How to Remove Carpet Stains

Whether you have kids or not, you're bound to spill something on your carpet sooner or later. Our Madison flooring company is here to provide you with the expertise you need to keep your floors looking great! From wine to candle wax, here are some tips from ThisOldHouse.com to get different types of stains out of your carpet. Be sure to always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot and never scrub the carpet because you'll risk ruining the carpet fibers.

Water-Soluble Stains

For water-soluble stains, you can use a simple cleaning solution made up of 1/4 tsp. of non-bleach detergent (or white vinegar) mixed with 32 oz. of water. Water-soluble stains include:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Berries
• Colas
• Food Dyes
• Gravy 
• Ice Cream
• Jelly
• Milk
• Mud
• Washable Ink 
• Wet or Latex Paint

Urine

For urine, absorb as much as possible with white towels, then blot with a damp, cool cloth. Next, spay or blot with a solution of one part white vinegar to one part water. Finally, apply a solution of 1/2 tsp. of clear, mild, non-bleach detergent mixed with 32 oz. of water, rinse and blot dry.

Other Water-Soluble Stains

Some water-soluble stains are special and take a little more work. Try 1 tablespoon of ammonia mixed with 1 cup of water. (However, don't do this on wool or wool-blend carpet; instead, use mild detergent and water.) If that doesn't work, you can try one part chlorine bleach to five parts water, but only on solution-dyed carpets, such as polypropylene. Bleach will harm other types of carpets; check with the manufacturer if you are unsure what type of carpet you have. These special stains include:

• Blood
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Mustard 
• Tea
• Vomit
• Wine

Fat, Oil, Wax and More

For fat, oil and wax, place a paper towel over the carpet and iron on warm setting. The stain should come up off the carpet and stick to the paper towel. For glue, moisten a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and press it on the stain. Once the glue residue is thoroughly moistened, gently wipe it off and repeat until the carpet is clean. For gum, use ice to freeze it and then shatter it with a blunt object, such as a spoon. Vacuum before the pieces soften, and blot the carpet with a white towel. For nail polish, blot the area with a rag dipped in nail polish remover.

If your carpet is too old and stained beyond repair, come see us at Floors for Less!  Our showroom features the best flooring in Madison, Wisconsin. We can help you replace your carpet or even switch to hardwood or laminate. We have flooring to meet everyone's needs. Whether you're planning to install it yourself or have a professional do it, we have the knowledge and ability to help you get started!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Bamboo - The Complete Story

Many people may think they'll buy bamboo and then pat themselves on the back and say "I just saved the earth." However, nothing is that easy. If you really care about the environment and want a durable floor, then you will have to really dig for information. One easy rule is, if the information is not readily available, then the Bamboo is probably not manufactured to standards that make it a truly "green" product.

About Bamboo

Unlike North American hardwood that is cut and milled, Bamboo is processed. It is crushed and then glued together. In that process, there are many pitfalls. 

Maturity: Why is Bamboo the number one complaint item for denting and scratching? Because, it has been harvested too early and the Lignum has not matured to a hardness that makes it "hardwood like." Bamboo grows very fast, but it needs maturing and often in the rush for profits, many manufacturers harvest too early. A minimum of 6 to 10 years is the required time for Bamboo to mature. Bargain priced Bamboo is always a clue. 

Chemicals: Formaldehyde is used in the adhesives that bind the Bamboo into flooring. There are strict manufacturing tolerances for the use of adhesives, but unfortunately there are many Asian mills that do not adhere to these standards. If they do, that information is generally published on the box or in a brochure. A mill that follows the rules will generally be proud of it's adherence to these standards. 

Natural or Carbonized: In the normal Bamboo, the natural is harder than the carbonized. With Strand Woven Bamboo, both colors are commercially rated. 

