FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Q & A with the technical department at the National Wood Flooring Association:

Q: What species of hardwood are most likely to fade?

A: Brazilian cherry and American Cherry

Q:How much do these species change color?

A: They can darken up to 3-4 times their original color.

Q:How long will the floors discolor?

A: The floors will continue to discolor or age with time, but the majority of the aging happens within 3-6 months. The process slows down and that point, but still continues.

Q: If the floors change color in the first 3-6 months, is it best to wait to put area rugs down?

A: If at all possible, it is best to wait 3-6 months before putting area rugs down.

Q: What causes floors to fade?

A: Too much UV light can bleach the wood.

Q: Are there products that can be applied to the floor that have sunblock in them?

A: No, nothing can be topically applied to the floor. The finishes already have UV light retarders in them.

Q: What can help the fading of hardwood floors?

A: Low E glass windows and some types of window treatments can help protect the floors.

Q: What finish has the least effective retarder?

A: Oil Modified Polyurethane

Q: Is the discoloration considered a flaw?

A: No, some people call this an aged look or a patina and realize that it is a natural characteristic of wood.

Q: What can you do if you already have area rugs down and have discoloration?

A: You can move the rugs a couple of inces every month so that there is no stark color change or visible line.

At Arizona Tile you will experience a vast selection of porcelain, glass, ceramics and natural stone that will truly elevate any design. At Arizona Tile, there’s a world of surfaces waiting to be explored. Through their exclusive relationships with select quarries and suppliers, you will discover stunning surfaces you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

In business for over 30 years, their relationships with quarries and factories allow them to be at the forefront of new product development.  This has led to their importing of more than 230 varieties of granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate and onyx slabs and tile, making them one of the largest independently-owned importers of stone in the United States.  Not only do they stock over 40 series of porcelain and glass tile, their relationships with manufacturers allow them to develop new product lines that are only available at Arizona Tile.

New to their line, Skylights glass tiles come in glossy and matte finishes and a variety of colors, including indigo, cashew, and moss. Mixed color mosaics are also available. Tiles come in 1-inch-by-1-inch or 3-inch-by-6-inch sizes and are mounted on 12-inch by 12-inch mesh sheets.

These tiles can be used in showers, tub surrounds, sink splashes, kitchen backsplashes, mirror frames, tub splashes and more. Only your imagination limits you to how these tiles can be used.

Click here to find a retailer in your area that can supply you with these tiles.

Every year nearly 40,000 floor covering retailers, distributors, architects, designers, builders and installers come to SURFACES to discover new products, new trends, new installation techniques and network with their peers. What does that mean for you? I will be attending again this year to scout out the latest and greatest to bring back to you.

This year, I will be looking for:

• New Trends in color
• The latest design styles
• New techniques in installation
• Texture, Texture, Texture
• New product introductions
• Developments in floor care products
• Unique products and styles

What all will be shown?

CARPET | CERAMIC TILE | HARDWOOD | LAMINATE | MARBLE | RESILIENT | RUGS | STONE | UNDERLAYMENT | WINDOW/WALL COVERINGS | ACCESSORIES | SPECIALTY FLOORING | AND MORE!

If you have any specific concerns or items I can put on my list to look for – please leave a comment for me and I will add you to the list!

Question:

We have recently had a limestone floor installed in our bathroom. The installer had previously applied a sealer.   I have looked at your web page and find it helpful, but my question is “can I use a Swiffer wet mop for day to day cleaning”?

Answer:

The Swiffer wet mop is safe to use on sealed limestone. One very important thing to remember is that sealers do not last forever and have to be reapplied depending on the amount of traffic your floors receive. Another thing to keep in mind is that limestone requires very little maintenance. For daily cleaning, you can simply sweep or dry Swiffer the floor. You only need a liquid cleaner when you have spills or stains.

FYI – If you’re looking for coupons for P&G products, through January, 2009 you can receive $120 of P&G coupon savings by mail when you buy $50 of P&G products.   For details check out their website at www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/rebate

Tired of tracking snow into the house? Here’s a helpful solution to help with the problem!

WarmlyYours has introduced HeatTrak portable snow melting products to provide a safe passageway.