Solid Hardwood VS. Engineered Hardwood

Working in a remodeling and building materials company, I've learned that most people don’t understand the differences of solid hardwood vs. engineered hardwood. If you're not looking for real hardwood, check out this article on waterproof flooring that gives you a complete list of differences between the solid hardwood and an engineered hardwood.

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And why would they? No one is really educating them about these differences before they go looking for a new floor, they somehow just expect you to know and make the right decision.

But I’m here to make sure you’re decision is an INFORMED one. Flooring is a big expense, and you want to choose something that you’ll love for the next few decades. Lets’s get ready to compare all of the top questions I hear about solid hardwood vs. engineered hardwood!

Solid Hardwood VS. Engineered Hardwood on Composition.

Solid Hardwood:

Solid hardwood flooring is constructed with 100% hardwood and each plank is a single solid piece. Solid hardwood is traditionally 3/4″ thick, except for parquet-style floors which are thinner.

Engineered Hardwood:

Unlike solid wood floors that are milled from one solid (surprise!) piece of lumber, engineered hardwood floors are composed of multiple plies of wood with a solid wood veneer. Underneath the veneer, cross layers of plywood are pressed together to a strong and moisture-resistant core. These board typically vary between 3/4” to1/2”, with 3/4″ starting to emerge more frequently.

You’re still getting real hardwood floors; they’re just made differently. The layers typically include a top veneer of hardwood backed by less expensive layers of plywood—although some manufacturers use substrates made from recycled wood fibers mixed with stone dust for improved durability and stability.

Solid Hardwood VS. Engineered Hardwood on Installation

Solid Hardwood:

Solid hardwood used a nail down or staple down installation technique. It can’t typically be installed directly over concrete or radiant heating systems. It’s typically best to install solid hardwood on the first and second floors of your home as opposed to in the basement. Solid hardwood is never installed on a floating basis.

Engineered Hardwood:

Engineered hardwood flooring has multiple installation options: staple, glue or floating, such as click and lock, on some products. It can be used in basements on concrete, or on radiant heating systems.

Solid Hardwood VS. Engineered Hardwood on Style

Solid Hardwood:

Solid hardware comes in unfinished and pre-finished options, and also has a ton of wood species types to choose from! Long and wide planks are also an option.

Engineered Hardwood:

There are fewer wood species choices than with solid hardwood. Some of the most popular are Red oak, hickory, and Brazilian Cherry. Its very uncommon to find unfinished engineered hardwood, as most is pre-finished.

Solid Hardwood VS. Engineered Hardwood on Maintenance & Durability

Solid Hardwood:

Solid hardwood is known for its endurance. Because it is solid through and through, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times during a lifetime. And solid construction holds up well over time. Solid hardwood durability mostly comes down to the wood species and wear-resistance of its protective finish. Harder woods such as Hickory and Oak are more dent resistant, and those with more resilient finishes will perform best against scratches. Well-maintained solid hardwood will last for decades. Moisture is the enemy of this organic product.

Engineered Hardwood:

The durability of solid hardwood vs engineered hardwood is close, but not identical. If your durability concerns are around moisture, humidity or temperature, engineered is the way to go. Its layered construction provides stability against environmental changes. Because the surface is thin, it can become chipped or de-laminated if stressed beyond normal conditions. Yet its ability to hold up to limited moisture helps bring up its durability rating.

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Solid Hardwood VS. Engineered Hardwood on Price & Resell Value

Solid Hardwood:

Solid is the gold standard in flooring, and it’s usually the most price-premium board for board. There are, of course, many variables: solid hardwood collections can vary in price depending on the warranty, protective finish and how many finishing processes have been used to achieve a particular look.

As long as the floor is in good shape, it is on equal terms regarding resell value as engineered wood flooring.

Engineered Hardwood:

As a whole, engineered hardwood tends to be less expensive than solid hardwood, with the exception of premium collections that have a thicker hardwood top layer, uniquely artistic designs and enhanced durability. High-performance engineered products are also more on par with solid pricing.

Engineered hardwood has a GREAT resell value. Because engineered wood floors are real wood, they can be advertised as such in real estate, making them more attractive to buyers.

