Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are an investment that will last for a long time with the proper installation and care. There are different modes of installation for engineered wood strips, solid wood strips, and parquet. With all modes of installation moisture testing is imperative to ensure proper installation. Installation can be a painstaking process but we take pride in leaving your home looking as beautiful as we found it.

Nail Down/Staple Installation

In this method, we nail down or staple solid or engineered wood strips to the subflooring (usually either plywood or plank wood). The floor is done with random length strips. A few strips are placed down and arranged prior to fastening to ensure proper placement and tautness.

Glue Down Installation

In this method, we glue down engineered wood strips or parquet directly to the subfloor. In these cases the subfloor is usually concrete, so we pay extra attention to moisture. With glue down installations, it is important to consider any kind of allergies and sensitivities to smell. We use an acrylic based glue which is more mild than some of the other options. Glue down installations can be walked on the next day and furniture can also be moved in.

Floating Installation

In this method, we glue together the tongue and groove of every plank and the floor floats over a foam cushioned padding. If the flooring has a locking system we can lock the pieces together without glue. This can be used with either laminate or engineered wood floor, but either way the flooring is pre-finished. Not all engineered surfaces can be floated. Floating installation can also be placed over subflooring of questionable quality unlike the other two modes. Also, floating floors are a great option if you have multiple layers of flooring and do not want to remove them all. And floating installation The wear layer is important to consider as the thicker the layer the more times it can be refinished. Generally, laminate flooring gives a hollow feeling underfoot with this mode of installation. Remember that floating floors expand and contract as a unit because the pieces of fused together. Allow for as much expansion area as possible.

Cleaning Hardwood: Simple Steps For Long-Lasting Beauty

New hardwood floors are extraordinarily beautiful, but to keep them looking that way involves some simple practices. Here are some secrets to protect your hardwood floors and keep them looking fresh year after year:

Consider sealing your hardwood floors with a polyurethane finish. A polyurethane sealant has a rich gloss, is water resistant and is very durable.
Keeping your floors looking elegant year-round means keeping them clean. Sweeping and vacuuming wood floors on a regular basis prevents dirt or sand from degrading them.
Pre-finished floors with a polyurethane seal should not be cleaned with wax or products used to clean other flooring materials.
Clean your hardwood floor with a damp mop that is almost completely dry; then, mop your floor a second time to remove any leftover dirt; after, wipe up any excess water.
Never use a wet mop on your hardwood floors. Water can get between boards and damage the wood.
A mild, water-based cleaner is a second method for cleaning hardwood floors. Vacuum first and then spray and wipe. For new floors, wait one month after installation before applying a cleaning agent.
Avoid using abrasive soaps and detergents. They can dissolve grease and remove dirt but may cause permanent damage to your floors.
Limit your floors direct exposure to the sun. UV rays can damage floors and lead to fading.
Place mats or rugs at the entry way to rooms. This will prevent dirt from both inside and outside your home from being tracked in.
Maintain your floor’s integrity by taking steps to minimize scratches. For example, place plastic or fabric floor gliders under the legs of furniture before moving it.
When In doubt, consult a reputable installer. A flooring contractor can provide solutions to a wide range of flooring care and maintenance questions.

Tile

Tile floors are superb solutions for homes, offices and outdoors. There are different types and the choice is made in accordance to one’s needs. Tiles are easily installed and easily maintained. Rest assured that we have the best team of professionals and they will help you make the perfect choice.

Ceramics

Ceramic tiles are strong but not the strongest choice. They are highly water absorbent and ideal for indoor use. They come out in many designs and colors and are made of clay. The glaze used for finish holds the patterns and colors together.

Marble & Limestone

Both limestone and marble are made of recrystallized calcite. Marble is actually an amalgamation of larger and smaller crystals. It is very durable and luxurious and an expensive tile style option. Limestone flooring is not as durable as marble but still strong and ideal for many applications.

Mosaics

Mosaics are made of small pieces of porcelain, glass or natural stone. They can create a beautiful design and our company carries over 300 different patterns and colors. They are ideal as backsplashes as well as entryways. They are extremely impressive and moisture resistant.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are extremely durable since they are made of hard paste clay and tempered in high temperatures. They have less porous and are denser. They are excellent for both indoor and outdoor use because they are low water absorbent. There are endless patterns and colors since their designs are computer prints.

Travertine

It is a medium density, porous tile option. Travertine is actually natural stone with a pitted surface, which is sealed and filled in order to be more durable. It is an outstanding tile choice for outdoors and bathrooms since it is not slippery.

Tile Care & Maintenance

With thousands of design possibilities, ceramic tile boasts a variety of looks that endure. And with little more than dusting and damp mopping, it will maintain its original quality for years to come.

Routine Ceramic Tile Care

Wipe glazed wall tiles periodically using a cloth or sponge dampened with a non oil-based household cleaner. Vacuum glazed floor tiles regularly to remove dirt and other gritty particles, then damp mop or sponge with an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner. Remember not to use ammonia, as it will discolor grout. Clean unglazed wall and floor tiles in a similar manner using a solution of water and soapless detergent instead of an all-purpose cleaner.

Grout Care

Once the tile has been cleaned and dried (shortly after installation), grout joints should be treated with a silicone sealer. Grout, the material used to fill the spaces between tiles, is porous, and sealing it at this time will simplify maintenance in the future (Epoxy grouts do not require a sealer). We recommend you apply a sealer at least twice a year for maximum stain protection.

