MODA Floors & Interiors

Wood Floors are Green

2012-02-17T16:06:00.000-05:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, National Wood Flooring Association

It seems that everywhere you turn these days, someone is claiming that their product is green. The problem is that many of these claims can be misleading, and environmentalists have coined a term to describe this process: “greenwashing.” Greenwashing merges the words “green,” representing environmental friendliness, and “whitewashing,” representing the covering up of wrongdoing. In simplified terms, greenwashing is falsely claiming a product is environmentally friendly when it’s not.

The reason for this is clear: consumers are demanding the use of green products, but often don’t understand what green means. Being “green” is much more than just being a rapidly renewable material. To truly recognize a product’s “greenness,” one must look at its entire life cycle, from cradle to grave. It’s not a matter of simply whether raw materials can be replaced quickly, but how those materials are used when making a finished product, and what happens to them once their useful life is over.

Wood flooring is the only flooring option available that is completely sustainable. It comes from a factory called a forest, and uses a renewable source of energy called the sun. Most hardwood trees, the material used to make wood floors, take 40-60 years to mature, and while those trees are maturing, they produce oxygen. Best of all, because wood floors can last hundreds of years, the inventory planted today will be ready to harvest long before it is needed.

Solid wood floors also use very few natural resources when being produced, which adds to their eco-friendliness. They use less water and energy to manufacture than other flooring alternatives, and when they reach the end of their usefulness, wood floors can be burned for fuel or recycled.

To learn more about the many ecological benefits of wood floors, from cradle to grave, visit the National Wood Flooring Association’s website at http://www.nwfa.org/.

The NWFA is a not-for-profit trade organization of wood flooring professionals, who are working worldwide to educate consumers, architects, designers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

How to Take Care of Hardwood Floors

2012-02-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Gerald Thompson, wood chemist, Bona

Gerald Thompson

Hardwood floors are one of the largest investments in your home. Protect them by routinely cleaning to avoid dirt and in turn scratches and a dull finish. Using products that are safe for your floors, family and the environment will ensure beautiful hardwood floors that will last a lifetime.

Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. Vinegar and water will actually dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap or wax will leave a residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
Use the proper tools to clean your floor – a mop paired with machine washable, microfiber pads for dusting and cleaning.
Frequently dry dust your hardwood floors with a microfiber dusting pad. The electrostatic action will attract dirt, which is the main cause of scratches, microparticles and common household allergens.
Wipe up all spills immediately to avoid permanent stains.
Keep pet nails trimmed.
Keep your home at normal living conditions for your area – no extremes of humidity or temperature.
Use natural rubber rug underlayments with a waffle pattern in the entry ways or high traffic areas, use felt floor protectors on furniture, and avoid high heels.
Depending on the amount of traffic in the home, we recommend polishing the floors every two to three months with our Bona Hardwood Floor Polish and sanding and refinishing approximately every three to five years.

Preparing Job Site Ensures Quality Installation

2012-01-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, National Wood Flooring Association

You spend weeks researching the wood floors you will have installed in your home, but did you know that properly preparing the job site could have as much to do with the long-term performance of your floors as the species you choose?

If your home is new construction, wood flooring should not be delivered before all the wet trades are completed, such as dry wall and painting, the house is completely enclosed, the final grading has taken place, and the heating and cooling system is installed and functioning. Once these conditions are met, wood can be delivered to the job site.

After the wood is delivered, it will need to acclimate. The time required for this will vary depending on the type of wood flooring used, as well as the manufacturer’s specifications, but generally, this process will take two to four days. Rushing this step could cause the wood to fail over time.

It’s also important to understand that wood flooring will reflect the shape of its subfloor, so your contractor should make sure your subfloor is solid and flat. If there are high peaks, they should be sanded down. If there are low valleys, they should be filled in. Your contractor also should make sure that the subfloor is securely fastened to the flooring joists, which will prevent the floors from squeaking down the road.

Taking these simple, but important, steps to properly prepare the job site before your wood is installed will help contribute to the long-term performance of your floors.

