Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Cleaning Your Home's Tile and Grout


Is your tile getting dingy and in need of a clean? Cleaning tile can be risky business if you don't educate yourself on the type of stone your dealing with and how the stone with react to the cleaning process you use.

Rule #1 of cleaning tile and/or stone: If In Doubt, Don't Do!
Some mistakes can be irreversible. Always check labels on the products that you are thinking about using and test an inconspicuous area first to see what effects, if any your cleaning process will have.

A lot of people think that because your dealing with stone, it's impossible to damage.... Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this is how most people get into trouble. Stone has many potential weaknesses, but once it has been properly protected and maintained, it's beauty can not be beat! There is nothing more stunning that natural stone tiles in a home. The trouble is keeping your natural stone tiles looking beautiful!
So what do you do?!

Of course first, we recommend speaking with a flooring professional, but we know that in the case of an emergency, contacting someone is not on the top of your priority list. StarFloors is always available for all your flooring inquiries-  call us toll-free to speak with a flooring specialist - 866- 503-STAR (7827)
 
Here are some tips and tricks of the trade to help you when going to clean your tile or grout.

1. Access Your Situation
Access the type of stone in your home and whether or not it's been sealed. The first step of maintaining the beauty of your tile is sealing the stone. Natural stone does not come sealed, you can request this service from your flooring provider, but now that sealing your natural stone tile is not a permanent solution. Therefore, just because you do it once does not mean you won't have to re-seal in the future. Sealing your natural stone tile is the best method for protecting the stone against the harsh conditions inside or outside of your home.
A StarFloors Flooring Specialist can help you access which sealer is best for the natural stone in your home for you budget.

2. Keep Your Natural Stone Beautiful with Everyday Cleaning
Immediately wipe up spills that could damage the integrity of your natural stone tile. For daily cleaning we recommend soap-less detergents and pH balanced cleaners. Depending on the type of stone, mild dish soap can be a gentle and affective cleaning agent as well. It is important that you rise the tile and grout thoroughly to remove any remaining cleaner. Cleaner sitting on the surface of your stone or grout will only do damage.  

3. Get the Grout!
Agitate grout joints with a soft bristled brush to loosen debris. Use water or a soap-less detergent. Thoroughly rinse, dry, and polish cleaned areas.

4. Avoid Acidic Cleaners
Acidic cleaners with remove polished surfaces from alkaline stones like marble, travertine, and sandstone. Acidic cleaners may also leave unsightly etch marks in the surface of the stone. Acidic cleaners damage grout as well. Acidic cleaners will erode the grout in the joints making cleaning and maintenance more and more problematic. This is especially true if using acidic cleaners on sanded grout. If your tile was laid with colored grout, the pigment in the grout can be permanently damaged by using acidic cleaners. This is especially true if your using an acidic cleaner on a daily basis.

Acidic Cleaners 101:
Mild Acid Cleaners
  • Acid cleaners cannot contain soap, but instead use acid-stable surfactants (surface active agents that produce results similar to soaps) and perhaps a cellosolve (a type of organic solvent that dissolve grease and yet is soluble in water). Acetic acid and sulfamic acid supply metal-polishing characteristics. Acid cleaners are best at removing tarnish and mineral soils from copper and other metals.
Stronger Acid Cleaners
  • Sometimes stronger formulations are needed to remove heavy scale (a thick oxide coating) caused by heat processing. These formulations may contain nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Sometimes they contain chromic acid or oxalic acid, which is a very powerful organic acid.
Types of Acid Cleaners (Ingredients)
  • Vinegar and bleach for example are acid based products and many people use these products for cleaning purposes. These are examples of acetic acid products and they were never designed for any type of tile or grout cleaning purposes. While vinegar and bleach are generally safe for household use they can leave a nasty residue and film on your tile and they can actually discolor and break down the cement in your grout.
  • Other types of acid products that people use for cleaning purposes include muriatic, sulfamic and phosphoric acids. These acids can be found in many harsh and industrial cleaning solutions and can be extremely harmful to your health. While there are some valid uses for these chemicals in the construction and restoration industry they should only be used by experienced contracting professionals.

So What CAN  I Use?

