Engineered Wood Flooring Vs Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring sure has made a name for itself. Some people won't even look its way, preferring traditional hardwood flooring, but there are of course advantages to both. What advantages does engineered flooring have over regular wood flooring you ask? Let's look at both sides of the equation and compare these two types of flooring so that you get a good look at the complete picture.

First of all, engineered hardwood has a better reaction when it comes to both temperature and humidity. There are many reasons why companies prefer engineering flooring, it can be built and modified to be longer lasting, more durable, and more cost effective then some of its contemporaries. That's not the end of the story, however, so let's take a look at more of the differences.

In order to install Hardwood flooring, it is required that the floor be nailed into the ground. This is not the case with engineered floors however as glue can be used, or in some cases, staples. So far, we are painting a picture together that highlights engineered flooring as the winner of this battle but there are still two sides to this story.  

Let's say that you have been using a hardwood floor for over 20 years in your home. The chances are that by then it may start to lose its original finish. A tremendous benefit to Hardwood floors is that they can be easily sanded and refinished. This is not the case with engineered wood floors as the amount of true wood surface that on has to work with is limited in comparison.

Hardwood flooring will typically cost more money than its engineered counterpart. However, this is not always the case as there are many different kinds of materials that can be used to construct an Engineered Wood floor. One of the benefits of Hardwood is that it has a reliable material that one can expect to last for decades on end. This is not to downplay engineered hardwood however, as there are many brands that offer tremendous quality and value for the product.

Now you know have a little more knowledge on what you can expect from both types of flooring, you may see why engineered flooring is making such a splash in the market. With more flexible installation options, an engineer’s design palette and reliable companies backing the product, we believe Engineered Floors offer something of great substance and value to the consumer.

At the end of the day however both hardwood and engineered wood flooring both have many advantages and neither is strictly better than the other. Different situations call for different types of flooring and what matters most is choosing the ideal product that will not only help your floor, but also make you happy. Flooring is a big decision and there should be no bigger criteria than customer satisfaction.

If you are in the Edmonton area and are looking to upgrade your flooring to Hardwood or Engineered wood, you lay your expectations on Touchtone Canada to get the job done! We are Alberta’s Largest Flooring Store and are entering our 25th year of business. We have options for hardwood and engineered wood flooring from all the trusted and high-quality brands, ensuring your floor will look amazing and be durable for a long, long time! We offer same day delivery & pick up as well as next day installation.

Give us a call at 780-414-0862 or email info@touchtonecanada.com for more information. At Touchtone Canada: We Floor, You Adore.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wooden Floor

Deciding on the materials to use on a new wooden floor can be a complex process. You need to figure out a variety of things, including what colour should you go for? Is this the right style for your room? What finish is best for you? Once you have made these decisions and figured out the obvious things, there are some less obvious factors that you need to think about which are just as important if you want your floor to provide you with years of trouble-free enjoyment. Here are a few common mistakes that you will want to avoid when choosing a wooden floor.

Make Sure that You Measure the Space Correctly
Make sure you measure the space that you plan on laying your new floor correctly. This can be done by ensuring that you are taking accurate measurements from the longest and widest parts of the room. If you are working with a room that is an irregular shape,  be sure to split it into separate sections, and then measure each of those sections individually. Once that is done simply add the total together at the end.

Find Out Which Underlay Works Best for Your Situation
People who are unfamiliar with laying flooring down, often incorrectly assume that underlay is simply a trivial addition that comes in a standard size and spec. This is a mistake that can result in a major headache. This is because having the right underlay can extend the life of your new wooden floor, as well as offers noise insulation and needs to be compatible with your heating choices. If you have not already considered what sort of underlay you need, here are some of the primary factors to consider:

• How thick do you need the underlay to be?

• Is the underlay going on to a concrete or wood sub-floor?

• Do you need the underlay to provide a moisture barrier?

If You Plan on Installing Underfloor Heating Make Sure that it is Compatible
There are so many potential issues that could potentially arise when you install your wooden floor over underfloor heating if you have not made sure that it is compatible first. Most people don’t know that many solid wood floors are not compatible with underfloor heating due to the expansion and contraction of the wood as the temperature changes. Having the wrong flooring installed with underfloor heating can result in cracking, warping, as well as bowing and excessive drying out of your once beautiful hardwood floor, which can completely destroy it.