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Conclusion:

Overall, in the battle of solid hardwood vs. engineered hardwood, they are pretty neck and neck. It comes down to location of installation, and personal preference for the most part. Whether you’re going with solid hardwood or engineered, you’re going to be thrilled with the outcome!

Ready to buy? CLICK HERE TO SHOP SOLID AND ENGINEERED HARDWOOD!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We carry a large selection of solid hardwood and unfinished hardwood flooring, as well as laminate, Luxury Vinyl Tile waterproof flooring, and carpet. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

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March 20, 2018

How to Take Care of Your Flooring

source: www.mooreinnovations.net

If you want your floors to last long, you must take care of them properly. There are three things crucial for keeping your floors in top condition and they are cleaning, maintaining and prevention. The key to healthy floors is routine cleaning, and you should follow some cleaning protocols to prevent damage and maintain your floor’s appearance. Damage can also be minimized with regular maintenance and prevention. Therefore, let’s talk about these three stages in detail.

Regular cleaning is half the work

source: http://www.4earthsolutions.com

The best thing you can do to protect your floors from damage and scratches is dust them every day with a microfiber mop or swiffer. Microfiber cloths are great because they trap dirt, pet hair, particles and other allergens with static electricity. They are not only more effective, but also much safer than a broom, because some brooms have hard bristles that can scratch your floors.
Every week you should vacuum your floors with a soft-bristled floor-brush attachment. Before you begin, dust your floors with a microfiber cloth, and then carefully vacuum them. Be cautious and don’t let the vacuum’s wheels damage the surface.
Also, you can clean your floors every month with a floor cleaner. Use a damp mop with a flat microfiber head. Instead of using water to dampen the mop, use a light coat of cleaner made specifically for your type of floors and be frugal. If you have a hardwood floor, never use a wet mop or a steam mop, because they both can dull the finish and cause damage to your flooring.

Maintenance

source: http://www.bruce.com

If your floors have a surface finish, and most hardwood floors do, you can polish them once in every two or three months. Finishes protect and seal the wood and give your floor that glossy shine. Eventually, the finish on your floors will get worn out, there will be visible scratches, and their surface will start to look dull. Regular polishing will take care of that problem. Polishing is best done with a buffing pad that will even out small scratches and restore your floors’ shine.
If regular cleaning and maintenance no longer help, it’s time to re-coat the surface. This usually needs to be done every five to ten years, depending on the foot traffic and cleaning habits. After re-coating, your floors will look brand new.

Professional touch

source: www.homedit.com

Some floors, if properly maintained and cleaned, can last well over a hundred years. But, when your floors need a little rejuvenation, it’s best you hire an expert. They will apply a new coat of finish or sand your floors. It’s smart to sand all areas where you can see loss of color or deeper scratches. You can try to do some of these fixes yourself, but there’s nothing like a professional touch, so don’t hesitate to invest in this.

Prevention is the best cure

source: www.floorcoveringsinternational.com

As always, prevention is the easiest and best cure. If possible, try to avoid walking on your floors in shoes, especially high heels. Those can easily damage the surface coat. Also, think about sticking felt pads to all furniture legs, because those too can dent and scratch your floors. Different colorful round rugs are another great solution. This way, you won’t bring so much dirt inside. It’s a little-known fact, but your floors are also sensitive to extreme temperature and humidity. The ideal temperature for hardwood floors is 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and the optimal humidity is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. If temperature and humidity are not within these parameters, your floors can start buckling and gapping. Of course, you don’t have to keep your eyes on the thermometer and follow the humidity all the time. They have to change radically and stay that way for a longer period of time to really start affecting the floor.
As you can see, maintaining your floors doesn’t have to be difficult. If you clean them regularly and apply some basic preventive measures, your floors will be in tip-top shape for many years to come.

October 13, 2017

Home Design Trends at Homearama

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If you’re looking for home design trends, look no further than Homearama. This year’s Homearama was held at Poplar Woods in Goshen Kentucky and it was a truly spectacular event! We’ve already covered blogs on kitchen and bathroom home design trends from Homearama 2017, so this post will cover all the other spaces of the house that you can use to create the masterpiece that is your home.