Satisfaction: Because of the high complaints, Floors for Less avoids the regular bamboo in the horizontal or vertical grain look. Plus, many of these standard Bamboos only come in 36" planks. We think it makes too much of a "brick" like appearance. We prefer the Strand Woven Bamboo. This is a Bamboo that is totally shredded so there are very few of the "knuckles" left in the board. The great benefit of this Bamboo is; it is commercially rated and also comes in 72" boards! Strand Woven Bamboo is the very best! 

Bamboo Flooring

Do your research first. When done right, Bamboo is a floor you can be proud of and will deliver long lasting beauty and satisfaction. One final cautionary note: Due to the extreme hardness of Strand Woven Bamboo, this floor will cup, or swell and shrink more than American species. Wisconsin has some of the most extreme climate changes, from hot and humid to very dry. Wood, especially very hard wood, reacts to these climate changes. 

If you are buying Bamboo solely for it's environmental impact, there are better choices out there. North American Hardwood and specifically Wisconsin manufactured hardwoods are even better "green" products! You can checkout all of our Wisconsin green flooring products on our website: www.FloorsforLess.com.

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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4 Strategies for Long Lasting Carpet

With the right care and maintenance, you can keep your Madison, Wisconsin carpet looking great for years! If you stay on top of it, cleaning it can be easier than you might think. All it takes is a good vacuum, the right cleaning products and a little know-how. Check out these strategies for keeping your carpet looking great from FamilyHandyMan.com!

1. Get Rid of Dirt.

Dirt acts like a thousand little blades cutting the fibers of your carpet. When you walk across a dirty carpet, you grind these dirt particles against the fibers, creating tiny nicks. Also, when first scratches the fibers, it dulls the sheen. This is why high-traffic areas appear duller than the rest of the carpet. Over time, this process mats the fibers down and makes them stain more easily. Try these tips to keep your carpet as dirt-free as possible:

• Vacuum entrances and high-traffic areas twice a week and everywhere else at least once a week. Frequent vacuuming will reduce soil buildup. 
• Suction power is cut in half when there's a dirty bag, dirt cup or filter. The main reason bagless vacuums stop working is that the filters aren't changed often enough. Be sure to replace or wash filters every 3 months and replace vacuum bags when they're 3/4 full. 
• Vacuum slow enough to get out as much dirt as possible and go over high-traffic areas more than once. 
• Use doormats inside and out to keep dirt off the carpet. Coarse-textured mats outside your doors remove soil, while water-absorbent mats inside prevent wet shoes on the carpeting. 

2. Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner.

While you can easily rent a machine to clean the carpet yourself, it is important to have your carpets professionally cleaned every once in awhile. When done correctly, this process deep cleans the carpet and doesn't leave behind a soap residue. A rented carpet cleaner will remove the surface dirt, but doesn't get that deep clean that you need to remove allergens, dust and greasy residues. The best strategy for keeping your carpets clean is to do-it-yourself most of the time, but hire a professional every 12 to 18 months.

3. Do Some DIY Cleaning.

Since hiring a professional carpet cleaner can be costly, the next-best thing is to rent or buy a machine and do-it-yourself. This approach can be effective if you understand how to use the machine properly. Hurrying through a cleaning will leave soap residue, a soaked carpet and a pad that can mold or mildew easily. Make sure that you clean the carpet before it becomes really dirty. How often the cleaning needs to be done, depends on the kind of carpet traffic you have, for example kids or pets. If you wait until the carpet is filthy, cleaning it will be much more difficult, take longer and probably cost more. Be sure to vacuum before and after cleaning the carpets. You may want to pre-treat any stains or high-traffic areas. Before cleaning you will also want to remove or elevate your furniture. When you are done cleaning, be sure to let the carpet dry thoroughly before walking on it and replacing the furniture.      

4. Clean Stains Right Away.

If you treat a stain immediately, there is a 99% chance you can remove it. The longer a stain reacts chemically with the carpeting, the harder it is to remove. Try removing the stain with water first; press a clean, dry, white cloth over the stain to absorb the spill. Don't dig or scoop food spills as that can work the stain into the carpet. If there are solids on top of the stain, use a spoon or dull knife to carefully scrape the food toward the middle of the stain and up into a while towel. You also do not want to rub or scrub as that will damage the fibers, creating a fuzzy area. Be patient gently working water into the spill and blotting it inward. If water alone does not work, try a white vinegar and water solution or club soda before trying any commercial cleaning products. Some commercial products can cause carpet to get dirty faster or damage the carpet's color and texture, so be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area before using one.  

