Is It Better to Repair Scratches in Hardwood Flooring Yourself or Let the Experts?

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Wondering if you should refinish your hardwood flooring yourself or bring in flooring professionals to fix scratches and more is not an uncommon situation to be in. Contrary to what a quick Google search may tell you, the pros of a self-refinish do not outweigh the cons of hiring a professional. We’ve compiled a quick list of problems our clients have run into when they’ve attempted a DIY (Do-it-yourself) refinish for their hardwood flooring.

Lower Quality Finished Product

You gather all the materials needed, watch hours of tutorials on fixing scratches in your hardwood flooring on YouTube, maybe ask a couple of friends to tag along, and now you are finally ready to get started. Unless one of your buddies is a professional carpenter, you’re already at a disadvantage. Just watching a few hours of videos doesn’t make you a professional. You are bound to run into problems, especially if this is your first time refinishing hardwood. These problems, however minor they may seem, tend to stack up.

The machine experts use to refinish floors can cost upwards of $20,000. Even a higher end machine, rented from a hardware store such as Home Depot, can’t measure up to what a professional would bring to the job. Calculate the cost of all equipment you may need, including goggles, masks, gloves, and knee pads, and you may already be better off hiring flooring professionals. Keep in mind that any mistakes made by a hired professional be corrected at no extra cost to you, while any damage you cause yourself will come right out of your pocket.

The Finish Will Not Last as Long

 Sanding scratches out of your floor is a delicate art. If any error occurs during the process, the stain and polyurethane may not adhere properly. This could put the longevity of your finish at risk, limiting its lifespan to only two to four years. Using a professional service, you can expect your finish to last seven to ten years. Any cost saving you thought you had, could be lost.

It Will Take Longer

Someone with experience will obviously complete a task faster than someone without it. Flooring professionals typically take around a day to sand and refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood. Homeowners attempting to do it on their own could take three to five times longer. After adding in the cost of renting equipment, you may start to wish you had put that money toward hiring professionals.

Verdict: Hire a Professional

We get it. The cost of refinishing and fixing scratches in your floor can be daunting and it is natural to have a DIY, cost-saving mindset. But the truth is, we’ve heard one too many horror stories from clients who initially tried to do it themselves. Give us a call for a completely free consultation at (202) 872-9860. Classic Floor Designs has over 40 years experience in the DC metro area and would love to put that experience to work for your next hardwood flooring project.

 

 

The Best Flooring for Your Condo

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The flooring in your condo may not fit your aesthetic.  Old carpet or worn out hardwood will not satisfy most of us.  You may be surprised to hear that a simple renovation or replacement of your flooring can increase the value of your house by far more than the cost of service. And even if you are not putting your condo on the market, never settle for a style that doesn’t suit you. Join us as we will go over different types of flooring available for your space.

Hardwood

Hardwood is the most desirable, but also the most expensive flooring. For those with hardwood flooring that is getting old and looking dingy, consider a finishing or restoration. Popular types of hardwood flooring include Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Bamboo. Once installed, hardwood is known for its durability and transformative effect on the space. Whether its purpose is a powerful selling-point or revamping the flooring you have always dreamed of, let us help you every step of the way.

Carpet

Although falling in popularity to hardwood, carpet remains a great option for your condo. Many chose to install hardwood in areas like the kitchen and living room while having carpet installed in their bedrooms and dens. Carpet also serves as a noise dampener, so many high-rise condos may require carpeting at least in certain parts of the flooring. With so many colors and styles to choose from, feel free to contact us for a specialist who can help you find exactly what you need.

Cork

Cork is an under-rated material for flooring. Its unique look can make your space stand out from others with its unique texture and feel. Cork, even more so than carpet, provides sound absorption. The final product is a tough, sustainable, water-resistant, resilient floor.

Stone and Tile

Stone and tile work great in kitchens and bathrooms. They are extremely durable, easy to clean, and provide a great accent to appliances. Condos in areas with warmer climates have increasingly laid down stone and tile throughout the entire space, opting for a simpler look with an area rug or two laid down. Stone and tile repel heat, as opposed to carpet, which absorbs it.