Not Giving the Floor Enough Time to Acclimatize
Are you aware that different wooden floor types require different periods in order to properly acclimatize to your home’s conditions? The humidity and temperature of your home both play a large part in how your wooden floor will contract and expand. In order to lower the risk of gaps and warping in your floor once it’s been installed, the installers would leave the floor in the room in which it is due to be installed for anywhere from 2 to 7 days.

The Janka Hardness Scale

Hardwood flooring is one of the best decisions you can make when it comes to interior home design, as it is a product that never goes out of style. It’s easy to assume that all hardwood flooring is the same when it comes to durability, but this is actually quite far from the truth. Hardwood’s actual hardness is measured by something called the Janka hardness scale. Let’s take a look at what the Janka scale is and how it works.

What is the Janka hardness scale?

The Janka hardness scale is a way of measuring the hardness of a given piece of hardwood. It was invented in the year 1906 by an Austrian wood researcher named Gabriel Janka, and it is an adaptation of the Brinell hardness test for metals. In order to better understand the Janka scale, you first need to know how the Brinell test works. The Brinell hardness test is used to test metal materials that are too coarse or rough to be tested by other means. The test involves a steel ball with a 10mm diameter being pressed into the material’s surface under 3,000 kgs of pressure. The resulting indentation is then examined to determine the hardness of the material.

How does the Janka hardness scale work?

The Janka hardness scale works in a very similar way to the Brinell test. It measures the pounds of force (lbf) it takes to drive an 11.28 mm diameter steel ball halfway into the surface of a slab of hardwood. A test done on the surface of a board, perpendicular to the grain is called a test of “side hardness”, while the same test being performed on the cut surface of a stump is called a test of “end hardness”. Every hardwood board will not yield the same test result, seeing as the hardness of wood varies with the direction of the wood grain, and will be different from one board to another. While durability issues come up when we look at different types of wood grains, there is usually not much deviation when it comes to differences in separate types of wood material, as estimates usually find the difference to be about plus or minus 10%.

Why is a Janka hardness rating important?

Hardwood flooring is a big investment and will typically cost you a pretty penny, so you’ll want to make sure you are getting top quality wood that is not going to deteriorate or wear down after a few short years. While wood with a low Janka rating can still serve you just fine, it is only going to do so if you live a quieter lifestyle that does not involve your home seeing heavy foot traffic. If you have children and/or pets, try to find hardwood with a higher Janka score. A Janka hardness rating is going to give you a great indication of what kind of wear and tear your hardwood is going to be able to handle, helping you make a smarter decision when it comes to making a purchase. Come visit Touchtone Canada and browse our collection of high-quality hardwood flooring today.

What to know When Buying Hardwood Floors with Dogs

When you install hardwood flooring in your home, you want to make sure it stays beautiful for years to come. Hardwood that is damaged or worn is never going to give off the same appearance as newly installed hardwood, so you need to make sure you are avoiding any and all damage. A fairly big cause of scratched and damaged hardwood these days is dogs’ nails. As dogs run across a hardwood floor, their nails can easily dig into the wood and create scratches and deep gouges. To better prepare yourself for having a pet in your hardwood home, there are a number of things you can do.

Choose your finish wisely

When looking to buy hardwood for your home, you should know that wood with a glossy, shinier finish is far more likely to make every dent and scratch show. This is because these types of finishes reflect light a lot more than their non-glossy counterparts, making it much easier to see scratches and dents. If you are a pet owner, it’s probably a good idea to stray way from the glossy finishes and go for something a little less shiny.

Try using a two-toned finish

Some hardwood companies offer a flooring option that is “two-toned”, which means it is stained black, then sanded, then stained again to give it the completed look. The end result is an “old” look in which black soaks into the grain and edges. This style of flooring is extremely popular with homes that contain pets because it does a great job of camouflaging any small scratches or dents that may happen to occur.

Keep your floors clean

No matter what type of hardwood you decide to put in your home, you will not be able to avoid scratches and gouges if your floor is consistently dirty. When your floor is dirty, your pet’s paws can just drive that dirt into the hardwood and cause it to dig deep scratches and gouges. Try and sweep your hardwood floors regularly in order to avoid this from occurring.

