Do You Have A Flooring Project We Can Help With?

Installing a new floor is one of the most important and potentially more expensive home improvement projects you’ll undertake. With so many choices of materials—hardwood, laminate, engineered wood, vinyl, tile—where do you begin? The material is an integral part of your interior design. It also determines use, difficulty of installation and maintenance. Before you select, it’s wise to educate yourself on what’s available as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

As a service to our clients we have included information here about all the products that are available on the market and available here at 2020 Flooring.  When you come to our showroom to see our wide array of product samples, you are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.  Our flooring experts, at our showroom 7 days a week, 362 days a year, will help you with your material selection. Our designer who can help you realize your vision is available during business hours or by appointment. At no cost we’ll come to your home to measure and examine your space and provide you with an estimate to install your floor. Our expert installers who’ve been with us for years, are educated about our products and the latest installation methods. We’ll schedule installation as quickly as possible and while on the job we’ll treat you and your home with the utmost care and respect.

We look forward to your visit to our showroom or just give us a call at 301-881-1115 to discuss your flooring project!

Hardwood Flooring – A Classic Flooring Option

There’s nothing quite like hardwood flooring. The natural warmth and unique elegance of wood flooring has made it a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. Find the perfect wood flooring for your home when you visit our showroom.

We Have a Wide Variety of Wood Flooring and Custom Wood Flooring Options

At 2020 Flooring, we offer wood flooring from all over the world, including reclaimed wood of array of species. You’ll find just about every variety of oak, including the popular Live Sawn White Oak. Choose from other traditional options like Cherry or Maple, or exotic hardwoods such as Tigerwood, Cumaru, and Ipe. Options range from narrow to wide plank, herringbone patterns, and mosaic parquet patterns. All wood flooring is available in prefinished and unfinished with custom finishing available to suit your needs.

Expert installation can mean the difference between a floor that lasts a few years and one that lasts a lifetime. Get expert installation for your hardwood floor when you buy from 2020 Flooring. You’ll be glad you did!

What You Need to Know About Hardwood Flooring – The Basics

Hardwood flooring is solid hardwood from top to bottom. This differs from Engineered wood flooring which is a plywood-type base topped with hardwood of varying thicknesses.

Solid. Hard. Those words give the impression that solid hardwood flooring is an indestructible material, suited for all places in the house. Let’s look at various parts of the house and how they are suited for hardwood installation:

  • Basements: No. Basements, also known as below grade, are a poor choice due to the high moisture content.
  • Dining, Bedroom, Living, etc.: Yes, provided all spaces are above grade, except for the locations listed below.
  • Kitchens: Perhaps. Solid hardwood can work in kitchens but depending on your living conditions, you may wish to install tile, laminate, or luxury vinyl.
  • Bathrooms: Not recommended. Too much moisture.

Hardwood Floor Sizing – From Strips to Planks

  • Thickness: 1/2″ to 3/4″
  • Width – Strip Flooring: 1 1/2″, 2 1/4″, 2 1/2″
  • Width – Plank: 3″ to 6″

Comparison With Other Floor Coverings

While engineered wood flooring, laminate, and luxury vinyl may look like solid hardwood how does it compare?

  • Solidity: Solid hardwood feels solid. Except for engineered wood, no other wood or wood-look flooring gives you that same feeling of solidity.
  • Structural Properties: This solidity is due to solid hardwood’s structural properties, bridging minor gaps, smoothing minor bumps. Engineered wood provides this, but laminate and vinyl flooring does not.
  • Resale Value: Solid hardwood is a plus that will increase the value of your home. Engineered wood’s resale value is comparable.
  • Price: Solid hardwood floor starts around $4.50 per square foot. Engineered flooring ranges around the same price, and laminate is less expensive than either.
  • Installation: If you’re considering DIY-installing your solid hardwood, you may get a better result if you hire a crew – particularly OUR CREW at 2020 Flooring!

Choosing a Wood Species

Domestic hardwood flooring wood species like Red OakWhite OakMaple and more have always been used for Hardwood Flooring in homes across the United States. These domestic species are perfect for traditional settings or for complementing existing cabinets or furniture. Red Oak Natural is still one of the most sought-after wood species. Because of this, the hardness of any wood species are usually compared to the Janka Hardness Rating of Red Oak (which is 1290). With some exceptions, domestic wood species unless stained a particular color have a tendency to have lighter color tones. At 2020 Flooring, you can find any style of domestic wood species.  More detailed information on specific domestic wood species follows.

