Why Ultraviolet (UV) Light Floor Finishing is Better Than Traditional Methods

Protecting your Floors
After you’ve finally finished the process of selecting the right hardwood flooring that suits your home best, you’re going to want to protect it. With the wide variety of finishing methods out there, how do you know which is better? We get asked this question quite often, and we want to provide you with a new and upcoming method that we feel is the best solution for your hardwood flooring.

Environmentally Friendly Floor Products
Traditional methods of finishing your hardwood floors often involve toxic materials that give off nasty smells, a timely process that can leave your home out of commission for weeks, and floors that aren’t able to withstand everyday wear and tear. The commonly used wax finishing method offers some protection, but falls short as it is prone to scuffing and can attract dirt. It also tends to age with a yellowish tone that clashes with lighter-colored floors. Shellac, another commonly used sealant, also offers some protection, but contains high volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are toxic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. Clearly there must be something better out there, right?

Why UV

Well, there is! Ultraviolet (UV) light finishing offers a better solution for curing and refinishing your hardwood floors. UV light finishing cures floors within seconds of application and leaves them harder and more resistant against scratches, scuffs, and marks from shoes. Because there are no toxic chemicals involved in UV light finishing, you’re able to return home after a few short hours knowing that your home is as safe as before the finishing process. As you may have already guessed, UV light finishing is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than traditional methods of finishing.

Another common issue with traditional methods of finishing is discoloration. Wax, as previously mentioned, is prone to dirt build-up which causes an undesirable discolored look. With UV light finishing, your floors will continue to shine long after the finishing process has occurred. If you have bay windows in your home where you enjoy the welcome of the sun, discoloration or fading from sunlight won’t be an issue either with UV light finishing.

If your hardwood floors are starting to look like they could use a little touchup, stop by our showroom floor or give us a call and ask us about our amazing new UV light finishing process!

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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Your Flooring Can Help with Allergies!

There are so many things in life that cause allergies, don't let your home be one of them! Unfortunately, your flooring can help attribute to the allergens in your home, but with a few changes, you can improve this drastically! Here are a few flooring options we offer that can help improve the air you breathe.

Allergens That Invade the Home

There are several different allergens in your home, and if you know what they are, you'll be better prepared to fight them.

Dust Mites - Droppings, body parts, and husks can be found in any kind of fabric in the home, including your carpet. These little invaders are microscopic and you can't see them, but that doesn't change the fact that they are around...everywhere.
Mold - This can grow on any surface where there is moisture. This is especially true in areas that are frequently damp, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Warm Blooded Pets - They shed animal dander, and can contribute to allergies by salivating, urinating, and carrying things in from the yard. We love our furry friends, but to live peaceably with them we have to make a few changes sometimes.

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a wonderful option on many different levels. It's antimicrobial because of suberin, a naturally occurring substance that can reduce mold growth, mildew bacteria and other allergens. The hard surface makes it easier to clean with a dust mop, and even though it is a porous material, the finish prevents pockets where allergens can collect.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring in Madison is the most beautiful and desirable of flooring. It's a great choice for people with sensitivities to allergens. The hard surface leaves no room for dust mites to hide, and it cleans like a breeze - leaving a dust and hair-free surface.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is easy to clean, and does not harbor or hide dust and dander, this makes it a great option when you're looking to rid your home of allergens. One thing to watch is that some laminate floors can have emissions from the adhesives used during the manufacturing process that can trigger allergies. If you have any concerns about this, ask our salesmen and they'll be able to help you.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is an awesome choice for anyone with allergies for many reasons. It offers the same hard surface that protects from mites making a home in your floor, as well as being water proof to help with the mold and mildew. Not to mention bamboo floors in Madison homes are extremely beautiful!

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring

With similarities to cork, LVT flooring can be a wonderful option if you struggle with allergies. The easy care and cleaning, plus the hard surface make it a fabulous choice for your family!

Not only are these flooring options absolutely beautiful, but you'll find that they can help with the allergies you may be suffering from. Of course, flooring isn't just for helping with your allergies! A beautiful floor can add so much beauty to your home, as well as help with the value of your home. If you're looking to upgrade the flooring in your home, either for your health, or the beauty it can add to your home. Visit our flooring showroom in Madison and let our team help you choose a flooring that will add life to your home.

