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In one of our previous posts, we looked at some of the possible disadvantages of buying so-labeled green flooring products. Here, we take on some things we think you should know before deciding if you want and need bamboo on your living or working space and if it is indeed the appropriate material.

Bamboo Flooring in the Making

Two things everyone should consider before buying bamboo flooring because they are thinking green are these: producing bamboo flooring takes major chemical and energy inputs.

What chemical and energy inputs?

From its natural state, it takes a series of energy-consuming processes to convert bamboo into flooring boards:

• shoots are sliced into strips;
• strips are boiled with a solution of water and Boric acid to remove starch and sugars;
• to add some color to bamboo flooring, it undergoes a carbonizing process through steaming under controlled heat and pressure;
• bamboo flooring products will then undergo a laminating process to create solid boards and added with chemical adhesives like urea-formaldehyde (a reported carcinogen);
• these bamboo boards are then cut into standard flooring planks w/ their tongues and grooves and finished with chemicals to protect the top layers;
• before it is shipped or transported for distribution to local markets.

If you think of all that, you say to yourself: then its not really “green” after all. However, we are not saying that all bamboo flooring manufacturers are irresponsible and is not concerned with the welfare of the environment, we are advocating that we check out who are we buying from and how the products we’re buying from them are made. Buying from people engaged in unsound practices means we are supporting the ways they might be damaging the environment and risking our families or friends in the process.

5 Important Bamboo Facts Every Consumer Should Know:

1. Bamboo expands…in length.

Hardwood which normally expands in width, hence flooring installers normally leave spaces on the side of each board to make room for expansion. Sometimes however, bamboo expands in length. Consumers should be advised to be mindful of this to prevent the ends of their bamboo flooring from buckling or warping.

2. Hardness matters.

While bamboo ranks relatively high in the Janka Hardness scale, keep in mind that the flooring material is made for different bamboos pressed together so how it ranks in the scale may vary or may even be inaccurate. Another think to keep in mind is that carbonizing leaves bamboo flooring products softer than untreated ones.

3. Reactions to humidity.

Moisture changes causes bamboo to react differently: fibers on each strip will naturally expand or shrink away from each other unlike in engineered hardwood where fibers are held together by plywood as its stabilizing layer. This behaviour of fibers in bamboo flooring can cause the wear layer to crack.

4. It doesn’t automatically add up in LEED.

Just because you chose bamboo, it doesn’t mean that you automatically earn multiple points in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system. The type of bamboo flooring you use will determine how and where you can earn the credits you get.

5. Acclimation is still important.

Most consumers assume that bamboo flooring doesn’t need to acclimate since it is made up of many joined fibers. Contrary to this is the fact that since bamboo is made up of different bamboo fibers, it required varying acclimation times.

Bamboo has many great benefits however not all bamboo flooring are created equal. If sellers don’t give you the complete score on the bamboo flooring product you are interested in, go the extra mile and do some research. Green bamboo flooring created in an unsustainable or environmentally degrading process isn’t exactly green flooring at all.

While both are made of genuine hardwood, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood  been so closely
compared that there is now some sort of rivalry between these two excellent flooring choices. Homeowners and homebuyers, especially those first time ones are often baffled between the similarities and differences of the tow and can hardly tell which one would be more appropriate for their needs and best suits their requirements.

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To help you with all your woes and questions, below are some basic things worth knowing about solid and engineered hardwood flooring and the advantages of one over the other:

What is solid hardwood?

Solid hardwood are famous to use until the earlier part of 1900 when there are plentiful hardwood trees and the world population is not so lush. Solid wood is ¾ inches thick. It is made from a single trunk of a good and matured solid trunk. It is seasoned well to avoid it from expanding when installed on your floor. Sometimes, contractors leave a little gap between the wood planks if ever it expands.

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What is engineered hardwood?

It is a solid wood plank made by 100% wood. However, it is composed of three to five layers of wood which are glued together. Each layer is arranged criss-crossed over the other so that it can support the other layer. The criss-cross arrangement makes the engineered hardwood stronger and less prone to expansion even when humidity is high.

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Which is better to use?

There is a thin line between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. It is difficult to tell which one is better in performance. To know how each one works, here is a close comparison for you to reflect upon:

1. What are they made of?

• • Solid hardwood: Pure wood and no cuts from top to bottom, side to side.
  • Engineered hardwood: Three to five layers of 1/6” thick wood arranged in layers. The topmost layer is finished while the underlying layers are high density fibreboards which make the floor stronger.