Exotic Wood Species have a tendency to have more color variation from board to board and more unusual grain patterns. We are seeing a growing trend with homeowners opting for these exotic species because they provide a natural warmth and offer more of a one-of-a-kind appearance than a traditional oak floor. Typically, exotic wood species score higher on the Janka Hardness Scale than standard domestic wood species do. Exotic wood species look beautiful in any setting—casual, elegant, modern, etc.  More detailed information on specific domestic wood species follows.

Unfinished Hardwood

In this age of prefab, pre-finished flooring products, unfinished hardwood flooring may be a better choice. Why?

  • Make it Your: You can choose the stain…you’re not limited to the choices someone else made.
  • The Right Finish: Just as you choose the color, you decide if your new floor will have a matte, satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish. Because your choosing the stain and finish, you know the floor will be more consistently matched.
  • No Bevel:Unfinished hardwood has a smooth, flush appearance – there’s no beveled edge between pieces to catch dirt.
  • Fewer Seams:Most unfinished hardwood is available in longer lengths than pre-finished or engineered flooring. That means fewer seams and a cleaner appearance, especially in larger rooms.
  • Easier to Install: Unfinished flooring is easier to install, period.
  • A Smooth Transition: Sometimes, you’ll find very attractive prices on pre-finished flooring. With unfinished flooring, transitions and accessories are readily available and much more affordable.
  • Less Dust Now: Sanding jobs are not as dusty as they once were. Dust collection on today’s equipment has improved significantly. The use of dust containment systems on sanding equipment is more commonplace.
  • And…Us:You can buy boxes of prefab flooring elsewhere and hope for the best, or you can come to 2020 Flooring and receive personalized, expert guidance on the flooring choice that is right for you.

Installation

Real solid hardwood is installed by nail or staple through the product’s tongue and groove. End pieces, where tongue-and-groove fastening is impossible due to space, are face-nailed. Because special equipment must be purchased or rented, and then you must learn how to operate this equipment, it is advisable to hire Floor Covering Professionals. Our installers are experienced, professional, efficient, and they care about their work!

Maintenance

Water, pets, and kids are the enemies of solid hardwood floors. Fortunately, scratches inflicted by the latter two can be sanded (see below). Water is a more serious matter. The true beauty of solid hardwood—and the factor that distinguishes it from all other types of flooring—is that is can be repeatedly sanded. Typically, Engineered wood flooring may be sanded if the top (wear) layer of hardwood is thick enough. It can’t be thinner than 3mm. Even at 3mm, if the floor is lumpy, you risk sanding through to the plywood substrate. Engineered wood flooring that is 4-8mm may be sanded and refinished. Once engineered wood flooring has been sanded and refinished, its usually much flatter than previously, meaning the subsequent sanding’s don’t need to take as much off. 6mm engineered wood flooring can be sanded 3 times, whereas 3mm engineered flooring only once. The skill of the person sanding the floor is also a factor. Our flooring installers at 2020 Flooring will ensure that the job is done right!

Whether it’s raining outside, and water managed to get onto your hardwood floors or there’s a spill or leak within your house, when your wood floors are exposed to water or moisture, they are at risk of being warped and permanently damaged. If your hardwood floors get wet, don’t panic immediately!  Call us at 2020 Flooring and we’ll come out and assess the damage to your floor and provide you with options. You can count on 2020 Flooring to provide you with expert advice and service!

Carpet – An Affordable and Comfortable Option

Carpeting is one of the top flooring choices for homeowners and with good reason. It provides a comfortable, luxurious feel underfoot that’s warm and inviting. It has a non-slip texture that assures safe cushioning for all family members, especially children at play. The insulating quality of carpet helps keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  Carpeting also makes your home more comfortable by reducing noise levels not only within a room but from adjacent areas. And when it comes to decorating, no other floor covering beats the variety of colors, patterns and textures. Visit our showroom to talk to our flooring experts about carpet for your home or commercial space.

What You Need to Know About Carpet – The Basics

Types of Carpet

The two main types of carpet construction are defined by the way the carpet fibers are attached to their backing.

Loop pile means the fibers are bent into little loops. It’s a very durable, stain-resistant carpeting, but has a low profile and limited cushioning. Within the loop pile family are:

  • Level loop is also called Berber. This type of carpet features short loops that stand up well in high traffic areas.
  • Multi-level loops mean the tops of the loops vary in height to give a carpet a patterned texture.