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This Year’s Top Home Design Trends

LIVING SPACES

High Ceilings and Ceiling Detail

The first thing I noticed in terms of home design trends at this year’s Homearama was the incredible ceiling detail! Here are a few below, but there were so many more. From beams, tile, distressed wood, and intricate trey ceilings, you found yourself constantly looking up. It’s amazing the way a high ceiling seems to add so much more space to the room – not that these rooms were lacking square footage!

Built In Cabinets

I love the look of built in cabinets. It’s one home design trend that can really stand the test of time. It’s a great way to add storage to your space, frame a fireplace, or add a nice furniture style element to a room that may be lacking it. The decorative pieces that you’re able to showcase in built in cabinets also lets you add a touch of personality.

Tiled Fireplaces

There were fireplaces in virtually every homearama home. Some even had more than one! While brick fireplaces or standard wooden mantles may have cut it in the past, that’s no longer the case. The latest home design trend is tiled fireplaces. From ledge stone and intricate mesh back tile shown below to marble and large format, the choice is up to you! No matter what you choose, it will add a unique touch to your home. ledgestone fireplace home design trends

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is one of my absolute favorite home design trends, although I can’t seem to convince my husband of it’s awesomeness. It’s such a beautiful way to add texture, pattern, color and style to a space. Your furnishings could be completely neutral or standard, but add some fun wallpaper and you’re room has upped it’s cool factor.

FLOORING

Rich, Rustic Hardwood Flooring

We saw so many beautiful floor coverings this year! One flooring home design trend that really stuck out was the hardwood floors. It was mostly mid toned to dark, with lots of “cracks”, knots and character in it. The modern rustic design style is still very much on trend, and the flooring proved that. If you can’t afford natural hardwood, there are some amazing laminates and LVT flooring which offer the same rustic look! hardwood flooring home design trends

Wood Look Tile

I love wood look tile! Wood is such an amazing material, but it just doesn’t work well for bathrooms or laundry rooms due to it’s lack of water resistance. Wood look tile is the perfect compromise! The wood look tile’s below resemble real wood so closely but they are so much more durable and suited perfectly for the spaces in which they’re placed. You can barely tell they’re tile! wood look tile home design trends

Large Format Tile

Large format tile was definitly a notable home design trend this year, from flooring, to shower surrounds, kitchen backsplash and fireplace tile, it was EVERYWHERE! Large format tile is anything that is 15″ or larger on any side. It can be heavy and difficult to install, though, so make sure you consult a professional before trying it yourself! large format tile home design trends

DOORS

Iron and/or Arched Front Doors

Iron and arched front doors are definitly in style. They are a great investment as they can give you an awesome return on investment upon resale. They are also STUNNING and give a great first impression for your home. Not to mention the iron doors are great for keeping intruders OUT! iron doors home design trends

French Doors

French patio doors are gorgeous. The glass lets the light rain in and brings the outdoors inside your home. This make space look brighter and bigger. I don’t know about you, but even if I’m inside, I still want to feel like I’m outside, and these doors do just that. We saw so many french door patio sets at homearama, making it a new home design trend to emulate! patio doors home design trends

Two Panel Interior Doors

6 panel doors are not exactly a hot item. The home design trend for interior doors is definitly two panel, with arched or raised detail. This makes your home feel more custom, not builder grade. You can upgrade your interior doors for a relatively small price and it can make a huge difference on the interior vibe in your home. We have TONS of doors like this available for custom order, so ask us about them for your home! interior door home design trends

Sliding Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors have been hot home design trends the last two years, and this year is no exception. However, one thing I did notice was that it was less about the stained wooden doors, and more about painted or more modern style doors with glass. While both styles are still very popular, it seems that this style is moving towards modern rustic instead of simply rustic. Either way, I love sliding barn doors! Check out the options here! sliding barn doors home design trends

Those are our favorite home design trends for 2017 and we were happy to share them with you! What’s your favorite?

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

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September 22, 2017

PRO Flooring Options: Affordable Yet Stylish

As a contractor, you want to make your customers happy. You also want to get them the best deal on products if they have a budget they want to stay within. Offering them affordable yet stylish flooring options that they love can be a great way to please your customer and get a finished product that looks great. The following flooring options are a mix of choices that can be found in a bathroom, kitchen or main space. Lets check them out!

