Solid Hardwood Flooring vs. Engineered vs. Laminate

Posted on May 14, 2012 by allison_carter

Hardwood flooring’s hardwood flooring, right? Take a tree, cut it down, put some varnish on and put it on the floor. Isn’t that how it works? Maybe once upon a time. But when you go shopping for hardwood floors, you may find yourself bewildered by all the different types of flooring available. There’s solid hardwood floors, engineered hardwood floors, laminate floors. Is it all real wood? What’s going to work best for your home? Relax, we’ve got answers.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood is exactly that —a tree simply cut into planks, treated, stained, coated and put on your floor. This is the typical type many people think of when they think of hardwood flooring. It is durable, long-lasting and can usually be sanded and refinished more than one time. However, solid hardwood is generally not installed over concrete slab floors and is usually nailed down into plywood subfloors. Unlike engineered hardwood, solids typically are not floated over existing flooring or glued down if needed.  So, with solids, you may have more floor prep and labor costs associated with removing the existing flooring and getting your subfloor ready versus engineered floors which have greater flexibility in terms of installation methods. For those seeking a classic product and who have the proper surface for installation, solid hardwood flooring will always be a safe bet.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Don’t let the name fool you–engineered hardwood floors are still real wood. This isn’t something made in a lab; it comes from real trees and everything. Unlike solid hardwood flooring, layers of of wood are compressed together to create a product with special advantages. Each layer runs counter to the layer below it and this creates “dimensional stability.” This means that your new flooring is less likely to distort when subjected to changes in moisture and temperature, the two primary external causes of failure in hardwood flooring applications. Engineered hardwood flooring can be installed below, on, or above grade and over a variety of surfaces, including existing vinyl or tile floors in many instances. This can greatly reduce your labor costs. It also tends to be less expensive than its solid cousin, which is always a good thing.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring doesn’t have a scrap of wood in it—but it sure looks like it does. And now it comes in tile and stone looks as well. An image of the wood, tile or stone is printed on a hard core, giving it the same look of natural wood or tile, in any color imaginable (and a few not found in nature). It has some distinct advantages, including its durability and resistance to scratching. If you have children or pets, laminate flooring gives your home the rich look of hardwood but greatly limits the “worry factor” about scrapes from toys or shoes or clumsy claws scratching the surface.

What Do Most People Prefer?

In the flooring industry, we’ve seen a big shift toward engineered hardwood over the past ten years. Engineered hardwood is essentially indistinguishable from solid yet it usually offers similar finish warrantees, similar performance characteristics and often lower out-of-pocket expense for your family when compared to solid.  So, many families are continuing to opt for engineered hardwood. The other upward trend is related to laminate flooring: it is the least expensive of the three categories, yet it offers superior resistance to scratching and scraping. Families on a budget needing their floor to maintain its new-looking appearance for as long as possible may do well to look into laminate flooring as a smart alternative to wood flooring or tile.

Still debating which option is right for you? If you’re looking for hardwood floors in Indianapolis, call us at 879-TISH (8474). We’ll come out to your house with a variety of samples, explain the pros and cons to each type of flooring and help you figure out which one fits your life and your look.  And, as always, there is no obligation whatsoever for the consultation.

Keep Your Carpet Beautiful: Carpet Maintenance 101

Posted on May 6, 2012 by allison_carter

High-quality carpet can last for 10 years or more with little degradation in how it looks and feels. The key is proper maintenance at every step of the carpet’s life cycle. Of course, it all starts with the right installation. Improperly installed carpet can bunch and wear unevenly, or come untacked and fray at the edges. Not the look you’re going for. A good installer will take the time to make sure that your new carpet is properly stretched, seams are placed appropriately, and that the material has been fitted and applied correctly.  But once the installation is complete, it’s in your hands to keep that carpet looking great.

The single biggest thing you can do to extend the life of your carpet is to vacuum it regularly. No, you won’t wear it out with frequent vacuuming. Vacuuming with the right vacuum cleaner removes the dirt from the carpet before it has a chance to become deeply embedded in the pile, discoloring the carpet and becoming difficult, if not impossible, to clean. So keep to a regular vacuuming schedule of at least once a week in the traffic lanes and you will have already taken a huge step toward keeping your carpet looking great for years to come. In addition to weekly cleaning, you’ll also want to consider periodic professional cleaning. Deep cleanings penetrate the pile of the carpet and remove dirt and debris your vacuum cleaner missed.