Trust your hardwood supplier

When it comes to making the right choice concerning your hardwood floor, there is no better way to get the information you need than by asking an expert for their opinion. Your hardwood supplier is likely a good candidate for this, so make sure you ask all the questions you need answered before you purchase any hardwood. An experienced professional is going to be very informative when it comes to buying hardwood that is safe for pets, so make sure to ask!

Use mats and rugs

If there is a stretch of hardwood that you know is going to be seeing a lot of pet traffic, it may be a good idea to consider setting up a couple of mats or rugs in that area to avoid any damage all together. This will ensure that your hardwood stays beautiful at all times.

Tile Flooring for the Winter

When decorating your home, you are mainly focused on how everything looks and compliments each other. This same outlook applies to the flooring in your home. However, when it comes to deciding which flooring is best for your home, you should definitely consider the overall aesthetic look, but you should also consider the climate that you live in.

If you live in a climate that is subject to long and cold winters, you will need to get flooring that won’t warp, expand or break – especially if your climate is prone to drastic temperature changes. One of the optimal choices for this is tile flooring.

Here we look specifically at tile flooring that would be suitable for the winter climates.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is a versatile flooring option that can deal with the harsh elements that winter brings. Here are some of the advantages that come with installing vinyl flooring:

Durable: vinyl tiles have a topping of a hard, durable wear layer. This allows the surface to be resistant to the scratches and scuffs that can come with shoes (especially shoes with salt in its soles). This resistant surface can withstand heavy traffic, which makes it perfect for those who trudge in with winter boots day in and day out.

Waterproof: this feature of vinyl makes it a popular option for bathrooms and kitchens. However, this is also well suited for the rest of the home because any melted ice and snow will simply stay on the surface, rather than seeping through.

Creative Designs: vinyl is highly customizable and comes in a variety of designs suited for the requirements of the buyer. You can get warmer tones, and even mimic natural stone and wood at the fraction of the price.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is a good option because it is warm to touch – which is great in the winter time when you do not want to wear thick socks inside your home. Here are some of the advantages that come with installing laminate flooring:

Efficient: It can mimic hardwood with less costs and maintenance!

Stable: this type of flooring does not expand or contract in high temperature or dry air – which makes it great for the colder climates.

Heating: another benefit is that laminate flooring works well with radiant heat systems, making it a popular option for those who live in wintery climates.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile flooring is a great and durable option for the winter time because it is easier to maintain with the foot traffic that brings in slush and snow. The ceramic will resist any etching that comes with any harsh chemicals that get tracked in such as salt, snow and more. A simple sealant will also solve any problems such as grout, leaving your tile hassle free all winter.

Ceramic tile is a durable option, and is considered a practical flooring type because it can use radiant heat during the winter time. Take the time to install in-floor radiant heat to keep your feet warm all winter long.

Ceramic tiles can come in a multitude of designs which can make it easy to match the overall elements of the room it will get installed in.

These type of tile flooring options are advantageous for the winter climates, and they are stylish too. Keep your home well insulated and your feet warm with any of these warm to the touch flooring options.

Your Guide to Buying Tile Flooring

Whether you’re building a new home or doing renovations, your flooring choices will make a very big difference in the outcome of your design.  There are, of course, many options out there, but if you’re looking for something durable, beautiful and long-lasting, you can’t go wrong with tile. 

When choosing tiles, there are a number of considerations; not every tile is created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for.  Did you know that tiles have ratings for several different categories?  These categories include the tile’s water absorption, friction coefficient, a grade, PEI rating, frost safety and tone.   These ratings can be found on the box, and it’s a good idea to go shopping armed with the knowledge to make an informed choice.

Tile Grade

A tile’s grade can fall anywhere between number 1 to number 3, with 1 being a top quality tile that will demand top prices.  Grade 2 is also a great choice for flooring; but it’s less expensive than a tile with a grade of 1.  If you see a box with a grade 3, this is a tile that’s best used for walls (backsplashes and such) and will not stand up to regular floor traffic.  Although a grade 1 or 2 tile can certainly be used on your walls, a grade 3 tile should never be installed as flooring.

PEI rating

PEI stands for the Porcelain and Enamel Institute’s wear rating.  You’ll only find this type of rating on a glazed tile, as this rating concerns itself with the glazed tile’s resistance to scuffs and marks.  If the box of tile you’re looking at doesn’t show a PEI rating, it’s because the tile is   unglazed.

