Best Flooring For a Flip Property

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Flipping houses is hard work, but the return on investment on a flip property can be worth it. Houses that are ideal for flipping often have an outdated style with damaged materials and other cosmetic issues. Because many buyers prefer to purchase a home that is in move-in-ready condition, properties that are ideal for flipping may be undesirable to others. One of the more common ways that house flippers improve décor and value is by installing new flooring in most or all rooms of the home. This is because flooring has a dramatic impact on decor, ambiance and overall appeal. However, choosing the right materials for flooring and for all other improvement property projects will affect your return on investment.

Choosing a Suitable Property

The best time to think about the materials for a renovation project is before you finalize your purchase plans. Flipping is usually most cost-effective when the property only requires superficial or cosmetic enhancements. This includes replacing the flooring, painting the drywall, and tackling other similar projects. More significant efforts, such as replacing the roof, can dramatically increase cost and may reduce your overall return on investment. When you are touring potential homes to buy, you can also search for homes with materials that may be refinished rather than replaced. For example, refinishing a hardwood floor is often more cost-effective than installing a new hardwood floor.

Selecting the Right Materials for a Flip

Some of the most common types of flooring used when flipping a home are hardwood, carpet and tile. Everything from the color and style of the material to its cost and how easy it is to install should be taken into consideration. Because time is money when you are flipping a home, the immediate availability of the material should also receive your full attention. You also need to focus on the the décor of the home as well as the functionality of each room while selecting flooring. For example, installing carpeting in the kitchen or bathrooms may decrease the home’s appeal dramatically, and this could reduce your return on investment.

Optimizing Your Return on Investment on Your Property Flip

When selecting flooring and other materials for the renovation, your goal is to find the materials that offer the greatest financial return. This does not usually mean that you should install the most expensive materials that you can find. Everything from the appeal that a material has to a potential buyer to its ease of maintenance, its cost of installation and its impact on décor should be considered. Your goal is to choose a material that is desired by buyers and that is cost-effective to install.

Installing the Flooring Promptly

Whether you choose carpet, hardwood or other flooring materials, the installation time and cost must be taken into account. If you choose a material that you can install on your own, such as some types of hardwood or tile, you may save a small bundle on the total installation cost. This directly increases your return on investment. On the other hand, if the carpet or other types of flooring must be professionally installed, the total cost of the project increases. As a result, the return on investment decreases.

Finding Quality Materials with Competitive Prices

When you search for quality materials that bring true value to the home, everything from the cost of labor and materials to how coveted those materials are to prospective buyers should be reviewed collectively and comprehensively. Savings opportunities on different types of flooring materials will vary over time. With this in mind, you will need to conduct thorough research on current deals for different flooring types for each new project that you work on.

Installing new flooring in an older home with outdated style is a relatively fast and easy way to improve its ambiance and to erase years from its visible age. However, the right materials for the home as well as for the target buyer must be found, and these materials must be cost-effective to purchase and to install. You can begin exploring some of the wonderful possibilities available today for your next flipping project by browsing through online inventory.

Wool Area Rugs – Why We Love Them

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After installing a beautiful hardwood floor in your home, you understandably want to dress up the floor with the perfect area rug. The right area rug can enhance the ambiance in your home by buffering sounds, infusing the space with color, and more. However, with so many types of area rugs for you to consider, how can you know which rug is a good fit for your home?

For many homeowners, a wool area rug is the perfect option. Wool is a natural material that has numerous exceptional benefits. In fact, once you get to know more about its attributes, you may be ready to start searching for a new wool rug for your space.

The Versatility and Durability of Wool Area Rugs

A typical synthetic fiber will bend approximately 100 times before it breaks. Synthetic materials are also prone to staining, and they often must be specially treated with chemicals to reduce the likelihood of staining from spills and other mishaps. In comparison, wool has natural properties that make it highly stain resistant. Furthermore, wool fibers can bend up to 20,000 before you notice signs of wear. With this in mind, you can expect your next wool area rug to provide you with many years of low-maintenance use.