2. How thick is each type?

• • Solid hardwood: It is between 3/8” or ¾ “.
  • Engineered hardwood: You can pick sizes from 3/8” to ½” only.

3. How wide is each type?

• • Solid hardwood: It comes in a minimal width of 3.25 inches to 11 inches. You can also get 5 inches from the store.
  • Engineered hardwood: Same as the solid hardwood, it is also 3.25” to 5” wide. You can request for wider size such as 11 inches in the floor store.

4. What types of wood are available?

• • Solid hardwood: There are many varieties of solid hardwood. But, the most preferred species are Cherry, Pine, Oak and Mahogany.
  • Engineered hardwood: Almost all of the species of solid hardwood are available.

5. Is it ready to use?

• • Solid hardwood: There are some stores that sell pre-finished. Most of the time, they are not yet finished that makes the installation difficult.
  • Engineered hardwood: They are always pre-finished. You can install and walk on then readily.

6. Can you resell it?

• • Solid hardwood: Yes. The value can be higher than how much you bought it if you sell it a decade from now.
  • Engineered hardwood: Excellent. It has the same value as the solid hardwood.

7. Can you sand it anew?

• • Solid hardwood: Yes, several times.
  • Engineered hardwood: You can sand it only once.

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Choose well. Pick the floor that suits your lifestyle and will be with you for almost all of your lifetime.

We all know than in any space, flooring is essential. Indoors or outdoors flooring pulls together the look of any room. Installing different flooring materials will have different impact and effects on the rooms or surfaces where they are installed.

In today’s decorating small interiors series, we’ll look at the different flooring choices available to small homes and spaces.

There are certain elements to consider when choosing flooring for small spaces. The most common of these is color. For small interiors, it is generally recommended that the color of the flooring is light. However, that’s no longer the norm. Light or dark will both work, depending on your preference. Light colors give that open and airy feeling while dark colored ones gives the space more definition.

The different light colors in this small kitchen may have highlighted the small space but it did make it appear light and easy. The color of the kitchen cabinets doors and drawers also helped, there is an illusion of openness and continuity.

Another neat trick is to choose your flooring pattern well. Like what this diamond wood parquet did to the narrow entryway.

If you want to define open space, simply use area rugs to set the mark.

In our previous post, we gave you popular flooring and the pros and cons of each. Today we continue with the list together with their respective advantages and disadvantages:

4. Carpets and Area Rugs

Carpets – whether in form of wall-to-wall carpeting or carpet tiles, carpet runners and area rugs has always been the top choice in terms of comfort. Carpets and area rugs tend to rank on the higher side of the scale and in general can be a bit expensive but there are also those that range from $2-3 per square foot and you can even get a fair deal with installation for $50.

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Most people favor carpets be it wall-to-wall, area rugs or carpet tiles mostly because of the warmth, softness and comfort that it brings. They are good for minimizing sounds and also looks amazing even with uneven subfloors. The number of materials have also grown from the traditional wool to involve more variety of fibers including some recycled materials. There has also been significant growth in variations of colors, patterns, shapes and sizes which sustain the appeal of carpets and area rugs for both residential and commercial users.

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Technological advances have made carpets and area rugs more resistant to its constant enemy – stains. It does was however unable to make them stain-proof. So there is always that risk of having your beautiful flooring ruined by some stubborn stain. Next to stains, the second greatest disadvantage of having carpets and area rugs covering your floors is that no matter how much you sweep and vacuum, dirt tends to cling to the fabrics and pile up underneath. This dirt and dust is often a major cause of allergies among kids as well as adults. This means that aside from frequent cleaning, carpets and area rugs should be regularly steam-cleaned to ensure that it is safe and fresh.

5. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is probably the most popular and the most common choice when it comes to home improvement for flooring. It comes in many different varieties and adds value to the home. It may cost a little more expensive than expected especially those exotic hardwood varieties but in the long run, hardwood flooring is a worthwhile investment.

Aside from the warmth and sturdiness of hardwood flooring, it’s greatest strength as a material of choice for homeowners, designers and builders lies in the fact that it increases the resale value of the property. Once installed, hardwood flooring is very easy to clean and maintain.

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Solid hardwood flooring is prone to expanding and contracting because of changes in the weather so it doesn’t work okay with moist or is appropriate for places that normally gets wet. Since it costs more that laminate flooring, installation is almost often done by a professional. Finally, at least once a year, this type of flooring requires staining and refinishing, especially those who are in high traffic areas.

6. Natural Stone and Ceramic Tiles

Natural stone and ceramic tiles are sturdy and adds that touch of elegance to any room they are installed in. Natural stone like marble, slate and granite come in distinctive colors while ceramic tiles are available in an ever wider color palette.

