use harsh chemical cleaners on your laminate floor; these cleaners may cloud or discolor the floor’s finish. Also, never use steel wool, scouring pads or sandpaper on your laminate floors. If a soiled area remains particularly stubborn, simply repeat the sponging process until the spot is gone.

One of the great advantages of laminate flooring is that they require no special products or equipment to maintain their beauty. Do not use polish or wax on these floors; these products designed for other flooring surfaces will only diminish the beauty of your laminate, and leave you with an extra job of removing the polishing product from your floor!

Laminate floors are especially durable. But as with any hard surface flooring, laminates can be scratched or gouged, so you should always use felt pads or wide-base casters under all furniture. Be careful to lift rather than slide when moving furniture or heavy objects in a room with laminate flooring. Also, step-off mats at exterior doorways and junctures where flooring surfaces change in your home can help prevent unintended scratches. If a dent, scratch or stain does appear on your laminate flooring, there are easy commercial touchup kits available, with instructions that can lead you step-by-step through the simple repair process.

If you are faced with an extraordinary cleaning situation with your laminate floor, you should always refer to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions and recommendations.

By taking great care of your laminate floors, they will last you for many years and will work wonderfully in high-traffic areas. Laminate also looks beautiful no matter what room of your home or business you choose to use it in.

Are you considering laminate flooring for your home or business? Flooring America has a fantastic offering of laminate flooring choices.

Call today to speak with a friendly Flooring America representative and choose your new laminate floors!

Carpet Stain Removal

Posted on March 27, 2012 by flooramerica123

It’s inevitable, and everyone faces it sooner or later. A stain mysteriously (or not so mysteriously) appears on your carpeting, and it seems as if the entire room is focused on the spot. But with prompt action and some simple steps, most spots can be removed, and your carpeting returned to its original beauty.

If a stain occurs, quick action is essential. No carpeting is completely stain proof, although many are stain resistant. The stain resistant carpets allow more time for you to act, but the sooner you address the stain problem, the better your results will be.

First, remove as much of the staining material (food, wine, oil, etc.) as possible by very gently scraping the spill with a teaspoon or a dull knife. Don’t rub hard; you may damage the fibers, or force more of the stain into the carpet. If the spill is wet, absorb as much of it as possible by blotting the wet spot with clean white paper or cloth towels. Avoid using towels with synthetic fibers, as they are not as absorbent, and again may push the staining substance deeper in the carpet.

When blotting, work from the outside of the edge in toward the center. This will prevent the stain from spreading. And be careful not to rub, scour or scrape with the cloth; blotting will collect more moisture than scrubbing, and the vigorous action of rubbing may result in a fuzzy or worn looking surface.

When as much as possible of the stain has been lifted or blotted away, you can remove the rest of the stain with simple household solutions. A mild solution of a liquid detergent (no more than one half tablespoon to one gallon of water) is recommended by most carpet manufacturers. Always test any cleaning solution on a discreet section of the carpet before treating the stain to make sure it will not discolor the fibers. Clear detergents are preferred over creamy or oily appearing ones, as they leave less residue. Using a clean white cloth again, dab the stain with the detergent solution, penetrating the stained carpet, and again blot the wet area with a clean dry cloth. Repeat this process until all the stain is removed. A solution of one tablespoon of ammonia in one cup of water can also be used, but should never be used on wool or wool blend carpets. Do not use any other household cleaners on the stain, especially ones containing bleach, since many contain chemicals that may permanently damage your carpet.

After the stain is removed, clean the spot area again with clear water. This will remove any of the detergent residue that may remain on the carpet. If it is not removed, the residue may become sticky and cause a new spot in the same place.

When all that is left of the stain is a wet spot, place several layers of white paper or cloth towels over the spot, and weight the towels with something heavy that will not transfer color, such as a plastic water jug. This will help absorb all the moisture left in the fibers. Wool fibers will hold more moisture (and hold it longer) than synthetic fibers, so be patient with the process to get all the moisture out.

If the stain does not respond to the mild detergent, you can use any number of commercial spot removers for specific offenders, such a chewing gum remover, non-oily nail polish remover, or spot removers designed specifically for grease, oil or tar. These are available in most hardware and home improvement stores; be sure to follow their specific directions carefully. If the stain persists, check with your carpeting retailer, who can advise you on professional cleaners who may be able to rescue your carpet.

