The company also currently has by far the best free cash flow per share in the Home Furnishings industry – 8.23x per share, more than twice the value of the next competitor. Free cash flow is an important indicator of a company’s ability to invest and expand operations, therefore, being this far ahead of the competition means Mohawk is in a great position to expand manufacturing and try to capture new markets for its products.

However, unlike many companies that outsource their production facilities in order to increase profits at the expense of everything else, Mohawk believes it’s important to invest in America and create jobs for American workers, which is why the company just leased a 46,002-square-foot new industrial space in Orlando, Florida.

There’s even more good news for the consumer: Floormall.com is currently holding a month-long sale on Mohawk flooring products. All the products are made to exacting quality standards, and are covered under a warranty, so if you were thinking of getting a new floor that will cost a reasonable price and last for many years, you can’t do better than Mohawk.

 If your floor or floors are in disrepair then Summer fun plans may have to be put on hold.  Starting your renovation or floor repair now will get it done in plenty of time for barbecues and outdoor parties.  Hardwood flooring repairs can be as simple as renting a sander, buffing the old finish and scratches out of your floor, and then resealing.  Your flooring has to have a few years of life left in it for this to happen, though.  You can’t refinish what’s not there.  Floors must be made from solid hardwood and not be engineered, for you to be able to sand them.  Good hardwood flooring can be refinished several times.  Poor quality maybe only once.  If you have a period home then the floors are probably quite thick and you’ll do just fine refinishing them.  Grab some free advice from floormall.com and you can see what you may need to buy for your project.

Perhaps there are a few planks that have become damaged in your hardwood floors.  When hardwood flooring is first installed it’s always a good idea to save some pieces of the wood.  Of course, if your house was built a couple of centuries ago, that’s not going to happen.  If you have had your home built, or put in a hardwood floor recently, then  replacing those few planks is pretty easy.  Basically, you have to pry up the damaged ones, cut the new ones to size and then glue and nail them down.  All old glue and nails or staples have to be removed.  Refinishing with a stain and sealer can be a little tricky because it has to be matched and integrated into the old floor.  Some stores can color match stains and paint, because computers are used, so check that concept out if you don’t have a can of the old stain in your garage or shed. 

If you are going to be installing or have installed, an entire room of hardwood flooring, then the choices are many.   Do you have hardwood floors throughout your home or just in this one room?  If you have other rooms with floors like this and if there’s a room separation (perhaps this room has tiles etc.) then there shouldn’t be any problems.  If this room where you are installing or replacing the hardwood in butts up against another hardwood floor, then you may want to get as close to that one’s color and type of wood as you can.  If you have to match hardwoods with another floor, then look online at floormall.com and you can find hardwood flooring of all types.  You’ll be able to match up your old floors that way. 

Whatever way you go, hardwood flooring is an enduring, warm, durable and extremely attractive flooring choice.  Along with stone and ceramic tiles, it’s been around for a very long time.

Have you gotten tired of those funny sounds that floors sometimes make when you walk on them?  Old floors can get really waxy and gummy and look really, really dingy.  Perhaps it’s time to check out some new types of floors that are becoming popular.  Cork flooring is becoming an excellent choice for flooring.  It’s environmentally friendly (cork oak trees re-grow this inner bark in a few years) so it’s renewable, like giant bamboo is.  Although giant bamboo is cut down, it’s just a grass and it does get big really fast so that’s the feature that makes it very “green”.  Cork flooring usually comes in tile form and these do vary in quality and coloration, so checking out some samples online at floormall.com will steer you in the right direction.

One advantage to cork flooring is that you will not be sticking to it.  Cork can be sealed quite nicely so you won’t worry about the porosity very much.  Cork provides warmth and insulation and a certain “bounciness” to your floors.  It’s a new and quite in vogue flooring product for offices, especially.  There are some sound insulating qualities which make it a great choice for the home office.  Libraries, if you are so fortunate to have one of these book repositories in your home, or a den, also are good candidates for cork flooring.  A lot of homeowners can install cork floors themselves but the product may not be available in all home improvement stores.  You can look online at the various types, availability, and installation tips.  Visiting a good site like floormall.com will get you on the right track.

Cork is used for many other things in homes, and not just for the floors.  There’s every college student’s dream of a giant bulletin board where they can stick schedules and photos from home.  In the home office you can also make a section of cork on the wall in front of a desk.  To make this bulletin area more home-like, wrapping a few diagonals of ribbon so that it crisscrosses a bulletin board enables you to slip in photos and notes without having to use pushpins etc.  In fact, if you have a few cork tiles left over from your cork flooring project, you can make one of these as a unique gift.  Always save a few pieces or sections of any flooring you install, for repairs at a later date.  Store them where you’ll be able to get them out if needed!

If you want some information on any types of flooring products, cork flooring included, or any advice or tips for buying or installation, then take a look at floormall.com.  There’s a ton of info on this site that will help you.

Buy Flooring Online

Well, your floor may not be literally blue (or maybe it is) but if it’s sad, then you might consider replacing it.  Sometimes, flooring such as tile flooring or any hard surface, can get stained or damaged and even if it’s a little corner of the floor, that may detract from your overall nice look which you have worked hard to maintain.  If your tile or other flooring has aged, the color difference between old and new tile can be striking.  You may need to purchase all new tile flooring, and there are many different types to choose from.  If you are looking for a bit of solid info on installing the floor yourself, then check out floormall.com.  They have a university section where you can learn all kinds of things about flooring.

