Hardwood Floors:
Why Hardwood over all others?
Hardwood floors are a stunning feature almost anywhere in your home and suitable in almost every room from lounges, hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, conservatories, and studies.
How does hardwood compare to other flooring materials?
Other floor covering materials simply can't compare to the natural beauty of hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors outperform and outlast almost any other floor covering material. And hardwood floors are just as easy to care for as any other floor.
Are hardwood floors expensive?
Hardwood floors are much like other flooring materials in that there are many different price points. There are inexpensive hardwood floors and there are more costly hardwood floors. But...when you compare the life cycle of hardwood floors versus other floor covering material, then you realize just how inexpensive hardwood floors really are. Most hardwood floors will last a lifetime while the average lifespan of carpet is 7-9 years. So you could replace carpet 3 or 4 times in a 30-year period, while simply maintaining one hardwood floor.
What's the best finish for a hardwood floor?
Choosing the right finish for your hardwood floor will enhance its beauty for many years. A finish protects your floor from everyday wear, dirt, and moisture, and provides color and luster that give your floor its own personality.
You can choose from a few types of finishes:
• OIL-BASED URETHANE is the most commonly used floor finish. Available in gloss, semi-gloss, and satin sheens, oil-based urethane is generally applied in two or three coats, with drying time of up to 8 hours for each coat.
• WATER-BASED URETHANE provides a clear, non-yellowing finish and produces fewer odors than other choices.
Are hardwood floors easy to care for?
Yes. In fact, hardwood floors are just as easy to care for as any other floor covering material. Normal care such as sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and soil is generally all that is required.
Where can hardwood floors be installed?
Hardwood floors can be installed almost anywhere in the home. Solid products can be installed on or above the outside soil line while engineered products can be installed on, above, or below grade, including basements. The only place we do not recommend hardwood flooring is in wet areas of the bath.
Ceramic Tile:
Ceramic Tile has been around for centuries and with today's technology, manufacturers have created new design and application possibilities that were not available a decade ago. You will be amazed at the wide selection of colors, sizes, shapes and new textures that are now available.
Ceramic tile is a natural product made up of clay, a number of other naturally-occurring minerals and water.
Glazed ceramic tile has a ceramic coating applied to the tile body which gives the tile its color and finish. Glazed ceramic tile is a popular choice for your interior floors and walls and offers unlimited decorating possibilities.
Some characteristics of glazed ceramic tile are:
• Durable - a properly installed ceramic tile will outperform and outlast nearly any other floor covering product created for the same application.
• Easy care - glazed ceramic tile resists stains, odors, and dirt and can be cleaned up with a damp mop or sponge or common household cleaners such as Mr. Clean, Top Job or Spic and Span.
• Scratch resistant - Grade III and Grade IV glazed ceramic tiles are extremely resistant to scratching and you never have to worry about a cut or tear like you do with some other types of floors.
• Environmentally friendly - ceramic tile is manufactured using natural materials and does not retain odors, allergens, or bacteria.
• Beautiful and Versatile - modern ceramic technology has created virtually an unlimited number of colors, sizes, styles, shapes, and textures that will add rich beauty and character to any room decor.
• Fire Resistant - ceramic tile doesn't burn nor emit toxic fumes. A lighted cigarette, when dropped on the floor, even if allowed to sit, will not do any damage to ceramic tile. Even hot kitchen pans or skillets will not scorch or melt the surface of glazed ceramic tile.
• Water Resistant - most glazed ceramic tile has a dense boy that permits little or no accumulation of moisture. This means spills from common liquids found in a kitchen are not a big concern.
Unglazed Floor Tile (Pavers) – There is no glazing or any other coating applied to these tiles. Because these tiles are porous, it is recommended that a special penetrating sealant be used to maintain these types of floors and to help prevent stains from seeping into the pores of the tiles.
Porcelain – Porcelain is a very strong, affordable tile that is extremely durable. Many porcelain tiles produce a natural stone, paver, or an antique rustic look. There are many lines of porcelain tile with trim and decorative tiles to match.
Slate – Slate is a traditional, metamorphic rock that tends to split along natural grains and fissures in the rock creating a rustic surface that is appropriate indoors and out.
Italian Travertine and Limestone – Italian Travertine is a type of limestone that’s formed near underground springs. It is best to seal the stone to protect against stains and a filled version is probably best for wet areas because the natural pits may collect water. Limestone is usually creamy white to soft gold-beige, is a sedimentary rock that is more porous than granite and marble. Limestone must be sealed to prevent unsightly staining.
Marble and Granite – Marble is a natural product and is not made in a factory. For this reason no two pieces of marble look the same and the veining is a natural characteristic in all marble. There are special marble sealants to help protect from staining of the face. Extra care should be used when cleaning and all abrasives and acidic cleaners should be avoided. Granite is another natural stone and is not manufactured in a factory. Granite can be used indoors or outdoors and is less porous than marble. It is recommended to use a sealant to protect the finish from staining.
Mosaic Tile (marble, glass, ceramic) – Mosaics refer to any very small tile 2-inch square or less in width. It can be made of glass, porcelain, stone or clay. These tiles are often used to create artistic designs, add decorative accents to field tiles, or shower pans.
Grout – Grout is a mixture of cement and a color additive. For tile floors with wider spaces between each tile, sand is added to the grout. Also, a liquid latex additive can be added to the grout to give better resiliency to the grouted areas. For ease of maintenance, a penetrating sealant should be used on the grout. It should be noted you may see a change in color of your grout over time.
Laminate Floors:
If you want a floor for active families that is easy to clean, you should see our laminate floor selection. We carry a variety of name brand laminate floors from companies including Pergo, Wilsonart, Mohawk and Armstrong Laminate Flooring.
No matter what style of decor you have from formal, to traditional, to country, or contemporary at AZPW Maintenance Services Company we have the laminate floors that will bring your rooms alive! We also offer professional sales consulting and professional installation.
Laminate Floors offer:
• Superior impact resistance
• Superior scratch resistance
• Superior stain & fade resistance
• Easy care finish
• Installs over a wood or concrete
• Rich wood and ceramic designs
Carpet:
There is no doubt that carpet offers homeowners more warmth, softness, and is much quieter than any other floor covering. Today’s carpet styles, colors, and textures blend well with any room decor as well with a variety of other flooring products. From casual to formal, you can always find a carpet style that will enrich any interior setting and your lifestyle. There are carpets for all areas of the home, including active areas where fashion and function are both important in your selections.
Carpet manufacturers today offer consumers a wider selection of patterns, textures and colors than ever before.
Advancements in fiber technology and carpet construction are making carpets softer, more stain-resistant and helping carpets retain their like-new appearance far better than ever before Berber carpets, patterned carpets and textured cut piles are among the most popular choices with homeowners today.
Even carpet cushions have dramatically been improved. Carpet cushions are now available that will block spills from penetrating the cushion and soaking into the sub-floor as well as eliminating odors in your carpet.
PARTNERS
|
