Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Hardwood Floors: Improving Your Home’s Look and Value
With buyers becoming more selective when looking for a new home, sellers are finding more ways to improve their homes that will not only make them more attractive to buyers, but also provide a great return on investment.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing hardwood floors. Hardwood floors make a home look newer while also adding quality and character. In fact, a 2003 study by Prof. G. Stacy Sirmans of Florida State University found that installing hardwood floors increased a home’s sale price by 6 percent (Source: “Is Carpet Dead?” by Christopher Solomon, MSN Real Estate).
“Floors are important because they provide the first impression to buyers,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “It’s the first thing a buyer will typically notice, so improving the quality of your floors could mean the difference between selling your home or it staying on the market.”
As the popularity of hardwood floors has grown so has the number of options. “People aren’t just looking for solid hardwood anymore,” said Sullivan. “Pre-finished hardwood is huge, so is cork and bamboo. Even laminate continues to grow in popularity.”
Before installing a new floor in your home, it’s best to know your price range and how the floor will be used. Lumber Liquidators offers a large selection of styles in hardwood, bamboo, cork and laminate in every price range.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors give a home the look of luxury and are typically found in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Historically, installing solid hardwood floors has been a time consuming task due to the necessary sanding, sealing and staining. But that no longer has to be the case as the trend has been shifting recently toward pre-finished hardwood floors that carry warranties of up to 50 years.
Bamboo
Because it’s eco-friendly and provides a handsome grain, bamboo continues to increase in popularity for homeowners looking to improve the value of their home while making it “green” at the same time. Bamboo is actually a grass which replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, you preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife.
Cork
Cork flooring is another option for those who want an eco-friendly material in their home. It is durable, acoustical and an insulator making it a great option for those high traffic areas of your home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times.
Laminate
Because laminate is durable and low-maintenance, it’s also a good choice for those high-traffic areas in your home. They are also nice for the homeowner on a budget as these floors mimic the look of hardwood at a more reasonable price.
In this highly selective real estate market, sellers need to make a great first impression on a buyer from the moment they set foot in the home. Those who install a new floor stand a better chance at getting a buyer’s attention and sending their home’s value through the roof.
Go to www.lumberliquidators.com for more information on hardwood flooring.
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One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing hardwood floors. Hardwood floors make a home look newer while also adding quality and character. In fact, a 2003 study by Prof. G. Stacy Sirmans of Florida State University found that installing hardwood floors increased a home’s sale price by 6 percent (Source: “Is Carpet Dead?” by Christopher Solomon, MSN Real Estate).
“Floors are important because they provide the first impression to buyers,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “It’s the first thing a buyer will typically notice, so improving the quality of your floors could mean the difference between selling your home or it staying on the market.”
As the popularity of hardwood floors has grown so has the number of options. “People aren’t just looking for solid hardwood anymore,” said Sullivan. “Pre-finished hardwood is huge, so is cork and bamboo. Even laminate continues to grow in popularity.”
Before installing a new floor in your home, it’s best to know your price range and how the floor will be used. Lumber Liquidators offers a large selection of styles in hardwood, bamboo, cork and laminate in every price range.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors give a home the look of luxury and are typically found in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Historically, installing solid hardwood floors has been a time consuming task due to the necessary sanding, sealing and staining. But that no longer has to be the case as the trend has been shifting recently toward pre-finished hardwood floors that carry warranties of up to 50 years.
Bamboo
Because it’s eco-friendly and provides a handsome grain, bamboo continues to increase in popularity for homeowners looking to improve the value of their home while making it “green” at the same time. Bamboo is actually a grass which replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, you preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife.
Cork
Cork flooring is another option for those who want an eco-friendly material in their home. It is durable, acoustical and an insulator making it a great option for those high traffic areas of your home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times.
Laminate
Because laminate is durable and low-maintenance, it’s also a good choice for those high-traffic areas in your home. They are also nice for the homeowner on a budget as these floors mimic the look of hardwood at a more reasonable price.