A Flame-Resistant Area Rug

Many people do not realize that wool is a naturally flame-resistant material. While it can burn, the fire must be very hot. More than that, the fire may burn much slower than the synthetic fibers would burn. Because of this, a wool area rug can actually elevate your family’s safety in relation to fire risks.

A Sustainable and Recyclable Material

Wool is a natural and sustainable material. While sheep grow thick wool coats to keep them warm in the winter, the coat must be removed in the warmer months for their temperature control and overall care. When you are ready to get rid of the rug, you can do so without guilt. This is because the material can be recycled. If it is tossed out, it is a biodegradable material that will break down relatively quickly.

The Positive Impact on the Home Environment

As is the case with other types of area rugs, a wool area rug will buffer sounds that may otherwise echo in a home with hardwood floors. Wool area rugs have other benefits on the home environment. Wool can naturally absorb some of the humidity in the home if the humidity level creeps higher. When the humidity level is very low, the wool can release some of the moisture to moderate the indoor environment.

The Natural Beauty of Wool Area Rugs

Wool is only one of several natural materials that are used to produce area rugs. In addition to its many unique benefits already mentioned, however, wool stands apart from other natural materials in the area of style. Because of wool’s unique composition, it holds brilliant and bold colors beautifully. It is also available in neutral or muted hues that are common with other natural materials. Because of the wide range of color options, you can enjoy the beauty of wool area rugs while achieving your design goals for your home.

Contact Classic Floor Designs

A wool area rug is a true investment that can elevate your home’s style, enhance its ambiance and provide years of hassle-free use. Before you select your next area rug, take time to explore some of the beautiful area rugs on the market today. Our associates at Classic Floor Designs are happy to answer your questions about wool area rugs and about other flooring materials. Call our team today, or connect with us online for further assistance with your flooring needs.

Hardwood Flooring Patterns: A Guide

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Hardwood Flooring Patterns

You love the idea of having hardwood floors in your home. But before your beautiful hardwood flooring can be installed, you must decide on the installation pattern. The pattern design selected will ultimately play a major role in the look of the finished project and the overall style in the room. There are six primary installation patterns that you should learn about before you finalize your decision. 

Straight

Through a straight installation design, the hardwood planks are installed either vertically or horizontally across the floor. Generally, they follow the direction of the longest wall in a smaller room or along the direction of the shortest wall in a larger room to take advantage of optical benefits. While this is a plain and common installation method, it continues to be popular because of its simplistic appeal. 

Diagonal  

If you prefer the long lines created by a straight design, a creative alternative is a diagonal installation method. The diagonal design generally runs at a 45-degree angle from the walls, but you can take creative license with the severity of the angle. Because of the precision needed to cut each board precisely, this design requires the skills of an experienced floor installer. 

Random 

The random design can be used in conjunction with straight or diagonal installation methods. While the straight and diagonal methods use boards with comparable dimensions, the random installation method uses boards with different lengths and widths. This results in a floor with fascinating personality.

Parquet Pattern


The parquet design may also be referred to as a brick design. It is appropriately named because the wood slats are cut into small pieces with equal lengths. These pieces are laid in a manner that visually creates square shapes. The flow of the slats alternates for a stunning and interesting visual effect.

Basket Weave 

A variation of the parquet design is the basket weave style. It incorporates small square pieces surrounded by longer wood planks. The unique design creates a woven look that is both sophisticated and interesting. This type of installation design generally looks best when wood with deep color variations is used. 

Chevron 

The chevron design is both classic and increasingly popular in modern décor. The wood planks are installed in a V-shaped pattern that zigzags across the room boldly. The overall look of the design can be adjusted by the number of boards used in each V-shaped angle and by the dimensions of the boards. 

Herringbone 

The herringbone design is visually similar to the chevron pattern with one significant difference. The boards in the chevron design have mitered edges. The herringbone’s boards are not mitered. Like the chevron design, the herringbone look is visually fascinating. However, it may be slightly easier to install because no mitering is required. 

