2016 Flooring Design Award Winners Named

From a critically acclaimed, environmentally conscious airport project to the renovation of a national treasure that plays host to astronauts and space-flight enthusiasts, the winners of the 18th Annual Starnet Design Awards had judges and competitors seeing stars.

Starnet® Worldwide’s annual flooring design competition recognizes creativity, professionalism, quality and versatility, and this year’s winners encapsulated the power of innovative and bold flooring installation in commercial interior design. The winners were announced on April 15, 2016 in Miami, FL during Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership’s Annual Meeting, April 14-16.

“Once again, we are awestruck and proud of the work done by Starnet Members throughout the country,” said Jeanne Matson, President and CEO of Starnet. “The Design Awards allow us to come together and recognize this talent and creativity. This year’s winners demonstrate to the entire industry that outstanding flooring design and craftsmanship can achieve amazing results in the commercial market.”

Gold, silver and bronze prizes were awarded in six judged categories: Healthcare, Corporate, Education, Hospitality/Public Space, Environmental Achievement and Unique Installation Challenge. Votes from Starnet Members, Vendor Partners and members of the trade press selected the winners of the third annual People’s Choice Awards.

Grand Prize Winner/Gold in Corporate

The most prestigious award, the 2016 Grand Prize, was presented to Resource Colorado of Denver, CO for its work at IMM TI. The installation at the Boulder, CO-based digital agency also captured the Gold in Corporate.

“The entire team is honored to win both Gold in Corporate and the Grand Prize at the 2016 Starnet Design Awards,” said John Stanfield, Owner of Resource Colorado. “This project allowed us to flex our design and installation muscles and create a space that supported IMM’s staff and exuded their branding. The finished product represents our original mission for the building: revitalization, productivity and identity,” he added.

IMM TI is a brand driven by data, digital technology, and culture. The full-service agency needed a space that reflected its personality as a forward-thinking, modern, and youthful company but also provided a zen-like balance through the integration of greenery and blend of interior and exterior design elements. This project was selected as a winner because of the balanced combination of materials that resulted from this vision, along a well-edited approach.

“The project is a great accomplishment, with woven elements and a unified final design,” said Design Awards Judge Scott MacMeekin.

“The spaces are well integrated and the interior design elements look like architectural exterior components,” added Judge Megan Walker. “Planters integrated into the floor, an interesting interior/exterior connection, and a balanced selection in flooring products all came together well. It could easily have gone over the top, but it didn’t.”

The overall aesthetic was an industrial, neutral palette to which the flooring team added pops of color in the carpet, the greenery, and specific paint locations in order to align with the client’s professional but playful persona. A variety of collaborative and individual workspaces were integrated into the plan to support a range of staff work styles. Built-in “nooks,” standing height touchdown spaces and informal “living room” style meeting areas were all key factors in designing for company productivity, flexibility, and staff satisfaction.

Gold in Environmental Achievement

The Gold in Environmental Achievement was awarded to Rubenstein’s Contract Carpets LLC for its work on the Portland International Airport (PDX) Terminal Recarpeting. The project, which gained national attention through coverage in the Wall Street Journal, Smithsonian, New York Times, and on NBC Nightly News, was done over 10 months in a fully operational airport. It saw the complete removal, reclamation, and replacement of 14 acres of carpeting, in an airport that was known for its iconic carpet pattern.

The environmental story at the Portland Airport goes beyond recycled content, sustainability, and LEED points. This project was all about the direct reuse of 14 acres of used carpet, without additional processing and direct recycling into carpet pad. Rubenstein’s Contract Carpets LLC was able to re-purpose and upcycle many of the products into entry mats, area rugs, wall art, Christmas ornaments, community center carpet, flooring for a renovated a 100-year-old building, baseball practice hitting facility, etc.

In the end, they were able to salvage or repurpose:

• 10,080 square yards (25.2 tons or 2.08 acres) of iconic PDX carpet
• 10,930 square yards (38.12 tons or 2.26 acres) of “other carpet from project”

In addition, the company recycled the balance of the material into a variety of materials, and all scraps of the new carpet (in excess of two feet) were saved and have been given to a vendor to make entry mats and area rugs for resale.

