ALL FLOORS DESIGN CENTRE

Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to clean. This is one of the reasons why it is a popular type of flooring to use in such areas as the kitchen. Spillages can be easily mopped up using an absorbent cloth, although it makes sense that the sooner you can mop them up the better the results will be. Anything can stain a floor if it has a strong color, such as red wine for instance. This is why spillages need to be taken care of as quickly as possible.

But what about those stains that aren’t as easy to remove? Vinyl can be scuffed or stained with shoe prints on occasion for example. But whatever the stain might be you may have to try something a little more advanced than cleaning it up with an absorbent cloth.

Don’t use anything abrasive

This is the first thing to remember. If you have an abrasive cloth or scrubbing brush of some kind, you can end up removing the stain and half the design on the floor with it.

This is something you need to be careful of anyway, no matter what method you use for stain removal. Always test anything you want to use in an area you won’t see first of all. This way you’ll know it’s safe to use on the floor before you tackle the stain.

Using soap and water

The trusty combination of soap and clean water will work in many cases. Get a clean, non-abrasive cloth and soak it in the solution. Rub the stain gently to loosen as much as you can. If this doesn’t remove the whole thing you can lay the cloth on the stain for an hour or so to help loosen the rest. Then wipe it up and finish off with a clean cloth to dry it.

What about bleach?

Bleach can work with some stains that are too stubborn to be removed with soap and water. Just be sure you wear rubber gloves and you don’t mix the bleach with anything else. Again you may need to give the bleach a little time to work its way through the stain to remove it.

What do you do if none of the above methods work?

Some stains require a very specific treatment – and you won’t necessarily be able to guess what it is. If you try the above methods and you don’t get any results, try searching the internet for advice on removing your specific stain from vinyl flooring. This will usually turn up some solutions people have tried with success. Just remember to test any solution on an area you won’t see first.

The main thing to remember is that when you tackle any stain, the sooner you can set about removing it the better. Older stains always take more time to remove, although you can very often find a way of removing even these stubborn stains completely from vinyl flooring too.

There is nothing quite so appealing as a high quality hardwood or laminate floor. That is, until someone scratches it. Whether it is a pet, a dropped knife or a stiletto shoe, the truth is that even the toughest hardwood or laminate floor will undoubtedly suffer a scratch or two in the end. The trick is to know how to repair it so you can get your much-loved top quality floor back to normal again.

Repairing scratched hardwood floors

If you find a scratch in your hardwood floor, don’t panic. Once you have looked at the extent of the damage you can set about repairing it in the best possible way.

The first step is to grab some steel wool or sandpaper – a fine grade is good for this job – so you can sand the area where the scratch has occurred. Don’t just sand the scratch – make sure you sand a small area around it too, as this will help it to blend in. Get a soft new brush and brush over the sanded area to ensure no dust remains before moving on to the next stage.

The next step is to find a wood filler that is the same color (or as close to it as you can get) as the floor. Carefully fill the scratched area with the filler, making sure you don’t create any more damage as you do so. This is one job it is worth taking your time with.

Once you have done this and the filler has dried fully (leave overnight or according to the instructions on the filler) you can seal the area to finish the job.

Repairing scratched laminate floors

The most common way to repair these scratches is to use wax crayons. Stores that sell laminate flooring generally sell repair kits that include the crayons in them. It is actually very difficult to completely repair a laminate floor once it has been scratched, so preventative actions are always better than the alternative. But with that said if you can match the color of your floor as closely as possible with one of the crayons, you can perform a very high quality repair.

Another technique you can use is to cover your repair with a small amount of wood varnish. Get a clear varnish that will seal the repair and still leave the color of the crayon you chose visible. In most cases this repair technique will vastly reduce the appearance of the scratches, even though they won’t disappear altogether.

You can see that no matter what type of floor you have or where the scratch has occurred, there is a solution that will give you back the floor you really wanted. The sooner you tackle the scratch and the more time you devote to doing a good job, the better the finished result will be. And that means you’ll soon have your hardwood or laminate floor back to normal so you can enjoy its beauty once again.

So you want a hardwood floor in your home? Congratulations it’s a great choice to make. But before you can enjoy the many benefits of this particular type of flooring it’s worth considering what finish you are going to opt for. So with that in mind, here are some tips you can think about when considering your options.

How much time do you have?

This might sound like an odd question to open with, but some finishes take longer to dry than others. For example an oil based finish is typically the one that takes the longest amount of time to dry. If you choose another type of finish for your hardwood floor – a water based option for example – you can complete the job faster. When you consider you won’t be able to walk on the floor until it is completely dry, you can see how convenient this can be if the room you are doing is frequently in use.