Our Top 5 Affordable Flooring Options

1. LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile

LVT is by far my favorite, and possibly the hottest, of all the current flooring options. This product is beautiful, durable, easy to install, 100% waterproof and scratch resistant! This product can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, main living spaces, and anywhere in between! Pet owners love it, families with small children love it, DIYers love it as well! I actually haven’t met anyone who purchased this product who was unhappy with it. The price can get up there, depending on the brand, the size of the planks, the added features such as a cork backing which replaces underlayment, but the opening price point is $1.79/ sq. ft. which I think is an awesome deal for what you get. The technology has come so far and LVT looks just like real wood or even tile. Not only will you save your clients money on the product itself, but you’ll also save them money replacing possible damaged flooring in the future!

2. Ceramic Basketweave Tile

Basketweave tile is very popular in flooring options right now. It has a vintage yet modern look that homeowners can’t get enough of. It’s easy to install, and the ceramic version is very affordable! While you can also find a marble version for someone wanting a bit of a more upscale look, I think the ceramic is a beautiful choice that you can’t go wrong with.

3. Wood Look Tile

Wood look tile is another one of this years affordable flooring options that I just can’t get enough of! It gives the amazing durability of tile, with the coveted look of wood. We have distressed and modern wood looks to compliment any home style. Wood look tile starts at just $1.99 sq/ft and will last for decades. Easy to install, and works in any room of the house.

4. Mohawk ‘Made in the USA’ Laminate

Mohawk is a made in the USA product, which is a huge selling point to many homeowners, especially after all the Lumber Liquidators issues that came out last year. We are carrying Mohawk laminate flooring starting at $1.29/sq. ft. Mohawk is a very well known and respected brand that homeowners would be happy to have in their home, and would feel safe and comfortable using. Laminate has taken a hit after last year’s Lumber Liquidator’s debacle. Many people were fearful of purchasing laminate. But you can tell them to rest assured with Mohawk. It’s durable, beautiful and safe.

5. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished hardwood flooring is like a blank canvas! It can be stained or finished any way that you or the homeowner chooses. We have unfinished hardwood flooring starting at just $.99/sq ft! At that price, your customers will be thrilled. We have a variety of wood species and thicknesses of planks. Make sure to mention it next time you’re speaking to someone who is on a budget about solid hardwood floors. They’ll definitly thank you for it.
Good luck on your projects this month and let us know if there is anything we can help you with! Our job is to make your job easier.

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are one of the leading providers of hardwood flooring, LVT, wood look tile, ceramic tile and porcelain tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

March 7, 2017

Why we chose laminate flooring for our home

I chose laminate flooring for my home, and I’m so happy with my decision. Choosing new flooring or your home is a choice that doesn’t come without serious consideration. After all, it’s a main focal point of your home. It’s going to be something that you look at and feel every single day. It also comes with a decent price tag, so you want to make sure you make the most informed decision, and one that works best for you and your family. As a retailer that sells many different types of flooring, I had a lot of options to weigh. But ultimately, laminate flooring won. Here is why I made the choice that I did, and why I haven’t regretted it for a minute!

Why Laminate Flooring Was The Choice For Me

Scratch Resistance:

I am a proud dog mom, and a lover of heels. I also move furniture around to fit my mood, whenever it may strike. So, I needed a flooring option that wouldn’t be ripped to shreds by some canine claws among other things. While hardwood doesn’t hold us so well against them, laminate solved this problem! While some are scratch resistant in an industrial setting as well as a residential setting, a simple residential scratch resistance was enough for my needs. Luckily, that was easy to find!

Hardwood Scratches

Water Resistance:

As I mentioned above, I love my pups. BUT, the occasionally have an accident. This can be devastating for real hardwood floors, and a real pain for carpet. Hardwood can be water damaged in a matter of hours if left unattended, which can happen if you happen to be away when the accident occurs.

hardwood flooring pet stains, vs laminate flooring

Pet stains on hardwood flooring

Not only that, but spills or leaks can cause the same chaos. Pulling up hardwood to replace it due to water damage is costly, and no fun at all. Our laminate is water resistant, so it was a great choice for us! While it can still be damaged if let sit too long (the face is water resistant but in between the joints is not), it gave us peace of mind knowing that if we weren’t there to clean up the issue right away, we wouldst be out of pocket or out of our minds with anger.

