Have you ever considered Cork Flooring for your home?

If you’re looking for warm, cushiony flooring, think cork. Soft like suede, it has the insulating qualities and resiliency of carpet; the easy-to-clean surface of wood or tile; plus luxurious appeal from its earthy colors and rich visual texture. Made from tree bark, it’s also a natural and renewable resource, so it’s environmentally friendly.

In addition to its environmental benefits, there are many practical reasons to choose cork for flooring. The material is waterproof (think of the cork in a bottle), and the natural waxy substance inherent in cork, called suberin, makes it mold and mildew resistant, too. If someone in your family suffers from allergies, a cork floor could provide a soft and warm alternative to allergen-collecting carpet.

Cork is even naturally flame-resistant. And it’s acoustically insulating properties — shhh, it’s quiet — will take the clatter and thud out of noisy foot traffic.

For more information on Cork Flooring you can Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/benefits-cork-flooring.aspx#ixzz2huMbEswj

Carpet and Allergens: Breathe Easier By Installing Carpet

Carpet and Allergens: Breathe Easier By Installing Carpet

U-FLOORIA: Flooring that refelcts you

Save Energy

    

No other flooring warms and insulates a room like carpet.

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The warm comfort that carpet provides is not just your imagination. Unlike other types of flooring‚ carpet is a natural insulator‚ providing additional warmth in cold seasons.The use of carpet in a wall–to–wall application actually increases the R–value‚ or insulation level‚ of the carpet area‚ potentially saving homeowners like you utility costs while reducing energy use. The R value (thermal resistance) measures how much a material resists the movement of heat through a ceiling‚ wall or floor in a building. The higher the number‚ the more effective the insulation.Recently‚ tests carried out at the Johns Manville Technical Center Thermal Labs‚ one of the most sophisticated laboratories of its kind in the world‚ confirm carpet and pad significantly increase R–value compared to other flooring materials.Results varied according to the carpet’s construction‚ with heavier products generally providing higher R–value. Carpets were tested with and without cushion‚ and the combination maximized the R–value. Carpet really is warmer.

Source:  http://shawfloors.com/Tips-Trends/Luxurious-Carpet/save-energy-with-carpet

Proper Carpet Care Tips

Absorb wet spills quickly by blotting repeatedly with white paper or white cloth towels. Always blot; never rub or scrub abrasively, as a fuzzy area may result. When blotting, work from the outer edge in toward the center of the spot to avoid spreading the spill. Remove the stain using one of the cleaning methods listed below:

Beer, wine, coffee and tea
Blot and neutralize with a white vinegar solution, then work a small amount of a detergent solution into the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water). Continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is completely removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply paper towels and weigh them down, allowing the spot to dry.

Blood, catsup, cheese, chocolate, cola, cough syrup, mixed drinks, soft drinks, soy sauce, starch, toothpaste, white glue:

First, note that all solutions for removing blood must be cool in temperature. Blot and neutralize the spot with an ammonia solution, using a spray bottle to saturate the spot. Next, work a small amount of a detergent solution into the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) and continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water and blot to remove excess moisture. Apply a pad of paper towels, weigh them down and allow to dry.

Mud and dirt:
Allow mud to dry completely. Shatter the dried mud with the handle of a knife, then vacuum. For dirt, apply a small amount of a detergent solution to the spot (1/4 teaspoon detergent per 1 qt. of water) and blot with a white paper towel to work the detergent into the affected area. Continue applying detergent and blotting until spot is removed. Using a spray bottle, rinse with tap water, and then blot to remove excess moisture.

Be prepared for any spill with the following checklist:
White cloths or white paper towels
Detergent solution Mix mild liquid detergent with water (no more than 1/4 teaspoon of detergent to 32 ounces of water). A clear, non-bleach liquid dishwashing detergent such as Dawn, Joy, or clear Ivory is recommended. Do not use detergents that are cloudy or creamy because they may leave a sticky residue.

Vinegar solution- Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water.

Ammonia solution-Mix one tablespoon of ammonia to one cup of water. (Do not use on wool or wool-blend carpets.)

