Good Brothers Flooring Plus

DEFINING THE DETAILS

2010-09-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Color adds life and personality to a space, setting the mood for the entire room. A splash of red, for example, hints at your sense of passion while yellow is a vibrant, happy color. And nothing says 'regal' quite like purple! Colors even seem to affect the 'temperature' of a room - reds and oranges feel warm, while blues and greens feel cool.

GREAT LOOKS THAT FEEL GREAT, TOO

2010-09-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

When it comes down to it, there are really two things that influence your final decision on flooring for your home: the way it looks...and the way it feels. We know that those two factors are equally important. That's why we've invested time and resources in the development of laminate flooring products that feel as good as they look. Whether your want realism of hardwood graining or natural tile etching, we offer the look and feel that is right for you.

ON A SMALLER SCALE

2010-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

While large-scale flooring tends to work very well in larger rooms, smaller rooms may feel more proportionate to narrower plank widths. It's always a good idea to borrow or buy several samples of the flooring you are considering and lay them in place to gauge the effect. Remember, too, that lengthwise patterns add depth to rooms, while running the flooring across the width of a room will make the space look shorter and wider.

MIRROR, MIRROR

2010-08-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

There's something magical about mirrors. They add shine and sparkle to a room, increasing light and creating a sense of larger space. Leaned against a wall, a majestically-sized mirror offers a new perspective of the room's character and warmth.

BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE, EASY TO CLEAN- NOW YOUR COOKING

2010-08-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

Cooking, while fun, can also be serious business. You need the best equipment you can afford - and a floor you can count on to take the wear and tear of countless gatherings without sacrificing style or demanding a lot of maintenance in return.

TRADITIONAL HARDWOOD

2010-08-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

True classics improve with age. These timeless floors are meticulously crafted from enduring American species like oak, maple, pecan and cherry. Enrich your home with solid or engineered floors, narrow strips or wide planks, in any shade you can imagine, from classic honey and chestnut to modern whitewash and espresso.

DISCOVER THE POSSIBILITIES

2010-07-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

The cozy yet utilitarian aesthetic of Arts and Crafts style. The crisp, uncluttered feeling of a contemporary space. The time-worn appeal of a French Country room. Each design style requires a unique flooring choice, with the distinct details and color nuances that will tie the room together.

HARDWOOD DESIGN DETAILS

2010-06-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

The unique beauty of each hardwood floor is in the details. These details are what make each floor distinctive. There is no wrong or right choice here, it's all about personal preference.

HAND SCULPTED HARDWOOD

2010-06-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Artisan-carved planks in a rich palette of colors combine the craftsmanship of a bygone era with modern design appeal. From the deeply textured rustic look of Rural Living, to the subtly sculpted elegance of hand-crafted Century Estate, the collections of hand-sculpted floors are equally enchanting in a 19th century farmhouse or a converted urban loft.

EXOTIC & SPECIALTY HARDWOOD

2010-06-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Our carefully selected, responsibly harvested hardwoods feature striking natural colors and bold detailed graining, while our innovative and imaginative design techniques create specialty floors of stunning originality and beauty from domestic species. These are floors with a sense of drama that refuse to go unnoticed, from naturally captivating Valenza to distinctively detailed Barrel Creek.

COTTAGE STYLE

2010-06-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

There's something inviting about down-to-earth cottage style. This popular look invites guests to kick up their feet and relax. Cottage style is an attitude, not a set of hard-and-fast rules. The goal is simply to create a bright and happy space that reflects the informality of a home away from home. Bring the outdoors in with accessories made from natural materials. Take the look a step further by bringing nature in, such as putting starfish, seashells, or butterflies on display. In keeping with the informal feeling of a cozy cottage, the look of bare wood floors is a good option. Choose new planks with imperfections or a heavy grain for a warm, lived-in feeling.

ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE

2010-05-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Simplicity is the hallmark of Arts and Crafts style. Known for clean lines, warm wood tones and a focus on function, the aesthetic is sophisticated and cozy. With ornamentation kept to a minimum, the appeal of this popular design style is the craftsmanship. To inject the Arts and Crafts style into your home, choose similarly proportioned furnishings, simple moldings and the occasional hammered metal accent. Arts and Crafts style is most commonly associated with bungalows, but it can be adapted to fit almost any style home. It is not surprising that the Arts and Crafts style is experiencing a strong revival. Its signature features - intricate woodwork, rustic materials and a utilitarian focus - are simple and appealing, combining to create an American classic.