A pH Cleaning Solution

A pH neutral cleaning solution is best used for maintenance cleaning of your tile and grout after it has been deep cleaned.  A pH neutral cleaning solution  is preferred for daily or weekly cleanings because it will not break down any sealers that were applied to the grout or tiles.  Also a pH neutral cleaner is easy to rinse off the tile and grout and will not leave any cleaning residue on the tile or in the grout. 

PH neutral cleaners are safe to use on all types of tile, grout and stone and will not damage or etch even the most delicate stone surfaces.  PH neutral tile and grout cleaners are not as effective as alkaline or acidic tile and grout cleaners for cleaning stubborn dirt, grease and grime.   PH neutral cleaners are the best type of tile and grout cleaning product to use for daily or weekly maintenance cleanings of your tile, grout and stone surfaces.

Alkaline Tile and Grout Cleaner:

Most dirt, grease and grime stains in tile and grout are acidic in nature these are the most common types of dirt and stains in tile and grout.  Dirt and grime of this nature typically occurs in kitchens, entrance ways, lobbies and wherever there is high foot traffic or greasy cooking conditions.  To clean these types of acidic stains you need an alkaline cleaning solution. 
The alkaline cleaner will react with the acidic dirt grease and grime and leave the resulting slurry in suspension.  This slurry can then be extracted and then your tile and grout can be rinsed and you are left with clean tile and grout. 


For recommendations contact at StarFloors Flooring Specialist who will aide you in finding the perfect cleaner for your natural stone. www.starfloors.com
866-504-STAR (7827)


 





Monday, June 13, 2011

A Tribute to Dads and Their Dens!

I don't know about you but my Dad has always had a room that he claimed as his own. Whether or not that was the original intention of the room, dads just need a place to go to let it all hang out.
That's why today's blog is dedicated to dad....and his man den.
The traditional den has now been given a flashier, cooler name--- THE MAN CAVE.
Well, it just so happens that here at StarFloors, Man Cave's are our specialty.
How does a flooring company specialize in Man Caves or Dad Dens?
Let me break it down for you.

StarFloors brother company is StarPower. Have you heard of it? Yeah, THAT StarPower. The twice awarded audio visual company of the year by TWICE Magazine. StarPower has the man cave down to an art. Whether your looking for a sports-themed oasis to watch the game, or a Renaissance themed theater room- StarPower's got it all!.


And who  provides the stunning flooring for these beautiful rooms?
You got it, StarFloors!
StarFloors can meet all your needs. If your looking for a sturdy engineered wood that can take the wear and tear from your buddies, or a stunning Kane Carpet to bring that movie theater feel to your theater room, StarFloors has  you covered. Our flooring specialists can meet any of your needs and make your dad's den, cave, or pad...the ultimate! The best part is, our installers and flooring professionals are the best in the business. You're going to be treated like a Star from the moment you encounter a Starpower or StarFloors professional.

Take a look at the stunning projects we've created.
Watch out, Dad's may drool!










Don't Forget Father's Day is June 19th!!


Thursday, June 9, 2011

Looking For A Flooring Company You Can Trust?

About Us
For four generations, StarFloors has been providing customers with the highest quality flooring products available and outstanding customer service.
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!”
With corporate offices in Dallas, Texas and flooring experts strategically located nationwide, StarFloors is one of the fastest growing flooring companies in the world.


Why We’re Different
StarFloors is a rock-solid company you can rely on. We’ve built our reputation on dependability, fair pricing, superior materials and workmanship.  Our strategically located facilities provide StarFloors managers with the ability to procure products and schedule expert installation for consistent, on-time delivery anywhere your properties are located.

Our unique business model and nationwide buying power allows us to provide a rare combination of competitive prices with the highest quality materials and personalized customer service. At StarFloors “We Bring our Store to Your Door!” saving the customer time and money and allowing customers to see what flooring works best with their existing décor.

Our turn key installations give peace of mind and offer the ultimate convenience. In addition to years of experience, our technicians undergo rigorous training, installing according to our exacting specifications and under our direct supervision. Installers clean up after every installation, removing old flooring, debris, vacuuming carpet and hauling away trash.