Leather

Leather is another under-rated flooring option that is becoming popular for spaces that are exposed to little sunlight. Unlike hardwood floors, wear and tear on leather floors can give it an enhanced appeal. It works well in spaces that blend living rooms and kitchens together, as well as bedrooms. You will be surprised at the magnificent patterns leather flooring can provide.

Contact Us for Your Condo Flooring

Classic Floor Designs employs specialists for all the types of flooring listed above. With 40+ years of flooring experience in the DC metropolitan area, we will make sure your vision for your condo comes to fruition. Even if you are in an exploratory phase of your planning, call us at (202) 872-9860 for a FREE consultation!

Spring Cleaning Your Floors

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It’s that time of year again! Even if you have been doing regular upkeep of your floors over those winter months, a good deep clean will keep your floors in tip-top shape. Save yourself time and money by following a weekly cleaning regimen! This article will give you some tips on how to freshen up your hardwood, carpet, and tile.

Hardwood

A weekly sweeping or vacuuming of your hardwood floors should be enough to keep it nice. Make sure you are getting to any excess dirt or spillage immediately to prevent long term damage. For your spring cleaning, we would recommend breaking out a mop and some hardwood flooring cleaner. This can be an arduous task for those of you with hardwood in most rooms of your house or apartment, but it will be well worth it. Steps like these can go a long way in delaying an expensive replacement or refinishing that comes with age.

Carpet 

The same weekly vacuuming rule applies to your carpet floors, as well as an even bigger emphasis on immediately getting to dirt and stains. Many people forget to upkeep their carpets and end up paying hundreds of dollars for steam cleaning or thousands for replacement before its necessary. Plan on steam cleaning your carpet about once a year to make it last. You can get away with waiting longer, but also remember that renting a steamer or buying your own can be a cheaper alternative.

Tile

Tile may be one of the easier types of flooring to clean, but it is still just as important to keep it clean. Mold and mildew are big threats to your tile floors, particularly in damp places in your home like a bathroom or mud room. A weekly mopping of this space prevents build up and keeps tile from losing its coloring. Avoid using steam mops or detergent/soap as these can damage the flooring.

Beyond Repair?

 No matter how much time you put into keeping your flooring pristine, there comes a time to get a replacement or call in the professionals. At Classic Floor Designs, our team has over 40 years of experience in the Washington DC area. If you think its time to replace or refinish your flooring, give us a call at (202) 872-9860 for a FREE consultation!

 

 

 

How to Choose the Best Area Rug

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While we often overlook rugs in our everyday spaces, they play a huge role in the look and feel of the room. And it’s no easy decision to pick one out, especially if you already have your furniture in place. Size, texture, color, pattern, and shape are not the only things to keep in mind during your search. Here are some tips on picking out that perfect rug.

Functionality

How will this rug be used? Rugs have a different purpose depending on the room, whether it be a living room, bedroom, den, office, etcetera. You might want to go for more glamour in a highly visible room such as your living room, while a bedroom might be a place for a comfier rug. And never forget about color! That white rug is the perfect fit until a flimsy glass of wine or toddler gets to it.

Proportions

Attempting to fit a rug to an entire room can dwarf the space. Instead, try and fit the rug to a more confined space like the seating area in a living room. This allows the rug to “anchor” the room. A good example of this is a round rug. Placing the seating area around the edges of the rug can create an aesthetically pleasing, while also practical, style. As far as a rule of thumb? Most follow Lohnes’ rule: choose a rug that is two feet shorter than the smallest wall in the room.

Layering

If you haven’t built up your room yet, it’s a great idea to start with a rug. Pick a rich color like burgundy or indigo to start, then build from there. It becomes more of a challenge to place a rug in a space currently without one, but that’s a perfect excuse to call in the experts. In fact, we offer a free in-store design consultation. So if designing a room isn’t one of your strong suits, you have nothing to fear, and it may turn out to be much easier than you think.

Feel

It is very important to come in to see and feel a rug in person before buying. You will never know if you love a rug until you see it in person, can feel the texture for yourself, and envision it in your home. The area rugs we offer include flat weave, hand-knotted Tibetan, skin rugs, needlepoint, and oriental. Each is unique, and we can guarantee you’ll find one that works great with your space. And you want to make the right choice the first time by going to a quality rug dealer. After all, this is something you will have to see and interact with on a daily basis.