WORLDLY WOODS

2010-05-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

The designs come from South America, Australia, the far East and Africa. Distinguished by their amazing textures, these are exact likenesses of the world's most treasured and sought-after woods - rendered in durable, easy care laminate. All created for the homeowner who wants to make a statement about their taste and lifestyle...with a floor that's a cut above the rest.

HARDWOOD DESIGN

2010-05-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

Species influences appearance and durability. Not all species of hardwood are equally hard. If your floor is likely to take a lot of abuse, consider oak, maple, or ash, for extra durability. For appearance, traditional oak has pronounced variations in grain and shade, while maple's grain is cleaner and more understated. Today, there are many exotic species available, such as lapacho, tigerwood, and Brazilian cherry, that have a distinctive combination of origin, color and surface characteristics.

NEW TRADITIONS

2010-05-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

Timeless but fresh. It's a new outlook with classic styling. Time-honored floors like pecan, and hickory deliver customary style with finishes that offer an unexpected fresh look. Blend the Highlands Biscuit floor with traditional furnishings and unpredictable, fun accessories. It's all about balancing the classic quality of yesterday with the livability and comfort of today.

WORLD TRAVELER

2010-04-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Unique. Eclectic. Cultured. Exotic. Worldly. This exciting design style harkens to the traveling spirit in everyone. It celebrates the architectural structures and design details that are the best that Europe, Asia and the exotic islands have to offer. Floor finishes range from dark, stained surfaces to painted, glazed and sanded finishes that simulate years of use and living. The palette is rich and regal or perhaps light and reflective. It creates a perfect backdrop for a variety of treasured accessories amassed through years of traveling.

URBAN LIVING

2010-04-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Clean. Sophisticated. Contemporary. Simple. Open, uncluttered rooms are accented with ultra-modern accessories offering smooth lines and loads of drama. Spartan simplicity coupled with hi-tech living makes natural wood floors the tranquil, serene choice for urban style. Handcrafted floors complement this modern look. In addition, the sheen of maple and pecan are excellent choices in both natural and deeper stained versions.

CASUAL COMFORT

2010-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Relaxing. Uncomplicated. Charming. Simple. The Casual Comfort style captures the serenity of a country morning with hand-hewn floors of natural oak, hickory and maple. Experience the coziness of a mountain retreat with rustic, handcrafted, distressed floors. Warm and inviting or fresh and serene, this uncomplicated style is enhanced with furniture and accessories that are supremely comfortable, timeless, inviting and versatile.

QUALITY CRAFTED IN EVERY DETAIL

2010-04-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

Raw materials, Armstrong starts by inspecting and grading every board to ensure each will meet their rigid quality standards. Only the best pass their inspection. Precise drying, a key step in preparing the wood, they dry the lumber in state-of-the-art kilns that are constantly monitored by highly trained technicians to ensure the boards meet the specifications required to produce superior quality flooring. Grading standards, once deemed ready for production, each board is meticulously graded and any unacceptable material is removed before milling. Precision milling, all planks are made straight, sanded to a consistent thickness, and machined to create a perfect tongue and groove fit. Adhering to the strictest standards during the milling process ensures reliable quality and consistency of all floor planks, from carton to carton. The planks install easily and fit together snugly for a finished floor that is stable, even and consistent. Advanced color management, Armstrong uses computerized color monitoring systems to assure the highest level of color monitoring systems to assure the highest level of color consistency from board to board and carton to carton, catching and correcting variations too subtle to be distinguished by the human eye. Superior finish systems, multi-layer ultraviolet cured aluminum oxide urethane coating systems are factory applied to provide exceptional stain resistance and 5 to 10 times more wear resistance than other finish systems. With their variety of proprietary finishes Armstrong creates a range of looks, from low-gloss to high-gloss, as well as hardwoods for light, moderate or heavy traffic areas. Their exclusive Permion finish is so durable, it even stands up to commercial use. The painstaking attention to detail that begins with the design process continues throughout every stage of manufacturing, from lumber selection to final finishing. Rigorous quality control, including more than 50 inspections throughout the entire manufacturing process, guarantees floors that install precisely and look beautiful for a lifetime.