Our experienced flooring specialists are experts in the flooring industry. More importantly our territory managers are locals who know your housing market, the dynamics of your region (humidity, temperature, etc.) and design aesthetics. StarFloors’ territory managers are experts in their field and are prepared to exceed every expectation with their knowledge and expertise.

Customer service always comes first!  We ask each client to complete our online customer survey at the conclusion of every project and use the information to continually improve our products and services.

Our Products:
StarFloors takes care of all of its customers’ flooring needs. This includes replacing existing flooring with any grade of carpet, wood, ceramic and porcelain tile, natural stone and vinyl, as well as restoring hardwood floors and stone.

Harwood: 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.

Window Treatments
Star Floors carries a full line of high quality window treatment products uniquely engineered for value and fashion, and custom built to fit each window perfectly.  We carry everything from Faux Wood Blinds to Real Wood Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Honeycomb Shades, Shear Shades, Vertical Soft Sheers, Woven Woods, and Roller Shades.  Many of these products are available with motorization via wall control panel, remote control, or they can be integrated in to a home automation system.  

Media Rooms/Entertainment Centers
StarFloors’ brother-company StarPower provides clients with the finest experience in high-end custom installations of audio, video, security, and electronic automation. StarPower features the finest brands of equipment, some of which are rarely seen outside of Hollywood’s top studios.  StarFloors professionals work in conjunction with StarPower’s electronics and media room specialist to provide you with a custom designed media room to fit any space in your home. When we look at the word “customer”, the first word we see is “custom”. At StarCompanies, we put the customer first in every custom installation. We listen carefully to make sure to understand what a client is hoping for in their entertainment and media room. We pay close attention to a client’s budget, so we both know we can give them the maximum value for their price point. Our team of entertainment system and flooring experts create the highest quality entertainment rooms available- leaving no detail untouched. Our job is to create a one-of-a-kind theater environment without disrupting the existing home or business.
For more information on StarPower visit their website http://www.star-power.com/

http://www.starfloors.com/

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Everything You Need to Know: Carpet Pad

What is Carpet Pad?

Carpet pad is a supportive padding placed under carpets and area rugs. The pad absorbs sound and cushions the surface so it feels more comfortable underfoot. When buying carpet padding, you’ll notice that it comes in a variety of thickness levels and materials. Foam rubber pads are a popular choice that work well in homes. Sponge padding is slightly stronger and is good for high-traffic office and commercial environments. Fiber pads are the strongest of the three, and are commonly used in manufacturing plants and other buildings with concrete floors.

Carpet Pad. Who Cares? We do!
A firm and resilient carpet pad is necessary to form a good foundation for your carpet, increasing its comfort and extending its life by acting as a shock absorber when someone walks on the carpet. The cushion, or pad, helps buffer sound and provides increased insulation, making a room quieter and warmer.

When selecting pad, discuss the best option for your carpet selection with your StarFloors Flooring Professional. A StarFloors professional will review requirements for thickness and density. Improper selection of carpet pad can negatively affect carpet appearance, cause wrinkling and buckling, cause separation of the carpet seams and can cause a breakdown of the carpet structure itself. Improper cushion selection also may void any applicable carpet manufacturer's warranties. A general rule of thumb for most residential carpet applications is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density. If the carpet is a Berber or a low profile carpet, choose a cushion no more than 3/8 inch thick with 8 pounds density.


What is Carpet Pad Made Of?
Carpet pad is made primarily from polyurethane foam, fiber or rubber and is available in a variety of styles and constructions to fit your needs. The type and thickness of cushion you need varies according to traffic levels and patterns. For example, bedrooms, dens, lounge areas and other rooms with light or moderate traffic can use thicker and softer cushion, while living rooms, family rooms, hallways, stairs and other heavy traffic areas require thinner, firmer cushion.

Match the cushion to the carpet

Residential cut pile, cut- loop, or high-level loop carpet requires a resilient, firm cushion with a thickness of 7/16 inch and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density. Types of cushion may be various polyurethane foams, including the very common bonded foam product often referred to as “rebond,” fiber, or rubber.Berber carpet or thinner loop or cut pile carpet is made with large, wide loops, and it has been found that a stable, low-flexing, cushion foundation is necessary. A thicker, softer cushion is not acceptable. Cushion thickness should not exceed 3/8 inch for these type products


StarFloors Professional: Phil Kenton
"I only use a ½ inch “superstep” pad for our carpets. It is difficult to find a 5/8 thick pad anymore, and I would avoid using it anyways, because all of the mills void warranties with it.
If I were purchasing carpet for my own home and want comfort I would choose the “superstep.”
- Phil, StarFloors Territory Manager

For more information on carpet, carpet installation, carpet pad and your flooring inquiries contact a StarFloors Professional today!