In this highly selective real estate market, sellers need to make a great first impression on a buyer from the moment they set foot in the home. Those who install a new floor stand a better chance at getting a buyer’s attention and sending their home’s value through the roof.
Go to www.lumberliquidators.com for more information on hardwood flooring.
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Watch Out for Imitators!
Don't be fooled by companies selling misleading imitations! We only sell Authentic Bellawood flooring which is solid hardwood - Ask for the 50 Year Certified Warranty! For more information visit: http://www.lumberliquidators.com/brands/brands.jsp?brandName=Bellawood
Monday, March 12, 2007
Get To Know Your Floors: Engineered, Laminate and Hardwood
Get To Know Your Floors: Engineered, Laminate and Hardwood
Every homeowner has a unique preference when it comes to their ideal type of flooring. Figuring out this preference is never an easy task; neither is taking the step to invest in new floors. Many consumers do not know the difference between the multiple flooring options; some also never do research before buying floors.
Many flooring experts and flooring companies will walk homeowners through the process, even if the homeowners are not quite sure what they want. For example, Lumber Liquidators, the largest independent retailer of flooring in the United States, enjoys helping customers during this learning stage, “At Lumber Liquidators, we are always happy to help people find the floor that is right for them,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators.
The three types of flooring that tend to confuse customers the most are engineered hardwood, laminate and hardwood. These options are all aimed at the homeowner who wants to replicate a natural look inside their home.
“Representing 27.4 percent* of the market, hardwood flooring is the fastest growing segment in our industry.” However, hardwood floors are not right for everyone. The homeowner should reflect on multiple factors before deciding on which type is right for them, including their lifestyle, budget and personal style. “We offer the perfect type of flooring for everyone, including many that go beyond engineered, laminate and hardwood floors,” said Sullivan.
Enjoyable Engineered
Engineered hardwood floors make an excellent choice over concrete sub-floors, radiant heat or areas with high moisture. Engineered hardwood floors are usually offered in glue-down or nail-down and handscraped/antique options. Engineered hardwood flooring is produced by adhering a layer of real hardwood to a plywood backing or MDF. Since it is bonded together, this type of flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity, making it perfect for areas with high moisture such as bathrooms and basements.
Lovin’ Laminate
Laminate floors are durable and low-maintenance, making it a good choice for those high-traffic rooms. They are also nice for the homeowner on a budget. These floors mimic the look of hardwood at a more reasonable price. Laminate flooring is typically constructed with a high density fiber board core, sandwiched between a melamine laminate backing, high-quality photographic paper with an image of wood and a ceramic finish, abrasion-resistant laminate top. Laminate floors are often available in multiple widths.
Hardwood Happiness
Hardwood floors give a home the look of luxury and are typically found in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Solid hardwood flooring is milled from one thick piece of wood. It can be sanded and refinished several times. Hardwood floors are available in multiple finishes: pre-finished domestic floors, pre-finished exotic floors, pre-finished stained floors, unfinished floors and hand-scraped.
In addition to engineered hardwood, laminate and hardwood, many companies offer alternative types of flooring. “Cork and bamboo are two types of flooring that are becoming very popular in modern homes,” said Sullivan. “We attribute this popularity to the recent trend of homes ‘going green’ as more and more homeowners are being conscientious of the environment while considering the design of their home.”
As homeowners look to update their homes this spring, they should consider the many flooring options and what might be best for their home before they buy. Prior to heading to the store, homeowners should ask friends and family about their flooring, check out industry Web sites as resources (www.lumberliquidators.com) and put together a list of qualities they are looking for in a floor.
* Home Renovation Guide.com
Every homeowner has a unique preference when it comes to their ideal type of flooring. Figuring out this preference is never an easy task; neither is taking the step to invest in new floors. Many consumers do not know the difference between the multiple flooring options; some also never do research before buying floors.
Many flooring experts and flooring companies will walk homeowners through the process, even if the homeowners are not quite sure what they want. For example, Lumber Liquidators, the largest independent retailer of flooring in the United States, enjoys helping customers during this learning stage, “At Lumber Liquidators, we are always happy to help people find the floor that is right for them,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators.