A CLOSER LOOK AT PREMIER PERFORMANCE

2010-03-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

Life may be full of compromises, but flooring doesn't have to be one of them. No one should have to sacrifice the elegance and lasting value of authentic hardwood just because they need a floor that can stand up to kids, pets, and an all-around active lifestyle. Armstrong was the first to take on the challenge of developing a harder hardwood floor. They began with genuine engineered hardwood in a wide selection of colors and species and infused it with liquid acrylic. This exclusive process creates a dramatically tougher floor. Even cherry - one of the softest hardwood species - becomes harder than oak. Add on their proprietary Permion wear layer; and a Premier Performance floor resists scratches, scrapes, dings and dents better than any traditional hardwood floor. So, whatever your style or your lifestyle, you can enjoy the beauty and value that only a genuine hardwood floor can bring to your home. No compromises necessary.

CLASSIC LOOKS ARE REINTERPRETED ALL THE TIME

2010-03-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Maintaining their timeless appeal with a twist that makes them perfect for today. Such is the inspiration behind Highgrove manor, a collection of hardwood floors by Armstrong that will inspire as much admiration decades from now as the day they're installed. The premium collection of 3/4" solid hardwood uses the highest grade American maple, oak, hickory and cherry. The 4" and 5" wide planks are sanded to smooth perfection, then completed with the finest stains and premium finishes in shades ranging from clear natural and rich chocolate, to new neutrals including whitewash and soft gray. The clean lines and immaculately smooth finish of highgrove Manor form the perfect backdrop for contemporary minimalist decor, but are just as beautiful in coastal designs and traditional homes.

ONCE UPON A TIME, PRACTICALLY EVERY FLOOR WAS A HARDWOOD FLOOR

2010-03-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Some of the most beautiful examples of craftsmanship remain in the country manor homes of Europe and the mansions of the Old South. It is these antique plank floors, sculpted by hand and worn to elegant smoothness by the footsteps of generations, that inspired the Armstrong Century Estate collection. Each Century Estate floor is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Armstrong has chosen the finest hickory, maple, oak and walnut - all classic species know for their timeless beauty and durability. Each 6" wide plank is hand-sculpted to create the details of centuries-old floors. Authentic details include soft, undulating carving and subtle pillowed edges. The planks are then hand-stained the old-fashioned way, providing a depth of color and luminous patina unmatched by any modern machine. The final result is a selection of 12 stunningly refined floors with timeless beauty and remarkable versatility. Century Estate provides the perfect foundation for traditional or old world design, as well as an ideal unifying element for bridging styles in a modern decor.

NATURE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

2010-03-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

The desire to preserve and protect our natural resources has inspired a whole new world of innovative design. Exotic Fusion is one such innovation, fulfilling the desire to create new and exciting hardwood designs without depleting the world's rarest and most beautiful tropical forests. Exotic hardwood species are prized for their unique character, striking grain patterns and depth of natural color. To capture this look, Armstrong began with four abundant domestic species known for their exceptional graining: maple, mountain elm, ash and birch. Individual boards are selected with special attention to the character of the grain. A special thermal treatment process caramelizes the wood, producing rich colors and distinctive grain effects remarkably similar to exotic woods. The time and temperature are precisely controlled for each species, as a range of extraordinary shades and effects can be achieved simply by adjusting these variables. No stains are necessary. The thermal process colors the entire plank. The smooth surface and dramatic details of Exotic Fusion are at home in a wide range of settings, from transitional to contemporary to global designs. It's the perfect choice for anyone who demands the new and exciting, but wants to do so responsibly.

