Consumer Blog, consumer flooring blog articles by FindAnyFloor.comhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/rss/consumer.xmlen-Us60Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:41:12 ESTCopyright 2010 FAF Staff Writer, FindAnyFloor.com All Right Reservedhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/EngineeredHardwoodFlooringvsLaminateFlooring.xhtmlMany customers are confused and unclear about the difference between engineered hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. In this blog we try to explain the major difference.Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:02:08 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/EngineeredHardwoodFlooringvsLaminateFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/LaminateFlooring/LaminateFlooringIsNotHardwoodFlooring.xhtmlLaminate flooring is often made to look like hardwood flooring and many people say they have hardwood floors when the truth is they have laminate, the great imitator. Laminate flooring is a product comprising several layers of a core bonded together through a lamination process under high pressure. The decorative layer, which is nothing more than a high definition photograph, can simulate many surfaces such a hardwood, bamboo, tile or stone. The decorative layer is protected by a wear layer of cellulMon, 15 Mar 2010 11:46:45 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/LaminateFlooring/LaminateFlooringIsNotHardwoodFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comLaminate Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/PatioFlooringSurfaces.xhtmlPatios and terraces are popular outdoor places for which there is a wide range of flooring.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:34:08 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/PatioFlooringSurfaces.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/FoyerAndEntrywayFlooring.xhtmlA foyer could be a high traffic area, for example in a hotel or a busy office. Similarly other foyers could have a low volume of traffic as in a home with a small family. There are various choices in foyer flooring but the correct selection will depend on the degree of traffic. A good choice is one that is durable, does not stain easily and is easy to maintain.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:40:37 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/FoyerAndEntrywayFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/KidFriendlyFlooringForBedrooms.xhtmlWhen thinking about flooring for a kid’s room, consider the fact that children spend a considerable amount of time playing on the floor and that the flooring may have to withstand high abuse. While carpet is often preferred because it’s more of a natural cushion, carpet can be hard to keep clean.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:08:27 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/KidFriendlyFlooringForBedrooms.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comFriendly Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/BedroomFlooringIdeas.xhtmlThe bedroom is the most private room in the house where comfort takes priority. Underfoot comfort and sound insulation are what most people look for. Bedrooms are relatively low traffic as compared with other rooms so floor maintenance is not as much of an issue. Some good choices are:Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:32:44 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/BedroomFlooringIdeas.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/BathroomFlooring.xhtmlA bathroom is generally a high traffic area where the floor often gets wet. When choosing bathroom flooring, be sure to take this into consideration.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:06:48 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/BathroomFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/GameRoomFlooring.xhtmlToday one has a wide array of options in choosing flooring suitable for a game room. The choice will be largely determined by the games and activities the floor will be subjected to, along with the buyer’s taste and budget. Begin with evaluating the specifications the floor should meet. How old are the people who will use it and what are their activities? For example, it might be a playroom for a day care business, or a TV room, or might be used for playing pool and darts.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:05:23 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/GameRoomFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/LivingRoomFlooring.xhtmlIn many homes, a living room also doubles up as a family room. It’s where the whole family bonds together spending quality time watching TV, playing video games or just generally relaxing with lively conversation. Pets are often part of the family and many consider pet–friendly flooring when choosing living room flooring. Suitable flooring must then be comfortable, warm and reasonably durable. Fortunately most flooring types will meet the requirements of a living room floor and the selectTue, 02 Mar 2010 14:44:35 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/LivingRoomFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/HardwoodFlooringAndDryClimates.xhtmlWood is a natural product which is affected by natural forces. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture which will cause it to swell. When the moisture is removed or expelled, the wood can be expected to shrink. This applies to all types of wood. Hardwood flooring performs best where the relative humidity ranges between 35% and 65%. Dry climatic conditions present environmental situations that are potentially harmful to wood. Dry conditions are not necessarily associated with high temperaThu, 25 Feb 2010 13:19:56 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/HardwoodFlooringAndDryClimates.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comHardwood Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/MoistureAndHardwoodFlooring.xhtmlHardwood flooring responds naturally to humidity variations by expanding and contracting. This is a normal seasonal reaction that never stops regardless of the age of the flooring. Such changes could be noticeable and are to be expected. In warm, humid weather wood expands and conversely during a dry spell it contracts. One of the ways to counteract this variation is with the use of humidifiers that keeps the humidity level constant. In this manner the wood flooring will give the performance that homeoTue, 23 Feb 2010 12:53:45 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/MoistureAndHardwoodFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comHardwood Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/OtherFlooring/GarageFlooringSolutions.xhtmlGarage floors in most houses are just concrete which is easily stained so it can develop an unsightly appearance. Many people want their garage to look clean, especially the floor, so they look to garage flooring which will protect the floor from common spills. This can be achieved with various flooring options which include epoxy paint, rubber floor mats and roll–out garage flooring.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:17:48 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/OtherFlooring/GarageFlooringSolutions.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comOther Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/HypoallergenicFlooring.xhtmlAllergies are becoming increasingly frequent and result in acute personal discomfort and unnecessary medical expense.Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:16:55 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/HypoallergenicFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comFriendly Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/FlooringAndPets.xhtml63% of American households have a pet. This makes the selection of flooring all the more important. A good floor helps both the owner and the pet. Flooring suitable for a pet should be durable and able to withstand normal wear and tear from paws and claws. Floors should also be comfortable and safe for the pet to move on. At the same time, a suitable pet–friendly floor must be easy to maintain and keep clean, keeping in mind the occasional and inevitable mishap. One other factor – a good chTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:37:49 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/FlooringAndPets.