Just as tile grades show different numbers for the different uses for tile, so too does the PEI rating.  If your tile is rated a number 3, it’s a good tile for normal wear and tear around your home.  Number 4 is even more durable, while a number 5 generally means the tile is more appropriate for commercial use.  A number 1 or 2 indicate a tile that’s good for use on walls, but shouldn’t be used on floors.

Tile slip resistance

Also known as a tile’s COF (coefficient of friction is a fancy way of saying slip resistance), this rating lets you know how slippery your floor will be.  A low COF means a more slippery floor, while a higher number means that the floor will allow for more traction.  This is an important consideration especially when it comes to small or elderly family members.

Water absorption rate

There are 4 different categories in the water absorption rate; the nonvitreous tile (not for use in bathrooms or other high moisture areas of the home, semivitreous (like nonvitreous, this tile isn’t good for high moisture areas), vitreous (can be used outdoors or in high moisture locations), and impervious (great for use in very high moisture areas).

Tile frost rating

If you’re using the tiles for inside your home, this rating won’t apply anyway, as your tile isn’t exposed to freeze and thaw cycles.

Tone rating

Toned tile will come into play when a tile is made to look like natural stone; there is a specific controlled variation from tile to tile.

How to Maintain Tile & Carpet Flooring

Your carpet and tile will look great for years to come, if you take care of it. To keep your flooring looking fantastic, follow these industry tips and tricks!

Tile Maintenance

Tile is easy to clean and water-resistant, which is what makes it a top choice for busy families and houses with a lot of foot traffic. Keeping your tile floors clean all depends on the type of tile you have.

All Types Tile:

●     Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove daily dirt build-up.

●     Always vacuum or sweep before moving on to other cleaning products.

●     Mop at least once a week to avoid wear and damage from abrasive debris.

●     Always allow floors to dry completely before walking on them.

Glazed Tile:

●     Use a non-oil, all-purpose cleanser that is formulated to clean grout joints.

●     For bathrooms: Choose a sprayable cleaner made to remove mildew, soap scum, and hard water deposits.

●     Use a sponge, soft cloth, or other non-abrasive tool to scrub. Never use metal brushes, as they will damage the glaze and grout.

●     Do not use acids or ammonia. They can weaken grout and damage tile glaze.

Unglazed Tile:

●     Use a balanced pH concentrated tile cleaner that is formulated for your type of flooring and foot traffic.

●     Avoid abrasive cleansers and tools. When in doubt, test a small area first to make sure it won’t damage the tile.

●     Don’t allow cleaners to sit on the tile, clean it away with water.

●     Glass tile can be cleaned with solutions made for either glass or tile, so long as it’s not abrasive.

Carpet Maintenance

Carpet is a plush and soft relief for those of us who spend all day on our feet. It may seem like a trap for dirt and stains, but with the right know-how you can easily keep your carpet looking fresh and spotless.

●     Vacuum regularly, at least once a week, to keep dirt from embedding itself too deep.

●     Use the right vacuum for your carpet type: Plush carpets need equipment with spinning brushes and bars while rougher indoor and outdoor types only need suction.

●     Hire a professional cleaner at least once a year, more often if you have a lot of traffic.

●     Never pull or tug debris out of the fibres, it only does more damage. It’s better to simply cut it out.

Dealing with Damage

Depending on the type of damage, some parts can be cleaned or cut away, while others might need to be patched or replaced. Here are some tips for dealing with common carpet catastrophes.

●     Stains - Treat spills immediately, as the longer they sit the deeper the stain will become. Do not rub but blot the fluid out. Use detergent or retail spot remover sparingly to avoid bleaching.

●     Burns - Cut the tops off the burned fibres if the burn is small. If a large area is affected, cut out the entire area and patch or replace it.

●     Water Damage - Consult a professional to deep clean both the top and bottom mat.

Common Flooring Options

When it comes to flooring options for your home there are so many options it can be difficult to know which is best.  You may even opt for a few different kinds of flooring depending on the specific use of the room.  It also helps to know how much prep or what types of prep or underlay your flooring may require.  Here are some of the most common flooring types available and a few key details about each.