Contact Us

Our showroom is conveniently located in Washington D.C. Call us at (202) 872-9860 to set up your FREE in-store designer consultation today!

How Long Do Hardwood Floors Last?

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Hardwood floors is the most popular style of flooring for homeowners in the United States. The timeless look and feel add value and spirit to any home. However, the question of longevity always comes to mind before any hardwood installation. This article will provide insight on just that, while also exploring how to keep your new hardwood floor in top shape as time goes by.

Proper care = Longer life

With proper care and upkeep, hardwood floors can last a lifetime. Even if you do not take the best care of your floor, hardwood still blows carpet out of the water if you are looking for longevity. While carpet has to be completely replaced every ten or so years, hardwood only requires a refinishing or recoating after extensive and visible wear and tear. This could mean over a decade before you need to worry. To gauge how well you are taking care of your hardwood flooring, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I routinely clean my hardwood floors with the proper supplies?
  • Do I immediately clean up any spills?
  • Do you prevent your pets from scratching at or wearing down your floor?
  • Is your furniture properly padded to prevent indentations?

If you answered yes to these then you are in good shape! After installation, it is critical for the homeowner to take good care of the floor and treat it like the valuable asset it is.

When should I refinish?

Refinishing does not have to be a necessity. Many homeowners never refinish their hardwood, choosing to live with the sight of wear and tear. Depending on how much stress you put on your floor, it may be cheaper to go with a recoating than a full refinish. A recoating gives your hardwood that original “pop” it had when it was first installed. To keep that same new look, plan on a recoat every five or so years. Refinishing is recommended after over ten years. At that point floors with heavy traffic may begin to lose color or warp. If you still are not sure, you can always call Classic Floor Designs for a consultation.

Experienced Installers

Deciding who installs your floor is just as important as deciding the style and finish. If your hardwood is laid improperly, you could encounter premature wear and tear or even damage that could need professional repair. Classic Floor Designs has done work for the Oval Office of the White House, The Four Seasons Hotel, and the Masonic Temple in Baltimore. Rest assured that no matter how big or small the job is, we bring industry leading service and professionalism.

Contact Us

Get your vision started today! Let our 40 years of experience in the DC metropolitan area go to work for you. Call us at (202) 872-9860 for a FREE consultation on your homes future flooring. Whether it be hardwood, carpet, or tile, a professional at Classic Floor Designs will be there with you every step of the way.

Do Dark Hardwood Floors Make a Space Seem Smaller?

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One of the most common fears of installing dark hardwood floors is that it may make spaces in your home seem smaller. While it is true that dark colors absorb light, it is possible to counteract this with your choice of décor. Our hardwood floor installation specialists are here to help you with planning your space, making sure your new hardwood flooring seamlessly meets your vision for any project. Here are a few things to consider while doing your own research on dark hardwood flooring:

Paint

Using a lighter shade of paint will open up your space to the eye and mitigate the impact of the dark flooring. Avoid using dark shades of paint unless you are planning on a lighter shade hardwood or other flooring material for your home. The one exception to this is a dark accent wall. Just a shade or two darker on one wall can trick the eye, making our brains think that wall is farther away. Gray paint is a very popular choice for this in home design today and has created great spaces paired with our selection of dark hardwood for past clients.

Lighting

Light fixtures and blinds are big players when it comes to the design and feel of your room. Natural lighting works beautifully with dark hardwood flooring by providing a perfect contrast. Go with shorter sheer blinds (or none at all) to bring light into the room. Pair this with a few fixtures or houseplants to bring that pop a room with darker floors often needs. Recessed lighting or pendant lights are also good when used in conjunction, or as alternatives, to natural lighting.

Rugs

A nice area rug with a lighter shade color scheme is a great way to give separation to the room. Make sure it does not cover the whole floor as its important to strike a balance between the floor, rug, and walls. Designer rugs have become favorite fixtures for modern home designers.

Furniture

Perhaps the biggest piece of the puzzle, furniture is the last step in completing your room. Glass is a fantastic accent for dark hardwood whether it be a coffee table, TV stand, or cabinet. It makes a big difference when compared to their wooden counterparts, and adds functionality with style.