Chewing gum remover (freeze or solid type)

Spot Remover - Carpet Aid Sold @ The Floor Trader, North Port

Source: Shaw Carpet & Mohawk Floors
 

Go Green with New Flooring From Shaw!

Choose Environmentally Friendly Floors for your flooring choice.
Isn't it good to know that some products you buy are also good for the environment?
Why should your flooring choice be any different?Shaw's products whether you are
looking for carpet or other flooring options such as laminate are environmentally friendly
as well as made with a high level of quality. These two components make purchasing
Shaw floor covering a meaningful buying decision for their consumers. With Shaw,
you can be assured that you are getting the finest floor covering available.

Shaw Laminate. Shaw's laminate
products are inherently good
environmental choices in floor covering.
Engineered to last, laminate offers a
long life span that minimizes
replacement. And while it simulates
the upscale look of a natural product
like an exotic hardwood or ceramic
tile, the actual material isn't used and
the natural resource preserved. Shaw
laminates feature EnviroCore™ and
use 98% less newly harvested
wood than conventional engineered
hardwood products.

Anderson Hardwood Floors.

A member of the Forest Stewardship
Council and Harwood Forestry
Fund, Anderson Hardwood Floors,
Shaw's latest acquisition, follows sound
environmental practices. A recent
introduction, Grand Canyon, is made
from 100% wood by-products
and represents one of the most
environmentally responsible hardwood
products available.

Shaw's newTripleTouch™ Cushion is
environmentally responsible.
TripleTouch is made with natural oils,
reducing our dependency on
petroleum-based products. In addition,
the backing system's primary
components are made from recycled
content.

Shaw Living'sEcoMade™ rugs are
recyclable and backed by a complete
recycling program. Consumers may
return used rugs to Shaw in a
postage-paid rug return envelope at no
charge.

Anso® Nylon is the longest standing,
continuously marketed fiber brand in the
residential floorcovering industry. Anso
nylon is among the best fibers available,
providing exceptional performance, and
built-in stain and crush resistance.
Carpets of Anso nylon contain recycled
content and are made from Type 6
nylon, which is recyclable into new
carpet.

EverTouch® nylon products are also
made from Type 6 nylon that can be
recycled back into carpet fiber again
and again, endlessly.

Source:

http://www.shawfloors.com/Environmental/EnvironmentallyFriendlyDetail

New Floors for the Holidays!

Yet again it is almost time for the busiest time of the year, the holidays. With all the hustle and bustle that comes during those winter months it is a great idea to get as much items marked off your to do list as possible. One of those items that might be on your list this holiday season is getting new floors. In fact, this would make a great early present for yourself and your family. Maybe you have worn out carpet in the family room, where your family will be gathering this holiday season after those delicious meals, that you would like to get replaced. It could also be that you have linoleum, hard wood, or tile that is just getting a bit worn out and the room could use the refreshment new floors would bring to the room. By giving your home new floors, it will without a doubt make your home more inviting to all who enter it this holiday season and all the seasons after that. During these precious holiday moments your new floor can make the whole environment in any room more cozy and welcoming letting you enjoy those blissful moments just a bit more. The tricky thing about getting new floors, especially when your in somewhat of a time crunch is knowing where to go. The showroom you should visit is that of U-Flooria, which can be found in North Port, Florida. There you will be able to find, select, and purchase any type of flooring that meets your needs. They offer floor coverings like: carpet, hardwood, laminate, porcelain tile, resilient vinyl, and ceramic tile. After you have selected the type of flooring you wish to purchase, you might be wondering just how to install it. However, with U-Flooria, you don't have to have these worries as they can install the flooring for you. The best part about having a professional install your new floor is that you are guaranteed the floor is installed correctly. With all the choices you can find in flooring types at this showroom, you should stop in soon to select a beautiful new floor for any room in your home.