Are you looking for affordable, long-lasting carpet options? Call Flooring America to speak with a flooring representative today!

Care and Cleaning of Ceramic Tile Floors

Posted on March 25, 2012 by flooramerica123

The beauty, elegance and durability of ceramic tile has made it a favorite flooring choice for centuries, but these are not the only reasons for its popularity. Tile is surprisingly easy to maintain, and by using simple household products, you can keep your ceramic tile floors looking like new for years.

As with all flooring, the best care is regular care. Sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile floors at least once a week, more often if it gets regular use. Dust and lint can evolve into grime if they are not promptly removed, especially in areas where there is moisture.

Since ceramic tile is often used in “wet” areas of the home, it is likely that it will be subject to different spills and spots. Simple washing or mopping with hot water and a mild household detergent should wipe away anything that finds its way to your ceramic floors. The hot water helps loosen any dirt that collects in the spill, and the detergent lifts any oily substance on the floor. If a “once-over” is not enough to remove all of the spill, try a second pass over the floor with a sponge or mop. If the spill remains stubborn, you can use a soft brush or synthetic scouring pad to loosen the spot, but do not use steel wool or a metal brush, as these may scratch the surface of the tiles.

After washing a ceramic tile floor, be sure to thoroughly rinse the floor with clean water. This will remove any detergent residue from setting and attracting more dirt to your floor.

Occasionally, a tough stain will appear on a ceramic tile floor, especially floors with unglazed tiles, but these stains can also be easily removed. Prepare a paste of scouring powder and water, and firmly rub it onto the stain. Allow the paste to sit for at least 5 minutes, and then scrub it away with a soft brush or synthetic scouring pad. Repeat the process until the stain is completely gone, and then thoroughly wash and rinse the floor.

Even in the tidiest homes, mildew frequently finds its way, especially in bathrooms, spa areas and pool decks. Should mildew appear on your ceramic tile, use a simple solution of equal parts water and ammonia to remove it. Again, use a soft brush to clean away the mildew so you do not damage the tile or grout, and rinse the area thoroughly with clean water after the mildew is removed. Be sure the area is well ventilated when using the ammonia solution.

If the grout itself becomes stained or discolored, it can be brightened by a good cleaning with diluted bleach (3 parts bleach to 1 part water). Use the edge of a sponge or a toothbrush for this job, and be careful to keep the bleach solution away from other surfaces.

Even rust stains can be easily removed from ceramic tile. Commercial cleaners for rust stains that you can find in your local home supply store may do the job, or you can use regular kerosene to lift the offending rust. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when working with kerosene, and make sure the space is well ventilated.

The incidence of difficult stains on ceramic tiles is rare; its durability and imperviousness to stains is one of its great appeals, and regular cleaning will eliminate most of the stains on your floor. But should your tile or grout become a tougher cleaning problem, these simple methods should return your tile floor to its original beauty.

Contact Flooring America to learn about our exciting ceramic tile options! A flooring representative will be happy to help you select the right flooring for your home.

Special Care for Special Carpet Fibers

Posted on March 21, 2012 by flooramerica123

Everyone knows that it is regular vacuuming and quick attention to the inevitable spots and stains that keep a carpet looking its best. But even with the most diligent attention to regular carpet care, all carpets will need a deep extraction cleaning every 12 to 18 months to remove stubborn and embedded soil, it may also be required for warranty purposes. These deep cleaning systems will keep carpets looking, feeling and smelling fresh and new. The cleaning – either by wet or dry extraction — may be done by professional carpet cleaners, or do-it-yourselfers may tackle the job with purchased or rented equipment. Professional carpet cleaners may be found through referrals from friends and family members or even a carpet store. The do-it-yourselfers will be able to rent the correct equipment from any local rental store. The essential key to determining what is the best method for cleaning your carpeting is the construction of the carpet itself.

Most carpets manufactured today incorporate synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, or olefin, and most deep cleaning methods are appropriate for them. In all cases, follow the manufacturers’ cleaning recommendations. Natural fibers, however, may require special care.

Wool carpets can withstand most cleaning methods. Caution should be taken with wool however, to avoid excessive agitation and excessive heat. Do not use cleaning equipment with heavy brushes or beaters on wool carpet. Wool is also easily damaged by bleaches and or detergents that are highly alkaline, so be sure to use a pH neutral cleaning solution on wool. Quick drying is important to avoid yellowing.