The three types of flooring that tend to confuse customers the most are engineered hardwood, laminate and hardwood. These options are all aimed at the homeowner who wants to replicate a natural look inside their home.
“Representing 27.4 percent* of the market, hardwood flooring is the fastest growing segment in our industry.” However, hardwood floors are not right for everyone. The homeowner should reflect on multiple factors before deciding on which type is right for them, including their lifestyle, budget and personal style. “We offer the perfect type of flooring for everyone, including many that go beyond engineered, laminate and hardwood floors,” said Sullivan.
Enjoyable Engineered
Engineered hardwood floors make an excellent choice over concrete sub-floors, radiant heat or areas with high moisture. Engineered hardwood floors are usually offered in glue-down or nail-down and handscraped/antique options. Engineered hardwood flooring is produced by adhering a layer of real hardwood to a plywood backing or MDF. Since it is bonded together, this type of flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity, making it perfect for areas with high moisture such as bathrooms and basements.
Lovin’ Laminate
Laminate floors are durable and low-maintenance, making it a good choice for those high-traffic rooms. They are also nice for the homeowner on a budget. These floors mimic the look of hardwood at a more reasonable price. Laminate flooring is typically constructed with a high density fiber board core, sandwiched between a melamine laminate backing, high-quality photographic paper with an image of wood and a ceramic finish, abrasion-resistant laminate top. Laminate floors are often available in multiple widths.
Hardwood Happiness
Hardwood floors give a home the look of luxury and are typically found in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Solid hardwood flooring is milled from one thick piece of wood. It can be sanded and refinished several times. Hardwood floors are available in multiple finishes: pre-finished domestic floors, pre-finished exotic floors, pre-finished stained floors, unfinished floors and hand-scraped.
In addition to engineered hardwood, laminate and hardwood, many companies offer alternative types of flooring. “Cork and bamboo are two types of flooring that are becoming very popular in modern homes,” said Sullivan. “We attribute this popularity to the recent trend of homes ‘going green’ as more and more homeowners are being conscientious of the environment while considering the design of their home.”
As homeowners look to update their homes this spring, they should consider the many flooring options and what might be best for their home before they buy. Prior to heading to the store, homeowners should ask friends and family about their flooring, check out industry Web sites as resources (www.lumberliquidators.com) and put together a list of qualities they are looking for in a floor.
* Home Renovation Guide.com
Going Green Gets Easier
Going Green Gets Easier
The country is going green.
As more homeowners struggle with high utility bills and become more concerned about the environment, many are updating their homes to be more eco-friendly.
The latest housing trend shows that many new homebuilders are constructing “green” homes. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders reports that eco-friendly construction will climb from 2 percent of all residential housing starts in 2005 to between 5 and 10 percent in 2010.
For those consumers in older, existing homes, there are many easy, affordable and immediate steps they can take to make their home more environmentally friendly.
Lower the temperature on your thermostat. By lowering it just one degree, you can reduce heating costs in your home by nearly 4 percent.
Install low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. These help reduce water consumption and water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.
Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second from a leaky faucet can waste as much as 10 gallons of water each week.
Purchase appliances with the Energy Star rating. An Energy Star-qualified refrigerator would save enough electricity to light a home for more than four- and-a-half months compared to a refrigerator from 1990.
Select renewable resources when purchasing flooring products. Bamboo and cork surfaces are excellent choices for those wishing to purchase an eco-friendly product that will also provide a beautiful look in their home. Bamboo is actually a grass and replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, consumers preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife. In addition to bamboo, cork is also another great option for those wishing to have a green or eco-friendly home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times. It is also durable, acoustical, long-lasting and is the best flooring available for allergy sufferers.
One popular retailer of bamboo and cork flooring is Lumber Liquidators. The company offers 13 varieties from three brands—Morning Star Bamboo, Supreme Bamboo and Schön Engineered Flooring—in varying sizes of floor boards and finishes. Lumber Liquidators also offers four different cork flooring options from Lisbon Cork that all come with a 25-year warranty.