Continus reading here: http://facilityexecutive.com/2016/04/2016-flooring-design-award-winners-named/

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2016 Flooring Design Award Winners Named was first published to Expert Sanding – Dublin Blog

Five ways to make your home radiate warmth underfoot

Hardwood Flooring Store Announces Latest Moving Tips To Protect Your Floors

Moving into a new home is an exciting time. It also requires a seemingly endless amount of planning and preparation. Moving day serves as the culmination of much hard work. While the moment is often a thrilling one, it is extremely important to protect your hardwood flooring during this process. The Hardwood Flooring Store wants homeowners with hardwood floors in Toronto to know these basic tips for moving into a new home.

Before you move all of your belongings into your new place, it is important to assess the condition of your floors. It is much easier to do any necessary cleaning or reconditioning prior to the move. In many cases, the previous owners of the home may have updated the flooring before the house was sold. If this is the case, some simple cleaning is all that will be required. For bigger sanding and refinishing projects, contact a hardwood flooring expert in Toronto.

Use a wood-cleaning product that is diluted according to the instructions on the label. Always test a small area prior to using it on the entire floor. Damp mop the floor with the cleaner, avoiding any standing water on the surface. Rinse with clean water according to the directions on the cleaning product. Using a fan or air conditioner will help to speed the drying process and prevent moisture problems. Remove any marks by buffing the surface with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use harsh scrubbing implements that will damage the hard finish.

Scratches and dings are not inevitable. They can easily be prevented by taking some basic steps. If you are using a moving company, it is essential to discuss their prevention methods for protecting hardwood floors. They should be able to articulate a strategy for keeping your floors flawless. Take pictures of the floors prior to the movers arriving. This will protect you in case you need to make a claim for damages.

“It always helps to talk to a flooring professional prior to moving into your home,” says Ron Ander, the owner of the hardwood flooring store, a hardwood flooring company in Toronto. “A professional can consult with you about the best way to protect your floor during the transition.”

For do-it-yourself movers, you will need to be prepared in advance with the right tools to protect your wood floor. Use padding and glides to move heavy furniture. Always check for debris under the padding prior to sliding it on the floor. Hand trucks are essential for moving large items like refrigerators or other kitchen appliances. These can damage your floor if they don’t have the right kind of wheels. Never use hard wheel hand trucks, such as hard rubber or plastic. These can scratch the surface. Always check the wheels for small rocks before loading.

The owner advises purchasing temporary floor protection rolls. These can be rolled out over the entire surface of the flooring. They are frequently used by contractors during remodeling or building. They provide an additional layer of protection from the elements including water and mud.

Read more: http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/356296175/hardwood-flooring-store-announces-latest-moving-tips-to-protect-your-floors

Kildare based floor sanding company

The article Hardwood Flooring Store Announces Latest Moving Tips To Protect Your Floors was originally published to ExpertSanding – Kildare

Making the perfect flooring decision for your home

Selecting the perfect floor for your home can be difficult, given the increasing number of options in the market today. With choices ranging from real wood and carpet to ceramic and vinyl, making an informed decision on a suitable floor covering is often complicated and confusing for the homeowner.

Design experts from Karndean Designflooring explain the benefits and drawbacks of different surfaces in this article.

Real timber

Real wood floors are strikingly beautiful when freshly laid; however, they can quickly lose their appeal if regular maintenance is not done. Karndean Designflooring recommends Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) as an excellent alternative; with their realistic textured wood and stone designs, they don’t need sanding or refinishing, requiring just a quick ‘refresh’ every 6-12 months.

There are beautiful timber varieties that aren’t suitable for flooring applications as they are soft woods, and therefore easily damaged. Karndean’s flooring comes with all the visual appeal of these coveted soft woods without their practical limitations.

Laminate

Though laminate flooring is cost-effective and easily accessible in DIY stores around the country, it is highly susceptible to damage. For instance, the lack of waterproof resistance in laminate flooring can result in warping and splitting. Floors from Karndean Designflooring are completely waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

Carpet

Carpets may evoke a comfortable vibe but are storehouses of dirt and allergens that are practically impossible to banish. Luxury Vinyl Tiles offer a much more hygienic flooring solution while still providing more warmth than laminate, real wood and stone options.

Karndean LooseLay Longboard collection

The brand new Karndean LooseLay Longboard collection is easy to maintain, durable, waterproof and hygienic, with a huge range of designs to suit all styles. Key benefits also include quick and easy installation with the stylish, extra-large 1.5m long planks minimising the hassle; significant reduction in noise transfer to the rooms below, making them perfect for bedrooms and apartments; easy replacement of planks; and convenient access to underfloor services as the planks can be easily lifted.