Cut pile carpets cut the yarn tips so there aren’t any loops. Cut pile carpets tend to be denser and softer than loop pile. There are several types of cut pile:

  • Plush has an even, smooth texture with a formal appearance.
  • Saxony has a smooth finish, but the fibers are longer and twisted to give each fiber more body. It’s popular, but the longer fibers mean footprints linger and furniture creates dents.
  • Textured cut pile has fibers of uneven lengths to create a rougher surface texture.
  • Frieze carpet has long fibers and isn’t recommended for high traffic areas. In its most extreme form, it’s known as shag carpet.
  • Cable has long, thick fibers and is very comfortable underfoot.
  • Cut and loop is yet another type of carpet that has both cut pile and loop pile fibers and combines the best qualities of both. It’s good for hiding dirt and stains.

Types of Carpet Fibers

Carpet is made from various synthetic and natural fibers. Each has different characteristics.

  • Nylon is the most popular. It’s durable and resistant to wear. It’s not good at fighting stains, so some varieties include a stain-resistant treatment.
  • Polyester is comfortable, relatively inexpensive, and can have great stain resistance. The drawback is it’s not built to last. In hallways or main living areas, 100% polyester will show its age after just a few years. Polyester carpet is made of recycled materials. However, recycling companies report that they hate polyester because it can’t be recycled once you’re finished with it. So while it is advertised as green, it may not be.
  • Olefin is resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew and makes a good carpet for basements and outdoors. It’s tougher than nylon, but not as comfortable to walk on.
  • Wool is the premier carpeting and the only natural fiber made into carpets. It’s durable and stain-resistant, and it’s considered an ecofriendly floor covering.
  • Triexta (Smartstrand) is the “new kid on the block.” It’s not brand new to the carpet industry, but it’s getting more and more buzz. It’s proven itself to be a strong competitor to nylon. While the durability of nylon is slightly better than Smartstrand, the stain resistance of Smartstrand gets the edge over nylon.
  • Acrylic is often used as an inexpensive alternative to wool. It’s not widely available.

Choosing Color

A carpet’s color can have a big impact on any room, so it is important to take the selection process very seriously. Carpet comes in virtually every color of the rainbow, so there are many great choices. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your carpet color:

  • When in Doubt, Go a Shade Darker: Carpet always looks lighter once it is installed, so if you’re stuck between two shades try to go with the darker one!
  • Color Affects the Perceived Size of a Room: Lighter carpet makes a room look larger, and darker carpet makes a room look smaller and more intimate.
  • If You Redecorate Often or You’re Selling Your Home: Consider a neutral-toned carpet – that way you or the new owners have more flexibility with the space’s color palette.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using Carpet?

Wall-to-wall carpeting, once a home decor status symbol, has been overshadowed in recent years by the popularity of hardwood and other flooring options. However, carpet can be a comfortable, affordable, green and attractive floor covering option. At 2020 Flooring we can custom-make area rugs and runners.  Find out the “Pros” and “Cons” of using carpet.

Pros

Quality:  Like most flooring options, you get what you pay for with carpet. New, high quality carpet adds value to any home it is absolutely an investment worth making. The following are a few factors that determine carpet quality:

  • The type of fiber used to make the carpet’s yarn.
  • How tightly the yarn is wound: the tighter the yarn fibers are wound, the more resilient the carpet will be to wear and tear like matting and discoloration.
  • Tufts Per Inch (the carpet’s density and weight): the more yarn or “tufts” a carpet has per inch, the denser the carpet, and therefore the more resilient the carpet will be to crushing and matting.
  • Carpet Nap-Height: the height of a carpet’s nap is important to take into consideration as well; the higher the carpet’s yarn or nap, the higher the likeliness of crushing and matting.

Installation:  Carpet is generally installed with a foam pad underneath to make the carpet more comfortable, handle wear better and last longer overall. It is best to leave carpet installation to the professionals at 2020 Flooring!

Cost:  Carpeting is an affordable flooring solution, lower priced than almost all other materials except for vinyl sheeting. Although installation costs slightly more for carpet than for hardwood, the overall cost of carpet totals approximately half that of wood.

Durability:   Ideally, carpet will retain its original texture and appearance for years to come – usually about 10 years for a good quality product. Its lifespan may be extended with proper care and maintenance. Remove your shoes when coming in from the outdoors and have your carpet professionally steam cleaned on a regular basis – every 12 to 18 months, and more often in high traffic areas or homes with children or animals.

