- Follow us:
Monday, July 2nd, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Cadence Collection: Nothing beats hardwood flooring in serving as the perfect frame for this bedroom ensemble.
When you are wracking your brain on what flooring material to invest in, there is actually a plethora of options. Do know that cost and looks are main factors in any homeowner’s flooring decision? While this is so, never forget that the floor’s eco-friendliness must also be considered.
What’s a Sustainable Floor?
A sustainable floor is anything that can be produced from renewable materials. The processes used are also eco-friendly, meaning, they have very little to zero impact on Mother Earth. A lot of sustainable flooring materials come with a social aspect. The traditional flooring materials like sisal or bamboo are rated high in terms of sustainability.
Visit American National Institute of Standards and Technology’s BEES or Building for Energy and Environmental Sustainability when you want to learn about the assessment-based life cycle data regarding the flooring materials that you are considering.
At the top of this list are natural materials such as wood, cork, linoleum while composite marble and wool are at the end of the said list.
What greener options are there for you?
Hardwood Choices
One of the most popular options for the longest time are wooden floors. For centuries, they have been the go-to pieces when it comes to color and warmth in any interior design scheme. Unlike carpets, wood is an amazing option for people with allergies. Also, depending on the kind of timber that you eventually pick, this is an environmentally-sound flooring option.
Trees are renewable, hence, when they are grown and harvested commercially, you can be ascertained that there will be more materials to use in the future. You can now order pre-finished hardwood flooring materials.
Bamboo: From Asia and Beyond
Bamboo has been a well-loved interior design material in Asia for thousands of years. It can easily resemble hardwood but it grows more rapidly, hence, it is more renewable.
Bamboo, as opposed to the popular notion, is not wood but is actually grass. It becomes mature in as little as 3-5 years. There is also no need to worry about replanting because for as long as the root system is intact, the grass can grow once again.
Bamboo flooring can be varnished, stained or just left with its natural look.
Cork: Highly Renewable Flooring Material
Cork planks or tiles are harvested from the bark of a live cork oak. This highly renewable and is a sustainable source of flooring material. Cork tree can be harvested every decade when the tree is at least 25 years old.
Every cork tree can live up to two centuries and is a wonderful insulator, is springy, and is even fire-resistant. Cork also rates high on the green scale.
Imagine a Rubber Flooring
Why not? Rubber is often associated with industrial and commercial spaces but when you let your mind become more creative, you could also use it in kitchens, bathrooms, especially in laundry areas.
The true rubber tree is harvested from a living resource, hence, it is a hundred-percent renewable. When used as a material, it is easy to install and maintain. It is also a wonderful option for people with allergies.
Rubber is also a great vibration and sound-proofing material which makes it perfect for areas with high foot traffic.
The Rare Coconut
Not a lot of people are going to look for coconut timber when they are building their floors. Yet coconut is one of the greatest sustainable resources on the planet. Coconut palm is quick to grow with the timber being harvested once the tree is no longer producing fruits. This at around 60-80 years.
Coconut timber is a lot cheaper than teak but it is as hard as mahogany.
Tags: flooring choices, flooring options, green flooring choices, green flooring options, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, sustainable flooring choices, sustainable flooring materials
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 5 Sustainable Flooring Options
Wednesday, April 11th, 2018
Queen Sleigh Bed from the Fine Furniture Design’s Antebellum Collection: Notice how the area rug is cleverly placed on the stone tile flooring. A combination of two materials is often seen on the most beautiful floors.
Picking the right flooring material to use for your home is a great decision. You see, you have to consider the cost of materials, the schedule on which the project will be finished, and how it will be maintained in the long run. These are the factors that make homeowners reluctant in taking the plunge.
You might have found yourself in a similar situation and so you’re now anxious on how to begin. Here are some guidelines to help you get started –
Consider the Function
You need to consider where and how the flooring will be. Knowing these in advance will help you determine which materials are most suitable for high-traffic areas and which ones are not reliable when it comes to wear and tear.
Let’s begin with vinyl. This is made of synthetic polymers and the color is later added. It is a material that you would want if you want a low-maintenance sort of flooring. This is the natural pick for functional spaces like laundry rooms, kitchens, and mud rooms (a casual space that serves as a place to store footwear).
The tile, on the other hand, is either porcelain or ceramic. It is water-resistant and also easy to clean. This is the typical choice for those who are not enamored with vinyl. Tiles are more aesthetically pleasing, hence, it is used to improve the looks in bathrooms and the kitchen. Stone and wood finishes can also be used in the living area.