Dirt and Bacteria:

While carpet technology has come a long way in the last several years, having pets or kids can make carpet a pretty dirty place. We have a dog who gets immense joy from rolling in the dirt, and then coming inside and rolling around on the floor. Image the build up of dirt after a week or two? Not to mention the dog hair. With another long haired dog, it is a constant battle to keep up with it, and vacuums don’t always get everything. I like to be able to SEE exactly what is on my floor, so that I can clean it up. With carpet, its often a guessing game. Did I get it all? Or is it still dirty. Smells can also linger in carpet that just can’t in hardwood floors.

Stain Resistance:

While I don’t have kids just yet, I am expecting my first. On top of that, my husband and I have our fair share of clumsy moments. Stains are a reality. Wine and spaghetti sauce on carpet are never idea (and don’t forget about the pet stains I mentioned before). Not only is the clean up time consuming, it never seems to be 100%. Having to stare at the remnants of a failed cleaning every day would be enough to drive me mad! I preferred the easy clean up of laminate to that of carpet. To make areas more cozy, I’ll just get a rug! I can switch them out if they ever get too damaged or I want a change.

Price:

Ok, lets be honest. We live in a world where price is an issue to be considered, at least for the majority of us. We always want to know that we are getting the best possible product for the best possible price. I am a young person in my first home. I am on a pretty strict budget. A high end hardwood wasn’t an option, even though I wasn’t sure that was the best choice for me in the end anyway. LVT is another great option, with all of the benefits of laminate flooring, but the colors that I liked were more than I was able to spend, so I made a compromise. So laminate flooring made sense to me from the beginning, because I was able to get everything I needed, at a price I could actually afford.
So there you have it. My top 5 reasons that I chose laminate flooring over hardwood floors and carpet. Do you love your laminate or wish you had chosen something else? Are you still trying to figure out which flooring is best for you? Let us know in the comments!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Allie Bloyd

December 1, 2016

Exotic Wood: Hardwood Flooring That Excites

Talking about exotic wood reminds me of steamy, overgrown rainforests and secluded, hard-to-reach areas in the jungles of Africa. But in reality, the term “exotic wood” just refers to any lumber that is grown and harvested outside of the United States.

Beautiful exotic hardwood floors are growing more and more popular by the day as the modern lumber industry has streamlined process of obtaining the once difficult to source lumber. Exotic hardwoods make attractive and durable floors and their unique coloring can spice up any room or interior design.

Do you know what to look for when picking out your next exotic hardwood floor? These three tips will make sure you get the right exotic wood floors for your needs.

Color Change in Exotic Wood

One of the most common concerns consumers have when it comes to exotic hardwood flooring is that the vast majority of species will change color over time. Domestic hardwoods like oak, may never change in color, but popular exotic woods like Brazilian Cherry can darken very rapidly and dramatically. But why?

There are two main reasons why most (not all) exotic hardwood floors experience more color change than domestic hardwoods. Each species of wood reacts differently when exposed to light. Just like when we get a tan at the beach, the same effect happens to wood! Even each plank of wood can age and color differently compared to the rest of planks in the same floor.

The second reason that color change in exotic wood is more noticeable comes down to the finish. If your wood is finished with oil, it can take on a darker, more amber hue over time when compared to water-based finishes that remain clear.

If you want to preserve the original color of your wood, make sure to limit light exposure by keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the brightest parts of the day and look for hardwoods that are finished with “UV blockers” and non-yellowing coatings.

Exotic Wood Flooring Hardness

Did you know that most domestic hardwood floors are actually softer than their exotic counterparts? Wood flooring is grading using a scale called the Janka hardness test. This test measures the resistance of wood to both denting and wear. The species of wood chosen determines the overall hardness rating and other factors, like the topcoat or finish, don’t make a substantial difference in the overall rating.