Silk carpets should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. The beautiful silks in antique and contemporary area rugs and room sized carpets can be damaged by high temperatures, sunlight, and high pH solutions, and the fibers will lose strength when wet. Except for light spot removal, deep cleaning of silk carpets should be assigned to carpet cleaning professionals.

Cotton and rayon, popular both as pure carpet fibers as well as blended with other fibers, are made of cellulose, a plant fiber, and can withstand cleaning by almost all methods. All plant fibers are subject to yellowing if they remain wet too long, and too much moisture may cause the fibers to shrink. Be careful not to over-saturate cotton and rayon carpets, and if they do become too wet, dry the carpet as quickly as possible. As with all but the sturdiest synthetic fibers, avoid heavy agitation by the cleaning equipment, which can weaken and damage the fibers.

Sisal, jute and other plant fibers, including coconut, ramie, and hemp, have characteristics very similar to cotton and rayon. Most cleaning methods are appropriate for these plant fibers, but dry extraction or dry foam methods are usually recommended. As with cotton, too much moisture may cause these natural fibers to shrink, and cause discoloration. To reduce the chance of color transfer, only use a mild detergent, and dry the carpet quickly. For these specialized carpets, it is probably best to use a professional carpet cleaner.

Call Flooring America today to learn more about our exciting carpet offerings!

Flooring and Home Improvement Financing Options

Posted on March 19, 2012 by flooramerica123

One issue central to redoing your floor is that pesky problem of how to pay for it. Typically, new flooring, whether it be carpeting, ceramic or wood, is just one component of a more extensive
interior design scheme. While some family budgets can withstand the cost of the flooring alone, the addition of new cabinets, walls, furniture, etc.
tends to go beyond the average “rainy day” bank account.

So, the question becomes, how do I afford these home improvements? How do I add value to my home, and still make the mortgage payment? There are really
three main options for financing your new flooring:

Credit Card
Retailer Financing
Home Equity Credit Line

Credit Cards
With most basic flooring projects, it’s often best to just say “charge it.” In fact with most major credit cards now offering competitive rates and flexible payment options, pulling out the plastic can be the easiest and most efficient means of getting that perfect floor of
your dreams.

In addition, credit cards offer many perks in addition to ease of payment. You can accumulate frequent flyer miles with your favorite airline on many cards, and most cards offer consumer protection options on purchases.

Retailer Financing
Another popular method to finance your flooring improvement is through a retailer financed plan. Typically, retailers will offer financing with as little as 10% down after filling out a credit application. Repayment terms vary from six months to usually no longer than five years.

And it pays to shop around. Different stores offer great deals at different times of the year. It is not uncommon to find 0% financing, or no payments for one year or more through major retailers. Not a bad deal to finally have that dream flooring!

Home Equity Credit Line
One of the best – and incidentally most tax efficient – ways to finance home improvement and flooring projects is through a home equity credit line. This option would be advisable on large projects that call for the redesign of more than just one floor, or installation of carpet.

A homeowner accumulates equity in their home in three ways. First, the amount of your down payment is “instant” home equity. Subsequent mortgage payments gradually build up home equity as the outstanding loan balance is paid off. Finally, home equity increases as the market value of your home increases. For example, a home purchased 10 years ago for $150,000 might be worth $225,000 today. Even without the cumulative effect of
mortgage payments, you would have an extra $75,000 in value to tap into for home improvements.

And even better, home equity loans are among the easiest to obtain. Ask at your local bank. Indeed, if you check around, almost any bank or savings and loan is currently offering great deals on home equity loans – with minimal – if any – closing costs. And, because these loans are considered short term (even though they typically extend for 10 years), they often carry interest rates less than prevailing mortgage rates. Finally,
they offer the option of paying only interest each month, not principal plus interest as is common with a conventional mortgage.

Once the loan is set up, you “draw” from it by simply writing a check from the loan account into your checking account, and paying your flooring and home improvement bills from there. Even though you may have a home equity loan of $75,000, you only borrow what you need. You are not required to borrow the whole amount at once. Also, you can pay back the principal at any time, and borrow more as needed at any time. And best of all,
because this loan is secured by your home, all the interest is tax deductible.

So there it is. A low interest loan with flexible borrowing and repayment options, and fully deductible interest. Now that’s the way to improve your home!

