Eco-friendly carpeting has become more popular than ever in the past few years. Why? Conventional carpeting is often made with synthetic petroleum-derived fibers that come treated with so-called stain resistant chemicals. These fibers and the stain resistant treatments have a tendency to “off-gas” into the surrounding air after they’re installed. Most carpet brands use “styrene butadiene rubber” as an adhesive… Read more
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate the charm and warmth that a wooden floor adds to any home. Still, they require some upkeep if they’re going to last for years and years—which brings us to question that so many homeowners are asking. What is the least toxic, healthiest way to finish and seal a wood floor? Conventional… Read more
What is it that makes some wood sustainable, and puts others on the “do not buy” list? For starters, sustainable wood is legally sourced. In 2008, the U.S. banned the import of timber from illegal sources—but of course, it still happens. If the supplier you’re buying your wood from can’t tell you where it originated, chances are it did not… Read more
Vinyl and Linoleum are similar flooring products. Both are easy to clean, fairly inexpensive, and easy to install or have installed. There are some differences in the material, maintenance, appearance, and installation that consumers should be aware of before committing to a purchase. Materials Linoleum flooring is made from linoxyn, a solidified linseed oil, combined with tree resins, wood flour… Read more
Lucky you, you’re adding a sunroom to your home! But before you start thinking that everything is going to be golden from here on out, remember: you still have a little bit of work to do before you can soak up those rays. After all, before you can set up the chaise lounge, you’re going to need some flooring. Thankfully, you… Read more
The time to install your beautiful hardwood floors has come, and if you’ve never done this type of improvement, it’s natural for you to have some nervous energy about the process. You want your floors to look perfect, and you also want to ensure that you don’t do them any harm by installing them improperly. To help you sleep better… Read more
Take control Clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and airy rooms look beautifully elegant in photographs. However, living with less can be hard to achieve 24/7. So if you love to collect, prefer an eclectic style, or simply like having your “stuff” within easy reach, minimalism isn’t for you. Purists, meanwhile, can enjoy sleek and efficient living spaces, maybe with some of… Read more
Concrete flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring you can install in your home—not to mention it adds an interesting design element that is both contemporary and uncommon. It’s also easy to maintain if you follow a few simple guidelines. Bust out the dust mop The number one thing to do in order to preserve your concrete flooring… Read more
They say that hardwood floors are like a fine wine, getting better and better with age. While that’s true, it’s only true to a certain point. Over time, hardwood floors loose that luster—they become discolored, they get scratched, they cup and crown and warp. With proper care, hardwood floors can last up to 20 years before they need to be… Read more
We tend to have a love-hate relationship with vinyl floors. It’s inexpensive, usually comes in convenient sheets or rolls, is easy to install, and can be found in a wide array of colors that can be matched to any style and room. However, once you’ve installed it, it can be a royal pain to replace it when you’re ready to… Read more
Choosing the right flooring for your home
While it may not be the first thing that’s considered before a new build or a home remodeling project takes place, flooring plays a critical role in the look and feel of a room. While flooring is normally a relatively small part of the overall budget, it can go a long way to making a room come together. Whether you opt for the classic look of hardwood or go for a modern carpet to add cozy texture, the importance of choosing the right flooring should not be underestimated. From tile to vinyl, there are specific flooring options that work well in certain areas of your home. There are also flooring options that are geared towards different budgets. For example, if you cannot afford the look of hardwood, engineered wood floors may be a good alternative. Vinyl flooring can also be a cost-effective substitute for wood or tile.