A CLOSER LOOK AT BARREL CREEK

2010-03-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

It began in the rolling hills of Napa Valley. At the intersection of wine country and ecological ingenuity, interior designers found a new way to reuse wine barrels. The reclaimed oak became furniture, home accessories, and truly unique hardwood floors. The look is a strikingly original interpretation of vintage style. Armstrong was inspired by this extraordinary style and have made it more widely available. They begin with solid 2-1/4" strips of premium rift and quartered oak - the same material coopers use to make fine wine barrels. Armstrong has painstakingly reconstructed every detail of the original barrel floors, complete with Vintner's marks burned into random strips and authentic cooperage stamps. They apply a deep color wash to enhance the grain and give the wood an aged appearance. This interplay between color and texture make Barrel Creek a three-dimensional sensory experience. Finally, the floor receives their highest quality urethane finish to protect its unique look. Whether you are a wine aficionado, a vintage design enthusiast, or just love truly original home decor, Barrel Creek is a unique way to bring a touch of wine country ambiance into your home.

ECLECTIC

2010-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

Variety is the spice of life, so why must a home be perfectly matched? Express your creativity with eclectic design, which mixes two or more decorating styles in one space. The myriad of looks is made cohesive through color, texture, shape and finish. Combining styles, such as contemporary and Shabby Chic, can look disjointed. The key to success is to take a purposeful approach. Select items not only because you love them, but also because they share something in common, whether it's a similar hue or complementary scale. Pick a dominant color to be the grounding force for the room and add to it several accent colors (neutral shades with a few pops of color are typically less overwhelming). Stick to the palette as you select items for the room to tie the diverse elements together. Skip matching suites in favor of an unexpected combination of furnishings. A chair from the 1970s can look amazing next to a table from the 1930s if the proportions are balanced. Using one common element, such as glass or iron, helps unite the pieces. Have fun with the room's accents. Show your personality with a medley of patterns, textures and shapes. Mix and match fabrics, trims and finishes - anything can work as long as it's something you love.

FRENCH COUNTRY

2010-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Take your home back to the Gilded Age of French royalty with the opulent, ornate look of Baroque design. The style's rich colors, bold shapes and lavish ornamentation make it easily recognizable. Twisted columns, oversized moldings and monumental staircases are prominent features in classic Baroque homes, but not necessary for a modern interpretation. Instead, infuse your home with a sense of history by incorporating more practical touches. Aged or rugged wood floors and faux-finished walls add texture. Choose substantial antique or reproduction furnishings that are sculptural, highly detailed and made from rich woods. Major pieces should be embellished with scrollwork, acanthus leaves and scrolled legs. Cover upholstered pieces in luxurious fabrics, such as velvet or chenille. Add accent pieces such as small consoles, gilded cabinets, chairs with carved scroll legs and marble tables. Neutral shades are frequently used on the walls, allowing the fine antique furniture and lavish accessories to be the stars. Other accessories that are well-suited to the look include ornate mirrors, crystal-dressed chandeliers, antique porcelain and bronze pieces. Baroque style is classic, regal and feminine. Whether you add just a few elements of the look or strive for an authentic top-to-bottom makeover, Baroque detailing can make even the newest home feel like a finely appointed European manor.

START DREAMING

2010-02-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Creating a new look for your home can be a lot of fun. But with so many styles available, getting started can be overwhelming. Before committing to a new color scheme or investing in expensive furniture, take time to define your style. Don't feel bound by a strict set of rules. Feel free to add unexpected elements or pieces that have special meaning for you and your family. After all, your home's interiors should reflect your personality above all else.

Our Floors Open New Doors To Creativity!

2009-11-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

At Good Brothers Flooring Plus we believe that dreaming is as important as doing. That's why the floors we offer are very special. While we are pioneers in the way today's floors are made, it's not just about quality manufacturing and innovative details. It's about what our floors can do.

Our floors open new doors to creativity. They help you express your personality and bring dreams to life. They set the mood and allow you to create spaces that truly make you feel at home.

We're not just a retailer, we're a dream showroom! And by dreaming, we're changing what you expect from floors. Because we believe it is amazing what a floor can do.

Visit Good Brothers Flooring Plus in Rocklin at 2217 Sunset Blvd. #705 or online at goodbros.com.

COTTAGE STYLE

2009-11-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

There's something inviting about DOWN-TO-EARTH cottage style. This popular look invites guests to kick up their feet and relax. Cottage style is an attitude, not a set of hard-and-fast rules. The goal is simply to create a bright and happy space that reflects the informality of a home away from home.