Read more: http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/suppliers/karndean-designflooring/making-the-perfect-flooring-decision-for-your-home

Galway based floor sanding company

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Deck Your Hardwood Floors in Time for the Holidays

The home is at the center of it all during the holidays and your floors experience heavy traffic by visiting loved ones. They are the home’s greatest canvas yet often overlooked and undervalued. Replacing your hardwood floors can be an expensive and time-consuming investment, but refinishing them will restore the richness and elegance of the wood. Thanks to Minwax® Complete 1-Step Floor Finish, a two-in-one stain and protective finish, refinishing floors can be done with ease.

“With the holidays just around the corner, homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their home”

Unlike traditional hardwood floor finishes, Complete 1-Step Floor Finish saves time by eliminating extra steps and the need for multiple products to stain and protect the floor. It provides superior durability and requires no sanding between coats. It can be used on bare wood or over an existing polyurethane finish – allowing you to change the color of your floor without sanding down to bare wood!

“With the holidays just around the corner, homeowners are looking for ways to spruce up their home” said Jacquelyn Ferrara, Director of Marketing at Minwax. “With Minwax® Complete 1-Step Floor Finish, homeowners can redo their own floors conveniently, while protecting them from the foot traffic they experience throughout the holidays and year-round.”

After preparing your floor, apply Complete 1-Step Floor Finish in your choice of five natural wood tones. It also come in two sheens—gloss and satin. Your application tools can be cleaned up easily with soap and water. Minwax® Complete 1-Step Floor Finish is available at local home centers or hardware stores.

Read more: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161117005795/en/Deck-Hardwood-Floors-Time-Holidays-Minwax%C2%AE-Complete

Cork based floor sanding company

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6 Upgrades Under $1,000 That Give You The Most Bang For Your Buck

Pop quiz: Would you rather buy a home with 1990s laminate countertops or pristine marble? It seems like an easy “A,” yet many home sellers are so immune to pre-existing (read: old) features in their homes that they can’t understand why buyers can’t see past them too. But even if you aren’t ready to list your home just yet, a few smart changes can make a big difference in adding to your home’s value — especially in competitive markets like Los Angeles, CA.

If you want to increase your profit potential, strategic home improvement ideas in these six categories — some of which won’t cost you a thing — will give you the biggest return on your investment.

1. A budget-friendly kitchen remodel

Real estate agents will tell you time and again: Kitchens and baths are what sell a home. A dated kitchen can be a big turnoff, and there are lots of ways, both big and small, you can make yours as refreshing and inviting as possible, without investing in a total overhaul. When it comes to spiffing up your kitchen for resale, you don’t need to majorly splurge to make a better impression on buyers.

Instead, bring the space to the point of what’s known as “builder-grade luxury”: Replace basic black appliances with stainless steel, for example, and ditch the laminate countertops in favor of granite. Yes, these home improvement ideas might sound pricey, and you could spend a pretty penny on appliances and granite, but builder-grade improvements stop far short of those over-the-top luxuries. So make your decisions with thriftiness in mind: choose one of the more affordable granite countertops (such as Napoli, Baltic Brown, or St. Cecilia), with a crisp and in-style beveled edge. Leave higher-end stone and more ornate beveling for your next home. The cost to upgrade appliances and/or countertops will vary within the four-digit range. But to keep this upgrade within your budget, try to find a deeply discounted appliance at an outlet or local “scratch-and-dent” store — where almost-perfect pieces come with perfectly approachable price tags.

Want an even cheaper way to give your kitchen a quick face-lift? Simply refinish or repaint your cabinetry and add updated hardware (such as new hinges and drawer pulls), which can dramatically transform the look of the room for less than $100. Your best bet is to choose colors and styles that are likely to appeal to the widest range of homebuyers and make them feel as if they’ve walked right into their dream kitchen Pinterest board.

2. Upgrade the bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, most buyers envision themselves relaxing in a modern, sleek space. The most basic upgrade starts with replacing old, pastel, 3-by-3 ceramic tile with modern tile like white subway-style ceramic or 12-by-12 porcelain tiles in a neutral hue. Replacing your plastic tub surround with a tiled shower costs about $1,000 but makes a big difference, and for an extra $100 to $150, you can also add a recessed alcove (a built-in wall niche for your shampoo bottles).

