SURFACES 2012 FLOORING SHOW – Here’s what we saw

 

The Nufloors team has returned from our annual visit to the city that never sleeps, Las Vegas, after having attended the North American Flooring Show called ‘Surfaces’, which is attended by about 30,000 people from flooring manufacturers to retailers.    Not only did we see the show and all the new wonderful products that are headed into our showrooms in the next few months, we were able to take advantage of some of the 70+ education seminars on a whole array of subjects from sales and marketing, customer service, colour and design trends and communicating with Generation Y  to name a few.   After walking the show for 3 days (there are over 700 supplier participants!) we have to admit, we didn’t see every supplier, but we did get a wonderful feel for the new and interesting products for 2012 and here is our brief summary of some of these insights:

 

Hardwood –

We saw a beautiful but tough new hardwood by Armstrong called Premier Performance – it is a hardwood floor that stands up to kids, pets and active lifestyles. Liquid acrylic and a Permion® wear layer make Premier Performance a dramatically tougher engineered hardwood floor that resists scratches, scrapes, dings and dents better than any traditional hardwood floor.  This one comes with a 35 year residential warranty and is worth considering if you have a very busy household (dogs included!)

http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/hardwood/black-maple-3-in-engineered-hardwood-plank-EPP3107/floor-103822.asp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laminate –

We saw Mannington’s newest laminate flooring introductions which take the next step in realism, with the authentic look of reclaimed  (there’s that trend again) wood in a thicker 1/2” plank.   It really is getting harder and harder to tell if it’s laminate or hardwood once you see it on the floor!  Here is a link to the Mannington site:  http://www.mannington.com/Residential/WhatsNew/Search.aspx?FilterCollections=4\

 

 

 

 

Carpet –

We are seeing Lace on the catwalk for Spring/Summer 2012 collections and  the lace trend is making  its appearance in carpet design also.  This Beaulieu carpet has a unique contemporary pattern composed of intertwined asymmetrical swirls.  This is a perfect carpet for a beautiful bedroom.

 

 

source: Dolce & Gabanna Spring Summer 2012 Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Area Rugs -

The 2012/2013 colour trend is all about energy.   During Surfaces, we sat in on the Design and Colour Trends 2012/2013 seminar, presented by Victoria Redshaw of Scarlett Opus out of the U.K.  The current colours are vibrant and lively and the designs in area rugs are reflecting these brilliant colours.    We’ve provided a link to the Scarlett Opus website which details Victoria’s colour trends for 2012/2013:

http://trendsblog.co.uk/?cat=31

 

 

CERAMIC –

We have always believed the possibilities are endless when designing with tile and that we had seen it all.  But wow, it just keeps getting better.  We saw tile from a Bangkok company called  “Sonite” who offers new and interesting products that are manufactured with their signature concave and convex curved surfaces that give a sense of depth and texture.  The slight variation inherent in each tile comes from their specialized method of sculpting the material to form each individual tile that is unique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardwood looks are also available in tile!  Mohawk’s collection called “Stage Pointe”, features  a wood plank visual for home owners who want to create the warm look of hardwood in areas of their home where the high performance of tile is required.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daltile showcased metallic porcelain tiles which offers a unique look in metallics featuring shimmering coppers, bronzes, titanium’s and irons.  Stunning!

 

 

 

We’ve only summarized a few of the many new products arriving at the Nufloors stores in the next few months.  We think of ourselves as being in the ‘flooring industry’ but we are not, it is much more than that, we are in the “floor fashion industry” and are delighted to see that we, as an industry, are keeping pace with the trends and colours each year and commit to provide our consumers with the latest in floor fashions.    After all – flooring is that important 5th wall that begins the design process in every room.  So many choices!

 

We’ll be back at Surfaces next January and we can’t wait to see what’s coming next – and as always, we’ll keep you posted!

 

 

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Leather Floors – Talk about a WOW factor

Leather – it’s not just used for jackets, belts and shoes!  How about your floors?  A leather floor installation creates its own unique environment; it exudes elegance, sophistication and unashamed luxury.  Back in the day, leather flooring could be found in high end designer showrooms retailing for $100-$200 per square foot, available to a very exclusive market.  Today,  Torlys (a Toronto based flooring company) has made available a beautiful assortment of leather flooring in plank (7 5/8” wide x 45 7/8″ long x 3/8” thick) and tile format (15 1/4” wide x 15 ¼” wide x 3/8” thick).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leather floors would be a great choice for bedrooms, dens, libraries or kitchens where luxury abounds.  The price range is around $12-$13 a square foot, comparable to excellent quality hardwood or custom wool carpet.  So a 10 x 10 room would cost about $1200-$1300.