These are three great options for financing home improvements. Before making your purchase, it is best to analyze which is best for you based on your individual situation and needs.

Ready to shop for you new flooring? Contact Flooring America to learn more today!

Best Deep-cleaning Methods for Carpets

Posted on March 17, 2012 by flooramerica123

Are your carpets ready for a freshening? Perhaps you have decided to hire a professional to give your carpets a deep cleaning, even though you have been careful about vacuuming your carpets and quickly attending to spots, spills and varying traffic patterns to reduce soiling and wear. All carpets should be deep cleaned every 12 to 18 months. A thorough cleaning not only revitalizes the look of your carpeting, it also reduces wear, extends its life and may be required by your warranty.

How should your carpet be cleaned?
In most new carpets, your carpet manufacturer or retailer will recommend the best cleaning procedure for deep cleaning your carpets. Always follow these recommendations. If you are attempting to deep clean yourself, chose a carpet shampoo or cleaning process. Follow the directions for application and dilution. Never use soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent or other household cleaners. For the best results, vacuum the carpet thoroughly before cleaning and apply a preconditioning solution before the deep cleaning process. These pre-cleaning solutions are mild detergents that begin loosening soil before the actual cleaning begins.

Five Carpet Cleaning Methods
There are several ways to find the best professional for your job. You may simply ask for referrals or you may use the Internet. During your research, acknowledge the five basic methods that professionals use to clean carpets. Each has its advantages and disadvantages; discuss with an expert which method is best for your carpets before you begin deep cleaning your carpets.

Five accepted methods for cleaning carpets include:

Dry extraction cleaning uses an absorbent compound containing special detergents and solvents that are infused in and around the carpet fibers with specially-designed machines and brushes. The compound acts as a tiny magnet that attracts dirt, oils and soil in the carpet fibers. Both the soil and the compound are removed by vacuuming. This method is recommended for sturdy fibers, including most synthetics. It’s especially appropriate for natural fibers like wool and cotton. It should not be exposed to excessive moisture.
The dry foam extraction method applies a special detergent solution that is fluffed into a foam and then applied to the carpet. This foam is less dense and much drier than a wet solution. It’s worked into the carpet by specially designed machines and then removed by wet vacuuming. Some dry foam machines have their own extraction capabilities while others need a thorough vacuuming after the carpet is dry.
The hot water extraction method, or “steam cleaning,” is the most common method for do-it-yourselfers and mobile professional cleaners. After preconditioning carpet areas that have experienced heavy use, the carpet cleaner uses hot water extraction equipment to infuse a pressurized cleaning solution into the carpet. Suspended soil and the cleaning solution are immediately extracted. Use caution with the hot water extraction system so that carpets do not become saturated. Accelerate drying in any way possible by using fans, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or additional drying strokes to avoid possible damage and discoloration resulting from the moisture.
The rotary shampoo method is the classic home carpet cleaning technique. A machine with rotary brushes injects a cleaning solution into the carpet and then removes the loosened soil and cleaning solution. As with steam cleaning, make sure the carpet dries as quickly as possible. Never use a machine intended for hard surface flooring to shampoo your carpets. Pile distortion and the untwisting of fibers can occur, causing permanent damage to your carpet.
The absorbent pad method should be used only by a trained cleaning professional. A special machine similar to a floor buffer with an absorbent spin pad is used to remove the soil. The pad absorbs soil on the carpet. Then the soil is rinsed off of the pad. The pad must remain saturated with the cleaning solution or damage to the carpet pile may occur. Regularly change the pad to prevent returning the soil back to the carpet face.

When choosing a deep cleaning method for your carpets, always follow carpet manufacturer recommendations and the advice of your carpet cleaning professional. The match between your carpet and the right deep cleaning method will give your carpets added years of beauty and wear.

Call a Flooring America representative today for professional carpet cleaning tips and questions!

The Beauty and Durability of Cork Flooring

Posted on March 14, 2012 by flooramerica123

It’s hard to think that after all those bottles of wine and champagne, there would still be enough cork left over to cover whole floors! Cork material makes a beautiful, amazing and environmentally friendly flooring product. Used for centuries, cork provides your flooring with durability and a stunning look.