Tiles have been around from ancient times and can be made from a host of different materials.  Today, they are ceramic or porcelain or vinyl or real wood (parquet tiles) or cork or leather or stainless steel, or even exotic woods and other substances.  A tile is a square, usually 12″ x 12″ for floors or sometimes 18″ x 18″ or even 6″ x 6″.  Tiles can also be rectangular.  Octagonal tiles can be used for tile flooring and they fit quite nicely together. Think about how a beehive looks inside and the honeycombs all lined up snugly.  Maybe you’d like a blue floor.  Really. 

Different shades of blue tile flooring can depict a sea theme, or lend a nautical air to a seaside cottage.  Be careful if you do blue tiles in a bathroom.  On the floor and on the walls and in the shower could become overpowering.  All one color and you’d feel claustrophobic.  Too dark a color on the floor would be hard to keep clean.  If you need any advice on what type of tile flooring to get, cruise on over to floormall.com.  They’ll offer plenty of great advice.  The ancient Greeks loved blue tiles.  The ancient Egyptians did as well.  If you have a small room, then laying large tiles diagonally makes it look much bigger. 

For our modern floors there are so many choices for tile flooring, or any other kind of floor.  Installation materials and temperature really do matter as to the end results you get when flooring is installed.  Always make sure your floor is level before performing any kind of tile flooring job.  There are cement-like levelers you can pour to make it even.  Installing a subfloor is also a great idea.  Grout is necessary for tiles after you have got them stuck down and this can be either matching, or a different color.  The grout should match the tiles as if it’s too stark a contrast, the tiles can look weird.  Be sure and place spacers between your tiles or your floor may look like a tornado hit it and wrongly laid tiles can be a real mess to get up.  If you need help installing your tile flooring, check out the pros at floormall.com.

If you are starting from scratch and either building a home yourself or having one built, then a first thought should be about what type of flooring you are going to install.  And, do you really want to do it yourself or call in the pros?  If you are replacing one or two floors inside of your already completed home, then that can be a little bit different as to how you will approach the problem.  There are so many floor types these days that a self-installation can be easy.  It depends on the flooring itself.  New homes are usually a combination of tiles (stone or ceramic) and hardwood flooring.  You may choose an easier to install high-quality laminate or engineered flooring, which comes in snap together planks. 

Also under consideration these days is whether your flooring is environmentally safer than some products used to be.  Bamboo, for instance, is a terrific, easily-renewable flooring product.  It can range from glue down planks to cork-backed (therefore already ready to go straight down), snap together planks.  Bamboo comes in light natural colors, or caramelized varieties that add interest.  There are also several ways that the bamboo strips can be placed and this also adds additional contrast.  Gluing down planks requires good knees if you are doing it yourself.  Planks and a high quality glue help.  If you aren’t very up n all of the products available, then a look at a variety of them, plus info on a few professionals, can be had at floormall.com. 

Tiles are a good choice for the home do it yourselfer.  They come in a vast range of materials and can be super easy (peel and stick vinyl) to large, natural stone tiles that can be quite difficult to install.  The thing with natural stone is that it’s always one of a kind because the stone it comes from (limestone, granite, marble etc.) is varied as to thickness and color.  With a truly natural stone tile you need to place the tiles staggered, like you do with a brick wall.  If they are placed in a grid pattern, then you will get quite off kilter at the end of your room.  There is always a variance in the size of natural stone tiles for your flooring, so be sure and use a high quality glue, grout and get a bit of advice from floormall.com.  Don’t forget the tile spacers!

Finally, hardwood floors are so loved and have been used for centuries.  Back in the day, wide planks were used for flooring and today, hardwood flooring comes in random widths and lengths, sometimes engineered (real wood but in layers) and even reclaimed or refinished wood.  Reusing wood taken from a house in another, or refinishing old barn wood or even wood that’s been in a lake for a century, is the ultimate in recycling.  And, you get a product that’s unique and beautiful.

Mohawk Rivermont Cherry Oak Strip is the most beautiful cherry color you’ll find in flooring.  This one is oak, and applied by means of nails or staples.  The finish is Aluminum Oxide and the planks are 2.25″ wide by .75″ thick.  There’s 18.25 square feet per box.  This would make an absolutely beautiful floor in your period or contemporary home.  If you’re library or den or dining room needs a new floor, then this could be the one.  If you need any advice on installation or finding a professional installer, then take a look at floormall.com.  They will be able to answer any of your questions, especially if you look through their university section.  It’ll be a great, instant education!

Mohawk Maple Ridge Ginger 2 ¼” is a superior flooring plank that’s made from solid maple and applied by means of a nail gun.  If you aren’t experienced at using nail guns then you can seek advice, or round up a professional installer at floormall.com.  The finish on these planks is Aluminum Oxide and the color is just gorgeous.  This type of flooring was used back in Colonial days so if you have a period home, then this would be the flooring to look at.  It’s 2.25″ wide by ¾” thick, so there’s plenty enough would for several rounds of sanding and buffing and re-staining.  This floor will last for generations.  There’s 18.25 square feet in a box and they do have matching accessories which you may purchase, such as baseboards an molding.

Mohawk Pastiche Uniclic Cherry Oak is as its name suggests — one click and it’s installed!   What could be easier?  It’s an engineered real wood product and the finish is Aluminum Oxide.  If you are looking for an easy install, then this one is absolutely worth a look.  If there’s more advice you need or just a few facts, then floormall.com’s university section will be able to answer any of your questions or concerns.  The width of these planks is 3.25″ and the thickness is 3/8″.  There’s plenty in a box at 29.25 square feet per.

