Blog

When choosing flooring for your home, there are many options available to consider. Two popular choices are wood and luxury vinyl flooring. While each has its own advantages and disadvantages, it is important to understand the specifics of each to make an informed decision.

Wood floors have been a popular option for centuries due to their durability and beauty. There are different types of wood flooring, including solid unfinished, solid prefinished, and engineered. Solid hardwood flooring is made up of a single plank of wood cut to a thickness of ¾”. Engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers, with a wood veneer on top. On the other hand, luxury vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that can mimic the look of wood or tile. It is composed of vinyl layers, a cork layer, and a film layer that provides the desired visual appearance.

Appearance and durability are the two primary factors that can sway a homeowner’s decision. Wood flooring has a warm and natural appearance that can add a sense of comfort to a home, while luxury vinyl is highly designed and can fit well with certain aesthetics but may feel less authentic. However, luxury vinyl flooring is highly durable and resistant to stains, dents, and scratches, while wood floors can be susceptible to damage. Luxury vinyl is water-resistant and works well in wet areas, but wood flooring is not water-resistant and may not be suitable for high-moisture rooms.

Cost, maintenance, installation, and environmental impact are other factors to consider. Luxury vinyl is generally less expensive to produce and can be replicated easily, while wood flooring may have a higher upfront cost but can be more economical in the long run due to its longevity. Maintenance requirements also vary, with wood flooring requiring refinishing every 10 to 15 years, while luxury vinyl does not require refinishing but still needs regular cleaning. Both luxury vinyl and hardwood can be installed as floating floors, but wood flooring can also be nailed or glued down.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, wood flooring is a natural material, and many mills offer sustainable harvesting practices to ensure responsible forest management. However, luxury vinyl is synthetic and does not biodegrade, making it less appealing from an environmental perspective.

Ultimately, the right type of flooring depends on personal preferences and unique needs. It is essential to consider each factor carefully before making a final decision.

Another important consideration when selecting flooring is the installation process. Both wood and vinyl flooring options can be installed using different methods, such as floating, nail-down, or glue-down installation. Depending on the specific product and the condition of the subfloor, one installation method may be better than another. Some products may also require an underlayment or moisture barrier, which can add to the overall cost of the installation.

In terms of maintenance, both wood and vinyl flooring require regular cleaning and upkeep. However, the specific cleaning methods may differ depending on the type of flooring. For example, wood flooring may require refinishing every few years to maintain its appearance and protect it from damage, while luxury vinyl flooring typically does not require any refinishing.

Finally, cost is also an important consideration when selecting flooring. The cost of wood flooring can vary widely depending on the species of wood, the thickness and width of the planks, and the finishing process. Similarly, the cost of luxury vinyl flooring can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the product, as well as the specific design features. In general, luxury vinyl flooring is often less expensive than wood flooring, but this can vary depending on the specific product and installation requirements.

In conclusion, both wood and luxury vinyl flooring offer unique advantages and disadvantages that homeowners should consider when selecting new flooring for their homes. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, budget, and the specific needs of the space being renovated. By taking the time to consider all of the available options and consulting with a flooring professional, homeowners can make an informed decision that will provide long-lasting beauty and durability for their homes.

If you have a hardwood floor, it might be a good idea to put a rug over certain areas to protect them. However, you need to be careful when choosing a rug, because some types can actually do more harm than good. Hardwood floors are a valuable investment, and many people want to make sure they last as long as possible. Using a rug to protect areas that get a lot of foot traffic is a good idea, but you need to make sure the rug is made of the right material. Using a rug with the wrong backing can cause damage to the floor.

Although hardwood floors are tough, they can still be damaged by things like scratches, water, and sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the chemicals in the wood to break down and fade the color. Water can leave stains and even cause the wood to rot or warp. High-traffic areas like hallways and entryways are especially vulnerable to scratches and dents from regular use.

Safe rug options

Choosing an area rug can be overwhelming due to the wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes available. However, if you want to protect your wood floors, there are certain factors to consider.