Hardwood Flooring Style Selection Tips

With many beautiful design possibilities to consider for your upcoming floor installation project, how can you make the right decision for your space? While the overall look of the design is a matter of personal preference, you should keep in mind the shape of the room and the overall line of sight from common entryways. In addition, the installation recommendations from the manufacturer may reveal helpful insight. Your budget may also play a role in the design that you select. More complicated designs require more skill and time. Designs with more cuts may require the use of more materials. 

Are you eager to see a beautiful improvement to your home’s décor? At Classic Floor Designs, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. During an initial consultation, we can help you to review the beautiful hardwood materials that may work well with the look that you have in mind. To schedule a consultation with one of our designers, contact Classic Floor Designs today.

 

How to Remove Wine Stains from Flooring 

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Few things can ruin a relaxing evening at home more quickly than a red wine spill. Red wine is well-known for causing permanent stains, so you may understandably believe that your floor is ruined after a mishap. However, whether your red wine spill is on carpet or wood flooring, you may be able to prevent permanent damage if you act quickly and use the right techniques.

Soak Up the Liquid Immediately

Regardless of the floor type, the most important first step is to soak up as much of the red wine as possible. Grab a roll of paper towels, and start blotting up the wine. Continue doing so with clean paper towels until all liquid has been absorbed. You should never scrub or even wipe the red wine. Doing so could cause the red wine to penetrate deeper into the material. This can make it more difficult to remove the stain.

If you are dealing with carpet stains, diluting the stain with clean water is helpful. Pouring a substantial amount of water on the stain can cause the damage to spread. To prevent this from happening, blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Then, add a small amount of clean water to the stain. Blot up the liquid again, and repeat this process until you cannot extract any more wine through the effort.

Strategies to Remove Wine Stains from Carpet

The specific composition of your carpet will affect which stain removal method is best for your situation. Because carpeting varies so dramatically, always consult with the manufacturer to get removal recommendations before you get started. If your carpet manufacturer does not have specific instructions for red wine stain removal, you can try a few different options depending on the supplies that you have on hand.

One option to remove red wine stains from carpet is to use a combination of detergent and white vinegar. Mix a few drops of a cleaning detergent with a cup of water. Apply this to the stain. Allow it to penetrate the stain for a few minutes. Then, blot the liquid. The next step for this process is to apply undiluted white vinegar to the stain. Cover the stain with a thick blanket of clean paper towels. Apply a book or something equally heavy on top of the paper towels so that they can absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Allow the vinegar and paper towels to remain in place overnight.

Another option to remove wine stains from carpet is to use a baking soda paste. Mix the baking soda and water together to create a thick paste. The amount needed will vary based on the size of your stain. Apply the paste thickly over the stain. Once the paste has completely dried, vacuum the remnants. If you notice any remaining discoloration from the red wine, use a stain removal product that is suitable for use with your carpet type.

Tips to Remove Red Wine Stains from Wood Floor

Red wine that remains on wood floor for more than a few minutes can cause staining as well. The stains may be more pronounced on light-colored floors. After you have thoroughly dried up as much of the wine as possible, clean the floor with Murphy’s soap or another oil soap. Mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the label. Scrub the stained area until the stain has been removed.

You can also try to remove red wine stains from your wood floor using mineral oil and baking soda. Using these supplies, make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain. After it has thoroughly dried out, use a clean cloth to remove the debris. If these efforts do not work, the floor may need to be refinished.

Contact the Professionals

At Classic Floor Designs, we want our customers to enjoy their home’s flooring. While red wine stains can be removed from carpet and wood floors in many cases, there are instances when replacing the floor is a better strategy. Contact Classic Floor Designs today to explore the many beautiful possibilities available for your home.

What’s the Difference between Berber, Frieze, and Plush carpeting?

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Deciding between Berber, Frieze and plush carpet for your upcoming carpet installation project is not an easy feat. These are all beautiful styles with extensive benefits and undeniable appeal. However, they have unique benefits that you need to understand before you select a gorgeous material that is a good fit for your expectations and lifestyle at home.