Can’t you get the hardwood finished for you before it is installed?

Yes this can be done. You must make sure you choose a high quality hardwood floor in this case though: otherwise you won’t get the results you want. The advantage of this method is that you can get the floor laid and not worry about staining it or waiting for it to dry. As soon as the floor is down you can start enjoying it.

Can you choose from different types of finishes for your hardwood?

Yes you can. There are surface finishes which literally sit on the surface of the wood, and penetrating finishes that do exactly what the name suggests. It is generally easier for the homeowner to maintain a surface finished floor because the upkeep is more straightforward. Indeed many floors today are protected in this way, so you may want to keep the maintenance to a minimum and opt for a surface finished floor.

One thing worth bearing in mind is that the more popular surface finished option is actually a lot harder wearing than the penetrating one. So if you have an active household this is the finish to go for.

Is there a good choice of colors in both finished floors and those that are finished after they are laid?

The good news is yes – you have a great choice in both situations here. There are wide ranges of colors and shades that have a nice warm finish. Some are much darker than others so you should consider which shade would look best in your home. If you are going to have a hardwood floor laid throughout your home you should pick a shade that will look good in every single room.

As you can see there is a lot to think about when considering what type and finish of hardwood floor you should get. But if you spend a little time considering the options now you will be rewarded with a better floor in the end.

Nothing looks quite as impressive as a newly laid hardwood floor. You may have spent some considerable time looking for the right color and shade of hardwood to put down in your home, so you get the effect you wanted.

But now you have it to enjoy, how do you actually protect it and take care of it so it will have a long life without getting damaged? Here are some tips and advice to help ensure you still have the best looking hardwood floor around in several years from now.

Stick to some simple care tips on a regular basis

Some people are under the misapprehension that they have to work hard to take care of their hardwood floors. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. There are some simple one off measures you can take that will help prevent damage in the future (we’ll cover those in a moment) but there are also some simple things you can do frequently to make sure nothing damages your floor.

For example, take the time to sweep it every day and pick up any noticeable grit or other items that could scratch the floor if they’re not removed. Not only does this keep it looking good, it prevents you or anyone else from treading anything into the wood itself. It’s also a good idea to have a ‘no shoes’ rule in your home, to further reduce the chances of damaging your floor.

Finally make sure anything that is spilled on the floor is immediately mopped up. This will minimize the odds of any damage occurring from food or drink spillages.

One off measures

Here are some good things to do when you first get your hardwood floor that will pay dividends for a long time to come. Consider which areas are going to get a lot of foot traffic as these will be most prone to damage. Invest in some runners, rugs or mats to help reduce the amount of grit and dirt that can get on the floor itself. Just make sure you add some special underlay underneath the rugs so they don’t slide on the floor when you put your foot on them.

Another thing you can do is to put pads on the undersides of any feet on your furniture. Even if you don’t move your furniture around very much at all, it only takes a slight movement back and forth to cause scratches. They’re cheap and easy to fit so it’s worth putting them on every item of furniture you have.

Finally if you have pets – especially cats – make sure they aren’t tempted to scratch the floor. As far as cats are concerned, if you can find a hardwood floor cleaner scented with lemon that should put them off.

As you can see it is worth putting these few simple measures into practice so you can enjoy a better looking harder wearing hardwood floor for a long time to come.

You know, there is nothing that beats the look of a hardwood floor that has been well taken care of. If you have a hardwood floor in some part of your home you’ll probably remember how good it looked on the day it was installed and buffed to a perfect finish.

You might now be wondering where that finish went. Months and even years of constant walking over the top of your floor will get rid of that shine, but you can get it back, even though you’ll need a little elbow grease to achieve it!

Let’s take a look at how you can get the shine back in your hardwood floors.

Steer clear of oil based cleaners

This is a very important point that’s worth making upfront. Oil won’t do your floor much good at all. If the floor has been finished off with a protective polyurethane coating the oil will damage it, ruining that lovely shine you started off with.

If you’re not sure whether your floor has this coating or not (it may have been installed a long time ago, perhaps even before you bought the property) it’s best to assume it does. Otherwise you will cause more harm than good simply by using something with oil in it.

So what should you clean it with?

Now you know what to steer clear of when cleaning your hardwood floor, here’s what you should use – a damp mop. Sounds rather dull, right? Well it’s the best thing to use on a regular basis to help maintain the finish of your floor. Make sure the mop is no more than damp though, otherwise you’ll soak too much water into the floor. As you can probably imagine, an overdose of water on a hardwood floor is not good.