If you're carpet has reached the end of it's life, Floors for Less can hook you up with some brand new carpet! We emphasize service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started. Good Madison flooring at a great price adds to the beauty and value of your home. Stop by the showroom today to take a look at what we have to offer!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Test Your Knowledge of St. Patrick's Day

The Irish holiday filled with traditions is here! Grab your green clothing and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. In celebration of this fun holiday, Floors for Less brings you some St. Patrick's Day Trivia! Test your knowledge with these questions below:

1. Leprechauns often have a "shillelagh" with them. What is a shillelagh? 

A. a Big Stick
B. a Four Leaf Clover
C. a Pot of Gold
D. a Backpack

2. Which of the following animal legends is told about St. Patrick? 

A. He chased away rats by playing his flute.
B. He could talk to the birds.
C. He drove the snakes out of Ireland.
D. He attracted animals with his teachings.

3. Legend has it that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you will what? 

A. Have 7 Years Bad Luck
B. Gain the "Gift of Gab"
C. Turn Green
D. Get all the Gold

4. The name "Patrick" is derived from the Latin word meaning what? 

A. "Father of His People"
B. "Hunter of Snakes"
C. "Brilliant Light"
D. "Teacher"

5. The expression "Erin Go Braugh" means what? 

A. Kiss me, I'm Irish
B. Everybody's Irish
C. Go Ireland
D. Ireland Forever

6. What was the first color associated with St. Patrick's Day? 

A. Green
B. Blue
C. Red
D. Gold

7. Irish is the __________ most reported ancestry in the US. 

A. First
B. Third
C. Fifth
D. Second

8. What day in the life of St. Patrick does March 17th supposedly mark? 

A. His Birthday
B. His Death
C. The Day He Became a Slave
D. The Day He Bought his Freedom

9. For what purpose was St. Patrick's Day originally created? 

A. to outrank St. Valentine's Day for popularity.
B. as an excuse to drink heavily.
C. as a day of prayer for spiritual missions.
D. as a day to wear green.

10. What is the Hibernian Society? 

A. Irish people who stay home on St. Patrick's Day.
B. a charitable group that helps Irish Immigrants.
C. a group of Irish mobsters.
D. the group of people that started St. Patrick's Day.

11. Why do you get pinched on St. Patrick's Day if you aren't wearing green? 

A. You've been naughty.
B. It's a fun way to meet new people.
C. Leprechauns can see you.
D. You're disobedient.

12. What American St. Patrick's Day tradition began as an accident? 

A. Dyeing Rivers Green
B. Having a Parade
C. Wearing Green
D. Finding a Pot of Gold


Happy St. Patrick's Day from your Madison flooring company! For all your flooring needs, visit Floors for Less. From hardwoods to tile to carpet, we have the best flooring in Madison, Wisconsin! Stop by and check out our showroom today!

**ANSWERS**

1. A - a Big Stick 

2. C - He drove the snakes out of Ireland. 

3. D - Gain the "Gift of Gab" 

4. A - "Father of His People" 

5. D - Ireland Forever

6. B - Blue 

7. D - Second

8. B - His Death

9. C - as a day of prayer for spiritual missions. 

10. B - a charitable group that helps Irish Immigrants

11. C - Leprechauns can see you. 

12. A - Dyeing Rivers Green 

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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5 Tips for Picking a Wood Floor Color

Hardwood flooring in Madison, Wisconsin, can not only increase your home's market value, but also add some beauty and charm to a room. You can't go wrong with hardwood flooring, unless you choose the wrong color. With so many choices, how do you know which color hardwood will work in your home? The color you choose needs to complement your walls, furnishings, architecture and color scheme. If you just choose the color you like best in the store, you're probably going to be disappointed once you see it installed. Here are 5 tips for choosing the right hardwood flooring color from HomeGuides.SFGate.com.

