 Stepping Into Style
- Environmental Essentials in New Flooring
By Liz Nandee of Basic Black Designs
Making the right choice when it comes to your flooring is essential because it will set
the tone for the whole space. While the textural quality of the floor appeals to the eye,
it also has a fundamental effect on our perceptivity of the interior area as a whole.
With all the new and improved products on the market and all the free
design information at our finger tips, the final decision in flooring is from that of the
consumer. With each different expectation from visual aspect to comfort or easy care
maintenance, the flooring industry has been very good at manufacturing products to suit
these criteria with the range including vinyl, wood, cork, slate and stone, to mention a
few.
Vinyl flooring, also known as resilient flooring, offers the benefit of
a no-wax surface that is scuff and abrasion-resistant. It is easy to clean, long lasting,
durable and retains its appearance for years. It also has the advantage of being one of
the least expensive types of flooring, and one of the easiest to install yourself.
As the younger generation of homeowners look to modernize their decor,
laminate and hardwood flooring has become one of the hottest consumer products on the
house and home market. Solid wood floors come in variety of woods and colors and are
generally more expensive than laminate. Laminate flooring is an ultra-durable product that
looks like a real wood or stone floor. The benefits of laminate flooring can be summed up
in two words - cost and durability. Other benefits include easy installation, easy
cleaning, advanced UV resistance, easy repair, endless design options and excellent
warranty protection.
A new entry into the residential flooring category is Bamboo flooring,
which compares favourably to, and even exceeds, the most popular, stable and durable of
the hardwood flooring brands at comparable prices. Bamboo is a grass, not a wood product;
it is a natural renewable resource that can be harvested every five years. As a result, no
forests are destroyed to make bamboo floors, and homeowners can count on a reliable supply
of products - at stable prices. It is environmentally, ecologically economically and
aesthetically a smart choice!
Installing bamboo floors is similar to installing hardwood, and
maintaining the luscious sheen of bamboo requires even less work, without the waxing and
re-finishing. To keep bamboo free of dirt and dust, use a broom, dry mop or a soft brush
or vacuum cleaner attachment. When cleaning, avoid excessive water. Use a slightly
dampened mop and any non-abrasive hardwood cleaner is suitable. Never use abrasive
cleaners or scouring pads. Maintaining your new bamboo floor is as easy as looking after
other contemporary flooring finishes.
Cork flooring is another natural choice for homeowners looking for an
environmentally friendly, strong but comfortable floor. Cork has a natural
“give” to it, making it comfortable to walk on and highly resistant to dents or
scratches. Otherwise, cork is similar to hardwood flooring, and generally comes with a
tough urethane finish that repels moisture. It also has insulating qualities and ability
to absorb sound and vibration. Cork floors are also hypoallergenic and anti-static, and
won’t crumble or flake.
All natural and resilient floors will be subject to seasonal
contraction and expansion and the day-to-day toll of furniture, appliances and normal
residential activity. You can protect your floor from indentations and scratches by using
furniture leg pads and avoiding wearing spike-heeled shoes.
Remember flooring is not only about visuals. Tactile sensations are
important as feet are very sensitive. Take the test: walk on a thick carpet and you will
feel a sense of comfort, walk on cold tiles and you will feel cold, walk on a heated floor
and you feel cozy, especially in the winter.
Many people are not into carpet or hardwood due to the maintenance
factor. Also many are spending more time in their homes and they would rather not spend
that time cleaning and treating their floor coverings. So what is it that people are doing
instead of the basic and standard flooring? Let me introduce you to some new and
innovative flooring options that are becoming popular in different settings and are easy
to maintain:
The Xilo Line - The latest illustration of modern
ceramic technology, Xilo Line incorporates a through-colour body porcelain and surface
glaze. This is a totally environmentally friendly, leading-edge product designed for the
client who can appreciate unique products and designs. It offers a 20 year residential
guarantee and a 10 year guarantee for public areas. Xilo Line is available in five
colours.
What is “through-body”? Through-body porcelain is
manufactured as one monolithic tile without surface glazes or finishes and is
characterized by the colour pigments being consistent throughout the body of the tile.
Recent developments in the production process have made it possible to mix together
various colour pigments so that random swirls and veins of colour, similar to natural
effects, can be produced.
Riverstone Epoxy Flooring - A unique indoor and
outdoor surface, Epoxy flooring can be placed in homes, business, lobbies, offices,
patios, pool decks, walkways, driveways and much more. It is weather resistant, has
excellent durability and is stain resistant. It is very easy to maintain and clean, and it
is more cost effective than tile.
Elizabeth Nandee, owner of Basic Black Design, offers full
residential & commercial interior design services. If there are any questions about
the flooring described or any design related questions, please call the office of Basic
Black Designs at 403.590.3942 |
