New Year Means New Changes

As the New Year approaches, so does your New Year’s resolutions! It’s time to give your floors a makeover!  We at StarFloors are urging your New Year’s Resolution to be an update on your floors. StarFloors offers a variety of carpet, hardwood, natural stone, vinyl, tile and laminate.

Hardwood: From complete installations to repairs of worn and buckled wood flooring, StarFloors offers onsite installation of pre-finished and solid wood flooring in a range of hardwoods, finishes, sizes and patterns. We also sand and finish existing hardwood floors, restoring them to their natural beauty.

Vinyl: Our Company has a variety of versatile vinyl flooring available in a range of colors, designs and textures, including the look of traditional and distressed wood, natural stone and decorative and geometric patterns. This durable product is skid and mar resistant, easy to care for an ideal for high-traffic areas.

Carpet: StarFloors offers a range of carpet options, from Berber to Frieze. Whether you’re changing out the carpet in an entry-level home or adding plush texture and rich color to the master bedroom in a luxury home, we offer quality products and installation at the lowest possible prices.

Natural Stone: We install natural stone flooring, countertops, backsplashes and showers in any room of the home. Whether you’re replacing a travertine entry or restoring a granite tile countertop, StarFloors provides the highest quality material, installation, and restoration. We do our own fabrication to ensure quality and reject slabs that are substandard due to fractures or fissures. Natural stone selections include granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, onyx and more.

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile: StarFloors offers quality ceramic and porcelain tile in a range of colors, textures and patterns. Our factory-trained installers understand the importance of correctly laying tile. We use appropriate underlayment materials under tile installed over subfloors and proper edging to ensure clean, solid connection, as well as remove and reinstall toilets.

From the time we knock on your door to the moment you are standing on your new floor, our team provides the most pleasurable and positive experience possible. Our flooring specialists are the best at what they do and with our elite Showroom on Wheels we “Bring the Store to Your Door.

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists at StarFloors are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter@starfloors_

Happy Holidays from StarFloors

We at StarFloors want to take the time to wish you and your family a very happy and special holiday season. Thank you for all of your support throughout the year-we are truly grateful to have your business.

Happy Holidays!

StarFloors

Staying Safe this Holiday Season

The most common crime around the holidays is theft. With this holiday season quickly approaching, we at StarFloors wanted to share these tips with our loyal customers and fans.

1.     Get your packages delivered to your workplace instead of your home. If this is not an option, arrange a planter on your front porch so the mailman can conceal the package behind it out of view from the street.

2.     If your Christmas tree is viewable from the outside, make sure you do not have many packages visible under the tree.

3.     If you go out of town, make sure you leave some lights on inside and outside of your home.

4.     Do NOT leave valuables- gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing-in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in some way.

5.     Always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of the store or mall if possible.

6.     If possible, shop before dark. Coordinate shopping trips with a friend so you don’t have to shop alone.

7.     Lock your packages in the trunk if possible. Try to conceal your packages so that they are not easily viewed by thieves. Most importantly, always lock your car doors.

8.     Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions in the parking lot.

9.     Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking to and from your car. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.

10.    After the holidays, don’t leave out gifts received from boxes. Breakdown the boxes and place them in sealed, non-clear garbage bags.

 Don’t forget that our flooring specialists at StarFloors are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @starfloors_

We caught up with John Glista, Territory Manager in the Greater Phoenix area to get his inside scoop on the flooring industry.

What is your specialty, John?

Wood flooring and bathroom remodeling projects are what I enjoy to work with. Being from Chicago, wood flooring is the most popular surface used throughout the entire house because it creates a warm and comfortable feel. Today’s products are far more durable than years ago and are more maintenance free than ever before.

I also enjoy taking old cultured marble shower stalls down and replacing cabinets and putting granite tops on to create a SPA like feel.

What is your favorite part of working in the flooring industry?

Being able to bring the floor to a customer’s door and help them pick the perfect material for their project.

What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is preparing concrete floors for wood flooring. Although, in my 29 years in this industry, I never met a challenge that I could not overcome.

What is your favorite type of floor and why?

New carpet can give an overall feel of freshness that gives off the new car smell that we all love. Most of the time it is much less expensive than people think and creates a warm and inviting space.

What have you found is the most popular?

Wood flooring is on most people’s minds when doing a remodel project, wide boards and scraped floors are the most popular choices. Porcelain tile that looks like Travertine is over taking natural stone due to the face that they require no maintenance and look so natural it’s almost impossible to tell the difference.

What is your favorite part of working in this industry?

I absolutely love seeing the customer’s faces when they walk thru a completed project and are extremely satisfied.

What is the biggest compliment you have received?