Exciting Variations in Carpet Styles

Wool and nylon are popular materials used to make many types of luxury carpets today. The material used to make your carpet can impact stain resistance, wear and other factors. In addition to the differences in materials, there are variations in the thickness of the pile, if the loops are cut or intact and more. These and other variations affect everything from the look and feel of the carpeting to its longevity, its ability to hide dirt and more. Because the more popular styles of carpeting in homes today are Berber, Frieze and plush, a detailed review of these options is the next step in your search for new carpet for your home.

Berber Carpet

Berber carpet has a unique look thanks to its closed-loop design. The loops have a tight weave, and this makes Berber carpet highly durable against wear from foot traffic. The design also has reduced absorbency. Because of this, you will have more time to clean spills before they are set in the carpet. The loops also may feel soft and cushy underneath your bare feet.

Berber carpet does have some disadvantages. For example, the closed loops can snag easily, and this damage creates a frayed, worn look. Generally, Berber carpet is not practical for homes with children or pets for this reason.

Frieze Carpet

Frieze carpet, on the other hand, has an open-loop design. The tufts are wound tighter than with the traditional plush carpet that you may be familiar with, and the piles are cut to create an ultra-soft surface. The unique design of Frieze carpet results in the fibers laying in a haphazard fashion rather than straight up. As a result, Frieze carpet is ideal for rooms with heavy foot traffic. The carpet shows minimal signs of wear, and it also will not show vacuum marks. Because of these factors, the flooring may look clean and well-maintained for a longer period of time.

Plush Carpet

Like Frieze, plush carpet has open loops. The pile is available in a wide range of heights, and this impacts the overall softness of the material underneath your feet. An important difference between plush and Frieze carpet is that plush carpet is sheared evenly during the manufacturing process. All of the piles are one height and stand erect. As a result, plush carpet will show foot and vacuum marks more easily. Nonetheless, plush carpet can be durable in high-traffic areas when a quality material is selected.

Choosing Carpet for Your Home

Most styles of carpet may look gorgeous in your home immediately after installation, but you want your carpet to continue enhancing the ambiance for many years to come. While color and style are undeniably important factors to consider when choosing new carpet, think about the type of traffic that the specific area of your home will receive. Will the carpet be exposed to mild foot traffic or heavy pet traffic? Are spills and stains likely? After defining these factors, narrow down the options based on your budget and style preferences.

Learn More about the Beautiful Carpet Options Today

At Classic Floor Designs, we are your full solution for quality home flooring. The many carpet styles available for you to explore in our current inventory include Frieze, Berber, plush, and many more. Contact Classic Floor Designs by calling (202) 872-9860, or connect with us online for more information about the beautiful flooring options available for your home.

2021 Home Design Trends

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Today’s homes multi-task as offices, school rooms, and play areas. The latest home design trends aim to support these functions while still delivering fabulous style. Top 2021 trends in design cover the gamut from hardwood floors to lighting. If you’re spending more time at home, you’ll love this list of ideas for updating and refreshing your space.  

Go Luxe With Navy Blue

In the past, designers used black accent walls, furnishings, and fixtures to lend glamour and sophistication to a living area. In 2021, navy blue is the new black for interior designs. Navy appears softer than black and coordinates with many colors without looking too harsh.  

Navy blue enhances both contemporary and traditional living rooms. You’ll find the color splashed on accent walls with paint or pretty wallpaper prints. Get a thoroughly modern living room makeover with chairs and sofas that are upholstered in this velvety, rich color. 

Brighten Rooms With Light Floors

You can’t broach the subject of interior design without challenging your flooring choices. If you love modern elements for your home, our designers recommend lighter flooring options. Light-colored floors work well with Scandinavian-style furnishings and fixtures. They also give industrial living areas a more spacious and bright look. 

When creating modern interior designs, hard floors take center stage. You’ll see sealed concrete and natural stone tile floors throughout 2021’s modern homes. Hardwood flooring is a classic option that never goes out of style, and it has a wide appeal with both homeowners and home shoppers. Some hot hardwood species to consider for 2021 include white oak, birch, and ivory maple. 