1. Visit the showroom at Floors for Less. 

When you go, take along a throw pillow, paint chip or cabinet wood sample from the room that you will be installing the wood floors. A flooring showroom can be overwhelming if you don't have anything to compare the wood samples with. Taking along some items from your home will help you determine which wood colors would coordinate best with what is currently in that room. 

2. Narrow your choices down. 

Once you've looked through all the choices, narrow it down to several of your top choices. Its not necessary to match your wood cabinets with your floor color. Instead, choose colors that will compliment your cabinets. If your cabinetry is a light oak color with a dark grain, you might select a dark floor color to enhance the cabinets. Keep in mind that warm reds, browns and golden wood tones tend to make a room cozy, while cool white and gray wood floors can make a room feel more spacious. 

3. Take samples home with you. 

Choose 3 different Wisconsin flooring samples to take home with you. Taking more than 3 samples can confuse your final selection, rather than helping to narrow it down. If you are having trouble narrowing it down, consider the price as well. Oak and maple are typically less expensive than walnut, Brazilian cherry and hickory. Oak, however, can often be stained in a variety of colors, such as reddish hues and golden or chocolaty browns. 

4. Consider the lighting. 

Be sure to take a look at your samples in daylight and under nighttime artificial light. Slide the samples next to the baseboards in your room and step back to see how they look against your walls and woodwork. You should also position samples next to adjoining floors and beside furniture pieces. Leaving the room for a few minutes and coming back to view the samples will give you a fresh persepective, getting your inital reaction upon entering the room. This is a good measure of how you'll feel about the entire floor being covered in a particular wood color. 

5. Eliminate your least favorite. 

While this can be the trickiest step, try to eliminate your least favorite of the 3 samples. Then continue examining and compairng the other 2 pieces until you reach your final decision. Make sure you compare the choices with everything that will be in the completed room. While you may like one better by itself, what really matters is how that flooring is going to bring the entire room together.

Our Madison flooring professionals are here to help answer all your hardwood flooring questions! At Floors for Less, we only sell products that we can buy directly from local distributors to save you money. We specialize in "hard-to-find at reasonable prices" 4-inch wide wood. Stop by and check out our flooring showroom today!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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5 Tips for Protecting Your Hardwood Floors

Madison hardwood floors can be a wonderful investment, but you have to know how to take care of them. They take such a beating! We walk all over them, track dirt on them and still expect them to shine at the end of the day. Floors for Less is here to help you keep your new flooring in tip-top shape. Check out these 5 tips for protecting your hardwood floors from the Readers Digest:

1. Vacuum or Sweep Your Floors Every Week

As you walk around on the hardwood floors moving around dust and dirt, the fine grit in dust, similar to sandpaper, will slowly wear through your floor's finish. A good weekly clean will keep your floors appearance up! If you're using a vacuum, use an attachment with a brush or a felt surface that runs along the floor. Attachments with rotating brushes or a beater bar can actually scratch the finish. You can also just use a dust mop or one of the microfiber sweepers instead.

2. Wipe Up Water Immediately

Water can not only ruin the finish on a hardwood floor, but can penetrate deep into the wood, staining it. Be sure to close your windows if you are expecting rain. If you have any potted plants, be sure to put trays under them and always immediately wipe up any water you see.

3. Be Careful with Cleaners

You should always wipe up spills and dirt immediately. Then you can use a cleaner to remove any residue that is left over. Be sure to use cleaners that are not harmful to your hardwood floors. Many liquids can damage the finish or stain the floor. Once you do find an appropriate cleaner, be sure not to saturate the floor. Using a damp rag or mop will get the job done without damaging your new hardwood floors in Madison, Wisconsin.