One great option for protecting wood floors is a wool rug. Wool is a natural fiber that can be used to create hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or machine-loomed rugs. Some wool rugs are made with synthetic materials, so it’s important to check the label before making a purchase. Natural wool rugs are more expensive, but their quality is unparalleled.

Wool rugs are particularly suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and entryways because of their durability. However, they do require regular vacuuming in the first few months of use due to shedding.

Natural fiber area rugs are a great choice for those looking for affordable options with beautiful texture. Jute, bamboo, sea grass, and coir rugs are all examples of natural fiber rugs that can be layered with smaller decorative rugs to create a stylish look. While they may be a bit challenging to clean, they provide excellent protection for hardwood flooring.

For those who want to add some texture to their space while also protecting their floors, hide or leather rugs are a good option. However, these rugs are best suited for smaller areas and need to be regularly shaken out or cleaned as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, the edges of hide rugs may curl and the rugs may shed with overuse, so they are better suited for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms.

Silk area rugs are another great choice, although they require extra care and attention as they are delicate and difficult to clean. These rugs may be made of 100% silk or a silk blend. For a more affordable option, rayon or viscose can be used as a substitute for silk. However, it’s important to note that silk rugs should not be placed in direct sunlight and are better suited for lower traffic areas.

Cotton area rugs are an expensive option that comes in various colors. However, they tend to fade more quickly and can easily pick up stains compared to other types of rugs. Nevertheless, cotton rugs are eco-friendly and free of toxins, which is a big advantage for many homeowners.

When it comes to protecting hardwood flooring, the underlayment of a rug is more crucial than the material used on the rug’s surface. Certain types of underlayment should not be used over hardwood as they can scratch or discolor the surface. Rug pads, stain protectants, and rug grippers are excellent ways to enhance the enjoyment of your area rugs on hardwood flooring. Many people find that their rug tends to slide on the hardwood flooring, so a product like a rug gripper may be ideal for keeping the rug in place. Rubber rug pads should be avoided as they can dull the flooring finish over time, and PVC pads can also be damaging.

Rugs offer many benefits for a home, including safeguarding floors from heavy furniture, providing cushioning, and reducing noise. Additionally, they can insulate colder rooms and add more warmth. However, adhesive and rug tape can be damaging to hardwood floors and should be avoided.

People often ask if Swiffers can be used on hardwood flooring. Cleaning and caring for hardwood flooring with the products recommended by the manufacturer of the floor or flooring finish is very important. Engineered or prefinished flooring need different care than a solid wood flooring. Swiffer products like dry sweepers are likely safe for any floor but the wet jet products may take further research. 

The dry swiffer sweeper clothes are a good option for easily removing dirt and dust from the floor. Many people with pets find that these options are ideal for dealing with pet hair. When using a dry cloth you will need to be careful to change the cloth if it becomes too soiled and to make sure large debris is not picked up and dragged along the floor. These larger debris can cause scratches and premature wear on the floor. 

Many prefinished and engineered floors can be cleaned with the wet swiffer products. Unfinished, oiled and waxed floors cannot be cleaned with the wet swiffer products. Floors that have manufacturer instructions for cleaning should always adhere to these instructions. The manufacturer instructions for cleaning are often tied to the warranty and can void warranties if the wrong cleaner is used 

Swiffer products work very well. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute or GHRI did some testing with the swiffer WetJet products and found that they cleaned tough spills of wooden floors with ease. When choosing a swiffer system you do need to look for ones specifically designed for wood flooring, the cleaning solution in the other types can be too harsh for wood floor finish, 

The ease of use with the swiffer system is part of its appeal. Many homeowners find that the maintenance for hardwood floors is easy to keep up with a safe mopping kit like the swiffer. Maintenance on hardwood has improved over the last few years as finishes have improved and cleaning products like the swiffer have made it even easier. The process of cleaning with a swiffer is very easy to follow. 

Dry dusting with the swiffer dry system should be performed daily. This process keeps hair, plague, pollen, allergens and even dust particles from building up on the floors. When dirt and other debris build up on hardwood flooring they can cause premature wear to the floor. Swiffering daily to remove debris before they build up can help protect the floor from premature damage.