 

Leather improves beautifully with wear and age (just like we do!), developing a wonderful rich ‘patina’ that is entirely unique; each small sign of being lived with over a long number of years simply enriches its individual character…maturing majestically as both you and your leather floor grow a little older.

 

Leather floors have a great recycling story as most people don’t know that you can recycle leather.  Torlys leather flooring is made from 100% recycled leather which is gathered and reclaimed during the manufacture of jackets, upholstery, belts and shoes.  And did you know leather floors help absorb sound as they have a cork backing which also provides cushioning.  Also, leather flooring is naturally fire retardant.   Maintenance required to keep your leather floors in good shape involves vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning with a Torly’s cleaning kit.  Fairly simple.

 

 

 

All TORLYS Leather Floors come with a 35- year Residential Wear Warranty, a Lifetime Structural and Joint Integrity Warranty, and a 7-year limited Commercial Warranty. Pretty nice peace of mind.

 

And don’t forget about your walls – leather  planks and tiles can be installed there too…  Wow!  Imagine the possibilities… 

 

Here are a couple of links if you want to learn more about Torlys Leather Floors:

http://www.torlys.com/leather/faq

http://www.torlys.com/leather/leather-videos

 

 

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New Year – Nu Floor!

A new year is beginning (Happy New Year to you!) and if you’re thinking “out with the old and in with the new” when it comes to your floors, here’s some things to consider in your planning process.

 

WHERE TO START? We have learned that our customers’ main concerns are “how will it look?” and “what is the cost?”  A good place to start is to review all the flooring choices available to get an idea as to the product type, colour and attributes of the floor you are considering.

 

BEFORE YOU BUY: So many things to think about – we’ve summarized the key points to consider in your decision making process in our series of short videos  (select flooring choices, choose your flooring category (ie hardwood, carpet) in the drop down menu on the right hand side, select the “before you buy” link to view the video and learn more – see image below) before you buy .

 

LOOKING AFTER YOUR FLOORING: Take a moment to think about your current flooring and why you want to replace it.  Are you looking for easier maintenance?  Floor care is an important piece of the equation in your flooring decision; take some time to view our short maintenance videos for each flooring category which provides insights as to the maintenance regime.

 

STILL WANT TO LEARN MORE? Wow!  We are impressed at your thirst for flooring knowledge!  We have provided information on our website   www.nufloors.ca by flooring category on how each of the  flooring products are made, what the various style components are, what to expect on the day of installation as well as a glossary of “floor speak” words and definitions to help you navigate your way through the floor buying process.

 

A couple of extra things to think about when budgeting:

1.  What’s under your current flooring?  Think about your subfloor – A subfloor is the immediate layer of planks or plywood that is laid over the floor joists. It is the base for whatever else is laid upon it such as carpet, vinyl, laminate or bamboo flooring, between which there is a layer of underlayment. (Underlayment is the materials used over the subfloor to create a stable and smooth surface for the finishing material.)  The subfloor is one of the most fundamental elements of interiors. Without a stable, level floor, whatever is placed upon it will not live up to its claims of durability, longevity or other virtues. In fact, a poorly installed subfloor can be the downfall of the entire flooring system, whatever finishes are chosen.  Is your existing subfloor in good condition?  If your subfloor is concrete, (basements), for certain types of flooring, you may need to add a plywood subfloor over top to create a moisture barrier.  Your flooring consultant will review this with you.

2.  What’s on the floor right now that needs to be removed?  If you are replacing the flooring in your home, tearing out existing floors can add costs to your budget, ie ceramic floors, which can be more difficult to remove.  Talk to your flooring consultant about this.

 

 

Tip:  use this quick measurement tool to calculate the approximate quantity of materials needed based on the size of your rooms:  http://www.nufloors.ca/measurements and     review/print off  this 1 page flooring questionnaire summary sheet http://www.nufloors.ca/resources/uploads/pages/flooring-questionaire.pdf as a quick reference.

 

 

 

The more you know about what to expect with your flooring product the happier you will be with the final result.  We hope these ideas, videos and links will help you learn which flooring products will work best for your lifestyle.