4. Use a Door Mat

While vacuuming, mopping and spot cleaning are great for protecting your floor, wouldn't it be better to just keep the dirt out in the first place? Door mats, inside and outside, are both helpful in keeping dirt and grime off your floors. Be sure to have people wipe their feet as they enter your home. If you want to take extra precautions, you could even ask guests to take their shoes off when they enter and leave them by the door. While these tips may not prevent dirt and dust from building up on your floors, they can certainly reduce it.

5. Protect High-Traffic Zones with Rugs

Walking across the same area several times can eventually wear down the floor's finish in that area. Nice looking area rugs are the easiest way to reduce the wear. However, you want to make sure the rug you choose does not have a backing. Vinyl or rubber backing will trap humidity, which can ruin your floor's finish and even stain or damage the wood. 

By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of wear on your flooring. If your hardwoods have taken enough beating already, consider replacing them. Our Madison flooring company can help you find the perfect flooring at a great value! Stop by the showroom or contact us at 608-442-1200 today!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Go Green with Floors for Less!

Floors for Less offers many "GREEN" products. The definition of what is green, or environmentally friendly, can vary. For our Madison flooring company, green means new products created from recycled materials. Why not be a good steward of natural resources, especially when the products are fashionable and priced fairly?

Bamboo

It's easy to buy Bamboo and then pat yourself on the back thinking you just saved the earth. Nothing is that easy though. If you really care about the environment and want a durable floor, you will need to dig for more information. One easy rule is, if the information is not readily available, the Bamboo is probably not manufactured to standards that make it a truly "green" product. Unlike North American hardwood that is cut and milled, Bamboo is processed. It is crushed and then glued together. There are many pitfalls within that process.

Silent Night

Floors for Less is very proud of this product. This is foundation padding for laminate flooring and engineered float floors, and it is a great noise barrier for hardwood flooring installations. Silent Night is made from 95% recycled rubber. It is the best acoustical pad and is naturally anti-microbial. It has an IIC rating of 60 decibels, one of the highest ratings in the market today. It comes in 100 SF rolls that are 48 inches wide.

LVT Tile

Direct glue down or click lock tile or plank look LVT is rated for commercial use. It's great in basements, laundry rooms, commercial areas and water problem areas. This product is made from 100% recycled LVT.

Cork

What a great product for Wisconsin flooring! Cork is a great fatigue mat due to the natural characteristics of cork. For a workplace, like a kitchen, it's soft under foot, forgiving if you drop something (unlike ceramic tile) and is naturally warmer in our cold Wisconsin winters. Properly harvested, cork recycles itself in 12 years, a great renewable material. Our cork is from Portugal, and cork from Spain and Portugal is noted for it's higher density and longer life. All of our corks have a water based Urethane wear-layer, so they are safe and easy to maintain.

All of our green products are competitively priced. Stop by our flooring store in Madison, Wisconsin today! Our emphasis is on service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started. Whether you're going to install the flooring yourself or have an installer do it for you, our flooring professionals are here to help!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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4 Ways Updating Your Home Can Strengthen Your Relationship

Nothing says I love you like letting your spouse do those home updates you've been talking about! Instead of going with the regular chocolates and flowers, why not get her something that will last, that you both can enjoy this Valentine's Day! Plus working on a project together can bring you closer together. Floors for Less is here to help!

1. Envisioning Together

In order to update your home, you're going to have to do some planning. This planning allows for more time spent together. Sharing your fantasies about what your new Madison flooring will look like in your home is sure to deepen your bond. Whether you're looking for new carpet or want to upgrade to hardwood flooring, looking at pictures and talking about your ideas together will make the whole experience fun and exciting.

2.  Romance In the Kitchen

Men just can't seem to keep their hands off a woman in the kitchen; there's just something about a woman cooking. And nothing can put a woman in a good mood like her spouse offering to do the dishes. So be sure to keep the kitchen in mind when planning your home updates. Floors for Less offers beautiful custom cabinets in Madison, Wisconsin.

