http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/ Ward Hardwood Flooring - Blog RSS Feed 2.0 en-us Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:49:16 GMT Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:49:16 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/21100/Environmental-Friendly-Options-in-Flooring blog If you are one of the many homeowners considering a home renovation project, you probably have many choices that you will need to make. With so many different material options and design styles available to consumers, sorting through them can be a daunting task. One important factor for many homeowners is the environmental sustainability of the products they are choosing. Luckily, when it comes to the hardwood flooring industry, there are a variety of options available for every design style and budget. Locally Harvested Beetle Kill Blue Pine As a unique, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly option, Beetle Kill Blue Pine adds a unique blue hue to your woodworking that cannot be manufactured. As an excellent choice for paneling, trim, furniture and accent pieces, this material is just as durable as any other pine species and will give your home a timeless look. If you are looking for an even bolder look in a space, Beetle Kill Pine can be used as flooring, and there are many different finishing options that will help bring out the natural beauty of the material and complete the space. Breathing New Life to Oak Antique and Reclaimed Oak products are sourced from century-old structures, placing them at the top of the list in terms of environmentally conscious. Many of these structures would typically be torn down, placed in landfills or burned, but instead are given new life. Utilizing these materials eliminates the need to source from live trees, cutting down on your carbon footprint. The more mature trees that we can leave in the ground, the greater the long-term environmental benefits. Not only are antique and reclaimed oaks great for the environment, but the way these products are milled deliver so many different options to perfectly fit your design style. A distressed grade product will show the character and weathering of the product, and is perfect for a darker, more rustic look, while a milled grade will remove a lot of the weathered patina and deliver a lighter product perfect for many different staining and re-finishing options. These oaks are not simply beautiful products, but they have weathered the test of time and are one of the most durable materials you can find. Bringing Reclaimed to Your Home If the concept of recycling during your remodel entices you and you are interested in exploring the possibility of integrating a reclaimed product, there are many different options available to you. If you are looking for a unique statement piece to tie together a room, maybe consider a custom-built furniture piece, like a table, bench or shelving unit. To add a dramatic feature, there are reclaimed paneling options that work perfectly on a wall, ceiling, fireplace, or underneath a bar top. If you are going for a full overhaul of a space, reclaimed products can be used just about anywhere, from flooring to beams and mantles, to trim work and more. Whatever your needs, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help you pick out the perfect product for your home. Specializing in reclaimed products, and with over 30 years of experience within the industry, our expert team will help you with your project no matter how big or small. We carry a variety of products in our climate-controlled warehouse, so you don’t have to wait to get started on your project. Call us today at 1-855-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com for more information or a free estimate!  #hardwoodflooring    #hardwoodflooringspecialist    #wardhardwoodf Mon, 04 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/21100/Environmental-Friendly-Options-in-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/21092/Working-From-Home---How-to-Create-the-Perfect-Office-Space blog Whether you are seeking a remote position, starting your own business, or have the option to work out of your homeâ€"it’s important to set up your home office to work for you. Functionality and organization is key to productivity. With planning and research, you can create the perfect office that you’ll never want to leave! Use these go-to home office tips to set up your perfect space. Establishing Needs Your home office will need to be tailored to your specific needs. Your first step is to make a list of what you need and want in your work space. If you have a current workspace, start making a list of what you use daily. Consider things such as:   Storage and organization Desk size and filing cabinets Lighting Supplies and materials Equipment (computer, keyboards, scanner, etc.) Furniture Décor As you go about your day, write down everything you use, how often you use it, and areas you think you can improve. Now is the perfect time to assess your current situation and find better solutions for a more functional space. Discover Your Style for Design and Layout A great benefit of creating your own space is being able to customize it to exactly the way you want. Think about what colors you’d like, how the layout would be most functional, what furniture to incorporate, art to hang on the walls, and more. Pictures of friends, family, or special events can be design highlights that help provide encouragement during the work day. Be sure to choose colors that will help you maintain focus and choose pieces that create a calming environment. Natural woods are great for bringing warmth and comfort into an office space. Ergonomic Features Ergonomic furniture can be extremely important in your work space, as is not just for comfort but can prevent injuries due to improper posture. So, what exactly is ergonomics? Ergonomics is a method of arranging a work space that complements an individual’s needs. It includes seating that encourages proper posture, which may be complemented with foot rests. It also ensures your arms are at the appropriate length while working on a computer, your monitor being an arm’s length away to avoid added eye strain, and keyboards and a mouse that keep your hands at an appropriate distance while you type. There are other ergonomic features you might incorporate as well, such as standing desks to help avoid sitting for extended periods of time. Organization and Storage One of the top priorities you should set during your home office renovation is to ensure your storage and organization needs are met. Today, there are many types of versatile storage furniture allowing you to choose unique statement pieces, instead of standard metal filing cabinets. Proper organization can be essential in improving productivity in the workplace, and customized options can be made to suit your specific needs. The newest development in office organization is to switch to electronic methods of storing and retrieving data. You can take advantage of services such as Google Drive or Dropbox to share files with clients, or to keep online documents secure. For paper you need to store, make sure to use file folders with labels, categorized in an order that makes most sense to you. Keep items you review or file frequently within quick reach. Hardwood Floors Another quality addition you can incorporate into your home office renovation is to add hardwood flooring. It’s sleek and professional, yet warm and inviting. You can add in personality by adding rugs into the space. Hardwood has longevity, whereas carpet does not, and is especially helpful if you will have clients coming into your office space. Hardwood floors are easy to care for, meaning that after a stressful week at work you do not have to worry as much about cleaning and can spend your weekend relaxing instead.  When it comes to hardwood flooring and design for your home office renovation, Ward Hardwood Flooring has you covered. As your quality hardwood specialist, we will add warmth and charm to your space, making it relaxing and professional. Give us a call today to discuss how we can help in your office space, we are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and our specialists will help you to create a customized workspace that you will cherish daily.  Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/21092/Working-From-Home---How-to-Create-the-Perfect-Office-Space http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/userfiles/959/images/60337809%5F2710936102266865%5F8593567528742027264%5Fo%2Ejpg http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/ http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20729/How-To-Care-For-Your-Floors blog Hardwood floors are an investment in your home. They’re durable, beautiful, and can completely transform a space, making it look both timeless and modern at once. However, like all flooring, it does require very specific care and maintenance in order to provide you with the long-lasting beauty you wanted when you started shopping at your local hardwood flooring showroom. Using the wrong products on your floor can leave the finish dull and damage the underlying wood. Rather than having to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair the damage, follow this simple cleaning guide and keep your hardwood floors looking great for years to come. Clean Every Day Spills and messes happen all the time, and with a busy schedule, it’s easy to forget to clean up throughout the day. This can leave you with stains set into the wood, scratched finishes, and even moisture-damaged planks throughout your home. Rather than leaving messes where they fall for a few days, get in the habit of cleaning as you go. Each day, give the floor a good dry-sweeping with a soft bristled broom or microfiber cloth. This way, dust, dirt, and debris never has a chance to collect and small spills will be noticed before they can do long-term damage to your flooring. If you have kids, you can even get them in on itâ€"make it a part of their weekly chores and show them how to pick up spills safely so you’ll never have to worry about a sticky mess going unnoticed for several days. Mop Once a Week Whether it’s muddy outside or your family just tracks in a lot of dust as throughout the week, you’ll need to take the time to mop your floors. Unlike cement and tile, wood floors should not be mopped with an all-purpose cleaner. Doing so could damage the finish and leave your floors looking cloudy. Instead, use a quality wood soap or cleaner recommended by your installation team. Approved cleaners will lift dirt up without leaving a residue on your floor, helping preserve the natural color of the wood while maintaining the polish and finish. Though light daily cleaning is recommended, you don’t have to go all-out and mop the floors every day. Once a week will be enough to help you keep up with the dirt and grime. Take Preventative Measures Scratches make even new floors look old and damaged, and refinishing your floors to repair the damage is both expensive and time-consuming. Instead of taking the risk of scratches marring your floor, take a few simple preventative measures. Place rugs in front of each entryway of your home and take dirty shoes off before leaving the entryway. This will help prevent rocks, dirt, and mud from getting tracked throughout the house and scratching your floors. Though dirt is a major problem, it’s not the leading cause of deep scratches on the floorâ€"your furniture is. Any item of furniture that can slide along the floor can leave deep gouges in the wood. Rather than leaving things up to chance, install floor protectors on chairs, ottomans, and even TV trays that may get dragged along the surface. Small rounds of felt glued to the bottom of each leg or furniture sliders will reduce the risk and frequency of scratches and keep your floor looking its best for months to come. Keep in mind that felt may allow the furniture to slide easily along the floor, so only apply it on items you need to move frequently. Move Furniture Around Periodically Flooring ages and changes color over time due to traffic, light exposure, and frequent cleaning. If you leave your furniture in the same place for years at a time, the floor may age unevenly. The result is a patchy appearance both in color and quality of the finish. Instead, rearrange your furniture every year or so and let the floor age evenly. This way, the color will be uniform across the room and the finish will see the same amount of wear and tear over the course of its life. If you notice a particular area aging faster, contact your hardwood floor installation contractor to discuss the steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your floor. Protect The Floor From Water Nothing is more damaging to wood flooring than water. While hardwood may look great in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom, it’s not always up to the challenge of withstanding the changing moisture levels. Protect your wood by laying down bath mats or protective rugs around these areas. Not only will it make the space more comfortable for you to use by adding cushion, but it will also keep the floor safe from water damage. In these rooms, keep a weathered eye out for the signs of water damage. Spotting in the finish, warped floorboards, and even changes in texture of the finish all indicate water damage. Never, Ever, Use a Steam Mop If you’re using a mop to clean your floor, you’ll need to use cool room-temperature water and an approved cleaner. This will help preserve the finish and keep your floor looking its best as long as possible. Under no circumstances should you use a steam mop. These systems introduce heat to the water and all that heat can damage your finish, causing it to bubble up, cloud over, or hold onto the dirt already on the floor. If you’ve used a steam mop on your hardwood floor, contact your installation expert and schedule an inspection. The sooner you repair the damage, the better of your floors will be. At Ward Hardwood Flooring, our dedicated staff wants to help you keep your floors in good shape, whether they were installed a week ago or have been in place for over ten years. We’ll help you with everything from finding a replacement planks to redo your floor to full installation to breathe new life into your home. Contact us for a free installation estimate today and see the difference that an experienced showroom can make in the way your home’s floors look.   Sun, 23 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20729/How-To-Care-For-Your-Floors http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20728/Why-You-Should-Choose-Hardwood-Flooring-Over-The-Alternatives blog If you’re thinking about making any home renovations, it can be tough to make decisions because of the wide range of products and services available.  This is especially the case for any changes in flooring and it can be intimidating when choosing the perfect floor type to complement the design style and functionality of the room. If you are considering hardwood floors, here are a few benefits of choosing hardwood that may help you in your decision:  1. Wood Floors are Always in Style There was a short time in the 1950’s when wall-to-wall carpet was invented and everyone wanted it simply because it was new and interesting.  However, since then, most homeowners and renters, alike, seem to prefer homes with wood floors.  It is a style that is classic and looks great no matter what era we are in.  Interior décor changes over time, trends come and go. Contemporary, shabby chic, modern, rustic, traditional, industrial; wood floors will fit in to every trend and give a home a luxurious appearance.   2. Wood Floors are More Hygienic Sure you can vacuum carpet, but it doesn't always pick up all the dust and allergens.  And if you spill liquids, forget it; you’ll never get it all because carpeting is a porous weave that traps both liquid and solid particles.  Wood floors have a smooth finished surface, so dirt and spills will mostly rest on top and can easily be swept or soaked up.  Cleaning carpet often requires toxic chemicals and hiring a carpet cleaning service.  However, hardwood floors can easily be cleaned with a few drops of dawn in warm water and can be done without paying for professional service. 3. Wood Floors Look Great no Matter their Condition  There is no flooring more beautiful than a brand new hardwood floor.  The wood grain has a beautiful natural design, the color is dynamic and varies from board to board, and the finish can bring any desired level of sheen to the floor.  But even old, worn wood floors have a beauty to it too.  It looks shabby chic, like it has been well worn and well loved.  It appears to have a history behind it; it’s nostalgic for many people, but still functions well.  Carpet on the other hand, is nice when it’s new, but over time it starts to look worn out and dirty.  Stains have settled in that are impossible to get out.  In areas with high foot traffic, it will begin to look worn and matted.  Eventually, tears occur and nylon strings unravel, leaving a trip hazard.   4. Wood Floors Rarely Need to be Completely Replaced The life expectancy of carpeting is much shorter than wood floors.  If you are lucky, you may get 10 years out of it, tops.  But wood floors can last five times as long.  Even after decades, there is a chance it just needs to be sanded and refinished rather than replacing the boards.  The initial cost might be more for hardwood versus carpet, but because the product lasts so much longer it is a quality investment in the home.    5. Wood Floors have a Better Resale Value For all of the reasons above, homes with hardwood floors sell for more than homes with mostly carpeting.  Real estate agents love to highlight wood flooring in their listed amenities.  Home buyers typically find wood floors more appealing, and renters prefer wood floors because they know carpeting is a trap for germs and grime from previous renters.   Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of just some of the many benefits of hardwood floors versus carpeting. If you’re considering new flooring in your home, rule out the tacky carpet.  For additional information about hardwood floors - the different products, styles and services available, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring.  We can give you a free estimate and have a great selection of wood flooring to choose from. Sun, 16 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20728/Why-You-Should-Choose-Hardwood-Flooring-Over-The-Alternatives http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20727/How-To-Incorporate-Antique-Wood-In-Your-Home blog Preparing to upgrade your home is an exciting decision, and many homeowners are looking to add a unique aesthetic. One way to add a natural element that works with any design is by adding antique wood in many different ways, from walls to flooring to furniture. It can be incorporated in many different ways for a gorgeous and personalized upgrade. Here are three different ways you can incorporate antique wood into your home remodel:     Flooring: Antique flooring can add character to your home, due to the history each piece holds within it - each plank tells its own story. It’s available in a variety of species, and can be finished in a variety of ways, enabling you to create a truly unique and custom look. Wide plank is a popular choice and provides a clean aesthetic that really can open a room. By adding antique wood to your home, you are using recycled materials and limiting environmental impact, and older wood typically stands up to everyday wear and tear better than newer wood, meaning you won’t have to refinish or replace as often. This environmentally friendly flooring is quite diverse in the options available, and your hardwood flooring team can help you choose the perfect floor for your space. Walls and Ceilings: A great, but sometimes overlooked, addition to a home is a wood accent wall or ceiling. Many homeowners are choosing either an accent wall or entire room to be outfitted with wood walls. If using darker wood, larger rooms are typically ideal as darker colors can make rooms feel smaller. An accent wall can add an artistic touch that isn’t too overwhelming yet can still complement a variety of wall colors. In some cases, homeowners choose a selection of one or two styles of wood planks to incorporate into their wall or design. The options aren’t only limited to walls; ceilings are also a way you can incorporate this type of wood into your remodel. They fit especially well in kitchens or large rooms with light walls, and add a rustic appearance to expand the room. Furnishings: There are many different ways to incorporate rustic or reclaimed furniture into your design, from live edge tables in your dining room to custom built benches in your entryway. Custom cabinetry is the perfect way to utilize antique woods into a functional design, and can be installed anywhere from kitchens to bathrooms to bars. Furniture can also be custom built, fitting perfectly into the space or design of a room. If you enjoy remaking different accent pieces for your home or taking on DIY projects, this type of wood is a solid choice. It stands up to the test of time and can be used anywhere!  As you look for ways to incorporate antique wood into your remodel, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! When ready to take on a design project, be sure to stop by and see us! Our showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or you can call us at 303-674-6966. We will work with you and make your vision come to life. Our start-to-finish custom services will ensure the life of the product, and we are sure you will love the finished product! Sun, 09 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20727/How-To-Incorporate-Antique-Wood-In-Your-Home http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20726/Top-Flooring-Trends-for-2020 blog Hardwood Flooring was always thought to be the more traditional choice in new home installations or existing home renovations, but in recent years it has seen a tremendous rise in popularity. With an ever-changing industry, it is important to stay knowledgeable about the options that are available, as well as learn about what other homeowners are choosing for their new floor installations. These trends all stayed popular throughout 2019 and have continued to gain traction through the beginning of this year.    Wide Plank Flooring   Most of the wood flooring that you will see installed in older homes and buildings is narrow, traditional plank wood, and is very clean and free from imperfections. Recently though, wide plank flooring has surfaced as the preferred choice in the industry. It creates the appearance that your room is larger; and that the floors are sturdy and high quality and can be a great way to make a statement that your floor is the premium feature of your home. Wide plank flooring can be purchased in many different material types, and can have many different finishing treatments. The most important thing to remember when choosing wide plank flooring is that the possibilities are endless, but choosing an expert installation team is essential.    Mixed Species of Wood   Another popular trend that lends to the rustic charm of a floor is to utilize either mixed species of wood, or mixed finishing treatments of wood. For people who would like solid Oak floors, but want to add a little contrast in color and texture, a mix of milled and distressed grade reclaimed oak can be used to create a unique and beautiful floor that flows naturally throughout the home. Another common trend is to mix the size of the planks, which achieves a similar unique design through the contrast, but will still flow naturally together and create a seamless finished floor. For even more contrast, a mix of size, grade and species can be used, and this will bring a rustic charm to any space.    Environmentally Friendly Finishes   Many people are hesitant to consider hardwood flooring because of the common misconceptions surrounding the finishing treatments that are used in hardwood refinishing or installation projects; however, recently there have been many great improvements to the types of finishes that are commonly available to reduce the environmental impact.   For the new year, expect to see an increase in the usage of higher quality polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant and therefore will not off-gas as much as previous products. VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, have a high vapor pressure at room temperature and causes them to enter the surrounding air within an environment. There are a variety of higher grade finishes on the market that are both VOC compliant, but do not compromise on the durability or protective qualities of the finish.    In addition to the polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant, the use of natural oils such as tung and linseed oils, have increased in popularity. One of the advantages of using natural oil is that they are biodegradable and can be easily reapplied when needed. They also have the benefit of creating a richer and more organic patina as they permeate into the natural wood. The downside to using these natural oils is that they require more regular maintenance, and they can easily absorb water, so they are not suitable for every home.  Overall, no matter what design style you’re looking to accomplish, you can count on the expert team at Ward Hardwood Flooring to deliver a beautiful flooring masterpiece that will bring warmth and beauty to your home for many years. We will be involved in every step of the process, beginning with helping to choose the perfect design, and will be sure to deliver the floors of your dreams. Call us today for a Free Estimate, or sign up at http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/free-estimate. Sun, 02 Feb 2020 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/20726/Top-Flooring-Trends-for-2020 http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19628/Tips-to-Make-Your-New-Hardwood-Pop-in-Any-Room blog Anyone that has recently refinished their existing hardwood floors, or installed new hardwood floors, can attest that they want to show off the natural beauty and warmth that they added back into their home. These tips are a fantastic way to highlight your new floors while still utilizing cost effective methods, perfect to show off to your family and friends. Let There Be Light Homeowners and designers often underutilize natural light sources in rooms with hardwood floors or features and increasing the amount of light in a room can visually make a huge difference. Use lighter elements in the interior design style to help reflect light. You may consider painting the walls a light beige or grey, use white or light blue throw pillows, and soft but bright area rugs in order to increase the light in the room and make the space feel large and airy. Adding mirrors will help to reflect light but be sure to place them strategically so that they reflect off glass surfaces to amplify the effect. You may also consider rearranging the furniture so that the space feels more open and be sure to arrange pieces in a way that doesn’t throw off the balance of the room. Make It Match Interior design style plays an important factor in highlighting the hardwood as a feature in any room. For example, if your interior design style is more rustic and you add contemporary pieces, it will clash and take away from the beauty of your flooring. Most hardwood flooring fits well into a rustic design, which is perfect for creating an area of rest and relaxation. For this style, choose items that are distressed, unique and embellished with natural wear. If you are looking for something more modern, then choose items with clean lines, and utilize metallic finishes. Whatever your design style may be, just ensure that it is consistent to keep the items from clashing and causing a distraction from the centerpiece of the room. Add Unique Touches Something as simple as adding a hardwood beam or mantle to the design of a room can help to guide the eye to the flooring. Adding touches of wood into the design that complement the flooring is the perfect way to showcase the hardwoods and can be done in a variety of ways. Wall treatments or barn doors are a popular, yet still unique, method of integrating wood elements into a space to create this desired effect. With a bit of imagination and a touch of your personal interior design flair, you’ll be able to create a comfortable and welcoming space that all of your friends and family will enjoy for years to come. If you’re ever ready to refinish or upgrade your hardwood flooring, or simply want a second opinion on how to highlight your existing space, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. Our expert staff understand the care and maintenance hardwood requires in order to keep your home looking its best for years to come. Wed, 10 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19628/Tips-to-Make-Your-New-Hardwood-Pop-in-Any-Room http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19377/5-Questions-to-Ask-When-Shopping-for-Hardwood-Flooring blog Upgrading your home’s flooring is a simple way to improve the value of your house. Nothing adds character and beauty to the space like quality hardwood flooring. However, if you’re just transitioning from carpet or are looking to make a statement with your home’s interior design, finding the right wood can be a real challenge. Before you start receiving estimates and browsing products at your hardwood floor showroom, it’s important that you ask yourself these questions: What flooring do I really want in my house? Within the realm of hardwood floors, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of types to choose from. However, you’ll need to decide on more than just the type of wood you want to install. Consider if you would prefer the charm of a wide plank floor or if you want a more traditional live sawn material. Will your room look better with wide or narrow planks? The more specific you can get about the type of flooring you want, the easier it will be to make an appropriate choice based on what will fit your home and your needs best. What type of wood do I really want to have? Hardwood floors can be stained, but in some cases leaving the wood natural is typically the best option. Not only does it give you more versatility when redecorating your house, but it also makes the space more approachable should you ever decide to sell to another family. When making the choice, think about the type of feel you want the room to have. Ash, maple, and birch all make the space look bright, increasing the amount of natural light that gets reflected throughout the room. Woods like cherry or mahogany make the room darker, but also add an air of sophistication. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answerâ€"picking the color of your floors is a matter of personal preference. Which finishes are the best for my house? Hardwood floors come in different finishes ranging from satin and matte to high-gloss. Satin finishes give the wood a softer appearance, reflecting less light and keeping glare to a minimum. High-gloss floors are heavily polished and reflect even small amounts of light vibrantly. The finishes are, like wood choice, a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that high-gloss floors will show more dirt and dust than matte or satin sheen floors. If you have lots of pets or small children, a finish with less sheen may be better for your home. Have I considered existing woodwork? Hardwood flooring needs to match the rest of your home’s interior design. If you’re upgrading to wood in the kitchen, consider the colors of your cabinets, walls, wood trim, and any other existing woodwork in the room. Choose a tone and type of wood that matches your existing décor. This way, you’ll be able to keep the interior you love while upgrading your floors. Remember, the less you have to change about your existing interior, the more money you’ll save in the long run. How much do I need to order? When determining how much wood you need to buy to upgrade your home’s flooring, you’ll want to look at how many square feet you need to cover. Asking a professional to provide you with an accurate estimate will eliminate any guesswork on the size of the rooms you wish to redo. Though it may be tempting to purchase the exact amount of wood for the total square footage you want to cover, it’s best to order more than you think you’ll need. Remember, mistakes happen and if you don’t order more than the exact square footage, you’ll be in big trouble if a cut is misplaced. As a general rule, order at least 10 percent more wood than you’ll need to cover the room. This will give you leeway for a few mistakes without forcing you to run short on materials. Ready to start thinking about replacing your home’s flooring with quality hardwood? Browse the full collection of products at Ward Hardwood Flooring and find the perfect match for your space. Our dedicated staff is on hand to help you explore your options and find the best materials for your budget and your family’s unique needs. Schedule an estimate today and let our friendly staff help you transform your home.   Wed, 12 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19377/5-Questions-to-Ask-When-Shopping-for-Hardwood-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19376/Top-Trends-in-the-Hardwood-Flooring-Industry-for-2019 blog Since the start of the new year, new trends in hardwood flooring have surfaced for your Colorado home. Staying current with the latest and most up to date information regarding hardwood flooring is crucial for keeping up with the current styles, and summer is the perfect time to update the look and feel of your home.  1. Environmentally friendly finishes As society becomes more conscious about the effect certain products have on our environment, the movement towards ecologically friendly alternatives will continue to grow in 2019. The use of green products in our homes has grown exponentially in recent years and can be witnessed in the growth of green construction materials as well. One of the components of hardwood flooring is the finish, which can consist of products that are not beneficial for the environment. For the new year, expect to see an increase in the usage of higher quality polyurethane oils which smell less and are VOC compliant. VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. Certain compounds have lower boiling points, which causes large amounts of chemicals to evaporate or sublimate from the solid or liquid form and enter into the surrounding air within an environment. There are a variety of higher grade finishes on the market that are VOC compliant, which means the compounds meets an acceptable level of VOC’s. Not all VOC’s are necessarily harmful for human health, however you can expect to see a push for reduced levels of VOC’s across the hardwood flooring industry. A selection of products are available with reduced levels of VOC’s compared to other products.  In addition to polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant, the use of natural oils, such as tung and linseed oils, have increased in popularity. Resinous waxes are also being applied as an alternative to standard finish products in the effort to use biodegradable and non-toxic products. Beyond environmental factors, the advantage of using such oils is that they can be easily reapplied if the floor is scratched. Because these oils penetrate the wood, they have the benefit of creating a richer and more organic patina. The drawback for using these types of natural oils is that they are much more expensive than traditional finishes. They also can easily absorb water, as they do not provide a protective finish against moisture. As a result, they require more regular maintenance, and can be costly to upkeep.   2. Wide-ranging color options A recent trend in hardwood flooring is the use of neutral floor colors. In new homes, the most popular colors used by designers are gray, blonde, and dark. Neutral colors can give a home a more contemporary and modern look, and many homeowners choose ash or white oak to achieve this. Bold color choices have also seen an increase in popularity. Reclaimed old world blend hardwood is a bold, darker choice for those looking to go outside the standard color scheme, as every board is unique and tells a different story.  Darker brown flooring should become more popular in 2019 and beyond. The only downside of such color choices is that they can make a room appear smaller, leading to a more congested feeling. Deciding to go with this color scheme may be a better option if your home has a larger floorplan or taller ceilings.   3. Unique texture options. Color is typically the first on the list when people are looking at hardwood flooring, but the importance of texture also cannot be overlooked. With the rise in popularity of more rustic and earthy styles, textured flooring has become more in-demand than ever. One texture style variation includes hand scraped wood floors. The method of long, ingrained scrapes along the surface of the wood gives the appearance that each plank was hand-crafted. This method is also more time-consuming and expensive but will deliver beautiful custom flooring. Another method is wire brushing which gives floors a distressed appearance and offers homeowners the advantage of not having to worry about small scratches impacting the look of their floor. As a result, this option can be perfect for customers who have pets or small children.   4. Special patterning and layout options The standard hardwood flooring layout is to run the boards in the same direction as the layout of the room. However, there are a variety of layout options to choose from that stand out from the traditional form. Some pattern options offer diagonal layouts, meaning the floors are laid out at an angle to the wall. Another option that could gain traction in the new year is that of a herringbone style, which features planks that are arranged in a hexagonal patterning. Again, these alternative layout options require more labor and materials, which can impact your final decision.   5. Wide plank flooring. Beyond color, texture, and layout options, one of the other trends to be on the lookout for are wider plank flooring. This option creates the appearance that your room is larger; and that the floors are sturdy and high quality. It can be a great way to make a statement that your floor is the premium feature of your home.  If you are interested in updating your floor or need hardwood floor installation in your new home, please contact Ward Hardwood today. A qualified specialist would be happy to help you find the perfect hardwood flooring option, no matter what your needs.   Wed, 29 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19376/Top-Trends-in-the-Hardwood-Flooring-Industry-for-2019 http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19375/Preparing-for-the-Stress-of-a-Hardwood-Flooring-Project blog Getting new hardwood flooring installed can be an exciting process. New floors completely change the look and feel of your home and they increase its overall value. As with any investment, it is important to follow proper steps and guidelines to achieve the desired result. This includes the very important step of acclimating the hardwood flooring to the environmental conditions that it will be exposed to within your home. After acclimation, the installation and finishing process may begin, which can vary from project to project. While the timeline may be hard to predict, following these tips can help make planning a lot easier.  What is Acclimation? As hardwood flooring is a naturally sourced material, it will behave quite differently after installation than any other type of flooring material. Expansion and contraction of the material is a natural response to changes in the moisture content of the surrounding environment. If not properly acclimated, noticeable changes will appear in your flooring; such as cupping, warping, and gapping. Proper acclimation will equilibrate the moisture content of the wood to the environment in which it is expected to perform. How to Acclimate your Hardwood Flooring Upon delivery of your wood flooring, a baseline will need to be established and the moisture content of multiple boards will need to be checked using a moisture meter. Ideal interior environmental conditions vary based on region and the specific job site, so it is important to ensure that any heating or cooling systems as well as humidifiers are in place and operational at least 5 days prior to bringing the flooring in to acclimate. Be sure to allow for plenty of space within the room in which you will be storing the material, as a common practice in acclimation is to cross-stack the wood to allow for air circulation on all sides of the boards. Speak with a flooring expert and visit http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/wood-acclimation for more information about the process.     Installation and Finishing Process When planning a renovation project, it is always good to over-estimate the schedule as there are many unforeseen issues that may arise. It is difficult to determine what might be underneath existing flooring, so removing and hauling away carpet, linoleum, tile or hardwood might cause the project to slow down or sometimes even halt completely. Installing new hardwood flooring can present unforeseen issues with the subfloor. It may need to be leveled or sealed, and if there is any radiant heating system then special precautions will need to be taken during the installation process. Occasionally the sub-floor does not meet current industry standards, and may need to be repaired or completely replaced to ensure a solid foundation for the hardwood.    Once the sub floor has been addressed, the installation process may begin and is entirely dependent on square footage. Sanding and finishing is also dependent on size, but typically requires 3 days to complete for a 1,000 square foot project. Depending on the type of material and if stain is chosen or not, a few extra days may be necessary to accommodate for drying time. While it can be frustrating to not know an exact timeline, get with a flooring specialist to help you get an estimate for what your specific project will entail in terms of the scope of work.   The final step is to ensure that precautions are taken after installation to prevent damage to the new flooring, especially if other trades will be completing other work. If a pre-finished material is chosen it will allow you to walk on the floor, replace furniture and place rugs immediately after the install; however, if you are getting a site-finished floor, you will have to take precautions to avoid damaging the finish. If you are site finishing, doors and windows must stay closed for at least 10 hours afterwards, and shoes should not be worn on the floor for at least a week. Moving furniture back onto the floor can be done after 7 to 10 days and felt glides should be utilized to prevent scratching. Keep in mind that the type of finish and addition of staining may also extend the timeline. Care Tips for Long Term Quality Be sure to budget time to properly care for your floors, even after completing your renovation, to help the hardwood stay pristine. Cleaning should be done with specialized floor cleaner and a microfiber material that will quickly pick up dust, dirt, and particles to prevent abrasion scratching.   