Modern Rustic Design Combos

If you and your spouse bicker about the benefits of modern over rustic interior design, 2021 can be a game changer for your relationship and your home’s look. Home design experts mix modern and rustic furnishings and fixtures for distinctive design combinations in 2021. There are several ways that you can get the look without making your home a total construction site. 

If your spouse won and you’re starting with a completely modern living area, add some rustic elements to the space such as a sliding barn door, rough-hewn wood sconces, or a hand-made, glass-topped wooden table. Many modern spaces rely on bright, white walls as a backdrop for minimalist drama. By adding elements of dark, natural wood, you give the space a pleasant surprise with color contrasts and texture mixes.

Completely rustic spaces benefit from modern touches as well. The best way to pull off this look is by introducing sleek, natural elements into the space. Consider incorporating things such as stainless steel countertops, shiny metal-framed side tables, and lots of glass.    

Get Glowing With Hidden Lighting

Lighting is the unsung hero of great interior design. With the right lights, you can make a space appear larger or smaller than it really is. You can also create a warm, elegant ambiance for a space, which is desired in both modern and traditional designs. Hidden lights top the list of 2021 trends in home lighting.  

Hidden lighting goes beyond the standard recessed lights of the past. You’ll often see diffused, soft light coming from above a fixture or from its side, but you can’t see the source of the light. Hidden lights such as positional luminaries and multi-level lighting are found integrated into ceilings, walls, and floors. 

Bring Indoor Comforts Outdoors

Our current pandemic situation makes a comfortable outdoor living area a must-have part of any interior design in 2021. Even if you don’t have the space or the budget for a complete outdoor living room, you can still enjoy the trend with a few decorative, weather-proof chairs, comfortable textiles, and some paint. Consider painting your porch a soothing color that you would see in an interior room such as slate blue or one that’s found in nature such as forest green. Adorn chairs with cheerful-looking cushions, lay out some textured throw rugs, and grab a cup of your favorite herbal tea for a delightful getaway without getting away.   

Improve Productivity With More Storage Cabinets

If you’re working from home and/or home-schooling children, your quality of life can be affected if you’re not organized. A top 2021 trend in home design is adding more storage cabinets in your living and work spaces. By installing storage cabinets that match your room’s decor, you’ll declutter, reclaim space, improve your concentration, and increase your room’s aesthetic appeal.   

Indulge in Sustainable Minimalism

Two of interior designers’ top loves have come together to form a leading home design trend for 2021. Minimalism in furniture, fixtures, and architectural design isn’t going anywhere in 2021. However, it’ll have a sustainable twist. You’ll find light fixtures with simple lines that are made of recycled materials. Cork and bamboo floors are set to be favorite options for those who want to incorporate sustainable minimalism design elements into their homes in 2021. 

Conclusion

Quality flooring is the foundation of every distinctive interior design. Whether you’re the parent of a toddler who needs soft carpet for her first steps or you’re a senior who has a passion for exotic hardwood floors, Classic Floor Designs delivers on quality, style, and function. Call us today at 202-872-9860 to schedule your free design consultation. 

 

Solid Hardwood vs Ceramic Tile with a Wood Look: The Pros and Cons

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Do you love the sophistication and warmth of solid hardwood floor but are also intrigued by the idea of ceramic tiles that look like wood? Hardwood flooring is a popular upgrade that homeowners prefer, but it has a few downsides. Increasingly, homeowners are drawn to ceramic tile that has a wood look. Because of advances in the design and manufacturing of ceramic and porcelain tile in recent years, tiles mimic the look of solid hardwood. While you may not be able to initially tell the difference between the hardwood floors and wood-like tiles, there are critical difference that may influence your decision.

Pros and Cons of Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is incredibly durable when it is properly maintained. Because it can be refinished numerous times, it can remain a desirable, attractive feature in your home for decades. It is generally one of the more expensive types of flooring materials to install overall, but the longevity of hardwood flooring makes it a great investment.