3. Cozy Environment

Nothing says cozy like some brand new carpeting! Soft carpeting is perfect for cuddling up together on the floor and watching a movie or sitting infront of the fireplace on a cool Winter night. There's just something about that feeling you get when running your fingers or toes through new, clean carpeting. Comfortable surroundings will lighten your mood so you can relax and enjoy each others company.

4. More Date Nights

While your Madison flooring store may not seem like the most romantic place, shopping together can be fun! Getting excited about new carpet or tile can bring about emotions that you're experiencing together. The energy and excitement can bring you closer together. Working together on any project, can strengthen your relationship.

Whether your going to install the new flooring yourself or have someone do it, Floors for Less is here to make your project run smoothly! From hardwoods to carpet, tile to laminate, we are focused on providing reliable products to our customers at a great value. Adding beauty and value to your home can also add beauty and value to your relationship this Valentine's Day!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Hardwood Flooring and the Environment

If you're concerned about the environment, then purchasing hardwood floors in Madison, Wisconsin is a great choice! Hardwood is one of the best things you can do to ensure clean air. In short, well-managed new growth forests, the ones that produce our timber, are far more efficient when it comes to producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Our old growth forests are virtually stagnant in this category. Since hardwood stores up to 67% carbon, any hardwood produced that is not burned is good for the environment.

Well-Managed New Growth Forests

When well managed, forests provide clean air and water, homes for wildlife, beautiful scenery, places for recreation and more than 5,000 products we all use every day, such as hardwood flooring in Madison, Wisconsin. The role of trees and forests in our ecosystem is critical. Forests renew the air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Trees also clean our atmosphere by intercepting airborne particles and by absorbing ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and other greenhouse gases. A single tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants a year and produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen. That is enough oxygen to support two people!

Local Distributors

All of our hardwood comes from local distributors. Almost all other major American brands are controlled by distributors who sell to retailers and they resource wood from many parts unknown to the average consumer. The eco-friendliness of hardwood flooring depends largely upon where the flooring materials are sourced from. By only using local distributors, we are able to reduce the carbon footprint of the hardwood flooring.

At Floors for Less, we have good flooring at a great price. Add beauty and value to your home without worrying about the effect on the environment by purchasing your hardwoods from your Madison flooring company! We emphasize service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started. We have significant experience in the flooring industry!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Why Choose Engineered Hardwood vs. Solid Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is an easy way to improve the look, durability and value of your home. When it comes to hardwood flooring in Madison, Wisconsin, you have many different options to choose from. The color choices are endless and you will need to choose between engineered flooring or solid wood. What's the difference you might ask? Floors for Less is here to help you understand the differences!

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid wood is single piece of thick wood. Solid wood flooring will expand and contract with changes in your home's relative humidity. To compensate for this movement, solid wood flooring is typically installed by leaving an expansion gap between the floor and the wall. Base molding or quarter round can be used to hide this extra space.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered wood on the otherhand, is produced with 3-5 different layers of hardwood. Each layer is stakced in a cross-grain configuration and bonded together under heat and pressure. As a result, this type of flooring is less likely to be affected by changes in humidity.

Why Engineered? 

The greatest advantage of Wisconsin engineered flooring is that it is more stable in "un-stable" climates compared to solid wood floors. Generally, engineered flooring can be installed over concrete, as well as wood sub-floors. For many customers, due to their sub-floors, it is the only flooring option for them. Engineered flooring, like all things in life, is available in quality flooring, as well as bargain sub-quality flooring. Since there is less need to sand your hardwood flooring than in the past, the thinner hardwood surface layer that is common with engineered flooring can and will last a long time. This is, however, dependent upon the individual product.

With today's moderate use of climate control systems (air conditioning and humidity systems) the biggest problem facing hardwood flooring is abrasion of the urethane finish. There are various degrees of finish and all are not equal. Depending on th amount of wear from kids, cats and dogs, all that is usually needed is a simple buff and recoat process. The urethane is lightly roughed up and then the new coat is applied. The wood is never sanded, thus the need for solid flooring is not as important as years gone by.