When you are ready to install new, beautiful hardwood flooring, you can trust the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring. From new installation to re-finishing, and re-staining, you will want professionals to handle the job to ensure it is done efficiently and properly. To see what we can do for you, visit www.wardhardwoodflooring.com. You can also visit our showroom at 29390 Industrial Way, #100, in Evergreen, Colorado. You may also call us at 303-674-6966 or email us at info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Wed, 15 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19375/Preparing-for-the-Stress-of-a-Hardwood-Flooring-Project http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19116/Design-Styles-to-Pair-with-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-Installation blog One of the great aspects of antique hardwood flooring installation is how versatile it fits with any style of home. You can fit the flooring to match your existing style, or it will work with future plans to renovate. This versatility gives you the ability over time to make changes that best fit the décor you are looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to increase your home’s value. Learn about features, elements, and décor styles for the top six design themes, and how you can incorporate your hardwood flooring installation with each Rustic Style definition: The rustic theme is a very nature and outdoor-oriented. It is often paired with natural colors, such as beige, white, or light blues. Features and elements: Wood and stone are the two main features of the rustic theme. The wood and stone can be placed anywhere in a room, from brick or stone accent walls to hardwood beams running vertically over a wood ceiling. Décor: When choosing furniture or décor for a rustic theme, a distressed look is popular. This includes handmade furniture with exquisite craftsmanship. It also includes several items that are repurposed, such as lamps constructed out of salvaged materials décor found at antique shops. Hardwood pairing: When choosing a rustic home, install hardwood with a distressed look. This will match your other décor and themes within the space. You can work with your local hardwood flooring specialist in pairing in the wood to match for other accents, such as mantels, doors, and fireplaces. Modern Style definition: Modern, homes are influenced by the time period before the Industrial Revolution. It is a very clean and linear style with minimal detail and sparse design. Features and elements: Modern homes are driven by lines and symmetry. They feature oversized tiles, heavily sanded wood flooring, open floor plans with few walls, and minimal trim work. Modern homes are often described as clean, with many natural tones paired with pops of color throughout. Décor: When purchasing décor for modern homes, choose clean and sleek designs. Chrome and stainless steel paired with bold, primary colors creates a modern feel. Hardwood pairing: Choose a solid color of antique hardwood for your modern styleâ€"one that is higher grade, uniform, and evenly sanded and stained will fit best into the design. Industrial Style definition: The industrial style home is very driven by warehouses and urban settings. It often exudes an “unfinished” look. The industrial feel is achieved with a mix of grays, neutrals, and rustic colors. This style is typically found in urban areas and incorporates raw materials to give the space an unfinished feel. Features and elements: The industrial theme will feature exposed brick, open ducts and hardwood. Metal is incredibly common, from the exposed ducts to various décor pieces. Large sectionals help close off larger spaces and divide living areas, especially in an open loft setting. Décor: When designing an industrial space, keep it simple and use raw elements. This includes wood and metal accents. It could be distressed wood beams on a ceiling to a simple piece of art on a brick accent wall. Reclaimed wood open faced shelving and kitchen islands are big hits in the kitchen Hardwood pairing: Choose a dark, distressed shade of antique hardwood for your industrial spaces. You can also incorporate pops of lighter color to mix things up. Traditional Style definition: The traditional home theme comes from 18th and 19th century Europe and is classic and simplistic in nature. It adopts a natural color palette, with an elegant appearance. Traditional homes incorporate the elements from many different centuries and is warm, rich and inviting. Features and elements: Traditional homes typically have beige, white, or light color walls, with accents to help make them pop. Curves and lines are commonly featured in traditional homes but are not over-exaggerated. Tile is also a common feature, especially for backsplashes. Décor: When decorating a traditional themed home, elegance is key. Look to find pieces that create symmetry, such as lightly-colored throw pillows to arrange on your couch and simplistic window treatments. In fact, drapes are very common with this style. Wood beams on ceilings are a great accent to add to your spaces too. You can keep them as-is, paint them white, or stain them a color to match the remaining wood accents in the room. Hardwood pairing: Medium to dark hardwood flooring is common in traditional homes. If you prefer some carpet, have a lighter color in living rooms and bedrooms, and then utilize hardwood throughout. Or, you can install hardwood throughout the home and utilize rugs to accent the space. Contemporary Style definition: Contemporary homes were designed after the 20th century, so while they are often confused as “modern” today, it will change with time. It encompasses specific attributes of all the different styles, with a new take. Features and elements: The contemporary style will feature lines and curves throughout, with a natural color palette. You will find this style to have clean elements and features, avoiding a distressed look. Eye-catching architectural elements are popular within this style, and the use of a shapely fireplace or room divider is common. Décor: When designing a contemporary space, tie in natural aspects such as genuine fabrics for throw blankets or pillows, and large accent lights. Art is also extremely popular with this style. Furniture pieces should have clean lines and smooth surfaces, and are typically made of light-colored woods, glass, stainless steel, or chrome. Natural fabrics add a sense of texture to the design, while bold colors and patterns can highlight specific areas in the room. Hardwood pairing: Choose simple and sleek hardwood floors for this home style. Avoid wood with imperfections as the style is defined by basic lines and patterns. Light or dark colors are both popular for contemporary homes. To help you find the perfect flooring for the style of your home, choose Ward Hardwood Flooring to help you find the perfect floor to match the design style that you are seeking. Contact today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com to get started on your project. Wed, 01 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19116/Design-Styles-to-Pair-with-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19115/Remaining-Environmentally-Conscious-in-the-Hardwood-Flooring-Industry blog If you are one of the many homeowners considering a home renovation project, you probably have many choices that you will need to make. With so many different material options and design styles available to consumers, sorting through them can be a daunting task. One important factor for many homeowners is the environmental sustainability of the products they are choosing. Luckily, when it comes to the hardwood flooring industry, there are a variety of options available for every design style and budget. Locally Harvested Beetle Kill Blue Pine As a unique, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly option, Beetle Kill Blue Pine adds a unique blue hue to your woodworking that cannot be manufactured. As an excellent choice for paneling, trim, furniture and accent pieces, this material is just as durable as any other pine species and will give your home a timeless look. If you are looking for an even bolder look in a space, Beetle Kill Pine can be used as flooring, and there are many different finishing options that will help bring out the natural beauty of the material and complete the space. Breathing New Life to Oak Antique and Reclaimed Oak products are sourced from century-old structures, placing them at the top of the list in terms of environmentally conscious. Many of these structures would typically be torn down, placed in landfills or burned, but instead are given new life. Utilizing these materials eliminates the need to source from live trees, cutting down on your carbon footprint. The more mature trees that we can leave in the ground, the greater the long-term environmental benefits. Not only are antique and reclaimed oaks great for the environment, but the way these products are milled deliver so many different options to perfectly fit your design style. A distressed grade product will show the character and weathering of the product, and is perfect for a darker, more rustic look, while a milled grade will remove a lot of the weathered patina and deliver a lighter product perfect for many different staining and re-finishing options. These oaks are not simply beautiful products, but they have weathered the test of time and are one of the most durable materials you can find. Bringing Reclaimed to Your Home If the concept of recycling during your remodel entices you and you are interested in exploring the possibility of integrating a reclaimed product, there are many different options available to you. If you are looking for a unique statement piece to tie together a room, maybe consider a custom-built furniture piece, like a table, bench or shelving unit. To add a dramatic feature, there are reclaimed paneling options that work perfectly on a wall, ceiling, fireplace, or underneath a bar top. If you are going for a full overhaul of a space, reclaimed products can be used just about anywhere, from flooring to beams and mantles, to trim work and more. Whatever your needs, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help you pick out the perfect product for your home. Specializing in reclaimed products, and with over 30 years of experience within the industry, our expert team will help you with your project no matter how big or small. We carry a variety of products in our climate-controlled warehouse, so you don’t have to wait to get started on your project. Call us today at 1-855-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com for more information or a free estimate! Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/19115/Remaining-Environmentally-Conscious-in-the-Hardwood-Flooring-Industry http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14791/Spring-2019-Cleaning-Guide-from-Your-Local-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom- blog Spring is such a great time of year. The days grow longer, flowers sprout, and you can finally turn that winter coat in for a nice jacket. It is a great time to spend some quality time fixing up your home. Your last major deep clean may have been a few months ago. It is a great time to see if you need to make any upgrades or renovations. Use this guide from your local hardwood floor showroom to help you with all of your spring cleaning and renovation tasks! Before getting started, make sure you have all cleaning supplies you need, including: all-purpose cleaner, new sponges, an eraser sponge, disinfectant wipes, soap scum cleaner, special cleaner for wood and glass surfaces, mopping supplies, dusting materials, rags, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, microfiber cloth, and any other essentials for specific areas of your home. Tackling the Kitchen Giving your kitchen a deep clean is necessary, not only for aesthetics, but for safety. As one of the top areas that bacteria and germs thrive, it is important to clean it and avoid contamination. Change out sponges often as they house bacteria, leading you to spread germs just by trying to wash dishes! One of your first tasks to tackle is cabinets and drawers. Empty them out and give them a thorough cleaning. This is also a great time to wash anything in them, including organizers. You may want to reorganize if you have an ineffective organization before putting items back in. Next, handle your counters and appliances. Don’t forget the top! Last, make sure your floors are clean. You can leave them to dry as you tackle another room. Living Spaces and Bedrooms Dusting will be your first task for your living room and bedrooms. Do this without spreading dust everywhere with a microfiber cloth or cleaning tool. This will enable you to trap the dust. You can take a damp rag to dust and wipe down décor, frames, etc. Don’t forget fans and light fixtures! Next, be sure to use furniture polish on your glass and wood surfaces to give it a nice shine. If you have carpet, invest in a deep cleaning machine or have a carpet cleaning service come in. This will remove any dust and dirt harboring within it that can cause allergies and other issues. It’s also a great time to consider the benefits of hardwood flooring in these areas of your home.  When you are cleaning bedrooms, don’t forget to wash your sheets. Ideally, you should wash them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. During your spring cleaning, it is a good time to give them a long, high-heat wash to destroy germs. While in the wash, make sure to wipe the bed down and vacuum your mattress. You can deodorize it to freshen it up.   Handling Walls and Windows Often, it’s common to remember to wash walls before painting. Make sure to include them in your spring cleaning routine. Take a damp, warm washcloth and a mild detergent (safe for your paint type) and wash down baseboards and crown molding. Once done, repeat the process by washing the walls. Your windows will be your next task on your list. You will do with both inside and outside. Use a streak-free cleaner for the windows themselves, and don’t forget to wipe down the sills and tracks. For the exterior, you can use a mild disinfectant cleaner, and a microfiber rag or mop. You will also need a hose and squeegee. Wipe down your windows, using a ladder if you need to, and practice ladder safety. Once done cleaning the windows, use your hose to clean them off. Ensure they are dry and streak-free by using your squeegee. Tidying Up the Bathroom The bathroom is another area that can harbor bacteria and germs. When you begin, similar to the kitchen, you will clean out your cabinets and drawers. You can use the attachment piece on your vacuum to help easily rid the area of dirt and debris. Next, wash your trim boards, walls, and backsplash using a mild detergent. You can shine up any wood areas with a polish. Make sure to dust and wipe down all other surfaces. For your counters, use a cleaning solution that best suits it. Certain cleaners are harsh for stone counters, so be cognizant when choosing a cleaner. Toilets can be wiped down and scrubbed with a brush. A microfiber cloth is a great solution to help trap some of the dirt. Consider dropping in a bowl detergent cleaner to help sanitize and deodorize the bowl. When it comes to the shower, you can get started shining up your shower head while you clean by using a cleaner or mixture of vinegar and baking soda in a bag wrapped around it. Use a shower cleaner, scrub brush, cloth, and eraser sponge to tackle your shower. Managing Your Flooring Spring is a great time to make changes to your flooring, especially to convert carpet to hardwood. Carpet is a huge culprit for harboring allergens and other bacteria in a home as they are more difficult to clean and will trap these elements. Hardwood is easy to clean and quick to install. The great thing about hardwood is how easy it is to clean. You can give it a daily or weekly sweep with a microfiber tool. If your hardwood is starts to show some wear, you can talk to your local hardwood expert about refinishing it. This is a great way to sand out the imperfections, and you can even restain it if you would like to change the color. Whether you are looking to add hardwood to your home this spring, or might be a good time to refinish, Ward Hardwood Flooring is your go-to specialist. Not only can we assist with the job, but help you design and transform your home with our variety of hardwood, reclaimed beams, and timbers. Contact us today at 303-674-6966 or info@wardhardwoodflooring.com to get started. Wed, 03 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14791/Spring-2019-Cleaning-Guide-from-Your-Local-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom- http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/18878/Bringing-Oak-into-the-Future-of-the-Flooring-Industry blog When you begin the search for the perfect flooring material for your home, the number of choices available to you may be daunting and it can seem like you will never be able to come to a decision.  In almost every flooring showroom, someone will most likely mention either Red or White Oak hardwood flooring.  When exploring this flooring choice, the traditional narrow strip flooring may be the first picture that comes to your mind; however, the advancements in the flooring industry have brought oak into a new future.  There are many benefits to choosing an oak hardwood, and many homeowners are utilizing this versatile and durable choice in their renovation projects. Oak is Extremely Durable Both homeowners and contractors alike are concerned with durability when choosing building materials, and Oak is one of the most durable hardwood products available on the market.  With a Janka hardness rating just below Hard Maple (the most durable of American hardwoods), Red and White Oak are both great options in areas of high traffic, or for families that have children or pets.  As a strong material, Oak is the perfect choice for flooring, cabinetry, wall treatments or custom-built furniture, and you can be sure that your investment will withstand the test of time.  If you already have Oak flooring within the home, its durability allows it to be refinished to either remove signs of wear or change the design look of the home. Cost Effective Material While Red Oak tends to be slightly more cost effective than White Oak, both options will fit nicely into your renovation budget, and with so many stains and finishing options available you don’t have to worry about the budget keeping you from the floors of your dreams.  As Oak trees comprise most of the hardwood forests in the United States, choosing this domestic hardwood flooring is not only a cost-effective option, but a sustainable one as well. Staining and Finishing Options Red and White Oak both have a wide range of naturally occurring colors; perhaps more than any other wood species.  Ranging from warm ambers, to shinier reds, to whitewashed blondes, to deep browns, Oak can fit into whatever design style you are looking to accomplish.  Both species of Oak also come in different grades of material, allowing you to choose between a floor with a lot of character, knots, and color variation or a floor that is cleaner and more linear with little variation from board to board.  Not only do both options offer naturally versatile color and design, but they are porous and therefore take to stain and finish techniques rather well.  The traditional staining method can be used to accomplish almost any color, but new techniques within the flooring industry allow for more unique colors to be accomplished on an Oak floor.  The material can be fumed to enhance the natural color variation within the material, or it can be water-popped to showcase the grain within the Oak.  Not only can many different shades be accomplished with Oak, it also takes well to finishing techniques.  Speak with your local hardwood flooring specialist to learn more about all the different finishes available.  With so many options available, Oak is the perfect design choice for flooring, wall treatments, beams, mantles, and so much more, and you can relax knowing that your investment will last for years to come.  No matter what design you are looking to accomplish, in whatever room, you can count on Ward Hardwood Flooring to help you with your project from start to finish.  We have over 30 years of experience working in the hardwood industry and take pride in every project.  Give us a call today at 303-674-6966 for installation or material options and to schedule a free estimate!   Wed, 20 Mar 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/18878/Bringing-Oak-into-the-Future-of-the-Flooring-Industry http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/18872/Choosing-the-Perfect-Hardwood-Flooring-for-Your-Family blog When beginning a home renovation project, it can be daunting to determine what type of flooring will be the perfect choice for your family, lifestyle and interior design choices.  There are many factors that must be considered: whether the flooring choice will make the room appear smaller or larger, the durability and longevity of the floor, the appropriateness for different rooms and the uniformity with design choices.  For families with small children or pets, durability may be top priority, whereas other families may seek a style that will flow through the home and create an open, airy space.  This guide will help you to determine the most appropriate choice in flooring for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. Prioritize Your Needs and Wants It is important to first make a list of what exactly you are looking for in your new home, and how each room will affect the flooring that is placed there.  Be sure to consider rooms that may potentially be exposed to excessive moisture; such as: basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, and entryways.  These rooms will benefit from a more durable flooring material or will need additional protection in the case of hardwoods.  Also consider any rooms that are going to experience a higher than normal amount of traffic, or rooms that will have kids or pets as they tend to be tough on the flooring.   Another important item to add to the list would be your personal style preference.  Are you trying to complement any trim or cabinetry?  What is the overall design style that you are looking to achieve in each room?  Will the floorplan be open concept and, if so, will the flooring flow through the entire space?  Utilize your local hardwood flooring showroom to help you complement the design elements you have already chosen, or as a perfect place to begin your search for the perfect design. Choose Your Flooring Once you have determined the priorities of your home, it is time to choose a flooring product that will accommodate your needs.  Hardwood flooring is perfect to accommodate a wide range of function and design necessities, but with so many material options it can be difficult to choose between them.  If durability is your primary concern, there are many different reclaimed flooring options available.  When using a reclaimed product, the natural weathered patina and the character of the product helps to hide dents and scratches.  Reclaimed hardwoods are also typically more durable than their traditional counterparts as they have been exposed to the elements for hundreds of years.  Reclaimed products also have a variety of options to give you the design element that you are searching for.  No matter what interior design style you are seeking, there is a reclaimed product that can help you achieve the perfect look.  When looking at flooring types for unique areas in your home, such as over radiant heat or in basement areas, you might be more interested in an engineered product that is specifically designed to minimize shifting between the material after installation.  These products are perfect if you are concerned about gapping or cupping in areas that experience changes in temperature or moisture, and with the improvements in milling technology, you can accomplish almost any look that you would like with an engineered product. Finally, if you are looking for a beautiful yet cost effective option, there are always traditional solid hardwood options.  With so many different traditional flooring materials available, it is important to speak with your hardwood flooring showroom expert in order to determine the perfect material, stain, and finish for your home.  These traditional options can be installed in any room in the home and come in a variety of widths with endless possibilities on color and finish.  If you are looking to truly customize the look of your home while maintaining a cost-effective renovation budget, then this is the perfect choice for you. Whatever you determine your flooring priorities may be, the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring can help!  With over 30 years of experience in the flooring industry, we seek to provide professional and quality service to every customer.  We take pride in every job, no matter how big or how small, and we would love to talk with you about your upcoming project today!  Email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com or call 303-674-6966 today for a free estimate!   Wed, 06 Mar 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/18872/Choosing-the-Perfect-Hardwood-Flooring-for-Your-Family http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17862/Automated-Cleaning--Appliances-of-the-Future blog When considering a new hardwood floor installation or existing hardwood floor refinishing, it can be an extremely beneficial investment within the home.  With this investment; however, comes the added stress of keeping your floors beautiful and clean to avoid scratches in the finish.  Once upon a time, you would only be able to use a broom and mop to clean your hardwood floors, but today in the age of technology there are far more convenient options available to you that will save you time and labor.  Why is a robotic vacuum the best choice for cleaning you might ask?  These machines allow most of the tedious dusting chores to be automated at the push of a button, and most even come with remotes to help clean from a distance. One of the great benefits of these robotic vacuums is that they are light weight and you won’t have to worry about them scratching the floors as they go about their jobs.  But how do you choose a vacuum that will operate best with hardwood flooring?  Follow these tips to help you decide between a wide range of products available on the market today: 3. Shark - Ion 750 Robot Vacuum If you’re looking for a vacuum that is lightweight, low profile and has a wide cleaning radius, then this is the perfect robotic vacuum for you. While the battery doesn’t last as long as other models, it is a good starting point vacuum that is cost effective while delivering the convenience of an automated cleaning system. If you are looking for even more savings, you can opt for the Ion 720, which is the same model vacuum, but instead of Wi-Fi controls, it has a remote. 2. Yujin Robot â€" iClebo Omega YCR-M07-10 One of the largest capacity vacuums on the market, this machine is exceptional for people with kids and pets to help manage the endless cleaning.  With a relatively long cleaning time, and lightweight design, this vacuum is perfect for any floor of the home, and any floor type.  With two side brushes, this vacuum allows extended cleaning in tight spaces, under cabinets, and next to walls.  1. iRobot â€" Roomba 960 App-Controlled Self-Charging Robot Vacuum The most powerful robotic vacuum on the market, the Roomba 960 automatically adjusts to any floor type, seamlessly transitioning between carpets and hardwoods.  With a high-efficiency filter, this vacuum will pick up even the smallest particles, keeping your home free and clear of dirt and pollens.  At a relatively high price point, this vacuum delivers the best automation when it comes to run time, but when it is running low it will automatically return to its base to recharge, and resume cleaning as needed.  What makes this vacuum the number one choice; however, is the tangle-free brushes that help keep your vacuum running smoothly even over pet hair. Also, this vacuum can be voice activated!   Fri, 04 Jan 2019 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17862/Automated-Cleaning--Appliances-of-the-Future http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17806/Environmental-Benefits-of-Hardwood-Flooring blog When deciding what flooring type would be perfect for a living space, many people tend to lean towards hardwoods for their natural beauty and charm. Any space can be completely transformed with the installation of new flooring â€" but why should you choose to do so with Reclaimed Hardwood? There are many benefits to choosing reclaimed products, but it is an ideal choice for those who are worried about the environmental impact of undertaking a flooring project. From reducing the impact on a global scale all the way down to maintaining the interior environment of a home, choosing a reclaimed product will help you feel confident in your investment. Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Process All Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring begins its journey as a part of an old structure that may be centuries old. The material is recycled from the beams, joists, siding, timbers, and other structural elements of various homes, barns, fences, and more. They are then de-nailed, kiln dried, cut into lumber, and milled into planks, and each board has its own unique character and story to tell from this process. By utilizing Reclaimed products for flooring, it reduces the number of trees that must be cut down to produce new flooring. As many century old structures were built with wooden building materials, there is a vast source of hardwood that is just waiting for someone to give it new life. Another huge benefit for the environment is that during the milling process for these Reclaimed Hardwoods, less water and electricity is used than in the manufacturing of any other flooring type. This helps to save energy and reduce fossil fuel use, and in repurposing the wood from structures that would otherwise be torn down and scrapped, it also eliminates the pollution to landfills. This milling process allows for the repurposed material to be 100% reclaimed, meaning that you are getting a strong and durable floor that is completely sustainable. Helping the Environment of Your Home While helping the environment on a global scale is a huge benefit to choosing a reclaimed product, you may also be wondering how it would impact the environment within your home. Hardwoods do not trap dust and allergens in the way that other types of flooring will, which will help develop cleaner air within your home. Hardwood flooring does require more unique maintenance than other types of flooring as it is susceptible to scratching, but a microfiber mop or brush attachment on a vacuum will help keep the dirt and dust to a minimum. Many people have concerns regarding the finishing process that is required with any raw hardwood installation, including reclaimed products. Finishing products have come a long way in recent years, and many companies have released natural, lower-VOC products to fit the green initiative. Improvements are constantly being made to increase performance and durability while reducing the impact on the environment. If you are trying to remain environmentally conscientious during the process of installing hardwoods in your home, be sure to ask your local hardwood flooring expert what finishing options would be best for you. Incorporating Reclaimed Products into Your Design Reclaimed materials do not have to be used exclusively for flooring, there are many different options available to bring sustainable options into your home. These materials can be used for everything from wall treatments, barn doors, furniture pieces, beams and mantles, stair railings, and more! The options truly are limitless, and these pieces can be worked into any design style. With many options for milling, finishing, and staining, your local hardwood company can help incorporate these beautiful products into your home. Whatever custom woodwork you are looking to add to your home, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! They have experience with a variety of products that can bring life back into your home! They put love and care into each one of their projects, as they have for the last 30 years. You can rest assured they will go above and beyond with your project. To explore options for your home, call today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Wed, 26 Dec 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17806/Environmental-Benefits-of-Hardwood-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17653/How-to-Prevent-Damage-to-Your-New-Hardwood-Flooring blog Hardwood floors are a great investmentâ€"that is, if you know how to take care of them properly. Some homeowners install hardwood flooring in Colorado without first learning how to protect and clean them. If you want to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, make sure you follow these tips: Cut your pet’s nails. Do you have a dog? If so, make sure his nails are trimmed down at all times if you allow him to walk across your hardwood floors. A dog’s nails can easily scratch through the finish of your hardwood floors, leaving unsightly scratches that will need to be repaired. Put down a welcome mat. A welcome mat in front of your home serves two purposes: greeting people who have just arrived at your home, and protecting your hardwood floors. Kindly ask your guests to wipe their feet on a welcome mat before coming into your home so they don’t drag dirt and debris inside. If your guests walk across your hardwood floor with dirt and debris stuck to their shoes, they could cause damage. Use the proper cleaning technique. Proper cleaning is very important for your hardwood floor. Start by gently sweeping the dirt and debris off of your hardwood floor using a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a bristle attachment.  You can lightly damp mop with vinegar and water, or use a product that is designed specifically for hardwood floors and follow the instructions closely. Wipe up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage. Do not let water spills, wet boots, etc. sit on the floors to prevent water damage issues.  Put padding on your furniture. Don’t move your furniture back into the room after a hardwood installation until you have inspected the bottoms of every piece. If any piece of furniture does not have padding, make sure you buy some and put it in place. Furniture can scratch your hardwood floors if there’s not a layer of padding separating it from the floor. There are several options to choose from, including foam pads or adhesive pads that stick to your furniture’s legs. Make sure you choose one that is designed to be used on hardwood floors. You should also be careful if you have any furniture with wheels, such as an office chair. If you can, pick up any furniture with wheels when you are moving it back into place after an installation. For everyday use, buy a mat to lay underneath this furniture to protect your floors. Now that you know how to take care of hardwood floors, are you ready to install this flooring material in your home? Let our professionals help. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 19 Dec 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17653/How-to-Prevent-Damage-to-Your-New-Hardwood-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17648/Common-Hardwood-Floor-Terminology blog If you’re thinking of installing hardwood flooring in your home, you may have stopped by a hardwood floor showroom or two to see the many different options. But, while you were there, did you notice people using a lot of words you weren’t familiar with? Were you unsure of how to talk to the sales team about what you were looking for? There are a lot of terms you should know to ensure you are making the right choices for your home. Here’s a handy guide to help you understand some of the most common ones: Prefinished Flooring If you order prefinished hardwood flooring, it means the planks will be stained to the appropriate color and sealed with a protective coating prior to coming to your home. Doing this before the installation reduces the time it takes to complete this project, so many customers prefer prefinished wood. However, as the planks come finished prior to installation, you will not be able to customize the color or finish of your floor.  Reclaimed Wood Some customers order reclaimed wood, which is hardwood that has been salvaged from old, run down buildings. This type of wood goes through a refinishing process prior to being installed in someone’s home. Even though it has been milled, it will still retain the original character and distress marks once installed. Reclaimed wood is preferred by customers who want a unique, imperfect look. Strip Flooring The term strip flooring refers to the width of each hardwood plank. Strip flooring is narrow, usually less than five inches wide, while wide plank flooring is wider than five inches. Strip flooring was once the most popular flooring choice, but current hardwood flooring trends have seen an increase in wider plank and reclaimed flooring. Finish Applying a finish is one of the last steps involved in the hardwood installation process. Finishes can be oil, polyurethane, water-based, acid - cured, or many other types to choose from. Your hardwood flooring expert can help you decide on the best option for your home.  Refinishing Now that you know what a finish is, what exactly is refinishing? If you no longer like the color of your floor’s stain, or if there is a lot of damage on the surface of your floors, you may need to have them refinished. This means a professional will come to your home and sand your floors to remove the current finish and stain. Once it has been sanded down, a new stain and finish can be applied to completely change the look. Stain and Sheen Many customers choose a colored stain to alter the look of the wood, but some still prefer to leave the floors their natural color. Leaving the floors their natural color allows you to see the natural grain running through the wood. Staining the floors can help complement other elements in the home, such as wall color, trim and cabinetry, and any beams or mantles. The sheen can also be adjusted when finishing your hardwood floors, ranging from gloss and semi-gloss to satin or even matte that don't have much shine at all.  Are you ready to install hardwood floors in your home? Or, are you hoping to get more information on hardwood flooring before making a decision? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a free consultation today. Wed, 12 Dec 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17648/Common-Hardwood-Floor-Terminology http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17562/Tips-on-Protecting-Your-Hardwood-Floors-for-the-Holidays blog The closer to the holiday season that we get, the more guests we can expect to be staying in our homes. It’s an exciting time of year to spend with family and friends, and your home is likely going to have a lot more traffic than normal. In most places, this time of year is the snowiest and wettest time of the year, which brings the potential for severe damage to your floors. However, there are a few precautions you may take in order to protect your beautiful hardwood from damage. Utilize Area Rugs and Door Mats Hardwood flooring is especially susceptible to water damage, as it is a naturally sourced product and will respond to changes in the environment more than other flooring materials. This means it is especially important to have rugs in any areas that might potentially be exposed to water damage; for example, by the sink, in bathrooms, under the dining room table for the accidental spill, and at any entry way to help trap the moisture brought in from outside. Another issue is dirt and debris that may scratch the surface of the finish, so area rugs and runners in high traffic areas are beneficial to prevent any damage to the floors. When placing area rugs, runners, or door mats, be sure to use rugs with a natural backing such as felt, as the rubber-backed rugs may cause discoloration on the surface of the floor. Ask Guests to Remove Shoes and Place a Boot Tray at the Door By kindly asking your guests to remove shoes upon entering your home, you will not only prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floor, but you will also prevent any damage from high heeled shoes, or shoes with hard enough soles to damage the flooring. A boot tray is beneficial as it helps prevent wet or snowy shoes from getting water on the floor as they sit to dry. If you don’t want to ask people directly to remove their shoes, you can also consider hanging a polite sign by the boot tray as a friendly reminder. Prevent Holiday Spill Damage If you plan on setting up a real, live Christmas tree, ensure that you have a large enough and deep enough water tray underneath to accommodate any spills. There are also various water barriers that can be placed between the water tray and floor as an added layer of protection. Be sure to have plenty of surfaces available at parties to set drinks and plates as accidents are more likely to happen if people have nowhere to set their plates or drinks. If there is a spill, be sure to have a specific hardwood floor mop, rag or paper towels available to quickly clean up any messes. Be Mindful of Pets Many people will travel with their animals, and if they are brought into your home on the hardwood floors, there is potential for damaging them. Have towels available by the entrance on snowy or rainy days to wipe off muddy paws and be sure to ask guests to trim their pet’s nails before they visit to prevent any scratches to the flooring. It can also help to have a separate area in a “wet room” that has tile or laminate for guests to keep their pets while they stay. If your floors suffered damage from the holiday season, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help restore them to their original beauty. Located in Evergreen, Colorado, we specialize in everything related to hardwood flooring; refinishing, wide plank and rustic new installation, and damage repair. Give us a call today at 303-674-6966 and schedule a free estimate, or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com!  Wed, 05 Dec 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17562/Tips-on-Protecting-Your-Hardwood-Floors-for-the-Holidays http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17523/Top-5-Benefits-of-Installing-New-Hardwood-Floors blog If you’re thinking about making any home renovations, it can be tough to make decisions because of the wide range of products and services available.  This is especially the case for any changes in flooring and it can be intimidating when choosing the perfect floor type to complement the design style and functionality of the room. If you are considering hardwood floors, here are a few benefits of choosing hardwood that may help you in your decision:  1. Wood Floors are Always in Style There was a short time in the 1950’s when wall-to-wall carpet was invented and everyone wanted it simply because it was new and interesting.  However, since then, most homeowners and renters, alike, seem to prefer homes with wood floors.  It is a style that is classic and looks great no matter what era we are in.  Interior décor changes over time, trends come and go. Contemporary, shabby chic, modern, rustic, traditional, industrial; wood floors will fit in to every trend and give a home a luxurious appearance.   2. Wood Floors are More Hygienic Sure you can vacuum carpet, but it doesn't always pick up all the dust and allergens.  And if you spill liquids, forget it; you’ll never get it all because carpeting is a porous weave that traps both liquid and solid particles.  Wood floors have a smooth finished surface, so dirt and spills will mostly rest on top and can easily be swept or soaked up.  Cleaning carpet often requires toxic chemicals and hiring a carpet cleaning service.  However, hardwood floors can easily be cleaned with a few drops of dawn in warm water and can be done without paying for professional service. 3. Wood Floors Look Great no Matter their Condition  There is no flooring more beautiful than a brand new hardwood floor.  The wood grain has a beautiful natural design, the color is dynamic and varies from board to board, and the finish can bring any desired level of sheen to the floor.  But even old, worn wood floors have a beauty to it too.  It looks shabby chic, like it has been well worn and well loved.  It appears to have a history behind it; it’s nostalgic for many people, but still functions well.  Carpet on the other hand, is nice when it’s new, but over time it starts to look worn out and dirty.  Stains have settled in that are impossible to get out.  In areas with high foot traffic, it will begin to look worn and matted.  Eventually, tears occur and nylon strings unravel, leaving a trip hazard.   4. Wood Floors Rarely Need to be Completely Replaced The life expectancy of carpeting is much shorter than wood floors.  If you are lucky, you may get 10 years out of it, tops.  But wood floors can last five times as long.  Even after decades, there is a chance it just needs to be sanded and refinished rather than replacing the boards.  The initial cost might be more for hardwood versus carpet, but because the product lasts so much longer it is a quality investment in the home.    5. Wood Floors have a Better Resale Value For all of the reasons above, homes with hardwood floors sell for more than homes with mostly carpeting.  Real estate agents love to highlight wood flooring in their listed amenities.  Home buyers typically find wood floors more appealing, and renters prefer wood floors because they know carpeting is a trap for germs and grime from previous renters.   Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of just some of the many benefits of hardwood floors versus carpeting. If you’re considering new flooring in your home, rule out the tacky carpet.  For additional information about hardwood floors - the different products, styles and services available, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring.  We can give you a free estimate and have a great selection of wood flooring to choose from.     Wed, 28 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17523/Top-5-Benefits-of-Installing-New-Hardwood-Floors http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17464/Latest-Hardwood-Flooring-Trends blog Everywhere we go lately, we’ve seen beautiful hardwood flooring in Denver; new restaurants, model homes, even new offices are installing hardwood floors. Many people are partial to wood flooring because it is elegant, versatile with any decor, and easy to clean and maintain.  It seems as though everyone has caught on with the great benefits of hardwood flooring.  Now more than ever we have more opportunities to be creative with the variety of styles available for builders and consumers.  If you are considering installing or refinishing your hardwood floors, here are some exciting new trends to consider:  1.  Color.  It used to be that wood stain was mainly available in varying shades of brown. but stains with other color pigments are becoming more widely available.  Varying shades of grays and ebony have recently become a popular option with consumers.  We also have even been starting to see other colors as well such as greens, yellows, blues, and violets.  There's more variety than ever before to express your unique personal design style. 2. Reclaimed Wood.  With the growing need to reduce our carbon footprints, many hardwood companies are offering reclaimed wood.  This is a great way to have style and the peace of mind that you’re being "green."  The reclaimed wood is salvaged from old buildings that have been renovated or torn down and the finished product preserves the historical essence. Reclaimed flooring isn't just a great addition to the rustic design style, but can be used to complement almost any room.  3. Beetle Kill Pine.  In the last decade many have seen the devastating effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic, especially here in Denver.  Fortunately, the wood can still be used for consumers.  Best of all, the use of the wood is considered an eco-friendly product because it is wood that is already dead that would otherwise be left in the forest causing an extremely dangerous fire hazard.  Interestingly, the beetle leaves behind a fungus that stains the wood, so the finished product you receive still contains a beautiful array of blue-grays among the existing blondes, reds, and browns in the grain of the wood.  Some of the wood may even still have burrow marks from the beetle, which result in a unique branch-like pattern not found in any other hardwoods.   4. Wide Plank.  The standard width of wood boards is between 2-3 inches.  In the last several years wider boards have been milled, from 4 inches up to about 10 inches.  The wider planks can make the room appear to be larger and give a rustic impression.  However, widest planks bring a modernized touch to any room.   5. Walls & Ceilings.  Believe it or not, we have seen a comeback in wood paneled walls.  The new colorful array of hardwood stains has brought back this look. Stained wide hardwood planks create an interesting accent wall.  Get creative with colors and wall accents; it’s a versatile design element that can change with the decor trends. Unlike tile, vinyl, or carpet flooring that seems to go in and out of style, hardwood flooring remains a classic staple in home and business decor. Whether you are installing new or refinishing hardwood floors in Denver, and the increased availability and varieties of wood and stain, there are many options to create a uniquely classic space.  Contact Ward Hardwood Flooring today for a free estimate or stop by our showroom and browse our collection of samples for ideas Fri, 23 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17464/Latest-Hardwood-Flooring-Trends http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17457/Holiday-Cleaning-Guide blog The holidays are such a great time of year. Family comes to visit, decorations start going up, and everyone is in a festive mood. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, you may be feeling the pressure to clean and organize the house to host guests or upcoming holiday parties. It is a great time to also tackle fixing up your home to prepare for all of the holiday guests, and your last major deep clean may have been a few months ago. It is also a great time to see if you need to make any upgrades or renovations. Use this guide from your local hardwood floor showroom to help you with all of your holiday cleaning and renovation tasks! Before getting started, make sure you have all cleaning supplies you need including all-purpose cleaner, new sponges including an eraser sponge, disinfectant wipes, soap scum cleaner, special cleaner for wood and glass surfaces, mopping supplies, dusting materials, rags, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner, microfiber cloth, and any other essentials for your home’s specific areas. Tackling the Kitchen Giving your kitchen a deep clean is necessary, not only for aesthetics, but for safety. As one of the top areas that bacteria and germs thrive, it is important to clean it and avoid it from spreading. Change out sponges often as they house bacteria, leading you to spread germs just by trying to wash dishes!  One of your first tasks to tackle is cabinets and drawers. Empty them out and give them a thorough cleaning. This is also a great time to wash anything in them, including organizers. You may want to reorganize if you have an ineffective organization before putting items back in. Next, handle your counters and appliances. Don’t forget the top! Last, make sure your floors are clean. You can leave them to dry as you tackle another room. Living Spaces and Bedrooms Dusting will be your first task for your living room and bedrooms. Do this without spreading dust everywhere with a microfiber cloth or cleaning tool. This will enable you to trap the dust. You can take a damp rag to dust and wipe down décor, frames, etc. Don’t forget fans and light fixtures!  Next, be sure to use furniture polish on your glass and wood surfaces to give it a nice shine. If you have carpet, invest in a deep cleaning machine or have a carpet cleaning service come in. This will remove any dust and dirt harboring within it that can cause allergies and other issues. It’s a great time to consider the financial benefits of hardwood floor installation in Denver homes. When you are cleaning bedrooms, don’t forget to wash your sheets. Ideally, you should wash them on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. During your spring cleaning, it is a good time to give them a long, high-heat wash to destroy germs. While in the wash, make sure to wipe the bed down and vacuum your mattress. You can deodorize it to freshen it up.   