Vacuum weekly for even better cleaning. The dry system from swiffer works great but the vacuum works better for removing dirt that has gotten into cracks and bevels in the flooring. The corners and board lines can be hard to get with the swiffer so using the vacuum weekly can keep the floor looking great.

Finally, mop weekly after vacuuming. Spot mopping for spills is a great way to keep the floor looking great between cleanings. Weekly mopping should never be done with a wet mop but instead with a system like the swiffer WetJet spray mop or a microfiber mop. Mopping removes stuck on dirt, water spots and other contaminants that’s vacuuming can’t. When choosing a mop you will need to find one specifically designed for wood floors. The wooden floor solutions protect the finish while still removing dirt, dust and other contaminants. 

Swiffers work great on smooth finish but do not generally work on floors with more texture. Unfinished flooring, flooring with band saw marks and reclaimed wood are often not smooth enough for a swiffer and will snag the clothes rather than allowing them to glide over the surface. Swiffers also work great for tile flooring, vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. 

The swiffer system is a great way to simplify maintaining your hardwood floors. Always check first with your manufacturer to ensure the swiffer products are safe for your floor. Maintaining hardwood doesn’t stop at cleaning your floors. Buffing and coating and refinishing your hardwood floors are all parts of the maintenance process. Colorado hardwood can help with your floor finishing process whether it’s a new install, refinish or buff and coat. Call today to discuss your project with our highly trained team.

Flooring installers are often asked if engineered flooring can be refinished. This cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, the reality is it’s complicated. Many engineered hardwood floors can be finished but not all of them. 

Engineered hardwood flooring is a specific section of the flooring market that is created from a natural wood veneer with an engineered structure for the rest of the flooring. Engineered flooring is made of two primary layers but many homeowners never see anything beyond the veneer layer. The veneer is the top layer and is made up of naturally wood and is often a very thin layer. The second layer is a plywood or similar material that may be made up of several plys or layers. The layers go in opposite directions which creates a stronger underlayment. Engineered hardwood is often great as resisting cupping and warping. 

Many engineered hardwood floors can be refinished but not all of them. Many engineered hardwood floors have a top layer that is too thin to refinish. The wear layer of engineered flooring is between 3mm and 7mm. When refinishing hardwood 1mm is often removed. Each refinish makes the floor thinner and eliminates the chance for additional refinishes. Depending on how thick the floor is there are different amounts of refinishes that can be performed. The general rule is that you can get one less refinish than the amount of millimeters the wear layer is, for example, a 5mm wear layer can be finished 4 times. 

When working with a contractor for new engineered floors they will likely advise you to choose a material with at least 2 mm of top layer veneer. A material with at least a few refinishes is ideal and gives your floor a longer life span. 

When sanding an engineered floor the finish and special texture are removed which can change the overall look of the floor. Wire brushing, hand scraping and unique finishes do not penetrate below the surface and buffing or sanding the floors will remove these features. 

When sanding a floor the top layer of the floor is removed to remove imperfections like scratches and dents. This process allows for the flooring finish to be replaced with a beautiful even coat. Stain can be applied during a refinishing, allowing the owner to change the color of the floor. 

The bevel is another aspect to consider when refinishing flooring. Bevels are also called micro bevels are a feature of prefinished flooring, allowing for some imperfections between boards. Since the flooring is not being sanded on site the bevel allows for uneven heights to be concealed. The depth of the bevel can impact the refinishing process and if you are looking to get rid of this bevel you may need to sand more off the surface of the floor. The preference of bevel vs no bevel is strictly about aesthetics and does not impact the structure or use of the floor. 

Engineered is a popular flooring type for a variety of reasons. Many people find engineering more appealing because of the accessibility, realistic look and the eco-friendliness of many of the lines. Engineered flooring is not made of a solid plank and this allows for some faster growing species to be utilized for the underlayer of the flooring. The style of engineered flooring is another big factor in its popularity. Many customers find that they look the look and feel of engineered flooring over solid wood because of the finish options and texturing options. Engineered flooring is unique and has more variation in color and grain when compared to LVP or laminate. The veneer is natural wood so it gives the look of real wood graining without any repeating textures or patterns.