To learn more about the many benefits of wood flooring, visit the National Wood Flooring Association’s consumer website at www.woodfloors.org, and click on the “All About Wood Floors” link.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization of more than 4,100 wood flooring professionals working worldwide to educate consumers, architects, designers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

Real Wood Floors: Installation Methods Vary

2011-12-27T16:53:00.000-05:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, National Wood Flooring Association, http://www.woodfloors.org/

When most people think about installing wood floors, they envision a hammer and nails. The reality, however, is that there are several options available for installing wood floors, including nail down, glue down and floating.

Nailing down wood floors is the most common installation method. The process involves nailing or stapling the wood flooring directly to a wood subfloor. Typically, the flooring is blind nailed through the tongue into the wooden subfloor so that the nails are not visible after the flooring is installed. This installation method works for both solid and engineered wood floors, but only for wood subfloors.

The glue down installation method involves using adhesive to adhere the flooring directly to the subfloor, or to a moisture barrier installed directly over the subfloor. Adhesives work by creating a bond between the subfloor and the wood flooring through a chemical reaction process. While all adhesives work on the same principle of changing chemically from a viscose liquid to a solid, they differ in the carrying agents or catalysts that activate them based on the chemical properties of the adhesive. This installation method is most common with engineered wood floors being installed over concrete slabs.

The final wood flooring installation method is floating. With this process, the flooring material is neither nailed nor glued to the subfloor, but floated above it. The flooring material, usually engineered, is either glued or clipped to itself, both tongue to groove, and at end joints. This gives the floor stability, without actually fastening it to the subfloor beneath it. This type of installation is ideal over existing flooring material, such as ceramic or laminates.

To learn more about the benefits of wood floors, visit the National Wood Flooring Association's consumer website at www.woodfloors.org, and click on the “All About Wood Floors” link.

Choosing the Right Floor for Your Family Room

2011-12-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Claire Bowen, Shaw Flooring, http://www.shawfloors.com/

The family room. Chief gathering spot. Relaxation Central.

Since it’s the space where lots of your family’s life happens, it should be comfortable, cozy, and inviting. And all the furnishings should be durable and family-friendly—especially the sofa, the chairs … and the floor.

If it’s time for new family-room flooring, you’ll want to consider not only style preferences but foot-traffic and use. Here are some helpful tips:

Carpet. Like to stretch out on the floor and play board games with the kids? You may want carpet—it’s soft, warm, and sound-absorbing. You can go with lighter colors, thanks to modern stain-resistance technology. But darker colors, luxurious textures, and today’s cool patterns are also forgiving of daily life.

Hardwood and laminate. You may prefer the elegance of a hard surface floor. Wood and wood looks are extremely versatile—they can be rustic and outdoorsy or sleek, rich, and sophisticated. Plus, high-tech finishes make them more durable than ever.

Tile and stone. Tile and stone can withstand loads of wear and tear. Just use a big, lush area rug if children are running around. It’s great flooring for a room with a pool entry, but be sure to get something with texture to reduce slipperiness. Tile can be installed with decorative accents or in unusual patterns to add interest.

Area rugs. Placing a rug over tile, hardwood, laminate—or even carpet—works beautifully from the standpoint of both fashion and function. It adds softness, extra luxury, and an exciting touch of personal style.

Real Wood Floors: What to Expect

2011-11-23T10:43:00.000-05:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, National Wood Flooring Association

Once you’ve decided to install or refinish a wood floor, you may wonder what will happen next. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after the work takes place will ensure a high-quality job.

Before work begins, remove furnishings, draperies, paintings, and other items from the room since contractors typically aren’t insured against damages to these items. For new installations, the wood will need to acclimate several days to reach equilibrium moisture content (EMC).

If your floors are being sanded, finished or refinished, expect some noise and disruption. Dust containment systems can minimize debris, but no system is 100 percent effective, so cover items you want to protect. When finish is applied, stay off your floors until it has dried, which can vary depending on the finish used.