Don’t Worry. It’s SmartStrand® Now Available @ U-Flooria

From the Field to the Floor, It’s Just Better™


Mohawk leads innovation in sustainable flooring with SmartStrand® carpet with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer. In a partnership with DuPont, this carpet exclusively offers fiber made with Bio-PDO™ (the key Sorona® ingredient), which is produced from corn sugar.

By utilizing this new ingredient, 37 percent of Sorona® is being made from renewable resources. This marks the first time that a luxuriously soft carpet offers durability and stain protection, while also making less of an environmental impact.
Why Is SmartStrand Environmentally Smart?
DuPont™ Sorona® plays a major role in the worldwide objective of a renewable economy and represents a new frontier in sustainability. This carpet is environmentally smart because:
• The production of Sorona® polymer requires 30 percent less energy than the production of an equal amount of nylon.
• Greenhouse gas emissions from the production of Sorona® are 63 percent lower than nylon manufacturing.
• This energy reduction results in approximately one gallon of gasoline saved per every seven square yards of carpet.
The superior stain resistance of SmartStrand® carpet is engineered into the fiber and will never wear or wash off, meaning consumers will never need to retreat the carpet with stain protectors after steam cleaning.
And this engineered-in stain resistance reaches new levels of protection, allowing tough stains such as mustard, red wine, and cherry Kool-Aid® to be removed simply with warm water and a mild detergent, or with Mohawk FloorCare™ Essentials. The fiber even resists discoloration from bleach.
It goes without saying that SmartStrand can be found as a major component in inspired homes everywhere.

Source: http://www.mohawkflooring.com/smartstrand/default.aspx

Life happens. That's why there's Protect & Care.

You can't stop the spills and stains that come with everyday life, but you can be ready to deal with even the worst of them.

U-Flooria  introduces Mohawk's newest Protect&Care; system for your carpets.  It provides complete care and protection for your new floor.  You'll get advanced safeguards against the toughest "real life" stains not convered by manufacturers' warrenties.  And you'll get expert service and support to keep your floor looking new and fresh for yours to come.

When the manufacturer's warranty expires, Protect&Care keeps going, providing you with additional protection and peace of mind.  Protect & Care is even transferable so if you ever sell your home, you can transfer your plan to the new homeowner.

Protect & Care is simple, affordable, and complete and best of all is now available at U-Flooria in North Port.  Stop in and one of U-Flooria's flooring experts can answer any questions you may have. 

 

source: Mohawk Protect & Care

SmartStrand® Carpet, from the field to the floor!

The newest and most innovative product yet, Mohawk's SmartStrand® carpet with DuPont™ Sorona®.   This carpet exclusively offers fiber made with Bio-PDO™ (the key Sorona® ingredient), which is produced from corn sugar.

By utilizing this new ingredient, 37 percent of Sorona® is being made from renewable resources. This marks the first time that a luxuriously soft carpet offers durability and stain protection, while also making less of an environmental impact.

Why Is SmartStrand Environmentally Smart?

DuPont™ Sorona® plays a major role in the worldwide objective of a renewable economy and represents a new frontier in sustainability. This carpet is environmentally smart because:

• The production of Sorona® polymer requires 30 percent less energy than the production of an equal amount of nylon.

• Greenhouse gas emissions from the production of Sorona® are 63 percent lower than nylon manufacturing.

• This energy reduction results in approximately one gallon of gasoline saved per every seven square yards of carpet.

The superior stain resistance of SmartStrand® carpet is engineered into the fiber and will never wear or wash off, meaning consumers will never need to retreat the carpet with stain protectors after steam cleaning.

And this engineered-in stain resistance reaches new levels of protection, allowing tough stains such as mustard, red wine, and cherry Kool-Aid® to be removed simply with warm water and a mild detergent, or with Mohawk FloorCare™ Essentials. The fiber even resists discoloration from bleach.

Sound to good to be true?  Visit The Floor Trader in North Port to see for yourself.  Seeing is believing! 