Mohawk Hand-Sculpted Santa Barbara Saddle Oak evokes that beautiful small Spanish-themed city of Santa Barbara, right on the Pacific ocean.  This city has a huge range of homes from luxurious mansions to charming craftsman-style cottages and period Victorians.  Merchant seamen used to bring cargo loads of flooring into the harbor of Santa Barbara, and many large homes at the time overlooked the sea.   If you’d like to redo a few floors in your own home, then this engineered hickory flooring may be just the ticket.  You can install it by way of a nail or staple gun, and glue may also be used along with that.  Any advice needed on any kind of flooring topic, may be easily gotten from floormall.com.  The finish on these planks is Aluminum Oxide and they are a hefty (and very period looking ) 5″ wide by .5″ thick and there’s 19.69 square feet per box.  This flooring will last for many generations.

BR-111 floors consistnely stand at the apex of the industry. BR-111 specializes in producing high quality, prefinished, BR111 exotic flooring. And in only fifteen years the company has become a leader in that area. BR111’s exotic floors is the largest flooring operation in South America and the largest supplier of exotic hardwood flooring to the United States. BR111 floor company has risen to this prominent spot in the flooring industry by not resting on its laurels and always finding an innovative approach to produce flooring. This is an aspect that FloorMall shares with BR111 because they realize it’s not enough to offer great products at low prices but that it is also necessary to provide great BR111 hardwood floor information with each purchase.

FloorMall has always offered the very best in flooring and in product lines. They carry product lines from many of the most respected brands in the industry. What sets them apart however, is the way that they work with their customers to educate them about every purchase. FloorMall realizes how intimidating the search for hardwood flooring can be and they’ve positioned themselves to do everything they can to help. FloorMall encourages everyone who is interested in learning more about the hardness and durability of wood to visit one of their Janka hardness rating themed sites.

Cork flooring is made from the bark harvested from the cork oak, which grows primarily in Western Mediterranean countries. Cork has been used since the ancient Egyptian empire, where it was used primarily used for fishing nets, allowing them to float and insulation. It wasn’t actively manufactured until the early part of the 20^th century and became quite popular when it debuted. Cork is highly durable, with many original cork floors installed almost eighty years ago still in use today.

Buy Natural Cork Flooring

Advantages of Cork

Cork is more than 50 percent air which makes it lightweight as well as a natural sound absorber, and it is also because of those properties that cork is as resilient and durable as it is. Cork has excellent insulating properties, making it quite warm underfoot, and the cork itself doesn’t dent, scratch or show grooves easily. Since the bark is harvested every nine years, which yields a large batch of cork, and the trees are not damaged in the process allowing trees to yield multiple crops during their lifetime.

Buy Wicanders Cork Floors

Cork Tile Installation

Cork comes readily available from a variety of manufacturers, and even people with a decent modicum of floor installation knowledge can handle cork and install it with a minimum of complaints. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you decide to install it yourself, though we can help by providing a rough outline.

*Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully

*Prep the floor properly. It must be smooth, clean, dry, without bumps, dirt, oil or paint, which could damage the flooring. You can lay cork on a number of different surfaces, including concrete and hardwood. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer for more details.

*Make sure that the cork has had the chance to acclimate to the ambient temperature in the room – we suggest leaving the wood in the room it will be installed in for several days prior to installing it.

*Cork flooring mainly comes in tile form, so you can customize how the tiles look by mixing the types of cork used. Ask your manufacturer if you have questions about the cork tiles you are using.

Removing Cork Floors

Cork is difficult to uninstall, no matter what shortcuts you may take to make the job easier. There are a few things you may want to think about before tearing out your old cork flooring:

*If the tile is firmly attached to the floor and is not coming out easily, you may just want to lay down a new floor over the cork. All you need to do is screw down some masonite or cement board, mud the seams, and install the new flooring on top. This is helpful if you are reflooring your entire house, as the differences in height won’t be apparent.

*When uninstalling cork flooring heat is your best friend. Remove the tile, then scrape any adhesive off the underlay and apply plenty of heat so it will come off easier. If you’re having trouble you can always call your local hardware store and see what tools and materials you need to safely remove your cork flooring.

Maintenance

Cork flooring doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. The only major upkeep you need to do is sweep it, mop it occasionally, and every year or so resealing it. The best advice we can give for maintenance is to read the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining your cork.

WHERE TO BUY?

Buy Cork Flooring at Floormall.com

FlooringNow.com recommends that you look at Floormall.com for your cork flooring needs.

They have a monstrous selection and the customer service is superb.

From Wicanders to APC cork floors, they definitely have what you are looking for.

The Bostitch MIIIFN and the Porter-Cable FCN200 are the cream of the crop of hardwood flooring nailers.  They also have similar features, both being made from highly durable lightweight die-cast aluminum.  This helps cut down on the weight of many pneumatic nailers while also giving them the strength to stand up to the rigors of an industrial site.  Currently both models retail at around $480.  And just using Amazon.com as a measure of rank I was able to find out that the Porter-Cable is more popular.  It has over nearly as twice as many reviews as the Bostitch and it has half a star worth of a better rating.  Using this as a reason to pick one over the other does seem a bit too much like splitting hairs to me though.  Both of these are obviously high end tools that are very well made.

And since they are high end tools, these nailers may cost more than some homeowners are willing to spend.  That’s when you should consider looking at manual nailers.  These usually cost about half as much as pneumatic nailers.  But what you save in money you’ll use up in arm strength.  This is a perfect option for the homeowner who has a small job or plans to break their job into small chunks since they take quite a bit of effort to use.  The Porta-Nails 402P is a good manual nailer and it should be available at most hardwood stores.

       The industry of flooring’s most prominent player has again topped themselves with another glamorous floor; Armstrong Brand Flooring which produces much of the circulated wood flooring in the industry promotes its Grand Illusions product collection. The line’s intense popularity in sales environments and its high-appeal as a glossy, superior fashion flooring has propelled it to promotions of homeowners and contractors alike.