After the finish dries, put felt pads on furniture legs to minimize scratches and dents. Place scatter rugs at entrances, avoiding those with rubber backs, which can discolor your floor, and avoid walking on floors with cleats or high heels in disrepair.

Remember that no two floor boards will be identical; appearance variations are normal. As your floor ages, some color change can occur. This also is normal, but can be minimized by limiting sun exposure, and periodically moving furniture and rugs. Cracks are normal too, and occur during seasons of changing humidity. Generally, anything less than the width of a dime is considered normal, and will correct itself as seasons change. Flooring inspectors recommend inspecting floors from a standing position in normal lighting to identify irregularities.

Finally, keep your wood floors looking their best with proper maintenance. Use a cleaning product recommended for your floors regularly to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

To learn more about the many benefits of wood floors, visit the National Wood Flooring Association’s website at www.woodfloors.org, and select the “All About Wood Floors” menu option.

Which Type of Wood Flooring is Right for You?

2011-11-08T10:01:00.002-05:00

MODA Floors & Interiors Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, senior director of communications and events, National Wood Flooring Association, http://www.woodfloors.org/

Love wood floors, but confused about which type is right for your home? Hardwood flooring is manufactured in two ways: solid and engineered. Each is available in a variety of colors, widths, and styles, but knowing which to use will depend on where you want to use it.

Solid wood floors can be used in rooms that are above grade, and are available in strip, plank or parquet styles. One of the benefits of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished many times. Solid wood floors are ideal in family/living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens and powder rooms. About the only place you should be cautious about using solid wood flooring is in the basement, but there’s a solution for that area too.

Engineered wood floors, which are available in strip and plank styles, are real wood floors that are manufactured using several layers of wood veneers. The sub layers can be the same species, or different species, with the top layer consisting of high-quality wood. The grain of each layer runs in opposite directions, which makes it very dimensionally stable. Engineered floors can be nailed or stapled to a wood subfloor, or glued down to a wood subfloor or concrete slab. This makes engineered floors ideal for basement installations.

To learn more about different types of wood flooring, visit the National Wood Flooring Association’s consumer website at http://www.woodfloors.org/.

The Importance of Cushion Under Your Carpet

2011-10-12T16:14:00.000-04:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Claire Bowen, Shaw Flooring, http://www.shawfloors.com/

If you want a great carpet installation, we have three words for you: Don’t. Forget. Cushion. Seriously, it’s the crucial thing you’ve probably thought the least about. But don’t worry—we’re going to swing into a little tutorial on just why cushion is so important. It’ll be quick and, maybe, not too boring.

First, it’s about physics. Every step across your floor creates hundreds of pounds of pressure. Doesn’t matter if it’s your varsity linebacker or your size-2 dancer … all that walking (running, wrestling, whatever) adds up to a lot of force on the floor. Carpet cushion helps alleviate and distribute that pressure. And the decrease in pressure makes your carpet feel richer, thicker and softer.

Second, it’s about … physics. Cushion makes your room quieter and warmer because it decreases sound and increases thermal insulation.

Third, it’s about … right. Physics. Cushion helps keep your carpet cleaner by allowing air flow between the layers. This, in turn, makes dirt removal easier during vacuuming.

Fourth, it’s about … wrong! MONEY! High-quality cushion actually makes your carpet last a lot longer. And increased carpet life means less money spent.

There are many excellent cushion products out there—different densities and levels of quality, some eco-friendly, some not so much—so shop around. Ask a project consultant at MODA Floors & Interiors. He or she will be able to direct you to the best product for your purposes. But the bottom line is … go with good cushion, and you’ll be very glad you did.

"Green" Flooring Options

2011-09-27T13:18:00.000-04:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, communications director, National Wood Flooring Association, http://www.nwfa.org/

Public awareness about environmental issues is at an all-time high, and increasingly, consumers are doing their part by choosing products that have a minimal impact on the environment. As consumers become more ecologically conscious, they are demanding the use of sustainable and renewable building products in their homes and businesses.