Source: http://www.mohawkflooring.com/smartstrand/default.aspx

Floors – Fabulous Floors

What is one of the first things most people look at when they walk into a home? The floors. How many times have you walked into a home and said, "Wow! I love these floors." How many times have you had someone walk into your house and say the same thing? When purchasing a preexisting home, one of the first things a buyer looks for is good flooring. Who wants to have to replace flooring right after moving in? Aside from appliances, flooring has one the biggest visual impacts–make yours a statement.

Make sure that your floors are fabulous and functional. Carpet in a central dining area, especially with children, will need constant cleaning, and is usually a turn-off to potential buyers, if you are looking to sale. However, tile or hardwood in a dining room is easy to clean and looks contemporary. Darker colors tend to seem more formal, whereas lighter colors lend a brighter, more casual feel to a room. Running hardwood or laminate throughout can make rooms look larger and give a sense of fluidity to a home's layout. Many homeowner's prefer carpet in bedrooms since it provides more warmth during winter months; however, underfloor heating is available for tile and wood flooring. In today's market, most buyer's are looking for wood floors throughout and tile in the kitchen, dining room, and bathrooms. Don't make the mistake of forgetting the garage. The garage frequently gets overlooked, but it doesn't have to be that way anymore. Tons of flooring options from indoor/outdoor carpeting and paint with added sparkle can spruce up any garage floor while keeping it functional and low maintenance.

Budget is a primary factor in reflooring a home. Do not settle for low quality flooring that will need to be replaced quickly because it did not hold up. Take the time to choose a quality flooring that will provide the "Wow" factor while being functional. Plus, upgraded flooring means home value improves. With flooring, you get out of it what you put into it. The less you skimp, the greater your return. And remember, if you ever want to sell your home, updated, well-cared for flooring will improve your homes value and keep potential buyers from asking for a "flooring allowance." Besides, who wouldn't want to be "wowed" daily in his/her own home?

When you are ready to update the flooring in your home, rental, condo or office contact the team at The Floor Trader of North Port at 941-426-4648 or visit http://www.floortradernorthport.com/

Bamboo Flooring – The Perfect Choice For Your Home and the Environment

Indeed, bamboo flooring is the most excellent way to give a natural look to your home, first and foremost, since it is an option that is genuinely environment or eco-friendly. Nowadays, bamboo flooring has become a very popular option for home renovation purposes on home flooring. They can in fact be used as decorative items in residential homes as well as commercial establishments.

In the earlier years, people preferred using hardwood flooring as well as the laminate type of flooring for their home repairs or restorations. However, these days, more and more people are already shifting to the use of bamboo flooring in their homes. Not only because they will give beautiful and natural look to their homes, but also because they are responsible enough to think about the environment as well. And also, it is not only because of this that bamboo flooring has been a great and popular choice of people when it comes to flooring, but it is for the reason that with bamboo flooring, it also gives the floors of your home a very soft and soothing look that truly makes it unique and very homey.

Advantages of Bamboo Flooring
What is more, bamboo is gaining more and more popularity these days due to its natural and very friendly attributes. It is now considered by many as the best option for all your flooring needs in replacement for the previously commonly used hardwood flooring. Furthermore, the ultimate benefit is the bamboo flooring is that they have the ability to naturally repel or shoo away insects such as mosquitoes which is very ideal for families with children in the house. And come to think of it, there are even other insects that may be present in your home flooring making them their own place of habitats. if you learn that your home flooring have such problem, then immediately plan your home renovation and flooring needs, and of course, make sure to go for bamboo materials. That way, you are assured that your family, especially the children will be safe at all times.

How To Protect Bamboo Floors
There are various ways to shield and guard the flooring of your homes from any possible damages. And one of them is not allowing dust, mud and dirt to enter your homes. Filth in your shoes' soles should not be brought inside the house since they would definitely damage the bamboo flooring of your home. What is more, make sure that you keep the door mats outside of your house to not be leaving any dirt particles in your house. And of course, nothing would beat regular sweeping of your floors. Use a soft broom to help you keep the floor shiny and clean at all times.

Lastly, for the women, avoid wearing high heels inside your homes if you have opted for the bamboo flooring as it can cause extreme dents and damage to your flooring. You may try using some protective floor pads which you may out under the base of the chairs or the tables. And lastly, spills must be cleaned right away for making your home clean at all times.