Light-and-airy is the order of the day for a cottage-style room. Crisp white or creamy ivory should cover most surfaces, from trim to furniture, to create the perfect background for small pops of color. For accents, choose colors plucked from nature (green, blue, brown and yellow) to mimic the look of sun, sand and sea.

Bring the outdoors in with accessories made from natural materials. Choose trays, coffee tables or accent chairs made of wicker, rattan and bamboo to add layers of texture to a simple, white room. Take the look a step further and turn nature into artwork by putting starfish, seashells or butterflies on display.

Nothing says "cottage" more than crisp white slipcovers. Use them to coordinate a group of mismatched furnishings or to give a formal sofa a more relaxed look. Simple slipcovers are comfortable, attractive and easy to clean.

In keeping with the informal feeling of a cozy cottage, the look of bare wood floors is a good option. Choose new planks with imperfections or a heavy grain for a warm, lived-in feeling. If keeping floors uncovered feels cold, add area rugs made of natural fibers, such as sisal or cotton.

ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE

2009-11-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

SIMPLICITY is the hallmark of Arts and Crafts style. Know for clean lines, warm wood tones and a focus on function, the aesthetic is sophisticated and cozy. With ornamentation kept to a minimum, the appeal of this popular design style is the craftsmanship.

A light color palette, including neutral walls, creates a clean background that allows the woodwork of floors, moldings and furnishings to shine. Accents in deep shades of green, blue, yellow and red should be used sparingly on such accessories as pottery, painted tile and fabric. Choose lighting and hardware in hammered copper or burnished brass.

Arts and Crafts style is most commonly associated with bungalows, but it can be adapted to fit almost any style home. If your house is not blessed with classic Craftsman architecture, such as built-in cabinets and lush woodwork, strive for an eclectic look. Aim for the spirit of Arts and Crafts style instead of a literal interpretation.

It is not surprising that Arts and Crafts style is experiencing a strong revival. Its signature features - intricate woodwork, rustic materials and a utilitarian focus - are simple and appealing, combining to create an American classic.

Visit our Good Brothers showroom to see our Craftsman Style samples. Or check us out online at www.goodbros.com

Family Owned And Operated

2009-11-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

Good Brothers Flooring Plus is family owned and operated!

Vinyl Sheet Flooring "Stratamax" By Armstrong

2009-10-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

STYLES STRAIGHT FROM NATURE

StrataMax designs are inspired by the most captivating natural stone and wood floors. Exclusive Armstrong technology ensures each floor features the most vibrantly colored, naturally textured and visually realistic designs available in vinyl sheet flooring. And with more than 60 unique color and style combinations to choose from, you can find the right look for your room.

TOUGH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

The patented layered construction of StrataMax ensures a new level of durability. From the easy-clean, scratch and stain resistant surface to the cushioned gel core and hefty limestone composite base layer, StrataMax is designed for lasting performance.

INSTANT GRATIFICATION INSTALLATION

StrataMax not only looks beautiful and lasts for years in your home - it also takes minimal time and hassle to install. With its unique construction, StrataMax can be installed quickly and easily as a true floating floor - no adhesive or underlayment required. That means less disruption to your household routine and immediate enjoyment of your new floor.

Visit our showroom for today for more details and samples. Find us online at www.goodbros.com

Create Your Own Idea Book

2009-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

You know what you like - and that's the most important place to start when you're choosing a decorative product like flooring for your home. Start collecting photos from magazines and websites that reflect ideas or looks you want to "copy" for your own. Put them into a folder or binder so you can show your flooring retailer the look you're after - because after all, you'll be living wit your new flooring for a long time to come.

A Few Tips on Design

Light-colored floors can help make a space seem brighter and larger while dark-colored floors lend drama and character.

It doesn't have to be a "perfect match". Flooring needn't match your furniture or cabinets to make itself at home. Combining different woods will add visual interest and excitement.

Mid-t0-large size rooms call for wider width flooring that is more in scale with the room's overall dimensions.

Narrow planks help "stretch" your space. Install the flooring across the narrowest width of the room or on the diagonal for a more expansive feeling.

For a less formal look, try mixing wide and narrow width planks. Beveled edges, lighter colors and textured surfaces can also soften up the look.