What is Sustainable Cork?
Cork flooring is a renewable resource that provides stability, durability and beauty for your home. Cork has been used since 2,500 BC and is actually the bark of an evergreen oak tree variety that grows only near the Mediterranean Sea. The vast majority of cork production is centered in Portugal and Spain. Cork is first harvested from the tree when it is 20 years old using a specially designed hatchet that strips the outer bark and leaves a thin, protective layer of inner bark. Because of this careful and gentle stripping process, the living tree will be protected and can continue to grow new cork bark. Cork can be harvested from the same tree every six to nine years and the trees live for more 150 years.

Cork Flooring Qualities

As a flooring product, cork’s resiliency is unmatched. Cork’s structure is composed of millions of tiny and completely enclosed air cells. These air cells provide cork with the capability to be compressed and then spring back to its original form. Properly maintained, cork flooring is a high-performance floor that will look beautiful in your home for years.
Cork has a highly frictional and non-slip surface that makes it ideal for kitchen or bathroom floors. It is highly resistant to liquid penetration, especially when a special finish layer is applied by manufacturers. Cork also has outstanding insulation properties, which help reduce heating and cooling costs. Insulation provides a strong ability to absorb vibration. As a result, cork floors are perfect for dampening sound in a room or reducing sound transfer between floors.
Cork is a logical choice for families that suffer from allergies or asthma. Cork flooring is naturally hypoallergenic. It resists the growth of mold and mildew. Because it is antistatic, it won’t attract and accumulate dust and pollen particles. Cork does not give off any gases or shed fibers of any kind; it’s ideal for homeowners and families with respiratory problems.
Cork flooring can be applied over any subflooring or existing flooring except carpeting. It can be glued down or floated as planks or tiles with tongue-and-groove joiners. As with so many other flooring products, manufacturer’s modern technologies now offer many color options with finished and unfinished varieties.

Cork Styles
Cork flooring is offered in a variety of colors, patterns and styles. Whether you imagine a geometric design with unique coloring or a solid shade resembling natural solid hardwood, cork floors will look beautiful in any room. Cork can also be professionally custom-colored to match your home’s interior-design theme. Cork floors are a top choice for homes that feature a rusty look with earthy tones. Not only is cork an energy-efficient floor with a comfortable surface, it enhances interior spaces for a first-rate appearance.

Shop Flooring America’s excellent product lines for top-of-the-line cork flooring today!

Environment-Friendly Bamboo

Posted on March 11, 2012 by flooramerica123

Do you want the beauty and warmth of wood flooring? Are you concerned about the environmental impact of harvesting mature hardwood trees? Have you thought about a flooring product that grows to maturity in about five years? Do you know about a product that is technically a woody grass that has regenerated itself by sending out runners, resulting in new canes? What if you knew that this flooring material actually improves the soil in which it is planted? If you find all these attributes appealing, then bamboo flooring may be the right flooring choice for you!

What is Bamboo Flooring?
You might think of bamboo flooring as lightweight and flimsy. It actually has the tensile strength of steel. Bamboo is 25 percent harder than red oak, which is the most commonly installed wood floor. It is as hard as rock maple and offers maximum durability. One drawback of wood flooring is that it can swell or shrink depending on changes in relative humidity. Bamboo flooring has 50 percent more dimensional stability than natural hardwoods. It’s a practical choice in homes or climates with high humidity and temperature variations.

Bamboo Floor Manufacturing
Because of its unique characteristics, bamboo floors undergo an extensive manufacturing process. After harvesting and splitting processes, bamboo wood strips are kiln dried down to a 10 percent moisture content. The wood is then treated to prevent insect and mildew damage. Treatments are applied to conform to fire prevention standards. The strips of bamboo are planed down on all sides, sorted by color and then fused into planks, Planks are stained and prefinished on all sides for a beautiful and protective product.

Installation Procedure
Because Bamboo is prefinished, it is one of the easiest wood flooring products to install. Its planks are precut with tongue-and-groove joints on all sides and ends to achieve a tight installation that is long lasting. There is no need for sanding or varnishing. Bamboo flooring can be installed over wood or concrete by using nails or glue. Because it is so resistant to temperature variations, bamboo floors are perfect for installations over a radiant-heated surface. Install bamboo floors in formal living rooms, entryways or kitchens for a dynamic appearance that will impress your guests and look amazing for years.

Bamboo Varieties
Bamboo is available in more than 30 colors, including natural blond hues and darker amber shades that are achieved through a smoking process. The heat from smoking carbonizes the grains of bamboo, which provide a darker and more caramel tone throughout the wood.