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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How to Pet Proof Your Floors

Your flooring will always receive a lot of wear and tear as you live life on it. Between kids, spills, dirt, shoes and food your floors are always needing to be cleaned and cared for, but throw a pet in the mix and now you'll need to be even more cautious. Some flooring types are better than others when you have pets, and there are ways to protect them! Here are a few tips for pet-proofing your floors!

Different Floors - Different Cleaners

Carpet - Carpet and rugs are probably going to show the most wear and stains if not cared for properly. Stains and smells can soak all the way to the padding, which can make them a challenge to clean. Some carpets do come with a sealant on them, and this can help repel stains. Your best friend will be a shampooer and a vacuum. You can get pet stain removers to get the stain out, and then we recommend a scheduled shampoo of the carpets and rugs to keep them looking nice, and reduce the chances of having to replace the entire thing.

Wood - If your wood floors are finished, you'll have less of a problem than with floors that are unfinished. The goal is to get the messes cleaned up as quickly as possible. Putting rugs down will help with protecting your floors, and always be sure to clean under the rug when messes happen. Untreated messes that seep through the rug can be disastrous.

Laminate - The coating on these floors can dissolve from urine, and moisture can make the laminate warp. Your best bet is to get the mess cleaned up immediately. Laminate isn't sensitive to cleaners, but it is to acidic messes.

Ways to Protect Your Floors

Carpet - A temporary way to protect your carpet, which can be a bit unsightly - but very effective, is to put a heavy plastic covering that sticks on one side over the carpet. If you are getting ready to install carpeting, a good solution is a moisture proof pad! You can also spray something such as Scotchguard on your carpet to create a barrier. You'll probably have to reapply it monthly at least.

Wood - Vinyl tablecloths with a fabric backing can help when covering a large area. For absorption you can try newspapers or paper towels on top. If you're looking for something more permanent, you can use a water based coating to create a barrier that will help repel messes. Even with a barrier, you will still want to clean messes up immediately.

Laminate - You won't be able to apply a coating to laminate, but you can utilize the tips from above to help save your laminate from wear and tear.

These are a just a few tips that can help you protect your floors from your favorite, fuzzy family members! After a certain amount of time, some flooring just needs replaced - and when that day comes, we're here for you! Our flooring showroom in Madison is stocked full of flooring options that will leave your home looking beautiful! From carpet, LVT tile, laminate, hardwoods, bamboo and cork, we have MANY options for you and your family. We have the best flooring selection in Madison, and we can't wait to help you improve your home. Come visit the best flooring store in Madison and let us show you how beautiful your home can look!

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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What Do You Do With Water Damage?

It happens. Whether you left the kitchen sink on and forgot, or your water heater leaked, sometimes you will have to deal with water damage in your home. There's no use crying over spilled water though, your floors can be repaired or replaced. Here are a few things things you need to figure out before starting the repairs.

Are Your Floors Damaged?

Wood & Laminate Floors: When wood floors are damaged, you will notice cupping, with dips and raised edges in the planks. Dark spots may also be found in your floors; sometimes it's just part of the natural pattern, but it could also be mold. Your floor planks may bubble upward creating a crown shape, or there could also be buckling, with the planks being completely removed from the floor underneath. Be aware and pay attention to your floors after water damage.

Vinyl Flooring: If you notice any stains or discoloration that were not there to begin with, you could have damage and mold happening.

3 Steps to Repairing Your Floors

1. Remove Water - The first thing you'll want to do is remove all of the excess water. For large pools of water, you can use a wet vacuum. After you've taken care of those, you can point fans towards the area to assist with the drying. You may even use dehumidifiers to help remove the water from the air, and the floors. Sometimes just getting the area dry is all you need, but usually more work will be necessary.

2. Remove Damaged Flooring - After you've dried the area completely and have decided there is water damage, you'll want to remove the damaged flooring. With laminate, you can remove the boards starting at the nearest wall. Hardwood floors are a little more complicated; you'll use a saw to cut into the floor and a pry bar to remove the damaged planks. With your vinyl, flooring you'll use a utility to cut out the damaged area and then find something you can pry it off the floor with.