As with a kitchen remodel, consider which changes will have maximum impact. You may not need to replace that old pedestal sink. Instead, you could change out the faucet — upgrade it from nicked brass to sleek new chrome — and hang some luxurious towels next to it. The same goes for quirky floor tile; choose a new paint color that will enhance it rather than clash with it. Make sure the colors and styles you choose are as universally appealing as possible so buyers see a space they know they can live with. And again, scrub your bathroom from top to bottom — there is no bigger turnoff than yellowed grout and leftover toothpaste in the sink.

3. Pick neutral paint colors

Paint still reigns supreme as the easiest and cheapest way to refresh any room, especially if you do the work yourself. Whites and neutrals can help buyers envision themselves in the space, since they provide a blank slate to serve as a backdrop for buyers’ stuff. Forgo that bold navy accent wall — the idea of priming and painting over it will just stress buyers out. Plus, lighter earth tones look good with hardwood floors, and white always brightens a room. If your rooms include mixed wood surfaces (floors, doors, and cabinets), select a neutral color and ask your local paint purveyor to mix in a few drops of gold to add warmth and harmonize discordant wood tones.

4. Make an impact with flooring

Like paint, quality flooring can drastically change the look and feel of your rooms. Hardwood is always appealing to a wide range of buyers, as are high-quality laminate options and (affordable!) ecofriendly choices like bamboo and cork. If your home is hiding hardwood floors under that carpeting, let them shine if they’re in good condition. If you already have hardwood floors but they’re looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to invest in a good sanding and refinishing. Whether you go the DIY route and rent a sander or pay someone to get it up to snuff, you’re looking at a few hundred dollars for like-new floors. Just be realistic about your DIY skills before tackling a refinishing project. Gouged floors can bring your home’s appeal way down, so if you’re not handy, choose a pro instead.

Kitchens and baths gain value with tile or laminate flooring, which are both visually appealing and easy to clean. Carpeting is still acceptable in bedrooms, especially if it’s plush, in great condition, and in a neutral color. But more and more buyers are turning away from carpeting altogether, so if you’re in doubt about whether to replace your carpets or install different flooring, hardwood (or its more-affordable cousin, bamboo) is your best bet. Even a basic snap-to hardwood installation can beat out wall-to-wall carpeting when it comes time to sell.

5. Consider home staging

Staging your home helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space, and it’s a relatively inexpensive way to dress up features you’re trying to highlight. The first step is clearing the entire home of any clutter and removing any overly personal touches like family photos or children’s artwork. Furniture should be arranged in a way that flows well and maximizes space — buyers will feel claustrophobic if they need to navigate around big pieces as they move from room to room. If you can, bring in a professional home stager or interior designer to consult on the ideal room arrangements. Otherwise, use the following tips for a DIY approach.

In each room, place furniture so it feels inviting and functional — just because you can’t live without a footstool next to your bed for Fluffy to climb on doesn’t mean it should stay there when your home is on the market. In the living room, seating and tables can be configured into social and conversational areas, while placing an armchair in an empty bedroom nook will frame it as a cozy reading spot. Bright lighting will make spaces seem larger, so turn on those lamps, and make sure your decor and artwork enhance their surroundings rather than distract from them. Depending on whether you need to add, subtract, or rearrange, staging shouldn’t cost very much at all, especially relative to how much of a boost it could give your home when it comes to bringing in buyers and helping your home sell quickly.

6. Amp up your curb appeal

Don’t neglect your home’s exterior. If buyers don’t like what they see when they first pull up, they may not even get out of the car. To make the outside of your home appealing, ensure all walkways are clear, the landscaping is neat and tidy, and everything is in good repair. This may require more substantial repairs like repainting or replacing siding, fixing loose shutters, and sealing those cracks in the driveway. Or it could be as simple as mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, and planting a few colorful annuals to make sure nothing looks bare. Add one or two “homey” final touches, like a new welcome mat, new or repainted mailbox, updated house numbers, and an outdoor seating area with festive lights. Your home will feel extra inviting from the get-go — and just may get a quick offer if it’s love at first sight.

Read more: http://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2016/04/13/6-upgrades-under-1000-that-give-you-the-most-bang-for-your-buck/#3385d1c0f23d

The blog post 6 Upgrades Under $1,000 That Give You The Most Bang For Your Buck was originally seen on Expert Sanding – Dublin

Explore Global wood and laminate flooring market that is expected to reach USD 92.64 billion by 2020

The global wood & laminate flooring market is expected to reach USD 92.64 billion by 2020. Technological advancements have led to the development of new innovative products and do-it-yourself (DIY) installation techniques, which has substantially widened the scope across residential as well as commercial flooring applications.