Bamboo’s unique appearance and eco-friendly qualities make it a superior choice for residential and commercial flooring installations. Whether you like the look of horizontal bamboo with a stained finish or hand-scraped bamboo floors with vertical grains, you’ll find a type that meets your vision. Strong, durable and beautiful, bamboo is a great choice for any home or business décor.

Call Floor America today to speak with a representative about the benefits of bamboo flooring!

Hardwood Flooring Facts

Posted on March 8, 2012 by flooramerica123

Your home’s flooring can make the boldest statements and reflect your personality. Flooring choices are as practical as they are aesthetic. Hardwood floors provide the look, beauty and excitement that you want in your flooring and interior design.

There are three major types of solid wood flooring available:

Strip Flooring: This is the most common type of wood floor with strips ranging from 1-1/2 to 3-1/4 inches wide. During installation, strip floors are nailed to the subfloor. Wood strips come in oak, maple, walnut, cherry, hickory and bamboo.

Plank Flooring: Plank flooring boards are 3 to 12 inches wide. They can be nailed or screwed in to the subfloor. The screw holes are covered with wooden plugs.

Parquet Flooring: These 6 by 6-inch blocks come in a range of design patterns, which provide dramatic geometric effects. Specialty patterns are as large as 36 inches per square; these can also be inlaid into more traditional wood flooring for a unique design detail.

Finished vs. Unfinished:
Wood flooring can be purchased finished or unfinished. Unfinished wood flooring must be sanded, stained and finished after installation. These extra steps can be avoided by installing previously finished wood flooring. The type of flooring you purchase is determined by the look you want to achieve. The architectural style of your home may lend itself more to one type of flooring than another. The types of wood that are used, how the wood is laid out, whether it is painted or not, the color of stain, and the glossiness of the finish all affect the overall look of your room.

Depending on the style of your home, follow these top recommendations:

Colonial or country: Wide plank flooring is your best and most basic choice. These planks are usually 4 to 12 inches wide. They can be purchased as new; however, because so many larger trees that would produce these wide boards have already been harvested, an entire secondary industry has been developed that salvages wide-plank flooring from older homes and industrial buildings scheduled for demolition. A colonial look has a light stain and urethane varnish. A hand-painted floor cloth is a perfect contrast to plain wood in a colonial-style home. The stain may be a little darker for a country look. Stencil a border around the floor to give the look of home-spun craftsmanship. Inlay one thin strip of darker wood as an offset to the larger planks. A different look can be achieved by painting the floor, whether solid or patterned with a checkerboard. Where floors are painted, strip flooring will work in place of plank flooring.
Victorian; A Victorian theme is achieved by using various types of strip flooring with different stains. Victorian homes are known for bright colors and exciting bold statements. A striped inlay flooring with contrasting colors looks great. One design option is to install two rows of lighter maple flooring with every third row being a darker walnut or hickory hue. You can also paint a Victorian floor using vivid and contrasting colors. Rather than a simple checkerboard pattern, offset it with a diamond pattern.
Arts & Crafts: This theme includes the whimsical look of a Victorian theme combined with the sophistication of traditional styles. An Arts & Crafts look calls for traditional strip flooring with inlaid borders of contrasting colors and woods. These borders can be smaller strips of wood or more intricate classical motifs. A decorative wood inlay can make a spectacular statement. These inlays can be installed by skilled craftspeople. Inlays are manufactured as preassembled pieces and can be set into existing strip flooring by the handy do-it-yourselfer.
Traditional & Modern: Options are unlimited in the use of strip or parquet flooring. Opt for simple strip flooring,with dramatic parquet flooring in the foyer. Stains can range from light to dark, depending on the style of your furniture and wall coverings as well as the amount of light entering the room. The choice of varnish will enhance the look of the room. Use a plain or semi-floss urethane for the more casual rooms in your home and a high-gloss urethane for more formal living and entertaining rooms. Remember that your wood flooring is an extension of the interior-design theme of the rest of your home. It should complement that design.

The great advantage of wood flooring is that it can be bold and colorful, yet exude subtle warmth that welcomes guests to your home. Limited only by your imagination, the design of your wood floor is an extension of your personality and style.

Shop Flooring America’s online selections and find a beautiful hardwood floor for your home today!