In recent years, glossy, shimmering floors have become more popular in homes around the world, showcasing a high-class imagery for affordable checkbooks. The attractive Piano Finish (as it is popularly referred to) is the trademark characteristic of a growing trend in laminate flooring. Until recently, this shining topcoat had been reserved solely for hardwood flooring, especially of the solid variety. The line itself features both exotic and domestic representations of the hardwood variety.

Technical features include an AC rating of 3, Armstrong’s premium 30 year residential warranty, and the Lock and Fold installation method that exemplifies simplicity and the ability to install it yourself. At 5 inches wide and ½ inch thick, it resembles so closely a wood floor that some homeowners did not recognize it as a laminate until it was revealed to them. The HydraCore Plus core board lends to this illusion with supreme moisture resistance and a comfortable thickness underfoot.

Feedback from consumers has proved unanimously positive in regards to the wear and maintenance of the floor, stating that the flooring requires only brief cleaning regularly to keeps its luster high, and beauty according.

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Price and availability are often some of the most important factors to deciding which floor is the right choice for you. If you find yourself debating over the Armstrong Grand Illusions Premium Exotics, the only place to shop is Floormall.com. Its low price and various promotions offer the best of luxurious and vibrant laminate flooring at the lowest impact to your wallet!

            You’ll find helpful links to take a peek at 10 colors in the Grand Illusions line below!

            Grand Illusions Cherry Bronze

            Grand Illusions Cherry Natural

            Grand Illusions Jatoba

Grand Illusions Melborne Acacia

            Grand Illusions Cabreuva

            Grand Illusions Santos

            Grand Illusions Tiger Wood

            Grand Illusions Walnut

            Grand Illusions Cherry

            Grand Illusions Afzelia

Tile is truly an amazing material that offers you limitless possibilities in designing a unique and dramatic look for your home. From floor tiles to wall tiles, let’s discover some of the best practices in tile design today.

Mix-&-Match Color Tones, Textures and Patterns

In this bathroom featured below, the designer selected a beige and brown toned floor tile and coupled it with dark brown and mosaic wall tile in different sizes. Juxtaposing the large solid wall tile against the mosaic creates a very original look that really makes this bathroom stand out. Because of recent advances in technologies, tile manufacturers have come up with a variety of creative new tile colors and tones, so make sure you make the most of this new wide range of options. Traditional cream-colored tiles and stones are still very popular and a great choice, but think about combining different tile color tones, textures and patterns to create your own very unique atmosphere.

Mix & Match Tile Sizes

Don’t simply install a plain square 12×12 tile floor. At least not until you have considered mixing and matching different tile sizes. Consider using combinations of 6×6 and 12×12 tiles. Or you can go with fancier patterns and use 6×6, 12×12 and 18×18 tiles together in the same room. You can even consider using different patterns on different parts of the floor, and separate each area with a nice border tile, or use different tile sizes on your walls. Confused? Don’t be. You can have fun and get as creative as you would like. Check out the picture below showcasing the Derby collection from the Spanish tile manufacturer SuperCeramica (www.hardwoodbrokers.com). A simple combination of 12×24 and 2×24 ceramic tiles with a metal border accent achieves a powerful effect for a beautiful wall tile.

Consider New Looks

When designing your new floor tile or wall tile, it’s well worth taking the time to look for design pictures and inspiration. Tile manufacturers’ websites often showcase their latest collections in room settings. This will help you become more imaginative and discover the latest trends in tile & stone. Technology has changed so much over the past decade and manufacturers are now coming up with truly amazing tile designs. The picture below features a floor from Italgres, a Spanish tile manufacturer that introduced its new Ikronos and techwood collections in 2008 (Tile Flooring)

Now you can enjoy the durability of tile and the look of wood at the same time! You can also explore new color opportunities, with dark blue or light brown colors and tones.

Options are limitless and with a little bit of research and help from design sites, you can come up with a floor tile or wall tile that can really turn your room extraordinary. You can start by visiting a popular flooring tile website where you can view a variety of flooring tile and wall tile galleries online. Also check out manufacturers such as Dal-Tile or American Olean for more tile design ideas.

For more information visit wikiflooring.org

Hardwood Flooring has been apart of our economy and homes dating back to the medieval times.  Although the history of hardwood flooring has been through many tribulations, today it plays a huge role in the flooring industry. After WWII the numbers were estimated to be over 1 billion. But once carpet was available for homeowners the numbers dropped dramatically. Carpet was introduced being cheaper for buyers and so the demand for hardwood plummeted. Today the majority of homeowners and builders choose hardwood flooring, Not only for the beauty, but unlike carpet hardwood last many years.

There are three main types of hardwood flooring. It’s very important to consider how much traffic you will have on these floors before choosing. There is a layer the manufacturers put on prefinished flooring called veneer also known as wear layer. For a heavy traffic area you want to look for a veneer layer of 1/8 inch or more.

Solid hardwood flooring is non-altered solid wood. The most common solid hardwood flooring species are Red Oak, White Oak, and maple. Solid wood flooring and be refinished several times. This actually adds to their beauty and life. It’s very complex to install, because you have to consider expansion room when installing. During the dry winter months moisture can leave the wood making it change slightly in size, therefore causing gaps between the planks of wood. But during the summer the wood will expand back filling in the gaps. Keeping the solid hardwood flooring away from moisture is a must because it can cause it to buckle. To prevent this, it’s recommended that you do not use it in a room that is underground such as a basement and do not install over top concrete slab.

Acrylic Impregnated Hardwood Flooring is traditional hardwood that has been altered or injected with extreme high strengths of acrylic to improve the durability and the life of the wood. They are known for being strong and resistant to humidity. Because these floors are infused with color throughout the wood planks it makes the color last longer and helps protect against scratches. You can also make unfinished flooring into acrylic impregnated hardwood but skipping the last steps of finishing such as buffing, staining, waxing and injecting acrylic monomers into the woods structure. This will make the wood more durable and ready for any household.

