Wood Flooring

Flooring is one of the first things the eye sees upon entering a space. People touring a new house will notice furniture, but tastes vary. They will notice wall color, but that only has to go with the style of the room. Flooring is fixed and draws the eye. Here are some great reasons to install hard wood flooring in your home or property.

Resale Value

Not only are wood floors beautiful, but they increase the value of a property and are considered one of the top remodeling projects when preparing a home for sale. Even if a potential buyer dislikes your taste in carpeting, they are likely to enjoy hardwood floors. Use of hard wood flooring throughout a home can raise property value an average of 15-35%. That's a smart investment!

Ease of Maintenance

Routine maintenance is a little more than simple sweeping and vacuuming, always making sure your hardwood floors are protected from moisture and heavy wear which creates scratches. Preventive maintenance includes area rugs and floor protectors on your furniture's feet.

Ecology

Unlike most floor coverings, wood floors come from a natural resource that is sustainable. According to U.S. Forest Service statistics, almost twice as much hardwood timber Is added every year through new growth as is harvested. Additionally, there is more standing hardwood timber today than there was 50 years ago.

Health 

The Environmental Protection Agency has said that indoor air quality is one of our top health threats. Installed in the home or elsewhere, wood floors help contribute to a healthy living environment as hard surface flooring does not trap or harbor dust mites or molds, which creates better air quality, especially for the estimated 35 million Americans who suffer from allergies.

Selection and Variety

Hardwood floors come in many sizes, styles, colors, finishes and species. These many choices can compliment any home or office with style and a beautiful product that last a lifetime.

Benchmark Contracting can help you select a type of wood to fit your budget and install it for you, giving your home an updated look and raising the value of your home as well.

Source: Wood Floors Online

Tile Types - Agglomerate Tile

Agglomerate Tile is made from bits of marble and other rock set in a base of epoxy. It is available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Because it's man-made, agglomerate tile has very precise, predictable measurements.

This type of tile is susceptible to ultra violet rays which can peel away the sealers on the tile, so it is better suited for indoor use. The recommended uses for Agglomerate Tile are countertops, backsplashes and walls. Beware though, this tile does have a tendency to chip and dull over time, so it will require high maintenance to keep it beautiful.

For more information on Agglomerate Tile, contact us at Benchmark Contracting!

Source: HGTV

Tiles Types - Mexican/Terra-Cotta!

These low-density natural clay tiles are fired at a low temperature and are typically made in Mexico or Europe.

• Handmade or machine-formed
• Old World, handcrafted look; rustic character
• Require more maintenance than higher density, less porous tiles
• Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
• Can vary in color, texture and appearance

Mexican tile can be used in an outdoor setting, but typically in non-freezing climates. They may not be suitable for rooms with a lot of moisture, like bathrooms, at they have a high absorption and can create slippery surfaces. Terra-Cotta tiles are typically less expensive than other types of tile and can be cost efficient for those on a budget!

For more information on this and any other type of tile, visit our website!

Source: The Home Depot

Tile Types - Marble Tile

Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of calcite which is formed when limestone is compressed for long periods of time. It is more beautiful and durable than limestone and is a preferred building material.

While it can be used for kitchen counter tops, this usage is not typically recommended as marble tile can stain easily. Marble tile is also less durable than the similar granite tile and can chip more easily than granite.

Marble tile is available in a wide range of colors and patterns and is suitable for use in both residential and commercial buildings. This type of tile can add sophistication and charm to any location.

For more information on this and any other type of tile, contact us at Benchmark Contracting!

Tile Types - Granite Tile

While granite tile makes for a stunning floor, wall or countertop, it can be difficult to work with as it is very heavy.

Because granite tile is so heavy, the subflooring must be solid, with no flex capabilities. Gravity will constantly pull on the granite tile and can damage the flooring underneath if not supported properly.

When using granite tile on walls, they must be secured very carefully to ensure they do not slip out of place.

Another thing to consider with granite tile is that it does not come with self-spacing lugs on the edges, meaning you'll have to space the tiles by eye or use plastic spacers until the tiles are dry in place.

Granite tile can add sparkle and character to any room, but it must be done carefully. For more information on this and any other type of tile, visit our website!

Source: Ask The Builder

Tile Types - Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are typically made from red or white fired clay in a kiln. They are usually finished with a durable glaze which helps to carry the color and pattern of the tile itself.

Suitable for both wall and floor applications, ceramic tile is easier to cut than porcelain.

Ceramic tile is suitable for light to moderate traffic and has a high water absorption rate which makes it less resistant to frost. One important characteristic to note is that ceramic tile is more prone to chipping and wear than porcelain tiles.

For more information on this and other types of tile, visit our website!


Source: Build Direct