“We’re at an age where consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put in their bodies, and in their homes,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “At Lumber Liquidators we’ve recognized this and have strived to make eco-friendly products like bamboo and cork floors readily available to our consumers at a great price.”
While constructing a green home from the ground up may not be doable for many homeowners, these suggestions can help make their existing homes more green and even help save some money in the process.
*Source: The National Building Museum
The country is going green.
As more homeowners struggle with high utility bills and become more concerned about the environment, many are updating their homes to be more eco-friendly.
The latest housing trend shows that many new homebuilders are constructing “green” homes. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders reports that eco-friendly construction will climb from 2 percent of all residential housing starts in 2005 to between 5 and 10 percent in 2010.
For those consumers in older, existing homes, there are many easy, affordable and immediate steps they can take to make their home more environmentally friendly.
Lower the temperature on your thermostat. By lowering it just one degree, you can reduce heating costs in your home by nearly 4 percent.
Install low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads. These help reduce water consumption and water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.
Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second from a leaky faucet can waste as much as 10 gallons of water each week.
Purchase appliances with the Energy Star rating. An Energy Star-qualified refrigerator would save enough electricity to light a home for more than four- and-a-half months compared to a refrigerator from 1990.
Select renewable resources when purchasing flooring products. Bamboo and cork surfaces are excellent choices for those wishing to purchase an eco-friendly product that will also provide a beautiful look in their home. Bamboo is actually a grass and replenishes itself naturally in the wild, so by using bamboo, consumers preserve the habitat of endangered wildlife. In addition to bamboo, cork is also another great option for those wishing to have a green or eco-friendly home. Cork is considered a green product because the same tree can be harvested numerous times. It is also durable, acoustical, long-lasting and is the best flooring available for allergy sufferers.
One popular retailer of bamboo and cork flooring is Lumber Liquidators. The company offers 13 varieties from three brands—Morning Star Bamboo, Supreme Bamboo and Schön Engineered Flooring—in varying sizes of floor boards and finishes. Lumber Liquidators also offers four different cork flooring options from Lisbon Cork that all come with a 25-year warranty.
“We’re at an age where consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put in their bodies, and in their homes,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators. “At Lumber Liquidators we’ve recognized this and have strived to make eco-friendly products like bamboo and cork floors readily available to our consumers at a great price.”
While constructing a green home from the ground up may not be doable for many homeowners, these suggestions can help make their existing homes more green and even help save some money in the process.
*Source: The National Building Museum
Caring for Your Hardwood Floors This Winter
“Caring for Your Hardwood Floors This Winter”
Homeowners with hardwood floors are often concerned about damaging their floors during the winter season. Without proper care, winter’s harsh elements―slush, snow and salt― can dull the varnish of hardwood floors and even cause warping and gapping. Most movement or shifting that occurs in wood flooring is due to moisture and will realistically happen with all wood floors.
Trying to avoid winter elements is almost impossible. After all, what would the season be without building a snow man or sledding until you’re soaked? Rather than missing out on winter fun, here are a couple of simple steps you can take to prevent and protect your floors this winter.
Install floor mats. Catching slush and snow at the door is the best way to avoid damage. It is important to keep these mats as clean and dry as possible – you may even consider investing in an additional mat that you can alternate while drying the other. If your kids enjoy playing outside, encourage them to remove their wet snow apparel as soon as they come back inside to avoid trekking snow all over the house.
Get creative with everyday, household materials. Placing a dish-drainer tray mat by the door with a towel underneath can be a nice place for shoes and boots to dry off. Kindly ask your guests to remove their shoes as they enter. Buy inexpensive or disposable slippers to make your guests feel more comfortable.
Train your pets. Pets are the number one offender of tracking snow and slush into the house. Train your pets to patiently wait by the door while you dry their paws with a towel, and then reward them with a treat. Consider placing a bowl of treats by the door as a reminder.