Increasing demand in the new construction and home improvement sectors is expected to be the key driving force for the wood & laminate flooring market over the forecast period.

 

The volatile prices of wood and other raw materials and the increasing costs of production are expected to challenge wood & laminate flooring industry growth over the forecast period.Stringent laws and regulations against deforestation by governments across the globe and the consequent need of imports of raw materials have shrunk manufacturers’ profits to a large extent. Increasing concern over environmental impact has considerably affected the wood & laminate flooring market.

Further key findings from the study suggest:

Engineered wooden floors have gained prominence over the last few years owing to favorable characteristics such as cost-effectiveness, exclusiveness, and dimensional stability. Solid wood constitutes a significant market share owing to its moderate price, albeit installation and finishing considerably increase the total time and cost requirements.

Although a vast majority of the market is comprised of hardwood species, softwood flooring is used in niche applications.

Wood & laminate flooring is primarily preferred in residential applications with residential replacement generating significant demand. Residential new construction and commercial sectors such as retail have increasingly adopted wood & laminate flooring solutions.

Owing to their ability to sustain high traffic, laminate flooring has witnessed a surge in demand from commercial sectors.

Increased demand from the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) is expected to open up new avenues for wood & laminate flooring market growth over the forecast period. Changing lifestyles coupled with increasing construction activity in Asia Pacific are expected to propel market growth in the region.

Wood flooring demand in regions experiencing perennially cold climatic regions such as the U.S. and majority of the European countries is expected to be augmented as wood helps to maintain warmth.

Key wood & laminate flooring market players include Shaw Industries, Pergo, Mohawk Industries, Millstead, Mannington Mills, Interface, Bruce, and Armstrong. Emerging market players have innovated to make their presence felt in the industry.

Some of the recent trends include Smith & Fong Corporation’s side-ways flooring and Columbia Forest Products’ & Teragren’s PureBond technology flooring.

Read more: https://www.whatech.com/market-research/construction/231696-explore-global-wood-and-laminate-flooring-market-that-is-expected-to-reach-usd-92-64-billion-by-2020

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Explore Global wood and laminate flooring market that is expected to reach USD 92.64 billion by 2020 was first published to Expert Sanding

Global Solid Wooden Flooring Market 2016

The Report covers Solid Wooden Flooring Global sales and Global Solid Wooden Flooring Market growth rate [2011 to 2021]. Below is the list of some key points of Solid Wooden Flooring Market Report.

A] Solid Wooden Flooring Market by Regions:-
1. USA Solid Wooden Flooring market Status, Prospect (2011-2021)
2. China Solid Wooden Flooring market Status, Prospect (2011-2021)
3. Europe Solid Wooden Flooring market Status, Prospect (2011-2021)
4. Japan Solid Wooden Flooring market Status, Prospect (2011-2021)

B] Worldwide Solid Wooden Flooring Market Size (Value and Volume) [2011 to 2021].

C] Worldwide Solid Wooden Flooring Manufacturers Analysis/Key Competitors :-

1. Armstrong
2. Mannington
3. Mohawk
4. Pergo
5. Shaw Industries

Do Inquiry Before Purchasing Report Here: https://market.biz/report/global-solid-wooden-flooring-market-2016/25417/#inquiry

D] Global Solid Wooden Flooring sales and Solid Wooden Flooring market share by type [2011 to 2016].

E] Worldwide Solid Wooden Flooring revenue and growth rate [2011 to 2021].

F] Global Solid Wooden Flooring [Volume and Value] by Regions – USA Solid Wooden Flooring , China Solid Wooden Flooring , Europe Solid Wooden Flooring , Japan Solid Wooden Flooring (Volume, Value and Sales Price).

G] Global Solid Wooden Flooring Manufacturing Cost Analysis –
1. Price Trend of Solid Wooden Flooring Key Raw Materials.
2. Key Suppliers of Solid Wooden Flooring Raw Materials.
3. Solid Wooden Flooring Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials.

H] Solid Wooden Flooring Manufacturing Process Analysis covered in the report.

I] Worldwide Solid Wooden Flooring Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers – [on Solid Wooden Flooring market scenario].

J] Solid Wooden Flooring market report also covers:-
1. Solid Wooden Flooring Marketing Strategy Analysis,
2. Distributors/Traders of Solid Wooden Flooring ,
3. Solid Wooden Flooring Market Positioning,

K] Solid Wooden Flooring Market Effect Factors Analysis also covered.