(866) 503- STAR (7827)



For more detailed inforamtion visit: http://www.carpet-rug.org/   

Friday, May 27, 2011

Summer Humidity: How It Effects Your Hardwood Floors

It's Getting Hot Out There!

It's Getting Hot Outside!

Cupping and Buckling Floors
Most people are not thinking about their floors when it comes to the heat and humidity associated with the summer months. However, those who have hardwood floors that cup and buckle during the summer months definitely recognize the weather shift in and outside of their home.

 Even the most expertly installed wood floors are subjected to cupping and buckling due to hardwood's relationship with the temperature and moisture of the air surrounding it. Wood is a natural product that expands from moisture and contracts when less moisture is present. Remember, hardwood floors used to be trees living and thriving off of water (moisture).

Throughout the day, the temperature and relative humidity changes in air. In the morning the temperature is lower and the  relative humidity is higher. In most climates, mornings start out cool and humid, dew is on the grass and your wood floors are effected. As the temperature rises, the relative humidity decreases and the air is less moist. Then, when the sun sets for the day, the temperature falls and moisture levels rise in the air. Needless to say, you hardwood floors are subjected to tons of change and you need to prepared so that cupping and buckling does not become an issue with your floors.

Removing Moisture from  Your Home is the most effective way to prevent against cupping and buckling due to moisture in the air. There are a couple methods that work best when removing moisture from your home. Your air conditioner will remove moisture from the air when it is RUNNING. When the Air Conditioner is idle, it is not removing moisture from the air. 

Some things to keep in mind when relying you air conditioner is that your air conditioner does not run as frequently during the night and morning when the relative humidity in the air is highest. This is because the outside temperature is generally lower when the sun is down. Therefore, you home is cooler and the air conditioner does not need to run as long. If you have an air conditioner that you can program, you may want to set it to run every couple of hours for a limited time to remove moisture from your home during the morning and evening hours.

Many homes have air conditioners that are too large for their home. Having an air conditioner that is too large for your home can be effective when it comes to air conditioning your home, but it is a detriment when it comes to removing moisture from your home. Larger air conditioners cool your house faster, meaning less time to remove moisture from the air. Air Conditioning manufacturers have helped this situation by making variable-speed equipment that runs longer. More run time means more water removal.

 The best solution for humidity control is central, or a whole house, dehumidifier. A good quality dehumidifier can remove around 6.5 pints of water per hour, every hour all day long. Portable dehumidifiers can also help, but can only remove around 2 pints of water per hour. Generally, portable dehumidifiers use more energy than a quality whole-house dehumidifier. Keep in mind that portable dehumidifiers are more efficient for single rooms as opposed to the whole house.

Keep Your Floors Beautiful by talking to a StarFloors Professional
A StarFloors professional can discuss all of these factors and more when you are choosing the best flooring for you. Different species of wood respond to these environmental factors differently. As always, we recommend discussing all of your concerns with your StarFloors professional. Our floor professional are the top in the industry and will guide you in making the best choice for you.

You can contact a StarFloors professional today call toll-free (866) 503- STAR or visit us online www.starfloors.com

Friday, May 20, 2011

Consider this our love letter to In-N-Out Burger!

Consider this our love letter to In-N-Out Burger!

In honor of the In-N-Out Burger going in next to our corporate office in Dallas, Texas, we've decided to dedicate today's blog to the hamburger institution that is sure to change our lives... soon enough!

Did you know that there is a whole secret menu you can order off at In-N-Out? If you are familiar with the legendary burgers from In-N-Out then I am sure you know, but for those of us who are just days from getting to taste the awesomeness that is In-N-Out---it's time for an education!



Once you've decided how much meat & cheese you feel like consuming, you can decide the add-ons you want on your delicious burger.