Contact Us

Classic Floor Designs is proud to have worked on projects with clients such as The Four Seasons Hotel, the White House, The Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa, and the Baltimore Masonic Temple. We are confident in our ability to make your dream space come to life. Let us bring our 40+ years of experience right into your home today! Get started today and give us a call at (202) 872-9860 for a FREE consolation.

Hardwood Floor Installation: DIY Project, or Professional Installations Only?

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Hardwood floors offer a sophisticated look for homeowners who live in the metropolitan areas around Washington D.C. and beyond.  Installing hardwood floors is a great way to enhance the market value of your property. Some homeowners have previous experience in working on their own homes, but there are many compelling reasons to hire this particular type of work out to a professional company instead. The services should be performed by skilled and experienced contractors who use industry standard tools and equipment to get the job done right the first time. This can reduce the likelihood of expensive errors that drive up the total installation cost. You can also benefit from the guarantees provided by the company. Consider the advantages of hiring a professional to install your perfect floor.

A professional installer is a person who has special training and experience in this industry. Even if you have some experience working on your own home, floor installations are still extremely tricky to do right the first time. Professional installers apply the highest standards when performing the work. This includes the use of specialty tools that are not readily available to the public. In addition, you will have fast access to a variety of experts who can inform you about the process every step of the way. This is an important benefit if you intend to use the same services on business properties. It is also helpful to have access to a showroom that contains a large selection of different types of hardwood. This can be the fun part for people who get excited about interior design for their living spaces. The different shades of hardwood can be browsed for your enjoyment. This also means that you can enjoy the benefits of customer service for your particular environment.

Avoid Mistakes, Get Professional Installations

Professional equipment is a lot more expensive than normal consumer supplies, and this drives up the cost. These floors require a variety of tools and techniques, and most people do not have the proper skills and equipment necessary to install the floors correctly. Remember that when you hire a professional, you are renting their equipment as well as their expertise. If you were to purchase similar equipment, you would also need to evaluate the total costs involved. You might not save as much money as you imagined by purchasing specialty supplies for the job. This can include sanders, buffers, air compressors, adhesives, hygrometers, and professional grade saws. The amount of equipment necessary can also raise the issue of what to do with the supplies after the job is finished. When you hire a professional floor installation company, they take care of the equipment costs, storage, and maintenance.

Mistakes can be costly, and this can drive up the total cost of the installation if something is done that requires a correction later in time. Professional floor installations can also be insured by the company who hired the worker to perform the job. This means that you can often get the work fixed if something goes wrong. This is another level of security that you can enjoy by working with a company instead of trying to do everything yourself. There are many common mistakes that are made when attempting to install hardwood flooring in a home. The space measurement tools can determine the accuracy of the installation, for example. The best solution is to hire professionals who understand the process and have the experience and training necessary to get the job done right the first time.

Professional, Expert Hardwood Floor Installers

Hiring a professional installer for your hardwood floors is highly recommended. Classic Floor Designs has decades of experience offering premium installation services to clients who have a variety of home layouts. This is an important point because expertise in this field only comes with experience. Professional installations can prevent problems in the future, and this will help you to avoid the expenses associated with correcting an installation that was not done correctly. This solution also allows you to enjoy peace of mind. Experts use special tools and equipment to ensure that the hardwood floor is professionally installed the first time.
Contact us for your free installation quote today!

What Type of Flooring do Home Buyers Prefer?

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It is important to know what type of flooring home buyers are looking for in your area if you plan on selling your home. Preferences vary by room and locale, but nationally hardwood floors tend to be the most sought-after flooring in a home. Worried because your hardwood floors are old, or have a home covered in worn out carpet? We have you covered, and the cost of renovating may be less than you think. Follow this list to get a sense of what flooring needs to stay and what needs to go in your home.

Entryway

Arguably the most important of part of your house to consider when remodeling is the area right when you walk through the door. A potential homebuyer’s first impression can make or break the sale of your home. Old hardwood or worn out carpet not only turns buyers away but can severely impact the selling price of your home. Wood flooring in an entryway can make the area seem more spacious and cohesive. Even though this is an essential area to focus on, do not break the bank. Equally imperative rooms in the house like the kitchen and bedrooms must be included in your budget.