Composite or engineered wood is another type of flooring material that often sits under a thin hardwood layer. This can be installed over any kind of subfloor. This is a wonderful material to use in any room that is moisture-free.
Hardwood is no less than the gold standard when it comes to flooring materials. This is as durable as durability could get. If you love traditional and classic themes, then this is the go-to flooring material.
When all else fails, then you can have carpeting installed. This is often made of polypropylene, polyester or nylon. This is the default material for living areas and bedrooms.
Think About Maintenance
There are many homes that have more than one flooring material. Since this is so, you need to know how to take care of the materials that you ended up picking. It is easy to clean up vinyl and tiles. As for wood, you need to be able to sweep away the dirt. As for mold and stains, you need to mop the floor now and then.
Replace the wood every 5-10 years depending on how you maintained the floor. As for carpets, you should know what your manufacturer suggests. Other than this occasional professional cleanup, regular vacuuming would be good enough.
Establish a Budget
Of course, any interior design project must have a set budget. Pick the material that would be suitable for your budget. Vinyl ranges from about $2 to $4 each square foot. This can also be bought in large sheets. As for tiles, they are generally pricier. These can be bought at $12-19 a square foot.
Composite or engineered wood is your alternative to hardwood. Every square foot is priced at $7 to $11. If you want the real deal, then install hardwood. Real hardwood is priced at $10-15 each square foot not including the installation costs.
If you decide to go with carpeting, then be ready to shell out $4-$6 for every square foot. Usually, you would also need to pay for professional installation.
Conclusion
Don’t let shopping for flooring become a stressful event for you. This is a huge investment, sure, so you would want your project to be perfect. Just follow the considerations and simple guidelines and you should be fine.
Tags: flooring choices, flooring options, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, shopping for flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Only Flooring Guideline You’ll Ever Need
Monday, April 17th, 2017
The FFDM Brentwood Collection: Charleston on Platform Panel Queen Bed’s rustic hue blends well with the shiny, wood flooring.
The kind of flooring that you choose to install in your home will make a huge difference in your home’s eventual appearance. You should aim high and have great flooring installed so that you increase the visual appearance of your home while enhancing your home’s structural value.
Making the right choice means you need to see the different flooring types as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
Ceramic Tile
If you are in need of flooring that is waterproof, then the ceramic tile is a wonderful first choice. This tile is also used as countertop material. There are some kinds of ceramic tiles that come with high gloss finish. If you want visual enhancement, then this is the thing to own but this could also sustain scratches over time. Just another drawback is this tile’s grout lines which are a bit difficult to clean.
Other possible options for ceramic tile are embossed, matte, textured and glazed. The textured ones are great for anti-slip areas such as the bathroom. The tile’s porcelain color is the best thing to hide those damages and scratches that it will sustain throughout the years.
Hardwood
This is no less than the leading flooring material for many luxurious homes. It is a beautiful and durable material with many options to offer from maple, cherry, pecan, pine, beech, hickory, walnut and many more.
There are hardwood types that might darken as the years pass, others would shrink while others expand.
Laminate Flooring
This may be an affordable material but it is definitely not cheap. This is also the best solution for those high traffic areas in your home. Another great news is that it can also resemble various sorts of natural materials. Laminate flooring also has a lot of designs and colors to choose from.
The Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Swanson Upholstered Metal Side Chair harmonizes beautifully with the concrete flooring softened by the zebra print area rug.
Marble
This is a metamorphic rock as limestone is exposed to extreme pressure and heat. Carving marble can done using traditional or modern tools.
Marble tiling is one of the most versatile and durable flooring materials in the market these days. It is also used on walls and columns.
Marble is easy to engrave and is also stylish. It also comes in a wide range of hues that can also be used in other architectural parts of the home including lovely sculptures.
Cork
The cork floor is an awesome cushion as it does not push back like other sorts of flooring. This means it is a wonderful choice for play zones.
Suberin is a natural cork substance that inhibits the growth of mold. Cork also has natural insulation that will help you reduce your heating costs.
‘Want more advantages coming from this material? First, cork extraction does not involve harmful processes on trees. It can also be used much like glass or ceramic mosaic tiling.
‘Got uneven surfaces in your home? Then cork is a wonderful choice. It can also be used over current flooring systems.
Bamboo
This is one of the latest flooring type additions. If you want a greener solution for your floor, then this should be your first choice.