If you see any snags or pulls in your carpet, trim them off with a small pair of scissors. Do not attempt to pull them out with your hands, or you may create a run in the carpet. To get rid of furniture indentations, run the edge of a coin over the depressed area to return it to its normal fullness. These extra steps take only a few minutes, but can make a big difference in your carpet’s lifespan.

Questions about carpet maintenance? We’re experts. Give Tish Flooring a call, and we’ll answer your questions about how to keep your carpet looking great for decades. Of course, when it’s time to finally replace that old flooring, we’d love to help there, too!

How to Use Wall Tile to Transform Your Bathroom

Posted on April 30, 2012 by allison_carter

Aesthetically speaking, your bathroom’s an important place. Go with us on this—it’s one of the first things you see in the morning and one of the last things you see before you go to bed. It’s a place where you spend time primping, prepping or just relaxing in a hot, luxurious bubble bath. A beautifully designed bathroom can go a long way toward affecting your mood, whether it’s invigorating you for the day ahead or helping you unwind from the day you’ve just finished.

Interestingly, even the walls in your bathroom can tell a story. Unlike most rooms where paper or paint are your only options, in a bathroom you can cover virtually every surface in luminous color and light. Wall tile not only helps insulate the warmth from your bath or shower, it can also bring a beautiful texture and shine to any room.

Mosaic tile bathroom

In this space, mosaic tile catches the light, and tiny natural variations in the glazing of these ceramic tiles give a natural, almost aquatic feel to the room. Walking into this bathroom is like being welcomed into your in-home spa every day.

 

Roman tiled bath

In this neutral, airy bathroom, floor and wall tiles run seamlessly together, like a cocoon of comfort. The classic ceramic wall tiles are designed to mimic the look of Italian travertine, giving you your very own Roman bath. Combined with subtle decorative details, it creates a rich and calming space, perfect for soaking away the cares of the day.

Done right, bathroom tile will become a critical part of your bathroom design and décor.  Capitalize on this opportunity to accentuate every surface of your bathroom. Absolutely no worries if you’re not sure what look or product is right for you – Tish Flooring can easily assist you with narrowing down the choices.  It’s what we do! And now through the end of May, we’re offering a $200 credit on all complete bathroom tile renovations. From floors to walls to tub surrounds and walk-in showers, let us help you create a bathroom that is your own tranquil oasis.

FAQs: How Long Does It Take to Install My Flooring?

Posted on April 27, 2012 by allison_carter

It’s no secret: installing new flooring is disruptive. There’s a certain level of dust and mess and noise that’s unavoidable. But there are ways to minimize the stress and hassle when you have your flooring replaced. Here’s the Tish Flooring process for installing flooring:

  • We come to your home for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll give you a clear idea of how much it will cost, how long it will take and what you can expect.
  • If you decide to go forward with your purchase, tell us when you’d like us to show up. This isn’t like the cable company where we tell you we’ll be there sometime between 8 a.m. and noon —you tell us when it’s convenient for us to be working. Maybe you want us to come after you go to work or you want us to be out before dinner time. It’s about making your project and your life more convenient—not more stressful.
  • We’ll give you a checklist of things you need to do in order to prepare, like clearing closet floors, removing bed linens, disconnecting electronics, or boxing knick-knacks before our arrival. And we’ll also tell you what we can help with; we’ll take care of pulling out and hauling away the old flooring, handling your furniture (yes, even pool tables and pianos), and watering your plant or feeding your pet if you’re going to be out of town during the installation. No kidding – we do that kind of stuff. That’s less stress and less work for you.
  • You tell us where you want us to start. If you’re doing your entire home, maybe you want to save the kitchen until last or you want to get the kid’s rooms out of the way first. Perfect! Whatever order makes it easier for you works for us. Just let us know.

Installing flooring doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. At Tish Flooring, decades of serving families in occupied, fully furnished homes has enabled us to insure the process is efficient and easy on you and your entire family. We know how to plan and to help you plan for your new flooring. Want to learn more? Call us today for your estimate, and let’s make your home beautiful – the easy way.

FAQs: What Flooring Are People Are Buying Now?

Posted on April 23, 2012 by allison_carter

Whenever we sit down with a customer to talk about flooring, there’s one question we hear more than any other: what are other people buying? What’s popular right now? No one wants to be caught with floors that are dated or out of style, and there’s a great deal of comfort in knowing that you are being shown colors, textures and styles that are relevant and current.