Most domestic hardwoods rank in the low to medium range in hardness. White Oak is a common domestic flooring and it rates at 1360 on the Janka scale, while the most common exotic hardwood, Brazilian Cherry, rates at 2350. More uncommon flooring such as Patagonian Rosewood rates at a whopping 3840 on the scale.

But remember that hardness is just one of many deciding factors available to choose from when deciding which hardwood floor is best for you. In today’s modern flooring industry, both exotic and domestic floors are built to last a lifetime (and then some).

Availability of Exotic Wood

Exotic hardwood floors are available for sale across the U.S. and for t he most common varieties, there is rarely a shortage. In the past, however, some exotic hardwoods were harvested with less-than-ethical practices. Some species were harvested from protected areas and reserves while others were stolen from land owners without their authorization.

That’s why the U.S. has extended the Lacey Act, the regulatory law that guided lumber practices in the U.S., to also govern wood that is harvested from overseas. This law ensures that all lumber products coming into the country provide proof of provenance, including the country of harvest and the the species of all wood contained in the product.

Now you can rest assured that your new exotic hardwood floor will be ethically and sustainable harvested.

Interested in exotic wood and hardwood flooring? Builders Surplus in Louisville and Newport/Cincinnati has all of your favorites including Acacia Pacific Walnut, Bamboo Sterling, and more. Come by today and see the amazing color, texture, and hardness of exotic wood flooring today!

________

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Bathroom Vanities and Double Vanities in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Christopher Lush

April 30, 2016

Unfinished Wood Flooring: 5 Reasons To Love It

Unfinished wood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because there are so many options to make it your own. Unfinished wood flooring starts out just that – unfinished. It is up to you to finish it in the perfect way. Hardwood flooring in itself will add value to your home, and it has been proven that homes with hardwood sell quicker. But to get the most out of your investment, you need to make the right choices in terms of finish and price. Real Estate agents across the United States were given a survey by the National Wood Flooring Association and asked about the impact of wood floors on homebuyers. Of the realtors that were interviewed, 99 percent said they believe that homes with hardwood floors were easier to sell. Even more interesting, 82 percent said that homes with hardwood floors sold faster and for more money. If you still aren’t convinced, check out five more reasons why we think unfinished wood floors are a great option to consider.

5 REASONS UNFINISHED WOOD FLOORING IS THE PERFECT OPTION FOR YOUR HOME

1. A More Natural Look:

Unfinished wood floors are a good option to consider if you prefer a more natural look and enjoy the allure and distinction of imperfection. Natural wood looks beautiful with a coat of polyurethane, bringing out the knots and variance in the color.

2. Easy on Allergies:

Carpets tend to trap a lot of allergens so this can be very dangerous if people suffer from respiratory distress from allergies. With unfinished wood flooring, however, these allergens can’t be trapped and won’t hold in odors, dust, allergens or dirt. This makes it an ideal choice for providing a safer and healthier environment, especially for those with allergy or asthma conditions.

3. Easy to Maintain:

Unfinished wood requires gentle care but overall they are easy to maintain. If you leave it with a more natural look & only use polyurethane, you can’t scratch the stain off, and scratches and nicks can actually make it look like it has even more character. Common Red Oak is one of many styles that Builders Surplus has available. Common Red Oak is well known and highly sought after for it’s rich wheat colored hue and consistent grain pattern. This is a very popular choice for unfinished wood flooring because it has a mellow appearance yet an indestructible and tenacious texture.

4. Many Choices in Style:

Unfinished wood flooring is easier than ever to care for and can be finished however you want, either with a simple coat of polyurethane (to protect from spills and stains), a stain or even paint. Most finishes will last a long time but if you become ready for a change, you only need to sand and refinish using a different stain or paint to dramatically change the look. Since unfinished wood floors can adapt to many different decorating styles, it’s easy to change their overall appearance without replacing the original material.

5. Financial & Aesthetic Value:

One of the primary reasons most people consider unfinished wood flooring is for the amazing price! You are going to pay a premium for finished wood flooring. With unfinished wood flooring, you are getting a great deal! For instance, our unfinished wood flooring is only $1.39 / square foot! You can rarely find a price that great for any other type of hardwood flooring. The aesthetic value it brings comes in the form of it’s unsurpassed beauty and elegance that never goes out of style and only increases with time. This means that you will be able to enjoy your beautiful unfinished wood floors for years to come, allowing you to get the most out of your home.