In addition to being long-lasting, solid hardwood flooring is available in a wide range of styles. The species of wood, the stain color and even the surface finish all impact the style of the flooring. With so many options, there are likely several that would look amazing in your home. Aesthetically, hardwood flooring often makes a home feel more spacious and warmer at the same time. Compared to ceramic tile, it is more comfortable to walk on as well. Because of its broad appeal, it generally adds value and appeal to the home that can be recouped when you sell the house later.

However, solid hardwood flooring is not the perfect material for all areas of the home. Hardwood flooring is prone to scratching, such as from pets’ nails or from moving furniture. Exposure to standing water and even high levels of humidity can damage the wood as well. While solid hardwood flooring can be refinished many times before it needs to be replaced, the fact that it shows wear and damage easily is not ideal for some homeowners. Here at Classic Floor Designs, we prefer hardwood flooring in most areas of the home with the exception of bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements that may flood or have high humidity.

What to Expect from Ceramic Tile with a Wood Look

Ceramic tile can be produced to mimic the look of a wide range of high-end materials, and this includes solid hardwood flooring. In fact, ceramic tile with a wood look is available with smooth, hand-scraped and woodgrain surfaces. Whether you are searching for a material that looks like bamboo, cherry wood or other popular wood materials, you can likely find it in the many ceramic tile options.

While ceramic tile with a wood look delivers all of the aesthetic benefits of true hardwood flooring, this material has the physical traits of ceramic tile. It is resistant to damage from water exposure. Because of this, it can safely be used in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Pets’ toenails and furniture will not scratch it. Because it is tile, however, it can crack if a heavy or sharp object falls on it. Compared to solid hardwood, it may feel slightly harder and cooler under your feet.

Tile is more affordable than solid hardwood flooring in many cases. However,  installation usually takes longer because of the mortaring, grouting and sealing processes. Another difference between solid hardwood and wood-like tiles is that grout lines will show between the tiles. To ensure that your flooring has a true wood look, you can stain the grout to match the wood. You can also use a thin grout width to reduce the appearance of the grout lines.  Many people skip this step, but in order to maintain the integrity of the tiles the grout needs to be sealed annually. However, depending on the level of traffic in specific areas the timing of when to seal may differ. We recommend sealing grout every six months in high traffic areas and every two years in low traffic areas.

Contact Us

Do you want to explore some of the beautiful flooring options available for your home? At ClassicFloorDesigns.info, we have a large selection of solid hardwood and ceramic tile with a wood look for you to discover. Browse through the possibilities on our website, and feel free to reach out to us by phone at (202)872-9860 for personalized assistance.

Classic Floor Designs Answers the Top 10 Questions about Hardwood Floors

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Hardwood Floors Are More Popular Than Ever

If you love the idea of having hardwood floors in your home you’re not alone.  In fact, hardwood flooring is so popular, the wood flooring market is expected to register a growth rate of 4.8% from 2018 to 2024. Whether you’re making the switch to hardwood floors or wishing to revamp your existing flooring, the professionals at Classic Floor Design are here to help.

So you’re ready to get started, but you’re not sure what you’re looking for when it comes to the ins and outs of hardwood flooring options.  Here are 10 frequently asked questions we hear a lot related to installing or refinishing hardwood floors.

Which Wood Species Is Best?

Simply put, your personal preference will determine what the best option is for you. To achieve a cozier aesthetic, we recommend going with oak or hickory. If you’re more interested in establishing an open, airy atmosphere, maple or ash will do the trick. No matter your style, we’ll help steer you in the right direction.

Prefinished Vs. Unfinished: What’s The Difference?

Much like its name suggests, prefinished hardwood floors are sealed with multiple coats of finish in advance. Aluminum oxide, which is the second hardest substance after diamond, is included in the final coats to ensure optimal protection. Meanwhile, unfinished floors are finished after the installation. Aluminum oxide isn’t used because the particles within would sink to the bottom of the finish.

Can A Hardwood Floor Be Floated?

A floating hardwood floor refers to a floor that doesn’t need to be glued or nailed to the subfloor. Some prefer this method because it allows the wood floors to change based on the room’s humidity without buckling. A solid hardwood floor can’t be floated, but an engineered hardwood floor can.