What about buffing it to a shine?

Most of the time, if your floor has been well taken care of, a simple sweep up of dust and dirt and a quick going over with a damp mop will suffice. However if your floor needs a little more care and attention than this, it’s time to use some wax or polish.

This will require some time to get the shine you want, but most people who tackle the job agree that the end result is worth working for. Start off in one corner of the room and work in a methodical manner to wax your floor. You might find it useful to do one board at a time, working along the length in order to achieve the finished results. Depending on the size of the room it could take you a few hours to do it all. It can be done over a couple of days though; just be sure you don’t stop midway along a single board.

So now you know how to get a shine on your hardwood floor. Once you have it, some simple daily care will make it last as long as possible.

There will be a time when the existing flooring in your home becomes worn out and well past its best. When this happens you know it is time to choose something new to replace it with.

But while this can be an exciting time, wondering what your newly decorated room or rooms will look like, it is also a tough time. You’ve got to decide which type of flooring you’re going to install, and with so many options at your disposal it can take some time to consider them all.

So if you’re in this situation now, here are some considerations you may want to bear in mind.

Do you want to replace like for like?

If you were completely happy with the outgoing flooring, you may simply want to replace it with the same type. For instance you might have had a good quality carpet in place for many years, and you simply want to replace it to get the same benefits the old one offered. This will make your decision much easier because you will only have to choose from the colors and styles that are available.

How much cash do you have for your purchase?

Your budget is important. It will tell you how much you can afford to spend on your new flooring, and as such it might rule out one or more different types. For instance smaller budgets might not stretch to real wood flooring, but they might be big enough to invest in a good quality laminate instead.

Will the area be subjected to a lot of foot traffic?

Foot traffic is the most important thing to consider in terms of how much a new floor has to cope with. Don’t just think of the humans in your household either – consider any pets you might have too. A cheap floor isn’t going to last as long under a constant barrage of activity every day. Similarly a hardwood floor is not going to be able to withstand scratches from your dog’s claws in the same way that a laminate floor would.

What kind of effect are you going for?

Effect is all important when you choose your new floor. For instance you might want the feel of soft luscious carpet under your feet in your bedroom. Alternatively you may want the warm look you get from real wood flooring in the dining room. Whatever you want you should be able to find a type of flooring that will give you the effect you desire.

It’s plain to see that you must always consider every angle when you are thinking of investing in new flooring. Think about the flooring you have and whether it served its purpose. Do you want something totally different? Make sure whatever you choose won’t go out of date anytime soon. Flooring should be an investment rather than an expense, so make sure you choose wisely. This way you will be delighted with your choice.

There is no question that a hardwood floor looks sensational in many different rooms in the home. There is a certain warmth and familiarity about it that welcomes everyone into the home. No matter how good a laminated finish is, you can’t beat the real hardwood look.

But it’s essential to make sure you find out where your hardwood flooring comes from. Not all hardwood is ethically managed and produced. If you want to do your bit for the environment you should look for forest friendly hardwoods instead of going for the first thing you see.

What does forest friendly mean?

This term is given to all timber that is sourced without harming the environment. This can mean more than one thing however.

For example you may be able to source reclaimed or recycled hardwood flooring. This would enable you to reuse something instead of buying it brand new. Some hardwood flooring can look particularly attractive when it is reclaimed because it will already look aged and will be full of character as a result.

It can also mean the hardwood comes from a sustainable source. Properly managed forests allow for new trees to grow while older ones are felled for use in the building industry and associated uses. The wood should not be sourced from rainforests that are hundreds of years old, as this can cause damage to them that cannot be repaired.

How good are forest friendly hardwoods when it comes to quality?

You don’t have to worry about the quality of such a wood, because it is always excellent. The only real difference in the wood is that it has come from a source that is ecologically sustainable. This means you are doing no harm to the environment by buying such a product.

Does this mean you shouldn’t buy laminated flooring?

It all depends on what kind of laminated flooring you are looking for. The better quality laminate flooring uses a thin layer of real hardwood to cover the cheaper base. Check that the laminate you are considering buying is made using forest friendly hardwoods. If it is you know you will be supporting a worthy green cause.

Of course laminate hardwood flooring can be a good option anyway. This is because only a thin layer of real wood is used, as opposed to the whole board being made from hardwood. It provides a cheaper option for you and it also means that less wood is taken from the forest friendly source.

If you are considering buying new flooring for your home, make sure you look into buying an environmentally friendly option from a sustainable source. This way you will be doing your bit for the environment while still getting a good looking floor for your home. Look for the FSC label (indicating approval by the Forest Stewardship Council) on every hardwood flooring product you buy. This will give you peace of mind that they are indeed made from forest friendly hardwoods.