Bamboo is also durable, elegant and has – believe it or not – a lot of color options to offer. It has horizontal or vertical grain. Vertical bamboo flooring is best for their lined, uniform look.
Bamboo tends to darken over time especially when exposed to sunlight. Make sure that you will not get this material wet.
Stone
Very few materials could compare to the durability and elegance that stone flooring offers. This is a universally-admired floor. Find out which one you would use for your home – slate, quartzite, granite, the previously mentioned marble, sandstone, limestone, travertine, etc.
Tags: flooring choices, flooring finishes, flooring options, flooring types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Floor Types and Finishes: Ceramic, Hardwood, Laminate, Stone, Cork and Bamboo
Monday, September 12th, 2016
Featured furniture: FFDM American Cherry Collection. Carpeting provides the perfect grounding material for the wooden elements.
Carpeting is one of the design elements that will always be considered a home décor status. In the recent years, though, it has been overshadowed by other flooring materials such as hardwood, tiles and laminates.
Carpets can be affordable, comfortable, beautiful, and green, all at the same time. So would you consider installing it as your new floor covering?
Carpet Benefits
Imagine sinking your feet in soft, plush carpeting. Now double the comfort by picturing yourself getting out of bed in the morning and sinking your feet into your chosen carpet.
One of the trending bedroom carpeting materials are those that are super plush and comfortable. What you just need to prep for is that special vacuum cleaner that would help you maintain the plushness.
Now that winter is just around the corner, carpets are once again becoming a warm option (both literally and figuratively). This is that warm, cozy surface that kids and pets love running on.
Carpet also offers an insulating effect which would allow you to keep the thermostat at a lower level. This should reduce the heating bills especially during the coldest months.
Walking on carpets also means you have a resilient material under your feet. It is actually easy on your joints which is great for homes with elderly who are suffering from bursitis or arthritis.
The busiest households can also count on carpets as an effective sound buffer. Condominium dwellers are even required by bylaws to install the wall-to-wall type of carpeting to keep sounds at a bare minimum.
Carpets are also one of the most affordable flooring solutions for your home. It is priced much lower than most flooring materials especially when compared to hardwood. While carpet installation could cost a bit more, the overall expense is still much lower compared to the budget that you need to allocate for hardwood flooring project.
Most carpets, nowadays, are made from nylon, polyester, polypropylene or triexta. PET polyester is a material that is increasingly being used because it has been recycled from post-consumer waste products. It is also known to be durable and stain resistant.
Synthetic materials used in carpets also have lower VOCs compared to the unnatural flooring options such as laminates. It is best to leave your home during installation. Make sure that room is well-ventilated for 48 hours before you set foot into the room once again.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Carpet Grip Rug 8330RS
Carpet Maintenance
Dust will always be the enemy of carpets. Since this is so, they can also become a source of allergens that could cause various breathing problems. This means that you should vacuum your carpets more frequently.
Look for vacuum cleaners that have a special HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. This should keep the dust from circulating indoors.
Make sure also that the carpet remains dry so that mold and mildew are kept at bay. These are, of course, also dangerous to the human respiratory system which is why you should make sure that carpets are not just dust-free but also moisture-free.
The Downside
There are pros and cons to owning a carpet and the downside here is that you cannot expect it to last for more than 10 years. Its lifespan can be extended if you constantly take care of it. Proper care means removing your shoes religiously as you come in from the dirty outdoors.
If cleaning becomes an issue, then you will need to hire professionals who can have your carpet steam cleaned for you. A healthy schedule for steam cleaning would have to be 12 to 18 months but you’d need shorter months for carpets that are installed in high traffic rooms in your home.
Tags: carpet, carpet care tips, carpet cleaning, carpet maintenance, carpeting, carpeting materials, floor, flooring choices, flooring materials, flooring types, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Sunday, August 14th, 2016
Universal Furniture Dining Room Chelsea Kitchen Table 311751
Floors take the most beating compared to any other parts of your home. This case is most true inside the kitchen. The kitchen is no less than the hub for homework, parties, family get-togethers, and the command central for prepping food and cooking. This is why it is vital to look for a kitchen floor that will be able to withstand rigorous foot traffic. While it does show sturdiness, make sure that you won’t sacrifice the look in the process.
Polished concrete looks great on kitchen floors though it can take its toll on your joints. Walking on such floors for longer periods could result in hip or joint pains which are common complaints among homeowners who installed hard floor surfaces. Other examples of such flooring material are stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles.