The facts are clear: wood flooring is the only flooring option available that is completely sustainable, and with new guidelines promoting responsible forest management, wood flooring has become the flooring option of choice among many eco-friendly builders, architects, specifiers, designers and consumers.

Wood flooring is the most abundantly renewable flooring material available. Sustainable forest management makes it possible to harvest wood without any serious impact on the environment, because trees are a renewable resource that can be replaced time and time again.

Wood is produced in a factory called a forest by a renewable source of energy called the sun. Nonrenewable building materials must be produced in man-made factories. This requires large inputs of fossil fuels, resulting in high carbon dioxide emissions. In other words, all other possible flooring substitutes are more harmful to the environment. The answer to using environmentally friendly building options, then, is not to use less wood, but to grow more trees, and to promote sustainable forests.

Which is exactly what is happening. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the average annual net growth for hardwoods is greater than average annual removals. In fact, the average growth to removal ratio is 1.66, which means that for every cubic foot of hardwood removed, 1.66 cubic feet is added. In all, the standing hardwood volume currently is 328 billion cubic feet, an increase of nearly 90 percent since 1953. Obviously, forests are sustainable, making wood a sustainable resource, and an obvious choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

To learn more about the benefits of wood flooring, visit the National Wood Flooring Association’s website at www.woodfloors.org.

The NWFA is a not-for-profit trade organization of more than 4,100 wood flooring professionals working worldwide to educate consumers, architects, designers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

Wood Flooring Minimizes Raw Material Waste

2011-09-12T10:48:00.000-04:00

MODA Floors & Interiors Guest Blogger: Anita Howard, communications director, National Wood Flooring Association, http://www.nwfa.org/

One of the biggest environmental benefits wood floors offer is that they are made from a renewable resource – trees. In fact, in the United States, the standing volume of hardwood trees is actually increasing from year to year. The USDA Forest Service reports that for every tree harvested, 1.9 are planted in its place, which means that the raw materials needed to make wood floors will be available for many generations to come.

The wood flooring industry also works to get the most use out of each log it harvests. Engineered wood floors are made with real wood using a cross-ply construction process that allows for more wood to be used from each log. The lower, or core layers, of each flooring board can use wood that might otherwise not have been useful in a solid wood flooring board, which is one solid piece of wood from top to bottom. By contrast, engineered wood, while being all wood, is not solid. It contains several layers of wood stacked on top of one another in a cross-ply fashion to increase wood yield and reduce wood waste. This cross-ply construction process increases the dimensional stability of the wood, which makes it useful in places that previously were not recommended for wood floors, like bathrooms or basements.

The National Wood Flooring Association has a consumer website available that provides a great deal of information about wood floors, including the differences between solid and engineered products. For more information, visit http://www.woodfloors.org/.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a non-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 members world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

How to Select Tile

2011-08-30T10:30:00.001-04:00

In this brief video, Theresa Minkoff, a project consultant/designer at MODA Floors & Interiors, shares some tips and advice on selecting tile for your home.

Keep Your Floors Looking Beautiful: Tips for Maintenance

2011-08-16T14:54:00.001-04:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Claire Bowen, Shaw Flooring, http://www.shawfloors.com/

Want some great basic guidelines on keeping the various types of flooring well-cared-for? Here they are:

Carpet

Many carpets have stain-resistance treatments, but you still have to do basic maintenance. Regular vacuuming is the best way to prolong carpet life and beauty. Periodic overall cleaning is recommended, too—ask your retailer what method to use. And the best quick response to a spill: blot—don’t rub or smear—with a clean white cloth, rinse with clean water, blot dry.

Be sure to check your manufacturer’s warranty and care information for details on spill clean-up.

Hardwood and Laminate

Regularly sweep, dust, or vacuum (hard floor attachment only) damaging grit and dirt. Periodically clean with a product made specifically for hardwood and/or laminate. But don’t use abrasive or strong cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powders. Use a damp cloth to blot spills and clean spots—never let liquids stand on your hardwood or laminate floor. Also, don’t wet-mop or wash it (for the same reason).

Use entry mats (vinyl-backed) and floor protectors on furniture. And no stiletto heels or untrimmed pet nails!

