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.
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!
So you've decided to replace your hardwood flooring in Madison, Wisconsin. It's out with the old and in with the new. Rather than just throwing out the old hardwood flooring, consider your options. One option would be to take it to a recycling center. However, if you're feeling a little creative, consider one of these great projects for reusing your old hardwood flooring.
1. Build Wooden Furniture.
Whether you're a professional woodworker or just a DIYer, there are many projects, simple to hard for you to try. Depending on how much old flooring you have, you could make a simple cabinet to put in the hall, a dresser for the bedroom or a island for your kitchen. Check out www.woodindesign.com for some inspiration on a project for your home!
2. Reface Your Cabinets.
One of the most effective ways to recycle your hardwood flooring would be to reface or clad your kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Many times it's not practical to replace all the cabinetry in a room, so refacing the current ones might be the best solution for getting that different look you want.
3. Create Wooden Artwork & Decor
If you don't have enough old hardwood flooring to create a piece of furniture or reface your cabinets, consider creating smaller decor pieces or artwork. A simple, yet resourseful way to use the wood would be to create frames for mirrors or windows. You could also create shelves or storage crates. The possibilities are endless!
4. Make Wooden Toys.
Reclaimed wood is also the perfect material for making simple toys for your kids. If you search online, you will find tons of ideas from wooden trains to ride-on wooden horses. Even if you know very little about carpentry, there's a project out there for you. There are hundreds of DIY craft projects with step-by-step instructions.
At Floors for Less, we can help you find the perfect flooring to replace those old hardwood floors. We emphasize service, knowledge and the ability to help you get started. We have significant experience in the flooring industry. Stop by our showroom to find good Madison flooring at a great price!
Tile flooring, especially the grout part, can be extremely hard to keep clean. Even after sweeping, crumbs and dirt can be left behind. A simple wipe of a tiled surface can sometimes miss spots because the grout lines are often slightly deeper than the surface. Floors for Less wants to share these tile cleaning tips from Better Home and Gardens with you to help keep your tile floors looking great!
Tile Cleaning Basics
Too keep your Madison tile floors looking beautiful, regular cleaning is required. Start by sweeping or vacuuming your glazed tile floors regularly to keep them from getting dull. While tile may be resistant to dirt, sand and grit can dull the surface. Once you swept away any small particles, clean the tile with mild detergent and clean water. Be sure to use a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop. Sponge mops push dirty water into grout lines and makes them harder to clean. Also make sure to change the water frequently because dirty water will make the floor look cloudy.
1. Removing Residue - If your tiles look hazy, they may have some type of residue on them. You can easily remove the film with a nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner. If needed, you could try a mild acid, such as fresh lemon juice, on ceramic tile. However, never use anything acidic on marble tile. Be sure to rinse the tile thoroughly with clean water and then buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
2. Great Looking Grout - The real secret to having a great looking tile floor is keeping the grout clean as well. A simple sweep and mop of the tile doesn't take care of the grout. Grout is porous and absorbs grease and other stains. Below are some grout cleaning tips for you to try!
Cleaning the Grout
Grout lines are magnets when it comes to attracting dirt and grime. Dingy grout can detract from the beauty of your tile. Often times, you can clean your grout with common household products. This video shows a couple of these methods.
If your grout is stained to where these products don't get the job done, try one of the other methods listed below:
1. New Tile and Grout - If you have just purchased new tile and grout, now is the time to start cleaning it. Some preventative maintenance can help you avoid the methods described above. Keep your new grout looking its best by using a grout sealer 10-14 days after the grout cures.
2. Lightly Stained Grout - If your grout is not just dirty but is actually stained, use a strong bleach solution. Use 3/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Scrub this solution with a small brush or toothbrush. Don't scrub too hard because it is possible to damage the grout. Wear safety goggles to prevent the bleach from spattering in your eyes and keep the area well ventilated. If you don't want to use bleach, try a foaming grout cleaner. If you go this route, you may need to soak the area for several minutes for it to be effective.