Are Wood Floors Worth It?

As hardwood floor installation experts, we’re well aware of how beneficial this flooring solution can be. In addition to increasing the value of your home or building, wood floors are also easy to maintain. Best of all, they’re durable, customizable, and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

Will Pets Ruin The Hardwood?

Depending on the pet you have, you may want to consider a more durable hardwood floor. Bigger, more playful dogs will warrant more protection, while an outdoor cat won’t be much of a problem. We recommend using the Janka hardness test to determine what type of wood will hold up against your pet. Between this proven method and our industry insight, we’ll help you make the ideal selection.

How Do I Prevent Wood Floors From Fading?

Much like cheese, wood floors get better with age. In other words, while it’s essential to care for your hardwood floors, they do an excellent job preserving themselves. To increase their life span and prevent fading, periodically move furniture, rugs, etc. to limit their exposure to the sun.

Can A Hardwood Floor Be Installed Over A Concrete Slab?

Thinner wood floors can be installed over concrete, but standard wood floors shouldn’t be because excessive moisture can cause swelling and contracting. Engineered hardwood would also work because it’s less likely to expand and warp over concrete.

When’s The Best Time To Install Wood Floors?

Unless you’re building or restoring a home or property, any time is a good time to install wood floors. Otherwise, you’ll want to wait until the renovations are nearly complete before moving forward. Installing wood floors prematurely makes them more susceptible to damage.

To Sheen Or Not To Sheen?

Once again, this is entirely up to you. A gloss finish will deliver a shiny finished look and reflect the greatest amount of light. A semi-gloss finish will produce the same effects, but they’ll be subtler. For the lowest level of shine, a matte or satin finish will be your best bet.

How Much Do I Have To Order?

For your peace of mind, we suggest ordering about 10 percent more wood flooring than is needed. Ordering the exact amount is ill-advised because you’ll need extra to account for corners, stairs, doors, etc. By purchasing more than you need, you’ll have enough when it’s time to trim, cut, and fit the floors into your desired space. At Classic Floor Designs, we’ve mastered the art of hardwood installation. No matter your questions or concerns, we’re qualified to answer and address them. Give us a call today at 202-872-9860 to see how we can assist with your installation needs. If you prefer, you can also fill out our online form by following this link.

Home Office – How to Create a Productive Space

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Home Office

Now that so many of us are working from home (WFH), more and more people are looking into how to create a dedicated, productive home office space. Aesthetics is an important factor, particularly as it relates to cleanliness and neatness, while other factors such as colors used and types of flooring, whether its hardwood floors and/or carpet play significant roles as well. A look at the long term is essential as you’ll likely spend a considerable amount of time in your home office.

Importance of Seclusion

If you have the flexibility, it’s important to have a workspace that’s set aside from any hustle and bustle that’s otherwise occurring in your home. If you’re able to have a closed door between you and others, take advantage of it. One of the most important factors in a person’s productivity is their ability to focus, so anything that you can do to help you focus is preferred.

With that said, make the best of your situation. If there’s no way to be in seclusion, which is the case for many, do your best to create your own bubble to keep things separated. Putting earphones in often helps as white noise or music can keep you focused while doing so also gives a visual indication that you shouldn’t be interrupted. Regardless of the setting of your home office, ensure that others know when it’s work time for you versus when you’re free to talk.

A Must Have: An Ergonomic Chair

If you take just one thing away from this article, it should be this: get an ergonomic chair. You’re probably going to be spending a considerable amount of time sitting at your desk, and you want your chair to be comfortable. An ergonomic chair will help to keep you from developing back, neck and other issues. Also look into securing an ergonomic desk.

Compactness Over Style

If your space is limited, keep in mind that compactness should be your focus over any style-related decisions. You must be able to enjoy mobility and have a chair, desk, and related items that allow you to easily access everything you need.