Every year has its own unique look and feel. This is true of every fitting and fixture in our homes, right down to the flooring that is beneath our feet. So which flooring types have been first and foremost in our minds during 2011?

Eco friendly flooring

Green trends have been thriving this year in many areas. Flooring is one of them, and it has become easier than ever to go green with regard to the floor you are walking on.

Many people are looking for sustainable flooring that is good for the environment and can be easily recycled at the end of its life. This could be real hardwood flooring or something else entirely. Cork flooring is a great example of an alternative flooring type that is gathering popularity all the time.

Real wood flooring – and the next best thing

Real wood flooring from sustainable forests is still very popular and will probably continue to be so throughout the years ahead. Oak is a particular hit this year, although time will tell whether its popularity will continue into 2012. Some people are enjoying the rustic look and feel of the genuine oak floor.

For those on a smaller budget there is the alternative offered by oak laminate flooring. This is a thin layer of real wood stuck to a laminate backing, and some of the more expensive laminates look amazingly good. In fact you may not realize you are looking at a laminate floor at all. This high end laminate is gaining in popularity among those whose budget doesn’t quite stretch to real hardwood floors.

Flooring tiles

There is no denying that areas such as kitchens and bathrooms benefit greatly from a proper good quality floor tile. Travertine may be one of the most expensive options you can go for, but it is still very popular among those who can afford it. At the cheaper end of the market there are plenty of other tiling options for those who want a good solid floor in their kitchen or bathroom.

The main thing to remember here is that tiles are able to withstand most things you can throw at them. They are therefore easy to keep clean and look sensational for a long time after you install them.

Thick and luscious carpeting

It should come as no surprise to learn that many of us still like to have a carpet in our bedrooms. Even if we opt for hardwood or laminate floors in other areas of our home, there’s something undeniably luxurious about sinking our feet into a deep pile carpet when we get up in the mornings.

Many of us are going for more luxurious options in some parts of our homes. Perhaps we are recognizing that investing in a more expensive flooring option is worth doing, because it will last longer and look better for longer as well. Whichever flooring you go for this year, you have got some sensational choices to look at above.

Choosing the proper floor covering can be a challenging task. Your floors are seen by everyone and as much as you want them to be attractive, they also need to be functional as well as durable. The floor and walls of any space sets the tone for the overall design of the space and these days floor covering is being taken very seriously, luckily there are many Calgary flooring outlets to choose from. Despite all this, you don't need to be an interior decorator to decide on which covering is right for you.

Your Design's Foundation

Every room of your house has (hopefully) a design plan. Certain flooring needs will require the entire floor be covered while some will need but a simple throw rug as an accent. Your floor covering makes a statement about the room and is the foundation for everything else that will follow. Your flooring will not only dictate your decor but will also affect things such as lighting.

The different types of floor coverings available from Calgary flooring outlets are immense but carpeting is far and away the most popular floor covering on the market today. As if it isn't bad enough that you have to decide on a color but there are many different styles to choose from. This is where the advice of your local Calgary flooring expert can be helpful. Kitchens and bathrooms are rarely carpeted due to the close proximity of water and the possibility of making messes that are much easier wiped up off a solid surface.

Laminate Flooring

Laminates are another type of floor covering that many people choose. It is very durable, low cost and comes in an enormous variety of styles and colors. Unlike linoleum, laminates are normally installed via a tongue and groove system. Laminate flooring is relatively easy for the do it yourselfer and a relatively large surface can be laid in the course of an evening. Because they are manufactured by pressing layers of materials together standing moisture can cause a problem. Spills and regular cleaning are not an issue if they are tended immediately.

Linoleum (vinyl flooring) is a very popular product sold by most Calgary flooring vendors. It is inexpensive, easy to install and relatively durable although without proper care it will wear under high traffic conditions. Linoleum is normally applied via an adhesive that you apply or, in the case of linoleum squares, by means of an adhesive backing. Large sheets of linoleum will need to be cut to fit properly around the expanse of the floor (cabinets and what not). A word of caution, if you decide to lay a large sheet of linoleum that you have already cut, apply the adhesive to the floor in smaller, 6' x 6' areas. It is much easier to pull up linoleum in small sections if needed. Then to pull up half a floors worth of glued down vinyl sheets.