Safety:   Of course, carpets are almost entirely resistant to tripping, falling, and related injuries. You don’t have to worry about slipping on a wet floor or any senior member or kids in the house hurting themselves. Something you don’t get with any other flooring option, regardless of how expensive it might be.

Eco-friendliness:  Most carpeting today is made from synthetic fiber: nylon, polypropylene, polyester or triexta.  PET polyester is being used increasingly; this material contains a proportion of post-consumer waste from recycled containers, and at the same time is stronger and more stain resistant than older types of polyester.

More good news is the fact that synthetic carpeting is lower in VOCs than other non-natural flooring options such as laminate. It is recommended to leave your home for a few hours during and immediately following installation, as a precaution. The house should be well ventilated with open windows and fans for 48 hours.

Cons

Allergies:  Carpet holds dust and other allergens that can be problematic for those with respiratory challenges. It can also retain moisture creating mold that can be toxic for those with allergies. Also, carpet is a conducive environment for dust mites and other pests although this issue can alleviated with regular carpet cleaning.

Maintenance:  Carpet may be difficult to clean. It can capture stains and odors, particularly in households with pets and children.  Major strides in carpet technology have made this less of a problem than in the past so ask your flooring expert at 2020 Flooring to show you our more stain-resistant carpeting options.

Tile and Stone

Tile flooring is manufactured from a variety of materials such as clay, stone, metal, terrazzo, and quartz. Each type of tile flooring has its own defining characteristics. The two most used types of tile flooring are ceramic and natural stone.

Tile flooring can be installed in a variety of locations. Prior to buying/installing tile for your flooring project you should take the time to answer a few questions:

  • Is the tile going to be located indoors or outdoors?
  • What is the room going to be used for?
  • Is the tile going to be installed in a wet area?
  • How much foot traffic does the room experience daily?

Identifying answers to these questions will define the tile that you should select. For instance, if you live in an area that experiences freezing winter temperatures and intend on installing a tile outside, you’ll want to purchase a tile that can withstand freeze/thaw cycles. If you are installing a tile floor on a heavily travelled hallway in your home, you’ll want to purchase a floor tile with high abrasion resistance to minimize surface wear. If you are installing tile in a bathroom, you’ll probably want to purchase a textured or unglazed floor tile with low water absorption to prevent moisture damage and slip and fall accidents. Also, if you have children and/or pets you might consider purchasing an impervious floor tile, given the potential for the variety of moisture accidents that can occur.

After defining the needs of your space, our experts at 2020 Flooring can help you select tile or stone flooring that best meets your needs. We also are experts in wall tile, including kitchen backsplash, and we carry a huge variety of samples in our showroom that will coordinate with any tile or stone floor you choose.  Of course, the appearance and the pattern of a tile floor are determined solely by your personal taste. Thousands of color selections are available. In addition, there are several different shapes of tiles, such as mosaics, square, rectangle, octagon, circle, hexagon, and triangle that can be organized in a variety of floor patterns. Typically, floor tiles can be as small as 3/4” x 3/4” or as large as 24” x 24”, while the depth of tile flooring ranges from 1/4” up to 3/4” thick. Generally, natural stone tiles are thicker than other types of tile floor materials.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain and ceramic tile are both are part of the larger category of tiles that can generally be called ceramic. Although the terms are often used interchangeably as if they were the same thing, they are composed differently and do behave accordingly upon installation, but with only slight differences.

Porcelain tile is made of refined clay and other natural elements. After being kiln-fired, tiles are either left in their natural state or transformed to look like stone, wood, concrete, or other materials. The clay-based construction makes porcelain tile a subtype of ceramic tiles; however, porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures and is more durable – harder, denser, and less porous than ceramic tile.

At 2020 Flooring you can choose either glazed or unglazed porcelain tiles. Unglazed, or full-bodied, tiles have color running through the entire thickness (as opposed to a glaze placed on the top), making them longer lasting and more resistant to chipping.  Even if a full-bodied tile were to chip, the tile color runs all the way through so the chip would not be as evident as a tile with just glaze on the surface. Porcelain tile is an ideal choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, and other moisture-prone areas. Porcelain tile can withstand heavy traffic over long periods of time and is very forgiving when it comes to spills and scratches; it’s hard to damage and relatively simple to keep clean.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, making them less dense, softer, and more porous. The clay used in its composition is also less refined, making it more affordable but less durable. It’s best to avoid using ceramic tile in areas often exposed to moisture, such as the shower and patio. Also, due in part to its tendency to absorb moisture, ceramic tile requires weekly deep cleaning as opposed to monthly for porcelain. Ceramic tiles are coated with a glaze, and if the tile cracks or chips, the clay material underneath the glaze will show through. Homeowners should consider using ceramic tiles in areas with low or moderate foot traffic.