L] Worldwide Solid Wooden Flooring Sales, Revenue Forecast:-
1. Solid Wooden Flooring Sales Forecast (2016 to 2021) by Regions,
2. Global Solid Wooden Flooring Sales Forecast (2016 to 2021) by Type,
3. Solid Wooden Flooring Sales Forecast by Application.

Read more: http://investdailynews.com/global-solid-wooden-flooring-market-2016/

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Global Solid Wooden Flooring Market 2016 was first seen on Expert Sanding Dublin Blog

A weird but wonderful pairing: Tiles and wood

WILLIAM COVINTREE

New York interior designers Britt and Damian Zunino of Studio DB have been experimenting with this trend, including in their home.

Don’t knock it till you try it. Combining hexagonal tiles directly into wood might sound like a strange interiors combination, but it is fast becoming a trend that’s solving transitional flooring dilemmas worldwide.

Going against years of neatly separated spaces, the method involves blending the edge of an area of hexagonal tiles directly into wood, and it’s a movement that has recently flooded Pinterest.

Until recently the clever grouping of these materials has traditionally been reserved for cafes and restaurants as seen in the Bangkok eatery below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/6hyC0ik03K/embed/captioned/?v=7

New York interior designers Britt and Damian Zunino of Studio DB have been experimenting with this trend, including in their home, and say it’s easy to achieve.

“The first step is getting your contractor on board, but the actual work isn’t that complicated,” they told MyDomaine. 

“We had the advantage of designing a similar floor for a loft in TriBeCa before our own home,” Britt Zunino says.

“In that project, as well as our own, the bathtub is in an open master suite. We loved the idea of the tile anchoring the bathtub…[and] of the tile bleeding into a softer material like wood,” she says.

The distinction between the materials works to define the space and creates an interesting texture.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCLsk8Yj0XP/embed/captioned/?v=7

There is also the opportunity to play with colour combinations using different tile samples.

In New Zealand, The Tile Depot general manager Mike Sydall says the idea solves the problem of how to finish one area of flooring and start another – something people have struggled with for years.

Wooden floors are common in New Zealand homes, but Kiwis also love tiles, he says, so this is an interesting fix.

“Transition areas have long been an unattractive patch job. This is a really eye-catching solution,” Sydall says. “I love it.”

Tilers often dislike hexagonal tiles because it’s more difficult to achieve a smooth edge, Sydall says.

“But this is a great way to overcome this,” he says. “You’d need a good wood-cutter and tiler to make this happen.”

Read more: http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/86684842/A-weird-but-wonderful-pairing-Tiles-and-wood

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New wood oil solution for hardwood floors

A new alternative solution has been launched into the Thai market for those wishing to provide a long lasting, natural finish to hardwood floors.

The wood oil products produced by German brand IRSA are a new option for those looking for something other than a lacquer finish.

“Our two-component wood oil is extremely efficient to apply and the process only takes around two hours, which is much faster than conventional lacquer finishes,” says Peter Kagermeier, who runs Konzept Worx, the company that distributes the IRSA product range.  “Floors finished with our wood oil can be fully used after just 24 hours of drying time compared with lacquered floors which need up to one week before they can be fully loaded.  This is a huge advantage of our product for floor renovations especially in commercial environments like restaurants and offices where downtime must be as short as possible.”

After oiling various residential wooden floors in Thailand, the company has recently completed a project for the German Embassy in Bangkok and is now using that as a springboard for new projects that are pushing for a natural product that brings out the true beauty of natural wood flooring.

“When I moved to Bangkok 11 years ago, I could not find any oil product for wooden floors nor a service provider that was familiar with this technique to treat my condo’s teak wood floor.  I eventually decided to import and apply it by myself and got a result that brought out the rich contrast in wood grain and looked much more beautiful than floors treated with conventional products on the market,” said Peter.  “In the course of time, I saw a good opportunity to integrate this kind of product and service into my interior design business.  With IRSA I found a supplier that offers not only the common wood oils, but also oil-hardener systems that allow for an extremely fast application and hardening time at highest quality.  On top of that, the material costs per sqm are considerably lower than widely used water-based lacquer solutions due to its low material usage,” he added.

– See more at: http://www.pattayamail.com/property/new-wood-oil-solution-for-hardwood-floors-57318#sthash.eKeckDEW.dpuf

The previous article New wood oil solution for hardwood floors Read more on: http://dublin.expertsanding.ie/

Keep Flooring Looking Like New

In today’s sports world, competition is expanding to include flooring. Everybody wants to play on the newest, brightest and most breathtaking sports floor. Courts are becoming pieces of art. Great examples of ‘art’ could be seen watching basketball games leading up to and watching the NCAA tournament. Universities and public schools are applying painted mosaics and faded, multi-tones artwork to their court floors.

