FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Through a comment on Floor Talk!, I found the site called rugrag.com, the premier destination for information about area rugs. This site is filled with knowledge, useful information and hints and tips if you are in the market to buy an area rug.

The site contains special features such as a quiz on what’s your ideal style where you are asked questions about the thickness, detail, field, colors and price. Then, based on your preferences, they give you a recommendation for which type of rugs you might like.

Below is an example of their suggestions that include descriptions and images:

Another section is on celebrities and their rugs!  For example, on March 2nd, the news was about Michael Jackson’s rugs being auctioned.

Another great section is a section for first time buyers where you will find an interactive rug forum, rug style guide, a stain removal guide, rug estimator pro, rug washing estimate, verification, FAQ’s, rug care cleaning and repair and purchasing decisions.

The Rug Rag forum is the best way to ask questions on and about Oriental Rugs, and have an expert in the field to respond quickly.  This is the first ever Oriental Rug Forum which is not hosted by a Rug Seller, or engage in heavy “technical talk.”  On the Forum, they encourage users to link to items under purchase consideration, in addition to asking any and all questions relating to rugs in appropriate topic areas.

The Rug Rag Style Guide is the First Ever interactive Web Tool for Consumers to be provided with key search terms for their Oriental Rugs.

Rug Rag Verifications are the ultimate tool for both Oriental Rug Buyer and Seller.  You may note in listings for rugs on the Internet, a Rug Rag Badge has been located in or near the item description.  By clicking on this badge, you will then be directed to a Report Card outlining important points on that specific rug.

There are many tools and pieces of advice on this site to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing an area rug. They even have a guide to help you guy rugs on Ebay!

If you are in the market for an Oriental rug, this site is a must to check out before you take your first step.

Leather has always been a symbol of luxury and leather floor and wall tiles are no exception. The same softness and warmth enjoyed on leather furniture, by leather shoes and handbags and clothing is enjoyed on leather floors and walls. Leather floors and walls compliment most any decor and can instantly add warmth and comfort to a room. Literally, leather will warm to your body temperature, literally keeping you warmer!

Leather tiles:

• Are available for floor and wall/ceiling installations
• Have a high degree of dimensional stability
• Come in smooth or textures surfaces
• Come in a variety of sizes and colors
• Are sustainable and renewable

Design options – leather tiles are available in many colors and can be embossed, distressed, antiqued, sandblasted or produced with custom inlaid designs. Sizes offered range from: 2×6,3×3,4×4,6×6,8×8,10×10,12×12,18×18, 24×24, 26×26, 4×6, 6×12, 9×18, 12×18, 18×24, 2×8 and 2×14 for borders.

Durability – one very important thing to keep in mind is that leather is a natural product and is not wear or scratch proof. In fact, leather will scratch, nick and show markings from traffic and daily use. This is considered one of the more desirable features of a product like leather and the look that is achieved by the natural wear on leather tiles is called “patina”. Much like copper and other materials that change or age with wear and use, leather falls into the same category.

Installation – Leather tiles are glued directly down to the floor or wall. For floor installations, tiles are glued to plywood, wood or concrete subfloors with proper floor preparation. Some tiles are available where they are pre-glued in order to make gluing directly to drywall easier. Proper installation is important because if not installed properly the floors can unadhere from the floor or the edges can curl up and detach.

Recommended Areas – Leather floor and wall tiles are recommended for virtually every application except for bathrooms and kitchens. The harsh detergents used in these areas are not good environments for leather products.

Maintenance – Daily leather maintenance is simple. Only a damp mop or soft cloth should be used to clean leather tiles and a soft attachement on a vacuum when a vacuum is being used. Leather tiles do need to have wax applied to them 3-4 times a year to protect the finish and nourish the leather.  Also, do not use rubber backed or non-ventilated rugs on leather floors.

Recycled leather tiles – another option for leather tiles are recycled leather tiles.

Benefits of recycled leather tiles are:

• Available in larger formats
• Less humidity absorption levels
• Regular liquid wax can be used rather than hard, pasty wax
• Higher resistance to abrasion
• Made of 65% post industrial waste

Whether you are considering leather floor or wall tiles or recycled floor or wall tiles, you will be able to enjoy this product for years to come. Be creative with the different places you can install leather tiles or use them as accents. Send us your pictures and show off your leather floors or walls!