Handling Walls and Windows Often, it’s common to remember to wash walls before painting, so make sure to include them in your cleaning routine. Take a damp, warm washcloth and a mild detergent (safe for your paint type) and wash down baseboards and crown molding. Once done, repeat the process by washing the walls.  Your windows will be your next task on your list. You will do with both inside and outside. Use a streak-free cleaner for the windows themselves, and don’t forget to wipe down the sills and tracks. For the exterior, you can use a mild disinfectant cleaner, and a microfiber rag or mop. You will also need a hose and squeegee. Wipe down your windows, using a ladder if you need to. Once you have finished cleaning them, use your hose to clean them off and ensure they are dry and streak-free by using your squeegee. Tidying Up the Bathroom The bathroom is another area that can harbor bacteria and germs. When getting started, similar to the kitchen, you will clean out your cabinets and drawers. You can use the attachment piece on your vacuum to help easily rid the area of dirt and debris. Next, wash your trim boards, walls, and backsplash using a mild detergent. You can shine up any wood areas with a polish. Make sure to dust and wipe down all other surfaces.  For your counters, use a cleaning solution that best suits it. Certain cleaners are harsh for stone counters, so be cognizant when choosing a cleaner.  Toilets can be wiped down and scrubbed with a brush. A microfiber cloth is a great solution to help trap some of the dirt. Consider dropping in a bowl detergent cleaner to help sanitize and deodorize the bowl.  When it comes to the shower, you can get started shining up your shower head while you clean by using a cleaner or mixture of vinegar and baking soda in a bag wrapped around it. Use a shower cleaner, scrub brush, cloth, and eraser sponge to tackle your shower. Managing Your Flooring Spring is a great time to make changes to your flooring, especially to convert carpet to hardwood. Carpet is a huge culprit for allergens and other bacteria in a home as it can embed itself. Hardwood is easy to clean and quick to install.  The great thing about hardwood is how easy it is to clean. You can give it a daily or weekly sweep with a microfiber tool. For mopping, do not use much water. In fact, you shouldn’t use a lot of water or let it sit as it can cause it to warp. If your hardwood is starts to show some wear, you can talk to your local hardwood expert about refinishing it. This is a great way to sand out the imperfections, and you can even restain it if you would like to change the color.  Whether you are looking to add hardwood to your home this spring, or might be a good time to refinish, Ward Hardwood Flooring is your go-to specialist. Not only can we assist with the job, but help you design and transform your home with our variety of hardwood, reclaimed beams, and timbers. Contact us today at 303-674-6966 or info@wardhardwoodflooring.com to get started. Mon, 19 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17457/Holiday-Cleaning-Guide http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17408/Keeping-Your-Toes-Warm-During-the-Winter-Months blog With the weather getting colder and the snow beginning to fall, more homeowners begin to ask about how they can help keep their floors nice and warm while still maintaining the natural beauty of real hardwood floors throughout their home. Radiant heating is the perfect option to keep your home nice and cozy. Radiant, or underfloor, heat is a system that is placed underneath the floor and emits heat through either hydronic or electric methods. However, it is not recommended for use with hardwood flooring products, as they naturally are sensitive to drastic changes in temperature and humidity levels. Installing wood flooring over a radiant heating system is difficult, and the flooring product must be carefully chosen to ensure that the seasonal changes are minimized. It is also important to have a supplemental humidity control system to help keep the humidity levels constant as the heating system begins to reduce moisture content. Picking the right species of hardwood is important when installing a radiant heating system, and the dimensional stability of the wood must be taken into consideration. Species such as Oak, Maple, and Hickory are much better choices, whereas Pine, Cypress and Mahogany would not hold up as well. It is also important to consider using an Engineered product, as these are generally more stable than solid products. When looking at Engineered flooring products be sure to ask about the manufacturer's recommendations with regards to radiant heat, as there are many different methods for producing the flooring that will impact its stability. Be sure to speak with a hardwood flooring specialist about all the different products available, as they will be able to make the best recommendation for the product type. Not only is the species of wood important when determining flooring type best to install over radiant heat, but the type of cut and the widths of the boards should be taken into consideration as well. Quartersawn and riftsawn wood flooring are the best options, as they are cut from the source logs in a way to be the most stable, whereas plainsawn may be more cost-effective, but overall less stable. Also, narrower boards will naturally expand and contract less than wider boards, so choosing a product in the proper widths is beneficial. Finally, when looking at any hardwood flooring, especially in arid climates, consider the possibility of a humidifier to help maintain the moisture content of the wood. With hardwoods, the more stable the temperature and humidity levels, the less change will occur naturally over time. This process is sped up with the addition of radiant heat, and the first time that it is turned on in the winter months can start changing the appearance of the flooring. Working with your hardwood flooring specialist, you can install a humidifier that will minimize the impact to the moisture content of the wood, and keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come.  Almost any wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat, provided the proper environmental conditions for the flooring are created and the proper installation methods are used, as well as daily care and maintenance. If you are considering installing a radiant heat system, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help you with the process. With professional and experienced installers, we are able to help create beautiful and practical floors for the chilly winter months. Give us a call at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com today to get started!   Wed, 14 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17408/Keeping-Your-Toes-Warm-During-the-Winter-Months http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17187/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Stain-for-Your-Flooring blog Whether you are looking to install brand new hardwood flooring or refinish your existing floors, picking out the perfect stain color may be a daunting task. The time and expense of undertaking a flooring project can make it difficult to settle on the perfect stain that will last for years to come, but if you take your time and answer a couple of different questions, you can be sure you get what you want out of your flooring. The most important step is determining the species of wood that you already have or would like to have. Knowing the type of species will determine how they will take to the different stains and knowing the natural color and hardness of the wood will help determine the final color. If you have a darker species of wood such as a Brazilian Cherry, Walnut, or Reclaimed product, you might not necessarily want to apply a stain as it would darken the material or take away from the natural patina. A lighter colored material, such as Ash, Oak or Hickory, are better candidates for staining as it is easier to achieve different colors. After determining the species type, next you will want to plan the overall space to ensure that there is added contrast between the floors and walls. If you are doing lighter colored walls, adding a dark stain to the flooring can help create a more modern space, and lighter floors can look beautiful next to a dark accent or feature wall. If you are planning on incorporating other wood elements into the space, consider what color might best complement them. Picking out colors can be especially challenging because of the difference in the types of light in a space or the amount of natural light that is present throughout the day. When comparing color samples of stain or paint in your home, be sure to have the lighting already installed, and look at them at different times to get a better understanding of what they would look like in the space. The best way to gauge how a stain will look in the space is to either test them directly on the raw wood floor, or to create sample boards by purchasing extra material. Creating sample boards can be helpful for repairs in the future, helping match the stain and finish perfectly if a few areas need attention. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help in choosing the perfect color for your floors. A hardwood flooring professional will know how to achieve the perfect color to complement your design and can help with providing material samples to make the decision-making process a bit easier. Here at Ward Hardwood Flooring, we offer new flooring installation as well as hardwood floor refinishing, and have applied many different stains to many different material types, so you can count on us to deliver the perfect finished product every time. Call us today for a free estimate to see how we can help you! Whether you are looking to install brand new hardwood flooring or refinish your existing floors, picking out the perfect stain color may be a daunting task. The time and expense of undertaking a flooring project can make it difficult to settle on the perfect stain that will last for years to come, but if you take your time and answer a couple of different questions, you can be sure you get what you want out of your flooring. The most important step is determining the species of wood that you already have or would like to have. Knowing the type of species will determine how they will take to the different stains and knowing the natural color and hardness of the wood will help determine the final color. If you have a darker species of wood such as a Brazilian Cherry, Walnut, or Reclaimed product, you might not necessarily want to apply a stain as it would darken the material or take away from the natural patina. A lighter colored material, such as Ash, Oak or Hickory, are better candidates for staining as it is easier to achieve different colors. After determining the species type, next you will want to plan the overall space to ensure that there is added contrast between the floors and walls. If you are doing lighter colored walls, adding a dark stain to the flooring can help create a more modern space, and lighter floors can look beautiful next to a dark accent or feature wall. If you are planning on incorporating other wood elements into the space, consider what color might best complement them. Picking out colors can be especially challenging because of the difference in the types of light in a space or the amount of natural light that is present throughout the day. When comparing color samples of stain or paint in your home, be sure to have the lighting already installed, and look at them at different times to get a better understanding of what they would look like in the space. The best way to gauge how a stain will look in the space is to either test them directly on the raw wood floor, or to create sample boards by purchasing extra material. Creating sample boards can be helpful for repairs in the future, helping match the stain and finish perfectly if a few areas need attention. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help in choosing the perfect color for your floors. A hardwood flooring professional will know how to achieve the perfect color to complement your design and can help with providing material samples to make the decision-making process a bit easier. Here at Ward Hardwood Flooring, we offer new flooring installation as well as hardwood floor refinishing, and have applied many different stains to many different material types, so you can count on us to deliver the perfect finished product every time. Call us today for a free estimate to see how we can help you!   Wed, 07 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17187/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Stain-for-Your-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17186/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Stain-for-Your-Flooring blog Whether you are looking to install brand new hardwood flooring or refinish your existing floors, picking out the perfect stain color may be a daunting task. The time and expense of undertaking a flooring project can make it difficult to settle on the perfect stain that will last for years to come, but if you take your time and answer a couple of different questions, you can be sure you get what you want out of your flooring. The most important step is determining the species of wood that you already have or would like to have. Knowing the type of species will determine how they will take to the different stains and knowing the natural color and hardness of the wood will help determine the final color. If you have a darker species of wood such as a Brazilian Cherry, Walnut, or Reclaimed product, you might not necessarily want to apply a stain as it would darken the material or take away from the natural patina. A lighter colored material, such as Ash, Oak or Hickory, are better candidates for staining as it is easier to achieve different colors. After determining the species type, next you will want to plan the overall space to ensure that there is added contrast between the floors and walls. If you are doing lighter colored walls, adding a dark stain to the flooring can help create a more modern space, and lighter floors can look beautiful next to a dark accent or feature wall. If you are planning on incorporating other wood elements into the space, consider what color might best complement them. Picking out colors can be especially challenging because of the difference in the types of light in a space or the amount of natural light that is present throughout the day. When comparing color samples of stain or paint in your home, be sure to have the lighting already installed, and look at them at different times to get a better understanding of what they would look like in the space. The best way to gauge how a stain will look in the space is to either test them directly on the raw wood floor, or to create sample boards by purchasing extra material. Creating sample boards can be helpful for repairs in the future, helping match the stain and finish perfectly if a few areas need attention. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help in choosing the perfect color for your floors. A hardwood flooring professional will know how to achieve the perfect color to complement your design and can help with providing material samples to make the decision-making process a bit easier. Here at Ward Hardwood Flooring, we offer new flooring installation as well as hardwood floor refinishing, and have applied many different stains to many different material types, so you can count on us to deliver the perfect finished product every time. Call us today for a free estimate to see how we can help you! Wed, 07 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17186/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Stain-for-Your-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17125/How-Calico-Hardwood-Mix-Transformed-this-Home-in-Parker--Colorado blog Many homeowners cherish the value that hardwood floors bring to their home but are skeptical about what type of flooring will both transform the space and be a practical choice for their families. Reclaimed hardwood materials are a great choice for any space or design, and perfect for anyone who has kids, pets or areas of high traffic. As the focus in the flooring industry shifts towards being more environmentally focused, people are choosing reclaimed products to help salvage materials from existing structures and reduce their impact on the environment. One of these reclaimed products is the Calico Reclaimed Hardwood Mix that helped to transform the living spaces in this home, tying in perfectly with the décor and the flow of each room. In the entry, the Calico Hardwood Mix flows beautifully with the existing artwork and wrought iron candle holders, and in through the separate dining room. At the end of the hallway, the flooring stretches through the family room, and into the kitchen. One of the benefits of this flooring is that it has plenty of color variation, perfectly complementing any existing trim, railing, or cabinetry and ensuring that the home flows beautifully from one room to the next.  Updating the entire look of a room can be as easy as choosing the right floor, and a Hardwood Mix is the perfect floor for almost any design. If you are looking for a unique, one-of-a kind floor like this beautiful installation in Parker, Colorado, call Ward Hardwood today! This floor is currently in-stock in our climate-controlled warehouse, ready for installation in your home, and Ward Hardwood is proud to have over 30 years of experience in the Rustic and Reclaimed Flooring Industry. We are also able to re-finish your existing floors, and frequently install traditional strip flooring, so whatever your taste in flooring may be, we can help you walk on the floor of your dreams. Call us today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com, and don’t forget to check out our current specials on our website!   Wed, 31 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/17125/How-Calico-Hardwood-Mix-Transformed-this-Home-in-Parker--Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16824/Hardwood-Flooring-Maintenance-Tips-in-Colorado blog Having new hardwood flooring installed or existing hardwood refinished is an exciting way to refresh a living space, but proper care and maintenance is needed in order to maintain the floors. You can keep your floors looking flawless by keeping up with the following tasks: Sweeping and Vacuuming: Dust and dirt can quickly pile up on your hardwood floors. Not only does this create an unsanitary environment, but also poses an allergen risk. All the pollen, dust and bacteria can dissipate through the air, causing itchy eyes and runny noses. It is crucial to vacuum your floors with a floor-brush attachment or sweep with a microfiber cloth to pick up dirt and debris. Avoid using a normal broom or running the vacuum across the floor as this can cause scratches, especially as the finish is curing. Be sure to place rugs by entryways or areas of high traffic that can easily be washed if necessary to prevent dirt from being tracked in on the flooring. Mopping: When it comes to mopping your floors, an ideal amount for upkeep is about twice per month, or weekly if possible, depending on the amount of traffic across the floor. In the process of mopping, be cautious and use the smallest amount of water possible to prevent any damage to the wood. It is highly recommended to get a dedicated bucket and mop to be used solely for the hardwood floors to prevent contamination, scratches and other damage to the finish. Use only light cleaners that are specifically designed for hardwood floors or simply use a small amount of white vinegar and water while mopping to ensure that the floors can be re-coated in the future. If a beverage or food is spilled on the hardwood floors, clean it up immediately! The longer it is able to sit and soak into the floors, the higher chance it could cause major damage. Protecting Your Floors: Scratches and scuffs do happen, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of damage that normal traffic will cause on your flooring. First, use protector pads on all of your furniture, even if it doesn’t move that often. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and other large furniture typically have smaller legs that can cause significant damage even if only moved slightly. When moving furniture onto hardwood floors, use protector pads or spacers underneath the furniture to be sure that the finish is not scratched. You can pick up floor protectors at your local home and garden store, or as a last resort in a time of need, a towel or blanket can be used as well. Next, keep shoes off while in the home, especially shoes with narrow heels as they can easily dent or scratch your floors. Rocks, dirt and debris can become lodged in shoes and cause damage over time in high traffic areas, so place rugs at entryways and in areas of high traffic to minimize the damage caused by anything tracked in from outside the home. Also, always keep pet nails trimmed as they can cause damage over time. Are you ready for a hardwood floor installation or refinishing in your home? At Ward Hardwood Flooring we can help you bring life to any space with a brand-new floor, or we can give your existing hardwoods a new face. From unfinished strip flooring to prefinished floors to wide plank and reclaimed products, we can handle it all! With over 30 years of industry experience, you can trust us to help with your project no matter if it’s big or small. Get your free estimate to get your renovation started! Wed, 24 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16824/Hardwood-Flooring-Maintenance-Tips-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16823/Unique-Uses-for-Reclaimed-Beams--Timbers-and-Siding blog Adding beams, timbers or siding to your project is a great way to make your home unique, and reclaimed wood adds a beautiful, custom touch to any space. Each piece of wood adds charm with its own history and story to tell. Harvested from barns, factories, and other industrial buildings, it is guaranteed to completely transform a space. Learn how you can create character in your space through these three techniques. Ceiling Beams Exposed beams along the length of ceilings are gaining popularity, and they are admired by homeowners, architects and designers alike. They are a great way to change the contrast of a room by using dark beams in a light living space or vice versa. The linear design of the beams create a clean space to align with hardwood flooring, and can even look great going against the existing ceiling lines. Beams can be used to lead someone’s eye to a certain area, highlighting or defining rooms, and can be placed in patterns to create a focal point of a room. If a space is small and dark, beams can be painted or stained a light color to help brighten the room and make it appear larger. Light colored barrel-vaulted ceilings are becoming more popular in small areas, lending a protective, sheltered feeling to rooms designed for relaxation. Wall Treatments Reclaimed barnwood, snow fence, and distressed face oak siding can be utilized all throughout rooms for a rustic feel, or as a rustic wall to create a unique living space. These materials don’t have to be used exclusively on walls, it can be used as a ceiling treatment, custom backsplash or even on a bar counter. It is important to work with your local contractor to determine how your space could benefit from a wall treatment to avoid any contrast between existing hardwood finishes. Custom Woodworking After having hardwood floors installed or refinished, adding custom furniture pieces, trim and other wood elements can really tie the room together. Custom staircases and railings can be fabricated and installed to help bring the feel of the space into the next level of the home. Mirrors or photo frames can be crafted from the same material as the flooring to tie together any space and create a uniformity that any homeowner would be happy to see. We at Ward Hardwood Flooring are your go-to local hardwood floor installation company! From hardwood floors to other unique reclaimed wood solutions, such as ceiling beams, wall treatments and custom woodworking, use our 30 years of experience to your advantage to create the space that you have always wanted. Our climate-controlled warehouse keeps our inventory in premium condition until it is installed in your home. Learn more about our beam, timber and siding services and give us a call at 303-674-6966 to get started with your project. Wed, 17 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16823/Unique-Uses-for-Reclaimed-Beams--Timbers-and-Siding http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16819/Environmental-Sustainability-of-Hardwood-Flooring blog As we begin to deplete our natural resources, more people are searching for ways to reduce their impact on the environment. This is especially prevalent in the construction industry, with the focus shifting towards the utilization of all natural and replenishable materials. One of the best materials considered to be environmentally friendly, or “green”, are lumber products. A shift among the floor covering industry has been made towards hardwood flooring products for this reason. As the focus on the environment grows, the industry must evolve, and it is important for a company to keep up with the current building practices. Common Myths Surrounding Hardwood Products Many people are hesitant to purchase hardwood flooring because of many different misconceptions about the environmental impact of harvesting, milling and installing this type of floor covering. One myth about wood floors is that it contributes to deforestation, but wood flooring is the most environmentally friendly flooring option available. We have the ability to renew this natural resource by utilizing sustainable forest management, and according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, for every cubic foot of hardwood harvested, 1.66 cubic feet is regrown in its place. Another common misconception is that cutting down trees to produce wood flooring contributes to global warming. Wood building products are actually carbon neutral as the trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their life cycle, making up for the carbon dioxide that is produced during the manufacturing process. In addition, the production of wood flooring produces no methane, nitrogen oxide or other particulates that contribute to global warming. Many people choose flooring materials based on longevity and investment potential and believe that traditional carpet or tile will last longer; therefore, reducing long term environmental impact. While tile is a great long-term choice for any areas susceptible to water leaks or spills, production creates harmful pollutants and is not a great environmental choice for the entire home. The production of carpet is similar in that harmful compounds are released; however, carpet does not have good longevity and must be replaced often, making it an environmentally unfriendly option. Wood flooring is not only carbon neutral and replenishable, but also an incredibly long-lasting option, making it the obvious choice for the environmentally conscious. Benefits of Reclaimed Products While all wood building materials are the best choice for a long lasting, durable and environmentally friendly floor covering, reclaimed products are an even better option. Reclaimed flooring materials are salvaged from structures that are centuries old, reducing the need to harvest newly grown trees and recycling materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. While there are concerns regarding the durability of such products, reclaimed material is one of the toughest that you can purchase as they have already weathered the elements and many of which are sorted for heavy heart content. Reclaimed materials don’t always come from old structures, as is the case with Beetle Kill Blue Pine. Many times, trees are subject to infestation from insects and other creatures that damage the structure and eventually kill the tree, creating a fire risk in these areas. By salvaging the dead material, it reduces the risk of wildfire and helps to contain any infestations and prevent further spread. As an added bonus, these materials offer unique character and coloration to any building material! Benefits of Hardwoods Inside the Home While protecting the environment on a global scale is of critical importance, the environment of your home will affect you on a daily basis, and an unhealthy environment can become a serious risk to welfare. Hardwood flooring can be a beneficial investment to your home as it helps improve indoor air quality and cleanliness. Carpets will trap allergens, dust mites, and even bacteria, and are exceptionally difficult to fully sanitize. Households that have children or pets would benefit from hardwood flooring, and to keep the “coziness” of the room, area rugs are a far better option than wall-to-wall carpet. A frequently asked question when determining floor coverings for a home is how easy each option is to clean, and how durable the floor will be long-term. Hardwoods can be cleaned easily on a daily basis without doing any harm, whereas carpets will begin to deteriorate after thorough cleaning. Tile is similar to hardwoods in that it is easy to clean; however, it is not a good choice for colder climates as the ceramic will retain the cold temperatures more than hardwoods. Tile is also susceptible to stains, mold and mildew in the grout lines over time, leading to other health issues. It is clear to see why hardwoods are becoming the industry standard for floor coverings and is only increasing in popularity every year. However, if you are considering a new hardwood floor installation, you will want to have a professional assist you. The expert staff at Ward Hardwood Flooring can help you determine if hardwood is a good choice for your home and will manage your project from start to finish. Contact us today for a free estimate! Thu, 11 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16819/Environmental-Sustainability-of-Hardwood-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16243/Hardwood-Flooring-Installation-Team-Explains-How-to-Decorate-Rooms-With-Dark-Floors blog There’s no denying that beautiful hardwood flooring can make every living room look elevated and unique. Each piece features a different texture, grain, and appearance, making the room stand out. While the type of wood you choose at the hardwood floor showroom will largely set the tone for the room, the stain and color can make all the difference in how you choose to decorate the space. Dark stains are practically guaranteed to make the room more modern and sleek, but without the right décor in place, they can make the space feel small and claustrophobic. Here are a few easy ways to decorate dark-floored living rooms. Opt for Lighter Walls Dark walls have their place in interior design, but they’re not ideal for rooms with dark hardwood floors. The combination of dark wood stain and dark paint can make the room feel smaller and more closed in. With the living room, it’s important to make the space feel open and inviting, making the lighting stand out and truly brighten the space. Instead of dark walls, opt for a lighter color paint like eggshell white, cream, or even a light pastel. This will reflect both natural and artificial light throughout the room more effectively, thus making the room feel larger and more open. Make Use of Accent Rugs Open floorplans are wonderful, but when the flooring is identical throughout each room, it can quickly start to feel overwhelming and monochromatic. Instead of relying solely on the walls and ceiling to brighten the living room, make use of accent rugs. These rugs can be whatever color you want, highlighting or complementing existing colors and patterns in the other décor of the room. Lay them under the coffee table and sofa to create a well-framed look and use runners to draw the eye through the hallway or walkway. Add Color With Curtains Widows are one of the most underutilized parts of the living room. While they can bring in plenty of natural light during the day, they’re far more versatile than you might imagine. Instead of leaving them as bare openings in the wall, decorate them with curtains to accent both the walls and the rest of the décor. While the floor will still be dark, curtains draw the eye upward and away from the floor, helping to keep the dark floor from becoming overwhelming. Just remember, dark curtains on a light wall may tie the room together, but it they will block more light. When they’re drawn, they can make the room feel smaller, but by the same token, they’re ideal for blocking out neighborhood lights for movie night! Incorporate Dark Wood Furniture Into the Space It may seem counterintuitive to add dark wood furniture into a room with dark floors, doing so can actually make the room feel brighter. If you’re looking to refurnish the living room, consider incorporating pieces with wood accents that are close to the same color as the floors. This will make the upholstery and accent colors on the rest of the piece stand out and pop. Remember, dark on dark doesn’t have to be badâ€"you just have to take care to find pieces that have enough color and accent elements not to completely blend in with the hardwood flooring. Don’t Be Afraid to Mix and Match Wood When installing dark floors, contrast is the name of the game. Though dark wood furniture will work in the space, light wood can help create wonderful contrast. Look for furniture that uses pale woods like pine, birch, and unstained elm. The lighter color will break up the dark appearance of the floor while still showing off that unique wood grain you know and love. Best of all, if you ever decide to refinish the floors or install new hardwood with a lighter stain, your furniture will still work in the space. Accent With Lighting Light fixtures can change how a space looks and feels, even when the lights are off. With dark floors, it’s important to make sure the space is bright, but not washed out. When you incorporate brightly colored furniture and white walls, it’s easy to lose sight of the unique and cozy feel the floors bring to the space. Use your light fixtures to tie the room together, accentuating the dark floors without forcing the ceiling to become overwhelmingly dark or bold. Delicate wrought iron chandeliers and table lamps bring a touch of rustic charmâ€"just keep things bright by using a light colored shade over the bulbs. If you want to create a modern look, opt for metal fixtures that reflect light naturally. Brushed stainless steel is an ideal option for both large and small rooms. Don’t Neglect The Throw Pillows Pops of color can go a long way towards brightening a space. While painting an entire wall a vibrant accent color can be overwhelming, it’s not your only option. In fact, adding throw pillows to the sofa and chairs will allow you to bring more life into the room without committing to a single large swath of color. The eye naturally seeks out these bits of brightness, drawing attention away from the dark floors and up towards the natural light of the space. The colors you choose are entirely up to you and can easily be mixed with darker accents to keep the room cozy. Dark hardwood floors are a beautiful touch to add to any home, but they can make decorating the room a bit more of a challenge than a more neutral or lighter color. However, with a bit of imagination and a touch of your personal interior design flair, you’ll be able to create a comfortable and welcoming living room the entire family will love. If you’re ever ready to upgrade your hardwood flooring or simply want a second opinion on refinishing the planks you already have in place, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. Our expert staff understand the care and maintenance hardwood requires in order to keep your home looking its best for years to come. Wed, 03 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16243/Hardwood-Flooring-Installation-Team-Explains-How-to-Decorate-Rooms-With-Dark-Floors http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16125/Follow-These-Care-and-Maintenance-Tips-From-Your-Trusted-Hardwood-Flooring-Installation-Team blog Hardwood floors are an investment in your home. They’re durable, beautiful, and can completely transform a space, making it look both timeless and modern at once. However, like all flooring, it does require very specific care and maintenance in order to provide you with the long-lasting beauty you wanted when you started shopping at your local hardwood flooring showroom. Using the wrong products on your floor can leave the finish dull and damage the underlying wood. Rather than having to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair the damage, follow this simple cleaning guide and keep your hardwood floors looking great for years to come. Clean Every Day Spills and messes happen all the time, and with a busy schedule, it’s easy to forget to clean up throughout the day. This can leave you with stains set into the wood, scratched finishes, and even moisture-damaged planks throughout your home. Rather than leaving messes where they fall for a few days, get in the habit of cleaning as you go. Each day, give the floor a good dry-sweeping with a soft bristled broom or microfiber cloth. This way, dust, dirt, and debris never has a chance to collect and small spills will be noticed before they can do long-term damage to your flooring. If you have kids, you can even get them in on itâ€"make it a part of their weekly chores and show them how to pick up spills safely so you’ll never have to worry about a sticky mess going unnoticed for several days. Mop Once a Week Whether it’s muddy outside or your family just tracks in a lot of dust as throughout the week, you’ll need to take the time to mop your floors. Unlike cement and tile, wood floors should not be mopped with an all-purpose cleaner. Doing so could damage the finish and leave your floors looking cloudy. Instead, use a quality wood soap or cleaner recommended by your installation team. Approved cleaners will lift dirt up without leaving a residue on your floor, helping preserve the natural color of the wood while maintaining the polish and finish. Though light daily cleaning is recommended, you don’t have to go all-out and mop the floors every day. Once a week will be enough to help you keep up with the dirt and grime. Take Preventative Measures Scratches make even new floors look old and damaged, and refinishing your floors to repair the damage is both expensive and time-consuming. Instead of taking the risk of scratches marring your floor, take a few simple preventative measures. Place rugs in front of each entryway of your home and take dirty shoes off before leaving the entryway. This will help prevent rocks, dirt, and mud from getting tracked throughout the house and scratching your floors. Though dirt is a major problem, it’s not the leading cause of deep scratches on the floorâ€"your furniture is. Any item of furniture that can slide along the floor can leave deep gouges in the wood. Rather than leaving things up to chance, install floor protectors on chairs, ottomans, and even TV trays that may get dragged along the surface. Small rounds of felt glued to the bottom of each leg or furniture sliders will reduce the risk and frequency of scratches and keep your floor looking its best for months to come. Keep in mind that felt may allow the furniture to slide easily along the floor, so only apply it on items you need to move frequently. Move Furniture Around Periodically Flooring ages and changes color over time due to traffic, light exposure, and frequent cleaning. If you leave your furniture in the same place for years at a time, the floor may age unevenly. The result is a patchy appearance both in color and quality of the finish. Instead, rearrange your furniture every year or so and let the floor age evenly. This way, the color will be uniform across the room and the finish will see the same amount of wear and tear over the course of its life. If you notice a particular area aging faster, contact your hardwood floor installation contractor to discuss the steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your floor. Protect The Floor From Water Nothing is more damaging to wood flooring than water. While hardwood may look great in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom, it’s not always up to the challenge of withstanding the changing moisture levels. Protect your wood by laying down bath mats or protective rugs around these areas. Not only will it make the space more comfortable for you to use by adding cushion, but it will also keep the floor safe from water damage. In these rooms, keep a weathered eye out for the signs of water damage. Spotting in the finish, warped floorboards, and even changes in texture of the finish all indicate water damage. Never, Ever, Use a Steam Mop If you’re using a mop to clean your floor, you’ll need to use cool room-temperature water and an approved cleaner. This will help preserve the finish and keep your floor looking its best as long as possible. Under no circumstances should you use a steam mop. These systems introduce heat to the water and all that heat can damage your finish, causing it to bubble up, cloud over, or hold onto the dirt already on the floor. If you’ve used a steam mop on your hardwood floor, contact your installation expert and schedule an inspection. The sooner you repair the damage, the better of your floors will be. At Ward Hardwood Flooring, our dedicated staff wants to help you keep your floors in good shape, whether they were installed a week ago or have been in place for over ten years. We’ll help you with everything from finding a replacement planks to redo your floor to full installation to breathe new life into your home. Contact us for a free installation estimate today and see the difference that an experienced showroom can make in the way your home’s floors look.   Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16125/Follow-These-Care-and-Maintenance-Tips-From-Your-Trusted-Hardwood-Flooring-Installation-Team http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15214/8-Questions-to-Ask-When-Shopping-for-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog Upgrading your home’s flooring is a simple way to improve the value of your house. Nothing adds character and beauty to the space like quality hardwood flooring. However, if you’re just transitioning from carpet or are looking to make a statement with your home’s interior design, finding the right wood can be a real challenge. Before you start receiving estimates and browsing products at your hardwood floor showroom, it’s important that you ask yourself these questions: What flooring do I really want in my house? Within the realm of hardwood floors, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of types to choose from. However, you’ll need to decide on more than just the type of wood you want to install. Consider if you would prefer the charm of a reclaimed floor or if you want a more traditional live sawn material. Will your room look better with wide or narrow planks? The more specific you can get about the type of flooring you want, the easier it will be to make an appropriate choice based on what will fit your home and your needs best. How much can I afford to invest? Some hardwood flooring costs more than other options. Before you start shopping, take a look at your renovation budget and decide how much you want to dedicate to flooring. Take note of this number and do your best to only choose options that fit your budget. Going over-budget on flooring will take away from additional remodeling projects and may leave you wishing you had done things differently. That said, you may want to be a bit flexible when speaking with an installation specialist. The right flooring can add value to your home, making it well worth spending a bit more than you’d initially anticipated. What type of wood do I really want to have? Hardwood floors can be stained, but leaving their natural color intact is typically the best option. Not only does it give you more versatility when redecorating your house, but it also makes the space more approachable should you ever decide to sell to another family. When making the choice, think about the type of feel you want the room to have. Ash, maple, and birch all make the space look bright, increasing the amount of natural light that gets reflected throughout the room. Woods like cherry or mahogany make the room darker, but also add an air of sophistication. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answerâ€"picking the color of your floors is a matter of personal preference. Which finishes are the best for my house? Hardwood floors come in different finishes ranging from satin and matte to high-gloss. Satin finishes give the wood a softer appearance, reflecting less light and keeping glare to a minimum. High-gloss floors are heavily polished and reflect even small amounts of light vibrantly. The finishes are, like wood choice, a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that high-gloss floors will show more dirt and dust than matte or satin sheen floors. If you have lots of pets or small children, a finish with less sheen may be better for your home. Do you want to reduce noise or focus on durability? Traditional hardwood floors are designed to withstand extensive traffic without showing significant wear. This means woods like hickory, oak, and maple will be able to withstand high levels of foot traffic without scratching or denting. However, these floors are often louder than softer woods. If you’re worried about mitigating noise over reducing the frequency of scratches. The hardwood industry rates floor loudness using the Janka rating system. Floors with a higher Janka rating will be louder, but more durable while woods with a lower Janka rating will muffle noise, but are more susceptible to scratches, dents, and wear. Have I considered existing woodwork? Hardwood flooring needs to match the rest of your home’s interior design. If you’re upgrading to wood in the kitchen, consider the colors of your cabinets, walls, wood trim, and any other existing woodwork in the room. Choose a tone and type of wood that matches your existing décor. This way, you’ll be able to keep the interior you love while upgrading your floors. Remember, the less you have to change about your existing interior, the more money you’ll save in the long run. How much do I need to order? When determining how much wood you need to buy to upgrade your home’s flooring, you’ll want to look at how many square feet you need to cover. Asking a professional to provide you with an accurate estimate will eliminate any guesswork on the size of the rooms you wish to redo. Though it may be tempting to purchase the exact amount of wood for the total square footage you want to cover, it’s best to order more than you think you’ll need. Remember, mistakes happen and if you don’t order more than the exact square footage, you’ll be in big trouble if a cut is misplaced. As a general rule, order at least 10 percent more wood than you’ll need to cover the room. This will give you leeway for a few mistakes without forcing you to run short on materials. Do I want to replace any vents? Replacing your hardwood flooring is the perfect opportunity to replace worn out air vents and grates set in the floor or along the floorboards. Before you finish the project, consider which grates you want to replace and make sure to select a material and color that works with your new flooring. Your installation team will often be able to install these new grates at the same time as your floor, saving you both money and time. Ready to start thinking about replacing your home’s flooring with quality hardwood? Browse the full collection of products at Ward Hardwood Flooring and find the perfect match for your space. Our dedicated staff is on hand to help you explore your options and find the best materials for your budget and your family’s unique needs. Schedule an estimate today and let our friendly staff help you transform your home. Wed, 19 Sep 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15214/8-Questions-to-Ask-When-Shopping-for-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13047/Fall-Home-Renovation-and-Ideas-for-Denver-Reclaimed-Mantels blog Fall Home Renovation and Ideas for Denver Reclaimed Mantels Fall is an excellent time to tackle your home renovations before the winter sets in. While some ideas can help you spruce up your home with fall themed décor, there are many other changes that you can enjoy all year long. These changes will also help to increase the value of your home that will pay off in the long run. As you consider which areas of your home need renovation, use these tips for entry ways, living rooms, bathrooms, décor, Denver reclaimed mantels, and outdoor maintenance.   