Defining the Details

Color adds life and personality to a space, setting the mood for the entire room. A splash of red, for example, hints at your sense of passion while yellow is a vibrant, happy color. And nothing says "regal" quite like purple! Colors even seem to affect the "temperature" of a room - reds and oranges feel warm, while blues and greens feel cool.

Visit Good Brothers Flooring Plus for all your flooring needs! www.goodbros.com

Know Your Carpet

2009-09-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today's carpets are available in a wide range of fiber types, textures, patterns, weights, densities and backings. Therefore, before you make your carpet purchase we recommend that you discuss your carpet needs and expectations with us prior to making your carpet choice. In particular, it is very important that you know the performance characteristics of each carpet construction and each fiber, including their own inherent stain resistance properties and/or the stain resistance properties of additional after-treatments that are added to help protect your carpet against stains and soils.

Comfort

Carpet provides actual thermal resistance, or R-value. In colder climates or seasons, it retains warm air longer, an energy conservation benefit. Carpet also provides a comfortable place to sit, play or work and gives a room an overall warmer feeling.

Style

You can choose from many thousands of carpet styles and colors. That means your ultimate choice will reflect how you want to personalize your living space. Carpet can be a neutral foundation, or it can be a focal point with vibrant colors and stronger bolder patterns and textures.

Softens Slips & Falls

Carpet is ideal for cushioning our footsteps, reducing slips and falls and minimizing injuries when falls do occur. Carpet provides safety protection for the whole family, but especially for toddlers and older individuals.

Reduces Noise

Big screen TVs, speaker phones, computers and modern sound systems make our homes noisy places. Carpet helps absorb these sounds. Adding a cushion pad beneath your carpet reduces noise even further. Carpet also works as a sound barrier between floors by helping to block sound transmission to rooms below. And carpet on stairs helps mask the sound of constant foot traffic.

Wears Well

Carpet will maintain its life and beauty for many years when properly cleaned and maintained. Learn to keep your carpet looking great over time by following these simple steps:

Preventative Maintenance - Protect your investment before problems occur.
Vacuuming - keep carpet clean through regular vacuuming, the single most effective way to keep carpets clean.
Professional Cleaning - have carpets cleaned professionally, a periodic must.
Spot and Stain Removal - Remember to use CRI Seal of Approval products.

Cleans Air

Although we might not normally associate carpet with improved indoor air quality, it does have a very positive effect. Gravity causes common household particles, such as dust, pollen and pet and insect dander, to fall to the floor. Carpet fibers trap the particles, reducing their continued circulation in the air. Proper cleaning with CRI-approved vacuums effectively removes dust and allergens from the carpet, locks them in the machine and helps keep them out of the air we breathe.

A misperception is that people with asthma and allergies should avoid carpet in the home. But much of today's carpet is made from harmless materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, such as polyester, nylon and olefin fibers, which don't trouble most people.

Visit Good Brothers Flooring Plus www.goodbros.com for all your carpet needs!

2009-09-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Vinyl Floors Still A Good Choice!

Long a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom floors, vinyl has been locked in a long fight to fend off the intrusion of ceramic tile and hardwood into it's territory.

Vinyl does have technology on it's side to help in the battle, and this is an important point in any review of vinyl floor care. Vinyl or resilient flooring has been pushed along on a path of rapid and continual improvement. So much so, the quality of these floors available to you on the market only 10 years ago does not compare to what the industry leaders are producing today.

There has been major upgrading of surface durability and resistance to staining. The main attractions of vinyl remain the same. Vinyl or resilient flooring is an inexpensive floor covering. It's cushioned core makes it more comfortable for your feet and legs, and that same cushioning provides an insulating value that keeps your floor surface warmer to the touch.

If you think about it, these attractions also contribute most to the major detractions! Visit our showroom, we have a large selection of samples!

Hardwood Floor Advancements

2009-09-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Elegance & Beauty

Hardwood flooring adds elegance and beauty to your home as well as the glow, warmth, and natural look that only wood gives to any room. Hardwood flooring experienced a boom in the decade of 50's and 60's. This kind of surface is still very popular due to their durability and insulation properties.

In the real beginning of hardwood flooring installations, there wasn't any problem for making and installing it onto houses, however some homeowners realized that wood surfaces were not easy-to-care.