3. Inspect the Subfloor - After you've removed the damaged flooring, you'll want to inspect the subfloor. If it's plywood, it will likely have to be replaced. If it's concrete then you'll check if there is any remaining moisture. If you still find moisture, continue drying it with the steps from above and then reinstall new flooring.

Floors For Less

We certainly hope that you won't have to deal with water damage, but mistakes happen, and sometimes you can't prevent a flooded floor. Whether you're looking for a new flooring due to water damage, or because you're upgrading your home, we have the best flooring in Madison! We would love to help you choose a flooring that will compliment your home and be very functional as well.  Come visit our flooring showroom in Madison and let our experience make your home look better!

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 Flooring Types For Your Climate

When choosing a new flooring for your home, there are many things to consider: wear and tear, maintenance, ease of installation, and finally - your climate! Sometimes where you live can have a direct impact on the flooring you select. When choosing flooring in Madison, you may need to consider the cold weather as a factor in your flooring, though that doesn't have to be your MAIN consideration. Here are a few flooring varieties and how they can be influenced by your climate.

Comfy Carpets

Carpet is always a wonderful selection. It can come in rolls or tiles, and short or fuzzy fibers. There is a carpet to suit practically any of your needs! Everyday cleaning requires vacuuming, and you will find that carpet stains worse than other flooring options. You can steam clean your carpets regularly to help keep dust and dirt from inhabiting your carpet. You can also use a spray on carpet cleaner to help with stains. Whether you live in warm or cold climates, carpet is a great option. If you live in a wet, damp climate, be aware that carpet can harbor mold and mildew much easier than other flooring options.

Luxurious Laminates

This flooring is up and coming in the world! Modern technology allows for laminate to duplicate the look and texture of wood in such a way that you can hardly notice the difference between it and the real deal. The upkeep of laminate is very similar to wood, you have to take care when using water and liquids to clean it, and keep moisture to a minimum. A dust mop will definitely help you maintain the luster of your new floor. As for your climate, laminate could seem chilly, and in warm climates that would be very welcome! If you live in a cooler climate, heating elements can be installed underneath, and there is no greater feeling than walking across a warm floor on a cold morning. If you experience a lot of moisture, beware that the edges can swell and you'll have to replace the panel.

Trendy Vinyl Tiles

Luxury vinyl tile can stand up to wear and tear. So you can mop this flooring to your hearts content! Vinyl tile is suitable for any climate. It can be chilly, so if it's warm outside, you will love that! The tiles are easily replaced if you damage one, and this product is eco-friendly! This flooring is a great option no matter where you live.

Honest Hardwoods

This is such a tried and true option for flooring. It has been around for hundreds of years, through many different climates. It will be cool underfoot which makes it a great option for warm climates. You can also install heaters underneath some wood floors, which will make it absolutely magnificent in the colder climates! Damp and dry conditions can cause issues for hardwood flooring, as the dampness will cause swelling and the dryness will cause shrinking, but high-quality sealers will help guard your floor against these cracks. Another great option is engineered wood flooring, which is great for all climates!

Our showroom has many beautiful flooring options for your home, no matter where you live!  If you have any questions you can visit our flooring showroom in Madison and let our team assist you with any concerns you may have. You can generally make any flooring work in any climate, but sometimes it's a good idea to double check first. When looking for great flooring options in Madison, we have some great styles in our showroom! You will also find many of our flooring options are very compatible with heating elements under your floors, which will make your Wisconsin winters SO much more bearable! Come visit our showroom today and let our expertise help you make your home beautiful.

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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The Sound of Silence: Soundproofing Your Home

A large reason that people are afraid of upgrading to hardwood or laminate in their home is because they fear it will be noisy. In addition, sometimes people put carpet over their hardwood floors because the noise level is much higher than they would like. At Floors For Less, we are here for all of your decisions about flooring in Madison, and we would love to answer your questions! Here are a few things you can do to help with soundproofing your rooms.

Soundproof From The Start

It's easiest to sound proof your home when you are first building, but not all hope is lost if your are re-vamping your current home. When you start from the beginning you can install sound isolating floor mats and anti-sound boards that are installed beneath your new flooring. It will help keep sound locked in place, rather than the sounds transmitting into the upper or lower levels of your home.