3. Deeply Stained Grout - Many professional carpet cleaning services can also clean tile and grout. If the home remedies or store bought grout products don't get rid of the stains, consider this option. If that still doesn't work, it is probably time to replace the grout. You can purchase a special tool for removing grout. Once you've removed the grout, clean the space between the tiles with a strong bleach solution. Now you are ready to apply new grout and re-seal it. Be careful to not spill bleach on porcelain because the solution might cause pitting, or yellow or pink stains.
Floors for Less is here to help you with all your flooring needs! Whether you're looking for cleaning tips, flooring trends or are interested in purchasing brand new flooring, our Madison, Wisconsin flooring company is here to serve you. Stop by our showroom and talk to one of our flooring professionals today!
With a little preventative maintenance, you can keep your Madison hardwood floors looking great even longer. You can prevent marks by using floor protectors under furniture and placing rugs in areas to ensure children's toys don't scratch the floor. Here are 4 tips from Better Homes and Gardens on removing marks from your hardwoods:
Removing Marks from Hardwoods
Before trying to remove a mark, consider your hardwood floor's finish. If the stain is on the surface, your floor probably has a hard finish, such as urethane. For these surface stains, you should be able to simply wipe the floor with a soft, clean cloth. Never use sandpaper, steel wool or harsh chemicals on a floor with a hard finish because they can permanently damage the finish. If the stain has penetrated through to the wood, the floor probably has a soft oiled finish. This soft oil finish is common in older homes who's floors have not been refinished and resealed.
Remedies for Marks on Soft Oil Finished Floors
1. Dark Spots and Pet Stains - Rub the spot with No. 000 steel wool and some floor wax. If the area is still dark, apply bleach or vinegar and allow it to soak into the wood for about an hour. Be sure to rinse the area with a damp cloth when the hour is up.
2. Hell Marks - Use a fine steel wool to rub in floor wax.
3. Oil Based Stains - Rub the area with a soft cloth and dishwashing detergent to break down the grease. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clear water. If one application doesn't get rid of the mark, repeat the procedure. Keep children and pets away from the room until you're done. Let the spot dry, then smooth the raised grain with fine sandpaper.
4. Water Marks or White Stains - Rub the spot with No. 000 steel wool and floor wax. If the stain goes deeper, lightly sand the flood and clean with fine steel wool and odorless mineral spirits.
If needed, end each of the treatments above by staining the wood, then waxing and buffing the spot to match the rest of the floor.
If your hardwood floors in Madison, Wisconsin are too marked up for these treatments to solve the problem, consider installing new ones. Floors for Less has hardwood flooring in a variety of shades and styles. Stop by our showroom to see our selection. Get good flooring at a great price at our Madison flooring company!
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
When it comes to flooring options in Madison, Wisconsin, your choices are endless. Flooring plays a major role in not only the look, but also the feel and functionality of your home. From hardwood to tile to carpet, you should explore all types of flooring surfaces to best fit your lifestyle and budget. Here are a few things from HGTV to consider when choosing your Madison flooring:
1. Know Your Style.
Your flooring choice is about balancing your needs with your style. What colors and patterns do you like? Since the floor is usually the largest surface in the room, it lays the foundation for the entire look of the space, from color to style, texture to pattern. Think about which textures appeal to you, the rich grain of a nice hardwood or the fluffiness of a soft carpet. You should also take into account the current decor, unless you plan on redecorating with the addition of the new flooring.
2. Consider Your Lifestyle.
Think about the use of the room your adding new flooring to. If you're an avid cooking that stands on the kitchen floor all day, tile can get very uncomfortable when standing on it for long periods of time. If your remodeling the bathroom however, tile stands up well to water. Your floor will need to be able to stand up to the wear and tear from your family, while also accommodating your activities.
3. Crunch the Numbers.
Along with your lifestyle comes a budget. In order for your lifestyle to stay the same while undergoing this large investment, you need to consider a budget and sticks to it. Keep in mind that in addition to the cost of the floor materials, you will need to include the cost of underlayment, delivery and installation. You should also consider the cost of removal and disposal of your previous flooring.
A new floor can be a big investment, so you'll want something you like and that will last for years. At Floors for Less, we have all types of flooring to fit your needs, from engineered hardwoods to tile and carpet. Stop by our Wisconsin flooring showroom or give us a call at 608-442-1200 today to start your search!
About Bamboo
