Month: October 2019

Homeowners love to get imaginative about living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, fantasising what flooring will go best with their furniture and which will aesthetically enhance their home the most; but everyone forgets about the stairs.

When in fact, the stairs are among the heaviest foot traffic areas in the house. With people using them nearly every day (if not every day), then you do need to consider which flooring it most suitable.

You may or may not have noticed, but often homes have snazzy new flooring in the main rooms, but the stairs haven’t been blessed with such a privilege, frequently sporting a rather out of date and weary looking carpet. This is for the simple reason people forget to update them, they are there for practicality rather than to impress. Nevertheless, you’d be surprised by how much livelier your home can look if you were to invest in fresh new floors for your stairs, here are some of the best options we’d recommend…

Carpet

 The clear choice for stairs. It’s comforting underfoot and homely. Often stairs are leading up to the bedroom, which usually has carpet in it too, therefore it fits with the theme nicely. Falling down the stairs is certainly something you do not want to do, and carpet largely stops any slipping due to its grip, even if something is spilt. If you’ve got children running up and down the stairs, carpets would significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Again, children often play on them, sliding down and all sorts; a softer landing therefore being a safer option.

Nevertheless, like any flooring it comes with its negatives. Stairs lose their colour over time especially when they come into contact with sunlight, therefore if a window faces your stairs it is something to consider when buying new flooring. As mentioned previously, stairs experience a high amount of foot traffic. Over time, a carpet becomes worn and sometimes flat, taking away from its original visual appeal.

Another factor worth contemplating when choosing your flooring for stairs is maintenance and cleaning. As I am sure you already know, carpets need hoovering and more often if the floor is heavily used, consequently more upkeep required. Hoovering stairs is significantly more effort than hoovering a room, due to carrying the hoover up and down the steps. Someone who is elderly or disabled may find this a more difficult task, so if you fall into either of these categories it may be worth considering when picking.

Real wooden flooring

There’s no doubt that your stairs would look glam, as nothing compares to the classy fine-looking look of real wooden flooring. Plus, it is a popular choice for hallways, which most of the time matches the stairs. Real wooden flooring is also exceedingly durable, ideal for high traffic areas, as well as adding value to your home when you come to sell.

Buyers usually want rooms such as hallways to have neutral flooring and walls, which is why real wooden flooring would be unbeatable. It never goes out of fashion, so you can rest assured you won’t feel like you’ll need to update in a few years due to a change in trends.

No doubt your real wooden staircase will impress anyone visiting your home, however they can be slippery, especially if liquid is spilt on them. Falling down the stairs can cause considerably more damage than slipping on a flat surface, so it is indeed something to bear in mind.

If you have pets which have paws that can scratch, real wooden flooring may not be the best option, especially if they are scrambling and playing up and down the stairs. Here at Luxury Flooring we offer real wooden flooring that have ridges to help disguise any scratches. So, if you’re prepared to accept the odd scratch here and there then there is no objection for it as an option. Of course, keeping your pet’s paws trimmed can help reduce the amount of damage your stairs takes.

So what is the answer? If you place a runner on your stairs you can still enjoy the crisp look of real wooden flooring without the slipping hazard and fear of scratches. Here at Luxury Flooring we would always say that wooden flooring is the best for most rooms and stairs, due to their beautiful appearance and practicality.

The post Which flooring is best for stairs? appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

Homeowners love to get imaginative about living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, fantasising what flooring will go best with their furniture and which will aesthetically enhance their home the most; but everyone forgets about the stairs.

When in fact, the stairs are among the heaviest foot traffic areas in the house. With people using them nearly every day (if not every day), then you do need to consider which flooring it most suitable.

You may or may not have noticed, but often homes have snazzy new flooring in the main rooms, but the stairs haven’t been blessed with such a privilege, frequently sporting a rather out of date and weary looking carpet. This is for the simple reason people forget to update them, they are there for practicality rather than to impress. Nevertheless, you’d be surprised by how much livelier your home can look if you were to invest in fresh new floors for your stairs, here are some of the best options we’d recommend…

Carpet

 The clear choice for stairs. It’s comforting underfoot and homely. Often stairs are leading up to the bedroom, which usually has carpet in it too, therefore it fits with the theme nicely. Falling down the stairs is certainly something you do not want to do, and carpet largely stops any slipping due to its grip, even if something is spilt. If you’ve got children running up and down the stairs, carpets would significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Again, children often play on them, sliding down and all sorts; a softer landing therefore being a safer option.

Nevertheless, like any flooring it comes with its negatives. Stairs lose their colour over time especially when they come into contact with sunlight, therefore if a window faces your stairs it is something to consider when buying new flooring. As mentioned previously, stairs experience a high amount of foot traffic. Over time, a carpet becomes worn and sometimes flat, taking away from its original visual appeal.