Floor tiles are also available at most Calgary flooring outlets and are what most people think of when the word “tile” is mentioned in conjunction with flooring. However, tiles can be made from a variety of materials such as vinyl, ceramic, slate, clay and even stone. It is ranges in price from cheap to expensive depending on the type of material. Tiles are almost always laid down with a standalone adhesive. While the softer tiles can be cut easily enough to fit around baseboards and such, the harder tiles such as ceramic and stone is a bit more difficult and requires a bit of knowledge and experience to trim.

The Beauty Of Wood

Hardwood flooring is some of the most beautiful and durable flooring available from any Calgary flooring purveyor. The rich colors and warm tones are some of the most sought after floor appearances ever. It is the most durable of the floor coverings but does take some care to ensure that things such as furniture do not scratch the surface. It is expensive and its installation is time consuming. While most hard flooring is tongue and groove, once it is installed it needs to be sanded and finished with some type of stain (optional) and a clear coat finish.

Cork is another material that flooring is manufactured from. Cork is surprisingly tough and resilient and its insulating properties are one of its largest selling points. It is flexible so it is well suited for floors that aren't exactly smooth. Cork is antimicrobial by nature and fire resistant. Unlike other floor coverings, cork can be laid over any type of sub-flooring or finish flooring save for carpet. It is softer than most floor coverings and is perfect for the kids’ room as it is easy on the feet and knees.

Outside The Home

Commercial flooring is also available from any reputable Calgary flooring distributor. Rubber flooring comes in sheets, tiles and mats and in used mostly over concrete where standing for long periods of time becomes an issue such as factories and kitchens. Rubber flooring is also used in gymnasiums and weight rooms. It also works well in basements and garages.

A few words about the type of Calgary flooring retailers you should deal with. Find established dealers that carry a wide selection of top quality products for you to choose from with a knowledgeable staff of helpful associates. Pick one that has a comprehensive showroom to view their products. You may even be able to get free estimates from some of the larger suppliers, if they install then be sure they have a warranty policy. Find a dealer that can help with domestic, commercial applications, new construction and renovation needs. Finding a distributor that can handle all these situations assures you that they can deal with anything you might be able to throw at them, they will probably be able to give you some type of discount due to their massive inventory. Choosing a Calgary flooring dealer is not as hard as it might seem, just make sure that they have a wide selection of product are equipped to help your needs.

Flooring can be a very personal choice. But there is no doubt that laminates and hardwoods are both exceptionally popular among the wide range of Calgary flooring that is available. If you are saying goodbye to carpets in favor of something more eye-catching, you're probably considering the differences between laminated flooring and hardwood flooring. Which one would be the best choice for your needs?

Which type of flooring looks best?

There is arguably nothing better than a true hardwood floor to give the authentic look many people are after. It has a warm, genuine and welcoming appearance that can enhance many different types of properties.

However we shouldn't discount laminate flooring because this can also enhance a room when it is laid properly. There is also a big difference between the most basic forms of laminate and the top quality ones that are hard to distinguish from real wood at first glance.

Of course it isn't just appearance you should be looking at. There are several other factors that will come into play here as well, so it is important to look over them all when you want to buy Calgary flooring of this nature.

What about the price comparison?

Price is of course a deciding factor for some people. Hardwood floors are more expensive but if you only have a small area to cover the difference in price won't notice quite as much. Consider your finances and see whether you can stretch to hardwood flooring before you consider the pros and cons of each one.

Are they hard-wearing?

Both laminate and hardwood flooring are very hard-wearing. Hardwood flooring tends to last longer but it depends on the quality, finish and areas it is laid in. Although with that been said, if you have ever seen an old and slightly battered hardwood floor you will know that it has a great deal of character!

If you opt for laminate make sure you get the best quality laminate you can afford. It is generally better at withstanding scratches and dents if you should drop something on it. Similarly if you have pets you should consider the impact they will have on the floor. Claws can do a lot of damage to a hardwood floor.

However with proper maintenance, care and attention either choice should last a long time.

Are they easy to maintain?

Laminate flooring is very easy to maintain. You simply have to sweep it regularly, wipe it over with a non-abrasive cloth and make sure any spillage are cleared up straightaway. You won't have to sand or polish it every now and then either.

Hardwood floors do need sanding and refinishing every now and then, but this gives you the advantage of taking out any surface damage that has occurred over time. As such you can expect the small amount of additional maintenance to result in a longer lasting floor.

So which is it to be?

Only you can decide whether you will lay hardwood flooring or laminate flooring in your home. They both provide a wonderfully warm and welcoming finish and they are among the most popular Calgary flooring products. Once you have considered your budget, requirements and demands, you can make the right choice for you - one you will enjoy for many years to come.

Whether you are considering hardwood or laminate, All Floors Design Centre should be your number one choice for your flooring needs in Calgary.