Know that a standard In-N-Out Burger will include the following:

  • a spread similar to thousand island dressing.
  • one slice of tomato (two if one won't cover the entire bottom bun)
  • a portion of lettuce
  • Onions are always offered when you order. They come as a fresh slice by default, but chopped and grilled onions are available by request. The amount is constant regardless of the number of meat patties unless you ask for extra or lite of a condiment.
StarFloors and In-N-Out have one major thing in common- customer satisfaction comes first!
 
Keeping customers happy means giving them exactly what they want!

So, beyond the regular menu items, In-N-Out  also has a not-so-secretive menu available on their website
The secret menu is not exactly a "secret," it's just a compelation of some of the most commonly made request by In-N-Out customers.


Below are several off-menu ordering options to keep in mind to make your burger completely your own!

1. First of all you can order up to 4 hamburger patties, per bun! If you want a piece of cheese per hamburger patty call it a 4x4. Change up the hamburger to cheese ratio by calling it a 4x 2 , 3x2, or WHATEVER YOU WANT!

2. In-N-Out cooks the burgers medium-well by default. Ask for medium and enjoy a pink center in your hamburger patty!

3. You can flavor your patties by asking for mustard grilled- you hamburger patty will be grilled with a squirt of mustard so that the flavor is grilled into your burger.

4. You also have tons of options when it comes to onions. You can get the traditional chopped onions. Pump up your burger with grilled onions, chopped or whole! You can also get extra pickles, lettuce...whatever you want!

5. It doesn't stop at onions- you can add some scrumptious chopped chilies to add some heat to your favorite In-N-Out burger! If you really love the chilis- ask for them on the side.

6. We don't know why anyone wouldn't love the melted cheesy goodness of the In-N-Out burger.
However, if you love your cheese cold- as for unmelted.

7. OUR FAVORITE:
Drum roll please.............ANIMAL STYLE!
Animal Style is no secret, unless you've been living in a cave. Order your In-N-Out burger Animal Style and you'll get a delicious burger with double spread, grilled onions, mustard grilled hamburger patties, and extra pickles.


If Animal Style is not for you, Check out these options!

No Meat?

In-N-Out respects the non-carnivorous consumer by offering a grilled cheese. You can deck out your grilled cheese with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sauce.

If you want a lighter choice go with the "wish burger." The wish burger is a toasted bun filled with lettuce, onion, pickles, and spread.


Low Carb?

Skip the bun and get your favorite burger delivered between two leafy bunches of lettuce.
They call this burger "Protein Style"

No Carb?

Order the "Flying Dutchman" and get two meat patties with 2 pieces of melty cheese in the middle. The is is the most Atkins Diet friendly item on the menu!

There are also many options for customizing your fries and milkshakes at In-N-Out.
You'll have to wait for our follow-up blog or you can visit http://www.in-n-out.com/.

It's inevitable that In-N-Out and StarPower/StarFloors Offices will have a long love affair on the Dallas Parkway together. We are confident that our dedicated staff will keep this establishment busy all times of day!

Welcome to Dallas In-N-Out!
We're happy you're here!
Love,





Monday, May 16, 2011

The Great Debate: Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood

Without question Hardwood floors create a feel of elegance and simplicity in your home. Hardwood floors are stunning and can easily create whatever feeling you are hoping to evoke when someone enters into your home.

A hardwood floor will provide decades of beauty in your home, but when it comes to budget, many people for-go a solid hardwood floor and opt for the more economical choice of engineered hardwood floors. However Solid hardwood floors can be refinished for changing tastes or excessive wear. It may initially cost more, but as trends evolve, your floors can too.

StarFloors hopes to help you make an informed decision about whether solid or engineered hardwood floors are best for you.


Types of Hardwood Finishing:

Pre-Finished Wood- Pre-Finished solid hardwood flooring is just that- Pre-finished hardwood is already sanded and sealed, by the manufacturer, with at least four coats of ultraviolent-cured urethane resin. This finish offers consistent quality, quicker installation and immediate gratification, meaning you can walk on it as soon as it is laid. Installation is quick and easy and you can live in your home while the installation takes place.