Another factor worth contemplating when choosing your flooring for stairs is maintenance and cleaning. As I am sure you already know, carpets need hoovering and more often if the floor is heavily used, consequently more upkeep required. Hoovering stairs is significantly more effort than hoovering a room, due to carrying the hoover up and down the steps. Someone who is elderly or disabled may find this a more difficult task, so if you fall into either of these categories it may be worth considering when picking.

Real wooden flooring

There’s no doubt that your stairs would look glam, as nothing compares to the classy fine-looking look of real wooden flooring. Plus, it is a popular choice for hallways, which most of the time matches the stairs. Real wooden flooring is also exceedingly durable, ideal for high traffic areas, as well as adding value to your home when you come to sell.

Buyers usually want rooms such as hallways to have neutral flooring and walls, which is why real wooden flooring would be unbeatable. It never goes out of fashion, so you can rest assured you won’t feel like you’ll need to update in a few years due to a change in trends.

No doubt your real wooden staircase will impress anyone visiting your home, however they can be slippery, especially if liquid is spilt on them. Falling down the stairs can cause considerably more damage than slipping on a flat surface, so it is indeed something to bear in mind.

If you have pets which have paws that can scratch, real wooden flooring may not be the best option, especially if they are scrambling and playing up and down the stairs. Here at Luxury Flooring we offer real wooden flooring that have ridges to help disguise any scratches. So, if you’re prepared to accept the odd scratch here and there then there is no objection for it as an option. Of course, keeping your pet’s paws trimmed can help reduce the amount of damage your stairs takes.

So what is the answer? If you place a runner on your stairs you can still enjoy the crisp look of real wooden flooring without the slipping hazard and fear of scratches. Here at Luxury Flooring we would always say that wooden flooring is the best for most rooms and stairs, due to their beautiful appearance and practicality.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

If you’ve ever had hardwood floors or wooden furniture, you know about the dangers of staining. And there is nothing more dreadful to the material than water! Some of them are clear, some of them are dark, and most of them can be permanent. 

Unlike what some may believe, however, it is possible to remove them, even the older ones. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of these stains:

ATTENTION: Before starting, always make sure to clean the floors and wipe away the dust. This will help avoid any scratches or additional wear. 

Dark Stains

If water gets through the finish of the hardwood floors, it will then darken the actual wood. This means you’ll need to get through the finish layer. 

Steel wool. This is only recommended for people that have a good eye and can use their hands well. Slightly rub the stained area in order to remove the stain. Do it very lightly. Also apply pressure to unstained areas close to the stain, blending it in so there’s not a major bump.

Sandpaper. While the steel wool might not work for some, it’s unlikely that filing with sandpaper won’t help. Do it the same way as suggested for steel wool, filing through the stain and blending slightly to the unstained areas.

Vinegar. An ingredient common to every household, vinegar can help remove the layers of the stain. Just soak a damp rag and put it on the stained area, leaving it there for 5-10 minutes. You might need to apply it more than once to remove it completely, or for bigger stains.

Chlorine bleach. A more chemical and effective option would be using chlorine bleach. Since it might be a bit strong, start with a solution that’s four parts water and one part chlorine bleach. Apply it with a white cloth and let it work for around 10 minutes. Let the floor dry and see if the stain was completely removed. If not, do it again until it does, but strengthen the solution slightly every time.

Hydrogen peroxide. Some people might not like to work with chlorine bleach, and might want another chemical option. Hydrogen peroxide might be the way to go, since it is not as strong as bleach. Do the same as you would for chlorine bleach, but instead of starting with a 4:1 ratio, do two parts water to two parts hydrogen peroxide.

Apply finish, and finish! Now, the last step would be to apply finish that matches your floor to make it match again. Should there be any visible bumps, use 0000 steel wool to rub it away until it is evened out.

Light Stains

These are your run of the mill, superficial stains, most often ones left by moist glasses.

Pastes. There are many products you can use to remove it in a few minutes that work as a paste. Baking soda paste (1 part water, 1 part baking soda), salt paste (salt with only a few drops of water), even toothpaste. You can rub them gently and apply nail polish once you are done.

Petroleum jelly. Sometimes, these faster tricks might not work. Another alternative that can be easily bought is petroleum jelly. It can be applied and left to work overnight. You’ll just need to wipe it away the next morning!

With the right trick, the right amount of effort, and patience, you can get that water stain out in no time, and forget about cloths, mats, and rugs to cover them up!

We’re delighted to announce that we have been recognised as “eCommerce Company of the Year – Small” at the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards.

On our success, Managing Director and Co-Founder Cameron Christie said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have picked up this award. It recognises the hard work, time, and dedication to the business demonstrated by the whole team.