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone tile is produced from natural materials that are quarried, slabbed, finished, and cut to size. Common types of stone used as flooring tile include granite, marble, limestone (including travertine), and slate. Among these types of natural stone are thousands of varieties with characteristics that depend on where and when the stone was quarried.

The face of stone tile flooring typically has one of three types of finishes applied: natural, honed, or polished. The surface finish you ultimately choose will depend on where you intend to use the stone tile and the desired appearance. Natural surfaces are unfinished and have an earthy, dull appearance. Texture and pitting are visible characteristics of natural stone tile. Honed surfaces are achieved by terminating the finish process prior to buffing. The smooth, matte appearance is excellent for high-traffic and wet areas to prevent slipping and wear. Polished surfaces are highly reflective with a mirror-like finish. The process of achieving a polished finish is a benefit to the porosity of stone tile, creating an almost impervious surface. However, it also creates a more slippery surface. In addition to these common types of finishes.  Below are the types of stone that are more commonly used.

Granite is a type of igneous rock that is very dense and hard. Its distinctive appearance is due to speckled minerals found within the rock, its unique veining, and the thousands of available colors. Granite is nearly impervious and, once it is polished, resists scratching. It is an excellent choice for flooring in kitchens and high-traffic areas.textured

Travertine is a type of limestone that offers an unusual crystallized appearance with an earthy tone. Travertine is a soft, porous stone with a natural surface that has pitting or divots. A honed or polished surface can be achieved after filling the surface voids. Travertine is not recommended for kitchen floors, as it can be easily scratched and stained. Special care and surface sealing is required to maintain travertine.

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is extremely dense and very durable. Slate is available in darker earthy tones. The surface of slate is naturally textured unless a smooth, honed finish is achieved. Slate is an excellent choice for kitchen and high-traffic area flooring.

2020 Flooring experts are available 7 days a week to help you choose the best option for your flooring project. Visit our showroom to discuss your project and see our vast array of tile and stone flooring samples. Feel free to take samples home, at no cost, to see how they fit into your existing décor.  If you have something specific in mind and you don’t see it when you come – we can order a sample for you!

Eco-Friendly Flooring – An Option to Consider

There was a time when the term eco-friendly evoked images of bland, boring and blah materials. That is not the case today.  As more and more designers are seeking out eco-friendly materials for their environmentally savvy client’s, manufacturers have stepped up and given the design world many beautiful options to pick from. Discussed below are the most popular eco-flooring solutions.

Cork Flooring

Cork is relatively new to the flooring world and it is great material for floors.  Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree commonly found in the forests of the Mediterranean. The trees are not cut down to harvest the bark, which will grow back every three years, making it an ideal renewable source.  It has anti-microbial properties that reduce allergens in the home, is fire retardant, easy to maintain and acts as a natural insect repellent too. Cork, like wood can be finished in a variety of paints and stains to suit any color scheme or design style.  Its durability allows for uses in any part of the house.  Cork floors, depending on the quality, can last between 10-30 years.

Cork flooring can fade. If your heart’s set on cork, purchase high-quality blinds or light-filtering curtains for your windows. There is no such thig as scratch-proof wood flooring and cork can dent and scratch. Dirt, pet nails, high-heels, and heavy furniture can leave behind gouge marks, scuffs and scratches. You can protect your cork’s finish with a sealer or wax, but If you’re looking for a large pet-friendly flooring option, or have an active household, ceramic or porcelain tile might be a better option. In addition, cork floors are sensitive to temperature changes. Cork is a bit more stable than traditional hardwood as it expands in all directions as opposed to one. However, you’ll need to monitor temperature and humidity to ensure moisture levels stay within acceptable ranges. Finally, cork can absorb liquid and you will need to seal it every few years. Carefully consider your room’s usage before you invest in cork flooring  –  this may not be a great choice for kitchens or basements.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is another wood like option that is gaining in popularity.  It is a grass that shares similar characteristics as hardwood.  It is very durable and easy to maintain.  Bamboo is sustainable and made from natural vegetation that grows to maturity in three to five years, far less than the twenty years trees can take.