Ideas for the Foyer Is the entryway of your home a welcoming area? As the first impression of your home, and the entrance that welcomes you each day, consider making some updates to make your house feel like a home. Not only should your renovations help to enhance the appearance, but also should be practical. Make sure you do not add anything to clutter the space, especially if you have a small foyer. One of the great ways to add your own personality is to add an accent wall and/or a photo wall that highlights those that live in the home. For practical use, have furniture that can hold keys, purses, bags, shoes, and more that keeps it out of the way, but is easy to access on your way in and out. Adding Warmth to a Living Room There are various ways you can make a living room feel cozy and comfortable through choice of décor. For colors, try different light shades of beige, orange, or red. Add accent and décor pieces to match with gold tones, and wood tables, cabinets, and more. Brown leather furniture, pillows, and accent pieces can also add warmth to a living space. If you prefer a lighter color for a living room with shades of blue or grey, add brown or black fur throw blankets on your couch to dress it up, and darker or lighter throw pillows that are the opposite color of your chairs and couch. Another great way to enhance your living room and add warmth is with a reclaimed mantel. By using salvaged wood that is fifty years old or even older, it will be rich with history. Use this wood to enhance your mantel and pair it with beams from your ceiling. Lighting When trying to set the tone in a room, having the proper lighting is key. For living spaces and bedrooms, you will want to make sure you have lighting to accommodate a variety of activities. During the day or night when you are busy, you will need bright lighting. You can accomplish this through can lights in the ceiling strategically placed by an electrician to provide optimal light around the room. You can add a dimmer to the can lights to help change the ambiance of a room. Kitchens can have similar themes with bright cans that help make it easy for preparing food. To save on costs, make sure to use LED lighting in your home. Fall Décor Ideas For a temporary, seasonal addition, add fall décor to your home. At your local home goods store, invest in faux pumpkins that are available in a variety of colors that can match the colors in your room. Pair them with fall themed real or faux flowers in your kitchen, foyer, living room, and more. You can also find fall themed art to hang over your new mantel of reclaimed wood. For other functional items, invest in inexpensive fall-themed throw pillows, blankets, rugs, curtains, and any other accessory you can find. Faux leaves are also another great addition that you can add to your mantel, as a table runner in the dining room, or entry way table. Last, add in a chalkboard in your kitchen and use reds and oranges to write notes, menus, and more.   Ensuring Energy Efficiency While many of your fall renovations are aesthetic, you can make many changes to your home that will help you save money. First and foremost, how are your windows? Inefficient windows that let air come in can make your heating and cooling bills soar. Before the cold temperatures set in, look into installing new, energy efficient windows that are properly sealed and keeping the air out. Next, your kitchen might be an inefficient part of your house. By installing ENERGY STAR certified appliances, you can use up to 30 percent less energy. This will provide valuable savings on your bills each month and will also increase the value of your home. Also, when installing energy efficient appliances in your home, you may be eligible for tax credits, rebates and savings from Energy.gov. Outdoor Maintenance Last, as fall sets in, make sure you give the outside of your home some TLC. It is the ideal time to make any changes to your lawn and landscaping, which can include walkways and driveways. Brick pavers are a great addition to replace concrete, which will add warmth to your home, will increase value, and will be more manageable during the winter. Make sure you re-mulch your landscaping and fertilize. This will help your plants, flowers, shrubs, etc., make it through the harsh winter. While you are working on the outside of your home, look into fall décor such as pumpkins on steps or at a door, or orange accent lighting in the ground or in shrubs.  To help you add warmth and beauty to your home, Ward Hardwood Flooring has you covered. As your hardwood flooring expert, with experience with antique and reclaimed wood, we have a variety of ideas to help you with your home renovation. For more ideas, be sure to read our guide on rustic home décor ideas and reclaimed mantels. To see how we can help you with your home renovation project, contact us at 303-674-6966 or email us at info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. We can help with ideas that will provide you with a great return on your investment for years to come. Wed, 12 Sep 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13047/Fall-Home-Renovation-and-Ideas-for-Denver-Reclaimed-Mantels http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15124/Beetle-Kill-Pine--Sustainable-AND-Beautiful----Ward-Hardwood-Flooring blog What You Need to Know About Beetle Kill Pine At Your Hardwood Floor Showroom Building a sustainable and eco-friendly home involves more than just upgrading your home’s appliances to energy-efficient models. It involves being selective about the materials you incorporate throughout the structure. Luckily, in Colorado, we have access to a sustainable and beautiful building material, perfect for making your home’s interior look as unique as you could possibly want: beetle kill pine. This material is the perfect choice for your home’s hardwood flooring installation, but before you commit to using beetle kill pine in your house, there are a few things you’ll need to know.    Beetle Kill Would Be Waste-Wood Otherwise Throughout the Southwest, mountain pine beetles have destroyed large swaths of the forest by laying eggs inside the pine trees native to Colorado, New Mexico, and Northern Arizona. While insects laying eggs inside the bark are not always harmful, these bugs really pack a punch. They leave behind a blue stain fungus that keeps the tree from being able to repel the insects. Over time, the fungus spreads and kills the tree, preventing it from absorbing the nutrients it needs to survive. Without milling the wood as a sustainable flooring and siding material, it would otherwise be useless, slowly composting in the woods or acting as tinder for wildfires.   The Fungus Is What Causes The Stain Beetle kill flooring is well known for its distinctive blue tint. Though it may look like it was artificially stained, the color is a direct result of the fungus introduced by the mountain pine beetle. Though it’s a fungus, it’s not harmful to your home or to humans, especially after the wood is treated. Prior to being installed in your house, the wood is heat-treated, killing any residual insects, fungi, bacteria, or spores lurking inside the panels. This makes it completely safe and prevents the fungus from spreading to any other wood in your house.    More Coloration Doesn’t Mean Lesser Quality Wood Contrary to popular belief, the fungus doesn’t diminish the structural integrity of the wood. It simply kills the tree, the structural integrity of the planks is only impacted by the number of knots and the overall quality of the milling process, not by the amount of “beetle kill” coloration on the wood. If you want to create a unique almost completely blue floor, you can without worrying about adding stabilizing supports.     Beetle Kill Pine Can Be Used Everywhere Though many people choose to install beetle kill for flooring, it can be incorporated almost anywhere in your house. Use sanded panels to create a decorative accent wall in the living room or frame out your fireplace using the distinctive boards. If you want to create a more rustic look, consider using the panels to add depth and dimension to your ceiling. The only limit is your imagination. With the right treatment and carpentry, beetle kill can be turned into almost anything.  No Two Planks Are Alike Because beetle kill pine produces a unique finish and color, there’s no way to create a uniform appearance. This makes the material perfect for homeowners wanting to make a room unique and help their home stand out from the rest in the neighborhood. If you’re wanting to create a uniform floor or wood-paneled wall, you’ll be better off choosing a wood like oak, maple, or cherry. These woods are easily stained and can give you a more uniform and cohesive look. Though all hardwood will have unique rings and natural imperfections, only beetle kill will give you a wide range of natural color variations from within the same tree.    Waste Wood Can Be Used Decoratively As with all wood floors, you’ll have some waste wood either from cuts or imperfections that you don’t want to include in your hardwood installation. However, the unique color of beetle kill wood lends itself to decoration. With a bit of creativity, the waste wood can be turned into beautiful inlaid designs, trim above the chimney, and even as standalone artwork. The more of the waste wood you can incorporate into your home’s build, the more sustainable the project will be. While it may not impact your bottom line, it will give you the chance to express your creativity and add unique touches to your house.  Beetle kill pine is a fantastic addition to almost any home, whether you’re renovating a room or building from the ground up. At Ward Hardwood Flooring, our dedicated staff will help you create a home you can be proud of. You’ll have the flexibility to buy materials and handle the installation on your own or let our experienced crew get your floor installed quickly. Already have flooring you love, but want to make it look like new again? We can refinish and repair existing planks to breathe new life into your house. Fill out our contact form for your free no-obligation hardwood flooring installation estimate today.   Wed, 05 Sep 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15124/Beetle-Kill-Pine--Sustainable-AND-Beautiful----Ward-Hardwood-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15040/Ways-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Can-Transform-Your-Home-to-Rustic-Style blog Ways Your Hardwood Floor Showroom Can Transform Your Home to Rustic Style When considering a style to update your home, consider transforming yours into a rustic theme. Rustic homes have charm and warmth that make it a cozy and welcoming place to come home to each day. This style of home is simple and elegant with so many unique opportunities to explore. Take some time to learn all about this antique style and how your local hardwood floor showroom can help make your home transformation and décor dreams possible. Rustic Style Overview Homes with rustic style and themes are heavily decorated with wood. Wood themes are throughout the property in every room. It could be as simple as flooring and trim, to walls and furniture. Rustic homes are beloved by many homeowners thanks to their authenticity. Whether you are looking to add in rustic themes as accents or throughout your entire home, there is much that can be done. Features within rustic homes include: Antique finishes: The rustic style is true to the past. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through adding in antique fixtures and pieces into your home. These can be everything from light fixtures to furniture. The finishes do not have to be antique but can be new pieces of furniture and décor that are designed in an antique fashion. Distressed appearances: Items with a distressed look showcase their past. These items are aged, and while they aren’t perfect or pristine, this is what people love so much about them. The cracks, patterns, etc. honor all their years in existence. Whether they are floors or beams, a variety of items in your home can be distressed. Exposed elements: A very common theme in rustic homes is the presence of exposed elements. These can include exposed brick, stone or wood. Tying into the distressed look, exposed elements are a great way to build character. These exposed features are not painted over but rather true to their original elements. Exposed fixtures can be smaller accent features or the focal point of the entire room. Flooring Your flooring is one of the first go-to options for the rustic theme. Accomplish this task by installing antique and reclaimed flooring. It is available in a variety of light and dark shades in oak, heart pine, tobacco pine, wormy chestnut, hickory, and more. With hardwood flooring, make sure to invest in antique reclaimed wood when seeking a rustic theme as it is distressed and rich with history. Even better, this type of hardwood is reclaimed, which means it was harvested and crafted into an entirely different structure many years ago. From here, it has then been re-used in a variety of commercial and residential settings. You will notice all the pieces of its history within the cracks and character; however, these characteristics are finished. You will not be investing in outdated and poor-quality flooring, but strong floors that have stood the test of time. The wood is so durable because at the time it was cut, wood was not as in-demand as it is today. Accents There are a variety of rustic accents you can incorporate into your home. First, consider adding a wood accent wall. This can be a consistent grouping of colors or a mixture of lights and darks. Pair the accent wall with neutral paint colors such as grey or white. You can create an outside-of-the-box idea by adding trim in the shape of an archway and have wood planks that fill it. Put the icing on the cake with an antique hanging light fixture.  Whether you are installing an accent wall or hardwood floors, you do not have to keep a traditional shape. Consider creating patterns with the planks such as zigzags. Your local hardwood flooring specialist will be able to help you create the perfect pattern that will enhance the space. Fireplaces and Mantels A great way to add warmth, both literally and decoratively to your rustic-themed home is with a fireplace. Did you know by adding a fireplace to your home, you could be increasing its value by $10,000 or more? And you may only need to spend a few thousand dollars for installation, depending on the type of fireplace that appeals to you. With your rustic fireplace, it can have a wood frame or even exposed brick. You can choose gas, wood or electric for your fireplaceâ€"and any can be tailored to your rustic theme. Wondering which to choose?   Gas: A gas fireplace is easy to keep up with and is more inexpensive with monthly costs. It also requires less maintenance as a wood burning fireplace as you will not need to spend the time or labor chopping wood. When ready to extinguish your fire, you can do so with a slip of a switch. Wood: True to the rustic theme, wood burning fireplaces have an essence and scent that you will love coming home to. It is also a great way to save money as it requires neither gas or electric to run. Electric: For a safe option that you may need around children or pets, an electric fireplace is a great choice. They are also a great way to warm your house or room while not having to turn up your heat. You can purchase an electric fireplace and incorporate rustic décor and themes around it. Plus, many electric fireplaces can be controlled with a remote, making it highly convenient! Along with your rustic fireplace, you can also install a mantle or a reclaimed wooden wall treatment as an accent to the room. Keeping with your rustic theme, work with your local hardwood flooring specialist to install a mantel constructed of reclaimed wood. From reclaimed hardwood floors to ceiling beams and other rustic fixtures, Ward Hardwood Flooring will help you every step of the way for your rustic home transition. They have a variety of services to accommodate your project. In addition to these ideas, you can also take advantage of their finishing treatments, custom barn doors, beams, timbers, stairs, handrails, wall treatments, and more. See what they can do for you by stopping by their showroom at 29390 Industrial Way, Suite 100 in Evergreen.  Wed, 29 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15040/Ways-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Can-Transform-Your-Home-to-Rustic-Style http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14940/Transforming-Your-Living-Room-with-Reclaimed-Furniture blog Transforming Your Living Room with Reclaimed Furniture Are you looking for ways to share your story through your home design? You can add character and charm in a variety of ways, especially with reclaimed furniture. Tying in with reclaimed floors and ceiling beams, this type of furniture is perfect to complete the décor goals you are trying to achieve. Not only will you be impressed with the possibilities, guests of your home will love it too! Custom options are rarely seen, allowing you to create a truly unique space. Learn the benefits of furniture made of reclaimed wood, ideas to implement in your space, rustic themes, custom furniture, and tips for perfect lighting and color. Why Reclaimed Furniture? You can incorporate reclaimed furniture into your décor for extra character. Each piece will tell a different story and bring warmth to any room. What you may not realize is that reclaimed wood used for furniture is very strong and durable. It survived decades, or in some cases, even centuries! This is great to know as you are thinking of how to replace existing furniture. And while reclaimed furniture can show its age in upscale ways, you can trust it’s reliability. Some of the common types of reclaimed furniture include: Dining room tables Coffee or end tables Chairs and barstools Foot stools Benches for entryways or for dining room seating Islands Desks Bookshelves Floating shelves Dressers Cabinets Mantels Ideas for Your Space Wondering how to add reclaimed furniture in your home? There are a variety of ways! Dining rooms: The number one method of incorporating reclaimed wood into a dining room is by adding a wooden table with matching chairs. For small spaces, choose a lighter color to help make a space look larger. Looking to add warmth? Choose a dark wood with red cherry tones. Pair it with a wood storage cabinet to allow you to store your china, glassware, and more. Kitchens: Replace your existing vinyl countertop with wood! This is the perfect addition that will match perfectly with wood used in other rooms in the home. Plus, the reclaimed wood will be durableâ€"making it ideal for this high traffic area. You can have a glossy finish over it, or you can keep it more natural. Whichever you choose! Living Rooms: If you have a couch in your living room, you can add rocking chairs or foot stools/storage spaces made of reclaimed wood. If you have ceiling beams and hardwood flooring, choose colors and textures that complement them. For additional décor, add shelving to place picture frames or small flower pots to give added character. Bedrooms: Have you considered a bed made of 100 percent reclaimed wood? This durable option is perfect for rustic and country homes. Pair it with matching night stands that sit next to, or are attached, to the bed. Next, add a bench in front of the bed with a comfortable cushion on top. A bench is perfect for getting ready in the morning or sitting for a few minutes while winding down for the day. Recreational areas: Use reclaimed wood to store items for your entertaining spaces, recreational rooms, garages, or more. Whether you need to put beverages and glasses in a safe place, or store your tools, reclaimed wood will protect them. Rustic Themes Are you looking for ways to transform your home to have a rustic theme? There are many traits of this style you can incorporate into your home. Rustic homes are very earth-centric, incorporating several aspects of nature. Common materials used in rustic homes include natural stones and color palettes, iron and metal accents, natural cloth, wood, and leather.  Rustic homes often are thought of as older and that they revisit décor of an earlier time. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate new items, just be sure they fit the theme. Need ideas? Try some of these rustic home décor ideas and reclaimed mantels. Also, rustic and country homes often have large porches or patios to complement them. This is perfect to spend summer evenings lounging, or for showing off plants, flowers, and more. Working with a local hardwood specialist you can customize the exterior of your home to give it a personalized look. Creating Custom Furniture If you were inspired by some of the furniture mentioned above, you can work with a local hardwood specialist to create a custom piece. If you haven’t been able to find the perfect piece for your needs, then customization would be the perfect choice. When going custom, you can be sure you are using true reclaimed furniture. This will both fit with your rustic theme and be more durable than store bought furniture. If you are handy and love to build, you can buy the wood and create the item yourself. Or, you can work with a local specialist to help you map out your ideas on paper, assist with finding the perfect material and take on the building project. Lighting and Colors As you put together the final pieces to your rustic remodel, make sure you are choosing the right lighting and colors for your spaces. While shades of brown are common in these theme, you can pair other shades to add life to your spaces.   Next, make sure you have lighting that properly accents your renovations. Use warm lighting and bulbs that have a soft appearance. Instead of your bright white LEDs, you can choose bulbs that have orange hues to reduce strain on the eyes.  Ward Hardwood Flooring is your go-to hardwood expert to help you create the perfect rustic home. From hardwood flooring and mantels, to reclaimed furniture, they will help you renovate your space and create the rustic home of your dreams! Get inspired and stop by their showroom, located at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wed, 22 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14940/Transforming-Your-Living-Room-with-Reclaimed-Furniture http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16506/Why-Choose-Ward-- blog "We are so pleased with our newly-refinished floor and stairs! We think the color turned out really well and the workmanship is great. We wanted to make sure you know that we think all of your employees worked diligently, professionally and efficiently -- AND they are all truly nice people. We couldn't believe that the project was completed in just 4 days! - Roger & Sue, 2015 "WOW the floor is fantastic, it is definitely an eye looker. We are going to be the envy of the neighborhood!!! The workmanship of the installers is wonderful. The custom work around each heat vent is amazing. I just stood there and stared at the floor for what seemed like forever." - Alicia, 2014 "It had been a while since we had our floors refinished and Dave was extremely professional throughout the experience. The price was fair, they completed the job on time and the quality really shows off the oak floors. We have 20 ft vaulted ceilings and the work crew did a great job protecting our furniture and left the room dust-free . I definitely recommend anyone looking for quality hardwood refinishing to use Ward Hardwood." - David, 2017 "I received several estimates for a large hardwood flooring project in my home. David Ward came out to my home to give me an estimate, and I could tell right away that I had found the right company. I plan to keep my home permanently, and was looking for an exceptional job, and this company delivered. The price I paid was exactly what I had been quoted, and the job was done quickly. The floor is amazing and I get compliments for it all the time. I would strongly recommend this company!" - Kevin, 2014 "Great people to deal with all the way around from the showroom to installers. Every person was courteous and went the extra mile for us. A truly unique product that changes the look of your home. Do not hesitate to do business with." - Frank, 2015 "...I commend them for their efforts and willingness to work around my busy travel schedule. The reclaimed oak they obtained from the east coast and installed with the Glitsa finish looks fantastic." - William Read Full Review on Houzz Fri, 17 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/16506/Why-Choose-Ward-- http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14548/Top-Ways-to-Include-Wood-in-Your-Home-Renovation--Including-Hardwood-Floor-Installation- blog Top Ways to Include Wood in Your Home Renovation, Including Hardwood Floor Installation Wood is the perfect accent piece to incorporate throughout your home. It can be subtle yet adds so much character and charm. When you are renovating your home, let wood become the staple of your design and décor. It will be that perfect addition to make the space complete. Try any (or all!) of these ideas when you take on your home renovation project with hardwood floor installation. Accent Walls Over the last few years, accent walls have become a top trend that homeowners choose to liven up a room. It started out with painting one of the walls in the room a different color than the rest. As time went on, so did design creativity. Using a different, but similar, paint color evolved into the use of simple patterns or even adding in multiple colors and designs. Trends then turned to wallpaper. This wasn’t your 1970’s off-yellow wallpaper with flower patterns, it was sleek and fresh. As soon as people started to realize the many options for accent walls, they realized wood also made a great material for creating a bold focal point in a room. There are many different options when it comes to utilizing wood for accent walls. Use darker, aged reclaimed wood that has a mixture of colors for a rustic, farmhouse feel, or, if you have a modern home, choose a re-sawn wood with little color variation. Built-In Shelving Adding built-in shelves could be the perfect addition to your home. There are endless options available and they can fit into any design while providing functionality. Some ideas for built-in shelving includes:   Storage for a living room, creating a home entertainment center arrangement Wall length shelves in a home office with built-in track lighting Master bedroom walk-in closet setups for clothes, shoes and jewelry Stylish Bookcases that eliminate clutter Mantel over the fireplace Nightstands that fit into any size space Dining room shelves to showcase art and décor while providing storage for dishes Cabinetry Wood kitchen cabinets are a great addition to your home. If your cabinets are old, consider renovating your kitchen and add wood cabinets. For a cozy feel, choose a medium tone wood, or you can create a rustic feel by using distressed reclaimed hardwood that has both light and dark shades. If your style is contemporary or modern, choose a single shade of wood and make sure it has a smooth finish. Be sure to complete the look with customized hardware. If your kitchen has a large suspended hood above your oven, you can add cabinets directly above it to bring the kitchen together and hide unsightly vents. No matter what, your local hardwood specialist can create custom solutions, allowing you to add design, character and function to your space. Ceiling Beams Ceiling beams are a subtle touch to add during your renovation project. You can keep them simple by adding a few that extend the length of the room, staining them to match existing hardwoods or choose distressed beams for a rustic feel. If you have a space that needs a bold focal point, consider intersecting beams to create a pattern on the ceiling, which is more ideal for larger spaces. Depending on your room and location in the house, you can add skylight windows in between beamsâ€"perfect to adding natural light in your house. Beams can also be curved or angled if a room has vaulted ceilings, and many homeowners love trusses. Butcher Block in the Kitchen A butcher block is the perfect addition in the kitchen. Butcher block counters are planks of wood merged together and treated allowing you to cut and prepare food without using a cutting board. You might choose to install a butcher block on an island or outfit all countertops with wood. Certain stone counters have anti-microbial properties, and wood counters can also be resistant to germs and bacteria. Contrary to stone, wood typically needs to be treated at least twice per year to maintain their luster. Hardwood Flooring The ultimate way to add wood in your home is flooring, especially reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood has character and life, as it has been around for many years. This type of wood is available in a variety of colors, allowing you to mix and match light and dark to make the space unique. Reclaimed wood is also eco-friendly, and you can feel secure in your investment as you are saving and repurposing wood with rich history. There are many other types of hardwood flooring a homeowner may choose if reclaimed does not sound like a good fit. it is crucial to find the perfect fit for your home that fits your décor and style. Some options include: Strip flooring Wide plank flooring Pre-finished flooring When you are refinishing your hardwood flooring Colorado, your floors are sanded down to eliminate imperfections from over the years. You can also re-stain it to be a different color. This allows you to easily change the look of your flooring if you choose to change your design in the future.  When it comes to any of your home renovation and décor needs, choose the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring. They have a variety of wood accents and flooring that will make for the perfect addition to your home. From wood beams, barn doors, and accent walls, to barn siding, timbers, and mantels, they have it all. Drop by our showroom located at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, call 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com for more information! Wed, 15 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14548/Top-Ways-to-Include-Wood-in-Your-Home-Renovation--Including-Hardwood-Floor-Installation- http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14453/Designing-Your-Perfect-Home-Office-with-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog Designing Your Perfect Home Office with Hardwood Flooring in Colorado Whether you are seeking a remote position, starting your own business, or have the option to work out of your homeâ€"it’s important to set up your home office to work for you. Functionality and organization is key to productivity. With planning and research, you can create the perfect office that you’ll never want to leave! Use these go-to home office tips to set up your perfect space. Establishing Needs Your home office will need to be tailored to your specific needs. Your first step is to make a list of what you need and want in your work space. If you have a current workspace, start making a list of what you use daily. Consider things such as:   Storage and organization Desk size and filing cabinets Lighting Supplies and materials Equipment (computer, keyboards, scanner, etc.) Furniture Décor As you go about your day, write down everything you use, how often you use it, and areas you think you can improve. Now is the perfect time to assess your current situation and find better solutions for a more functional space. Discover Your Style for Design and Layout A great benefit of creating your own space is being able to customize it to exactly the way you want. Think about what colors you’d like, how the layout would be most functional, what furniture to incorporate, art to hang on the walls, and more. Pictures of friends, family, or special events can be design highlights that help provide encouragement during the work day. Be sure to choose colors that will help you maintain focus and choose pieces that create a calming environment. Natural woods are great for bringing warmth and comfort into an office space. Making Customer-Friendly Will you have customers meeting with you in your home office? It is best to ensure there is space for your customers to feel comfortable. Most importantly, make sure there is ample seating and workspace while meeting with you.  It might also be helpful to have a separate seating area depending on the nature of customer meetings. Otherwise, your desk with a couple of chairs on opposite would work for your clients. Make sure you have places available for them to leave their belongings, hang their coats or bags, and anything else to make their experience more comfortable. Depending on your needs, furniture can be custom-made in whatever configuration you are looking for. Speak with your local hardwood specialist to see what options are possible in your space. Another bonus that will help provide your customers with a convenient experience is to make Wi-Fi or other frequently used resources easily accessible to them, they will appreciate the added amenities. Last, consider installing a small refrigerator in your office. Keep it stocked with water and a variety of soda to make available to your clients. Ergonomic Features Ergonomic furniture can be extremely important in your work place, as is not just for comfort but can prevent injuries due to improper posture. So, what exactly is ergonomics? Ergonomics is a method of arranging a work space that complements an individual’s needs. It includes seating that encourages proper posture, which may be complemented with foot rests. It also ensures your arms are at the appropriate length while working on a computer, your monitor being an arm’s length away to avoid added eye strain, and keyboards and a mouse that keep your hands at an appropriate distance while you type. There are other ergonomic features you might incorporate as well, such as standing desks to help avoid sitting for extended periods of time. Organization and Storage One of the top priorities you should set during your home office renovation is to ensure your storage and organization needs are met. Today, there are many types of versatile storage furniture allowing you to choose unique statement pieces, instead of standard metal filing cabinets. Proper organization can be essential in improving productivity in the workplace, and customized options can be made to suit your specific needs. The newest development in office organization is to switch to electronic methods of storing and retrieving data. You can take advantage of services such as Google Drive or Dropbox to share files with clients, or to keep online documents secure. For paper you need to store, make sure to use file folders with labels, categorized in an order that makes most sense to you. Keep items you review or file frequently within quick reach. Hardwood Floors Another quality addition you can incorporate into your home office renovation is to add hardwood flooring. It’s sleek and professional, yet warm and inviting. You can add in personality by adding rugs into the space. Hardwood has longevity, whereas carpet does not, and is especially helpful if you have clients coming in to your office space. It also exudes professionalism that your customers will be impressed with. Find motivation using these renovation ideas to incorporate hardwood flooring. When it comes to hardwood flooring and design for your home office renovation, Ward Hardwood Flooring has you covered. As your quality hardwood specialist, they will add warmth and charm to your space, making it a relaxing and professional. Stop by their showroom to explore ideas at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, Colorado. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., their specialists will help you to create a customized workspace that you will cherish daily. Wed, 08 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14453/Designing-Your-Perfect-Home-Office-with-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14298/Ways-Your-Local-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Can-Liven-Up-Your-Decor blog Ways Your Hardwood Floor Showroom Can Transform Your Home to Rustic Style When considering a style to update your home, consider transforming yours into a rustic theme. Rustic homes have charm and warmth that make it a cozy and welcoming place to come home to each day. This style of home is simple and elegant with so many unique opportunities to explore. Take some time to learn all about this antique style and how your local hardwood floor showroom can help make your home transformation and décor dreams possible. Rustic Style Overview Homes with rustic style and themes are heavily decorated with wood. Wood themes are throughout the property in every room. It could be as simple as flooring and trim, to walls and furniture. Rustic homes are beloved by many homeowners thanks to their authenticity. Whether you are looking to add in rustic themes as accents or throughout your entire home, there is much that can be done. Features within rustic homes include: ·         Antique finishes: The rustic style is true to the past. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through adding in antique fixtures and pieces into your home. These can be everything from light fixtures to furniture. The finishes do not have to be antique but can be new pieces of furniture and décor that are designed in an antique fashion. ·         Distressed appearances: Items with a distressed look showcase their past. These items are aged, and while they aren’t perfect or pristine, this is what people love so much about them. The cracks, patterns, etc. honor all their years in existence. Whether they are floors or beams, a variety of items in your home can be distressed. ·         Exposed elements: A very common theme in rustic homes is the presence of exposed elements. These can include exposed brick, stone or wood. Tying into the distressed look, exposed elements are a great way to build character. These exposed features are not painted over but rather true to their original elements. Exposed fixtures can be smaller accent features or the focal point of the entire room. Flooring Your flooring is one of the first go-to options for the rustic theme. Accomplish this task by installing antique and reclaimed flooring. It is available in a variety of light and dark shades in oak, heart pine, tobacco pine, wormy chestnut, hickory, and more. With hardwood flooring, make sure to invest in antique reclaimed wood when seeking a rustic theme as it is distressed and rich with history. Even better, this type of hardwood is reclaimed, which means it was harvested and crafted into an entirely different structure many years ago. From here, it has then been re-used in a variety of commercial and residential settings. You will notice all the pieces of its history within the cracks and character; however, these characteristics are finished. You will not be investing in outdated and poor-quality flooring, but strong floors that have stood the test of time. The wood is so durable because at the time it was cut, wood was not as in-demand as it is today. Accents There are a variety of rustic accents you can incorporate into your home. First, consider adding a wood accent wall. This can be a consistent grouping of colors or a mixture of lights and darks. Pair the accent wall with neutral paint colors such as grey or white. You can create an outside-of-the-box idea by adding trim in the shape of an archway and have wood planks that fill it. Put the icing on the cake with an antique hanging light fixture.  Whether you are installing an accent wall or hardwood floors, you do not have to keep a traditional shape. Consider creating patterns with the planks such as zigzags. Your local hardwood flooring specialist will be able to help you create the perfect pattern that will enhance the space. Fireplaces and Mantels A great way to add warmth, both literally and decoratively to your rustic-themed home is with a fireplace. Did you know by adding a fireplace to your home, you could be increasing its value by $10,000 or more? And you may only need to spend a few thousand dollars for installation, depending on the type of fireplace that appeals to you. With your rustic fireplace, it can have a wood frame or even exposed brick. You can choose gas, wood or electric for your fireplaceâ€"and any can be tailored to your rustic theme. Wondering which to choose? ·         Gas: A gas fireplace is easy to keep up with and is more inexpensive with monthly costs. It also requires less maintenance as a wood burning fireplace as you will not need to spend the time or labor chopping wood. When ready to extinguish your fire, you can do so with a slip of a switch. ·         Wood: True to the rustic theme, wood burning fireplaces have an essence and scent that you will love coming home to. It is also a great way to save money as it requires neither gas or electric to run. ·         Electric: For a safe option that you may need around children or pets, an electric fireplace is a great choice. They are also a great way to warm your house or room while not having to turn up your heat. You can purchase an electric fireplace and incorporate rustic décor and themes around it. Plus, many electric fireplaces can be controlled with a remote, making it highly convenient! Along with your rustic fireplace, you can also install a mantle or a reclaimed wooden wall treatment as an accent to the room. Keeping with your rustic theme, work with your local hardwood flooring specialist to install a mantel constructed of reclaimed wood. From reclaimed hardwood floors to ceiling beams and other rustic fixtures, Ward Hardwood Flooring will help you every step of the way for your rustic home transition. They have a variety of services to accommodate your project. In addition to these ideas, you can also take advantage of their finishing treatments, custom barn doors, beams, timbers, stairs, handrails, wall treatments, and more. See what they can do for you by stopping by their showroom at 29390 Industrial Way, Suite 100 in Evergreen.  Wed, 01 Aug 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14298/Ways-Your-Local-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Can-Liven-Up-Your-Decor http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14213/Home-Design-Styles-to-Pair-with-Your-Antique-Hardwood-Flooring-Installation blog Home Design Styles to Pair with Your Antique Hardwood Flooring Installation One of the great aspects of antique hardwood flooring installation is how versatile it fits with any style of home. You can fit the flooring to match your existing style, or it will work with future plans to renovate. This versatility gives you the ability over time to make changes that best fit the décor you are looking for. Plus, it’s a great way to increase your home’s value. Learn about features, elements, and décor styles for the top six design themes, and how you can incorporate your hardwood flooring installation with each. Rustic Style definition: The rustic theme is a very nature and outdoor-oriented. It is often paired with natural colors, such as beige, white, or light blues. Features and elements: Wood and stone are the two main features of the rustic theme. The wood and stone can be placed anywhere in a room, from brick or stone accent walls to hardwood beams running vertically over a wood ceiling. Décor: When choosing furniture or décor for a rustic theme, a distressed look is popular. This includes handmade furniture with exquisite craftsmanship. It also includes several items that are repurposed, such as lamps constructed out of salvaged materials décor found at antique shops. Hardwood pairing: When choosing a rustic home, install hardwood with a distressed look. This will match your other décor and themes within the space. You can work with your local hardwood flooring specialist in pairing in the wood to match for other accents, such as mantels, doors, and fireplaces. Traditional Style definition: The traditional home theme comes from 18th and 19th century Europe and is classic and simplistic in nature. It adopts a natural color palette, with an elegant appearance. Traditional homes incorporate the elements from many different centuries and is warm, rich and inviting. Features and elements: Traditional homes typically have beige, white, or light color walls, with accents to help make them pop. Curves and lines are commonly featured in traditional homes but are not over-exaggerated. Tile is also a common feature, especially for backsplashes. Décor: When decorating a traditional themed home, elegance is key. Look to find pieces that create symmetry, such as lightly-colored throw pillows to arrange on your couch and simplistic window treatments. In fact, drapes are very common with this style. Wood beams on ceilings are a great accent to add to your spaces too. You can keep them as-is, paint them white, or stain them a color to match the remaining wood accents in the room. Hardwood pairing: Medium to dark hardwood flooring is common in traditional homes. If you prefer some carpet, have a lighter color in living rooms and bedrooms, and then utilize hardwood throughout. Or, you can install hardwood throughout the home and utilize rugs to accent the space. Mid-Century Modern Style definition: Mid-century modern homes are influenced by the 1940s - 1960s-time period. They are somewhat industrial and minimalistic in nature, and very focused on clean lines and gentle curves. Features and elements: Delving into shapes, mid-century modern homes are heavily influenced by them. Some are linear-focused, while others have elements that are round, oddly-in-shape, or angular. Stone, metal and glass is also common in this theme, but still paired with traditional materials, such as wood. Colors range from neutral to bold, with emphasis on contrasting materials. Décor: Pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, or that resonate with that theme, are ideal décor items for mid-century modern homes. This includes chairs that are uniquely shaped, or wooden furniture or shelves simplistically designed and linear in fashion. As you search, find chairs, ottomans, and end tables with legs that slightly bow out. Do not overly decorateâ€"keep things simple. Hardwood pairing: Antique hardwood is perfect for a mid-century style home. Choose a light or dark shade with clear lines to help continue the theme. Industrial Style definition: The industrial style home is very driven by warehouses and urban settings. It often exudes an “unfinished” look. The industrial feel is achieved with a mix of grays, neutrals, and rustic colors. This style is typically found in urban areas and incorporates raw materials to give the space an unfinished feel. Features and elements: The industrial theme will feature exposed brick, open ducts and hardwood. Metal is incredibly common, from the exposed ducts to various décor pieces. Large sectionals help close off larger spaces and divide living areas, especially in an open loft setting. Décor: When designing an industrial space, keep it simple and use raw elements. This includes wood and metal accents. It could be distressed wood beams on a ceiling to a simple piece of art on a brick accent wall. Reclaimed wood open faced shelving and kitchen islands are big hits in the kitchen Hardwood pairing: Choose a dark, distressed shade of antique hardwood for your industrial spaces. You can also incorporate pops of lighter color to mix things up. Modern Style definition: Modern, homes are influenced by the time period before the Industrial Revolution. It is a very clean and linear style with minimal detail and sparse design. Features and elements: Modern homes are driven by lines and symmetry. They feature oversized tiles, heavily sanded wood flooring, open floor plans with few walls, and minimal trim work. Modern homes are often described as clean, with many natural tones paired with pops of color throughout. Décor: When purchasing décor for modern homes, choose clean and sleek designs. Chrome and stainless steel paired with bold, primary colors creates a modern feel. Hardwood pairing: Choose a solid color of antique hardwood for your modern styleâ€"one that is higher grade, uniform, and evenly sanded and stained will fit best into the design. Contemporary Style definition: Contemporary homes were designed after the 20th century, so while they are often confused as “modern” today, it will change with time. It encompasses specific attributes of all the different styles, with a new take. Features and elements: The contemporary style will feature lines and curves throughout, with a natural color palette. You will find this style to have clean elements and features, avoiding a distressed look. Eye-catching architectural elements are popular within this style, and the use of a shapely fireplace or room divider is common. Décor: When designing a contemporary space, tie in natural aspects such as genuine fabrics for throw blankets or pillows, and large accent lights. Art is also extremely popular with this style. Furniture pieces should have clean lines and smooth surfaces, and are typically made of light-colored woods, glass, stainless steel, or chrome. Natural fabrics add a sense of texture to the design, while bold colors and patterns can highlight specific areas in the room. Hardwood pairing: Choose simple and sleek hardwood floors for this home style. Avoid wood with imperfections as the style is defined by basic lines and patterns. Light or dark colors are both popular for contemporary homes. To help you find the perfect flooring for the style of your home, choose Ward Hardwood Flooring to help you find the perfect floor to match the design style that you are seeking. Contact today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com to get started on your project. Wed, 25 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14213/Home-Design-Styles-to-Pair-with-Your-Antique-Hardwood-Flooring-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14108/Antique-Hardwood-Flooring-Choices-for-your-Colorado-Home-or-Business blog When installing hardwood flooring in your home or business, there are a few things to consider. First, you must decide what style of wood you would like to use and how it will look next to the rest of your style choices. If your home or business has a rustic appeal to it, choosing floors that use antique wood can be a fantastic choice to accentuate the existing characteristics of your structure.  ‘Shabby chic’ style choices have become all the rage in recent years. This style is when items, whether furniture, flooring, or other interior decorations, are chosen for their antique appearance due to wear and tear or artificial distressing. Environmentally Friendly Choices If you are interested in a hardwood flooring style that fulfills the shabby chic aesthetic, using wood that has been reclaimed can be the perfect choice for your flooring project. Reclaimed wood is more environmentally conscious, as you are reusing wood from previously crafted structures, reducing the need for live tree harvesting. As deforestation becomes a more critical issue for society, the trend of reclaimed wood in hardwood flooring will likely continue to rise in popularity. By utilizing reclaimed hardwood, you are also able to have it LEED certified, which can be useful in marketing and promotion material if you own a business. Recycled and reclaimed wood counts toward LEED certification, as you will be using wood that does not deplete a non-renewable resource. In general, using reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly choice that can let customers or guests know that you care deeply about your environmental impact. Stylistic Choices Reclaimed and antique wood flooring can have a classy appearance, as antique wood has a great deal of natural beauty in comparison to engineered products. Antique wood options also have several unique characteristics, as the texture and color of this wood choice tends to be much more diverse and dynamic than standard options. Because this wood has been used for other projects, the variation in texture and pattern will be unlike any other choice you can find. Each wood plank will have its own history and story behind it, which can add to the unique style and character of your home. Each board has a history that can be seen within the weathered and distressed appearance of the wood itself. The vibrancy and depth of colors found in antique wood is unparalleled in comparison to newer choices. Reclaimed wood will stand out more due to the aged appearance of the wood itself. Age and exposure can add a new dimension to the color of the wood that often cannot be fully mimicked. This aspect of antique wood creates increased character and style for your flooring that will be sure to impress any guests. Strength and Durability Choosing reclaimed wood as your flooring can be a smart choice in terms of durability. Many reclaimed wood planks will have been exposed to outside elements, meaning that they will be less susceptible to warping and damage from other environmental factors. Additionally, species such as American chestnut and longleaf pine will likely only be found as a reclaimed wood product.  Antique wood choices may be of an older growth variety, which is stronger and denser that most of the new wood choices available on the market today. As antique wood was often grown during times of decreased and minimal pollution, the strength of the wood itself can be much greater than that of contemporary counterparts. By opting for a reclaimed wood choice, you will know that your wood flooring will last for years to come.  One of the biggest worries that can accompany the installation of a hardwood floor is the potential for scratches. With an antique flooring choice, the wood will already have a distressed appearance, making dirt and minor scratches less noticeable, the perfect choice for homeowners who have young children and pets. Potential downsides of antique and reclaimed wood Although antique wood flooring may be a fantastic option to consider when taking on a new project, it is also important to consider some of the potential downsides with such a choice. Increased price is one of the biggest downsides to opting for reclaimed wood, as this option has increased in popularity in recent years with aforementioned ‘shabby chic’ stylistic choice.  This choice can also come with an increased cost due to additional manufacturing demands that can accompany antique wood flooring projects. Often reclaimed wood will have metal particles lodged in the wood, which will require additional labor to remove prior to the installation process. Dealers may misidentify wood due to a lack of experience with certain species, which further stresses the importance of choosing a hardwood flooring company that employs experienced and qualified professionals. Additionally, antique or reclaimed wood that is not kiln-dried or treated may contain pests that can lead to your wood slowly decaying and becoming damaged over the course of time. It is important to source your wood from reputable dealers who have taken the proper precautions to ensure the durability and appropriate conditions of the wood.  If you are interested in having reclaimed or antique wood flooring installed in your home or business, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring today to speak with a qualified professional. They pride themselves on matching customer needs with the perfect wood flooring choice and are happy to walk you through the process. Wed, 18 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/14108/Antique-Hardwood-Flooring-Choices-for-your-Colorado-Home-or-Business http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13808/Top-5-Hardwood-Flooring-Trends-in-Denver-for-2018 blog   After the start of the new year, new trends in hardwood flooring have surfaced for your Colorado home. Staying current with the latest and most up to date information regarding hardwood flooring is crucial for keeping up with the current styles, and summer is the perfect time to update the look and feel of your home.  1. Environmentally friendly finishes As society becomes more conscious about the effect certain products have on our environment, the movement towards ecologically friendly alternatives will continue to grow in 2018. The use of green products in our homes has grown exponentially in recent years and can be witnessed in the growth of green construction materials as well. One of the components of hardwood flooring is the finish, which can consist of products that are not beneficial for the environment. For the new year, expect to see an increase in the usage of higher quality polyurethane oils which smell less and are VOC compliant. VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, have a high vapor pressure at room temperature. Certain compounds have lower boiling points, which causes large amounts of chemicals to evaporate or sublimate from the solid or liquid form and enter into the surrounding air within an environment. There are a variety of higher grade finishes on the market that are VOC compliant, which means the compounds meets an acceptable level of VOC’s. Not all VOC’s are necessarily harmful for human health, however you can expect to see a push for reduced levels of VOC’s across the hardwood flooring industry. A selection of products are available with reduced levels of VOC’s compared to other products.  In addition to polyurethane oils that are VOC compliant, the use of natural oils, such as tung and linseed oils, have increased in popularity. Resinous waxes are also being applied as an alternative to standard finish products in the effort to use biodegradable and non-toxic products. Beyond environmental factors, the advantage of using such oils is that they can be easily reapplied if the floor is scratched. Because these oils penetrate the wood, they have the benefit of creating a richer and more organic patina. The drawback for using these types of natural oils is that they are much more expensive than traditional finishes. They also can easily absorb water, as they do not provide a protective finish against moisture. As a result, they require more regular maintenance, and can be costly to upkeep. 2. Wide-ranging color options A recent trend in hardwood flooring is the use of neutral floor colors. In new homes, the most popular colors used by designers are gray, blonde, and dark. Neutral colors can give a home a more contemporary and modern look, and many homeowners choose ash or white oak to achieve this. Bold color choices have also seen an increase in popularity. Reclaimed old world blend hardwood is a bold, darker choice for those looking to go outside the standard color scheme, as every board is unique and tells a different story.  Darker brown flooring should become more popular in 2018 and beyond. The only downside of such color choices is that they can make a room appear smaller, leading to a more congested feeling. Deciding to go with this color scheme may be a better option if your home has a larger floorplan or taller ceilings. 3. Unique texture options. Color is typically the first on the list when people are looking at hardwood flooring, but the importance of texture also cannot be overlooked. With the rise in popularity of more rustic and earthy styles, textured flooring has become more in-demand than ever. One texture style variation includes hand scraped wood floors. The method of long, ingrained scrapes along the surface of the wood gives the appearance that each plank was hand-crafted. This method is also more time-consuming and expensive but will deliver beautiful custom flooring. Another method is wire brushing which gives floors a distressed appearance and offers homeowners the advantage of not having to worry about small scratches impacting the look of their floor. As a result, this option can be perfect for customers who have pets or small children. 4. Special patterning and layout options The standard hardwood flooring layout is to run the boards in the same direction as the layout of the room. However, there are a variety of layout options to choose from that stand out from the traditional form. Some pattern options offer diagonal layouts, meaning the floors are laid out at an angle to the wall. Another option that could gain traction in the new year is that of a herringbone style, which features planks that are arranged in a hexagonal patterning. Again, these alternative layout options require more labor and materials, which can impact your final decision. 5. Wide plank flooring. Beyond color, texture, and layout options, one of the other trends to be on the lookout for are wider plank flooring. This option creates the appearance that your room is larger; and that the floors are sturdy and high quality. It can be a great way to make a statement that your floor is the premium feature of your home.  If you are interested in updating your floor or need hardwood floor installation in your new home, please contact Ward Hardwood today. A qualified specialist would be happy to help you find the perfect hardwood flooring option, no matter what your needs.   Wed, 11 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13808/Top-5-Hardwood-Flooring-Trends-in-Denver-for-2018 http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13696/Designing-Your-Perfect-Master-Bedroom-with-Reclaimed-Wood blog Your bedroom is the place you start and end your day and should invoke peace and tranquility. The space should be arranged and designed in a way to make you enjoy your time spent there. Unfortunately, sometimes a bedroom design and layout can cause you stress or difficulty sleeping! There are so many great ways to create the bedroom you are looking for. No matter what your budget, explore these options to mix up the space and make it work better for you. From layout, storage, and fireplaces, to furniture, and flooring with reclaimed wood, learn how to create a bedroom that works for you. Layout Design Ideas The design and layout of your bedroom is key. Avoid having a bedroom that is cluttered and laid out in a manner that is hard to navigate around. You should be able to get to each point in the bedroomâ€"from the bed to the closet. If you have a small room, keep your bed close to a wall and leave a small walkway. Choose the corner of the room diagonal to the door to provide a larger amount of space for the other furniture in the room.  For larger rooms, opt to have your bed centered on a wall opposite of the door. In both large and small rooms, you can have tables or attached nightstands with lamps and other items. One way to help a room seem larger, or for great décor, is to have a mirror mounted on the wall. When choosing the spot to mount it, mount it right above the bed. This way, you will help the room feel larger and airier with great aesthetic design.  If you choose to have a television in your bedroom, avoid putting it in a location hard to see. One of the best options is to mount it to the wall directly in front of the bedâ€"if possible. If not, choose the side of the room easiest for viewing if it does not distract from the other areas. To tie in rustic elements, consider adding a wooden accent wall made of reclaimed wood at the far end of the space. Finalize the room with a tall mirror, a favorite painting, or even wood accent shelving to hold items that bring your personality into the space. Closets and Storage The closet in your master bedroom needs to be easy to organize and navigate. When starting from scratch, there are a variety of brilliant ways to make the space work for you that goes beyond clothing bars to hang clothes. While you may have the space to hang your clothes, consider adding built-in shelves that can take place of your dressersâ€"freeing up space in the bedroom. You can have separate areas for different types of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more. You can also have built-in drawers added to your master closet as well for personal items. No matter what you need stored, you can add it in your customized master closet.  Tying into the reclaimed wood accent wall in the bedroom, hardwood flooring is a great option for a closet. Why? It is easy to clean and doesn’t harbor dust and other elements the way carpet doesâ€"keeping your clothes cleaner and minimizing allergens.  For closet lighting design, ultimately that is up to you. You can choose warm vibes, which tie in well with a rustic feel, or even hang a chandelier to add a chic vibe. You can choose from recessed, track, or hanging lights that fit your feel. You can even add in lights within your built-in shelves to help you better identify items.   Fireplaces and Mantels A great addition to your bedroom during a renovation is a fireplace. It helps create that cozy feel you are looking for and helps keep you warm in the winter.  When it comes to the types of fireplaces you can choose, there are electric and gas models. If trying to save money up front, electric models cost lessâ€"but note that it will increase your electric bills each month. For smaller bedrooms, many homeowners choose electric to help save on space; however, if you have a larger bedroom then a gas fireplace is a great option. If you choose a gas fireplace, it will need a chimney whereas an electric will not. Wood burning fireplaces are the most cost-effective, but also require the most work for installation. Ultimately, the choice is yours.  When building your ideal fireplace, wood accents will bring both character and personalization to the focal point of the room. One of the most common locations to place the fireplace is across from a bed on an outer wall to highlight its’ beauty. You can decorate around it with chairs and a small table and mount a television or mirror above a mantel made of reclaimed wood. Furniture Do you have a smaller bedroom? Find furniture that serves a dual purpose with storage. You can find beds with built-in drawers to replace your dressers. You can also find nightstands with drawers that attach to your bed to help save on space. If you will be adding lamps or lighting to your bed, make sure to be mindful of their size as you do not want the room to become cluttered. If you would like to continue using reclaimed wood, consider having a custom bed built out of the same material to tie in with the existing accents.  For another small cozy touch, add a chair with an ottoman or a chaise in the corner opposite of the bed. Next to the chair, place a lamp with warm lighting. This is perfect for reading or relaxing at the end of a long day. Flooring Go-Tos For the perfect flooring option in your master bedroom remodel, add reclaimed hardwood. Reclaimed hardwood flooring is the final piece to tie into your bedroom design. It adds the warmth needed for a relaxing environment. For a darker tone, choose a distressed grade reclaimed oak to achieve varying shades of dark brown. For a lighter choice, try a milled grade reclaimed tobacco pine. To help you with any of your reclaimed wood needs for your bedroom renovation, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help. When it comes to choosing Denver reclaimed wood flooring from your hardwood floor showroom, we can show you everything to design your perfect space. Get started on your ideal bedroom design today by calling 303-674-6713, or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Wed, 04 Jul 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13696/Designing-Your-Perfect-Master-Bedroom-with-Reclaimed-Wood http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13520/Top-Design-Ideas-using-Reclaimed-Wood-and-Antique-Flooring-in-Denver-to-Transform-Your-Home blog Investing in your home to enhance its appearance, functionality, and value is key. This is true whether you plan on staying in the home for years, or you are considering a sale in the future. A specialist can work to give you a blank slate for creating the rustic home you have always wanted. Learn about some of the top home investment and decor ideas to consider using reclaimed wood and antique flooring in Denver. Basement Finishes and Remodels Unfinished basements are one of the top projects homeowners neglect to complete, but that add substantial value to a home. Finishing the space will help it become a much safer environment, especially older basements that harbor pests, mold, and mildew.  A basement remodel is also the perfect opportunity to bring the space up to code, which is crucial for safety. For most homes, a remodel will add much better insulation. This provides overall savings as the temperature inside will stay more consistent, lowering utility bills and increasing energy efficiency. So, what is there to consider with your basement? Envision how you could benefit from additional space. Perhaps you need a spare bedroom or an extra bathroom? Or maybe it would be helpful to have a larger space to do laundry? There are also homeowners that create a recreational space. This is perfect for entertaining or for home theaters with insulation and sound barriers that will not interrupt anyone upstairs. Finishing the space with dark hardwood floors and reclaimed beams will help make it a cozy, relaxing space. Kitchen Upgrades The kitchen is the most common space in the home where families spend time together. When remodeling a kitchen, your priority should be to look at your counters and cabinets. Installing stone counters such as granite, marble, or quartz is a much more durable choice. Stone counters are rich with color and are preferred among homebuyers. They are easy to clean and can stand up to the everyday wear and tear of a kitchen. If going for a more dramatic statement, a butcher block counter may be used on an island to create a truly unique focal piece in the room. For cabinets, choose a color that coordinates with your new counters. Many will choose a darker stone for the counters and a lighter color for cabinetsâ€"but you can choose any matching combination that fits your style. Next, fixtures need to match the theme of the room. Make sure all fixtures have the same finish for consistency.  Be sure to add in hardwood flooring for the final touches on the space for that warm, rustic feel. You can also add a wall with light colored reclaimed wood. All the hardwood in the kitchen can be customized to achieve the exact look to tie the entire room together. Wood accents paired with a light color will make you fall in love with your kitchen all over again. Enhancing the Living Room When looking for the ideal way to bring new life to your living room, create a centerpiece or focal point. You can accomplish this by adding or When looking for the ideal way to bring new life to your living room, create a centerpiece or focal point. You can accomplish this by adding or renovating a mantel. Mantels of salvaged wood tell a story of the past and can be mixed with your story as you will be able to decorate them with photos and pieces that fit your personality. You can work with your hardwood expert to find the type of wood that best fits your home.  Create consistency and continuity by adding wood beams to your ceiling. This reclaimed wood addition will create character in a space and make a dramatic difference. The design of the beams is up to you. You could add several evenly spaced beams, a few beams for a simplistic design, or one solid beam for a bold statement. Depending on the color of your room, you can leave the wood as-is with its original color or have them stained to match the other decor. To finalize your living room, make sure your layout complements the space. Spaces come in all different shapes and sizes, so you need to arrange your furniture and decor in the best way to make the room shine. Arrange furniture in smaller rooms strategically to make the space feel welcoming and create walkways in larger rooms to ensure great flow throughout. Freshening Up Bathrooms Outdated bathroom counters age the room and decrease its value. If you opted to install stone counters in your kitchen, have the same stone installed in your bathrooms. You may even be able to get a discount by installing the stone in several rooms.  Next, give the space a fresh coat of paint. If you have a small bathroom, opt for lighter colors that will help the space feel larger. You can help the space pop by adding in an accent wall to matches the work done in a different room. Add in open wood shelving of reclaimed wood for functionality and design. For the final touches, add rustic farmhouse vanity lighting. Hardwood Flooring As you work to renovate the rooms in your home, install antique hardwood flooring. This is a crucial piece to tie in for the rustic look and feel you are searching for. While there are different types of hardwood, such as antique oak, heart pine, tobacco pine, hickory, and moreâ€"each plank is different. While every room of your house will have the same theme, each plank will tell a different story. This is a fantastic way to give new life to a piece of the past. Learn how to prepare for hardwood floor installation in your home before you begin. To help you design your perfect home remodel, Ward Hardwood Flooring has a large selection of hardwood, reclaimed wood, and more to incorporate. They will help you add warmth and beauty to your home at a price that works with your budget. To explore your options, call today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com.  Wed, 27 Jun 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13520/Top-Design-Ideas-using-Reclaimed-Wood-and-Antique-Flooring-in-Denver-to-Transform-Your-Home http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13329/Ways-Barn-Doors-and-Decor-Ideas-Can-Transform-Your-Home blog When was the last time you updated the decor of your home? If you have the same design, decorations, and paint that you have had for years, consider making a few changes to spruce things up! Even with the smallest of changes, you can make a huge difference in the way your house looks and feels. Another great bonus of a few updates is the added value it will bring to your home. Now is a great time to make these changes, and you can utilize this list for inspiration. From barn doors and wall treatments to flooring and reclaimed wood, you have plenty of options to liven up your house and make it exciting. Getting Creative with Doors The doors in your home are the entryways into each space. If you have plain wood doors or even just the same doors you have had for years, consider making some changes. A great idea for some areas is to incorporate sliding barn doors. These are great for bedrooms or rooms separated by a door that allow you to easily open and make a space appear larger. Barn doors add a touch of character that will completely transform a space. Plus, they are available in many different colors. Try a dark wood door on a light-colored background for contrast, or a light door on a dark accent wall. You can also work with your local hardwood company on different sliding track options that best fit the overall design of the room. By collaborating with them, you can add a track and knob consistent with the space.  For the remaining doors in the house you choose, it is best to be consistent. When you have multiple different types of doors, especially with different knobs, it does not fare well with the home’s overall design. Depending on the look of your home, using reclaimed barn doors can add the perfect amount of character! When using this option, your local hardwood company will create an overall design that works with a space. So, whether you would like doors with or without windows, and any different design, they will assist you throughout the process.   The Magic of Paint and Wall Treatments Are you wondering how you can quickly and inexpensively transform a room? Paint and wall treatments are your go-to! When it comes to paint, you Are you wondering how you can quickly and inexpensively transform a room? Paint and wall treatments are your go-to! When it comes to paint, you want to avoid using dark colors on all four walls of a small room. Why? It makes it appear and feel smaller than it is, since the light has nothing to bounce off. If you would like a darker color in a small room, consider an accent wall. Accent walls overall are a great option to mix up the way a room feels. In addition to paint, did you know you can install wood wall treatments and cladding into your home? This is the perfect idea for any style, whether it be a country home with a rustic feel, or a modern space. Some homeowners love to add an entire wood accent wall with several different planks that give it depth and variety. Others choose to incorporate a wood accent in specific areas, such as fireplaces, bars, or ceiling treatments. You can even add ceiling beams to create a unique space. Hardwood Flooring Transformations If you are looking to make an investment in your home, consider changing out your carpet for hardwood. Not only is this option better for those with allergies, but it is a great way to increase the value of your home. Hardwood flooring is preferred with over half of America’s homebuyers today, a trend that has been popular for years. So even if you have no plans on selling anytime soon, it is a great option for down the road.  When it comes to the different types of flooring, you have a few options. First, wide plank flooring has board widths of five inches or more and can make a space look grand. It is available in most types of hardwood species, allowing you to work with your hardwood flooring company on colors and finishes that work for your home. Strip flooring is another option that is ideal for those on a budget. Planks are narrower, and you can choose from several finishing options that will allow you to customize exactly what you would like. Pre-finished flooring is your third option. This type of flooring is completely ready to go as soon as it is installed, which cuts down on your wait time after sanding and finishing the floors. Add History with Reclaimed Wood For a variety of options to add more character into the rooms in your house, incorporate reclaimed wood. Reclaimed wood is recycled hardwood that was previously used in another setting, such as a barn, deck, railroad, warehouse, school, and much more. Reclaimed wood can date back a hundred years or more, allowing you to add a piece of history to your home! Homeowners love this idea for hardwood floors, doors, handrails, mantels, and ceiling beams; the possibilities are limitless. You can talk to your hardwood specialist to help you find creative ways to incorporate reclaimed wood in your home renovation and decor projects. You will love having your little piece of history in your home each day. Whether you are looking to add reclaimed barn doors, hardwood flooring, beams, mantels, handrails, wall treatments, or any other custom woodwork to your home, Ward Hardwood Flooring is your local hardwood specialist. They can help you with a variety of areas to bring life back into your spaces! They put love and care into each one of their projects, as they have for the last 30 years. You can rest assured they will go above and beyond with your project. To explore options for your home, call today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Wed, 20 Jun 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13329/Ways-Barn-Doors-and-Decor-Ideas-Can-Transform-Your-Home http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13279/Your-Country-Home-Remodel--Denver-Antique-Mantels--Flooring-and-More blog Are you looking to remodel your home with a country or rustic feel? There are many great ideas and types of décor that you can incorporate to make your house have the look and feel you have always wanted. Plus, with many of the upgrades you will make, you can also increase the value of your home, too. To help you get inspiration, try some of these different themes in each room, learn the benefits of Denver antique mantels, choosing the right flooring, outdoor décor, and much more. Country Themes to Incorporate   Living Room: A design element for a rustic living room is to give it a cozy feel. This does not mean to clutter the space, but instead find décor that fits within the theme. Wood accents are a great way to accomplish this goal. From a wood accent wall and wood beams on your ceiling to custom woodworking décor and furniture, there is much you can add to your living room. Choose light colored, cloth sofas with striped or plaid throw pillows. Keep a few light-colored throw blankets available that serve practical and decorative use. To help bring more of the rustic feel, tie in antique pieces that you can find at your local antique store. If you have beams or staircases, during your remodel, convert them to wood. You can also install white subway tiles on the walls.   Kitchen: Many elements of a rustic-themed kitchen include shades of white and wood accents. This could include white cabinets paired with stainless steel appliances and a large, one basin country sink. Add in an island if room allows with a butcher-block top that serves multiple purposes. Install a hanging Thomas Edison bulb above the island to provide a decorative, country-style ambiance. Some homeowners like to add open shelving instead of traditional cabinets with a door. This helps for easy access and creates a bold statement piece. Install a stone backsplash in your kitchen. You can add in new elements, old elements, or a mix of the two.     Bathrooms: When remodeling your bathrooms, you can install vintage themed bath tubs to give that rustic feel you are searching for. This also goes for fixtures. From your door knobs to the sink, make sure they are all consistent with each other. Many who renovate their bathrooms use very light shades. From white to blue, to shades of beige and brown, natural colors are the way to go for your bathroom. You can also consider adding in a wide vanity that has a trough-style sink that sits atop of a wooden base. Top it off by installing a set of French doors.   Bedrooms:Last, you will want to make the bedrooms in your home match the style throughout. The great thing about bedrooms is there is even more flexibility. Consider adding in a fireplace into a master bedroom with an antique, wood mantel. Incorporate wood beams on the ceiling, or a hanging chandelier with wood accents. To enter, add in sliding barn doors made of reclaimed wood. You can keep them their original color, paint them to match the colors in the room, or even apply a beautiful stain to create a unique accent piece. Utilizing reclaimed wall treatments is another great way to bring a rustic warmth into a bedroom space.   Benefits of a Mantel Whether you have a fireplace in your living room, bedroom, or anywhere else in the home, installing one with a mantel made of reclaimed wood is a go-to option. By choosing a mantel made of reclaimed wood, you are helping the environment by recycling it. You can also work with your local hardwood flooring company that specializes in mantels to create a custom mantel that will perfectly incorporate into the rustic theme you are hoping to have. Ask them to use the same wood throughout the home to keep a consistent look. Why Hardwood Flooring During your home renovation, you can’t forget about replacing or refinishing the floorsâ€"especially if you have carpet. Carpet tends to hold on to dust and allergens more easily than hardwood. Consider adding reclaimed hardwood flooring to your home that will be the perfect finish to your home renovation project. When installing hardwood, you open your options in ways other types of flooring will not allow. You can customize the look of your floor, and even add in rugs to provide as an accent. Plus, if you would like to change the way your hardwood looks down the road, you can refinish and re-stain it to give it a completely new look and feel. To achieve the perfect balance of functionality and style, hardwood flooring is a great investment that will last for years to come. Outdoor Décor As you finalize your country-theme home remodel project, don’t forget about the outside of your house. For lighting, add in vintage fixtures at the entrance of your home, and any other places that need light. Add in Edison bulbs to give them an added rustic feel. For your windows, add in wooden shutters to provide an extra touch of country. If you have a fenced yard, consider replacing it with a long, wooden fence. If you do not have pets or children to protect, you can choose an open layout. If you do need to prevent pets or children from running outside of the yard, consider a picket fence. They have a variety of shapes and sizes.  To help you put the country feel in your home remodeling project, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. We have a wide variety of options, from wide plank flooring to beams, timbers, and mantels. Each of these elements will be perfect for your home to give it the rustic feel you are looking for. You will especially love our rustic home décor ideas and reclaimed mantel tips as you finalize your plans. Be sure to check out our current specials to see how we can help you save and call us today at 303-674-6966. Wed, 13 Jun 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13279/Your-Country-Home-Remodel--Denver-Antique-Mantels--Flooring-and-More http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15204/How-Reclaimed-Hardwood-Flooring-is-Better-for-the-Environment blog When deciding what flooring type would be perfect for a living space, many people tend to lean towards hardwoods for their natural beauty and charm. Any space can be completely transformed with the installation of new flooring â€" but why should you choose to do so with Reclaimed Hardwood? There are many benefits to choosing reclaimed products, but it is an ideal choice for those who are worried about the environmental impact of undertaking a flooring project. From reducing the impact on a global scale all the way down to maintaining the interior environment of a home, choosing a reclaimed product will help you feel confident in your investment. Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Process All Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring begins its journey as a part of an old structure that may be centuries old. The material is recycled from the beams, joists, siding, timbers, and other structural elements of various homes, barns, fences, and more. They are then de-nailed, kiln dried, cut into lumber, and milled into planks, and each board has its own unique character and story to tell from this process. By utilizing Reclaimed products for flooring, it reduces the number of trees that must be cut down to produce new flooring. As many century old structures were built with wooden building materials, there is a vast source of hardwood that is just waiting for someone to give it new life. Another huge benefit for the environment is that during the milling process for these Reclaimed Hardwoods, less water and electricity is used than in the manufacturing of any other flooring type. This helps to save energy and reduce fossil fuel use, and in repurposing the wood from structures that would otherwise be torn down and scrapped, it also eliminates the pollution to landfills. This milling process allows for the repurposed material to be 100% reclaimed, meaning that you are getting a strong and durable floor that is completely sustainable. Helping the Environment of Your Home While helping the environment on a global scale is a huge benefit to choosing a reclaimed product, you may also be wondering how it would impact the environment within your home. Hardwoods do not trap dust and allergens in the way that other types of flooring will, which will help develop cleaner air within your home. Hardwood flooring does require more unique maintenance than other types of flooring as it is susceptible to scratching, but a microfiber mop or brush attachment on a vacuum will help keep the dirt and dust to a minimum. Many people have concerns regarding the finishing process that is required with any raw hardwood installation, including reclaimed products. Finishing products have come a long way in recent years, and many companies have released natural, lower-VOC products to fit the green initiative. Improvements are constantly being made to increase performance and durability while reducing the impact on the environment. If you are trying to remain environmentally conscientious during the process of installing hardwoods in your home, be sure to ask your local hardwood flooring expert what finishing options would be best for you. Incorporating Reclaimed Products into Your Design Reclaimed materials do not have to be used exclusively for flooring, there are many different options available to bring sustainable options into your home. These materials can be used for everything from wall treatments, barn doors, furniture pieces, beams and mantles, stair railings, and more! The options truly are limitless, and these pieces can be worked into any design style. With many options for milling, finishing, and staining, your local hardwood company can help incorporate these beautiful products into your home. Whatever custom woodwork you are looking to add to your home, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! They have experience with a variety of products that can bring life back into your home! They put love and care into each one of their projects, as they have for the last 30 years. You can rest assured they will go above and beyond with your project. To explore options for your home, call today at 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Fri, 08 Jun 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/15204/How-Reclaimed-Hardwood-Flooring-is-Better-for-the-Environment http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13185/Historic-Homes-and-Restoring-Charm-with-Denver-Antique-Flooring blog Restoring a home to showcase its original historic charm is a great way to bring forward the true and original beauty of the house. New homes today do not have the same features as older homes, so it is crucial to maintain, and even highlight, these unique features. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, restoration is something you can do to help increase the re-sale value. Learn about the benefits of restoring your home, what to know if you’re looking to buy a historic home, ideas for your existing home, and ways to restore or add Denver antique flooring.  Value of Restoring a Historic House You have probably heard the saying, “they just don’t make it like they used to,” which falls true with older homes. Historic homes have an antique charm that new homes today do not offer, but that doesn’t mean you are limited. There are ways to restore an older home to bring it to safety standards and incorporate new features, while keeping the character of the home. In general, Denver home prices have increased drastically in the past few years, which also reigns true for historic homes.  When undertaking a project, it is important to first come up with a plan and it is crucial to ensure the standards within the home are up to code. Consider working with local flooring contractors, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and other trades to ensure the home is sound. From here, you can work to ensure the home’s safety, but you can also make small changes to make it more efficient. For instance, older windows can be draftyâ€"increasing your energy bills. You can also invest in ENERGY STAR appliances to help you reduce your energy bills, as well as water consumption, too.  What to Know Before Buying a Home With today’s housing market in Denver, prospective home buyers are in a competitive market, making it a great opportunity for sellers. However, if you are looking to buyâ€"there are still plenty of options. When purchasing an older home on any side of town, it is important to take the suggestions made by an inspector seriously. Do not try to find the cheapest solution to an issue as this can cause safety concerns within the home. In fact, you may want to consider two inspections to have additional feedback.  When you find the historic home of your dreams, be aware that you may have some issues to fix, such as lead paint, mold growth, insulation, bad electrical or plumbing, and floor renovations. By working with experts, you can resolve these issues and make restorations to maintain the historic charm, all while having a safe living environment.  Ideas for Your Existing Home When renovating your older home to showcase its roots, it is crucial to find the areas of the house that bring charm. For instance, it could be antique ceiling beams or mantels, cabinetry in the kitchen, staircases, and more. From there, find ways to incorporate vintage fixtures into the mix. For instance, add a grand antique light fixture or chandelier in a foyer or dining room. Find end tables or a dining room table, or work with a woodworking specialist, to build tables out of reclaimed wood. You can also incorporate reclaimed window treatments throughout the home, as well as art, decorations, furniture and more.  To further bring your own style to your renovation project, pair your antique décor and design with granite, marble, or quartz counters in the kitchen. Add in a matching backsplash for a pop or color, along with new appliances. Bathroom renovations can be done in a similar way. Find vintage décor and pair it with updated fixtures that have an antique feel. To help you cut costs, be sure to investigate energy efficient options when available.  Buy New or Restore? If you are on the fence of restoring a historic home, and are weighing options with a new home, the choice is ultimately up to you. With an older home comes a lot of work. They can be an investment, but for many, it is an investment that is well worth it. You must be willing to spend both money and time on a renovation, not to mention that you may not be able to occupy the house for a majority of the project. After deciding if you want to take on a renovation, you can see if the homes you find are in your budget.  If they aren’t, you can buy a newer home, but add in vintage décor and antique flooring to help bring a historic vibe to the home. Many prefer this option as it will bypass some of the issues that older homes bring, but still gives their place the charm they are looking for with the incorporation of those older elements.  Top Ways to Handle Flooring Did you know you can install reclaimed flooring instead of new flooring? This is a great way to maintain historic charm. It is a great option if you have older hardwood flooring that is in poor enough condition that it cannot be re-finished. This is also a great option as it has been reclaimed, allowing you to find hardwood with a history to share with you and the guests of your home. Antique flooring is a great addition for any style of house, whether new or old. Also, this type of hardwood is built to last, so you can feel comfortable knowing your investment is well worth it.  Ward Hardwood Flooring is your reclaimed flooring expert. With a large variety of antique and reclaimed hardwood flooring there is a style that will pair well with any style of home. Plus, by investing in our reclaimed flooring, you will be giving wood that was once used for beams, joists, siding, timbers, and more, a new life. To see how Ward Hardwood can best help you with your hardwood flooring and reclaimed wood needs, call 303-674-6966 or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com Wed, 06 Jun 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/13185/Historic-Homes-and-Restoring-Charm-with-Denver-Antique-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12886/Hardwood-Repairs-and-Different-Types-of-Finishing-Treatments-from-Your-Local-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom blog One of the best qualities of hardwood flooring is that it is versatile and can last for decades with proper care. Unlike carpet, which needs replaced after approximately five years, due to wear, tear and allergens, you can give your hardwood flooring some TLC and make it look brand new. There are a variety of options a homeowner can choose from to revamp their existing hardwoods, completely changing the feeling of the room. Also, if making the switch from carpet to hardwood, you can be confident in the fact that down the road, there are options for changing the look of the floor, as well as options to increase longevity.  