And don’t forget, you can always visit us in store for a good ‘ol face to face conversation – we’re here to help and the coffee’s always on!

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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

You’ve begun the journey – you’re looking for new flooring for your home.  The time has come to remove the old flooring and replace it with something new and gorgeous.  But you’re not sure if you want to replace it with carpet or hardwood…  “I wonder what the room would look like with each of these flooring options?” you think to yourself.

 

Well, take the guess work out of it.  Nufloors has a tool on our website (www.nufloors.ca) called the VIRTUAL ROOM DESIGNER.  Using this program allows you to select a room (kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc.), and further select a room scene that most resembles the room in your home.  Once you’ve made your selections, you can use the program to view various flooring products to get a feel for what it will look like.  Select from choices such as carpet, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, cork, ceramic tile and natural stone.  All of the major brands (Shaw, Mohawk, Armstrong, and Mannington) are represented with product specs and full colour lines.  You can even change the wall and trim colours to further match your room.

 

www.nufloors.ca - Virtual Room Design Tool

 

www.nufloors.ca  - Virtual Room Designer tool

www.nufloors.ca - Virtual Room Designer tool

 

www.nufloors.ca - Virtual Room Designer Tool

www.nufloors.ca - Virtual Room Designer Tool

 

 

A great feature is that you can register and save your work into your own personal workbook.  Collect your favourites and store them to help you when considering the right products for your home.   You can also keep detailed notes about your project from design ideas and product specifications to questions you want to remember to ask us!

 

Seeing is believing! Set aside a little time, grab a cup of coffee and explore our Virtual Room Designer tool to create beautiful rooms.  Think of the floor as a fifth wall for the room.   In fact, think of it as the most important wall since it sets the tone for the rest of the decor.  Have fun creating and exploring the various flooring options and don’t forget to save your work in your own personal workbook.

 

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Carpet Cushion – An Important Decision

Carpet Cushion – also known as underpad, undercushion, padding, cushion and underlay – is the important,  hard working and often overlooked component of your carpet flooring.  Not all carpet performs the same and not all carpet cushion does either.

 

Carpet cushion does more than cushion your carpet when you walk on it – it also does these important jobs:

  • acts as a buffer between the carpet and the subfloor, allowing fibers to bounce back and retain their appearance
  • feels better underfoot
  • keeps most common household spills from penetrating the cushion or subfloor
  • Adds to the useful life of your carpet
  • Protects your carpet investment
  • Makes a less expensive carpet feel more luxurious
  • Absorbs sounds and reduces noise

Many carpet cushions today have extra features worth the money, such as STAINMASTER® carpet cushion which is available with Odour Guard technology which helps to reduce odours caused by most common household spills and pet accidents.  It is also available with antimicrobial treatment which helps to resist bacteria, mould and mildew in the padding.

 

It is important to never install a new carpet over old carpet cushion or over the old carpet and cushion.  If your carpet needs replacing, so does the carpet cushion.

 

The right carpet cushion can extend the life of your carpet and protect the floors underneath. Ask about STAINMASTER® carpet cushion when choosing your new carpet.   Plus, when it’s installed with your new STAINMASTER® carpet, Stainmaster will extend your carpet limited warranties.

 

Visit this site for more info and a short video on Stainmaster Carpet Cushion:

http://www.stainmaster.com/page/our-carpets/carpet-cushion


 


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Basements – From the Ground Up

Ah, the basement. No longer the dark, low-ceilinged brother of the garage, recently the basement has made a comeback. It used to be where you’d send the kids after dinner to blow off some steam but now it’s where the adults want to hang out, enjoy the home theatre, get some exercise, or soak in the hot tub. In some houses the basement is the most used area after the kitchen, and for that reason how to floor the basement becomes an important decision.

While there are several popular choices for basement flooring you should consider a few important factors before making a decision – appearance, cost, and the room’s intended use. Also, an unfinished concrete slab floor lets in moisture, so any flooring choices should be made with that in mind.

 

 

Carpet

    Carpeting is a popular choice for basements as it’s durable enough for almost any use, whether it’s a home gym, living room, guest bedroom, rec room or home theatre. Also, the carpet and underlay padding will insulate against the cold concrete slab floor making the basement much more comfortable. Depending on the type of carpet chosen, this option for basement flooring can be quite affordable.