Be Prepared. Always keep soft towels or a wet/dry vacuum on hand in case you need to get rid of water right away. While towels can clean up most of the mess, it’s best to invest in a quality floor care kit. Lumber Liquidators offers a Bellawood Floor Care Kit which comes with one 32 oz. bottle of Bellawood’s soy-based cleaner, one mop with a washable terry cloth mop head, and one tin with 100 felt furniture pads. The Bellawood Floor Care Kit can be found on the Lumber Liquidators Web site at http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ and at all store locations for $25 per kit.
Check the Warranty. Some companies offer warranties, should snow or other harmful elements damage your floors. Make sure to find out before you purchase your hardwood floors what type of product warranties the company offers. Lumber Liquidators offers warranties on most flooring options, which in turn helps protect you and your floors.
“Damage to hardwood floors in the winter is among the top concerns we hear from our customers,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and CEO of Lumber Liquidators. “Using our floor care kit on a fairly regular basis should do a thorough job of protecting your floors. While winter is a key season to be cautious, there are damaging factors all year long so we recommend the kit be used regularly.”
While winter can be a difficult time for hardwood floors, there is one benefit to this season: It’s one of the best times to install hardwood flooring, according to Sullivan, because indoor moisture levels are at their lowest which helps to prevent gapping.
So enjoy winter this year, and have fun taking care of your floors.
Homeowners with hardwood floors are often concerned about damaging their floors during the winter season. Without proper care, winter’s harsh elements―slush, snow and salt― can dull the varnish of hardwood floors and even cause warping and gapping. Most movement or shifting that occurs in wood flooring is due to moisture and will realistically happen with all wood floors.
Trying to avoid winter elements is almost impossible. After all, what would the season be without building a snow man or sledding until you’re soaked? Rather than missing out on winter fun, here are a couple of simple steps you can take to prevent and protect your floors this winter.
Install floor mats. Catching slush and snow at the door is the best way to avoid damage. It is important to keep these mats as clean and dry as possible – you may even consider investing in an additional mat that you can alternate while drying the other. If your kids enjoy playing outside, encourage them to remove their wet snow apparel as soon as they come back inside to avoid trekking snow all over the house.
Get creative with everyday, household materials. Placing a dish-drainer tray mat by the door with a towel underneath can be a nice place for shoes and boots to dry off. Kindly ask your guests to remove their shoes as they enter. Buy inexpensive or disposable slippers to make your guests feel more comfortable.
Train your pets. Pets are the number one offender of tracking snow and slush into the house. Train your pets to patiently wait by the door while you dry their paws with a towel, and then reward them with a treat. Consider placing a bowl of treats by the door as a reminder.
Be Prepared. Always keep soft towels or a wet/dry vacuum on hand in case you need to get rid of water right away. While towels can clean up most of the mess, it’s best to invest in a quality floor care kit. Lumber Liquidators offers a Bellawood Floor Care Kit which comes with one 32 oz. bottle of Bellawood’s soy-based cleaner, one mop with a washable terry cloth mop head, and one tin with 100 felt furniture pads. The Bellawood Floor Care Kit can be found on the Lumber Liquidators Web site at http://www.lumberliquidators.com/ and at all store locations for $25 per kit.
Check the Warranty. Some companies offer warranties, should snow or other harmful elements damage your floors. Make sure to find out before you purchase your hardwood floors what type of product warranties the company offers. Lumber Liquidators offers warranties on most flooring options, which in turn helps protect you and your floors.
“Damage to hardwood floors in the winter is among the top concerns we hear from our customers,” said Tom Sullivan, founder and CEO of Lumber Liquidators. “Using our floor care kit on a fairly regular basis should do a thorough job of protecting your floors. While winter is a key season to be cautious, there are damaging factors all year long so we recommend the kit be used regularly.”
While winter can be a difficult time for hardwood floors, there is one benefit to this season: It’s one of the best times to install hardwood flooring, according to Sullivan, because indoor moisture levels are at their lowest which helps to prevent gapping.
So enjoy winter this year, and have fun taking care of your floors.
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