Jim F Roberts have been writing articles for 5 years on a variety of topics of interest. Visit his latest endeavor and find the best methods regarding the latest Bamboo Flooring technology.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_F_Roberts
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bamboo-Flooring—The-Perfect-Choice-For-Your-Home-and-the-Environment&id=3646767

The Benefits of Installing Wall to Wall Carpet

By Kang Chang

Wall to wall carpet has recently made a comeback. For quite some time this type of carpet was considered an outdated form of flooring. It was replaced by hard flooring options and area rugs.
It has been found though that carpeting is not only aesthetic and affordable but it is also a great way to save some energy. It is important to understand that energy conservation efforts take on all different modes including flooring options. Wall to wall carpet covers your floor completely from one end of the room to the other without any gaps or areas that are not covered. This keeps the room much warmer during the winter months.

Eco Friendly Carpet
Amazingly enough wall to wall carpet comes in extremely environmentally friendly models. Some of this type of carpet is made from a host of recyclables to include old soda bottles and even tires.
The recyclable materials are shredded to within mere millimeters of their pre recycle size. The shredded material is than melted down and treated and made into long spools of thread which is than made into carpet fibers by being cut down to size. The process results in some really great looking carpet that is not only nice for the home but also great for the environment. This type of carpet is hypoallergenic, and largely free from developing mold and other harmful airborne spores that are normally associated with wall to wall carpet.
It is virtually undetectable with this type of carpet that any recyclables were used in the process. The carpet simply looks like a well made carpet. You can be kind to the environment while getting a great looking floor for your home.

Aesthetics
These carpets are very aesthetically pleasing. You can find a host of colors and patterns to choose from, a perfect match for virtually any décor is available. A simple web search we result in leading to a huge selection of options.

Purchasing
You can purchase wall to wall carpet from any carpet dealer. Just about every store that sells carpet will certainly sell this type of carpet. Normally it is recommended that the carpet is professionally installed.
Usually this carpet can be installed in less than a day depending largely on the area that is going to be carpeted.

Does Your Flooring Need Updating?

When You Need To Update Your Flooring We Are Here To Help. U-Flooria in North Port, Florida will provide the great selection and savings you are looking for. They keep their overhead low so that more savings can be passed on to you. But that does not mean the selection of flooring is low, only the overhead costs.  They are conveniently located to serve Port Charlotte, Englewood, Venice, Punta Gorda and Sarasota, Florida.

 

If carpet is the flooring of your choice, their trained staff are on hand to advise on the best type for your needs. Of course, all colors, textures, patterns and fibers are available, as well as all well known and respected brands, such as Mohawk and Stainmaster, among many others. All you will need is the room measurements and their Associates will guide you in the right selection and advise you on the different benefits of the different styles of carpets.

 

  Hardwood flooring has always been viewed as a classic and practical option, especially for living rooms and bedrooms. U-Flooria has a wonderful selection of both the traditional strip flooring, as well as the wider widths called plank flooring. Of course, almost every species of wood is available in their hardwood floor collection and your choice is limited only by budget and personal preference.

 

If you love the look of hardwood floors but prefer a less expensive option that is easier to install, the laminate floor selection will certainly attract your attention. Not only can you find laminate flooring in the traditional hardwood look, but it even comes in tile and elegant stone designs. Laminate floors are very durable, easy to maintain and stain resistant, making them a prime choice for many families.

 

Of course, the good old stand-by sheet vinyl flooring is always a favorite for kitchens, laundry rooms, basements and bathrooms. This great store carries a wide selection of high quality name brand vinyl designs. The only problem will be choosing your favorite.

 

If you prefer not to install your flooring yourself, U-Flooria will supply you with a list of their reputable and Preferred Installers. This allows you to compare prices on installation for any type of flooring you choose and receive efficient and satisfactory service. For more details and information concerning U-Flooria of North Port, visit their site online www.u-flooria.com.