Considering Cork??

Originating from the bark of the cork oak tree, the cork used in this type of flooring is harvested in a unique way that does not kill the tree. The bark is able to grow back over time, and can be peeled away every 9-12 years. Cork flooring presents a beautiful option that is both practical and environmentally sound. Frequently a cheaper option from the very popular bamboo, which is another environmentally sound flooring option, cork is comparable in price to traditional hardwood. It is easy to install and has grown increasingly popular in the United States.
Cork flooring also has superior insulation for both sound and temperature, compared with other flooring options. If you are thinking of installing cork flooring this may be a very important consideration, especially in an older home where heat loss can be a very big concern. Cork flooring also has the benefit of being naturally antimicrobial and resistant to mold and mildew! Cork is also extremely resistant to scratches and water, so using it in an entryway or kitchen would be perfectly acceptable. Cork is quite flexible and is softer underfoot than other flooring options. It is a popular choice for high-traffic areas and in businesses where people are required to stand for long periods of time.
Cork that is to be made into flooring is ground and then molded into large blocks for baking. This creates a very durable material that can be cut into the desired sizes and shapes. Finally, the cork is sealed and able to be used for flooring. You may have some concerns about the sealant as it is usually polyurethane or wax, but there are more environmentally sound products available, such as a water-based urethane. When choosing cork flooring, be sure to do your homework.

Hot Color and Design Trends

You may be wondering what is new with design for 2009. As evidenced by many of the new products being released, it’s clear that color trends are leaning towards mostly greens, blues, oranges, neutrals and warm earthy colors. Whether or not you are undertaking a big project like redoing your floors, or simply looking to update your home’s design with the most current trends, here are some tips:

• Hardwood is warm, rich and earthy in color, and is a natural fit with these new trends in design. The traditional is new again! If you are considering changing hardwoods, keep these trends in mind. If you aren’t looking for a whole new floor, consider refinishing your existing floor or following any of these other tips.
• Choose carpets in neutrals, mostly warm tones, or any of these new colors
• Use area rugs on top of those hardwoods that coordinate with these new colors with your new accessories.
• Adding accent pillows on the sofa or various accessories (lamps, candles, knick knacks, etc.) is a great way to update your look without a big investment.

According to a study done by Color Marketing Group, here are some of the hottest new color trends in interior design.

Purple – Already a cutting edge fashion color, purple isn’t going away anytime soon, and just seems to be picking up more steam as time goes on.

Blue - “Green living” has typically been symbolized by various greens over the last few years, but recently the “green” movement has been overhauled in a range of sky and ocean blues.

Warm Neutrals – These classics are always a safe bet.

Yellow – In contrast to neutrals, yellow is an excellent accent. It can help brighten any space.

Exotic Accent Colors – India, China, Turkey, Asia…orange, turquoise, red. These colors can really an an international flair and punch up any design.

White – Maybe we should thank Apple, but white is definitely the new black. Sleek, sophisticated and clean; white can add a modern flair or a technological edge to a business office or a living room.

If you’re looking to install new stone flooring in your home, you should consider checking out Ceramic or Porcelain tile before you make any decisions. Just because it isn’t actually natural stone, you shouldn’t avoid these products! Actually, by using a more sustainable and renewable material like porcelain tile, manufacturers are helping bring Green consumers more options for flooring in their homes. At this years National Flooring Trends Styling Excellence Awards a number of top manufacturers received top awards for their innovation with these products. They are created with unique inkjet technology. High resolution images of stone are scanned into a computer, and advanced software and printing technology then creates a variable surface printed via precise micro droplets of ink. This results in a highly sophisticated and realistic image with a three dimensional appearance and a huge multitude of graphic variations throughout the tiles, Marazzi Imperial Slate is a good example. It’s also considerably easier to maintain than natural stone because of its smooth surface. Ceramic and porcelain tile are generally available in 20” x 20”, 13” x 20”, 13” x 13”, 12” x 12” and various mosaic and bullnose sizes. They are available in an enormous array of styles and colors, from manufacturers like Marazzi, Daltile, Interceramic, Mannington, Shaw, Emser and more.