Personalize Your Home Office Space

Regardless of how much space you’re working with, personalize your area. That’s not only related to things such as which colors to use, but also items that help you feel productive and calm. Photographs of beautiful areas and your loved ones is a good option. Another is houseplants. Meanwhile, some like to have one or more inspirational quotes printed and visible while they work. Not only is physical comfort important, but so is emotional comfort.

Your view is important as well. If you have the option to, consider if you want to look out your window or if you believe that you’d be more efficient if you’re facing a wall instead. Also consider the effect of sunlight in your eyes or, if coming from behind you, on your screen. If you will be on many video conference calls, lighting is important. Additionally, remember to also take into account what’s in your background since others will be able to see that on your screen.

Importance of Tidiness

Ensuring that your work area is kept clean and tidy will help your productivity. That’s because having the visual of papers scattered around, empty cups sitting here and there and office supplies no longer being set up in an organized manner consciously or subconsciously affects our frame of mind and our ability to focus.

Home Office Layout

Your home office color palette for your office furniture as well as on your office walls and adjacent areas will help set the tone. You want to use colors that soothe and help you narrow your focus. If you cannot decide on which to use and are looking for inspiration, consider that blue has been viewed as a calming color that encourages productivity, green helps people work longer hours while remaining efficient, and yellow sparks optimism and creativity.

Avoid sensory overload, which often results when too many items, colors, or patterns are included in your workspace. It’s important that the colors of your office furniture blend with each other and with the walls and floor.

With regards to your flooring, consider whether you prefer hardwood floors, carpet, or a combination. Hardwood floors can provide the coloring that you’re looking for as well as be durable and safe. Conversely, maybe carpet or an area rug fits the vision that you have for your home office. Regardless of which you choose, ensure that you use flooring that’s durable and will last.

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If you’d like assistance with your flooring, contact us! Our Classic Floor Designs flooring experts are happy to answer your questions and help you create the best workspace possible.

 

Five Tips for Your Floors During the Summer

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As summer begins, people around the country are welcoming warmer weather. While your flooring may be down a few notches on your list of t0-do priorities, it’s still important to protect your floors from being damaged over the summer. Increasing heat and humidity accompanied by wear and tear can cause your floors serious harm. Below, we’ve compiled some tips to prevent that from happening.

Protect your Hardwood from Sunlight

UV rays can easily cause color deterioration in hardwood. Shutting your blinds, drapes, or shutters can keep your home cool and prevent UV damage. If your home has horizontal blinds, simply tilt them upwards. This directs the sunlight up towards your walls and ceilings instead of down on your hardwood floors. You can also use large area rugs in the parts of your home that are exposed to significant amounts of sunlight. 

Regulate Humidity

Wood responds to humidity by expanding and contracting. Failing to keep your home at a consistent level can cause your hardwood to warp. Keeping your home’s humidity level between 35% and 55% is a good practice. Using a dehumidifier may also be necessary in areas with natural high humidity, but otherwise, regulating your home’s temperature with air conditioning should be enough to keep your hardwood safe.

Use Doormats 

Homes typically see as much or more in and out traffic during the summer months. This leads to mud, dirt, and sand being easily tracked into your home. Even trace amounts being tracked in can damage the finish of your hardwood. A doormat conveniently located at all outside entrances is a simple way to prevent that from happening.

Vacuum and Sweep

As much as we try to avoid it, outside substances will undoubtedly make their way into your home. Consistent sweeping and vacuuming around your home can add years on the life of your floors. It’s important to follow a two step process: sweep with a broom, then vacuum the same areas, at least once a week.

Use the Right Cleaning Products 

Some products can strip your hardwood of its shine, damage the wood, and lead to faster aging. Harsh and damaging cleaning product chemicals will exacerbate the damage to your floors. Always make sure to do proper research on the products you use for your floor.

Contact Us

Contact us today to get in touch with a Classic Floor Designs expert. We are here to help make your next project come to life! With over 40 years of experience, Classic Floor Designs provides hardwood floors, wool and nylon carpet, carpet, area rugs, leather, cork, exotics, and green flooring services to residential flooring, commercial flooring and government clients in the DC area.