When customers refer their friends and family, it’s the greatest compliment anyone can ask for!

When you’re not helping people with their flooring what do you like to do?

I love to fish, golf and work on home remodeling.

Thanks, John for all the great information!

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists at StarFloors are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @starfloors_

Natural Fibers, Natural Benefits

A letter from our satisfied customer, Nancy:

“Phil recommended Sisal Wool natural fiber for our living space. We are so satisfied with our new rugs! Our Sisal Wool fiber rugs are both comfortable and durable, which we needed for my young kids. Phil was helpful, knowledgeable and extremely kind in the process. I recommend these rugs (and Phil) to everyone!"

Nancy, Dallas, TX

There are many great advantages to place natural fibers in your home or living space. The durability of these fibers far exceeds others. The machine woven, natural fibers are anti-static, non-toxic and colorfast. The plant material creates healthy indoor humidity levels and prevents the static build-up. All of the rugs come equipped with a latex backing that provides passing and prevents curing and slipping. These natural fibers promote a healthy living environment for all.

Natural floor coverings include: Sisal, Sisal Wool, Seagrass and Mountain Grass.

Sisal fibers are harvested by hand from the leaves of cactus plants located in Africa and Brazil. Sisal is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers. Sisal is therefore preferred for carpet and rugs.

Sisal Wool is a combination of the best of both worlds. It has the look, texture and durability of sisal with a soft feel. It is 60% wool and 40% Sisal.

Seagrass is a durable, economical plant fiber derived from tropical grasses. Seagrass comes from China and is thick and rigid to the touch. Seagrass is only available in its natural color, which has a natural color, which has organic, green cast and becomes less green over time. Seagrass is the most stain resistant natural fiber.

 Mountain grass originates from the highland fields of China. It is very similar to Seagrass in texture but because of the drying conditions has a deep shade of brown.

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists at StarFloors are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @starfloors_

Accidents Happen, We’re here to help!

Accidents happen, especially around the holidays, which is why Shaw Floors created an iPhone app to help fight carpet stains. In order to keep your carpet looking its absolute best, quick and effective stain removing is crucial. There are around 1,000 stain removing techniques at your fingertips with this app.

Here are common holiday items and quick tricks that you can use to keep your carpet looking beautiful through the holiday season!

Pumpkin:

1.     Scrape or blot up excess spill.

2.     Apply detergent with a damp towel. Blot; don’t rub.

3.     Apply water with a damp towel.

4.     Blot; finish with a weighted pad of towels; if stain is still present, continue as follows

5.     Apply detergent solution with a damp towel; leave on for 3-5 minutes. Blot; don’t rub.

6.     If stain is removed, finish with a water rinse. Blot, then apply a pad of weighted paper towels. If stain is not removed, continue as follows

7.     Apply hydrogen peroxide/ammonia solution; let stand for 2 to 3 hours under a weighted sheet of plastic wrap.

8.     Repeat application of hydrogen peroxide/ammonia solution and allow to dry under weighted plastic wrap until removal is complete.

9.     Apply water with damp towel.

10.  Blog; finish with weighted pad of paper towels.

11.  To neutralize the area, apply white vinegar only after stain is removed.

Cake:

1.     Scrape or blot up excess spill.

2.     Apply detergent with a damp towel. Blot; don’t rub

3.     Apply water with a damp towel.

4.     Blot; finish with a weighted pad of towels.

We are here to help keep your carpet looking great and radiant this holiday season. Contact me with all your carpeting needs in time for your holiday guests to arrive!

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists at StarFloors are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @starfloors_

Current Trends and Area Rugs by Shaw

The evolution of trends continues with every passing season. Each new year brings the excitement of change and new inspirations. This is a look at what we will be seeing in 2012.

Color

Neutrals have warmed up and taken on a natural tone this year. Oatmeal, mushroom, and bark pair beautifully with brown-infused grey and silver. Metallics such as copper, gold, and platinum make for a gorgeous accompaniment to this palette.

Jewel tones are heavily saturated, lush, and luxurious. Peacock turquoise, emerald green, indigo, and burgundy wine can be combined for over-the-top opulence or paired with a neutral for a dramatic contemporary feel.

The cosmetic palette is feminine and delicate. Coral, blush, smoky amethyst, aqua, and pale lemon are soft and subtle. Pair cosmetic colors with opal, khaki, or grey, and this palette takes on a modern tone.

Global references can be seen in combinations of citron, teal, magenta, deep plum, and bright orange. These colors alone or together are vivid, exotic, and vivacious.

Style

Ancient cultures and faraway lands continue to inspire. Centuries-old techniques and ethnic patterns are being revisited and revised this year.  Ikat and ombre looks are paired with all color palettes. Paisleys have been updated, and tribal references have been taken in a graphic direction.