How do you know if your hardwood flooring may need some work, why should you choose to restore your hardwood, and what are the different types of techniques used? From hand-scraping, distressing, staining, and more, you can make your hardwood both fit your home and last for decades! Does My Hardwood Need Work? Over time, hardwood will age with normal wear and tear, especially in high traffic areas. You may notice areas of your hardwood that have split or are cracking, there may be gaps between the planks, or even warping due to water damage. Also, you may notice several scratches and chips in the hardwood from high heels, sharp edges of furniture, or pets. For rooms with windows, it is also common for the hardwood to fade due to the sunlight. As these issues and imperfections become more apparent, you will want to be proactive about fixing the problem. The great thing about hardwood flooring is its longevity, but it is still important for you to get an expert involved when you notice there is something wrong. By working with your hardwood flooring specialist as soon as notice these problems, they can work with you to make your floors beautiful again. Benefits of Restoring Your Hardwood Proper care and maintenance of your hardwood flooring has many benefits and is worth spending a little when issues surface to save money in the future. First, you are increasing the return on your investment. Whether you installed the hardwood yourself, or your home came with it, you have still invested in your hardwood flooring. By fixing some of the smaller issues, you are saving on the need to install new hardwood flooring down the road. In addition, if your home has original hardwood from decades earlier, you are helping to maintain the historic quality of the home. However, if there is not extensive damage to your hardwood, but you just would like to make a change, you may still utilize a refinishing and staining service. You can refinish the floors to remove any imperfections and then stain them to a different color. This allows you to have the gorgeous hardwood that was already installed yet bring new life and design to the home. Hand-Scraping and Distressing If you would like to change your hardwood flooring by adding character and a unique feel, you can work with your local hardwood flooring specialist on custom hand-scraping. This technique can be incorporated into the finishing process to add a new look and feel into the existing flooring. For many, they are looking for a distressed look, which can add great character to a more outdated style. This is great when renovating your home to have a rustic, country, or earthy design element. Through scraping, wire brushes, and other techniques, you can create a reclaimed look without having to install new reclaimed hardwood flooring in your home. Staining Are you tired of the color of your hardwood flooring, but don’t know how to achieve the look you want? The great news is, you do not need to invest in a new installation! Instead, you can work with your hardwood flooring specialist on staining your floors. When you re-stain your floors, you are removing any imperfections during the refinishing process, followed by changing its color. So, whether you would like to go lighter or darker, you can have your hardwood flooring company apply a stain that will completely change the look and feel of your home. Different stains can also provide different types of appearances. In addition, the re-finishing process will also strengthen your hardwood, and can even be upgraded to a UV resistant coating, helping the floors to last for years to come. With the latest technologies in finishing services, your hardwood flooring company can get the job done quickly so you do not have to wait long to move furniture and get your room back in place. Care Tips for Long Term Quality Are you looking to learn how to care for your hardwood flooring in Colorado? Through normal everyday tasks, you can help keep your hardwood flooring pristine, both before and after the re-finishing project! First, make sure you are dusting your flooring with a microfiber material. You can invest in a dust mop that will quickly pick up dust, dirt, and particles to prevent abrasion scratching. Every so often, you can take time to do a more in-depth vacuum to get corners and other areas. Be sure to talk with your hardwood flooring company specialist about the proper care of your flooring, as you do not want to damage your floor with improper mopping techniques. When you are ready to enhance the look of your hardwood flooring, you can trust the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring. From making repairs, re-finishing, and re-staining, you will want professionals to handle the job. This is the best way to ensure the job is done correctly, and efficiently. To see what we can do for you, review our finishing treatments. From here, visit our showroom at 29390 Industrial Way, #100, in Evergreen, Colorado. You may also call us at 303-674-6966 or email us at info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Wed, 30 May 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12886/Hardwood-Repairs-and-Different-Types-of-Finishing-Treatments-from-Your-Local-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/6805/Hardwood-Floor-Installation--Benefits-of-Pre-Finished-Flooring blog As you embark on a new hardwood floor installation project, a great option is to purchase pre-finished flooring. Finishing a hardwood helps to protect the flooring from damage and helps them to last for decades. Pre-finished flooring doesn’t involve the mess and smell of sanding and finishing within the living environment, making it the more convenient option. Faster Installation: If you are looking for a fast floor installation, pre-finished flooring will expedite the process. Why? Pre-finished flooring is manufactured with the finish built-into the wood and ready to be placed in your home! Depending on the size and space, it can reduce the time by a few days. Your hardwood floor installer can show you a variety of pre-finished floor options to choose from. While the options remain more limited than those of unfinished floors, you will be able to see before installation what the floor will look like in your home. It also does not require the same amount of skill level for installers to complete and can expedite the process to keep your remodel project on schedule and/or done quickly. Also, many of the obstacles that may be encountered with unfinished floors are already completed with pre-finished floors, which will save time on your project. Ideal for Remodels: If you are working with a complete home remodel project, pre-finished floors are a great way to go. They can easily be installed around existing furniture, appliances, cabinetry, etc. Plus, a remodel involves high traffic and relocation of various elements of the home. It can also be placed easily on sub-flooring and will remain consistent from room to room. Installing a pre-finished floor is a cleaner process and less time consuming than an unfinished flooring job. Cost Effective: Many choose a pre-finished hardwood flooring for their home project due to budget requirements. Pre-finished flooring typically costs less than unfinished flooring. Many floor installation companies can work with your budget to help you find the best solution for your project. While there are many advantages to unfinished flooring too, pre-finished flooring is not as labor intensive as unfinishedâ€"especially depending on plank size. Ready for your hardwood floor installation project to begin? Once you are ready, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help. We have a wide selection of pre-finished flooring options to help you find the best option for your home. No matter what the room or size of the project, we can help from start to finish. Learn about our current specials and contact us at 303-674-6966 to get started. You can also visit our showroom to view options at 29390 Industrial Way in Evergreen, Colorado from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wed, 23 May 2018 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/6805/Hardwood-Floor-Installation--Benefits-of-Pre-Finished-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12642/Top-Ways-to-Enhance-Your-Home--Including-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog When was the last time you gave your home a makeover? Not a full renovation, but even just a few changes to change the look and feel? It’s easy to get busy and put changes to your home on the backburner. Whether you need to completely renovate your rooms or home, or even would like to make some changes to help the look and feel, fall is the perfect time to accomplish this task. From living rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms, to bedrooms and the outdoors, learn how to spruce up your home before the winter, and benefits of including hardwood flooring in Colorado. Living Rooms Is your living room a cluttered space? When you do not space out furniture correctly, fill walls with too much art or photos, and have décor that doesn’t match, your living room can look outdated. First, if you’re able to, make sure furniture is not pushed up against a wall. If it has to be against a wall, give it a few inches off the wall to help it look like there is room to breathe. If you have additional chairs, or small sofas, space them out from the main piece of furniture. A rug is a great addition to a living room. You don’t need to place the furniture covering all edges of the rug, you can keep two legs on the edges. Last, a fresh coat of paint is a great way to change your living room. If you have a large, empty wall, consider making it an accent wall with a different and bold color, or even a neat design of wallpaper. The Dining Room Often times, it is easy to eat meals on the couch in front of the television. Make your dining room a space you want to spend time in to share a meal with those in your home. First, make sure you have a table that fits in the space. Chairs need to be able to pull out easily. If you have a smaller space, consider a table that has a bench seat that can be pushed back under the table to save space. You can also invest in tables that have a built-in leaf that makes it easy to expand the space if you entertain guests. Next, invest in simple décor for your table. Pick placemats that match the art and wall color. You can tie it in with napkins and napkin rings. For lighting, you can mix things up by installing new lights that help to create the ambiance in the room. Bathrooms When it comes to bathrooms, storage space can sometimes be poorly utilized. Before making changes to your bathroom, take time to look into what areas currently do not meet your needs. Evaluate what extra storage you need. From here, look for a new sink vanity and storage closets that you can place in the bathroom to help you enhance your bathroom’s storage while also helping to enhance the way the space looks. If you have a small bathroom that is a dark color, paint the walls a lighter color. This will help to give the illusion there is more space. Last, if you have older laminate counters, consider installing a stone counter which will hold up to the day to day use better. Stone counters are also easy to clean and do not easily show imperfections. Bedrooms You start and end your day in your bedroom. Make sure this is your sanctuary to rest and relax. If you have a budget to, consider replacing your mattress and bed if funds allow. On average, a mattress can last up to 10 years. When a mattress is in poor shape, it can actually do a lot of damage to your back and sleeping habits. Next, make sure you have proper lighting in the space. You can have bright overhead lighting when needing to do laundry or other tasks. But for nighttime, make sure you have lights or lamps that you can easily access in bed. This way, if you read a book or watch TV before you go to sleep, you can easily turn out the lamp for some quality ZZZs. Also, make sure you keep your bedroom uncluttered. Have the right amount of bins to place your dirty laundry in if you keep it in the bedroom, and make sure you have plenty of dresser space for clothing. For more ideas, review HuffPost’s six ways to improve your bedroom in 2017. Outdoors Even though the winter months are coming up, you have some to-dos this fall before the winter months set in. You will need to remember to fertilize your grass and landscaping to help nourish your plants before winter. After you fertilize, you will also need to remove old mulch and place new mulch down. If your walkways are in poor shape, consider installing brick pavers that have a smooth surface. This will not only look great, but will also help when shoveling snow in the winter by having a seamless surface. Incorporating Hardwood Flooring As you are making considerations for your home enhancements, make sure you are not neglecting your flooring. If you have existing hardwood, now is the time to sand it and then you can stain it to give it a new color to change things up. To change up the way it looks, you can also add rugs in different rooms to bring a pop of color. If your home is primarily filled with carpet, consider making the switch to hardwood. It is easier to clean, helps reduce allergens and is also a better investment. When properly cared for, hardwood lasts for decades as opposed to carpet which has a smaller lifespan. Learn more about the financial benefits of hardwood floor installation in Denver homes to see why this is the right decision for you. To help you add hardwood to your home, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring. As one of Denver’s top hardwood flooring experts for over 30 years, we have the skills and expertise to help you find the right hardwood that fits with your home’s décor and your budget. Contact us today at 303-674-6966 to get started. Wed, 01 Nov 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12642/Top-Ways-to-Enhance-Your-Home--Including-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11770/How-The-Professionals-Buff-Hardwood-Flooring- blog Hardwood floors are warm, elegant, and inviting, but their appearance can be affected by scratches or scuffs in the finish over years of heavy usage. To restore your hardwood floor’s natural beauty, you will want to buff out these minor imperfections. Learn more about how to work with an expert to buff hardwood flooring in Colorado and get your beautiful hardwood floor back to its natural look: Find the right company. Depending on how you want to buff and refinish your hardwood flooring, you will want to make sure you work with an experienced flooring company in Denver. There are several reasons why you might want to have a professional come to buff out your floors and rather than install new hardwood. Maybe there is sentimental value to the flooring in your home, or potentially you like the color of the current hardwood and can’t find a perfect match in a new flooring. Either way, working with an experience professional is vital to completing this project on-time and in good form. The right equipment. When working with a professional to tackle this project, they will use a buffing machine for hardwood floors. These machines are typically heavy duty with 20” sand paper pad. This process will typically kick up a lot of dust so it’s important to wear face masks and work to contain the dust. Clean the floors. Before the professional begins buffing, they will thoroughly clean the surface of your floors to remove any dirt and debris. Next, they will sweep the floors and use a dust mop to collect any dirt and dust that could be lingering on the surface. Then they will clean the floors using a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood flooring. Let the floors completely dry before starting to buff. Where to begin? As a reminder, it is recommended when buffing a floor to start in the left side of the room and slowly work your way over to the right side. This is because buffers typically spin in a clockwise direction, so moving from left to right makes more sense. Begin buffing. Now that you know all the buffing tips, you’re ready to work with a professional. After the professional has finished buffing the entire room, they will inspect the corners and other hard-to-reach areas within the room. The machine may not have been able to buff these small areas, so it may be best to go back and buff these spots by hand. Learn more about how to buff floors without a buffing machine. For more tips on how to take care of your hardwood flooring, get in touch with the professionals at Ward Hardwood Flooring. Contact the team of design experts at who have a knack for helping clients choose the right hardwood floor for their homes, and then preserve it for years after installation. Hardwood flooring is the best option for any home because it is so versatile. Give us a call at 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation with our team today. Wed, 18 Oct 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11770/How-The-Professionals-Buff-Hardwood-Flooring- http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12453/Home-Renovation-Ideas-and-Incorporating-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog For some, purchasing a new home is much easier than renovating. But for others, keeping your existing home is important. No matter if you would like to make small or large fixes, the improvements you would like to make will often be profitable in the long run. As you prepare for a project, it is important to see what else you would like to change in the home while you will be working. While it might be time consuming at first, your preparation and efforts will be worth it. Learn more about the top reasons to renovate, how to fund your project, flooring ideas, and how you can incorporate more energy efficient ideas into your work. We will also cover how to live in a space while renovating and how to boost your home’s curb appeal. Top Reasons to Renovate If you are weighing the pros and cons of renovating your existing home or looking to buy a new one, there is one key thing to considerâ€"the market. Right now, Denver is a seller’s market. While this might benefit you as a seller, you may have a harder time finding a home with the things you are interested in that is in your price point. When renovating a home, you will be able to increase its overall value, which will help you sell and increase profits in the years to come. So not only will you be adding value to your home, but you will help to make the space you are in your ownâ€"so much so that you may even decide to stay! Funding a Renovation Once you have decided you would like to take on a home renovation project, it is important to get proper funding so you can afford a renovation that you are happy with. In the six ways to finance your dream home improvement project from Nerdwallet, a popular choice among homeowners is to refinance their mortgage. Nerdwallet explains that you could also potentially lower your interest rate in this process. You can also take out a line of credit, use a personal loan or a credit card. Be cautious with a credit card though as ones with high interest rates that are not paid off right away can lead you to pay significantly more in the long run. Consider this option if you have a zero percent interest plan. You can also look into the FHA 203k loan which allows you to take out a second mortgage specifically for a home renovation project. Energy Efficient Ideas There are a variety of ways you can make your home more energy efficient during a renovation project. One of the best ways to do this is through appliances. When replacing appliances, be sure to look for items that have the Energy Star logo on them. Keep in mind that appliances are much more than just your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher. It can include your washer, dryer, faucets, toilets, and garbage disposals. Also, it can be helpful to install a thermostat that is on a timer. That way, during the time you are not home, you can turn your air conditioning or heat down depending on the season and you can set it on a timer to come back on soon before you get home so it is comfortable. In addition, you can also install energy efficient lights and power strips. Indoor Flooring When it comes to replacing the flooring in your home during a remodel project, hardwood is an excellent solution. It is easy to clean and maintain, perfect for kids and families and will last for decades. Plus, if you grow tired of its appearance, you can always clean and sand it then re-stain it to be a different color. This is an option you do not have with carpet or laminate flooring. When choosing hardwood in your home, you are choosing a natural method that will wow you, your family, and any guests that come into the home. You can speak with your local hardwood flooring specialist to see which types of hardwood will work out best for your renovation. Living in a Space While Working For many, they may not have the funds to stay in a hotel, or the ability to stay with a friend or relative during a home renovation project. While it might be loud and messy sometimes, you will be very happy once it is all over. When renovating rooms you frequent often such as the kitchen, find workarounds that will help you cook food. This can include slow cookers or instant pots. You can find great, easy recipes that help you easily make a dinner for you and your family. If your dining room is also being renovated, create a makeshift dining room or even invest in inexpensive outdoor dining set for your family to enjoy a meal at. It is also important to know the schedule of the workers, ask them what needs they have that you can help with, and properly rope of areas that workers frequently visit. Outdoor Tips When renovating the interior of your home, do not forget the outside! It is a great way to boost curb appeal which can help you sell your home later down the road. First, check out the outside of the home. If the paint is chipping, or siding is damaged, work with your insurance company to see what they will cover. During that process, it doesn’t hurt to have your roof inspected for issues. Next, replace mulch and ramp up your landscaping to fill it with welcoming colors and flowers. This is a great project to work through on the outside of your home while there might be a team working inside. As you plan for your home renovation project, keep Ward Hardwood Flooring in mind for all of your hardwood flooring needs. Our floors will add a warmth and beauty to your house unlike anything you have ever seen before. Once installing hardwood, be sure you learn how to care for our hardwood flooring in Colorado. To get started with your project and see how we can help you renovate, call us at 303-674-6966. Wed, 06 Sep 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12453/Home-Renovation-Ideas-and-Incorporating-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12363/Ways-to-Transform-Your-Home-including-Benefits-of-Hardwood-Floor-Refinishing blog Are you looking for ways to transform the look of your home? You have a variety of options, both large and small, that will help to change the overall look and feel and brighten up your space. With a new season rolling around, now is a great time to clean your home and make changes before fall. Learn how you can transform through brightening up areas, arranging furniture, and investing in new counters and appliances. You can also mix things up with décor and rugs, hardwood floor refinishing, or new hardwood flooring. In your home. Brighten Up Areas If your home feels dark and unwelcoming, there are many changes you can make to brighten things up. First, start with a new, fresh coat of paint. Choose a white or light color scheme to paint along your walls. You can also find bright and vibrant art to put on the walls to add in personality or a pop of color. If you have a home that is narrow and closed off, consider a renovation project to tear down walls and open up spaces. You will need to work with a professional that can let you know which areas are safe to remove so you do not hurt the overall structure. Also, take time to de-clutter. Remove items you do not need and have a garage sale or donate them to a local charity. Furniture Arrangement Did you how much furniture plays in the overall look and feel of your home? First, make sure you do not have furniture that is blocking entryways and walkways. Keep all pieces of furniture and accessories spaced out and not too close together, which can make the area feel crowded. For many, they use feng shui to help them arrange their furniture throughout the house. Learn how to create good feng shui in your home from The Spruce. Some tips for creating feng shui include using a rectangular furniture arrangement, having furniture (i.e. beds or couches” facing a door as opposed to its back facing the door, using circular decorations, avoiding clutter, having furniture’s backs against walls, and incorporating bookshelves. Installing New Counters and Appliances New countertops and appliances are a drastic change you can make to your home. This change can also increase the value of your home if you think you may want to sell it later down the road. If you have simple laminate countertops, especially ones that show their wear and tear, consider installing a stone option, such as granite, marble, or quartz. These are all heavy-duty stones that can stand up to the heavy day use and abuse in a kitchen, that can also be placed in your bathroom. When sealed, this helps to keep germs from spreading and some models are also resistant to heat, which will help you as you prepare food. Stainless steel appliances are also a great upgrade to makeover white or black appliances. You can incorporate a lightly colored backsplash in kitchens and bathrooms to help brighten up the space. Décor and Rugs Decorations and rugs are a key player to creating a bright and refreshed look in a home. Take some time to look at local stores that sell art and find deals on pieces of art that you can place throughout your home. Avoid filling a wall with a ton of small pictures, choose one to three large pictures that can be strategically placed. Next, if there are empty spots that look awkward, use art to fill those spaces, such as above a sitting chair or in a long walkway. If you have long, vertical open walls, you can invest in a few pictures to hang to properly fill the space. Rugs also play a huge part in brightening up the space, too. Determine the areas you would to like to place a rug. From there, take measurements to see what the space is you would like to place the rugs in. From there, find a size that is large, but small enough to now have to go under furniture, such as a sofa. You can also place vertical rugs in walkways and in your front for people as they enter. Hardwood Refinishing If you have existing hardwood flooring before considering a replacement, you may be able to make some large changes to it through refinishing. This is an option that will save money in the long run, too. When a local hardwood flooring company refinishes a floor, they use a sander which will remove any scratches or imperfections in the floor. They can then add on a stain which will change the color of the flooring. The types of stain that are put on the floor are also a great way to change the color and make the floor more durable. By choosing a bright shade, you will help to brighten up your space. Learn more in the hardwood flooring showroom tips, choosing the finish. New Hardwood Flooring If you have wall to wall carpet in your home, it is time to open up the space with hardwood flooring. Hardwood is a great, allergen-free option that lasts for decades. This is because of the ability to last for decades. When installing from scratch you can work with your local hardwood flooring expert on which type is best. From wide planks to thin, you can find the exact type of hardwood flooring that works for you and your family. As you work on ways to brighten your home, let Ward Hardwood Flooring cover all of your hardwood flooring needs. From hardwood floors to refinishing services, we can help you along the way to find the best options to brighten your home. Be sure to check out our current specials to see what prices we have available. From there, reach out to us to discuss with us what your best options are. Visit our showroom at 29390 Industrial Way, #100 in Evergreen, CO. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wed, 23 Aug 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12363/Ways-to-Transform-Your-Home-including-Benefits-of-Hardwood-Floor-Refinishing http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12249/Home-Renovation-Ideas-and-Incorporating-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog For some, purchasing a new home is much easier than renovating. But for others, keeping your existing home is important. No matter if you would like to make small or large fixes, the improvements you would like to make will often be profitable in the long run. As you prepare for a project, it is important to see what else you would like to change in the home while you will be working. While it might be time consuming at first, your preparation and efforts will be worth it. Learn more about the top reasons to renovate, how to fund your project, flooring ideas, and how you can incorporate more energy efficient ideas into your work. We will also cover how to live in a space while renovating and how to boost your curb appeal. Top Reasons to Renovate If you are weighing the pros and cons of renovating your existing home or looking to buy a new one, there is one key thing to considerâ€"the market. Right now, Denver is a seller’s market. While this might benefit you as a seller, you may have a harder time finding a home with the things you are interested in that is in your price point. The trend is starting to slowly favor buyers, so if you renovate now, your home might be extremely valuable down the road. When renovating a home, you will be able to increase its overall value, which will help you sell and increase profits in the years to come. So not only will you be adding value to your home, but you will help to make the space you are in your ownâ€"so much so that you may even decide to stay! Funding a Renovation Once you have decided you would like to take on a home renovation project, it is important to get proper funding that you can afford. In the six ways to finance your dream home improvement project from Nerd Wallet, a popular choice among homeowners is to refinance their mortgage. Nerd Wallet explains that you could also potentially lower your interest rate in this process. You can also take out a line of credit, use a personal loan or a credit card. Be cautious with a credit card though as ones with high interest rates that are not paid off right away can lead you to pay significantly more in the long run. Consider this option if you have a zero percent interest plan. You can also look into the FHA 203k loan which allows you to take out a second mortgage specifically for a home renovation project. Energy Efficient Ideas There are a variety of ways you can make your home more energy efficient during a renovation project. One of the best ways to do this is through appliances. When replacing appliances, be sure to look for items that have the Energy Star logo on them. Keep in mind that appliances are much more than just your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher. It can include your washer, dryer, faucets, toilets, and garbage disposals. Also, it can be helpful to install a thermostat that is on a timer. That way, during the time you are not home, you can turn your air conditioning or heat down depending on the season and you can set it on a timer to come back on soon before you get home so it is comfortable. In addition, you can also install energy efficient lights and power strips. Indoor Flooring When it comes to replacing the flooring in your home during a remodel project, hardwood is an excellent solution. It is easy to clean and maintain, perfect for kids and families and will last for decades. Plus, if you grow tired of its appearance, you can always clean and sand it then re-stain it to be a different color. This is an option you do not have with carpet or laminate flooring. When choosing hardwood in your home, you are choosing a natural method that will wow you, your family, and any guests that come into the home. You can speak with your local hardwood flooring specialist to see which types of hardwood will work out best for your renovation. Living in a Space While Working For many, they may not have the funds to stay in a hotel, or the ability to stay with a friend or relative during a home renovation project. While it might be loud and messy sometimes, it will be fantastic once it is all over. You will be happy with the money you saved. When renovating rooms you frequent often such as the kitchen, find workarounds that will help you cook food. This can include slow cookers or instant pots. You can find great, easy recipes that help you easily make a dinner for you and your family. If your dining room is also being renovated, create a makeshift dining room or even invest in an inexpensive outdoor dining set for your family to enjoy a meal at. It is also important to know the schedule of the workers, ask them what needs they have that you can help with, and properly rope off areas that workers frequently visit. Outdoor Tips When renovating the interior of your home, do not forget the outside! It is a great way to boost curb appeal which can help you sell your home later down the road. First, check out the outside of the home. If the paint is chipping, or siding is damaged, work with your insurance company to see what they will cover. During that process, it doesn’t hurt to have your roof inspected for issues. Next, replace mulch and ramp up your landscaping to fill it with welcoming colors and flowers. This is a great project to work through on the outside of your home while there might be a team working inside. As you plan for your home renovation project, keep Ward Hardwood Flooring in mind for all of your hardwood flooring needs. Our floors will add a warmth and beauty to your house unlike anything you have ever seen before. Once installing hardwood, be sure you learn how to care for our hardwood flooring in Colorado. To get started with your project and see how we can help you renovate, call us at 303-674-6966. Wed, 23 Aug 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12249/Home-Renovation-Ideas-and-Incorporating-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12131/Choosing-Denver-Reclaimed-Wood-Flooring-from-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom blog Making the decision to install or replace hardwood flooring can be a major project with much to consider. What style is best? What about color? Does the type matter? What are some of the key purposes the flooring will need to take care of? When trying to decide what types of hardwood to purchase from your hardwood floor showroom, antique and reclaimed flooring is a great choice that will stand up to the everyday use. Plus, you are also helping to continue give life to wood with decades, potentially a century or more of history. When you are wondering if it is time to replace your hardwood, learn about the benefits of reclaimed hardwood, styles and colors available. You can also learn how to care for your reclaimed hardwood once it is installed to help it last for decades. Is It Time to Replace Your Flooring? As a homeowner, you may be wondering if it is time to replace your hardwood floors. For some reasons, it may be an aesthetic change. But for others, you may have concrete reasons. When not properly cared for, hardwood flooring can become damaged due to water or moisture. This can lead hardwood to curl, bend or warp. When this happens, water can seep into the flooring that over time, can cause mold growth, which turns it into a health hazard. Some homeowners may have not properly refinished or sanded floors either. When this happens removing layers can damage the quality and can become a safety hazard too with nails that are out in the open. Last, over time hardwood can poorly age. It can come from poor care or just the quality of the wood when it was purchased. The floors may have imperfections that even a refinish can’t solve. Whether it is to replace damaged hardwood, or for aesthetic reasons, choosing antique and reclaimed hardwood might be your perfect solution. Benefits of Antique and Reclaimed Hardwood When choosing antique and reclaimed hardwood to install in your home, you can pat yourself on the back. This choice helps the environment as you are recycling materials. Even though you are recycling wood, you are not compromising on quality. In fact, antique and reclaimed hardwood is extremely durable and will be the perfect long-term hardwood flooring solution for your home. This type of hardwood flooring come from materials that have been de-nailed, kiln dried, cut into lumber and milled into planks. They are found from certain mills, pallets, or even barns, and typically hardwood flooring companies only choose the best materials to take back and provide for their clients. This way, you can rest assured you are installing quality hardwood into your homeâ€"no matter what its age. When choosing reclaimed hardwood, it is great for a variety of applications, both in and outside the home. You can use it for outdoor deck areas, or for projects such as creating shelving. You can also use the reclaimed hardwood throughout your home and other areas for consistency and to create the overall look and feel you are trying to accomplish.   Choosing Wide Planks, Long Lengths As you shop to find the perfect hardwood for your home, you can choose a variety of widths or lengths. First, when it comes to length, it is important to ask yourself what type of look you are trying to accomplish. When it comes to length, many homeowners like longer lengths to avoid seeing the seams coming together. However, others like a look of shorter planks as each has a slight variation in color and appearance. This can create a unique look in your flooring. Either of these styles are popular in homes and it is important for you to consider what look you would like to achieve in your home. Next, width of your hardwood flooring planks also matters. Planks come in a variety of widths. With slim widths, you may have more planks and it can help you to create a variation in appearance. Wider widths can range anywhere to six inches or higher can fill the room. Don’t forget you can work with your local hardwood flooring specialist to mix and match both lengths and widths for a creative look in your home. How to Fit Reclaimed Hardwood in Your Home Once you have chosen the lengths and widths for your hardwood, next you will need to determine which shade of reclaimed hardwood flooring works best in your home. If you have many smaller rooms in your home, or lower ceilings, choosing lighter colors can help to make the area seem larger. If you have walls that are painted in a darker color, you may also want to either choose a lighter color of hardwood, or, repaint the area if you are looking to install darker shades of reclaimed hardwood. You can also discuss with your hardwood flooring specialist on what shades may be best. For a natural look, you can choose neutral shades of wood that are the same color as if you were to cut open a tree! For others, you may prefer a darker and smoother appearance. Ultimately, the type of style of antique and reclaimed flooring is up to youâ€"and do not hesitate to ask for help. Caring for Your Reclaimed Hardwood Upon installing your antique hardwood flooring, it is crucial to properly care for it. Make sure to a quick sweep daily and a more in-depth sweep and mop weekly. Don’t forget that water hurts hardwood flooring. You will want to use as little water as possible and ensure large amounts of water do not sit on your hardwood. For more, learn about how to clean hardwood floors. When it comes to finding the perfect antique and reclaimed hardwood flooring from your home, Ward Hardwood Flooring has you covered. We have a variety of colors, lengths and widths for you to find the perfect style in your home. Through reclaimed materials from recycled beams, joists, siding, and other wooden timbers, you will love the quality and character of our hardwood. To see how we can help you, contact us today or top by our showroom located at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen. Wed, 16 Aug 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/12131/Choosing-Denver-Reclaimed-Wood-Flooring-from-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11965/How-to-Care-for-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog When it comes to caring for your hardwood flooring in Colorado, how much effort do you put in? One of the greatest aspects of hardwood flooring is how easy they are to clean and maintain. While not much is needed, it is important to keep up on the small maintenance to keep them in premier shape. They are an investment that will last for decades and can help to increase the overall value of your home over time. To maintain this investment, it is important to know the overview of finishes, the basics of hardwood floor care, and dos and don’ts of caring for floors. By staying on top of your daily, weekly, monthly and annual hardwood floor care, you will ensure the overall life of your hardwood. Overview of Finishes There are a variety of hardwood finishes that are available for hardwood flooring. For simple models, you can purchase flooring that has been finished at the factory. In this instance, you will only be able to choose what is available. For a natural look, you can buy unfinished strip floors. From here these floors can be sanded down to a texture that you would like for your home. For a more in-depth job, you can invest in custom hand scraping. This will help to bring in added personality and character to a space. Working with a local hardwood flooring specialist on types of textures that fit your style. For a more rustic look, invest in reclaimed wood or rustic planks. Basics of Hardwood Floor Care No matter what finish of hardwood flooring you have, it is important to keep up regular maintenance and care. The key to maintaining your floors is to avoid anything abrasive. You also want to keep them in a good environment for wood. Make sure there is not too much humidity in the home that can lead to warping down the road. Ideally you need to keep the humidity to under 55 percent. In addition, make sure to never let large amounts of water sit on the flooring. This can lead to long term damage and warping. When water gets into the hardwood, not only can it warp it, but can also lead to mold. Also, make sure to avoid any types of cleaners that are abrasive. You do not need to use cleaners that have harsh chemicals. For specifics, learn more about how to clean hardwood floors. Do’s and Don’ts of Hardwood Flooring Care It is important to know what you can and can’t do when it comes to keeping up your hardwood flooring. A key to maintenance is to dust them often with a soft, cloth or cleaning material. This applies to cleaning them as well. Use a light material that does not hold a lot of water. When it comes to cleaning, you need to avoid anything that can scratch the floor. This can happen easily, so you need to use caution. This also applies to people and pets walking into your home from outside. Be sure to take off shoes when walking in and trim your pet’s nails. In addition, too much direct sunlight can affect your wood floor. The harsh rays of the sun can impact the look of your flooring over time. In extreme cases, it can lead to fading. Make sure your flooring is protected.   Daily and Weekly Tasks Hardwood flooring requires a little bit of weekly maintenance. Do not worry, it will not take too much of your time. Take 10 minutes every day to give your hardwood flooring a light dusting with a microfiber material. This is a great activity to do while catching up on the news or listening to a podcast. This will also help to reduce the number of allergens that sit on the flooring. For weekly maintenance, you will need to take some time to clean the areas that are not in easy-to-reach areas. This is the premier time to use a vacuum and attachment pieces to get to in the nooks and crannies. When using a vacuum, be sure to avoid using the bristles and choose a setting that just picks up dust and dirt. It is also important to mop your floors weekly as well. Be sure to follow the rules of using a small amount of water and a cleaning solution that is not harsh. Monthly and Annual To Dos Every couple of months, it is important to polish your hardwood flooring to keep it in beautiful shape. This will help to bring a vibrant shine back to them. It is best to handle the polishing after the floors have been cleaned. By adding a polish to your flooring, you will also fill in any scratches that have developed. On an annual basis, or once every few years, talk to your hardwood flooring specialist about finishing treatments for your flooring. This will help to keep the original state of them. This will help to eliminate any scratches they have sustained over the years. Refinishing is also a great time to talk to your local specialist on re-staining if you would like to change the color of your flooring. As one of the many benefits of hardwood, you can work to transform your home with a new color. When it comes to keeping your flooring in premier shape that lasts for decades, be sure to take advantage of these care tips in addition to the help of Ward Hardwood Flooring. We have specialized in reclaimed and wide plank flooring for over three decades and will help you keep your floors looking gorgeous for years! From installation and care tips to sanding and finishing services, we are here to help. Ready to get started? Take advantage of our free estimates to see how we can help with your hardwood flooring needs. Stop by our showroom between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, Colorado to see how we can help you today.   Wed, 02 Aug 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11965/How-to-Care-for-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11914/When-is-it-Time-to-Replace-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado- blog Hardwood flooring in Colorado is durable, but it’s not indestructible. No matter how well you take care of your hardwood floors, at some point they will need to be replaced. However, sometimes hardwood floors can simply be sanded down and refinished when they start to show signs of wear and tear. How do you know when it’s time to give up on refinishing and get a whole new floor instead? Look for these signs: Water Damage Hardwood that is exposed to a significant amount of water can begin to buckle as a result of the moisture. If the water damage has only affected a tiny part of your hardwood floors, you shouldn’t worry about it. However, if a significant portion of your hardwood floors have been damaged by water, installing a new floor is your only option. Sanding Excessively Every time that you sand your hardwood floors, you are making the planks slightly thinner. As a result, there will come a point where your hardwood floors have been sanded and refinished one too many times. Once you reach this point, you will have no other choice but to replace the floor. One way to tell that you’ve reached your sanding limit is to look for exposed nails. These only appear once the planks have significantly thinned out. If you don’t want to wait until you see nails, it’s best to only sand your floors three to five times before replacing them. Learn more about refinishing hardwood floors. Out of Style Certain hardwood trends come and go, so it’s possible that you will want to replace your floors once you’re no longer satisfied with the style that’s in your home. If this is what’s motivating you to replace your floors, be sure to choose a timeless style of hardwood this time around so you don’t run into the same problem in a few years. Look for a darker, wide-planked wood that will stand the test of time and avoid buying wood that is trendy right now, such as gray and blonde wood. You may love the way this wood looks now, but your feelings may change as the trends do. Structural Issues There are certain issues that can only be addressed by removing the existing floor and installing a replacement. For instance, if the planks move around underneath your feet as you walk across the room or make a lot of noise when pressure is applied, there is probably something wrong with the structure of your floor. The issue could be with the subflooring, so let a professional rip out the old floor and correct these problems before laying down a new hardwood floor.   