Bamboo is usually very light and may not fit in with your décor.  Also, bamboo floors are prone to scratches. While Bamboo can be up to 3x harder than oak, scratches occur. In fact, it’s quite common to read reviews from disappointed homeowners who felt misled by advertising tactics. Finally, bamboo is susceptible to water damage.  Unlike the grass found in your front-yard, bamboo does not thrive when watered. In fact, too much water can leave unsightly spots and even cause your flooring to warp. Over time water damaged flooring will grow bacteria and mold between the planks. That’s why bamboo is better left for dry areas of your home. It’s not a desirable choice for kitchens or bathrooms. Even if your flooring has a protective coating, caution is necessary when cleaning, and spills need to be wiped up as quickly as possible.

Linoleum

When one thinks of linoleum flooring, vinyl tends to come to mind and yet the two are nowhere close to each other.  Vinyl is a synthetic made of chlorinated petrochemicals that are harmful.  Linoleum is created from a concoction of linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins, wood flour, pigments and ground limestone.   Like cork, it is fire retardant and water resistant.  Linoleum is not new to the market; it fell out of favor with the introduction of vinyl in the 1940’s. As architects and designers began asking for it again, it reemerged with a vast array of bright vibrant colors and a new sealer to protect it from stains.  It has a long shelf life and will hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

Though linoleum floors are decidedly low maintenance, it is possible to stain them. They also need to be polished once or twice a year to maintain an optimal finish. If a stain occurs, it is possible to strip the floor and re-polish it. Linoleum that is polished regularly will have a much longer life expectancy than a poorly maintained floor.

Despite its water-resistant qualities, a linoleum floor that is exposed to standing water for extended periods of time can be permanently damaged. It should be noted, however, that standing water is a problem for many other flooring materials, both natural and synthetic. A big reason why linoleum is not installed in some houses has to do with its cost effectiveness. Though it is not a flimsy material, many consider it “cheap”. While this says nothing about the performance of linoleum in each situation, it does make it a less desirable material when it comes time to assess property value.

Concrete

Polished concrete is an unlikely sustainable material that is gaining in popularity.  Concrete is typically slab on grade and used as a sub flooring in some residential settings.  2020 Flooring can polish and tint it to your taste and style so there is no need for traditional flooring to be put over it.  From creating a tiled effect with different colors to inlaying other materials such as glass the design possibilities are endless. Concrete is extremely durable, easy to clean and never needs to be replaced.

Wool Carpet

Carpet has long been a favorite go-to material for most homes. It is soft to walk on, comfortable to sit on and comes in a range of colors and patterns.  Unfortunately, carpet has typically been made using volatile organic compounds or toxins that are harmful to the environment and to our health.  There are eco-friendly options though.  Consider carpets made of wool.  Wool is a natural resource spun into a thread that can be dyed for color and then woven to create carpet.  It is one of the first materials to be used as a floor covering, is very durable and can last for years and years. It is so durable that wool rugs have been passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms. Other natural materials used to make carpets or rugs are sisal, jute and cotton.

P.E.T Berber Carpet

Polyester (P.E.T) Berber is another sustainable carpet to consider. It is made of recycled plastic bottles and has a minimal impact to the environment. For every plastic bottle that is used to create this carpet it is one less sitting in our landfills.  There are several benefits to this recycled material. It’s durable, spill resistant and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It typically has a flecked appearance making it suitable to most color schemes. But, Berber can be easily snagged causing it to unravel if not repaired promptly.  The recycled material can be a little rough to walk on in your bare feet.   Overall, it’s a very economical material and deserves a serious look.

Rubber

Rubber flooring made from recycled tires is usually found at the local gym or on the neighborhood playground.  It is slowly finding its way into our kitchens, sunrooms and bathrooms as a versatile, beautiful and lasting option.  It’s great to walk on and water resistant.  It also comes in many colors and patterns.

Reclaimed Hardwood

If you are set on traditional hardwood flooring, while not usually considered eco-friendly due deforestation concerns, it can still be an option.  Reclaimed hardwood is ideal as it reuses existing wood from trees that were chopped down a long, long time ago. Salvaged wood flooring can look beautiful in older homes or in a beach cottage.

The other option is to purchase hardwood labeled FSC certified.  This is a designation by the Forest Stewardship Council, and they promote the responsible management of forests throughout the world with a focus on adhering to high social and environmental standards.

With today’s technology and a bit of imagination, Eco-friendly flooring does not have to come at the expense of style.  Smart consumers can have both.  Come and visit our flooring experts at 2020 Flooring and let’s discuss what flooring option will work best for you!

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