Kitchen

Tile remains a popular option for kitchens. However, especially in new constructions in the Washington DC metro area, hardwood is now the preferred style among home buyers. If you already have hardwood flooring in your kitchen, a simple restoration can make a world of difference for your kitchen’s appearance. Also, believe it or not, hardwood flooring is usually less expensive than tile. As one of the focal centers of a home, do not overlook the value your kitchen can add to your selling price.

Bedrooms

It’s a toss-up for carpet vs. hardwood flooring in the bedroom. Most simply prefer what they grew up with, but often that’s not enough to be a deal breaker. In fact, most people purchasing a home with previous owners will tear up carpet regardless. This has to do with the perception of the carpet being “dirty” or the presence of actual odors. A simple solution, if you have hardwood underneath the carpet, is to tear it up and refinish the hardwood. Even if you cannot afford to refinish, it is better than leaving old carpet in for the new owners to replace.

Basements

A lot of homes in the Washington DC area come with unfinished basements. This is usually either because of flooding or the sheer cost of a full renovation. Given the threat of moisture, hard flooring would seem like the ideal solution. However, this is far more expensive than installing carpet and may not even give you a significant return on investment. Not all home buyers have a need for a basement and may be content with simply using it as storage or a workshop. If you currently have a finished basement, consider replacing your existing carpet or refinishing the hardwood (if any damage is present). Those who are looking for a finished basement will highly appreciate it.

Contact Us

Get a FREE consultation. Give us a call at (202) 872-9860. You can trust that we know custom flooring. With 40+ years of experience, clients such as the White House, US Mint Building, Four Seasons Hotel, and awards from the National Flooring Association and the Washington Building Congress. Help us bring your vision to life by contacting us today.

 

 

The Most Popular Species of Hardwood Floors

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When installed by expert professionals, a hardwood floor adds finesse to the space it graces. Among popular domestic hardwoods, a few species stand above other timbers, favored for their durability, decorative grain patterns, and complementary colors. Here are hardwoods adored by US homeowners, along with the flooring features for which they’re prized.

Oak

Do you have children or pets? If so, consider oak flooring, graciously withstanding romps and stomps and resisting scratches. Similar to the flavor of fine wine, the color of oak becomes richer with time. The character of reclaimed oak testifies to this benefit. Another strength of oak is that it stains evenly, showcasing a wide variety of tints, from clean white to chocolate brown. The swirly grain patterns are classy, whether you like the uniformity of prime grade or the knotty “beauty marks” of character grade.

You can also choose from two species of oak, named for the color of their barks. Each wood has distinct advantages. White oak flooring is honey brown, while red has a pinkish hue. Red oak has a stronger grain than white, so it hides scratches and dents a bit better.

On the other hand, the tiger-striped grain of white oak is smoother and more consistent than red. On the Janka Hardness Scale, which rates durability, white oak supersedes red. But, whether you take a shine to red or white oak, both types are affordably priced.

Maple

If you prefer simplistic yet elegant decor, maple is an ideal option. The grain pattern is smooth and low-key, although occasional flecks and mineral streaks add visual interest. Light in color, the wood has a bright, clean, and expansive ambiance. Maple wood is super-strong, ranking higher than oak on the Janka Scale. Its range of hues includes blonde, light cream, and beige, often with a reddish tint. Since the wood isn’t very porous, staining is challenging, best done professionally. Many homeowners choose to let the natural beauty of maple prevail, protected with a clear sealant finish.

Over time, maple acquires a faint yellow tone. A coating of strong polyurethane prevents scratches from otherwise showing. Rubber soles can leave heel marks, remedied with an eraser and buffing. Since maple is so durable, denting is rare.

Like many hardwoods, maple reacts to fluctuating humidity, with temporary swelling and shrinking, and sometimes, warping or cracks. Wood shifting can be avoided by choosing engineered flooring. Despite its glamorous aura, maple is reasonably priced, approximating the cost of oak.

Ash

Possessing a light hue, this hardwood is airy like maple, but with a standout grain. When sourced from sapwood, ash can be creamy white or golden brown. Made of heartwood, the color is typically light tan. Ash is notable for its straight grain pattern and slightly springy feel. Similar to oak flooring, ash can handle heavy traffic. Additionally, being shock-resistant, ash is perfect in kitchens and family rooms, where objects are frequently dropped. Since water is highly visible on its surface, accidental slips and slides are less likely. Plus, the elastic nature of ash suits areas subject to radiant heat and high humidity.