Engineered Hardwood flooring is real wood. But unlike solid wood where it is all one piece, engineered is approximately 3 to 10 layers of wood that are glued together in a process known has cross-plying construction. So the difference between solid and engineered is that engineered is more stable than solid and is able to be around light moisture. So it can be installed below ground and over top a concrete slab. But solid wood can be refinished and engineered with a wear layer of 1/10’’ cannot be. Another advantage is once you receive your flooring and it is installed you don’t have to wait like you would solid wood to be able to walk on it.

All these different types of hardwood flooring come in many colors and shades. It is an investment to put in any home new or old. Just remember to pick the right flooring for you and the space your using it for so it last many years to come.

Some of the key articles discuss unfinished red oak flooring, unfinished walnut flooring and unfinished bamboo flooring.

But there are more benefits to purchasing unfinished hardwood flooring besides just the savings. You might be able to use stains that weren’t available in pre-finished floors, applying the finish after installation creates a more uniformed and natural look, and unfinished flooring lets the homeowner construct inlays and borders.

But if you do purchase unfinished flooring someone is going to have to finish them. UnfinishedFlooring.com has been created to act as a guide for homeowners who are planning to do just that. UnfinishedFlooring.com concentrates on the different wood species of wood that unfinished flooring is available in. This is important because wood tends to vary greatly between the different species. It can vary drastically in color, from the dark red of Bloodwood to the striking straw color of Australian Cypress or even in its hardness. Ipe is so hard that specialized tools are needed to cut through it due to its tendency to dull regular woodworking instruments. Each wood species sands differently and takes stains and finishes differently and these are things that homeowners must know before they make a decision.

Going with unfinished flooring can add up to more work but what it allows is for you to create a perfect fit with between your flooring and your home, which is valuable because it’s going to become a big part of your home’s charm and character.

BR111Flooring.com is provided by FloorMall.com to educate and present flooring shoppers with the wonderful products manufacturer by BR-111. FloorMall believes that BR-111 is an ideal choice for nearly anyone. In addition to affordable premium offerings, BR-111 also makes incredibly fine flooring, demonstrated with their designer and architectural product lines.

For more visit BR111Flooring.com

It is with great excitement that Floormall.com announces it will now be offering BuildDirect.com flooring products to customers in the residential and commercial markets. Currently, BuildDirect.com deals primarily in pallet and truck load orders.  Floormall.com will now be listing those products at affordable prices and fulfilling all under-pallet orders.  This strategic alliance between two of the most successful online floor covering businesses illustrates the commitment by both companies to provide consumers more choices in an ever changing market.

  “The market is just changing. Customers don’t want to spend a month driving to twenty different shops to see who has what. We simplify it for them. Put all the products in one place, give them knowledgeable customer service to answer their questions, and save them money. It only makes sense for the two biggest Internet Flooring Retailers to communicate and be of like minds.” – Marc Henderson CEO and founder Floormall.com

The addition of lines like BuildDirect’s Yanchi Bamboo and Lamton and Toklo laminates which offer customers an affordable, premium quality laminate flooring  add  to Floormall.coms’ already impressive catalog of products. 

“We are very excited about this arrangement with Floormall because consumers who are not able to meet BuildDirect’s minimum order requirement now have a place to buy our quality, proprietary brands in smaller quantities.” – Jeff Booth President and CEO, BuildDirect.com

In these trying economic times you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality for savings.  Visit Floormall.com today to see how you can have both quality and savings on your new floor.

The last two decades have brought about uncountable changes in every aspect of life. Revolutionary health care, advanced electronics, sophisticated machinery… And beyond that, an unparalleled ability to customize your home and living spaces. As the world continuously progresses towards a more suitable and presentable home environment, the flooring industry has also made leaps and bounds. On the forefront of these modernizations is BR 111 Exotic Hardwood Flooring.

Twenty years ago the markets were flooded with oaks and maples, a simple domestic hardwood. However, as do all things, the demand for something different – something exotic – came into view. BR-111 has ever since been at the top of manufacturing and supplying exotics to the consumer.

Specifically of note are the three BR-111 Solid Hardwood Flooring collections, featuring three different thicknesses to accommodate the user’s preferences. It features all of the popular specie: Amendoim, Brazilian Cherry, Tigerwood, Santos Mahogany, just to name a few.

For those customers who cannot install a solid hardwood floor, or simply for those who prefer the engineered construction of hardwood flooring, BR 111 also offers a multitude of engineered products to suit your needs. Species include some of the most sought after, hard-to-find names in flooring: Padouk, Bavarian Cherry, and Siena Rosewood.

Or if you prefer fine hand-scraped textured surfacing, BR 111’s hand-scraped Antiquity engineered hardwood flooring line exhibits the finest in engineered sculpted flooring.

Don’t believe us? Look for yourself; order a sample today and marvel at the beauty of BR 111’s legacy.

Sure, there are expensive wood floors available but if you are going for a natural wood design and are open to a variety of alternatives to the more costly types such as oak hardwood flooring than there are some options available you should consider. Bamboo is becoming popular these days and the eco friendly crowd has the advantage of Cork flooring as well as bamboo for natural wood/environmentally friendly flooring choices. Not only that but also these flooring types are considered inexpensive compared to their more ‘North American’ flooring brethren.

Cork flooring is a beautiful alternative to standard more expensive wood flooring and has many qualities the more traditional expensive flooring lack. Being moisture resistant and tough, durability is an important consideration when choosing cork floors.  More importantly for frugal tastes is that cork flooring can be had for a fraction of the price of expensive hardwood varieties without sacrificing classic beauty and elegance.

