Infloormation

When it comes to the environment, our extensive use of wood and wood products can directly affect our planet’s forests. Only a few decades ago, consumers could never know if their wood floors were built from lumber that damaged this valuable global resource. Because of this, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was started in 1993 to set and certify standards of responsible harvesting of our world’s wood. Today, the organization is recognized in over 50 countries and by every major environmental group.

Now you can quickly assure yourself that your wood purchase is environmentally sound by buying only FSC-certified products. This will not limit your options. Many manufacturers and distributors proudly display their certification.

Wood with the FSC certification has not been cut in natural forests or other habitats around the world, has not been exposed to hazardous pesticides, and has not caused damage to any indigenous peoples. The United States Green Building Council relies on the FSC certification to ensure that wood products meet their standards.

It’s the small steps we make every day that will help protect our planet through the generations. You can be part of making the earth continue as a rich and healthy resource for all of us for generations to come by looking for wood floors, and other wood products, that have the FSC certification.

The big news in laminate flooring this year is Rustics Premium™ New England Long Plank, a dramatic line from Armstrong which offers a hand-scraped, oiled finish hardwood look and the longest laminate floor boards to date – over seven feet.

Called ‘New England Long Plank’ because it emulates the look of single plank, centuries-old reclaimed hardwood, the floor’s real-life counterpart would be extremely expensive.  The collection was inspired by today’s demand for a time worn look with a matte finish, minus the high price tag. These textural surfaces have the depth, feel and realistic looks of a well-worn floor.

“While the long plank, oiled finish look is gaining in popularity, a lot of people get locked out of this category because of price,” said Milton Goodwin, vice president, Armstrong Laminate & Ceramic.   “Long planks in real wood also can be challenging to install because of the potential for warping.  Our exclusive Lock&Fold® makes installation easier.”

With Lock&Fold the panels do not have to be tapped together; simply fit the tongue-and-groove panels together, fold them down and lock them into place.  The collection offers a 30-year residential and a 5-year light commercial warranty. Colors include Coastline Clam, Boston Tea, Maritime Gray, and River Boat Brown.

IT’S NOT JUST WOOD DESIGNS: NEW PRODUCTS EMULATE NATURAL STONES & CERAMICS

The new Armstrong Laminate Stones & Ceramics collection offers a Limestone in Linen Sand and Tawny Beige, as well as a new Slate inspired by Natural Vermont Slate, in five colors, including Ivory Sand, Pebble Dust, Ebony Mist, Natural Beige and Grey Stone.

Sure to be laminate’s next best seller, Weathered Way replicates the look of tumbled stone in a random block format.  It is available in four colors: Antique Cream, Euro Terracotta, Roman Grey and Earthen Copper.  All floors in the Stones & Ceramics collection can be installed using angle/angle installation; no glue required.

“With continued improvements in design and technology and a growing assortment of products, ranging from long planks and new looks in  stone and ceramic, Armstrong’s newest laminate innovations are ideally suited for people who are looking for high style at a great price,” said Goodwin.

The new collections are available now at flooring retailers nationwide. For general information, or to locate an Armstrong dealer, visit http://www.armstrong.com./flooring/products/laminate

Debating between Laminate or Hardwood Floors? Here are Some Questions to Consider.

Wood or laminate? Many people find themselves debating between these two choices. Although the look of the two is fairly similar, there are characteristics of each that will help you discover which is best for you.

As you are making your decision, consider your lifestyle, personal preferences and expectations. From a lifestyle standpoint, a home with children and pets – involving spills, furniture moving and rough play – may hold up better with a good-quality laminate. The strongest laminates withstand the challenges of a busy family and still continue to look good for several decades, and the only maintenance required will be a bit of damp mopping. Laminates also handle temperature and humidity shifts with no problems. On the other hand, while laminates are getting better and better at mimicking real wood, there is a difference due to the pattern repeats that are part of a laminate floor.

Wood floors are beautiful and warm up a home. Over the years, however, even a well-maintained floor will develop scratches, dents and some uneven fading from traffic and light. Many people find this a comfortable patina that adds character to a floor. Wood floors also require more maintenance – such as an immediate wiping up of any spills, and annual applications of wax or polyurethane. Wood floors are also more expensive than laminates, but can last much longer with several sanding-refinishing renewals.

As you make your decision, take the time to visit good-sized rooms with laminate floors, as well as rooms that have older wood floors. Also take the opportunity to talk with us. You will find that we can help you with the knowledge of latest products and insights into which choice will work best for you and your home.

Why hardwood? Hardwood has many advantages over other types of flooring. It’s a  floor type that gives a feeling that no other flooring can offer.

Hardwood captures the essence of home. Hardwood flooring evokes feelings of a solid, stable, safe haven, a place of comfort, coziness and calm.

Wood is beautiful, classic and timeless, rich and warm to the touch – yours!

Hardwood is durable by its very nature. Gathered from renewable forests, wood is strong and enduring. Solid-wood floors can last for 100+ years. And they’re an excellent insulator, holding in heat, holding down your fuel bill.

Hardwood offers a forest of choices. From Red and White Oak, American Cherry and Hard Maple to exotic Wenge or trendy Bamboo, there’s a species, surface, finish and stain to suit your style and pocketbook.

Hardwood has solid benefits regarding allergies. If you or your family has allergies, know that, properly maintained wood floors don’t give pollen, animal dander, dust or mold anyplace to hide. That’s nothing to sneeze about!

Hardwood is easy to clean. Those “oops moments” (grape Kool-Aid spill) are a breeze to clean up from a wood floor.

Hardwood is the king of added value. (And queen.) A recent survey by the National Wood Flooring Association stated that 90% of realtors said homes with wood flooring sold faster and for higher prices than other flooring.