Aside from the quiet elegance people pick stone tiles over natural wood or carpet because it’s durable and is easier to maintain. It is suitable for places that normally gets wet or is in general, exposed to moisture.

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The major disadvantage with both kinds of flooring is the cost – especially for natural stone flooring like granite and marble and in general, the cold hard surfaces of both, including the ceramic and porcelain tiles. Next is installation and repair since this will definitely require the experience and tools to be able to pull it off DIY.

www.designsbynicolette.com

In the end, there really is no single best flooring solution that will work for the rest of your property, no single piece of tile or plank of wood can single-handedly give you everything you need in a house. Based on some category, one will always be better than the other, we just have to know which so we can use it correctly and to our advantage.

Earlier, we gave you the best flooring choices for each room in your house. Today, we’d like to take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each flooring solution so you can better understand how each can help you identify which ones will best meet your needs.

1. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular choice among DIYers and other home improvement enthusiast. There are a number of reasons why designers, decorators and home improvement have this on the top list of their favorite flooring choices: cost, design and durability are just some of a few.

Now, don’t be fooled. In terms of course, yes, laminate flooring can come in really cheap but this does not mean that it is indeed cheap. The price range for this type of flooring can go from 50 cents to $3 per square meter. In some cases, the best kinds of laminate flooring can even cost more than real hardwoods. Whether or not you are decided that this is indeed the best flooring that suits your needs, be sure to consider installation costs.

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Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of shades and textures, some mimicking the actual feel and appearance of real hardwood or natural stone tile flooring without the common sensitivities of hardwood – like expanding and contracting when climate changes, being prone to scratch and low tolerance of water and moisture. It’s also not as cold and slippery as stone and tile flooring. Another advantage is that it is easier to clean laminate flooring and virtually needs to maintenance, unlike hardwoods that requires refinishing.

Downside: well, its not the real thing. No matter how much it looks like granite tiles, at the end of the day, laminate flooring will not add even a fraction of the cost having granite flooring does to a property. Since you will not be able to refinish it, when the laminate flooring begin to look like worn and old, well, you eventually have to replace it.

2. Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring

Vinyl and linoleum flooring are entirely different flooring solutions that fall into the same categories which sometimes leave people confused on  which is which. Vinyl is sourced from synthetic materials while linoleum is made up of natural components. Both comes in sheets and are highly flexible and durable while vinyl flooring is also available in planks and tiles.

On the price scale, linoleum and vinyl flooring can go from somewhere between $1 to $5 per square feet and having it installed can cost a few hundred dollars more.

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Aside from the price advantage, vinyl is easy and comfortable underfoot. It requires no maintenance and can be made to tool like either wood or stone tiles. In general, vinyl is flexible and can very much tolerate water and moisture. Its polymer core also does not permit the growth of bacteria and microbes that causes allergies and infections. If you prefer something more environmentally sound, linoleum is a great contender. Its as durable a vinyl and also required very little maintenance. Just a once a year waxing to keep it shiny and buffed.

Looking like another flooring material really doesn’t add any monetary value to the property and some of these “look alikes” well, they don’t look and feel alike that much. Also be sure to check your brand and the quality of the vinyl flooring you are going to buy because there are some that tears and dents easily. As for linoleums, the most challenge shoppers and designers face is the limited designs.

3. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring has been around for a couple of decades. Resilient and quiet, it is prefered by those people who wants comfort and warmth. Each square feet of cork can go from $2 to $8 per square feet.

Cork is an excellent insulator and provides a very warm and comfortable feet under foot. It’s also great at muffling sounds and hypoallergenic which is why it is very ideal for families with small children. It is also the flooring of choice for the environmentally conscious since it is sourced from the bark of a cork oak tree which does not cause any harm on the tree when the raw materials are harvested.

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Some disadvantages of using cork flooring is that unprotected constant exposure sunlight may cause fading. Also, since cork is made up of numerous air sacks, it has a tendency of retaining its shape over time. Having heavy equipment and furniture might leave marks on the surface. This sensitivity also makes it a not so good of a choice for homes with pets since their paws and claws can easily damage the cork flooring surface.

Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of other cork flooring solutions in our next post.

Because they are value adding, more and more homeowners are installing hardwood flooring in their properties.

However, over the years, most homeowners have chosen to installed prefinished hardwood flooring instead of having one done onsite.

So what is the difference? Simple, as the term implies, prefinished hardwood flooring is already sanded and sealed. All you really need to do is get it locked or nailed down on the subfloor and you’re good to go unlike those ones that are finished on site after installation which requires some waiting time for the finish to dry up and for the smells to tone down.