Absorbing the Sound

Obviously an easy solution if your home is too noisy is to add carpet. We have a great selection of beautiful carpet in Madison. Swing by and we'd love to show you how you can improve the noise level in your home by just adding carpet! If your looking for a quicker solution just changing some of the decor in your house can help! By putting a rug in your room, you will help absorb the noise in your home. You can also add nice curtains on all of your windows.

We want your home to be a place where you can relax, play and live, and we realize that your floors play a HUGE part in your lifestyle! Let our expertise in flooring save you the hassle and worry of having to figure flooring out on your own. Our flooring showroom in Madison has many options for you and your family. We are the experts on wood, laminate, carpet, LVT tile, bamboo and cork. We can walk you through the buying process and help you to create a space in your home that reflects everything that makes you unique. Stop by our showroom and let us show you what Floors for Less can do for you and your home!

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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FAQ About Hardwood Floors

The flooring in a home is a vital part of the aesthetics and functionality. When you find pre-existing hardwood floors, you generally feel like you've won the lottery! Yet it can feel intimidating when you choose to upgrade to beautiful hardwood floors in Madison. The investment may seem significant, but the benefits to hardwood are amazing, and a choice you won't regret. To help you with your research of hardwood floors, here are a few Frequently Asked Questions.

Is it safe to use hardwood flooring in a kitchen?

You can install wood in your kitchen, but you must use caution. If food and liquid spills aren't addressed properly, you can permanently stain the wood or damage the finish. If you do install hardwood floors in the kitchen, be sure to wipe up spills immediately with a dry, clean cloth. To help with the wear and tear you can put a large rug in the kitchen, and be sure to keep smaller rugs by the stove and the sink.

Should I expect color variations in my hardwood flooring?

Every board is like a finger print, and every board will have grain variations. The wood also accepts the stain differently, which is what makes hardwood floors so appealing. The natural variation in the wood is stunning and beautiful. The lighter the stain, the more variation you will see. Whereas the darker stains tend to mask the grain and variation in the wood.

What can I do if the finish becomes dull?

When the finish of your flooring becomes dull due to foot traffic over many, many years, you can screen and re-coat the floors. Lightly sand them with 220 grit sandpaper just enough to roughen up the surface. Then re-coat the floors with a fresh coat of finish! This should solve the dull-ness, but it generally will not remove embedded dirt, scratch marks, or any dents. Removing those marks would entail sanding the finish off completely and re-staining and re-finishing the floors.

Is hardwood flooring a green environmentally friendly product?

Our Bamboo and Cork floors are not the only green, eco-friendly flooring in Madison! Hardwood flooring that is harvested in the US and Canada is one the of the best renewable materials. The harvesting process has changed so drastically over the years, and we are re-planting more trees now than there were 100 years ago. About 95% of all our forests generate four times the oxygen and clean up four times the carbon dioxide as the old growth forests. You can be assured that hardwood floors are a practical and beautiful flooring, but also very environmentally friendly.

Can I install hardwood flooring in high traffic areas?

No matter how durable the finish when grit, dirt and stones are tracked across your floors you will see premature wear and tear on the finish. To get the longest wear out of your new investment, we recommend heavy mats outside all exterior doors, with small rugs covering the wood on the inside. Regularly vacuum your hardwood flooring with a soft bristle brush and keep felt chair glides on all furniture. Cleaning your floors with a hardwood floor cleaner formulated for your floors can also help.

Which is better, prefinished wood floors or job site finished wood flooring?

Prefinished flooring allows for a strength and durability that only factory finishes can offer. Some finishes will have "aluminum-oxide-ceramic-titanium" particles mixed into the finish before applied giving it special durability to abrasive wear and tear. The installation time is also shorter with prefinished floors, sometimes they can be installed in just one day and then you can get your home back to normal. Site finished floors can takes up to 3-4 days to sand and re-finish, and then you'll have to stay off of them for a few additional days for the finish to dry. Each type has benefits, but pre-finished flooring has some major benefits.  

When you're looking to upgrade to hardwood floors in your home, we have the best flooring in Madison! We would love to show you the different colors and styles to bring out the best in your home. We have many other flooring options to choose from as well. Between our laminate, LVT tile and carpet you are sure to find a flooring that will add to the value and flow of your home. 

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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