The good news is, there are softer yet equally resilient flooring materials that can be used for your kitchen. The list below, however, provides the most common kitchen flooring options and the pros and cons.
Ceramic Tile
This is no less than the model kitchen flooring as this is your fail-safe option in terms of budget and style. Your choices for size, shape and color are almost limitless so this means that you can create the look that you want whether it is contemporary or traditional.
The advantages of ceramic tiles include being able to stand up to constant wear and tear. This means you can easily clean splashes and spills. You also have some low-priced tile options and one that are modular. This means that you can come up with a customized pattern according to your budget.
The downside to using ceramic is that there could be cracks as the floor begins to settle. A glass or dish that is dropped could easily shatter ceramic tiles. This kind of tile could also be hard and cold underfoot so be sure to use an area rug to offset any discomfort.
Natural Stone
Whether it is made from slate, limestone, travertine or granite, natural stone flooring has one great asset – variety. No two pieces look alike since every piece has a different pattern, color and texture. Stone can also offer an elegant look. It has been around for centuries so what could be more classic?
Natural stone also requires less maintenance while offering natural beauty to your kitchen.
The downside? Natural stone can get expensive. It is also not a material for DIY enthusiasts. There are tiny crannies in stone that can trap dirt. It is also prone to chips and scratches especially in the case of softer stones like travertine. Slate is known to peel over time.
Rubber
This may be an unusual choice for your kitchen but this kind of flooring is actually becoming more common in many homes. Rubber is springy, soft and durable and it is a wonderful choice if you spend a lot of hours standing inside the kitchen.
Rubber flooring comes in tile and sheets. It should be sealed upon installation and again after each year or two. Another great thing about rubber is that it only costs $6-12 per square foot.
Linoleum
This should not be confused with vinyl flooring as it is made from an all-natural, renewable material like pine rosin, linseed oil and powdered cork. This feels soft underfoot though it is still quite durable. It also comes in various colors and patterns.
Cork
Another soft kitchen flooring is cork harvested from the cork oak tree. This may be soft but it is resilient and it comes in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. This is available in plank or tile formats. It can get dented or scratched but you can prevent this by applying a protective wax layer.
Tags: flooring, flooring choices, flooring finishes, flooring materials, flooring options, flooring types, kitchen, kitchen flooring, kitchen flooring materials, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tile flooring, tips
Posted in Interior Design 101, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 14th, 2016
FFDM’s American Cherry Collection offers a wide range of wood furnishings that will surely suit your hardwood flooring.
Many homeowners who are remodeling their dwelling places make improvements on their flooring based on what they want or on what price is most affordable. Not a lot consider what kind of flooring material makes for a good investment. The very few who take the time to consider this often resort to hardwood flooring – and for a good reason.
So why hardwood flooring?
Dollar Value in Hardwood Flooring
The major reason is its durability. Hardwood floors are a great investment but the sad news is that a lot of people shun away the possibility of having a great-looking and functional floor all because of price issues. What these people fail to realize are the long-term costs.
Carpet and other such flooring materials have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. If they completely wear out, they can’t be mended anymore. Wood floors, on the other hand, can last a lifetime (even beyond). Some of the oldest homes in the country have beautifully maintained their original hardwood flooring.
Take the time to spread the cost in the installation of wood floor throughout a lifetime then compare it to the possible cost of having to replace the carpet. Here, you would be able to realize that hardwood floors are actually much more economical.
Hardwood floors have the highest demand in high value real estate properties. People who own such properties are willing to pay the higher price for hardwood flooring because they want the appeal that comes with the material. Also, hardwood floors can blend with almost any kind of décor so there is no need for homeowners to change their theme.
Health Benefits, Too?
Hardwood floors are also a great investment for your home because they are healthier to keep. Carpets are known for trapping dust, debris, pollen and other kinds of allergens deep in their fibers. Having a carpet means family members could develop respiratory conditions like asthma.
Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned using a broom; no need to vacuum.
Less Maintenance
One of the things that you should consider when buying flooring materials is their maintenance. While wood does change based on moisture and temperature yet the homeowner has the power to control these. If you are able to control these two, then you won’t have any trouble having hardwood flooring in your home.
It’s Too Beautiful
Hardwood flooring also offers natural beauty. Just flip through the different interior design magazines and you would notice that this material is often featured especially in posh homes. The best flooring option for grand ballrooms, restaurants, offices and galleries has always been hardwood.
