New Carpet! Buy Today

If you are in the market for carpet or any other type of flooring, You are in luck!
The retail flooring business is stagnant at best, foot traffic is down and attitudes are suffering. Many retail sales people are struggling to survive. They are much more willing to negotiate right now, which makes it a great opportunity to purchase new flooring. Prices now could never be cheaper. There is essentially to much supply, but not enough demand. It is truly a buyers market. In the coming months, prices are going to remain stable, due to anticipation of the fall season. If retail traffic improves, you may find it more difficult to negotiate. When that happens the demand will grow and cause prices to climb. As consumer confidence grows, the market should find its equilibrium point, where supply equals demand. Labor is cheap now too. Many contractors are cutting rates just to put food on the table. Just remember to do one thing. Shop smart and know the products as well as its limitations. You can have a direct impact on the economy, by purchasing today!
Good Luck,
The Floor Man

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Solid Vs. Engineered Hardwood. Which is better?

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If you are about to install engineered hardwood using the glue down method, I recommend that you read this article. One of the most important factors when installing engineered hardwood is the adhesive. Using the proper adhesive is critical to a successful installation. In this article I will briefly cover the differences between Acrylic and Urethane based adhesives. Let me start with acrylic adhesives. Acrylic adhesives are resin based and contain a certain percentage of water in them. The main problem with resin based adhesives, is the lack of tensile strength. In order for Acrylic adhesives to perform at their optimal level, the sub-floor needs to be well prepared and extremely flat. If the sub-floor is not level and flat and you choose to use an acrylic adhesive, I guarantee you will have hollow spots once the job is complete. Hollow spots are areas in which the wood floor is not adhered properly to the substrate. This problem is common and can be recognized by a popping or hollow ...

Hardwax Oil vs. Urethane Finishes

In the early to mid 1980's, a new type of urethane fini sh entered the market; water-base urethane was the new craze. With the entrance of water-base into the market-place, contractors quickly began to realize its value. The new water-base finishes added extra durability, dried much faster than its counterpart, and reduced the amount of labor hours. Prior to urethane finishes, hardwood floors were often sealed with multiple layers of shellac (lacquer was also popular); contractors would apply a coat of hot wax, which acted as a protective barrier. Finally, contractors would then polish the floor; finishing it up. Now, almost after a half of a century, the new craze is here; "Hardwax Oil". Made from waxes and oils, such as carnauba and parrafin wax, and natural oils, such as sunflower and linseed. Hardwax Oil is quickly gaining favor in the hardwood finish industry. So, the question is, which is better. Urethane or Hardwax Oil?...

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