The Advantages of Ceramic Tile

Tile is becoming increasingly common in general household remodeling and construction, and not just in areas of the world where tile was traditionally used. Here is a short list of some of the advantages of using tile for your flooring project.

Tile is a natural product

Ceramic tiles have a clay body, a natural material from the Earth, that becomes incredibly durable after firing in a kiln, a ceramic glaze is usually added as a part of this process.

Tile is easy to clean

Glazed Ceramics are a breeze to clean. It has an ability to be kept free from dirt and any type of corruption. The nature of a ceramic-ware prevents anything from sticking, and grease and dirt are eliminated easily by simply wiping with a cloth or mild cleaning products.

Hygienic and antiallergenic

Ceramic surfaces prevent humidity, which in turn minimizes the development of germs and fungi. For this reason, ceramic is perfect in areas where water is used continuously, like in bathrooms, kitchens, factories, laboratories, swimming pools, etc.

There are reasons ceramic has been used in building projects for centuries! It’s practically maintenance free once it’s been installed as well, and that never hurts!

Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Wood

Solid Hardwood Floors

People have been installing solid hardwood floors for centuries, they are truly a classic. They maintain a real sense character and history. Solid wood floors can be hundreds of years old, and still be in relatively good condition. Red oak, white oak, ash and maple are all popular choices for hardwood flooring. One major advantage of solid hardwood floors is that they can be refinished multiple times to look as good as new. One of the less desirable properties of solid wood flooring is that it changes in accordance with your homes level of humidity. Solid wood floors are sensitive to moisture, and react accordingly, contracting and expanding with the change in seasons. It is not recommended to install solid hardwood in a basement, or on top of a concrete slab.

Engineered Hardwood Floors

Pre-finished engineered wood floors are becoming increasingly popular, since they have a number of advantages over solid hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood floors are made through a unique process, and are constructed from several thin sheets of wood, or plies, that are laminated to create a solid plank. One great feature of engineered wood planks is their dimensional stability. Because of they way in which they are manufactured, they can be used over wooden subfloors or concrete slabs, unlike solid hardwood planks. If you are concerned about moisture and humidity in your home, an engineered wood floor might be right for you.

Ten Reasons Bamboo is Better

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Bamboo is one of the most popular flooring styles, and it's not difficult to see why. It offers wide range of styles, and an ease of maintenance not readily available in other styles of flooring. Here is a quick run-down of the top then benefits of using bamboo in your remodeling project.

· Renewable resource (this stuff grows fast!)

· Easy upkeep (forget about stain removers and vacuums!)

· Easy to install (perfect for a weekend project)

· Cost (for all its benefits, the pricing is pretty reasonable)

· Style points (these floors make any room look awesome)

· Adaptability (installs easy and hides sub-floor imperfections)

· Material Handling (much easier to work with than most hardwoods)

· Strength (this stuff is made to last!)

· Durability (children? Dogs? They won’t hurt this floor!)

· Material Availability (with its recent popularity, it’s available everywhere)

With this many advantages, it’s easy to see how bamboo is becoming one of the leading flooring surfaces available today. Seriously, bamboo has something to offer everyone.

Want to know more? Check out some more articles!

The Advantages of Carpet

Carpet helps give any room a sense warmth and comfort, as well as provides a comfortable surface to sit or stand on. There are thousands of beautiful and stylish varieties of carpet available today, such as the fashionable Tuftex line from Shaw. The only limit is your imagination. Carpet provides a great opportunity for freedom in your interior design options. Carpeting is also a great choice for homes with young children or the elderly, as it helps cushion any falls or slips that may occur in your home. Carpet also works as an excellent sound barrier, helping absorb the sounds of televisions, stereos, telephones, and overhead or room to room foot traffic.