FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Question:

Could you please tell me if I can use a steam cleaner on my laminate or hardwood floor?

Answer:

We cannot find a manufacturer of either laminate flooring or hardwood flooring that will recommend the use of this type of equipment on their floors.  To clean and maintain your hardwood or laminate flooring, sweeping and/or using a vacuum cleaner (without the beater bar used for vacuuming carpet) should be sufficient. Occasionally clean with a mop (micro-fiber or terrycloth hooded for laminate floors) slightly moistened with a cleaning product recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Wipe up spills quickly. NEVER flood either of these floors with water. Also on the “no-no” list are soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, scouring powder, wax or any type of polish. Also, use “walk-off” mats at entrances and exits so people and pets might lose some of those things that sometimes stick to feet prior to stepping onto your floors.

For more information on cleaning and care for your floors contact the flooring manufacturer or visit www.wfca.org.

Submitted By:  Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID, CMG

Tile manufacturers are always looking for ways to make designers’ lives easier, and along with that, YOUR life easier as well. Aesthetically, the choices out there in ceramic and porcelain tile are expansive and quite amazing.  All of the ‘big guys’ dedicate a lot of resources to product development, so what else could they possibly offer in tile design that might capture more attention?

How about a program that offers you in-factory cutting services?  One that allow for your tile of choice to be ordered in custom linear and rectangular sizes?  AND provide that tile within a three week turnaround time?  Well that is exactly what Daltile is about to launch.  Dal identified a huge, unmet need out there.  For the most part, anyone looking for linear shapes and rectangular sizes were either limited to a handful of collections that offered those options, OR they had to have their tile installer cut down the tiles right on-site–a slow and messy process at best.  Now, according to Lori Kirk-Rolley, Senior Marketing Director for Daltile, “Any Daltile or American Olean rectified porcelain tile or glazed floor tile can be ordered in popular linear and rectangular sizes, making design options endless.”  There are two added benefits to this program that deserve mentioning:

-      Since the custom cuts are done at the factory, the quality of the cuts is more consistent

-      Custom cutting at the factory reduces labor costs at the jobsite, and that can be a big benefit!

 The core assortment of products for this program was selected from the most popular porcelain tile collections Daltile and American Olean offer.  But, according to my sources, any ceramic floor tile in the line can be custom cut to any size (within a minimum width of 2” and a maximum length of 24”).  Lead time might be a bit longer, but check with your local flooring store for pricing and production time.

 One last thing for you to know:  these “cutting edge” programs will be announced shortly as Linear Options under the Daltile brand, and Linear Express for American Olean.  Just another design option for you to use as you create your one-of-a-kind floor.

Submitted By:  Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID, CMG

America is in love with hard surface floors.  It’s true and for a reason:  they are gorgeous.  But we are also programmed to seek out sensory comforts every chance we get, and once that gene kicks in, our thoughts turn to plush, soft, luxurious carpet.  What America has discovered (through trial and error) is that a pleasing balance of soft to hard surfaces in our homes is what really works for us.

Given that fact, it’s time for me to update you on a line of carpets I discovered at Surfaces 2010 (huge flooring trade show in Las Vegas).  Since we are focusing on smaller areas to carpet in our homes, why not splurge and investigate some higher-end styles?  Nourison Carpets fits the bill and captivated me on multiple levels. New constructions, new products, and even new levels of customization were introduced. 

Their Miami Broadloom Collection set the bar high for all other manufacturers, as to styling.  Sometimes words fall short of conveying a visual—but I will try.  Super-plush, sculpted graphic designs are the signature look of this Collection.  The large patterned graphics simulate gently flowing trellis motifs, soft-contemporary graphics, and bolder modular designs.  The velvety feel of these sculpted surfaces is bound to hook any sensory creature, but the extreme comfort underfoot is what reels you in for sure.

Nourison is very proud of their “hand-embossing” techniques that enhance the depth of each design.  The word “artwork” comes to mind as you flip through their library of styles.  Definitely a cut-above when it comes to fresh styling and detail.  To complete the package, these three transitional and modern designs come in a subtle, tonal color palette.  Very understated–and THAT speaks volumes about the elegance of these broadloom carpets.  AND, they are American made in Calhoun, Georgia.

Let’s not ignore the subject of area rugs.  Sometimes, that is just the right solution to soften and define spaces in our homes.  Nourison has that category covered as well.  They spoke to me about their Redi-Weave Five Star Custom Axminster Program.  (Right about now, you are saying speak English please.)  In layman’s terms, Axminster rugs are intricate designs produced on special machinery to accomplish a truly hand-woven look.  Nourison’s program is designed to offer custom looks while providing versatility, low minimum yardage requirements (40 sq. yards!), and a wealth of colors to choose from.  You can choose one of their designs, or tweak it to come up with one of your own.  They’ll even provide you with strike-offs for your approval before you place an order.  Now design doesn’t get any easier than that.

I commented earlier in this blog that Nourison set the bar high on styling and creativity.  That is excellent news for every consumer because manufacturers are all working overtime to one-up each other.  The result is carpeting that should be named something else—because it certainly has little resemblance to trite carpets of prior decades.  Aesthetics are superior.  Clean-ability is built-in.  And lucky, lucky us—we have access to beauty and comfort in one outstanding product.