Unfinished Hardwood Flooring- Unfinished solid hardwood flooring must be sanded and sealed on-site. While it does offer more color choices, it requires a lot of preparation. The sanding process is messy; significant drying time is required after each sealing application requiring up to five days for completion. Often times occupants of the home will have to move our during the installation process.



Engineered Flooring- Consisting of a plywood base that’s covered with 1 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick layer of wood, works well in bathrooms and basements where light moisture might be a concern. Engineered flooring is pre-finished and because the wood layer is so thin it can usually only be sanded and refinished once.




Solids vs. Engineered

Solid Wood:
Solid wood floors are manufactured as one complete piece of solid wood, generally 3/4" thick and board widths are generally 2 1/4" and 3 1/4" wide. The length of the boards may vary from 9" to 72", with an average of 32" long. Solid wood floors react to the environment in which it is placed. In the winter heating months, the moisture content of the wood reduces causing the floor to contract or leave gaps between each board. In the summer months when humidity enters the wood, it will cause the wood to expand and if there is too much moisture, it can cause the floor to cup. Solid wood floors are most commonly installed by nailing down to a wood subfloor.

Solid hardwood flooring comes in many different wood varieties, including exotic woods. It's slightly more expensive than an engineered wood flooring, but if you are a diehard wood enthusiast, then you may want to stick with a solid hardwood flooring.



Solid hardwood can't be installed (or isn't recommended) in high moisture rooms, like the kitchen, bath and basement. This is because the higher moisture content in the air -- or even on the floor -- can cause the wood to ripple or buckle, which will destroy the flooring.



Because you can refinish a solid wood floor more times than you can an engineered wood floor, this flooring type lasts longer, helping balance some of the environmental problems associated with some wood floors.



If you have children or pets, then you may want to consider the durability factor of solid hardwood flooring in your decision. Most solid hardwood flooring will need to be professionally installed, so if you are a do-it-yourselfer, then this is something that you will want to keep in mind.



Deciding between engineered vs solid hardwood flooring is a decision that should be made carefully. In some cases, your budget will be the determining factor, but if at all possible, it is better to let other considerations make your decision for you. Consider the rooms that you will be installing the flooring in, the people who will be walking on and enjoying the floors, and what your dream flooring is to help you determine the winner between engineered vs. solid hardwood flooring.




Engineered Wood:

If you’re not sure hardwood flooring is best option for you, consider engineered hardwood. It is just as beautiful as natural hardwood, but it will maintain its shape much better.
ed wood floors refer to products that have multiple layers of wood veneer glued and pressed together. Engineered wood floors have layers of wood veneer that are cross-laminated for dimensional stability. These floors will be less affected by moisture than solid wood floors. Engineered wood floors can be installed on grade, below grade, or above grade in almost any room in the home. Engineered wood floors have several options of installing; nail down, staple down, glue down, and some can even be floated.

Engineered hardwood flooring is less expensive than solid hardwood. It made of a wood layers, but the layers below the surface are often composed of less expensive, stronger wood layers. The top layer is the decorative wood you have chosen for your home or office. Engineered hardwood flooring is also more environmentally friendly than solid hardwood floors because the sub-surface layers are made from "junk" or "scrap" wood, not the ornamental wood. This approach saves more forests because each tree of the desired ornamental wood can go further than it does with solid wood flooring.


Unlike solid hardwood flooring, engineered flooring can be installed in any room that you choose, even a basement, because it can withstand moisture due to the layers of flooring that withstand buckling and rippling. Engineered flooring can also be installed over radiant floor heating, which can keep your feet warm during those cold winter months. It's also easy to install and looks just as beautiful as hardwood flooring at a much better price that will fit almost anyone's budget.

You'll be able to get three to four resurfacings from most engineered hardwood floors. So it's not as long lasting as solid wood flooring, but it's a durable floor during its lifetime.

Request a quote instantly at http://www.starfloors.com


StarFloors primary manufacturers for hardwood floors are: Mohawk, Mannington, Anderson, and Trinity Hardwood. However, StarFloors can get any hardwood you desire.

Thank you Anderson for the stunning pictures in today's blog!
Call a StarFloors Professional Today!
Toll-Free: (866) 503-STAR (7827)