The problem came during cleaning and waxing tasks. The norm was to get down on one's hands and knees to clean, wax and polish the floors. That norm didn't like too much to homeowners who couldn't afford a housecleaner, therefore only rich people were able to afford wood floors.

New Technologies

Today's advancements in hardwood flooring let homeowners add hardwood flooring in almost any area in the home. These great forward movements on hardwood such as advancements in finish technologies and superior construction techniques manufacturers of hardwood floors are able to produce tougher finishes and more stable products.

This means quality engineered hardwood floors can go in almost any room in the home and over a wide variety of sub-floors, including dry, fully-cured concrete slabs.

Everyone knows that beauty's in the eye of the beholder. That's why some companies offer you a wide range of elegant floors, all with a natural look and feel. Hardwood floors allow you to design your home exactly as you want; dark or light, broad or narrow planks, it's all up to you. Hardwood floors have the warranty for a lifetime; choose hardwood flooring for your home!

Cork Floors

2009-08-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Natural Beauty and Environmentally Safe

Cork flooring is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the leading alternative types of flooring. Why? Because besides cork being an environmentally sound material it has a wealth of other natural features that appeal to homeowners. What's more, a floor made from this wonder of nature serves to provide style and class to any home that it is installed in.

Cork used in the manufacture of cork flooring comes from the bark of the Cork Oak tree. The bark is harvested by peeling it away from the trunk and branches every 9-12 years and does not necessitate the felling of the tree. Unlike other types of trees that may die when they have their bark removed, the Cork-Oak survives and will grow back its bark again within a decade. As these trees can live to 200 years or more it means that the cork can be harvested many times over, which makes it an ideal material for the manufacture of a wide variety of products, the most common clearly being cork floors and wine corks.

Cork has been used as flooring for centuries, however it is only in more recent years that it has been manufactured as consumer friendly tiles and planks with snap/click lock joints. This has made installation easier and therefore added to its popularity amongst consumers that may have shied away from it in the past due to the complexities of installing it.

One of the most outstanding features of a cork floor is its natural beauty. Modern manufacturing processes that compress the cork to various degrees add to the variety of textures and patterns available. Flooring retailers now offer a wide choice of patterns and colors that ensures there is something to suit just about everyone and also provides the ability to color coordinate with just about any color scheme in a home or commercial property.

The increased awareness of environmental issues has also meant that cork has become a preferred choice of flooring amongst environmentally conscious consumers. In addition to the obviously different look and feel of cork floors they are very unlike the hardwood variety, the manufacture of which involves the felling of hardwood trees that can take half a century or more to grow again. The saddest thing often being that felled trees are never replanted. Consumers can therefore buy a cork floor secure in the knowledge that their purchase has not been at the expense of the worlds rainforests.

Cork Floor Benefits

The benefits of cork floors are numerous, many of which are instrumental factors in attracting consumers to them in the first place. Firstly, cork provides natural thermal insulation and therefore preserves energy and can, it turn, cut heating bills.

Cork also has a natural ability to absorb sound and is ideal for use in an apartment that has neighbors above and below. In a house located near a busy road it can help to deaden the sound from passing vehicles.

Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and antistatic, as such, in the form of flooring it very much suits allergy sufferers.

Cork flooring has shock absorbing properties that appeal to the elderly or those that suffer from aching joints or back and bone complaints and gives an under foot level of comfort that simply cannot be matched by any other kind of wooden floor. Furthermore, despite its rubbery feel, cork is tough, durable and does not scuff easily.

A cork floor is great if you have kids too. Unfortunately children can have the occasional fall, cork in the playroom will probably mean that the effects of such a fall can be kissed away rather than require an ice pack on a nasty bruise.

Cork Is A Good Investment

There are other benefits too, for not only does cork flooring add an incredibly stylish touch to a home, it can also add value to it. Research has consistently shown that homes with a natural or wooden floor are considered to be of a higher value than those with other types of flooring. When actually selling a home, it has been shown in many cases that those with such a floor do indeed sell for a higher price.

With such a wide array of benefits, many of which are naturally inbuilt, isn't it time you invested in a cork floor for your home? It's a choice that is hard to beat and guaranteed to give you a look that is completely unique and most different to any other kind of flooring. And don't forget, you'll be doing your bit for the environment too!