     

     

     

    Laminate

       

      Laminate is an attractive basement flooring choice, but it is also very durable for high traffic areas. Also, laminate is cost efficient, making it a great option for less used rooms in the basement like a guest room.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Tile

      Ceramic tile can be very attractive if done properly. And if you’re concerned about moisture coming through the underlying concrete slab, then tile flooring is a great option, as it’s virtually impervious to moisture damage. Ceramic tile is also very resistant to wear, and if it does become damaged it is relatively easy to replace a few tiles. You might want to consider also using an area rug over a tiled floor so that your feet stay nice and warm.

       

      No matter what material you choose for your basement floor make sure it fits your budget and is suitable for the intended use of the room. In the end it’s all about choosing a flooring material that you like and will work best for you and your family.

      Have you renovated your basement recently? Tell us about your experiences and choice in flooring.

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      Nufloors Langley Ladies Night 2011

      An annual event at Nufloors Langley is our “Ladies Night” and it once again filled the store with people anxious to take part in the special evening of speakers and entertainment. Winning some very special door prizes was an added bonus for a lucky 15 of the 100 guests.

       

       

       

      The September 29th evening  brought  a large group together to see Jennifer Hoyt from Stainmaster give a presentation on the use of “Colour and Style” in home decorating.  Kevin Gilbert and Tony Fun from Dansk Hardwood were a hit with their explanations on the mysteries of hardwood. The question period produced a notable response from the group….. lots of Q & A .

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Our Ladies Night also included entertainment by Rick Valiant. Rick is recognized as one of the best tribute artists in North America. His “Songs of Sinatra” was a grand hit. Rick performs in Las Vegas and other venues across the U.S. and Canada to audiences that enjoy the “Crooning” style.

       

      Did we mention door prizes?  Through the support of partner/sponsors we were thrilled to award merchandise throughout the evening:  a 50” Big Screen TV, an ipad2, $1000 Gift Certificates and more. All guests went away saying, “We can’t wait for next year…we’ll be back to shop for floors soon.”  Other remarks were: “Wonderful evening…the food and the program were fantastic.”, “We had a good time, Nufloors has once again risen to the top.”, and “I came with one of my girlfriends…I did not know Nufloors…but I sure do now.”

       

       

      Of special note, we were very happy to have some special Nufloors guests in attendance. Lars Martens (Nufloors Kelowna) and Peter Denroche (Nufloors Coquitlam/North Vancouver).  Also attending was Jason Xin of Pontek Hardwood…we hope you had a good time!

       

      And our thanks to all the guests who attended our Ladies Night – we hope you learned a little more about Nufloors and flooring in general and had a good time.   All of us at Nufloors Langley truly enjoyed hosting the evening!

       

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      Vinyl Floors – Better than Ever!

      Vinyl Floors, also called resilient or sheet vinyl, remains a great option for families with kids and or pets. A great combination of beauty and function, vinyl is a durable and easy-to-clean floor type that can be installed anywhere in the home.    Let’s explore the  3 different  type of vinyl floors:  Sheet Vinyl, Linoleum and the newest addition to this flooring type, fiberglass vinyl flooring.


      Armstrong Sheet Vinyl – Memories – Newport Square – #62658 Rural Earth

      Many people think Linoleum and Vinyl are the same thing but they are in fact quite different.  Different in care, cost, maintenance and durability.  Linoleum is more environmentally friendly than vinyl, although some progress is being made by some mills to contain recycled content in sheet vinyl.

      Mannington Napoli Sheet Vinyl Flooring

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      About Vinyl (no longer your Grandma’s floor)

      Vinyl was first introduced at the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition held in Chicago. Vinyl was not readily available during World War II, and the production and marketing of it was put on hold until the late 1940s, after World War II. In the next few decades, it quickly became a popular choice for flooring and became a major competitor in the market.   It’s made using a printing process known as ‘rotogravure’, which prints a pattern on the flooring substrate via an engraved cylinder.

      Vinyl  is a flooring favourite for utility areas, kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms and playrooms. It is a good choice if you are interested in a quick and easy room makeover. Vinyl  is not meant for stairs, but for any and all flat, level surfaces.

       

      About Linoleum (the Grand daddy of flooring types)

      The word “linoleum” is defined as a durable, washable material made in sheets by pressing a mixture of   natural materials like linseed oil, recycled wood flour, cork dust and limestone. Linoleum is naturally anti-bacterial and biodegradable. If you are looking for a “green” floor for your home, linoleum is one of the best choices!   Tip:  Installing linoleum can be complicated, in part, because linoleum is stiffer and harder to work with than vinyl sheet and other flooring types.  Consider hiring a professional installer.