In general, engineered floors are more stable than solid hardwood floors. So when extra wide boards are desirable, engineered flooring presents a big advantage! To learn more about what flooring option best fits your needs, contact Floors for Less at 608-442-1200. Get good Madison flooring at a great price when you choose Floors for Less!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Choose Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring for Your Home

At Floors for Less, we only sell products that we can buy directly, to save you money. Therefore, our hardwood comes from local distributors! Almost all of the major American brands are controlled by distributors who then sell to retailers and they resource wood from many parts unknown by the average customer. When you purchase flooring from our Madison flooring company, you know your getting the best value around!

Unfinished vs. Pre-Finished Hardwood

Why should you use pre-finished hardwood? The short answer is no muss, no fuss. The finish is applied at the factory and all you do is nail it down and you're done. Generally speaking, due to mass production, pre-finished hardwood costs less overall. Unfinished hardwood first needs to be nailed and then sanded, which creates a lot of fine dust that is a challenge to clean. Once the sanding is done, stain and a final finish is applied. This process generally costs more than pre-finished flooring because of the labor. It also adds time to the houshold disruption while each layer dries. Also, if anyone in your household has repiratory issues, using pre-finished flooring is the safest choice for their health.

Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring 

With pre-finished Madison hardwood flooring , the urethane finish is applied under factory controlled conditions using nultiple thin coats. The urethane is instantly cured, first with UV lighting and then a ceramic based material, usually aluminum oxide, is mixed into thhe urethane which in turn makes the water-based urethane much more rugged and abrasion resistant. The result is a floor that will hold it's original beauty longer than a job-sanded-on-site application.

Most quality pre-finished hardwood has a microbevel on all four sides, which ensures that you don't vatch splinters if you run your feet across the floor. If your sub-floor is not perfectly level and the wood is square edged, there's a chance you would catch a tiny edge and splinter the floor. Many low-end hardwood floors, especially some of those found in big box stores, are beveled only on the sides and not the end joints.

Wearmax Finish 

Our supplier uses a patented formula and much higher level ceramic in it's finish and produces one of the very best, if not the absolute very best finish available today. The "Wearmax" finish is actually tested to the industry standard (Taber Test) and it has almost double the wear than it's competitors with normal aluminum oxide! Wearmax also brings out the natural beauty of the wood and grain. Wearmax offers a 50 year wear warranty and also offers a superior commercial finish.

At Floors for Less, we specialize in "hard-to-find at resonable prices" hardwood flooring. Since we buy factory direct in large quantities, we can bring you fine quality wood in the popular 4 inch width and we can often do so for the price of the 3 1/4 inch wood. Our flooring store in Madison, Wisconsin has all your flooring needs covered. We also buy special manufacturing lots of first quality wood, so be sure to ask about our specials!

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

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Welcome to Our Blog!

Why FloorsforLess.com? 

It's simple! Our Madison flooring company is focused on a select group of reliable products. We emphasize service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started, whether you are going to install the flooring yourself or have someone do it for you. We have significant experience in the flooring industry.

At Floors for Less, we buy our products directly from the factory, so our prices provide a real savings without resorting to a sale on inflated prices. However, low prices don’t matter unless the flooring is good. Low-end flooring quickly looks dirty and old, and in the long run most people regret choosing it. It just doesn’t perform well.

For All Your Flooring Needs

• Hardwoods
• Laminates
• Engineered
• Green Products
• Carpet

Good flooring at a great price adds to the beauty and value of your home. Choose the BEST flooring company in Madison Wisconsin for all your flooring needs. Give us a call today at 608-442-1200. Be sure to follow our blog for information on the flooring industry, flooring tips and more! 

For all your flooring needs, contact the BEST flooring company in Madison, WI! 

Floors for Less

1017 Applegate Rd., Suite 200

Madison, WI 53713

Phone: 608-442-1200

LIKE Us on Facebook 

FOLLOW Us on Twitter

CONNECT with Us on LinkedIn

FOLLOW Us on Google+