Hardwood Is Resilient
Solid hardwood is a piece of solid wood from the bottom up. They are generally ¾ inch thick though there are also 5/16” and 3/8” thick pieces. The most recognized width is the2 ¼” strip flooring. Other widths are 1 ½” to 7” planks. The lengths vary from 12” to 96” long.
There is also custom made solid hardwood flooring that can be milled to the customer’s specifications. Plank or solid strip floors can be installed using the nail or staple down procedure right on the wooden sub-flooring.
The difference between the solid hardwood and engineered flooring is the way the wood is cut. Solid wood planks are sliced lengthwise deep into the log. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is rotary cut with a very sharp blade. Each sheet is only about 1/8” thick. The sheets are then glued then pressed atop a plywood substrate for added strength.
Order your hardwood flooring as plain sawn or quarter sawn. The latter has to be customized to suit your preferences.
Tags: floor choices, floor options, flooring, flooring choices, flooring materials, flooring options, flooring types, hardwood, hardwood floor, hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring options, hardwoods, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, why hardwood flooring
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Sunday, April 3rd, 2016
If you want to take the beauty of tiles from the floor to your furniture, then invest in this Winners Only Dining Room 72 Inch Tile Top Table DF13672G.
Tiles, back in the early 1900s, were primarily used to adorn the most important public institutions. Only the wealthy got to use it in their homes. The story, these days, are quite different; tiles are now affordable yet still luxurious.
Tiles come with a rich history. They used to be just mud and clay tiles when used 7,000 years ago. Egypt showcased the most beautiful tiles back in 4000 BC. Tile manufacturing was considered an art as was demonstrated by the Assyrians and Babylonians.
In the next millennia, the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Chinese, Indians, Syrians, among others; developed the art of tile making. The grandest architectural wonders, especially those constructed by the Muslims were adorned with the most beautiful tiles.
Flooring Designs
There are hundreds – if not thousands – of choices when it comes to tile flooring. You can have a shiny ceramic tile so you could create those beautifully brilliant patterns. Or you could choose to be more subdued by using pigmented cement.The oldest known foot patterns are tiles. These are highly prized and exalted design elements. They have become an exciting alternative to wood and carpeting.
Tile flooring can be used even in a high traffic zone. It magnetizes the attention of any beholder as it offers the most exciting visual delights.
When used in a clean, white space, it is best to have terracotta tiles. These can balance an otherwise dull surroundings.
Patchwork can also be laid so you get to achieve an artsy charm. It can get tricky to lay out different kinds of patterns so if you are not that confident to do this as a DIY project, then make sure that you find a flooring expert.
Or you can have tiles adorn your walls as artwork. Featured here is the Accessories Uttermost Accent Tiles Modern Art, S4 35310.
You can also create an X pattern on the floor (big or small). This kind of pattern dates all the way back to the medieval era, it was often found inside turrets and castles. This is a great choice for bathroom or even the kitchen flooring. This is more stylish when you use the rough stone tile type. This packs a classical punch for everyone to enjoy.
Other bold patterns can also be used. Most of the time, that tile itself already comes with patterns. You also have the leeway to buy tiles in block colors then create the patterns yourself.
The most intricate patterns will render a Mediterranean feel. This is especially useful in a space where area rugs are not practical.
Slate gray tiles, on the other hand, can create graphic bathroom flooring. A classic framework is the Herringbone pattern. This is a pattern that works will in the smallest and narrowest spaces.
Tiles can also act as anchors for an area rug or any seating arrangement. They can also be transformed into graphic plaid inside any block-colored walls. The most complex designs can out-stage even the most interesting furniture or accessories so be careful in using intricate patterns.
You would love walking on barefoot if you consider using back-painted glass. This style gives a whole new dimension to the regular bathroom or kitchen. If glass is too fragile for you to use as tiles, then just go ahead and create that crazy quilt or mosaic design. This should create a flamboyant flooring for you and your family.
And who could beat the classics? The black and white tile pattern is most famous and it still achieves the perfect flooring for any home. Imagine the wavy lines as they welcome your guests in! They will surely feel more welcome as their eyes become busy taking in the beautiful underfoot patterns.
A little imagination plus a pad of graph paper should help you begin the tile project in your home. So what are you still waiting for?
Tags: floor, floor choices, flooring choices, flooring materials, flooring options, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tile, tile flooring, tile in interior design, tile work, tilework
Posted in Flooring Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