Engineered flooring is also great at moisture resistance and can withstand more temperature fluctuations than solid wood flooring. The core in the flooring does impact the moisture resistances and ability to withstand humidity variations. The moisture resistance also allows for installation in nearly any room. Customers utilized engineered flooring in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements. Many homeowners lean towards engineered flooring because it’s DIY friendly. Most engineered products can be installed easily without prior experience because of the interlocking system. 

Engineered flooring is a great option for many people and there are a lot of great benefits of engineered hardwood flooring. Depending on your lifestyle and the material you may find that this flooring type can last many decades. The maintenance and surface layer depth both impact the lifespace of your flooring. If you are curious if your engineered flooring can be refinished we would love to take a look. Our team can help verify if your flooring has the appropriate wearlayer for refinishing. Call Colorado Hardwoods today to set up your free in-home consultation.

Hardwood flooring is a large investment and selecting the right contractor can be an intimidating process. If you are ready to have hardwood flooring installed in your home there are a lot of things you will want to look for in your hardwood contractor to ensure you get a quality finished product. Like any service provider you will want to meet with a few estimators to see what different options they have, the knowledge they share and any other aspects you may need to consider. With any service you get what you pay for and this rings true for hardwood flooring as well. Choosing the lowest cost estimate may mean you are sacrificing quality and craftsmanship. 

When hiring a contractor there are some key points to consider and discuss with the estimator to ensure they are the right fit for your project. We have outlined some key points below to help make the process easier. 

1. Discuss any licensing and liability insurance with your contractor. Any contractor you are hiring should have the necessary licensing for the state and all necessary insurance. While none of us are hoping a project will go wrong, insurance makes it much less worrisome if things happen to go wrong. A properly insured contractor protects you from any injury that may happen in your home and protects you from damage that may be caused if an accident occurs. 
2. All contractors should also have workers compensation coverage for employees. When working with a contractor that does not have employees they may not have this type of coverage. Employers are required to have workers compensation insurance to protect injured workers and to cover their medical expenses and missed time if an injury does take place. This coverage helps to protect homeowners from lawsuits as well. 
3. Ask your hardwood contractor for certifications like an NWFA certification. The National Wood Floor Association is an organization that certifies contractors for installation and other aspects of wood flooring finishing and can give you extra confidence in a flooring contractor. Not all contractors are NWFA certified but this is a great option for narrowing down contractors. The NWFA requires continuing education to keep up on these certifications so you know your contractor is up to date on the latest in the flooring industry. 
4. Quality contractors measure and record moisture levels in the wood and subfloor. These measurements are used to ensure wood has acclimated properly to your home for a quality installation. The NWFA has measurement guidelines for relative humidity, floor moisture content and subfloor moisture content. These measurements are vital before installation to ensure the wood wont shift, cup or gap excessively. If you are installing a prefinished or engineered floor these measurements can help with warranty claims down the line. Acclimation of wood flooring is a non-negotiable part of your project and should be something your contractor does. Wood flooring needs to be in your home at least a week before installation and retested for moisture content before installation to ensure its ready to be installed. 
5. Warranties are often a sign of a quality contractor. If your contractor offers a warranty on their work it often means they are willing to back up their work if something goes wrong. Many contactors offer different warranties for installation versus refinishing and the estimator should be able to discuss these differences with you. When investing as much money as you will in a hardwood flooring installation a warranty can help make the process feel less scary. 
6. References are one of the best ways to find a quality contractor. The input you receive from other customers is very informative and can really help you to find the right contractor for your project. Many contractors will give you a list of references that you can call to hear how their project went. Online reviews are also a good option, we recommend making sure you read the response and don’t just trust the star rating. Many customers are unhappy about small issues and give one star ratings which unfairly affect the contractor. Read the response to the review and see if the contractor offered a reasonable response and remedy to the issue. Ask friends and family for recommendations as well. The BBB, Angie’s list and Yelp are also great options for finding feedback about your contractor. 
7. When choosing a contractor you will want to talk to them about different aspects of their jobs like dust control, clean up, timeline and other details. Dust control is a huge factor when choosing a contractor because dust is such a big part of the finish process. Installing new flooring is messy and the methods of protecting your home are important for your overall experience. Baseboards are also an important part of the flooring installation and you will want to talk to your contractor about how they handle the baseboards. Finally the length of the job, if something to discuss. Some contractors may say they can get the job done faster than others and you may want to ask how or why. Depending on the company you use the timeline may fluctuate because a different crew comes in for finishing or because of the amount of manpower on the job site. 
8. Payment structure is another factor to consider. Most contractors do not ask for payment in full before your project begins and this can be a red flag. If your contractor asks for money in full before they start you may end up getting scammed. Most reputable contractors ask for a downpayment to hold your project date and purchase your materials and the remainder at the end of the project. 