Interestingly enough, cork flooring is installed in areas of the actual Library of Congress and has been known to maintain its longevity for up to one hundred years or more which is amazing. How is that for a vote of confidence for a very well priced flooring material that has yet to reach its true value based on its past obscurity in the flooring market? When more people realize the truly amazing attributes of cork flooring the price will surely rise for this exotic and durable flooring product.

Cultivated from the cork oak trees in the western Mediterranean, the harvesting programs from cork manufacturers is regenerative and eco-friendly. Cork has insulation properties and a natural elasticity that makes it very comfortable and healthy to walk upon and suitable for soundproofing. One would think that not only is this strikingly practical flooring material expensive but difficult to install, this is far from the truth.

Cork flooring can be purchased reasonably over the Internet through both wholesalers and retailers of flooring products. Research will guarantee an educated buying decision so do your homework and get at least 3 estimates and work the seller for a great deal. The price of cork flooring will vary from Internet sources to brick and mortar retailers. Prices average anywhere between $2.00 – $5.00 per square foot. Installation is something you can attempt on your own but the money you will save over regular hardwood flooring could be put into professional installation to play it safe and ensure the job is done correctly.

Because of Cumaru’s considerable density, woodworking can be difficult. Nailing or screwing, especially, as the floor tends to rejects being impaled. Staining is all but out of the question as most varnishes will not be accepted onto the surface of the wood.

Cumaru’s popularity ranges between casual home installations to commercial locations. The dark heartwood set against the lighter sapwood has the appeal of an exotic floor and the variation that is sought after in retail locations around the world. Flooring is not, however, the only application that this wood is used for. Musical instruments, such as pianos, are also constructed from Brazilian Teak. But because of the strong weathering ability,  decking is the most productive alternate use. A seasonal pressure washing can restore a grayed cumaru deck to its natural luster.

As with almost any exotic hardwood floor, exposure to light and elements will darken the wood. It has been reported that the change is not so radical as some of the other species, but it is quite noticeable after six months to a year.

A notable feature of cumaru is the feather-like graining.

The multitude of uses for Cumaru flooring makes it a natural choice for just about any application.

                 Pre- and Post- consumer products play a large role in the construction of a new building in regards to earning points. Additional points can be earned according to the percentage of recycled products. For example, your home is $1 million dollars. To earn the first point for post-consumer products, a total of $100,000 would need to account for post-consumer products. To gain the second point, $200,000 is required. However, for pre-consumer products, double the amount is necessary as these types of materials are graded as 50%. Therefore, twice the dollar amount is necessary in pre-consumer products to achieve the same LEED points, $200,000 in pre-consumer products for the first point, and $400,000 for the second. Cork flooring, bamboo flooring, rubber flooring, and FSC certified hardwood flooring can greatly assist with the earning of these points.

                The role of flooring in earning LEED certification can be significant, helping to achieve the result of a building that reduces the impact on the environment, as well as saving money in the long run.

Shaw Floors has been in the news recently for a number of initiatives that the company is launching or has previously launched. For example, in April Shaw and Versatile Systems Inc. announced they will be working alongside CitiFinancial in a consumer credit financing arrangement. The plan entails a joint partnership to simplify and streamline the credit application process for flooring retailers and consumers. This will be accomplished by way of an attractive and easy-to-use in-store kiosk. This will be the first time a flooring company will offer two different models of Versatile’s kiosks. The models will include the Rockland and the Madison. The combination was demoed at the Shaw Design Center Convention which was held in April of 2008 in Palm Coast, Florida. It appears that Shaw was motivated to embark on this project in light of the current credit crunch. According to marketing manager, Scott Humphrey, “during this challenging market, it’s more important than ever to make the credit application process simple and accessible.” The company is hoping that they can swing people into making a flooring purchase with the newfound credit application ease. This move has been referred to as a “forward-thinking strategy” which Versatile is happy to assist with. Versatile is particularly experienced with providing technology solutions that drive operational efficiency while enhancing the customer experience.

As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Shaw Floors is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer. The company is a leading floor covering provider with more than $5 billion in annual sales. With approximately 31,000 associates, the company is well positioned to meet demands as the home improvement and construction markets improve. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tiles making its product offerings expansive enough to meet the needs of all consumers. They tailor to both residential and commercial customers.

Shaw is also positioned to capitalize on the environmental stewardship movement. Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and more information about such initiatives can be found by visiting www.shawfloors.com. In January of 2008, Shaw received the first ever Vendor Green Steps Award, which was presented by Sherwin-Williams. According to the president of marketing at Sherwin-Williams, “Shaw’s admirable and aggressive green efforts have set an industry standard for sustainability.” The award was presented to Shaw’s national accounts team and environmental team in recognition of its recycling post-consumer carpet, development of sustainable products and continuous improvements in energy conservation.

The Amendoim tree grows most successfully in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and can grow to an average height of 25 meters (about 75 – 80 feet), although individual specimen have been recorded in excess of 100 feet tall. The tree itself is usually about 90 centimeters in diameter (about 35 inches) but have been known to grow as wide as 120 CM thick (almost 50 inches).

In addition to uses as a flooring product, Amendoim shows a fine workability feature for cabinetry and furniture as well. The wood itself sands and finishes exceptionally well, making it a good choice for practical uses, as well as for home-finishing products. Because of the receptive quality of Amendoim to common finishes, installers and customers interested in finishing the flooring will find a relative ease compared to more difficult products. Amendoim sands well, making it less problematic to sand and refinish five or ten years into the lifespan of the floor.

