May 10, 2008
We've talked about cork flooring as an eco-friendly and often practical option in several articles and blog posts (i.e. snap-together cork floor tiles, cork flooring in the kitchen, and pros and cons of cork flooring), and as you can see from the pictures, it's usually pretty similar in appearance. The floors look like, well, cork.
But you can also get different colors, stains, and tile shapes to create interesting patterns. Checkerboards aren't too uncommon, and companies will often work with you to create custom patterns to your tastes. An example is this floor with its multi-hued six-sided tiles.
Installed in a homeowner's kitchen, these cork floors were done by Tampa's Through the Woods flooring company.
May 1, 2008
When it comes to hardwood floors, the hand-scraped look is in. Finer wood-flooring makers are offering planks that are scraped by hand to create a warm vintage look. And you'll pay for that kind of character, too, at least when it comes to hardwoods.
However, you can now get laminate flooring with the unique texture of hand-scraped wood. Obviously, no one is actually down there scraping those laminate boards with their hands, but if you want the look without the high price tag, it could be something to consider.
Numerous laminate manufacturers are offering lines, so just browse at any flooring store to see what's out there. You can also find great deals shopping online, but you may want to actually feel a sample board for yourself before committing to a room full of the stuff.
April 27, 2008
You've probably heard of bamboo flooring as its eco-friendliness (that's a word--really) has made it a pretty hot option. Actually a fast-growing grass, bamboo is similar to wood in many ways when it comes to floors. But if hardness and durability are a concern, you may wonder if something that's technically a grass can hold up well in high traffic area.
Well, the folks at EcoTimber have come up with a woven bamboo flooring that is actually strands pressed together with a durable resin. Because its wood-like grain is less linear than traditional bamboo flooring, it features the durability "of the densest tropical hardwoods," which makes it ideal for high-traffic hallways and rooms.
The woven bamboo flooring comes prefinished and can be nailed or glued down (but not installed as a floating floor, so it's not a project for most do-it-yourselfers). The cost is $5.99 per square foot (not including installation).
EcoTimber
April 3, 2008
If you're remodeling your home or building from scratch, you may have already decided hardwood floors are a must. After all, it's hard to beat the beauty of wood. But are your typical hardwood boards your only option? Of course not. If you haven't looked into parquet squares for a while, you may be surprised at some of the impressive patterns out there.
Just check out the flower-inspired MX12 parquet blocks from Czar Floors. Okay, they don't get any cool points for the name of the pattern, but it does look cool on the floor.
This is just one of all sorts of unique patterns out there, so look around at what's available before deciding on those plain old hardwood boards. After all, it's kind of fun to have something different from everyone else on the block.
Czar Floors
March 20, 2008
When you're talking about something as beautiful as slate or travertine floors, you might not think they need any spicing up with extra elements. But as you can see from the picture, something like these decorative bronze tiles, which are set at the "intersections" of this mosaic, can take a floor from handsome to a look of pure luxury.
Bronze tiles tend to be durable and appropriate for indoor or outdoor settings, and even high traffic flooring areas. As versatile as ceramic or stone tiles, they can be set into backsplashes, wall mosaics, shower and bath surrounds, or fountains as well as floors. Sealing isn't even required for this durable metal, though your dealer may recommend a light coat of paste wax to help the tiles stay bright (remember, bronze tends to develop a patina over time as it is exposed to oxygen).
The tiles shown here are from the Bronzework Studio.
« Previous entries