When it comes to carpet, we’re seeing a movement to tailored and patterned styles. Less plush than their traditional counterparts, these carpets are easy to care for (or “serviceable” in carpeting lingo), because they don’t have that deep weave where spills and crumbs wind up trapped. The unique patterns are distinctive and subtle, not loud or busy, similar to what you see at a swanky luxury hotel. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of elegance to any room.

Another feature of carpet that are becoming standard in custom and luxury homes builders is softness to the hand. No matter how thick the pile, everyone wants a carpet that’s soft when they run their fingers through the sample, that will feel comfortable (not ‘scratchy’) when sitting on the floor playing with the kids or that just feels good under your bare feet and toes. Manufacturers are responding to this trend, and we are installing ever-softer styles throughout Indianapolis.

In terms of hardwood, hand-scraped and distressed styles are favored for their durability (after all, if it’s already distressed, a few more marks won’t make any difference!) and their distinctive looks. Distressed and scraped hardwood floors are comfortable and authentic, and they work surprisingly well in both contemporary and less formal, casual spaces.

Finally, wide hardwood planks are very on-trend right now. We’re seeing planks of 5inch, 7 inch or wider planks becoming more and more popular. Why? Flooring shoppers associate wider planks with richness and authenticity, versus narrow traditional boards. There has also been increasing interest in multiple widths, for instance 4 inch, 6 inch, and 8 inch staggered together…now we’re talkin’ cool.

These are the most popular floor styles right now and the styles that our design partners are directing their clients to — what are you looking for in your next flooring choice? Give us a call and let us help you find the style that’s current, modern and absolutely perfect for you.

Cork: Flooring’s Best Kept Secret

Posted on April 18, 2012 by allison_carter

Chances are, when you think about cork, you think about the stopper that goes into a bottle of wine. But cork flooring is one of the most environmentally sustainable, durable and beautiful materials on the market today.

Cork comes from the cork oak tree. Amazingly, it’s not necessary to cut down the tree to harvest cork. Instead, the bark is peeled back from the tree, leaving the core of the plant intact. In time, the tree will grow a new sheath of bark and can be harvested again and again, making this a truly sustainable and environmentally-friendly resource.

Unlike hardwood, cork flooring has a honeycomb structure that allows it to bend and compress without breaking. That means it’s remarkably soft and forgiving to stand and walk on. This springy nature means it’s the ideal flooring in a house with lots of kids underfoot who may take an occasional tumble. The same honeycomb shape that makes cork slightly bouncy also means it muffles sound, making it a great choice for the bedrooms of snorers or for children’s playrooms.

This all sounds great, but what does it look like? Cork flooring comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns, just like more traditional hardwood choices. To create flooring, the cork is baked, which creates a natural variety of tan and beige colors, but it can also be painted or stained any color in the rainbow.

Cork gives you the softness of carpet with the look and easy maintenance of hardwood. If you’re interested in installing cork flooring in your home, call Tish Flooring. We’ll bring a variety of samples right to your home and offer a no-pressure estimate. Call us today.

What’s New at Tish Flooring?

Posted on April 11, 2012 by allison_carter

It’s been an exciting month here at Tish Flooring. We’re continuing to celebrate our 20th anniversary with our REALTOR® Foundation campaign, so don’t forget to send referrals our way to make a difference in the Indianapolis community. When you refer a project to us now through June 31, we’ll donate 5% of the project to The REALTOR® Foundation to put an end to homelessness in Central Indiana. If you know someone who needs new flooring, why not send them our way and do something good for our community at the same time?

We’ve also been busy giving back in another way by tackling a project that’s near and dear to our hearts. Our friend and referral partner Kristie Smith of ERA Real Estate invited us to install padding and carpet in a house for Homeless Veterans of Indiana, Inc. It was a true honor to donate our installation services to give these brave men and women a safe, comfortable home.

Tish Flooring is also excited to welcome Joe Nevins to our sales team. Joe has broad experience both selling and installing flooring, and can offer fantastic recommendations on the best flooring for your home. Joe also served as a platoon training officer and sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. We know Joe is going to make a great addition to the Tish Flooring team.

Whew! That’s a wrap for now. Hope your spring is just as productive, just as rewarding and just as much fun. If we can be of any assistance as you make your next flooring choice, let us know.

Is Bamboo Flooring Right for Your Home?

Posted on April 6, 2012 by allison_carter

Bamboo is one of the most popular flooring options right now, and it’s not hard to see why. Bamboo has the distinction of being incredibly eco-friendly; it’s ready to use in just five years and the same bamboo stalk can be harvested again and again. It’s truly a renewable, fast-growing resource. But besides its ecological benefit, bamboo is also a sensible material for many homes.