“As a company, we’ve seen considerable growth over the course of this year, and have undergone some significant changes over the course of this year, including across our marketing efforts, operational procedures and how we deal with customer queries, and so far this has paid off.

“We were shortlisted in the same category last year, but unfortunately just missed out, so it’s great to be able to go one better this time around.”

The company was also shortlisted in three other categories at the Northern eCommerce Awards, which were “Best eCommerce Search/Marketing Campaign”, “DIY, Home, Furniture & Interior Design eCommerce Website of the Year” and “B2C eCommerce Website of the Year”.

The full list of winners on the night can be found here.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

We’re delighted to announce that we have been recognised as “eCommerce Company of the Year – Small” at the 2019 Northern eCommerce Awards.

On our success, Managing Director and Co-Founder Cameron Christie said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have picked up this award. It recognises the hard work, time, and dedication to the business demonstrated by the whole team.

“As a company, we’ve seen considerable growth over the course of this year, and have undergone some significant changes over the course of this year, including across our marketing efforts, operational procedures and how we deal with customer queries, and so far this has paid off.

“We were shortlisted in the same category last year, but unfortunately just missed out, so it’s great to be able to go one better this time around.”

The company was also shortlisted in three other categories at the Northern eCommerce Awards, which were “Best eCommerce Search/Marketing Campaign”, “DIY, Home, Furniture & Interior Design eCommerce Website of the Year” and “B2C eCommerce Website of the Year”.

The full list of winners on the night can be found here.

The post Luxury Flooring scoop eCommerce Company of the Year – Small at Northern eCommerce Awards appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When choosing the right floors for your home, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important points to think about is, ‘who will be using your floors?’. For instance, if you’re a pet owner it’s essential to find a flooring option that will withstand the general wear and tear by your furry friend.

 Over time the impact of your dog or cat will begin to show on your floors. As such, you will need to find a flooring option that will not only minimize any damage caused by your pet but offer longevity as well. With your furry friend in mind, these are the major points of consideration when selecting your flooring: protection from scratches and stains, resistance to damage, the comfort of your pet and the traction of your pet. It’s also important to note here that floor durability not only encompasses scratch resistance but should consider impact and moisture. All in all, when selecting flooring material, you want to choose something that is not only friendly to your pet but also appealing to your interior design.

 To ease the selection process, we have compiled a list of 5 pet-friendly flooring options.

Bamboo

 Bamboo is a popular option for pet-friendly homes. This is because bamboo possesses natural durability that makes it both stain and scratch-resistant. Bamboo’s sturdiness is ensured by its high Janka flooring rating; essentially, the higher the rating means the harder the wood. In this case, the high score guarantees that bamboo is not only a sustainable flooring material but will also survive the constant onslaught of your pet’s claws.

 In addition, bamboo is an antimicrobial material which means that your home will be kept free from mold and other allergens. Aside from being incredibly easy to clean, bamboo is also allergen resistant, ensuring that it will not harbor pet fur or other debris.

Laminate

 If your furry friend is overly active, laminate flooring is a great choice. Since laminate floors are known for their incredibly tough top layer, this option is fairly scratch-resistant against your dog or cat’s claws. Like bamboo, laminate is extremely stain-resistant and easy to keep clean. However, it’s essential to note that laminate is prone to making a louder and more hollow noise under-foot, as opposed to a more solid material. This option may, therefore, amplify the sound of your pet’s footsteps.

Vinyl

 A popular option among pet lovers is vinyl sheet flooring which is considered a resilient flooring material that sustains long-term endurance. If vinyl is installed correctly, this option will wear well allowing for minimal scratches. Also, vinyl has water-resistant qualities so stains and messes from your pet will be easy to clean. An additional benefit of this option is that it is great for softening the sound of your pet’s nails.

 Engineered Hardwood

 Again, when ensuring that your hardwood flooring option is pet-friendly it’s best to go with a material that ranks high on the Janka hardness scale. Specifically, you should choose wood species that have a rating of 1,250 or over. Some great engineered hardwood options include Brazilian cherry or white oak. But, even for the sturdiest wood, it’s still important to protect them in order to prolong their longevity. Getting your floor coated in urethane will help minimize any damage sustained through scratches or stains.

 Solid Hardwood

 Solid hardwood floors are an incredibly durable option. Although some will say that this option is suitable for pets, this is not necessarily true. However, if the correct protective measures are put in place, hardwood floors can withstand your pet’s habits and behaviors. When cared for properly, by applying a protective coating and conducting regular sanding, hardwood floors can last anywhere between 80-100 years.

 Ultimately, when it comes to selecting the flooring option that is not only right for you but also your animal friend, it’s essential to consider longevity. As such, selecting an option that is primarily scratch-resistant and stain-resistant will ensure that the quality of your floors remain in tip-top shape, allowing you to enjoy them for longer.