To view images of hardwood in our online product catalog, click here.  To learn more about hardwood, click here.

The Atlantis collection of hand stained hardwoods offers four exotic style perfect for today’s sophisticated home. Royal Mahogany and Acacia are hand sculpted for added texture, while Sapele and Imperial Tigerwood are finished for a smooth, antique look. Today’s feature is Atlantis Acacia. Here are the details:

Style: Atlantis Acacia

Sizes available: 5″ width

Colors: Blush and Maple

Thickness: 1/2″

Edge Style: Full Bevel

Color Variation: High

Warranty: 25 Years

Installation types: Glue, Staple, Nail or Float

Click here to view this product in a room scene.

Why Mannington?

Mannington is the only U.S. manufacturer of residential and commercial flooring that offers all of these flooring solutions from a single source – hardwood, vinyl, porcelain ceramic tile, laminate, luxury vinyl tile and plank, commercial carpet, commercial resilient, advanced composite flooring, and performance backings. Fourth generation, family owned and professionally managed, Mannington has been nationally recognized as a genuine leader in product and design accomplishments, as well as operational excellence and environmental stewardship.

Reader Question:

I’m still trying to find a mop or some sort of brush that would do a good job on circle sawn flooring. I have pretty deep grooves in my flooring’s pattern, and have a hard time getting it cleaned up. I originally bought a Swiffer, and it takes about 6 sheets just to get up the surface dirt! Does Bona offer a more textured mop?

Julia from

Answer:

Julia,

Yes! Bona offers a textured mop. The most important thing to do first, is to vacuum the floor to remove as much dirt as you can. This will help make the Swiffer sheets  last a little longer or the Bona mop able to clean more without having to be washed. You should be able to see a difference when using  the Microfiber Dusting Pad because of the texture of the pad. Another thing that will help is to clean your floors more often so that each time there is not as much to try to remove. (not suggesting that you don’t clean often enough!) Circle sawn floors are stunning and we think worth the little bit of extra attention they require to keep them looking great.

Give these ideas a shot and let us know if this information helped you. Thanks for taking the time to send in your question.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Pierce Flooring

Anderson Hardwood Floors said it is one of the first hardwood flooring manufacturers to be awarded Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certification for all of its flooring.

The Greenguard Environmental Institute was founded in June of 2001 to establish a true third-party product certification program based on proven emissions standards and to provide specifying and procurement professionals with a resource for low-emitting products.

“We are pleased to welcome Anderson Hardwood Floors, as a participating manufacturer,” said Marilyn Black, founder of GEI.

To view Anderson products we carry, please visit our product catalog by clicking here.

There are so many myths out there about how to clean hardwood floors. Would you believe that some people use water (in a bucket) with a mop (word to the wise – wood and water are not friends!), shaving cream and we’ve even heard Windex! Each manufacturer is different, but you if you clean your hardwood floors with the wrong cleaner or worse multiple cleaners on top of each other you can void that nice long warranty that you received when you purchased your floors. Why not take the time to do it the right way? Not only will you have clean floors, but you will have properly cleaned and well maintained floors with an intact manufacturers warranty!

At Pierce Flooring, we use and recommend the Bona family of products. Bona offers wood cleaners that are safe for all residential hardwood floors that are safe for the environment as well as your family. Other products they offer include tile, laminate and stone cleaners, the proper mops you should be using to apply their cleaners.

Bona’s mission is “Bringing out the Best in Hardwood Floors.” They have been the world leader in hardwood floor finishing and floor care for over 90 years, combining luxury and convenience through a world-class product offering, designed specifically for you and your floors.

Maintaining your hardwood floors involves more than just cleaning. Be sure to use walk off mats at every exterior door to prevent dirt from being trapped on your shoes and entering your home where that dirt or sand can scratch the finish on your hardwood floors. Equally as important, keep the mats clean, too! Also, use chair protectors on chairs with legs. People don’t even think about the damage they do when they get out of a chair. One last tip, ask your guests to remove their high heels (when possible). The pressure of a woman in high heels can leave permanent dents in some species of wood floors.

Between the quality of Bona and the service you get at Pierce Flooring, what more could you ask for in a team?!?

Call us today at 877.525.0066 or come into see us to get the Bona product that is right for your floor.

If you are considering flooring for a child’s room or playroom there are some points to keep in mind. Kids spend a lot of time playing on the floor so you want it to be as comfortable as possible, but also as durable as possible.

Comfort is important criteria when considering flooring for areas with children. Carpet is a natural choice, but which type of carpet? You will want to choose a carpet with high soil and stain resistance, tightly twisted yarns and density of a minimum of 35-30 ounces. Frieze’s are a great choice because they hide traffic, wear well and are available in soft yarns that kids can play on for hours.

If you are considering hardwood floors, choose a floor with a naturally occurring grain such as oak, pecan, cherry or hickory that will minimize the appearance of dirt and scratches. Also, a satin or semi-gloss finish will help reduce the appearance of scratches or dents.If you already have hardwood floors, consider placing area rugs or bound pieces of carpet over the hardwood floors for added comfort.

When considering tile, you will want to choose larger size tiles in order to minimize grout joints and also consider placing area rugs or bound pieces of carpet over the floors for added comfort.

As far as durability, there are 2 things to consider when thinking about carpet versus hard surfaces. Carpet has a less expensive upfront cost, but may need to be replaced after several years of wear, tear and staining from children where hard surfaces have a higher upfront cost, but can handle more wear, tear and staining from children in the long run.

Call or visit your Pierce Flooring representative today to discuss what options are best for your home and your lifestyle. Or, feel free to browse our website for options before you call or come in.