The most frequent question that comes up on these floors is: What can be done to keep them looking like new?

The answer: Proper care and maintenance. Whether the sport floor surface is hardwood and synthetic, properly caring for and maintaining it will maximize its life. Sport floors are a large investment. When properly maintained, the life of a hardwood sports floor can exceed 40 years. If neglected, that number is greatly reduced.

The floor is installed. Now what?

Many questions arise after the installation is complete — Who can be trusted to provide the right information? Who can assist if there’s a problem? Oftentimes, the first and best point of contact for all surface related questions is the certified installer.

Organizations, such as the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA), require that a member mill first certify all their certified installers. This ensures that installers are properly trained on sport floor installation and maintenance.

Owners and facility caretakers also play an active part in the floors longevity. There are six main steps to follow to maximize the floor’s performance and life:

• Maintain the relative humidity (RH) and temperature in the environment. Ideally, the RH level should be between 35-50 percent and the temperature 55-80 degrees.
• Sweep the floor dialing, After each use or whenever possible, sweep the surface to remove any dirt, grit, sand and other abrasive particles that may damage the finish.
• Remove any spills or marks on the floor with a recommended floor cleaner to avoid any surface staining.
• Clean the floor with a recommended floor cleaner as often as needed. Do not simply use water on the floor surface, as water may stand for a longer period of time and could cause issues. There are specialized cleaners that are mixed with water that do the necessary cleaning and then evaporate quickly so the excess moisture will not affect the floor.

These last two steps should be done by a certified installer.

• If the floor starts to develop issues out of the ordinary or need repairs, be sure to contact a professional. For peace of mind, ask about the floor warranty. Oftentimes these are available through the installer.
• Make sure your floor is refinished when needed to bring back that fresh new floor look. Certified installers have the experience and qualifications to do the job.

Moreso than ever, sport floors are becoming the central focus of facilities. When properly cared for and maintained, your floor will shine and keep the facility looking great for years to come.

Read more here: http://campusrecmag.com/keep-flooring-looking-like-new/

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How to take care of wooden flooring

Royal Wood Floors Goes Over Problems

MILWAUKEE, WI, UNITED STATES, November 22, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ — Royal Wood Floors specializes in hard wood floor refinishing and installing hard wood floors in the greater Milwaukee area and has been highly successful for over 15 years. “After servicing or installing a new floor, we make a point of providing the following as a special series of tips for every customer in order to ensure that their floors are protected and provide that stunning hard wood beauty for as long as possible”, says Keith Allman who owns Royal Wood Floors. He continues to say, “there are a variety of problems that can affect the beauty and life of hard wood floors and once these are isolated they can be handled properly so that the hard wood lasts for years the way it should”. Different types of hard wood floor damage can often times be dealt with through hard wood floor restorations. It is important that residents be educated on it. In this article we want to discuss issues caused by Insects to better educate the homeowners that want to keep their hard wood floors beautiful and long lasting.

Insects
A sagging surface or small fresh holes surrounded by a halo of fine dust or small holes appearing in the surface of the flooring. If the surface of the flooring is sagging, it is likely termites have created eating corridors beneath the surface. Termites are white or cream colored. If fresh holes, often surrounded by a light powder, about 1/16 – inch wide are found, Powderpost (lyctid) Beetles are probably the cause. Small holes that are present at the time of installation or appear at a later date may be evidence of pin worms, which are often misidentified as Powderpost Beetles. Almost all wood flooring is kiln dried, and proper kiln drying will kill any insects and larvae in the wood. However, new material quickly may become infested by insects entering through windows, in fire wood etc., and the life cycle from eggs to live insects is very short. Also, check all surroundings for infested wood molding and furniture. Especially products made out of Bamboo, Mesquite or Ash. For termites, a professional exterminator should eliminate the insects. Then any structural damage should be repaired. Damaged floor boards should be pulled and replaced. Termite infestation is not related to wood flooring manufacturing or installation as it is a site-specific condition.For Powderpost Beetles, determine the extent of the contamination, and then remove and replace floor boards as necessary.