Ceramic Tile

Less expensive than stone, waterproof and with fewer associated issues, ceramic tile is a very popular and low maintenance option for homeowners.  Colour options are endless which means that you will be able to find something that flows with the other decor and colour choices already in your home.  Ceramic tile comes in different sizes, is relatively simple to install, and can be heated for toasty toes during the colder months of the year.   A smooth surface makes it easy to keep clean with a simple sweep and mop, and most ceramic tiles are durable and can stand the rigours of family life with kids and critters.

Laminate

Another very popular choice, laminate won’t break the bank and can also be found in a variety of colours, widths and even textures.  Many laminates are very durable and will resist water damage.  It installs quickly whether you opt for the snap together variety or the glued type, and it can withstand all types of traffic and household uses, from your kitchen to your bathrooms to entry ways.

Hardwood

Beautiful, classic and often environmentally friendly, hardwood is another great choice that allows homeowners the ability to have it refinished when they tire of their floor colour. Although it is a fairly durable floor and small scratches or dings can be buffed out, hardwood isn’t the best choice for bathrooms as it is not moisture resistant.

Engineered Wood

If you just can’t live without the look of hardwood, an option you should consider is engineered wood flooring.  The plywood base gives the flooring some moisture protection, and the top layer is actually hardwood so you don’t have to sacrifice the style you’re after.  Engineered wood can also be very environmentally friendly, just look for products that have been harvested from well managed forests.

Vinyl

If you’re looking for something easy on the pocketbook, durable, and with a wide range of colour, designs and styles that can be installed in virtually any room in your home, don’t discount vinyl flooring.  This flooring type is far less expensive than most other flooring choices and is simple to maintain.

Carpet

Carpet is often the warmest and most comfortable option, although it would be odd to see it installed in a bathroom or kitchen.  Often the best choice for bedrooms and family rooms, carpet can hold up well to regular traffic and be a welcoming flooring option to come home to at the end of the day.  It comes in a wide variety of colours and styles to match your decor and taste.

5 Great Home Interior Styles

Are you looking to completely redo the interior of your home and are yearning for a great new style to work with? There are countless options out there when looking for interior styles, so it can be a little overwhelming when browsing for your home’s new look. Do you stick with a more modern style, or do you go vintage? Do you want to add as much of your own personal touch as possible, or do you want to keep things simple? Here are 5 trendy home interior styles that just might do it for you!

Eclectic

The eclectic interior style is for those of us with a creative flair. This style borrows from a number of different periods, styles, and trends. It’s meant to be twisted and moulded in different and unique ways, allowing for maximum expression! While it can be tempting to let loose and add all sorts of patterns, colours, and textures, it’s still important to keep a sense of balance between these things, while also blending old with new.

Minimalist

Minimalism is a trend that is fairly new, starting in the early twentieth century. This style was originally influenced by Japanese design and its simplicity, and it involves interiors being stripped down to their basic elements to create as little clutter as possible. The idea behind the minimalist style is that less is more, therefore any empty space is a design statement and is meant to be empty. Minimalist style should always be done with colour being used sparingly, since too many colours will just be a distraction from the simplicity.

Scandi

The scandi style is becoming more and more popular around the globe. This style is inspired by the snowy landscapes of the Nordic countries and is characterized by heavy use of the colour white. Too really feel like you’re warm and cozy in the Nordics, consider adding white wools, fabrics, and furs to wooden frameworks. The scandi style is all about sharp lines and lots of texture; it’s perfect if you’re looking for a clean and vibrant style.

Vintage

The Vintage style is most likely to create that home-sweet-home feeling we all know and love. While not old-fashioned, Vintage style seeks to evoke feelings of comfort while treating the eye to versatile design choices that can be either Charming or edgy, pretty or retro. A concept of open shelves leaves plenty of room for knick-knacks and more as you customize your vintage space.

Contemporary

The beauty of the contemporary interior style is that it is constantly evolving. This style is modern and current at heart, but there are constantly new additions to its essence, and what is considered a contemporary interior now will likely change as time goes on. As it stands today, contemporary interior styles include clean spaces, furniture with exposed legs that create a feeling of space, a lack of intricate details, and lots of metal and glass.

These are just 5 of the many beautiful and unique styles dominating the world of interior design today. A whole world of style and beauty is waiting for you, so get decorating!