Heavy Duty Cleaning

Neglected or heavily trafficked tile may require more intensive cleaning. Clean glazed wall tiles with a scouring powder or all-purpose cleaner applied to a non-metallic pad. Rinse and wipe dry. For glazed floor tiles, use a commercial tile cleaner, or apply a strong solution of an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner or scouring powder paste. Let stand for five minutes, brush and scrub. Then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

For heavy-duty cleaning of unglazed wall tiles, make a paste of scouring powder. Apply to surface and let stand for five minutes. Scour with brush, rinse and wipe dry. Unglazed floor tiles can be cleaned in the same manner. Though a small brush is suitable for most floors, you may want to use a scrubbing machine for large areas.

To clean badly soiled countertops, apply a solution of scouring powder and very hot water. Let stand for five minutes, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse. Soap scum, mildew stains and hard-water deposits may be removed from ceramic tile using cleaning products that are commonly available at your local supermarket or home improvement store. With soft water, use an all-purpose, non oil-based cleaner. Allow to stand for five minutes before lightly scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse well.

Purchasing Maintenance Products

Ceramic tile and Natural Stone cleaning products and sealants may be purchased at your local home center or floor covering store. Consult the manufacturer of the cleaner, sealant or wax for usage instructions and more detailed information about how its specific cleaning solution or sealant may impact the safety, maintenance or appearance of your ceramic tile product.

Carpet

If you want a nice, cozy and fluffy feel at your home and under your feet, carpeting is your choice. Among all floor types, carpets offer people the opportunity to enjoy a warm and soft feeling under their feet and still have highly resilient fibers. All our products are of the finest qualities and we have choices even for people with allergies or for high traffic areas.

Berber

During manufacturing, the fibers of Berber carpets are looped at the same height creating dark flecks throughout the whole surface, which is usually of lighter shades. It’s a great option for high traffic areas due to its durability and high resistance to stains.

Commercial & Outdoor

Our commercial & outdoor carpet solutions will exceed your expectations in terms of resistance, durability and appearance. Commercial carpets are made of strong synthetic fibers and are excellent for high traffic areas. For outdoor choices, we suggest our marine carpet, which is made of olefin. These synthetic fibers are highly resistant to moisture.

Frieze

Frieze is an excellent choice for resistant carpets. Their special feature is that their fibers are long and twisted again and again. Their shape makes the carpet very durable and long-lasting. It’s an extraordinary option for basements and all high traffic areas

Pattern

The loops of pattern carpets are shorter than the cut piles to create the right pattern. Such carpets are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms since they are impressive, elegant and hide footprints. They are soft, have a smooth finish and are very beautiful.

Saxony

The piles of Saxony carpets are twisted lightly to create the elegant looks of this type of flooring. This uniform twist is what makes this carpet unbelievably soft. It looks and feels like velvet, is ideal for living rooms and bedrooms, hides footprints and is the softest flooring under your feet.

Texture

Texture carpets are very popular for residential use. They hide well all footprints as well as vacuum marks. Their piles are slightly twisted to create a fluffy feeling. It’s the ideal choice for active homes with more traffic than usual.

Carpet Care & Maintenance

Your new carpet will last for years, and with the right care and maintenance, you’ll be able to keep it looking new and extend its life.

Taking Care Of Your Carpet

Cleaning your carpet is easier than you think. All it takes is the right vacuum, cleaning products, and a little know-how. Here are a few tips on removing common stains the right way:
Always treat the affected area immediately. The longer the spill sits there, the harder it’ll be to remove the stain.
For a food spill, gently remove as much solid material as you can with a spoon, or a dull knife. Add water and blot, using detergent sparingly if needed. Then, using the highest suction function, vacuum back and forth, adding more water to the stain as you go until completely clean.
If you need a spot removal solvent, use a product approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute of America. Apply several drops to a clean white cloth and blot the carpet in an inconspicuous area. If you notice a change in the carpet color, consult a professional carpet cleaner.
If stains remain after cleaning, moisten tufts in the stained area with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let stand for one hour. Blot and repeat until completely clean.

Keeping Your Carpet Beautiful

Follow these simple tips to keep your carpet’s color and texture looking fresh.

Vacuum your carpet regularly to prevent soil from embedding itself in the pile.
Depending on the type of carpet you have, you’ll want to use a vacuum with a rotating brush, a beater bar, or suction only.
Keeping traffic and other use factors in mind, consider professional cleaning every 12 to18 months.
Use scissors to clip sprouts and snags. Don’t pull on them—you might damage the carpet.
If your carpet is burned, simply remove the tops of the dark, burnt fibers with curved fingernail scissors. If the burn is extensive, you may need to patch or replace it.
Remove heavy furniture dents by stroking the dented area with the edge of a coin. You can also use a hair dryer or a steam iron, but be very careful not to touch the carpet with the iron.
For extensive water damage, consult professional cleaners to dry your carpet from the front and back.

Tips For Soft Carpet

Adjustable Height – Use the highest setting where appropriate.
Efficient Airflow – Avoid vacuums with very concentrated or sealed suction.
Large Wheels – A vacuum with large wheels is easier to move across soft carpeting.