Hardwood flooring is a huge investment in your home and something to be excited about. Looking for a contractor doesn’t have to be a scary process when you know what to ask and what red flags to look for. Choosing the right contractor for your project can yield better quality results at a fair price. Colorado Hardwood is here to help with any hardwood flooring project you have. If you are ready to talk to a fair and trusted contractor call us today. 

Hardwood flooring is a wildly popular flooring type because it is both beautiful and durable. Homeowners love the elevated feeling of hardwood and how it makes your room look elegant and put together with minimal effort. While hardwood flooring is a great option it can be a challenging flooring type for basements. Basements come with a variety of different challenges but the concrete slab is the biggest concern for hardwood flooring. Water damage is much more common in the basement and hardwood and water are not friends. If you choose to install hardwood flooring below grade there are some extra steps and maintenance needs you will need to consider. Vapor barriers on the concrete and below the concrete are very important if you are considering concrete below grade. Additionally many people choose to add a sump pump to help remove any water. 

Basement flooring needs proper preparation to work with different floor types. The concrete slab needs to be properly installed and in good condition before flooring can be added. When the slab was poured a layer of porous fill should be added to the aggregate bed to help mitigate groundwater and allow for drainage. Ground water should run away from the home with proper grading or with the help of a sump pump basin. Many homeowners choose to add radiant heating before installing flooring on concrete slab to help counteract the cooling effect of the concrete especially in winter. If you are considering radiant heating the flexible tubing system may need to be installed before the concrete is poured. 

Concrete slabs need time to cure before flooring can be installed. The minimum time frame is 30 days but you will want to test the humidity of the slab before adding flooring to ensure it’s dry and ready. A vapor barrier is a necessary part of this process and should be added below the subfloor. A liquid vapor barrier can be rolled onto the concrete to create an extra layer of moisture protection. This liquid vapor barrier acts as an extra barrier for any moisture seepage. Vapor barriers are important when concrete is fresh and still wet but also remains integral because moisture can seep up into the concrete over time. 

There are a variety of different vapor barriers on the market including PVC, roofing felt and polyethylene sheets. The vapor barrier should be under the layers of insulation to prevent heat from leaching through the walls. Polyethylene is a new vapor barrier product and works with lots of different flooring types including laminate, tile, linoleum carpet and wood flooring. Polyethylene can resist mold, mildew and fungus and lots of moisture intrusion.  

After preparing the basement for flooring you will have to research the right flooring for below grade. Many manufacturers do not recommend hardwood for basements because of the higher moisture content but some have specific installation instructions. Laminate flooring is often recommended for below grade because of the core and its improved stability. Engineered hardwood is also on a more stable core and can work well in basements. Solid hardwood can be installed in basements but does have more susceptibility to water damage and moisture mitigation should be a top priority. 

While you can install whatever flooring you want in your basement there are some materials that perform better than others. If you are unsure what the best option is for your basement floor, a flooring contractor is a great resource. Colorado Hardwood is here to help and can meet with you to discuss flooring options including laminate, engineered and solid wood flooring. We can also discuss installation options and methods for mitigating moisture more effectively.