Like oak, ash absorbs stains well. However, its natural color is so pleasing, you may wish to preserve it, with a protective, clear finish.

Pine

Do you favor a rustic look? If so, you’ll love pine flooring, with its abundant knots, pinholes, and prominent grain. Occupying the low end of the Janka Scale, pine is technically a “softwood.” Though this term gives a cushy image, the wood isn’t actually soft, just impressionable, reflecting household activity over time. Still, many homeowners find that a few dents and dings make their rooms more welcoming. Plus, the patina that emerges with use gives the flooring a homey glow. While yielding to impact, pine flooring is durable and long-lasting, especially when finished with polyurethane sealant. You can also opt for heart pine, stronger than southern yellow pine. Or, use pine flooring in areas where traffic is moderate, such as a home office.

With a vast color palette, pine is available in white blonde, honey gold, deep brown, and reddish mahogany. The wood stains beautifully and resists humidity. Another advantage of pine is that it’s highly economical.

Solid Footing

At Classic Floor Designs, our stateside clients include the White House, US Mint Building, and Four Seasons Hotel. Our work has earned awards from the National Flooring Association and the Washington Building Congress. Overseas, we’ve installed flooring for ambassador homes in Belgium, Germany, and France.Among choice hardwood flooring options, oak, maple, ash, and pine are homeowner top picks. However, these are just a few of the high-performance woods from our broad selection. To launch the fulfillment of YOUR vision, call us for a free consultation at (202) 872-9860.

With 40+ years in custom flooring, you can stand on our solid reputation – for years to come.

How to Clean Dog Urine from Your Floors

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Whether you keep your dog inside at all times or you only let your pet in on special occasions, there is a possibility that an accident will occur on your floors. When this happens, point out the urine to your dog and show your dog where he is supposed to use the bathroom. Then, clean the area as soon as you can before it stains the carpet, hardwood, or other flooring material.

Using Vinegar to Clean Up Dog Urine

Although it might leave a scent behind, white vinegar can be very useful in removing dog urine from any kind of floor, especially carpet. The vinegar also removes the pet odor that is left behind and can deter animals from urinating in those same places again. Use warm water and soap on the area first before spraying vinegar on the area. Avoid using apple cider vinegar because it could stain the floor.

Using Shaving Cream to Clean Up Dog Urine

A product that is used on the face, underarms, and legs can also be used to clean dog urine from the floor. The foaming cream works best instead of the gel. You can rub the cream into carpet if needed. Creams with fragrance added can sometimes deter dogs from urinating in the same place as well. If you’re using the cream on hardwood floors or another hard surface, then you only need a small amount on the floor.

Using Laundry Detergent to Clean Up Dog Urine

A solution that will leave the floor with a pleasant scent while cleaning dog urine at the same time is powdered laundry detergent. Use the white laundry detergent instead of products that have colors in them. You can also sprinkle stain remover on the area so that the color of the urine won’t settle into the floor. Along with removing the urine, the detergent will remove the odor as well. Room deodorizers and fabric sprays also help with eliminating pet odors from urine. Baking Soda
If there is an area that has lingered for a long time after your dogs have urinated inside, then consider using baking soda. You can also mix it with either vinegar or peroxide. As the products combine together, they will lift the stain from the floor. Clean the surface with warm water after the stain has been removed. Don’t scrub the area with the baking soda because it could remove some of the color from the floor if you use a large amount or if you leave it on too long. If you use liquids with the baking soda, then make a paste with them instead of putting one product on the floor before the other for the best results.  Contact us for more tips and tricks to keep your floors looking like new!

Using Toothpaste to Clean Up Dog Urine

If you have plain white toothpaste, then you can use it to clean dog urine from your floors. It works on both hardwood floors as well as carpets. Put a small amount on a toothbrush, and scrub the area with enough water to make it look like a soapy consistency. This is an option that you have if you don’t want to stain your floor and if you don’t have anything else on hand to use at the moment.

Photo Credit: Fred: Flickr via Compfight cc