No matter what kind of flooring you choose for your home, rental property, or business, make sure it will have a great return on your investment. If you want to know more about installing unfinished wood floors, or have questions about the different wood or width options available, please contact one of our stores today.

Written By: LeighAnne Turner
Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets. In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

December 24, 2015

The Most Pet Friendly Types Of Flooring For Your Home

The types of flooring you choose when building or remodeling your home can be a challenging decision. It can become even more of a challenge if you have pets living in your home. We are frequently asked what types of flooring are best for pet owners, especially those living with man’s best friend.

Dogs may be man’s best friend but they can be your floor’s worst nightmare if you don’t first consider the pros and cons for the types of flooring you may be considering. Innovation has changed the way that flooring is manufactured and recycled, creating several options that can withstand anything your pet dishes out. Check out some of the pet-friendly types of flooring we have sniffed out for you.

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7 Pet Friendly Types of Flooring

1. Hardwood VS. Wood-Look

We’ll tackle hardwood flooring first since this is one of the most desired types of flooring.

The bottom line is the best wood floor for your dog isn’t a wood floor.

Choosing hardwood flooring when you have a dog in the home is tricky unless your dog is well-trained. Otherwise, hardwood floors require a tremendous amount of attention and maintenance. Dog or cat urine can stain the hardwood and leave an undesired smell.

Even if you clean it up right away, there’s a good chance the smell will persist because the urine seeps down into the wood as the wood expands. The same is true for any other liquid that spills or drops onto a wood floor.

Pet Friendly Types Of Flooring at Builders Surplus in Louisville & Newport, Ky | Cincinnati

Pet Friendly Types of Flooring Wood Type Builders Surplus

Hardwood floors also scratch easily. Dogs don’t have to have to have sharp claws for them to scratch the surface and affect the wood floor. You can lay out area rugs and runners down the hallway but their claws can still penetrate the sealer coat and ruin the hardwood.

There are other types of flooring that can achieve the same appearance if you are bound and determined to have the look of hardwood in your home. Wood-look tile is not what it used to be and it even can come plank-sized in a variety of colors and finishes.

2. Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury Vinyl is one of the most used types of flooring for pet owners because it’s known to be one of the most resilient and durable options available. Luxury Vinyl flooring is scratch and stain resistant, low in allergens and extremely easy to clean.

It’s also very quiet to walk on which is a huge perk for those who frequently hear their dog’s nails click clack on the floor. Luxury Vinyl is a very affordable flooring.

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The #1 reason pet owners love luxury vinyl flooring? IT’S 100% WATERPROOF! Seriously, waterproof. If you’re out of town and sparky has a few accidents and no one is there to clean it up, have no fear. You can easily clean it without leaving a stain, smell, or damaging the planks.

Want to learn all about waterproof flooring for your home? Click here!

3. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring can be a sensible option for dog owners and a great compromise between hardwood and vinyl flooring. Bamboo has a wood surface and is the hardest of all hardwoods. Because of it’s durability, it stands up to foot traffic and can withstand scratches and stains better than traditional hardwood. Not only is bamboo flooring stain resistant but it’s completely renewable so it’s good for the Earth.

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Bamboo Flooring for Pet Friendly Floors Builders Surplus

Types Of Flooring Builders Surplus in Louisville, KY

Not all bamboo flooring is a good option though, so be sure to do your research and look specifically for bamboo flooring manufacturers, like US Floors, who draw attention to the hardness of their floors. The bamboo flooring should be strand woven and not made from immature bamboo plants, otherwise, it will be quite soft and won’t stand up to the two and four-legged traffic in your home.

4. Laminate Flooring

Laminate is another type of flooring that can be made to look like wood. Many dog owners turn to laminate flooring over traditional hardwood because it’s such an affordable way to achieve a wood look. It’s also strong and can be scratch and water resistant (not with every laminate) but there are other factors to take into consideration before choosing this option.

