Choosing the Right Floor: Part 3 of 6

Carpet

Carpet denotes a more relaxed, contemplative, and high status area because it is softer underfoot and therefore quieter. Moreover, designers can combine various colors, textures and patterns of carpet to create visual excitement, define specific work areas or to direct traffic in corridors and common areas. Corporations can also incorporate product colors and company logos in their flooring designs. Carpet also has low maintenance costs compared with other commerical floor coverings. The inherent cushioning and non-slip characteristics of carpet contribute to a comfortable and safe work environment by reducing the likelihood of falls and minimizing potential injuries. These properties also may help lower insurance costs in commercial enterprises. Additionally, insulating properties of carpet keep floors warm in winter and cool in summer which helps reduce heating and cooling costs. Likewise, carpet provides acoustical benefits by absorbing airborne sound, reducing surface noise generation, and helps block sound transmission to floors below. The current trend in carpeting is for increasing specification of nylon fiber carpets  for their superior long-term performance, including their improved resistance to staining, soiling, matting, crushing, texture loss, and abrasive wear compared to other fibers.

Photos courtesy of our wonderful manufacturers. Visit our website www.starfloors.com for a complete list.

A flooring specialist from StarFloors can assist you in finding the perfect carpet for you home or commerical space. Contact us anytime at (866) 503-STAR or visit us on the web

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Choosing the Right Floor: Part 2 of 6

Laminate Flooring

• Laminate flooring is meant to provide the look of hardwood. A laminate floor is not made of wood at all, but rather consists of several materials bonded together under high pressure. Most laminate floors consist of a moisture-resistant layer with a layer of high-density fiberboard, topped off with a high-resolution photographic image of some type of natural wood flooring.
• Laminate flooring is one of the most durable and environmentally friendly floors you can buy. 
• Made from over 70% recycled content, using low-VOC inks and adhesives.
• And laminate offers advantages over the other flooring types - the exact ones it's designed to resemble:

Laminate vs. Ceramic Tile

Laminate offers:

• The elegant look, without the worry
• A softer, warmer feel underfoot
• Easier maintenance and grout free installation
• Affordability
• Laminate vs. Hardwood
• Laminate offers:
• The natural look of wood without the maintenance
• Up to 5x more scratch resistance
• Affordability

Why Choose Laminate?

• Laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring, so it can be a way to achieve a hardwood look without actually paying the higher hardwood prices. Installation is often simple, requiring only basic knowledge and skills.

Reasons to Avoid Laminate

• Laminate may not be a wise choice for an entryway or a high traffic area. It cannot handle a lot of moisture, so using it at the entry point of a home may mean that it will wear faster. It is also important to choose laminate flooring that is at least 8 mm or thicker; otherwise the placement of heavy furniture on the floor may cause the floor to shift or buckle.

FAVORITES 

Some of our favorite laminate looks: Pictures provided by Mannington Laminate

  

Choosing the Right Floor: Part 1 of 6

Hardwood Flooring: Is it for You?

Wood is a widely used floor material that has maintained its popularity over the centuries. Is is practical, both functionally and aesthetically, and works in most environments. Its warm mellow tone, soft touch, and easy maintenance make it a favorite in residential applications. It lasts well, comes in a variety of formats, and makes an excellent base for decorative rugs.

Wood usually comes in hardwood strip, block, parquet, or board form. The most common species used are beech, maple, ash, birch, pine, or oak. Most types of strip flooring come tongue-and-groove so that the planks fit together without leaving any gaps. Parquet flooring is composed of small black of hardwood fitted together in certain patterns. In older homes, wood floorboards are typical, usually found laid horizontally across the room, resting on the joists that run from the front of the house to the back.

Some of our favorite wood floors are found below from the manufacturers the StarFloors offers :

For more information contact StarFloors. A flooring and design specialist would be happy to go over all your flooring options and the flooring that fits your lifestyle.

     866-503-STAR

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