       

      Armstrong Linoleum - Marmorette, colours: Aleutian Green, Parchment Beige & Yellow Straw

       

       

      About Fiberglass Vinyl (the new kid on the block)

      Also called flex floor, glass-backed or glueless, this new category in resilient flooring gives you a new level of decorating convenience. This latetst development in vinyl resilient flooring is the addition of a fibreglass layer to the core of the material.  The fibreglass adds strength and cushion to the floor. This vinyl combines the comfort of carpet with the easy maintenance of resilient flooring.

      Mannington Sobella - Fiberglass flooring - ALT101 Ardesia

       

      Benefits of a Fiberglass Vinyl Floor :

      Water Resistant – dimensionally stable and virtually impervious to moisture, it can be used in bathrooms and kitchens.  Easy on the feet – made with thick dense layers of foam backing, this floor is soft and comfortable underfoot.    Easy to Install - it can be installed with full-spread adhesive or modified loose lay which uses tape to secure the vinyl under appliances and at doors.   Easy to Maintain – sweeping and an occasional damp mop will do.  Durable – resistant to common household abuse and stands up to the wear and traffic of today’s busy families.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      The more expensive vinyl sheet flooring have better resistance to staining, scratches, gouges and tearing and offer better warranties.    The higher quality vinyl floors also have improved styling and more textural realism.  Today’s consumers can explore the huge selection of vinyl floors with realistic designs that look like real wood, stone and other natural materials.  A beautiful and practical flooring solution for many homes.  The leading vinyl flooring manufacturers in North America are Armstrong and Mannington.

       

      Sheet vinyl, not your grandma’s floor anymore!

       

      Mannington Sheet Vinyl - Chesapeake Gunstock

       

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      Keep Your Tile Floors Looking Great ~ Protect Those Grout Lines From Stains

      Ceramic Tile  is a durable material that requires little maintenance and looks beautiful.  Tiles have a glazed surface which resists staining. It’s the grout lines between the tiles that can become stained as it is a porous material and should be protected with a sealer.

      Example of dirty grout lines

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      A NOTE ABOUT GROUT LINES: The size of the grout joint can dramatically change the way your overall tile installation looks. It is important to use the right size grout line for technical reasons and also for aesthetic reasons.  Often, the size of the grout line is left up to the home owner or the tile installer. Consult with your flooring expert as with their experience, they generally know the appropriate size grout joint for each different tile. Larger grout lines are needed for tiles with less than perfect edges so sometimes you can ask for a certain size grout joint.  There is no right or wrong answer for what size your grout line should be, obviously the wider the grout line; the more susceptible it will be to staining.  Here are some guidelines:

      • Natural stone – 1/16″ or 1/8″
      • Tile with a rectified edge – 1/16″ or 1/8″
      • Regular tile – 3/16″, 1/4″ (safest bet) up to 3/8″ or 1/2″
      • Saltillo or Mexican tile – 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/4″

      Know also that there are two different types of grout: sanded and unsanded. Sanded Grout is usually used for any size grout lines 1/8″ and wider.   Sanded grout has fine sand added to it. This prevents the grout from shrinking too much as it cures. That’s why it is used for larger grout lines and should be used for the majority of tile installations. Unsanded grout is made specifically for grout lines smaller than 1/8 inch wide.  Unsanded grout (all grout to different degrees) will shrink as it cures. The reason for only using unsanded in smaller grout lines is the wider the grout lines, the more grout must be used to fill them. The more grout you have, the more it will shrink. Your tile installer will make sure that the application for which you are using it is correct.

       

      Let the Grout Cure Unless a special stain-proof grout was used on your floor when it was installed, the grout lines should be sealed after the grout has fully cured (usually 30 days or more) to prevent future staining.  Mop the floor and rinse with clean water to remove any residue. Allow the grout to dry thoroughly before applying a clear sealer.