The Janka rating system offers a numerical value to the specific hardness of hardwood flooring that can be comparatively used in different species of wood. More often, exotic species boast higher Janka ratings, and Amendoim is no exception. With nearly 50% more rating than Red Oak, Amendoim is a natural choice for a hard floor. Amendoim’s tentative value is 1912, putting it above even hard maple.

The color variation that Amendoim offers ranges from a yellowish brown to a reddish brown depending on the wood used. Heartwood is the darker, bearing an often red streak to it, while the more yellow-tan colorations denote the sapwood. Like most floors, Amendoim will darken with exposure to sunlight and oxygen, however the change in color is often less sharp than some of its other Brazilian cousins.

So you can see that while Amendoim may not get the center spotlight in the Brazilian Exotic flooring category, it is certainly a well-deserved supporting role.

As the name implies, Lyptus is made from a Eucalyptus tree – two, actually. Lyptus woods are produced from a hybrid species of tree resulting from the natural conjoining of Eucalyptus Grandis and Eucalyptus Arophylla. As far as sustainable forests go, the plantations that Lyptus is harvested from are relatively unique. Located in Brazil, these plantations demote the clearing of old-growth forests. The plantations are entirely sustainable, and play off of Lyptus’ natural ability to reproduce independently. Saplings will normally sprout straight from the stump of the tree fallen.

A great advantage to Lyptus’ environmental standpoint is the time it takes to produce a growth of forest. Lyptus trees mature in about fifteen years – a full 45 years shorter than most other hardwood trees. A customer might think then, that this is a softer, less durable option for flooring. In fact, Lyptus’ Janka rating is 1550 – almost three hundred points higher than Red Oak, the benchmark hardwood used in referencing hardness.

Lyptus refers to the hybrid species used for hardwood flooring, but it also refers to Weyerhauser’s brand name for the line of Lyptus products. At the moment, Weyerhauser’s Lyptus line offers both engineered and solid hardwood flooring, in addition to lumber, plywood, and veneer. Since Aracruz Produtos de Madeira – a subsidiary of Aracruz Celulose – bred the hybrid species, they own the rights to it, as well as several plantations for its sustainable growth in Brazil. Aracruz abides by its own environmental standpoints, and is not FSC certified.

It is undeniable, however, that Lyptus is indeed a solid choice for green flooring, with much respect given to our global ecosystem.

South American Ipé is particularly resistant to both fire and insects. Grade A – the fire-resistance grade assigned to cement – also applies to Ipé. Even in the natural form, a towering 140 foot tall, 6 foot wide tree, Tabebuia Serratifolia shows moderate aversion to flame.

The dark brown, chocolate coloring of this specie seems to entice people towards it, eliciting a positive response in any atmosphere. Like most hardwoods, Ipé darkens over time. It should be noted that decking is the popular choice for this wood because of its hardness. Finishing can be difficult due to the density, and outdoor use eliminates the need to apply extensive coating. The weathering process of outdoors negates quickly any finishing applied, especially in damp or wet regions. If indoor flooring is the intended use, it is recommended to compare pre-finished Brazilian Walnut with the added trouble of finishing at home. The overall durability, however, supercedes many finishes.

Engineered hardwood flooring may be preferred over solids for the simple reason of workability. Ipe is notorious for being difficult to nail. Most professionals recommend pre-drilling holes for the nailing process: yes, this wood is that hard.

It is known in South America as Jatobá, but in North America, it is called Brazilian Cherry. In fact, this tree is not a cherry tree at all, but is a legume, the branch of plants responsible for things like peanuts, peas, and lentils. The rationalization for this seems to be a strategic marketing technique without any specific origin. Saying that Jatobá is Brazilian Cherry may make some potential customers feel somehow inclined to purchase something familiar. Everyone knows what a cherry tree is, but not many know Jatobá is, and thus a relationship is built and established. Since the inception of the name itself, it has simply become the most common title used in North America. There are dozens of other names as well, dependent on the region one is referring to. Hymenaea Courbaril is the botanical name, but this tree is also known as South American Locust, and Brazilian Copal.

Jatobá boasts one of the highest Janka ratings available at roughly 2800 Lbf (pounds-force), over double Red Oak’s rating. Because of this durability, Jatobá is used in many different fields. In addition to hardwood flooring, products are produced as furniture and in construction. The exotic coloring makes it a popular choice for any application in your home. It actually takes the role of the most imported from Brazil to the United States. Coloring crosses the spectrum from salmon pink and light brown in the heartwood, to a darker, streaked reddish-brown that darkens with exposure to sunlight, as so many woods do. Needless to say, the unique coloring adds to its appeal. Jatobá stands out as one of the more beautiful flooring products available today.

A plethora of other qualities mark cork as a preferred choice for your flooring needs, such as its natural aversion to fire. Even before harvesting, the Cork Oak Trees in the Mediterranean are often left the least-damaged in brutal forest fires. The bark on these trees – known scientifically as Quercus Suber – resists the heat of the flames, and this characteristic is certainly present later on, when the material is processed into tiles. Of a similar note, this helps to make the material a fine insulator, whether it is as flooring, or underlayment.

The list of features grows further as you learn about Suberin, a waxy substance produced by the tree that repels insects, and also influences the Cork Oak’s Latin name. If you’ve ever held a cork from a wine bottle, the slight feel of it being waxy is contributed by this substance. Suberin also helps to prevent rot when the cork is exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. Additionally, this miracle brew helps to prevent mold.

The actual harvesting process of the trees is as different from other woods as its qualities are. The Cork Oak is not cut down when obtaining cork. Instead, the bark is carefully peeled away from the trunk, leaving a thin, membranous layer that transfers nutrients to the tree, sustaining it without its protective “skin.” The intricacy of this process ensures that the tree survives the experience. The bark then re-grows, and is ready to be harvested again in just under a decade – normally around nine years. Portugal produces most of the cork for the world, and has accommodated this industry by placing important preservation laws to conserve the trees, and refine the method of harvesting so that virtually no trees are lost. Furthermore, almost none of the product is lost in the refining process, making Cork one of the leading choices in green housing. Cork Oaks live over two centuries, during which time they will be harvested over twenty times, and at the end of their long life, will be replaced by two saplings.