Strand woven bamboo flooring is even more durable than many traditional hardwoods. Some types of bamboo are even more resilient than maple or red oak, meaning it’s a long-lasting choice. It also does well in high-moisture environments, like its nativeSoutheast Asia, making it a great choice for more humid spaces. Bamboo is also easy to care for—no waxing or special treatments here, just sweep it and clean it regularly and bamboo will retain it’s rich look for years.

Fortunately, bamboo doesn’t just come in that light blond color you may associate with the flooring. Bamboo flooring comes in a variety of colors and styles, from traditional light stains to darker, richer colors like walnut, mahogany and espresso. To the untrained eye, some bamboo styles are almost indistinguishable from traditional hardwoods, offering the same traditional look and feel.

If you think you may be interested in how Tish Flooring does bamboo, check out this video or call 879-TISH (8474) for a free consultation and estimate. We’ll show you just how beautiful and versatile bamboo flooring can be, and help you find a durable, stylish, practical option for your home.

The Best Flooring Types for Your Kitchen

Posted on April 5, 2012 by allison_carter

The kitchen really is the heart of your home. If your family is like most, you spend a lot of time gathered in the kitchen, cooking, eating or just enjoying each other’s company. The décor of your kitchen can set the tone for the entire rest of your house. When it comes to choosing a kitchen floor, you want something that’s welcoming and practical. It has to stand up to a lot of abuse, heavy foot traffic and spills, but it also has to be easy-to-clean and nice to look at. With so many choices on the market today, what’s the best material for your floor?

Obviously carpet’s out—too hard to keep clean. But once past that, the possibilities are nearly endless for your kitchen. There’s hardwood, always a classic choice. Hardwood’s flexibility makes it a great choice for comfort, as it flexes to support your feet and back if you spend hours bent over a hot stove. Most modern hardwood is pre-treated, meaning it’s more resistant to spills and can withstand lots of foot traffic. Wood’s organic, cozy appearance creates a warm atmosphere.

Stone or tile can be just the thing to give a modern or Mediterranean style to your kitchen. From brightly colored ceramic tiles to cool stonework, these flooring choices are easy to care for and extremely durable. With ceramic or laminate flooring, you have nearly infinite choices in terms of color, decoration and style.

Finally, cork flooring is becoming an increasingly popular choice in kitchens.Corkisn’t just for wine bottles anymore!  It’s an eco-friendly flooring choice that muffles sound and is a dream on your feet. we’ve put cork in our own homes and can attest to its durability. Corkcomes in a variety of colors and styles, so you’re sure to find one that fits your family and your lifestyle.

Ultimately, the flooring that fits your kitchen depends on your individual aesthetic and your lifestyle. To help decide the best choice for you and your family, call us at 879-TISH (8474). Our Indianapolis flooring team will show you beautiful options at all price points in your home, at your convenience, and help you find a flooring choice you’ll love.

Flooring Color Trends for 2012

Posted on March 29, 2012 by allison_carter

When you buy flooring for your home, you’re making a long-term investment. Not only do you live with those floors day in, day out, they can have a substantial impact on your home’s resale value. You don’t want to go with some flash-in-the-pan trend that will be out of fashion next year. Instead, when it comes to choosing hardwood, laminate, tile or carpet for your home, you want to choose something that’s classic and timeless.

In 2012, we’re seeing a slight move away from the deep, rich chocolate browns that have dominated for the past few years and toward more true neutrals: beige, dove gray, mocha and other lighter shades. When choosing a floor covering, neutrals are typically a great choice. They’re a blank canvas that allows you to use floor rugs and other accents to provide pops of color. These colors aren’t going to go out of style any time soon, which means any one can be a fantastic choice for you today and tomorrow. These aren’t colors that will look dated a week from now.

But one way to make your home look a little trendier, even with classic neutral floors, is to use bright pops of color in throw rugs and other accent pieces. Right now, acid green and amethyst are wonderful ways to add a little visual interest to a room, and all fit beautifully against a neutral background. Blue continues to be a popular color to pair with brown, while deep red can warm up a cool gray. Play with different accent items and you’ll be amazed at how they can alter the entire look and feel of your room.

When choosing flooring, go classic. When choosing accessories, go crazy. And you’ll wind up with a room that’s a little eclectic, a little fun and entirely you. If you need help choosing flooring in Indianapolis, give us a call and let us point you in the direction of a flooring option that’s perfect for you.