The Pros

• Durability. Aside from convenience, this is perhaps one of the greatest advantage of prefinished hardwood flooring. Its not uncommon for prefinished hardwood flooring to have about 5 layers of urethane or 8 layers of aluminum oxide baked onto the surface making it more durable than those finished on site.

• Consistency. Factory prefinished hardwood flooring are coated with greater consistency and leveled or even appearance.
• Easier to purchase. For some reason, it is easier to buy prefinished hardwood flooring than those that requires on-site finishing.
• Less mess. Since there is no more sanding, staining and coating required, it is definitely easier to install and would require lesser cleaning up once the installation is completed.

• Less maintenance. Since the coating is thicker, it is more resistant to moisture, scratches, staining and discoloration. The factory grade in flooring’s finish also makes it suitable for most over the counter cleaning products, though be cautious enough to read the labels.
• 25-Year Warranty. Yes, that’s right 25 years!This is evident of the product’s durability. Manufacturers are confident that prefinished hardwood flooring can live up to its promise.

The Cons

• Beyond repair. One thing to be careful for with the installation and usage of prefinished hardwood flooring is that any damage on the surface of the flooring is irreparable. This is simply because we cannot manually recreate the coating that was applied by the manufacturer.
• Delicate installation process. The installation is a critical point in getting your prefinished hardwood flooring. All that work sometimes causes unwanted damage on the flooring planks. So, if you don’t have that much DIY knowledge or experience better leave it up for the contractors to do.

• Seal the seams. Since seams won’t exist until the prefinished hardwood flooring has been laid out and installed, it can only be sealed afterwards. Be sure that you use a product recommended for your flooring and be sure it dries up well to ensure that your prefinished hardwood flooring is completely protected.
• Refinishing is a challenge. I think most contractors would agree. The downside of having prefinished hardwood flooring comes in when the floor covering has run its course and everyday use and foot traffic as well as exposure to the elements has taken its toll. The layers and layers of protective material is really tedious to remove.

Prefinished hardwood flooring gives us the best of both worlds: the convenience of having hardwood flooring minus the fuss how long you get to keep it depends on how you are going to take care of it.

We’ve all heard that one of the best ways to reduce our carbon footprint is to use natural products and more than once we’ve heard and read about natural flooring. We are guessing you, like most other homeowners are thinking what are the green flooring choices and options available and are eager to learn some basic info to help you decide which one best meets your needs.

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Aside from being green or environmentally sound, some benefits include cost effectiveness and durability.

Here are some suggestions that can help you decide in picking out the best one for you:

Natural Flooring Options:

• Natural Stone Tiles. There are several varieties of natural stone tiles and they are by far one of the most durable and environmentally sound flooring solutions available. Stone tiles, as the name implies are sourced from natural stone deposits that developed over time. The most popular of these varieties include:

  • Granite – considered as the second hardest natural material, second only to diamonds, is known not just for its hardness but also for its unique patterns and classic shades of grey, reds and browns as well as greens, blacks and blues.
  • Marble – may not be as hard as granite but it is malleable and durable enough to win the favor of ancient craftsmen and artisans. Architectural wonders and other artifacts are proof of this natural stone’s graceful endurance.

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• • Slate – while slate may not be on the same level of prestige as Granite and Marble, and definitely on a lower price range as well, it has something that the two lack, and that is traction. Unlike granite and polished marble known for their luster and slipperiness, slate holds the esteem of remaining friendly even when wet.

• Linoleum.  If you want something easy to install, cheap and eco-friendly, then go for linoleum. We get it, we know you have some doubts on the friendliness of this particular flooring solution so we’ve written about these myths in our recent post and another on how to take care of linoleum flooring.

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• Bamboo. It grows without the need of farming, matures easily and have been know for a wide variety of uses in different cultures and across ages and mostly for its resilience bamboo flooring can indeed be a sustainable flooring choice. Its offers variety in design and installation and is low on maintenance. Just make sure to check out this post for some things you need to know about bamboo flooring.

• Carpets. You can never run out of options with carpets. Aside from the design and considering the variety of materials available, it’s almost guaranteed that something will suit someone’s needs and preferences. There are those made from natural fibers as well as recycled materials.