       

       

      Time to Seal Those Grout LinesClear liquid sealer can be found at most flooring and tile retailers. If the sealer doesn’t come with a built-in applicator, purchase a separate applicator bottle and pour the sealer into it.  Applicator bottles usually come with interchangeable rollers to accommodate grout lines of different widths.  Follow the manufacturer’s application directions.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      TIP: If your grout lines are already stained and will not come clean, you could try using a grout stain pen which contains both a sealer and stain to add a uniform colour to the grout lines while sealing it at the same time.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      The life of your grout sealer is determined by the traffic your floor gets and the frequency with which you clean your floor. Obviously the more traffic and the more you clean, the more you wear on the sealer.  In medium to high traffic areas you may have to reapply the grout sealer a couple of times a year – especially with light coloured grouts.  You can usually walk on the floor 2-4 hours after sealing but it should take 24-48 hours to fully cure.  Various manufacturers have different wait times and instructions for their products. Always read the directions on your product before using.

       

       

      An ounce of prevention goes a long way in keeping your ceramic tile floors (and grout) looking beautiful for years to come.  When you change the clocks back and forward twice a year, let that be your reminder to seal the grout on your tile floors.    Another task to add to your ‘honey do’ list!

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      HARDWOOD FLOORING – Solid or Engineered?

      You’re thinking of re-doing the flooring in your home and you’ve always wanted beautiful hardwood floors.  Hardwood is always a great flooring choice as it is timeless, adds value to your home, and always looks beautiful.  As you begin your journey, you learn there are really two types of hardwood, Solid and Engineered.  There are pros and cons to both and the reality is that nobody can tell the difference in the look once the floor is installed.  Let’s explore each of these options.

      Engineered vs solid hardwood image courtesy of Shaw Floors

      Both Solid and Engineered are made from real wood, but they are manufactured differently.  When deciding which type to use, consider the location of the hardwood flooring in your home:

      • On Grade – ground level
      • Above Grade – any 2nd level or higher
      • Below Grade – any floor below ground level (ie:  sunken living room/basement)

       

      Solid hardwood flooring is not recommended for below grade installations due to potential for moisture.  As engineered hardwood is constructed differently, specifically enhanced structural stability, it is recommended for installation on any grade level, and if used below grade, a moisture barrier should be used during installation.

       

      For the record, it is not advised to use any type of hardwood flooring in a bathroom as continuous moisture is likely to occur.

       

      Solid hardwood flooring

      Classic solid hardwood comes in many different wood varieties including exotics.  It is a little more expensive than engineered wood.  Solid hardwood is milled from solid lumber and works well in almost any room – but is not recommended for bathrooms or basements (below grade) as there is potential for damage from ground moisture.  Because of its thickness, solid hardwood can be sanded/refinished numerous times.

       

      As solid wood flooring is a natural product, it should be expected to expand and contract in response to seasonal changes in moisture. During dry, winter months, the lack of moisture in the air causes the moisture in the wood to escape. This causes the wood to contract creating small gaps between each plank of wood. However, in the summer months, humidity is higher giving more moisture retention to the wood causing it to expand making the winter gaps disappear.   Professional installers compensate for this movement by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall.  Base moulding can be used to hide the extra space.   It is recommended that the humidity in your home be maintained between 45 and 55 percent to decrease the effect of expansion and contraction, which will cause the floor to contract and gap under 45% and cup and split over 55%.

      Shaw Hardwoods - Solid - Style SW357 - Red Oak

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Engineered hardwood flooring

      Engineered wood flooring is typically manufactured with multiple (2-5) thin sheets of wood that are laminated together to form one plank, with the top layer being the actual hardwood surface. These sheets of wood are laid on top of one another in opposite directions or, otherwise known as, “cross-ply construction.” This allows for a dimensionally stable floor that is less affected by moisture than a solid floor as mentioned above. This cross-ply construction allows the thin sheets to counteract each other which prevents the planks from growing or shrinking with the changes in moisture.  Engineered hardwood can only be refinished once or twice so its not as long lasting as a solid hardwood floor.  Engineered hardwood floors can be glued down directly to concrete, floated or stapled and can be installed over radiant floor heating, to help keep your feet warm during the cold winter months.

       

      Shaw EPIC LEGENDS Engineered Hardwood - Style SW392 - American Cherry

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Deciding between solid vs engineered flooring is a decision that should be made carefully and with the help of your flooring consultant.  In some cases, budget could be a determining factor.  Consider the rooms you will be installing the flooring in and where they are located in your home.

       

      Hardwood floors will likely outlast the home they’re in and will increase their beauty with age.  To learn more about hardwood floors, visit our Nufloors website:  http://www.nufloors.ca/flooringchoices/hardwood

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