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laminate types of flooring builders surplus in louisville ky

Pet Friendly Types Of Flooring Builders Surplus

A lot of pet owners like wood-like laminate to provide the home decor they are looking for but it can be difficult for dogs because they slip and slide as they walk or run through the home. Another factor to consider is that although laminate is water resistant, any spills or accidents have the potential to seep through the crevices between the planks creating the potential for staining. I’ve also seen plenty of laminates scratch, so make sure it’s got a thick wear layer.

5. Stone Tile Flooring

Stone tile is an amazing flooring option for pet owners because this tough surface doesn’t scratch easily and if it does, the scratches don’t show like they do on other types of flooring. When pets have accidents on the stone tile floor, there is much less reason to worry about how it will impact the condition of the flooring because any mess can easily be cleaned up. These two factors alone make it a valuable option for dog owners looking at different types of flooring for their home.

The downside of stone flooring is that it’s cold and hard so it’s very uncomfortable to lay on and walk upon. Granite is the hardest all natural stone and one of the better stone flooring options because it is low maintenance compared to softer stones such as marble, slate and travertine.

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6. Cork Flooring

Cork is another eco-and-pet friendly flooring choice because it’s good for the environment and health of those in your home. Cork flooring is high on the dog-friendly flooring list because it’s hypoallergenic and antimicrobial so it will reduce the the growth of mold and other allergens that dogs may be responsible for.

It’s also scratch resistant and sound absorbent so not only will your floor not get scuffed and scratched up, but your four legged friend will move through the house like a stealth ninja.

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Want to create more spaces for your pet in your home? Learn how here!

Cork flooring is water resistant but since it’s a natural surface, spills and accidents should be cleaned without delay. The finish of most cork flooring is closer to a hardwood floor than vinyl or stone but it does have a tendency to discolor over time if it’s exposed to sunlight. Cork flooring is fairly expensive option but it is totally worth considering due to it’s overall lifespan, especially in a home with pets.

7. CoreTec Luxury Vinyl Tile

CoreTec is a luxury vinyl on steriods. COREtec is one of the most reputable LVT brands on the market, and it’s quickly becoming a first choice in homes with pets and kids. CoreTec Flooring has the rustic wood look of a hardwood floor but it is completely scratch resistant, 100% waterproof, quieter and softer than standard hardwood.

It has three layers with vinyl on top and a core made from recycled wood, bamboo, limestone and PVC. It’s so waterproof that it will never swell and the cork underlayment is backed by a lifetime warranty by it’s manufacturer, US Floors.

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Types Of Flooring Builders Surplus Louisville, KY

I hope this has helped you to better understand some of the pet-friendly flooring options that are available today. This is just a basic guide to some of the distinct pros and cons for each flooring type.

Ultimately most flooring types can be suitable for certain pets if you approach it with forethought. Whichever floor you choose, remember to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to minimize the impact on your floors.

Also, consider using floor mats around the entry ways to your home so dirt can be easily wiped down before your pet comes back inside. We are a pet loving company so don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a comment if you have any other questions.

Builders Surplus is a full service remodeling company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We specialize in interior design, which comes as a free service to our clients. We sell building supplies ranging from unused surplus, to first quality in stock, to high end custom order and everything in between. We also provide measurement and full installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. Happy Remodeling!

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October 21, 2015

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1. LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile

2. Ceramic Basketweave Tile

4. Mohawk ‘Made in the USA’ Laminate

5. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Why Laminate Flooring Was The Choice For Me

Scratch Resistance:

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Price:

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Color Change in Exotic Wood

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Exotic Wood Flooring Hardness

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Availability of Exotic Wood

5 REASONS UNFINISHED WOOD FLOORING IS THE PERFECT OPTION FOR YOUR HOME

1. A More Natural Look:

2. Easy on Allergies:

3. Easy to Maintain:

4. Many Choices in Style:

5. Financial & Aesthetic Value:

7 Pet Friendly Types of Flooring

1. Hardwood VS. Wood-Look

3. Bamboo Flooring

4. Laminate Flooring

5. Stone Tile Flooring

6. Cork Flooring

7. CoreTec Luxury Vinyl Tile

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