Recycled Flooring Options:

• Salvaged Woods. Whether they came from old ships or worn down homes, salvaged woods have this certain history and rustic character that makes it unique and more appealing. Depending on the condition of the wood – its thickness, texture, size and color – you have the option to refinish it to make each piece look more uniform or just keep it distinct for a more detailed character.

www.inspirationgreen.com

• Recycled Tiles. Tiles, just like carpets are being manufactured from pre-used, pre-loved and pre-worn materials like plastics, metals, glass and carpets. Aside from the lesser strain on natural resources, these recycled products also reduces waste. Another advantage is the cheaper cost, and more importantly, these are usually more precisely cut than natural wood or stone making it more manageable in terms of installation.

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Antique Stone and Bricks. These are technically salvaged stones – cobble stones, bricks and pavers that are used to highlight, line and even cover floors and paths. Materials are reclaimed from old structures cut from local stone. Just like re-purposed wood, salvaged stones add a sense of history and pedigree.

Vintage flooring is a thing of beauty, in fact some home buyers wouldn’t mind shelling out a few hundred bucks to get just that. Some who already owns a home would go leaps and bounds scouting and sourcing for the right materials to give their abode a rustic appeal.

If you just bought a house with wood vintage floor that lost its former beauty, don’t fret. All is not lost…and definitely don’t rush into replacing it at once. It can be restored back to its former glory and you can have it looking brand new, in a vintage kind of way of course. Vintage wood floors are durable and beautiful, its an authentic timeless piece of your property that should be given  proper care to maintain its durability and rejuvenate its luster

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Caring for vintage wood flooring

A lot of people may be thinking that vintage hardwood floors are difficult to maintain and care for. Most of us initially tend to turn a cold shoulder and frown at properties listed with such type of floors. Indeed there are a lot of considerations when it comes to maintaining vintage wood flooring but aside from its natural beauty, well-maintained wood flooring can endure years and years more.

Here are some basic rules you might have to observe at home if you have vintage wood flooring in order to care for it properly and be on the preventive side of things:

1. Shoes should not be allowed inside the house. This includes stilettos and other sharp and jagged boots as well as dirt-filled shoes as they can not only create a mess of earth but scratch the top coat finish of the vintage wood planks. Instead, provide soft sole slippers to be used inside your home. If the use of shoes cannot be avoided especially when you have parties and guests, make sure to have doormats and carpet runners on high traffic areas to prevent excessive scratch and stains.

2. Add rubber furniture protectors at the bottom of your furniture like chairs, table, cabinets and any other fixtures and objects that are being frequently moved around the house.

3. If you keep your pets inside the house, clip their nails. Ensure proper grooming since their sharp claws can easily scratch the surface of the floor.

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4. When there are children in the house, its best to designate their playing areas in places where rubber mats and other protective floor covering can be used to protect the surface of the vintage wood floors. Teach them at a young age its not right to write on the wood floor’s surface or scrape their toys at them.

5. In cases of spills, immediately dry any droplets on the floor. Longs standing beads of droplets may cause unwanted ugly stains. Be sure to blot it with a soft rag or cloth, do not wipe as there is a greater chance of spreading stains instead of containing them.

Refinishing your wood floor

Shine and luster of the wooden floor does not last for life. Daily wear and tear will eventually leave your vintage wood floors bare and prone to moisture seeping in. Generally, it is ideal to refinish wood floors once a year. This is best done by professionals as the top coat has be removed by sanding and buffing but here are some basic steps you need to know:

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1. The first thing to do is to know is the finish of the floor is waxed or polyurethaned before applying any floor shining products.

2. For waxed finish, find cleaning products that goes along with waxes. Do the same for the poly finish.

3. Use floor scrubbing machine with flannel cloth. This machine is not popularly used these days. You can find on flea markets and garage sales at a very affordable price. Some sellers are willing to give it to their customers at for only $5.

4. Always allow the finish to completely dry before putting back furniture and fixtures into the room.

Cleaning dirty vintage wood floors

Unlike ceramic tiles, natural stone tiles and laminates flooring where you can simply sweep and mop off the dirt, wood floors vary a little in terms of cleaning regimen. Here are the ways on how to keep it shiny and clean:

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1. Sweep away the dirt with a broom.

2. Vacuum the spaces between each wood plank. This is the place where dust and mites accumulate.

3. Rub a cotton swab over the stain spots. Inspect it afterwards to know the origin of the stain.

4. After determining the stain, select the correct product for both the stain and the floor. Then, scrub it over the spots.

5. Leave to dry.

6. Apply shine solution.

7. Mix an equal portion of oil and white vinegar oil. Spray a little over the floor.

8. Buff the floor to shine.

Caring for vintage wooden floors needs extra patience. The satisfaction you can get, however, overshadows the whole process of making it shine like new again.