The wide variety of cork products almost necessitates an equally vast variety in flooring choices. Colors range from tan and brown to green to chocolate and black. Each color can be placed into almost any atmosphere and blend with the feel that is trying to be produced.

Tigerwood is an excellent choice for the environment as well. With certification from the FSC – the Forest Stewardship Council – Tigerwood has a record of being less strenuous on the Brazilian neotropical forests it is harvested from. This moderation, of course, means preservation of the Earth’s natural resources.

As appealing to the eye as Tigerwood may be, in truth it may be the durability that leads the customer to decorate their home with this remarkable wood. Tigerwood is incredibly durable, with a Janka rating ranging between 1700 and 1900. It also boasts a natural resistance to both decay and insects, making it preferable for outdoor use. Even before preservation methods, the lifespan extends well past twenty years. This only reinforces the sense that this is a perfect choice for long-lasting beauty, inside and out.

1. Range of Style: So, you thought that hardwood floors were the only way to ensure a high-end look in your home, right? Wrong! Laminates today come in a huge variety of colors and styles that will give your home that rich and beautiful look of wood, but at a much more reasonable price for homeowners who want to save a little green. In fact, there is probably no product which offers a greater range of flexibility in styles, colors, and designs when considering interior décor for the environment. You won’t have to sacrifice your taste for elegance by choosing h for your home or office.

2. Your Health: While carpeting in your home may seem warm and cozy, it can also offer a warm and cozy environment for many allergens which can plague a family with an array of health issues and costly visits to the doctor. One of the most notable benefits to choosing laminate flooring is your ability ensure a clean and healthy flooring surface for your family. The surface of a laminate floor is hard and smooth, offering very little room for dust particles, molds, and fungus to get trapped. If clean and healthy living is a concern in your family, then laminate flooring is an excellent choice for you.

3. Easy Installation: Whether you are a home improvement novice, or seasoned weekend warrior, installing laminate flooring should be a perfectly manageable DIY project, particularly if you are using the latest glueless, click & lock systems which easily snap into place. Also, laminate flooring can be installed over many existing floor types, which will help you accomplish the goal of beautiful new floors in your home in no time.

4. Durability: We’ve all walked across hardwood floors that are peppered with scratches, stains, and other imperfections, another reason why many people today are opting for the strength of laminates. People with pets or children will be especially interested in this topic, as laminate flooring features a very hard and durable finish on its top layer, making it dent, stain, and even moisture resistant. What’s more, many laminate flooring manufacturers today offer a 25-year warranty on their products, making laminate flooring a long-lasting investment.

5. Cost Effective: Let’s face it, this is probably the strongest reason for choosing laminate flooring in your home, as it usually offers the best value when considered over the long-term, especially when compared to other flooring materials. Hardwood flooring will require finishing treatments in the future, while the ease of installation and care required for laminate flooring is truly unmatched.

While the choice in a flooring solution for your home and family is ultimately a matter of personal preference and finance, laminate flooring certainly offers a great alternative for homeowners who hope not only to have beautiful floors, but also to add value to their home. Whether you decide on laminate flooring, hardwood, or even tile or vinyl, you can find an extensive selection of styles from the most respected manufacturers at FloorMall.com.

Nail down hardwood flooring installation is most commonly used when installing ¾ inch solid wood floors. However, adapters are available for thinner floors as well. Two inch nailing cleats are used with a wood flooring nailer and mallet to attach the hardwood flooring to the sub floor. Solid strip floors, or plank floors can only be installed on wooden sub-floors on grade or above grade.

A staple down hardwood flooring installation uses staples instead of nailing cleats to fasten the hardwood flooring to the wood sub floor. A pneumatic staple gun is used to drive the staples into the tongue of the wood planks and into the wood sub floor underneath. The staple down installation procedure is less complicated than the nail down for DIY installations. Be aware, not every hardwood flooring company recommends the same size staple or appropriate staple gun. Read the manufacturers installation manual to be sure you are using the right type of staple gun and right size staples for your hardwood flooring installation.

With the glue down installation method, the hardwood flooring installer glues the wood planks directly to the subfloor. The recommended adhesive is spread onto the sub floor using an appropriate notched trowel. The flooring planks are then set into the adhesive. Glue down hardwood floor installation of engineered wood floors can be accomplished on sub-floors and dry, fully cured concrete slabs.

It is important that the installer use the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive with the appropriate notched trowel when gluing down a hardwood floor. You do not want to void any warranties you might have with your hardwood flooring product by not using the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive and trowel size.

The glueless hardwood flooring installation method is popular thanks to flooring manufacturers including Kahrs, Award and Mohawk, who have introduced engineered wood floors with a special glueless locking system, much like the clic laminate floors. These floors can be installed over a range of sub floors such as wood, concrete slabs and even some types of existing floors. These are relatively simple to install and may offer the best option for a DIY installer.

Finally, with the floating installation method the floor is not mechanically fastened to any part of the sub floor. There is a thin pad that is placed between the wood flooring and the subfloor. A recommended wood glue is applied in the tongue and groove of each plank to hold the planks together. The padding protects against moisture, reduces noise transmission and makes the floor softer under foot. Some engineered floors and all longstrip floors can be floated. This is a very fast, easy and clean method of installation. Please consult the manufacturer installation instructions to see if your flooring can be floated. Most glueless hardwood flooring installations can be floated.