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comFriendly Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/FindAnyFloorHeadedtoSurfaces2010LasVegas.xhtmlFindAnyFloor is headed back to the Sands Expo and Convention center for Surfaces 2010 in Las Vegas; one of the largest flooring trade shows of the year. We had a great showing at Surfaces 2009 and this year we are excited to meet with several of our current and future clients and partners.Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:35:46 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/FindAnyFloorHeadedtoSurfaces2010LasVegas.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/OtherFlooring/RobusLeatherLeatherFloorTilesManufacturer.xhtmlThe Robus Corporation is a forty year–old company based in Madison, Indiana. The company was founded with the objective of manufacturing 100% genuine bonded leather for the American footwear industry. The company continues to manufacture bonded leather but caters now to a variety of leather–oriented industries, including flooring. Robus Leather’s products are now being exported to 25 countries around the world. With continuous research and development, Robus is seeking new ways for prTue, 02 Feb 2010 11:37:51 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/OtherFlooring/RobusLeatherLeatherFloorTilesManufacturer.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comOther Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/JankaHardnessScaleHelpsDetermineBestHardwoodFlooringForYou.xhtmlThe Janka Hardness scale is used to determine the hardness of wood. It is a measure of the force required to insert a steel ball of 11.28 mm into wood to a depth of half the ball’s diameter. At that depth it makes an impression of exactly 100 square millimeters. The higher the Janka rating, the harder the wood. The Janka hardness chart is a relative table comparing the hardness of various woods. As an example, eastern white pine at 380 is a soft wood whereas Brazilian walnut (Ipe) at 3680 is a haFri, 29 Jan 2010 12:17:49 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/JankaHardnessScaleHelpsDetermineBestHardwoodFlooringForYou.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comHardwood Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/ChoosingFlooringForChildren.xhtmlChoosing a floor for children needs careful consideration. The floor has to withstand demanding treatment and rough use from falling toys, play cars and spilled sodas. It should not scratch easily, be preferably stain resistant and should be easy to clean. Another important requirement is that the surface must be somewhat cushioned so it softens the blow to bumped knees and does not contribute to injuries. For kids, the floor has to be both safe and durable.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:31:31 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/ChoosingFlooringForChildren.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comFriendly Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/WhatIsTheBestBathroomFlooring.xhtmlThe biggest challenge in bathroom flooring is its ability to withstand moisture. The second desirable characteristic is that it should be slip resistant. Other attributes are similar to those of other rooms in the house – suitable flooring should be attractive, durable, of low maintenance, cost–effective and easy to install. Here is a selection of options starting from the best:Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:42:14 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/WhatIsTheBestBathroomFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/ChoosingKitchenFlooring.xhtmlWith today’s preferences toward open floor plans, appearance in a kitchen floor is becoming increasingly significant. However, appearance, while important, should not be the sole criterion when selecting kitchen flooring. A kitchen is the command center of most homes so the kitchen floor must also be comfortable, low–maintenance, durable, functional and yet attractive. Here is a brief rundown on some of today’s varied choices.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:32:44 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/GeneralFlooringInformation/ChoosingKitchenFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comGeneral Flooring Informationhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/FlooringAndAllergies.xhtmlIf you are one of the millions who suffer from allergies, you may have considered flooring options to help minimize allergy symptoms. There is actually only one flooring product that is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and that flooring is Forbo’s Marmoleum Click.Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:27:38 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/FriendlyFlooring/FlooringAndAllergies.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comFriendly Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/AreaRugs/KalatyRugCorp.xhtmlThe Kalaty Rug Corp., commenced business in Iran over a century ago. The founder was the present CEO’s grandfather. The American branch was established in 1979, with headquarters in the rug district of New York. Kalaty offers a vast selection of collections in contemporary and traditional designs. These comprise an eclectic mix including Oriental art.Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:29:25 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/AreaRugs/KalatyRugCorp.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comArea Rugshttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/LaminateFlooring/LaminateFlooringForAlmostAnyRoomInTheHouse.xhtmlLaminate flooring is appealing for many reasons including its durability. In the past, laminate was related to wood but with today’s floor styles, laminate can make your floor look like hardwood, bamboo, marble, tile or stone flooring. You can have laminate throughout your whole house and your guests will believe you have travertine flooring in your foyer, wood flooring in your dining room and marble in your living room. Laminate flooring can be used in almost any room. Remember that water anWed, 20 Jan 2010 14:13:38 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/LaminateFlooring/LaminateFlooringForAlmostAnyRoomInTheHouse.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comLaminate Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/WhatToKnowWhenBuyingHardwoodFlooring.xhtmlAll hardwood flooring is not created equal. It all starts with nature. Although called hardwood, many wood floors can actually be quite soft and therefore be much more susceptible to damage, wear and tear. When deciding on hardwood flooring, use the Janka hardness scale to help you.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:53:50 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/HardwoodFlooring/WhatToKnowWhenBuyingHardwoodFlooring.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comHardwood Flooringhttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/OtherFlooring/InteriorLeatherSurfacesInc.xhtmlThis is an American company now in its sixth decade. It deals in all aspects of leather processing from the raw material to the end product. Its product range includes leather floor tiles, leather tiles for walls, ceilings and other architectural surfaces. It also fabricates leather covered moldings, panels and hand rails. The company has a policy of aggressively promoting leather tiles to make users more aware of its advantages. With this in mind, it offers consultation and disseminates professional iMon, 18 Jan 2010 11:53:54 ESThttp://blogs.findanyfloor.com/consumer/OtherFlooring/InteriorLeatherSurfacesInc.xhtmlFindAnyFloor.comOther Flooring