The crafting movement has kept its warmth and hominess, but added an edge for the modern household. Quilting patterns and linear motifs have gone contemporary. Dip dyes, ombres, and space-dyed yarns create that not-so-perfect look associated with one-of-a-kind or handmade items. 

This year, botanicals have taken on Asian and Indian influences. Abstract and painterly techniques lead the way for contemporary floral collections. Line-work graphic motifs, as well as traditionally drawn flora and foliage, are also making an appearance in today’s marketplace.

Shaw Living continues to incorporate the most up-to-date trends into rug design.  This makes adding an area rug the easiest and most economical way to update any space.  And the Shaw Living assortment of area rugs (over 6,500 skus) offers something for everyone - traditional, transitional or contemporary and everything in between.  There is also a vast array of color, sizes, shapes, and price points.

Shaw Living is a domestic manufacturer specializing in machine woven area rugs featuring environmentally friendly products and top brands. 

Make plans to visit us today - Express your style and update your home with area rugs.

Please visit shawfloors.com for more information and "like" us on facebook.com/shawfloors.

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists at StarFloors are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @starfloors_

How Winter Weather Effects Your Floors

Winter is just around the corner, and StarFloors wants to help you maintain and protect your beautiful hardwood floors during this chilly winter season.

It’s important to remember that hardwood floors are natural products that already carry moisture. As the moisture in the environment changes, so does the moisture in your hardwood floor. It's natural for your hardwood floors to adapt to these environmental factors with the seasons. However, sometimes these natural adaptions can lead to bigger issues.  By protecting your floors this winter, you can avoid such issues so you can enjoy your hardwood floors all winter long.

StarFloors team of experts complied their most commonly asked questions to assist you in maintaining your floors' natural beauty this winter.

How does cold weather affect my hardwood floors?

As the winter rages on and temperatures drop, you may begin to notice cracks in your hardwood floor. If you live in an area that is especially dry and arid this is  very common. 

As the air dries out, so will the wood. Your floors might begin to shrink causing the appearance of cracks between the boards.

What causes the cracking and shrinking in the hardwood floors?

Turning your heat up in your house will cause the inside air to dry out thus pulling the moisture from the floor. As the temperature outside drops below freezing, the moisture in the air will be very minimal and drop as snow, frost or ice and this may cause the shrinking and cracking in your hardwood floor as well.

Are there solutions to preventing or minimizing cracking and shrinking hardwood floors?

·         By using a humidifier in your home you can drastically minimize the effects of the cold weather.

·         By sealing up cracks around windows and doors, this will reduce the drafts coming into your home.

·         Have all family members and guests remove their shoes at the entryway on a mat, the standing water can affect the finishing on the floor as well as seep into the cracks causing possible bacteria and mold growth.

The cracking and the shrinking of hardwood floors is not permanent. As the temperature and the humidity levels begin to rise, the wood will absorb that moisture and return to its original state.

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-STAR (7827) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @starfloors_

A Floor Without A Rug is Like a Kiss Without a Hug!

Have you ever looked at a room and knew something was missing? Chances are that an area rug will be your solution to tying your well decorated home together.  Area rugs do more than merely cover your beautiful floors; they offer style and functionality to your living space. StarFloors provides an array of area rugs including various sizes, colors, textures and patterns all designed to match your home décor.

Now is the perfect time to give your bare floor a complete makeover before your holiday guests arrive. As you may know, StarFloors offer an extensive selection and variety in area rugs. Some things you may want to consider when deciding what area rug to purchase are:

1.       Aesthetics: color, texture, design/patter, luster, appearance or “look”

·         Desired Ambience

·         Color Selection

·         What pattern, style and texture will match my home?

2.       Appearance:

·         Durability

·         Color retention

·         Texture retention

3.       Primary end-use considerations:

·         Traffic Level

·         Projected life span

·         Moisture/weather

Our floor specialists are here for you! They will provide you with their knowledge of area rugs and work with you to ensure your area rug is exactly to your liking.

Once you have picked out your perfect area rug to match your living space, it is important to know how to clean and care for your area rug.

·         Vacuum high-traffic areas frequently and less frequently used areas on occasion

·         Clean spills by blotting as oppose to rubbing and scrubbing

·         Use a pad underneath your rug to prevent slipping and to provide greater comfort, pads also help prevent dyes and colors from bleeding through to the floor below

·         Rotate rugs every 6-12 months to prevent uneven wear

Don’t forget that our flooring specialists are always here to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding your area rug choice. We are available toll free at 866-503-7827 (STAR) or on the web at www.starfloors.com. You can also submit your questions to us at www.facebook.com/starfloors or on twitter @StarFloors_