Tile and Stone

Damp mop once a week, and occasionally use a special cleaner made for tile and stone. Choose a cleaner that won’t harm or stain the grout—no detergent or soap. Cleaners should never contain acids, vinegar, chlorines, or ammonia—they could damage both the grout and the stone or tile.

Use protective entry mats and floor protectors on furniture. Another good protective step is grout sealer—first, make sure grout has cured at least 28 days. Stone or quarry tile may need to be sealed, too—ask your retailer.

Rugs

Regular vacuuming extends a rug’s life and helps retain its beauty. Blot spills with a white cloth or white paper towels, rinse with clean water, and blot dry. Don’t dry clean or use bleach.

Selecting Window Treatments for Your Home

2011-08-12T17:34:00.000-04:00

Janice Howell of MODA Floors & Interiors discusses the various window treatments available for your home in this four-minute video.

http://youtu.be/k-ZSakimDXo

Making the Most of Your Flooring Renovation

2011-07-18T10:00:00.001-04:00

MODA Guest Blogger: Claire Bowen, Shaw Floors, www.ShawFloors.com

Renovating or remodeling? You’ll have noticed that the clean, contemporary look is everywhere these days. Even country and cottage styles are more pared-down and clutter-free. If new floors are part of your reno, you’ll be glad to know there’s a great-looking product that fits these newer trends.

Carpet. Carpets now come in stylish, contemporary patterns, on-trend colors, and incredible textures. In short, carpet’s come a lo-o-o-ong way from beige plush. And with one of the new cool shags, you almost don’t need furniture!

Hardwood. If you’re 30-something (or any other age, for that matter) and saying to yourself, “I want this to be the floor my grandchildren play on,” you’re probably looking at hardwood. Contemporary or classic, it will welcome the next generation with style.

Laminate. Is it … or isn’t it? That’s what you’ll ask about today’s laminates. Whether they mimic wood or stone, they’re unbelievably realistic (and stylish!). Some laminates even offer beveled, distressed, and highly textured options—creating the look and feel of hardwood or stone.

Tile and stone. One of the most ancient flooring materials can be one of the most modern-looking. Easy-care and naturally beautiful, this floor is ideal for a simplified life.

Area rugs. Don’t forget a rug or two—the easiest way to update your home’s look. Rugs add texture and warmth, literally transforming a room with design and color. Whether it’s traditional, contemporary, or transitional, there’s something for any … and all … of your lovely new rooms.

Choosing an Area Rug

2011-07-05T16:32:00.000-04:00

Laurie Allgood of MODA Floors & Interiors offers helpful advice on selecting an area rug for your home.

Designing With Rugs: What to Consider When Selecting a Rug

2011-06-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

Guest Blog Post: Claire Bowen, Shaw Floors, http://www.shawfloors.com/

A rug is one of those home decorating items that just makes everything easy! You can completely change the look of a room in minutes. Add color. Style. Pizzazz. In an instant. Isn’t it fun to be a quick-change artist?

You’ll want to decide, first, on the basic look you’re after. There are three basic design categories:

Contemporary: Bold, dramatic colors and shapes combine with clean, crisp lines to make an impact that’s tres modern and hip.

Transitional: Softer geometrics, larger-scale floral and organic shapes, and on-trend colors create an eclectic look that bridges traditional and contemporary.

Traditional: These are classics—Persian, oriental, and ethnic patterns that have been around for centuries because they’re so beautifully designed.

A couple of thoughts on color and design: To make a big statement, choose a rug with a large motif and bold colors—it will be your room’s focal point. For quieter style, go with a solid-color rug in a loop or shag, or try a pattern in subtle colors.

Size and shape depend entirely on where you’ll put your rug. Long for foyers, rectangular or round for rooms with furniture. In general, a rug should be large enough to hold seating groups (including chairs pushed out from the table) but small enough that there’s a frame of floor around it.

Whether you’re changing with the seasons—or just changing your mind—a gorgeous area rug helps you do it quickly and easily.