Or if only a few holes are found, just fill them. If further evidence of insect contamination occurs on a later date then you can follow some of the instructions outlined in this article. “Royal Wood Floors makes every effort to educate the home owner on how to better care for their wood flooring”, says Allman.
Note that holes appearing on the surface of the wood, surrounded by a thin halo of powder (frass) indicate the end of a life cycle. The insect has bored out of the wood to fly and mate. Filling the hole may prevent recurrence, as the insect once mated, will not be able to return to the bore hole to lay eggs. Powderpost Beetles do not mate and re-populate in the wood and their life cycle is fairly short. Generally 3 to 6 months. All Oak flooring grades allow the presence of pinworm holes in the presence of flooring boards. When flooring containing pinworms is sanded and finished, sanding dust sanding dust and/or filler sift into the holes. As the finish is applied, a film is formed over the holes. With wear, the film breaks and the pinworm holes are revealed. They often are about the size of Powderpost Beetle emergence holes and sometimes are mistaken for real infestations. Pinworms only occur in the living tree and they can typically be identified by examining the hole with a magnifying glass for the presence of finish and filler within the hole.

For more information about this experienced and professional hardwood floor restoration and new installation company, or to schedule repairs by these wood floor refinishing contractors, or learn about custom wood styles or the company’s inlay and medallion installation services, phone Keith Allman at 414-378-2066. Easy estimates and appointments are currently available through the company’s website, http://royalwoodfloor.com/. The company provides top craftsmanship and cares for many types of custom and domestic wood. Visit the company’s website for examples of previous work.

Find original: http://amtrak.einnews.com/pr_news/354959273/royal-wood-floors-goes-over-problems-causes-and-cures-for-home-owners-that-want-beautiful-hard-wood-floors

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How do I get rid of damp spots on a wooden floor?

Septembre adds a variety of floor finishes to renovated Parisian apartment

Flooring made from concrete, wood and two types of tile helps to define the various rooms inside this Paris apartment, which has been renovated by local architecture studio Septembre (+ slideshow).

Septembre refurbished the 60-square-metre apartment in the city’s 11th arrondissement for a couple with no children.

Named Hubert, the apartment previously had an interior that was partitioned in such a way that its spatial qualities were compromised. So the architects set about removing unnecessary walls and beams to create a sequence of connected rooms.

The rooms are linked by a corridor extending the full length of the apartment. Sliding doors can be retracted to accentuate the flow of space and light between the different areas.

“The main idea was to have a visual continuity along the circulation and thus to have all rooms aligned,” Lina Lagerström from Septembre told Dezeen. “When the sliding doors are open, the depth of field gives the feeling of space and lightness.”

A glass door separating the bedroom and bathroom at the end of the property ensures light from the bathroom window reaches the nearby rooms, while a mirror covering the bathroom’s end wall creates the illusion of infinite depth from the original interior, while others have been introduced to complement the new functions of the corresponding spaces.

“Materials of quality and in coherence with the global concept were kept, like the wooden floor in the bedroom and the tiles in the study,” explained Lagerström. “The rest were taken out.”

The entrance area features wooden floor boards that are aligned perpendicular to those in the adjoining living and dining space. This room’s generous proportions optimise the natural light entering through the glazed doors at the rear.

Poured concrete flooring in the kitchen is complemented by grey cabinets, as well as a marble counter and backsplash that matches the surface of the dining table.

During the demolition of a wall in this space, a group of pipes was discovered that could not be removed and had to be integrated into the design of the kitchen.

A small study situated next to the living room has a tiled floor in the “sol en casson” style – made from pieces of variously coloured broken tiles and typically found in Parisian brasseries.

Floorboards in the bedroom are painted white to maintain the bright and neutral feel of this space. The hexagonal tiles used throughout the bathroom are also predominantly white, with black accents echoing the door frame and furniture.

The bedroom features a walk-in wardrobe that was stipulated by the clients, who both work in fashion. A wall behind the bed forms a partial division while retaining the space’s overall proportions.

The previously heterogenous and incoherent interior is now united by the consistent use of white-painted walls and monochrome materials.

“The white, black and grey colour palette was chosen to enhance the light and to create strong graphic contrasts,” added architect Sami Aloulou.

Septembre has been established since 2010. The studio has previouslyconverted a rustic farmhouse in the Loire valley into a modern summer retreat and designed the interior of a Paris culinary workshop featuring a plywood storage and display wall.

Photography is by David Foessel.

Find more here: http://www.dezeen.com/2016/03/20/septembre-paris-apartment-renovation-11th-arrondissement-interior-design/

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