If you’re ready to install new hardwood floors in your home, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right hardwood for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 26 Jul 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11914/When-is-it-Time-to-Replace-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado- http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11835/How-to-Prepare-For-Hardwood-Floor-Installation blog Are you counting down the days until your hardwood floor installation? There are a few things that you can do to prepare for the installation while you wait for the big day. Before the hardwood flooring professionals arrive, cross these items off of your to-do list: Move the furniture. Grab a buddy and move all of the furniture out of the room where the hardwood floor is being installed. It may be wise to buy furniture pads ahead of time so you can use them immediately after your new hardwood floor has been installed. Furniture pads are placed underneath furniture legs to prevent the furniture from scratching or damaging your hardwood floors. If you don’t already have these, count how many pieces of furniture you have in the room and buy them before the installation begins.   Clear a path. How will the flooring professionals get to the room where the installation is taking place? Figure out which door you would like them to use when entering your home and then clear a path from that door to the room. Flooring professionals may be wearing clunky shoes designed to protect them as they use various types of equipment. If you’re worried about them tracking in dirt or debris, consider laying down old sheets on this pathway from the door to the room so they don’t have to walk across your floors. Seal off other rooms. There are two types of wood: prefinished and unfinished. Installing prefinished flooring typically does not create a mess or much of a commotion, but flooring professionals must use sanding machines when installing unfinished hardwood. This means a lot of dust will be kicked up in the air during the installation process. If you chose unfinished wood, be proactive and seal off other rooms in your house to protect them from dust. You can either close the doors to nearby rooms or go one step further and cover the doorways with plastic curtains that are often used on construction sites. This will ensure that dust is not flying all over your house during and after the installation of unfinished hardwood flooring. Learn more about prefinished vs. unfinished wood flooring here.   Find a space for the wood to acclimate. Hardwood flooring needs to acclimate to the temperature and humidity inside your home before it can be installed. To properly acclimate, the wood will need to sit untouched in your home for a few days prior to the installation. Talk to the flooring company to determine when the flooring will arrive at your house so you can clear out a space for it to sit for a few days before it is installed.   If you’re ready to install hardwood floors in your home, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right hardwood for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 19 Jul 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11835/How-to-Prepare-For-Hardwood-Floor-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11599/Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Tips--Choosing-the-Right-Finish blog When looking at different types of wood in a hardwood floor showroom, you may notice that some look different than others. This is because of the finish that has been applied on top of the wood. There are two main types of finishes: oil and urethane. Which should you choose? Here’s what you need to know before you can decide: Urethane finishes are durable. Urethane finishes are known to be more durable than oil finishes, which means they are better at protecting your floors against scratches, dings, or stains. However, it is inevitable that a scratch or ding will eventually make its way through a urethane finish. Repairing floors with a urethane finish is much more difficult than repairing a floor with an oil finish. You may have to sand the floor down and refinish the wood in order to fix damage on floors with urethane finishes. So although your floors are more durable, they are also more difficult to repair. Oil finishes won’t peel. Non-oil finishes sit on top of the hardwood floor, so they are often thought of as surface sealants instead of actual finishes. These sealants may begin to crack or peel over time, but you don’t have to worry about this happening if you choose an oil finish instead. Oil finishes absorb into the wood instead of sitting on top of it, so there’s no way these finishes can crack as they age. Oil finishes have a natural look. Do you want the hardwood flooring in your home to look natural or glossy? The answer to this question should help you determine which type of finish you want. Oil finishes do not provide the same level of shine as urethane finishes, but they are known to make the knots and natural grain of the wood stand out. Because of this, oil finishes are often used when homeowners are trying to create a laid-back, rustic, or country vibe in their homes. Keep these differences in mind as you make your final selection so you can choose a finish that will complement the rest of your home.   Urethane finishes are more low maintenance. If you choose an oil finish, you may need to use a special type of cleaning product on your hardwood floors to prevent damage. Floors with urethane finishes are much easier to clean, so you don’t have to make as much of an effort to preserve the look of your hardwood if it has this type of finish. If you have an oil finish, you will also need to recoat the floors every few years when the finish begins to fade away. Learn about oil vs. varnish for hardwood floors.   If you’re ready to install hardwood floors in your home, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 28 Jun 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11599/Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Tips--Choosing-the-Right-Finish http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11677/Hardwood-Flooring-Installation-Tips--Carpet-vs--Wood-Stairs blog Homeowners typically use either hardwood or carpet on the stairs inside their homes. If you are building a new home or thinking of redoing your stairs, you may be wondering which is the better option. The hardwood flooring installation experts at Ward Hardwood believe hardwood is the right choice. Here’s why: Carpet is harder to clean Even if you ask your guests to remove their shoes before going upstairs, people in your home are bound to drag in dirt and debris and carry it with them upstairs. Unfortunately, it is much easier to stain carpet than it is to stain hardwood, so you will begin to notice discoloration on your carpet stains in no time. Store-bought carpet cleaners may make the stains fade, but you may need to call a professional cleaner to make your stairs look as good as new. To clean wood, you typically just have to sweep the dirt and debris off of the surface. Here are 10 carpet cleaning tips from the pros. Carpet shows wear and tear Besides stains, carpet will also show wear and tear caused by frequent foot traffic. You may start to notice some spots of the carpet look more worn down than others. This is probably because this is the area that people frequently walk over as they go up and down the stairs. If you have hardwood stairs, you won’t have to worry about this because this flooring material is fairly resistant to wear and tear. Wood is more elegant Having a wood staircase will make the rest of your home look more elegant and grand, whereas having a carpet staircase is less visually appealing. If the staircase is the first thing you see when you open the front door of your home, it’s important to make a strong first impression by choosing wood over carpet.   Wood is easier to see at night The carpet used on stairs is typically all one color, which means it can be difficult to tell where the step is when you try to walk up or down the stairs in the dark. You won’t have this problem with wood. Most wood staircases feature stained wood on the tread of each step, and then painted wood on the riser. For example, the tread could be built with a rich, dark wood and the riser could be painted white. This contrast makes it easier for you to see where one step ends and the next begins if you are attempting to use the staircase at night.   Are you still struggling to decide between carpet and wood for your staircase? There’s one way you can incorporate both: build a wood staircase and then put a carpet runner down the center of it!   If you’re ready to build beautiful hardwood stairs in your home, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right hardwood for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 21 Jun 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11677/Hardwood-Flooring-Installation-Tips--Carpet-vs--Wood-Stairs http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11471/How-to-Prevent-Common-Problems-After-the-Hardwood-Floor-Installation blog Every type of flooring material requires some degree of maintenance, including hardwood floors. If you decide to install hardwood flooring in your home, there are certain problems that may arise in the years following the hardwood floor installation. Fortunately, many of the problems can be prevented with regular maintenance. Here’s what you need to know: Scratches Over time, you may start to notice tiny scratches in the finish of your hardwood floors. To prevent scratches, try to avoid walking across your hardwood floors with shoes on, especially if they’re high heels or cleats. If you have pets, don’t let them walk across the hardwood floors since their claws can easily scratch through the finish. You should also protect your hardwood floors from scratches by placing protective pads underneath any furniture pieces in the room. Warping If a significant amount of water lands on your hardwood floors, it may cause warping. Why? When wood becomes wet, it expands in size, and then contracts again once it begins to dry out. The result is warped wood, which means the planks may look curved or may even curl up at the ends. To prevent this problem, it’s imperative that you protect your floors from water. If you spill water on your floors, wipe it up as quickly as possible to avoid warping. Don’t use water when cleaning your hardwood floors, either. A simple dust mop or broom should do the trick. If you are concerned about warping, talk to your flooring professional to determine if there is a water resistant finish that can be applied to the top of your floors. Learn how to straighten a warped floor.   Fading Are your hardwood floors exposed to sunlight? Even if the floors are inside your home, if they’re located next to large windows that get a lot of sun, the color may start to fade over time. Talk to your flooring professional about applying a UV-resistant finish to your floors. If this is not an option, or if you want extra protection, prevent UV exposure by pulling down the blinds or closing the curtains when it’s sunny outside. Buckling Hardwood floors expand when exposed to humidity. Because of this, flooring professionals usually suggest letting the wood sit for a few days inside your home before it is installed so it can adjust to the humidity level. If your flooring professional fails to let the wood acclimate, or if he installs it incorrectly, the floors may begin to buckle and appear uneven. If you spot this problem, it’s important to contact your flooring professional right away so it can be repaired as soon as possible. These common problems can easily be avoided if you take care of your hardwood floors. If you’re ready to choose hardwood floors for your home, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 07 Jun 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11471/How-to-Prevent-Common-Problems-After-the-Hardwood-Floor-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11210/How-to-Use-Reclaimed-Wood-From-a-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-in-Your-Bathroom blog It’s fairly common to use reclaimed wood in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, but it’s far less common to see reclaimed wood used in bathrooms. If you want a unique bathroom design that will make your home stand out, consider using reclaimed wood from a hardwood floor showroom in your bathroom. Here are some tips to help you bring your vision to life: Be selective about where it is used. Water and wood are not a good mix, which is one of the reasons why wood is rarely used in bathrooms. But, if you want reclaimed wood incorporated into your bathroom, be selective about where you put it. For example, you shouldn’t plan on having reclaimed wood around the shower or tub, since it is very likely that water will splash onto the wood here. Work with your contractor to determine areas of the bathroom that are not exposed to much water. Put it in the powder room Even if you place wood far away from the shower and tub, it will still be exposed to steam. If this concerns you, you may want to use reclaimed wood in a powder room instead of a full bathroom. This way, you only have to worry about the water from the sink coming into contact with the wood. Your bathroom does not have to be rustic Reclaimed wood is often used to create a natural, rustic vibe, but that doesn’t mean you can only use it in this type of bathroom. In fact, pairing reclaimed wood with modern features such as shiny silver faucets and crisp white countertops creates a beautiful contrast that adds warmth to the room. The lesson? Don’t limit the possibilities for your bathroom by thinking that you can only use reclaimed wood in rooms with a rustic feel. Create a backdrop Cover the wall behind your sink with reclaimed wood to create a bold statement. This is a great way to incorporate reclaimed wood into your bathroom because it is so unexpected. Statement walls are often used in living rooms and bedrooms, but no one expects to see one in a bathroom. Be a trendsetter by bringing the statement wall concept to your bathroom! Use it as art If you don’t want to cover an entire wall in your bathroom with reclaimed wood, consider covering just a portion of it with different pieces of reclaimed wood. Buy pieces in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and have your contractor arrange them on your wall to create a unique patchwork. No one else will have something like this in their homes, and your guests will be impressed with your creativity. Now that you know the many different ways you can use reclaimed wood in your bathroom, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today Wed, 17 May 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11210/How-to-Use-Reclaimed-Wood-From-a-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-in-Your-Bathroom http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11393/Wide-Plank-vs--Narrow-Plank-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog When choosing hardwood flooring in Colorado, you will need to make a number of decisions, including the color of the wood, type of wood, and of course, width of the planks. The width of the individual planks can affect the look of the entire room, so don’t rush this decision. Here are a few things you need to consider before deciding which width is best for your home:  The Look What look are you trying to achieve in your home? If you want your room to have a clean and minimalistic vibe, narrow planks may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, wide plank hardwood is typically used in homes with a rustic or country feel. It can also be used in traditional homes, where it looks elegant and timeless. The Size of the Room Where will you be installing hardwood flooring? If you are laying the hardwood in a small room, narrow planks can open the space and make it feel larger than it really is. Wide planks can make small rooms feel more cramped, especially if the ceilings are low, so it’s recommended that you only use wide plank floors in rooms that are on the larger size. Material Cost Material costs will vary depending on the width of the planks. Narrow planks, usually called strip flooring, tend to be more cost effective than wide plank materials. If choosing wide plank materials, keep in mind that a random mix of widths will usually be more cost effective than all one width. Wood Detailing ider planks tend to have more visible detailing that give the wood an authentic feel. For example, you may not be able to see the grain of the wood or knots on narrower planks, but these features are usually fairly visible on wider planks. If you want to be able to see this type of detailing, it’s best to stick to wider planks.   Resale Value If you plan on selling your home in the near future, it may be best to choose wide planks since these are preferred by buyers. Today’s buyers are looking for wider planks that measure between 4 to 8 inches wide, or somewhere along those guidelines. If you have these in your home, you may be able to attract a greater number of buyers and sell your home faster.  When it comes to wood floors, choose wisely. Personal Preference Above all else, it’s important to make this decision based on your own personal preference. This is your home, so you should have the flooring that you like the best. Keep the above tips in mind, but don’t forget to ask yourself which style you prefer before making a decision.   Have you decided between wide and narrow plank hardwood? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 17 May 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11393/Wide-Plank-vs--Narrow-Plank-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11203/Common-Myths-About-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog Before you install hardwood flooring in your home, it’s important to do your research to determine whether it’s a good choice for your lifestyle. But as you research, you may stumble upon a few common myths about hardwood flooring in Colorado. Learn the truth behind these common misconceptions: Myth: Engineered wood is fake wood. Many people believe “engineered” actually means “fake,” but that’s simply not the case. Engineered wood is made by combining multiple layers of wood, so there’s nothing fake about it. The only part of engineered wood that is not actual wood is the sticky adhesives used between each layer of wood and the shiny finish on top. Myth: Wood floors are easily damaged. Every type of flooring material will show signs of wear and tear over time, and wood is no exception. If you have young children or pets in your home, ask the flooring professional for advice on which wood species you should choose. The durability of each species is measured using the Janka scale, so a flooring professional can walk you through each option and its score on this scale to help you make a decision. Learn more about the Janka scale. Of course, there are ways that you can extend the life of your wood if you want to preserve its beauty. For example, you should try to avoid walking across your wood floors while wearing high heels or cleats so you don’t scratch the finish. Use rugs at high traffic areas such as doors, entries and kitchen sinks. Myth: Mopping is the best way to clean hardwood floors. Many people assume that the best way to clean hardwood floors is with a mop and a bucket of water, but there are a few things to consider here. Always use a dedicated mop and bucket so as not to contaminate the hardwood with other cleaning chemicals, and avoid using excessive amounts of water. Sweeping with a dry microfiber dust mop or vacuuming with a soft bristle brush attachment also works well.   Myth: You can use any kitchen cleaner on your floor. There’s absolutely no truth behind this myth. Most kitchen cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as vinegar or ammonia, and these should never be used to clean your hardwood floors. If you need to clean your floors with something besides a dry dust mop, talk to the flooring company to see what products they recommend. Or, look for a product that is designed specifically for hardwood floors. Myth: Hardwood floors cannot be used in kitchens. It’s true that some hardwood floors are a better fit for the kitchen than others, but it’s not true that you can’t use hardwood floors in your kitchen at all. Many flooring professionals recommend engineered wood for the kitchen because it is a bit more durable, but talk to your flooring professional to see what he thinks is the right choice. Now that you know the truth behind these common hardwood myths, it’s time to get started planning out your new hardwood floor. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Fri, 12 May 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/11203/Common-Myths-About-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8501/Refinishing-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog Everyone seems to know that hardwood floors need refinishing at some point in their lifetime. Refinished hardwood flooring looks beautiful and new, but here’s a question most people don’t know the answer to: When should you refinish your Colorado hardwood floors? Hardwood gets better with age, right? It gets a more unique, beautiful look over time. Still, over too much time, it can become an eyesore if not properly maintained. Many people may want to refinish the floor themselves, thinking that it will save them money and time. That thinking is false on both counts. Time is money, and refinishing a hardwood floor is a lot of  work for one family member to take on alone, not to mention time-consuming. Plus, it is that hard - you have to know what you are doing, or your floors will turn into a fright fest in short order.   Still, how do you know when it is time to call a local flooring expert? Here are a few foolproof tests to determine if your floor needs refinishing.  How to know if you have a hardwood floor or a hardwood laminate is a good question to ask. Make sure your floor is genuine wood and not a wood-style laminate. Many homeowners need to ask this question because newer laminate is very good at mimicking the beauty of real wood.   Pick the spot on your floor with the most foot traffic, such as the kitchen in front of the fridge, or the bathroom. Dump a spoonful of water on the floor there. If droplets form on the surface with no absorption into the wood is a sign that your finish is working correctly, and the newer look is a result of the wood aging in a healthy way. If some seeps into the wood but some remains on the surface, your finish is very close to its last breath, and you should consider having it refinished in the next few months. If all of the water soaks in and it leaves a dark stain, your floor needs to be refinished immediately.   Repeat this process on the other dingy parts of the floor, as well as on the least trafficked areas, to see if the whole floor needs refinishing, or just the spaces that people walk on the most often.   Find a space between two boards of wood, and insert a small card (like a business card) between the boards as far in as you can. Make a pencil mark at the edge of the boards. Measure from the bottom of the card to the pencil mark. If the pencil mark is ¾ of an inch or less from the bottom of the card, you cannot refinish it yourself without risking extreme damage to the wood. You must call a professional. If the pencil mark is over ¾ of an inch from the edge, it is possible to do it yourself, if you feel you truly know what you are doing.   Remember, professionals know how to safely handle all of the chemicals, and usually come in a team to get the job done quickly - they will even move the furniture for you. Doing it yourself may seem rewarding, but it is a long, messy, and stinky project if you take it on alone. If you are looking for a Colorado company that will refinish your hardwood floors, call us at Ward Hardwood Flooring. View our wide variety of finishing treatments to pick the best option for your wood, or call us for a free consultation! Wed, 26 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8501/Refinishing-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9720/Protect-Your-Floors-From-Humidity-After-the-Hardwood-Floor-Installation blog Homeowners love the sleek elegance of hardwood floors, which is why so many people choose to install it in their living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, among other places. But, like every other flooring material, hardwood floors have to be properly taken care of or they will lose their luster. One factor that could affect your hardwood floors is humidity. After a hardwood floor installation, it’s important to follow these tips to protect your investment from the damaging effects of humidity: First, how does humidity affect your floors? Hardwood floors can begin to dry out when there is not enough moisture in the air, so if the humidity level is too low, your floor could start to crack. However, high humidity levels are also damaging to your floors. If there is too much moisture in the air, water can eventually creep underneath the floorboards and cause warping. Use a humidistat. Once your floors have been installed, it’s important to check the humidity levels in your home using a humidistat, which can be purchased at any hardware store. It’s recommended that hardwood floors stay in an environment where the humidity falls between 40-60%. If the humidistat reveals the humidity in your home is not in this range, you will need to buy a device to help you control it.   Buy a dehumidifier or humidifier. A humidifier is used to make the air more humid, while a dehumidifier does the opposite. Depending on the current humidity level in your home, you could need one of these devices to help you protect your hardwood floors. In fact, it may be best to use both. Humidity tends to increase during the summer, so use a dehumidifier during this season to bring the level down into the 40-60% range. When the air becomes dry during the winter, use a humidifier to put moisture back in the air and protect your floors. There are many dehumidifiers and humidifiers that are designed to maintain the humidity of one room. But, if you really want to take care of your floors, buy a professionally installed unit that will control the humidity in your entire home. Learn more about how your indoor environment affect hardwood flooring. Talk to the contractor. Hardwood floors are not a good fit for some rooms, and your flooring contractor should tell you this prior to installation. For example, a gym or laundry room in your home will probably have higher levels of humidity than other rooms in your home, so these are not the best places to install hardwood floors. Make sure you thoroughly discuss your plans with a contractor prior to the installation so you don’t make the mistake of putting hardwood floors in a room where they won’t last. Would you like to learn more about protecting your hardwood floors? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 19 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9720/Protect-Your-Floors-From-Humidity-After-the-Hardwood-Floor-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/10862/2017-Trends-You-Should-Know-Before-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation blog If you’re planning to install new hardwood floors, the last thing you want to do is unknowingly choose a style that is outdated. Before selecting a type of hardwood and scheduling your hardwood installation, learn about these hardwood trends in 2017: Texture Today’s customers are generally looking for textured hardwood floors that give the room a rustic, earthy feel. There are two types of texture you should look for: wire brushed or hand scraped. Although the texture is created using two different techniques, the end result is very similar. Regardless of whether you choose wire brushed or hand scraped, you’ll be right on trend if you have textured wood in your home. Reclaimed Wood Customers are constantly looking for new ways to make their homes more unique, and reclaimed wood helps them achieve this goal. Reclaimed wood is taken from old buildings or other structures, and then reused in homes across the country. Each batch of reclaimed wood is visually stunning and unique, so it’s not hard to see why this type of wood is making such a comeback in 2017. Flat Finishes Many homeowners love glossy finishes, but matte finishes are slowly making a comeback. Matte finishes are much more understated than glossy finishes, so they fit right in with the shift towards rustic-looking rooms. Even if you like the look of a glossy finish, you should know that matte finishes conceal scratches and imperfections much better than shinier finishes. You can always compromise by choosing a satin finish, which isn’t as flat as a matte finish, but less shiny than a glossy finish. Color There are several different colors that trending this year, so homeowners have more options when it comes to choosing a trendy hardwood color. First, there’s gray, which has increased in popularity over the last few years. Gray is a versatile, calming neutral that will instantly lighten and brighten any room it’s in. Another light shade, blonde wood, is also in style in 2017. Blonde wood gives the room a relaxed, laid-back feel, and it can also hide dirt and debris that may be lingering on the surface of the wood. But, if you don’t like the light look of blonde and gray woods, you’re in luckâ€"dark wood will continue to be popular in 2017. Learn more about gray hardwood floors.   Plank Size Customers will gravitate towards wider, longer planks of wood in 2017. Wide planks can make a room feel more open and spacious, which is why so many customers choose it over narrower options. But, wide planks can look awkward when the planks are too short, so if you decide to go for a wider plank, be sure you also choose planks with a longer length. Now that you know the hardwood trends for this year, are you ready to visit a showroom and find the perfect wood for your home? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 05 Apr 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/10862/2017-Trends-You-Should-Know-Before-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/10863/Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-FAQ blog If you’ve never had hardwood flooring, but want to install it in your home, it’s best to visit a hardwood floor showroom and talk to the professionals about your needs. Feel free to ask questions to ensure you get all of the information you’re looking for before you commit to a hardwood floor installation. What should you ask? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions: How much should I order? Before you place an order, you will need to have the space measured so you know how many square feet need to be covered with hardwood. But, it’s recommended that you order about 10% more than necessary. This is because the wood planks will be cut to fit the exact layout of your room, and once a piece is cut, the remainder of it probably cannot be used anywhere else in the room. To avoid running out of wood, hardwood professionals advise that you order a bit extra. What are some of my floor “finish” options? There are several choices for floor finishes such as Polyurethane, Acid Cured Swedish Finish, Water Based Finish, etc. Things to consider when choosing a finish is the amount of wear and tear on the floor, UV protection and the look you want to achieve. Can I install the flooring myself to save money? Installing hardwood may look easy, but looks can be deceiving. Laying down hardwood requires certain tools that you will need to rent or buy if you don’t already own. On top of that, there are certain things that you may not know how to do, including checking for moisture, and working in tight spaces such as closets or pantries. There are many things that can go wrong if you try to install hardwood on your own, so if you want it to look like a professional did it, then leave it to the professionals.   How can I preserve the hardwood floors once they’ve been installed? Preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors with regular cleanings. You should get in the habit of sweeping or vacuuming your hardwood floors with a soft bristle brush to pick up any dirt or debris that could cause scratches. There are cleaning products designed specifically for hardwood floors, so talk to your installer to see if there is one that works better than the others. You should also lay down rugs near your doors so people can wipe their feet before walking across your floors. Avoid wearing high heels on hardwood, and if you have pets, make sure their nails are trimmed down so they don’t scratch the hardwood’s finish. Learn how to clean hardwood floors. Now that you know the answers to these frequently asked questions, it’s time to get started planning out your new hardwood floor. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Tue, 21 Mar 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/10863/Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-FAQ http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9671/The-Benefits-of-Choosing-Reclaimed-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog If you’re interested in adding hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider reclaimed wood as opposed to traditional hardwood. Reclaimed wood is a type of hardwood that was harvested years ago, used in some form of construction, and then reused after the building was destroyed. Why should you choose it when there are so many other options available? Here are some of the many benefits of reclaimed hardwood flooring in Colorado: Unique appearance. Every type of hardwood is beautiful, but reclaimed wood has a unique look that makes it even more attractive. Most reclaimed wood will have visible knots and other markings that make it stand out from traditional hardwood. Reclaimed wood usually has a slight rustic look, but the truth is it’s incredibly versatile, so it can complement many other interior design styles. If you want a floor that will make your home truly unique, choose reclaimed wood.   Comes with a story. Are you the kind of person who loves sifting through antique markets to find interesting pieces of furniture? If so, you’ll love having reclaimed wood in your home. Each batch of reclaimed wood comes with a unique story that you won’t find with traditional hardwood. For example, a lot of reclaimed wood comes from old barns that have been torn down, which makes it a great conversation piece to have in your home. Learn more about where to find reclaimed wood. More durable. The demand for wood is high, so many trees that are grown commercially are torn down before they have reached their full size. However, most reclaimed wood was originally made from mature trees, which means the wood is much stronger. But, that’s not all. Reclaimed wood has been exposed to environmental elements time and time again, so it has that beautiful weathered look and is an extremely strong product. Please keep in mind that you still need proper acclimation time in your home, to prevent gapping or shrinkage. Versatile. If you don’t want to update any of your floors, but you still want reclaimed wood in your home, why not try a wood paneled wall? Reclaimed wood can be used in many ways, from eye-catching statement walls in your living room to custom bathroom cabinets and shelves. Environmentally friendly. Many homeowners choose reclaimed wood because it’s environmentally friendly. The world’s natural resources are limited, and forests across the globe are being bulldozed to meet consumer demand for wood products. By choosing reclaimed wood, you are doing your part to preserve our precious resources by reducing the need for new timber. Now that you know some of the benefits of choosing reclaimed hardwood floors, are you ready to have them installed in your home? Let our professionals help you. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 15 Mar 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9671/The-Benefits-of-Choosing-Reclaimed-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9489/Choosing-Color-in-a-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom blog Are you ready to transform the look of your home by installing hardwood floors? First, you will have to decide what color hardwood you want. This may not seem like a difficult choice, but once you see all of the different colors in a hardwood floor showroom, you will understand just how tough it can be. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect color: Think of the size of the room. Which room will you be putting the hardwood floors in? If it’s a large and spacious living room with high ceilings, almost any color would work. But in smaller rooms, especially those with low ceilings, you should try to stick to light colored woods that will make the space seem bigger and more open. Dark woods can make small spaces seem cramped and gloomy, so it’s best to avoid these shades if you don’t have much space. Don’t match the furniture. Do you have wood furniture? It may seem logical to choose a wood floor that matches the furniture in the room, but this is not a good idea. Instead, choose a color that either complements or contrasts the wood furniture. This will give the room a much more elegant look.   Take samples. Don’t rely on what you see in a showroom. You should always ask for samples and take them home with you to see what they look like under the lighting in your home. This way, you can hold the samples up against your furniture, curtains, and wall paint to see how well it will look together. Choose natural if you want to conceal imperfections. You may think it’s wise to choose a darker colored wood if you don’t want to see every piece of dust or debris that lands on your floor. After all, the darker the wood, the more it should conceal, right? Wrong! The truth is natural colored floors actually conceal dirt, dust, and debris better than any other color. If you have children or pets in your home, or simply don’t get around to cleaning the house as much as you would like, stick to a natural colored wood. Learn how to clean hardwood floors. Think of the vibe. What mood do you want to set with your hardwood floors? If you are going for a more chic, urban feel, dark hardwood flooring may be best for your home, which is why dark woods are often used in gourmet kitchens, libraries, and offices. However, if you want a classic, inviting look, it’s best to stick to natural or light colored wood, which is why light colored woods look great in living spaces, bedrooms, and rustic style homes.   Do you need help choosing the perfect hardwood floor for your home and lifestyle? Let our professionals help. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 08 Mar 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9489/Choosing-Color-in-a-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9579/Common-Ways-to-Prevent-Ruining-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog Hardwood floors are a great investmentâ€"that is, if you know how to take care of them properly. Some homeowners install hardwood flooring in Colorado without first learning how to protect and clean them. If you want to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, make sure you follow these tips: Cut your pet’s nails. Do you have a dog? If so, make sure his nails are trimmed down at all times if you allow him to walk across your hardwood floors. A dog’s nails can easily scratch through the finish of your hardwood floors, leaving unsightly scratches that will need to be repaired. Put down a welcome mat. A welcome mat in front of your home serves two purposes: greeting people who have just arrived at your home, and protecting your hardwood floors. Kindly ask your guests to wipe their feet on a welcome mat before coming into your home so they don’t drag dirt and debris inside. If your guests walk across your hardwood floor with dirt and debris stuck to their shoes, they could cause damage. Use the proper cleaning technique. Proper cleaning is very important for your hardwood floor. Start by gently sweeping the dirt and debris off of your hardwood floor using a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a bristle attachment.  You can lightly damp mop with vinegar and water, or use a product that is designed specifically for hardwood floors and follow the instructions closely. Wipe up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage. Do not let water spills, wet boots, etc. sit on the floors to prevent water damage issues. Learn how to clean hardwood floors. Put padding on your furniture. Don’t move your furniture back into the room after a hardwood installation until you have inspected the bottoms of every piece. If any piece of furniture does not have padding, make sure you buy some and put it in place. Furniture can scratch your hardwood floors if there’s not a layer of padding separating it from the floor. There are several options to choose from, including foam pads or adhesive pads that stick to your furniture’s legs. Make sure you choose one that is designed to be used on hardwood floors. You should also be careful if you have any furniture with wheels, such as an office chair. If you can, pick up any furniture with wheels when you are moving it back into place after an installation. For everyday use, buy a mat to lay underneath this furniture to protect your floors. Now that you know how to take care of hardwood floors, are you ready to install this flooring material in your home? Let our professionals help. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 08 Feb 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9579/Common-Ways-to-Prevent-Ruining-Your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9001/Colorado-Hardwood-Flooring-Tip--How-to-Incorporate-Reclaimed-Wood-Wall-Treatments-into-Your-Commercial-or-Retail-Design blog Are you looking for a way to add bit of excitement and unexpected edge into your commercial or retail space? One way to do so is by adding a reclaimed wood wall treatment. Hardwood flooring in Colorado is timeless and sophisticated, especially when used in this unique way. Here’s how to make it work for you: Balance the rest of the room. When you incorporate a reclaimed wood wall into your design, you want this to be the focus of the space, so it’s important to create a balance by keeping everything else simple. If you really want to draw attention to the wall, use neutral colors throughout the rest of the space, and don’t overdo it with accessories or textures. If you fail to provide balance, the reclaimed wood wall will probably overpower your space instead of complementing it.   Choose the wood wisely. Reclaimed wood will look more aged than standard hardwood, so don’t be surprised when you see marks or signs of distress. You shouldn’t shy away from using wood with these characteristicsâ€"you should embrace it. Signs of age add character to your reclaimed wood wall, so as long as the color works with your space, go for it. You will also need to decide whether you want all the pieces to be the same width, or if you want some pieces to be wider than others. Using different widths makes the project even more eclectic and edgy, so it really depends on what look you are trying to achieve with the reclaimed wood wall.   Remove any trim. If your space has any crown molding or baseboards, you will need to remove it before installing a reclaimed wood wall treatment. The wall has to be a completely blank canvas in order for this installation to work. Luckily, this isn’t difficult to do on your own as long as you have a crow bar. Learn how to remove baseboards without damaging the drywall. Paint the wall. Even though you’re putting wood over the wall, it may still be wise to paint it first. This is because reclaimed wood is not perfect, so there could still be tiny gaps in between each plank once the wall project is complete. If you’re a perfectionist, the paint shining through these tiny gaps could bother you, but don’t worry, there’s a way to fix it. Paint the wall black prior to beginning the project. A solid black paint will disguise the gaps and make your wall look complete. Add a picture. Once the wall is complete, consider drawing even more attention to it by hanging a single, brightly colored painting on it, or even your business' logo or signage. This look can create a bold, beautiful statement in the entryway of a commercial or retail space. Would you like to hear more design ideas for your commercial or retail space? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients achieve the exact look they’ve envisioned for their space. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 01 Feb 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9001/Colorado-Hardwood-Flooring-Tip--How-to-Incorporate-Reclaimed-Wood-Wall-Treatments-into-Your-Commercial-or-Retail-Design http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9279/Popular-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Terms blog If you’re thinking of installing hardwood flooring in your home, you may have stopped by a hardwood floor showroom or two to see the many different options. But, while you were there, did you notice people using a lot of words you weren’t familiar with? Were you unsure of how to talk to the sales team about what you were looking for? There are a lot of terms you should know to ensure you are making the right choices for your home. Here’s a handy guide to help you understand some of the most common ones: Prefinished Flooring If you order prefinished hardwood flooring, it means the planks will be stained to the appropriate color and sealed with a protective coating prior to coming to your home. Doing this before the installation reduces the time it takes to complete this project, so many customers prefer prefinished wood. Reclaimed Wood Some customers order reclaimed wood, which is hardwood that has been salvaged from another building. This type of wood goes through a refinishing process prior to being used in someone’s home. Even though it is refinished, it won’t look brand new once installed. Reclaimed wood is preferred by customers who want a unique, imperfect look. Strip Flooring The term strip flooring refers to the width of each hardwood plank. Strip flooring is narrow, usually less than three inches wide, while wide plank flooring is wider than three inches. Finish Applying a finish is one of the last steps involved in the hardwood installation process. Finishes can be oil, polyurethane, water-based, acid - cured, or many other types to choose from. Refinishing Now that you know what a finish is, what exactly is refinishing? If you no longer like the color of your floor’s stain, or if there is a lot of damage on the surface of your floors, you may need to have them refinished. This means a professional will come to your home and sand your floors to remove the current finish and stain. Once it has been sanded down, a new stain and finish can be applied to completely change the look. Natural Stain Many customers choose a colored stain to alter the look of the wood, but some still prefer a natural stain. A natural stain has a clear finish, so it will protect your wood without adjusting the color of it. With a natural stain, you can still see the natural grain running through the wood. This is often used in homes with a rustic or country feel, but it is versatile and can complement almost any type of interior design. Are you ready to install hardwood floors in your home? Or, are you hoping to get more information on hardwood flooring before making a decision? Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. Wed, 25 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/9279/Popular-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom-Terms http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8866/Things-to-Consider-for-Your-Hardwood-Installation-in-Denver blog After flipping through page after page of beautiful hardwood floors in interior design magazines, it’s easy to be sold on the idea of having hardwood flooring in your home. Before you call and schedule hardwood installation in Denver, there are a few things you need to consider, including: Type of Wood Consult with a hardwood floor company to discuss the pros and cons of each type of wood and determine which is best for your budget and lifestyle. For example, if you have kids running through the house, oak may be a good choice since it is durable. Cherry wood has a rich, elegant feel, but it’s one of the pricier options, so it may not fit within your budget. Here’s your guide to the different types of wood flooring.   Color Take a look around the room where you plan on laying down hardwood floor. What colors will look best with the furniture, molding, and paint on the walls? Many people forget there are dozens of different shades of wood to choose from, so this is an important decision. If the rest of your room is dark, try brightening it up with a gray or white wood, but if the paint and furniture is light, warm up the room with a deep shade for the floors. Unfinished vs. Prefinished You should speak to a hardwood flooring professional about whether to buy unfinished or prefinished wood floors as well. Unfinished floors come without any treatment, while prefinished floors already have the UV-cured coating applied. Because prefinished floors are already coated, flooring contractors do not have to complete this step within your home during the installation. This means a shorter installation time without the pungent odors that come with applying the stain. However, some homeowners fear the finish will be damaged during the installation process, so they prefer waiting until the floors are down to coat them. The choice is yours, but ask a hardwood specialist for help making the final decision, as the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring know the process that will work best for you. Maintenance and Repair Every type of flooring material requires proper maintenance and will eventually need to be repaired, and hardwood is no exception. Before you commit to installing hardwood floors, take the time to learn about the maintenance and repair process. Hardwood can be easily damaged when exposed to water, for example, so if this is something you don’t want to maintain in your home, hardwood may not be the right choice for you. If you do your research and still want hardwood floors, make sure you speak to the flooring contractor about how to clean them once they’ve been installed. The contractor should be able to recommend cleaning solutions that will help you keep your hardwood floor in good shape for years to come. If you are considering installing hardwood floors in your home contact the experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring. With over 25 years in the business, we have the experience and professionalism to assist you creating the custom wood design of your dreams. Call today for a free estimate at 303-674-6966. Wed, 11 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8866/Things-to-Consider-for-Your-Hardwood-Installation-in-Denver http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8728/Beetle-Mania-and-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Denver blog If you’ve lived in Colorado for any amount of time you’ve probably heard about our forests slowly succumbing to a pine beetle infestation. It is a sad sight to see large swaths of dead, grey trees interspersed with the green forests of the Rocky Mountains. However the pioneering spirit of the west lives on in Colorado and when pesky bugs give us lemons, we make lemonade. The trees, though dead, maintain their structural integrity if they are harvested before decay begins. This unique wood offers the luminous tones of pine enhanced by blue highlights which are created by a fungus the bug carries. All this talk of bugs and fungus sounds icky but it’s perfectly safe, sustainable, not to mention, beautiful. Beetle kill wood is being used to make everything from iPhone cases, to snowboards, to hardwood flooring and wood accents for the home. The Plight of the Forest The Rocky Mountain Region of the US Forest Service estimates that the infestation has affected more than 3.3 million acres of Colorado’s forests. Pine beetles have reached into the neighboring states of Utah, Arizona, and Wyoming as well. The beetles have mainly attacked lodge pole, ponderosa and limber pines. Even though these trees are dead, they are still important for wildlife habitat as well as prevention of soil erosion. Clear cutting these trees is not the answer but environmentalists tout the selective removal of beetle kill trees for safety and ecosystem health. Dead trees of any sort are dangerous to those who use the high country, either for recreation or work. They can fall at any moment causing injury or even death. Trees that have fallen victim to pine beetles or other blight also provide ready fuel for wildfires. Clearing out specific areas of these trees removes those dangers and provides environmentally friendly building materials as well.   Benefits of Beetle Kill Materials Until recently Colorado imported up to 95 percent of lumber used in the state. This doesn’t make much economic sense for a state with so much lumber available from dead trees, as the Denver Post pointed out in their report about Beetle Kill Wood Being Used in Home Construction. It is also more environmentally sound to use local sources rather than having wood shipped or trucked in from other areas. The beetles attack large, full grown trees so their wood is suitable for a variety of purposes from house framing, to structural beams, to decorative accents. Choosing reclaimed wood is one of the best ways to keep our virgin forests standing. Reclaimed wood is not only environmentally friendly, but one of the best structural choices you can make as well. The wood has already been given a chance to fully dry out therefore it is resistant to warping, twisting, and cracking.   Let Us Help! Shop our vast selection of reclaimed wood products, including beetle kill pine. It’s beautiful for your home, helps the health of our forests, and will last a lifetime. Are reclaimed products are good for flooring, beams, mantels, and more! To set up a consultation, give us a call at 303-674-6966. Spring is a popular time for home projects so don’t wait, call today! Wed, 04 Jan 2017 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8728/Beetle-Mania-and-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Denver http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8818/The-Illusion-of-Space-with-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog You may not have considered the impact that flooring has on the feel of your room. It can make a cavernous space feel cozy or open up a smaller space. The pattern in which it is laid, width of materials, and color all play a part in creating the illusion of space in a room. At Ward Hardwood Flooring we have wood flooring available in a variety of colors, textures, widths, and plank lengths to achieve just the effect you’re after. Making a Small Room Appear Larger The long orientation of floorboards can make a small room appear larger. Thinner planks can actually truncate the space. Use wider planks with fewer seams to increase the feeling of openness in your rooms. Boards that are 3 to 5 inches in width are ideal for smaller rooms. You might also consider laying the planks in a diagonal configuration as opposed to straight. This is especially effective in narrow spaces. In a small house or apartment, using the same type of flooring throughout, as opposed to breaking it up with tile or carpet, can also give the illusion of a larger space.   The color and tone of the floor is also key in creating this illusion of space. A darker floor tends to shrink the feel of the room while a lighter color will open it up. However, when a dark finish floor, such as walnut or cherry, is paired with paint colors on the cooler side of the spectrum such as light greys, and blues, it will have an expansive effect. Consider adding crown molding to enhance the feeling of openness. If you do decide to go with a lighter tone for your floors, keep paint and furnishings white or monochromatic to avoid breaking up the space too much. Making a Large Room Feel Cozier Adding textures to a large room can make it feel more intimate. Consider using reclaimed flooring with a hand-scraped texture or natural weathering to make the space feel a bit smaller. Darker floors can help a large room feel less overwhelming and more comfortable. If you want don’t want the formal feeling of dark woods, choose a medium tone with warmer undertones.   Using a tile inlay or area rug can create a space within a space, breaking up the room. Choose a large rug, and place an L-shaped sectional and chairs around a coffee table to create a conversation area. Use lower shelving and seating to create a reading area in the corner next to windows to form a visual divide and make the room appear smaller. Use furniture to create a space vs. putting it up against the wall. Learn more decorating tips to make a large room feel cozy and work in conjunction with your flooring or choice.   Browse our galleries to gain inspiration and ideas of the many different looks and styles we can achieve in your home. We have a large inventory of new and reclaimed wood in stock. Our design experts will take the time to understand exactly the look you are trying to achieve and find just the right wood for your home or office. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today. We can have your new floor installed in time for your spring wedding! Wed, 21 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8818/The-Illusion-of-Space-with-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8678/Financial-Benefits-of-Hardwood-Floor-Installation-in-Denver-Homes-- blog Forty years ago thick shag carpet was all the rage. Various designs in every color were wall to wall in every home as Americans watched the moon landing and listened to music on the turntable. Nowadays carpet is much less in demand with more and more people turning to the clean and versatile look of hardwood floors. Hardwood can support any decorating style for shabby chic to ultra-modern, while providing practicality that does not typically come with carpet. Gone are the days when homeowners choose furniture and a motif for their interior design and stick with that in until their kids go to college. Home furnishings are available in a wider array of styles than ever before at more affordable prices, make remodels and redesigns much more feasible for families. Wall to wall carpet can limit your home’s design to a particular style or color palette, but hardwood flooring makes for a compatible option for rustic country homes as well as edgy urban flats. Hardwood in your own home Wood flooring truly works with most any design and sometimes the color can be easily changed with new stain with a new stain color. Hardwood flooring is also the best choice for those who suffer from allergies. It doesn’t hold dust, mites, or pet dander the way carpet does. It also doesn’t retain any pet or cooking odors. As far as energy efficiency, wood flooring is also much cooler in the summer keeping air conditioning bills down and insulation beneath can trap heat during the winter months. Wood is a carbon neutral product and your floors can easily be maintained without the use harsh chemicals or wasting water. You’re sure to reap the financial benefits and enjoy the timeless beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.   Installing hardwood flooring in your rental property There are few things harder to destroy than hardwood floors. Damage can typically be remedied fairly easily as well. Refinishing or coating on your hardwood floors is usually far less expensive than replacing all carpeting. We’ve already mentioned the style and versatility wood offers, making your property an attractive option for potential renters. Families with small kids or pets are likely to prefer hardwood floors as messes are easy to clean up and rarely cause permanent stains. Homes with hardwood floors often rent faster, enjoy greater retention rates, and can command higher rents. Hardwood floors when selling your home Experts agree that installing hardwood floors or pulling up carpeting to expose the wood underneath may boost a home’s selling price and make for a quicker sale. It brings the wow factor - sometimes even without costing too much to install new floors or refinish the ones already present. According to Time, hardwood is the best flooring for your money for all the reasons we’ve already talked about. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 54% of home buyers are willing to pay more for a house that had new, or near new condition hardwood flooring.     Whether you’re living in the house, renting it out, or selling it, the professionals at Ward Hardwood Flooring can make your floors and wood accents the focal point of your home. Call 303-674-6966 to set up an appointment for a free estimate, today Fri, 09 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8678/Financial-Benefits-of-Hardwood-Floor-Installation-in-Denver-Homes-- http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8406/4-Types-of-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado-for-Your-Home blog Hardwood floor installation is the perfect way to increase your home’s value and provide you with a quality aesthetic you and your guests can enjoy. This type of flooring material is also easy to clean and is available in a variety of styles to fit the look and feel of your homeâ€"or create the look and feel that you want! Below are four types of hardwood that you can add to enhance the appearance of your home: Reclaimed Wood: This type of flooring is reused from other applications such as mills, barns, factories, etc. Reclaimed wood provides a unique look in a home that many homeowners prefer. Also, because its original purpose was not necessarily grown for hardwood flooring, you can enjoy knowing you have chosen a type of material which will enable you to extend its life in your home. Reclaimed wood is available in Antique Oak, Antique Heart Pine, Wormy Chestnut, Hickory, Walnut and many other varieties.   Rustic Plank: Rustic flooring is a popular hardwood flooring in Colorado that provides a natural, weathered look into the home. Generally it gives the appearance that it has been a part of your family for decades. The wide planks provide a clean linear look. It has a hard and tight grain pattern that can stain easily to the color of your choice to match your aesthetic. Plank widths range anywhere from five to 12 inches with standard lengths of 2’ to 12’ with longer lengths available. Types of rustic plank flooring available includes White and Red Oak, Eastern White Pine or Beetle Kill Blue Pine.   Wide Plank: Wide plank flooring dates back to the colonial era. The great thing about this flooring is the stain that you put on it can instantly create the look you want. For instance, you can create a rustic and natural environment with one stain or a contemporary and modern feel with another. Wondering how wide is too wide? View this discussion on Houzz to get ideas from other homeowners, or contact our team of professionals to get information and ideas specific to your home. You can get wide plank flooring in Reclaimed Wood, Antique Oak, Longleaf Heart Pine, Rustic Walnut and many other species. Traditional Strip: One of the other popular types of hardwood flooring is simple traditional strip flooring. It is an economical choice that is not as wide as your wide planks and is found in 2.25, 3.25, 4", and 5" widths. This type of flooring became popular in the United States after World War II when more financing options became available through VA and FHA loans. Traditional strip hardwood is created from a lower grade lumber that is created into narrow strips. From there, it is milled into strip flooring. Traditional strip flooring is available in Red or White Oak, Ash, Hickory, Cherry and many other species.     When you are ready to upgrade your home to hardwood flooring, let Ward Hardwood Flooring Help! We have over 20 years of experience in the hardwood flooring business and have a wide range of services to help you put the floors you want in your home in your price point. Browse our hardwood-flooring gallery and give us a call at 303-674-6966 to get started!  Wed, 23 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8406/4-Types-of-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado-for-Your-Home http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8308/---Reclaimed-Wood-Accents-Bring-Your-Colorado-Hardwood-Flooring-to-Life blog Hardwood floors are currently the most popular type of flooring in homes today. Enter any Colorado hardwood floor showroom and you can see wood from American oak to Asian bamboo. But the floor isn’t the only place that wood can add beauty to a home. Have you thought about a wood accent wall? How about adding wood beams to a vaulted ceiling? There are so many options! Need inspiration? Take a look at the Sunset Magazine article about 9 Gorgeous Reclaimed Wood Ideas. We have an amazing supply of reclaimed wood that would add charm and distinction to any home or work space. What is Reclaimed Wood Reclaimed wood is the most environmentally friendly building choice of all. It is literally, as the name suggests, reclaiming wood from structures that are going to be, or have been demolished. It saves old growth trees and provides an extremely stable building material. Most of the planks used are more than 100 years old, having had more than sufficient time to dry out and mold into its final shape.   Accent Walls A few years ago brick accent walls were all the rage until people started realizing that it raised the sound and echo quotient considerably in a room. Wood adds the same rustic look without creating a sound issue. A reclaimed wood wall behind a bed or in a country kitchen adds idyllic charm and an eye catching focal point which will set off western accents, or antiques beautifully. You don’t have to do a whole wall, a kitchen island covered in wood will add an air of shabby chic as well as supply a durable surface to stand up to years in a high traffic area.   Tables and Shelves Our reclaimed barn wood planks and posts can create sturdy and unique, one of a kind accents for any room. A reclaimed wood fireplace mantle embodies the comfort of an old homestead. A reclaimed wood table in the kitchen or dining room will provide a place to create family memories as well as provide an heirloom quality piece that will last for generations. Reclaimed wood is also the perfect choice for cabinets or shelving in a quaint kitchen with a wealth of old world, rural charm.   Ceiling Beams With modern building techniques, heavy exposed beams are no longer necessary for stability but they add distinction to any living or office space. They are especially appropriate in the mountain architecture that is prevalent all along the Front Range. Nothing says strength and splendor like rough hewn beams along a vaulted ceiling. Our artisans can stain them in any color you would like or craft them with any hand scraping technique you prefer. We can also leave them alone and allow their natural beauty to shine through.   You can take a look at our portfolio of the reclaimed wood projects we have worked on. Call our design professionals today. We can help bring your ideas to life. When installed properly in the ideal location, wood is one of the lowest maintenance and durable materials you can use. Call us today for a design consultation at 303-674-6966! Wed, 16 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8308/---Reclaimed-Wood-Accents-Bring-Your-Colorado-Hardwood-Flooring-to-Life http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8253/Wood-Acclimation-for-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation blog Hardwood floor installation is an exciting process. New floors completely change the look and feel of your home and they increase its overall value. As with any investment, it is important to follow proper steps and guidelines to achieve the desired result. This includes the very important step of hardwood flooring material acclimation. What is hardwood acclimation?  Wood acclimation is the time period for the wood being installed in your home to “acclimate” to your home’s temperature and humidity levels.  Wood is a dynamic material, so naturally there will be expansion and contraction. With our dry, arid Colorado climate; the different levels of humidity (or lack of) can cause seasonal gapping and shrinkage. With proper acclimation to optimum temperature and humidity levels in your home prior to installation, this seasonal shrinkage and gapping is kept to a minimum.     What should I know to achieve proper acclimation? Acclimation is very important for avoiding shrinkage and cracking in your new hardwood floor. We recommend delivering the flooring to your home at least 7 to 14 days prior to installation; longer if we are in a very wet season or your material is a very dense wood. The flooring should be stocked in or near the areas for installation, in a “log cabin” fashion; not in the garage or damp basement floor.   During this time, the house should be completely closed and heated/cooled properly. All “wet work” such as painting or drywall needs to be completed prior to delivering your material for acclimation. Several factors will affect the time needed for acclimation; see how long it takes to acclimate wood floor.   Remember that it is very important to take the time to properly acclimate your hardwood material prior to installation to minimize seasonal gapping and shrinkage of your new hardwood flooring.     By allowing the experienced staff at Ward Hardwood Flooring handle your hardwood floor installation, you can rest assured we will properly install your new hardwood flooring with climate in mind. We can also review your home’s conditions with you and help you keep conditions optimal. Learn more about the acclimation of wood flooring and contact us at 303-674-6966 to get started with your new hardwood floor project. Wed, 09 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8253/Wood-Acclimation-for-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8091/Make-Your-New-Hardwood-Floor-Installation-Seamless-with-Wood-Vents blog Hardwood floor installation is a smart addition for a home. This low maintenance flooring option is aesthetically pleasing, does not go out of style, helps with allergies and so much more. There are many advantages and options you have when choosing to add hardwood flooring in your home. One often overlooked option that is recently more popular with homeowners is open vents - making it appear seamless as they transition into floors or accent walls.  Learn how this option may be great for your remodel!   Aesthetics   While your local hardwood provider is installing your hardwood flooring, they can easily work in the spaces for your vents. In doing so, the vents will be flush with your floor and won't create any distractions to the eye. Work with the experts to find new Wooden Flush Mount and Rim Mount Vents that match the color and décor of your home. Hardwood flooring experts will be able to make vents of the same or similar material as your hardwood flooring to create a truly seamless look that will last as long as your beautiful new floors.     Benefits   By having a seamless floor vent, you avoid raised vents that can catch on toes, clothing, etc. Plus, if you are installing hardwood flooring, you can work with the company on being able to match or use the same wood that is being used in the installation for that perfect seamless look. They can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate your existing home arrangement. Your installation company will be able to be completely precise and get just the perfect size to fit each vent in your home.   Cleaning   It is important to keep your hardwood floor vents clean. Not only will this help your allergies but will also help with your heating and cooling system’s efficiency. When cleaning, turn off your air system, remove the vents and use your vacuum attachment to removal all dust. Also, be sure to get all around the creases within the vent too. Clean vents at least every six months. Learn more tips about cleaning vents and other hard to reach areas. Cleaning your vents is a good time also to change the air filter in your home, so it is a smart habit to synchronize those tasks together. Avoid using anything abrasive or harsh cleaners, just as you know to do for your hardwood floors to keep your vents looking as pristine as the day they were first installed.     For all of your hardwood floor installation needs, Ward Hardwood Flooring has you covered! For over 30 years we have proudly provided high quality finished floors and specialize in rustic, reclaimed and wide plank flooring. One other flooring accessory we specialize in are wooden Flush Mount and Rim Mount vents. By letting us seamlessly match wooden vents to your new installation or refinish, you can trust in having a product made with the highest quality craftsmanship. We use the finest materials available in most species and styles to help match existing floors or install new. Learn about the different types of wood vents available and give us a call at 303-674-6966 to get started on your next project! Wed, 02 Nov 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/8091/Make-Your-New-Hardwood-Floor-Installation-Seamless-with-Wood-Vents http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7990/Rustic-Home-D--cor-Ideas-and-Reclaimed-Mantels blog When trying to achieve the perfect mixture of rustic accents in your home décor, you have a plethora of options. Reclaimed materials are an especially great home addition that can add character and warmth to any room. By incorporating in various vintage pieces here and there, you can create a warm, inviting look and feel for you, your family, and guests.    Dining Room Tips: The perfect dining room will have hints of wood to accent or highlight certain areas. Achieve this look with a table made of high quality reclaimed wood. Choose a style that allows you to see the grain in the wood that can really add character. Pair it with wooden chairs that have quaint cushions attached to them, or choose a table with bench seating. Refinished chairs are a great way to keep with a rustic theme, and bench seating on one or both sides of a table will help save space and create an open feeling. Have a window seat? Save even more space in your kitchen by incorporating your table or dining nook there. Dress it up with vintage vases and other unique pieces. Polish the room off with a gorgeous hanging chandelier or other lighting ideas  and tie the whole room together.   Décor The structure of the house generally will set the tone for a rustic feel. To complete it, incorporate special items that match the same style in décor. Reclaimed wood can be used for shelving throughout your home, in the kitchen - use it for open shelving for dishes and glassware and stay on trend with the current styles while still incorporating the rustic feel. Or consider reclaimed material for a wall accent.    Reclaimed Mantels A great use for reusing wood is by adding a custom mantel. It will become the focal point of your living room and add a level of comfort. You can use aged wood to really give the space a sense of history. You can add a piece of artwork above your mantel to incorporate some color and vibrancy to the space and tie together some of your other staples in the room like couches or rugs. Incorporating stone into your fireplace design can also create an old-world feeling that encompasses that rustic design aesthetic.   To help create the home of your dreams call Ward Hardwood Flooring. Our selection of beams, timbers and mantels from 19th and 20th century structures are aged and reliable. You can trust these home additions will last for many years to come and add character to your home. Learn more about our beams, timbers and mantels to see how we can help bring your vision to life! From flooring to accents, we can help with it all. We have provided homeowners great solutions for over 30 years and can help accomplish any look! Give us a call at 303-674-6966 or contact us now to get started. Fri, 21 Oct 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7990/Rustic-Home-D--cor-Ideas-and-Reclaimed-Mantels http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7928/Hardwood-Flooring-Colorado-Maintenance-Tips blog After hardwood floor installation in your home, you can keep your floors flawless in appearance by maintaining your investment. Make this happen by routinely keeping up with the following tasks: Sweeping and Vacuuming: Dust and dirt can quickly pile up on your hardwood floors. Not only does this create an unsanitary environment, but can also create allergen risk. All of the pollen and dust can go through the air causing itchy eyes and runny noses. That being said, it is crucial to sweep or vacuum your floors on a weekly basis, at minimum. Many vacuums today have a function specifically for non-carpet floors, which can do a better job at removing dust and other particles from the floor. If your vacuum doesn’t have this option (a floor-brush attachment), do not use the vacuum on your hardwood floor as it can create scratches. If you can use your vacuum, use the tools to get in the crevices. If you do not have this option, just use your handy broom and dustpan or cleaning pads to get the job done.  Mopping:   When it comes to mopping your floors, an ideal amount for upkeep is about twice per month, or weekly if possible. In the process of mopping, be very cautious to use the smallest amount of water that you can so you do not have any standing water that the wood can soak up. We also highly recommend to get a dedicated bucket and mop to be used just for your wood floors. Be cautious, and only use light cleaners that are specifically for hardwood floors or simply use a small amount of white vinegar added to your water. It is also advised not to use steam mops as they can break down protective coating on your flooring. When you are using cleaners on your floor, keep them in your pail and not applied directly to the floor for the same reason - and never use any cleaner that is not designed specifically for hardwood floors. Also, if you spill a beverage or food on your hardwood floors, clean it up immediately! The longer it is able to sit and soak into your floors, the higher chance it could cause major damage.  Protecting your Floors: Scratches and scuffs happen, but there are a few things you can do to reduce this from happening and ruining your gorgeous floors. First, use protector pads on all of your furniture (i.e. the bottom of your table, chairs, couches, television stands, etc.) to maintain as little damage as possible. Next, when moving furniture on hardwood floors, use protector pads or spacers underneath the furniture to ensure it does not scratch. You can pick them up at your local home goods store, or as a last resort in time of need, use a blanket! Next, keep your shoes off in the home. Shoes with heels especially can easily dent or scratch your floors. The similar thing goes for pets with long nailsâ€"so try to keep them trimmed at all times. Learn more helpful tips and cleaning information in our FAQs.  Are you ready for hardwood flooring installation in your home? We at Ward Hardwood Flooring can create the atmosphere you are looking for your home. From unfinished strip flooring to prefinished floors, we can handle it all. Get your free estimate to get your renovation started!  Fri, 14 Oct 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7928/Hardwood-Flooring-Colorado-Maintenance-Tips http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7804/3-Ways-to-Incorporate-Barn-Doors-in-Your-Home-Renovation-Project blog Even though a home remodeling project makes your space seem “new,” there are plenty of ways to recycle resources. One of those ways is to use barn doors in your design.  Many homeowners are enjoying this trend and using it in many different ways in their homes. Not only does it have a unique, classic look, they can also create a safe space. Learn how you can revamp your doors with this latest trend.  First Impressions: If the goal of your home renovation project  is to create a country, classic feel, this door style will definitely complement that theme well. You can find reclaimed doors that bring an old piece of wood back to life and provide that welcoming feel. You can also paint the door to match the exterior of your home if so desired, along with integrating pieces of hardware that add character. From knobs to rods, there are a variety of options to provide that great first impression to guests.   Century Pull Space Savers: Not only is this type of door gorgeous, it is a great space saver! Barn doors are great because they eliminate the need for a door to swing or protrude out. You can install barn doors on a runner, so they slide open rather than swing.  Because of this ability, you can use them in more ways than just entry/exit ways from rooms. They are a great addition for storage areas. For instance, simplify space in your kitchen with a sliding pantry door. It will also serve a dual purpose and add personality to the space. Next, consider a sliding door for a room separator. If you have a home with closed off rooms, consider replacing a wall with sliding doors. This will allow you the option to open up the space but close it off if needed. Full X Barn Door Around the Home:  The great things about barn doors are their diverse uses. In addition to the space saving ideas, you can truly use this door style in all rooms. In living rooms that exit onto a back patio, having barn doors with large windows will bring in more natural light. This will make your space look even biggerâ€"especially if the room is painted a light color. For bedrooms, this door style is the perfect add for a cozy feel. Have a bathroom inside your bedroom? A sliding door is the perfect addition! With some easy hardware, you can add flair to your bedroom that saves space. See examples of how homeowners have used this door style in This Old House’s article “11 Inspirational Barn Door Ideas.”     Dutch Door   Are you ready to incorporate barn doors into your home remodel project? Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! With over 30 years in business, we can find the perfect materials to match your personality and style. View our selection of doors and hardware to browse through potential options for your home. When you are ready to get started, let us help! Visit our showroom at 29390 Industrial Way (#100) in Evergreen, Colorado. We are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday. You can also call us at 303-674-6966. Wed, 12 Oct 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7804/3-Ways-to-Incorporate-Barn-Doors-in-Your-Home-Renovation-Project http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7714/The-Janka-Hardness-Scale-and-Your-Search-for-New-Flooring-in-a-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom blog Flooring that you can find in your local hardwood floor showroom varies in strength. As you search to find the best material for your home or remodeling project, it is important to learn about the durability. This will allow you to be confident it will stand up to the everyday wear and tear of the environment in your home. Your  hardwood flooring experts are here to answer those questions you have about how hardness is rated, and what makes the most sense for your home: What is Hardwood?   You may be familiar with hardwood flooring, but there is meaning behind where hardwood flooring comes from! Hardwood flooring comes from hardwood trees, which equals, wood from trees with broad leaves. Hardwoods are common in North America and some of the more common types include Beech, Black Walnut, Sassafras, Sycamore and White Oak. Learn more about the various types of hardwood trees in the American Hardwood’s Guide to American Hardwood Species. In fact, according to their research, hardwood trees make up 40 percent of trees in the United States! What is the Janka Rating System? The durability of wood is measured by an industry standard rating system called the “Janka Ratings System.” The Janka Rating System, also known as the “Janka Hardness Scale” helps determine the durability of various types of wood. This is important when choosing the type of wood for your remodel or home project. The Janka Rating System takes the various types of species of hardwoods and by measuring pressure applied, rates just how hard they are. The higher the rating, the harder the wood is. Hickory happens to be among some of the most durable hardwoods available.   Reclaimed Hickory Flooring How is the Janka Hardness Test Conducted? The goal of the Janka Hardness Test is used to determine how much force can be applied to the wood. In Make’s article “How Wood Hardness is Measured,” the test measures force applied to a steel ball that is 0.444 inches in diameter halfway into the wood. The higher the rating, the harder is the quality of the wood. Most Durable Types of Hardwood: When choosing hardwood flooring for your home remodel project, oak, hickory, and maple are among some of the most popular and durable types available. As you begin to start your hardwood floor installation project, work with your local company to find the best wood that has the right level of hardness for your home!   Reclaimed Oak Mix Ready to find the best hardwood flooring for your home? Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! We are your experts to help you find the best style of wood that is durable and accommodating to your lifestyle.  From antique and reclaimed wood to wide plank flooring and more, review all of our hardwood flooring options to find the flooring solution that works best for you! Give us a call at 303-674-6966, email us at info@wardhardwoodflooring.com or stop by our local showroom! Find us at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, Colorado. We are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and available by appointment only on Saturday. Wed, 05 Oct 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7714/The-Janka-Hardness-Scale-and-Your-Search-for-New-Flooring-in-a-Hardwood-Floor-Showroom http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7647/What-is-Blue-Beetle-Kill-Pine-and-Why-Choose-it-for-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation blog When it comes to deciding what your next hardwood floor installation will be, there are many different types that can be taken into consideration. Updating your flooring is not only a drastic remodel for your home, but will also add value! Various types of hardwood flooring can add the perfect touch of character that fits your personality, décor and overall look and feel of the home. A unique option that can be used both for flooring or for wood wall options is Beetle Kill Blue Pine lumber.   Why is It Called Beetle Kill Blue Pine? Common to wood in Colorado, the Mountain Pine Beetles can spread to Lodgepole and Ponderosa pine trees. The result of this is a blue stain that causes wood to turn a blue to gray color that eventually kills the tree but actually does not damage the wood at all! It just changes the color and isn’t harmful to humans, animals, etc. This is a great natural solution that reclaims the wood to add character to your home.   Applications Beetle Kill Blue Pine is a great option for hardwood flooring because it is so diverse in appearance. First, it is a great lighter colored flooring option that will help smaller spaces seem larger or to lighten up a full room, floors, etc. Next, this type of pine is a great option for an accent wall.  Accent walls can be used in any room of your home to give it a unique look that can perfectly complement white, blue or other colored walls. Many homeowners even choose to use Beetle Kill Blue Pine for an entire room. Find more ideas on Houzz’s suggestions for incorporating beetle kill pine accent walls. This is something you can work with your contractor on to find the best application for your home. Last, you can also use this type of wood for your cabinets! This is a great way to change the look of your kitchen - and is more unique than most other options!   Staining By staining Beetle Kill Blue Pine, you can add even more personality to this gorgeous wood. Choosing the right stain will bring out the character and personality of the wood, making it perfect for floors, walls, cabinet or even tables and other furniture projects you may have. Watch Sell This House Extreme’s video “Stained Beetle Kill Blue Pine” to see a live transformation using this type of wood.   Ready to take the next step with your home? Ward Hardwood Flooring has been serving the Denver community for over 30 years. Our large selection of custom reclaimed and wide plank hardwood floors, timbers, staircases and custom built-ins will enhance the atmosphere of your home. Our family owned company will make your vision come alive. Learn more about Beetle Kill Blue Pine Flooring and ideas to include in your hardwood floor installation project. To get started, give us a call at 303-674-6966. You can also stop in our Ward Hardwood Flooring showroom from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and with an appointment on Saturday.     Fri, 23 Sep 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7647/What-is-Blue-Beetle-Kill-Pine-and-Why-Choose-it-for-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7601/3-Ways-to-Incorporate-Antique-Wood-In-Your-Denver-Home blog As you prepare to upgrade your home, adding antique wood is the perfect touch for a rustic aesthetic. This feature can be added in several different ways from walls to flooring. It can be a great addition in any style home; from traditional to modern, you can incorporate this style of wood for a gorgeous and personalized upgrade. Here are three ways you can incorporate antique wood in your Denver home: Flooring: Antique flooring can add much character to your home, due to the history each piece holds within it - each plank almost tells its own story. It’s also available in a variety of colors enabling you to create a unique look by incorporating a mix of many. Wide plank is a popular choice and typically provides a clean aesthetic that really can open a room. Plus, by adding antique wood to your home, you are using recycled materials. Older wood often stands up to everyday demands more than some of the newer wood that you might find more frequently. This environmentally friendly option is quite diverse in its opportunities as well. You can work with your hardwood flooring company on the ideal finishing treatments completed after the install, and an expert can easily handle it to create the look you desire. Walls and Ceilings: A great (and sometimes overlooked) addition to a home is a wood accent wall or ceiling. Many homeowners are choosing a focal point or room to be completely outfitted with wood walls. If using darker wood, larger rooms are typically ideal as darker colors can make rooms feel smaller. An accent wall can add an artistic touch. It usually isn’t overwhelming to behold and can complement a variety of wall colors. In some cases, homeowners choose a selection of one or two styles of wood planks to incorporate into their wall or design. Ceilings are also a way you can incorporate this type of wood into your remodel. They fit especially well in kitchens or large rooms with light walls. Find examples in Better Homes and Garden’s “20 Brilliant Uses for Reclaimed Wood.” Wood beams are another great addition on your ceilings. They add a rustic appearance to expand the room.   Furnishings: If you enjoy remaking different accent pieces for your home or taking on DIY projects, this type of wood is a solid choice. It stands up to the test of time and can be used anywhere! Because it is so durable, consider using it for some of your shelving or inside cabinets (however open shelving is trending). As you look for ways to incorporate antique wood into your remodel, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! Learn more about our different types of antique and reclaimed flooring to find which one is best for your project. For more ideas, check out the article about hardwood flooring in Colorado and unique uses for beams, timbers and siding.   When ready, stop by and see us! Our showroom is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also call us at 303-674-6966. We will work with you and make your vision come to life. Our start-to-finish custom services will ensure the life of the product. You will love your new flooring or accent! Wed, 21 Sep 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7601/3-Ways-to-Incorporate-Antique-Wood-In-Your-Denver-Home http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7232/Accentuate-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation-in-Denver-with-These-Wooden-Accents blog As you plan your hardwood floor installation, there are some considerations to really make the most of your renovation. From stair and handrails to accent walls, you can add character and charm into your home that you will love to see every day and will impress your guests! Use these ideas and incorporate them in your home to make the most of your renovation: Stair and Handrails: If your home has stairs, consider upgrading your current stair and handrail setup to match your flooring. Whether you are looking for a classic, traditional look, or something a little more contemporary, wood is a great material with many different options. You can work with your hardwood floor installer to match the stair components to best accentuate your flooring. You can keep the same colors or work with them to look for lighter or darker colors that accommodate your style. Next, you can choose how the stairs end, if you would like a stairwell that begins with a straight stair, or if you would like to add nosing to it, which adds a rounded curve. For handrails, you can add the style you prefer leading up the stairs as well as alongside a loft or open walkway looking to the floor below. Find ideas for your stair handrails in HGTV’s 17 Stair Handrail Photos.   Reclaimed Oak Skins in a random 3", 4", and 5" widths Accent Wall: Liven up a room by utilizing an accent wall! You will want to choose a different type of wood that is different than your hardwood flooring, but an accent wall can add extra color and character to a space. Choose a darker and rugged wood for a rustic appearance, or a sleek, light and smooth wood for a contemporary or modern feel. You can add other accents as well. Incorporate it in your skylights and raised ceilings, fireplaces, around bathtubs or showers or on the outside of built-in counters. Review these hardwood wall treatments to get ideas for your project. Gray Hand Hewn Timber Beams and Mantels: The perfect accents to gorgeous hardwood flooring include wood beams and mantels. Many homeowners love adding wood beams to their ceilings to tie in the ceiling with the flooring, and to provide a natural appearance. Choose reclaimed rough lumber that can be de-nailed, kiln or air-dried. Mantels are also a great addition. They are the perfect feature to accentuate your hardwood floors, as well as highlight your fireplace or area you would like to place the mantel. It serves a great purpose to add opportunities for new décor in your living room, dining room, family roomâ€"or anywhere you choose to add them! When you prepare for your hardwood flooring project in Colorado, Ward Hardwood Flooring can help! Not only will our team of experts help you find the perfect hardwood flooring to fit your vision, but can help you choose the complements that will add that extra “wow” factor for you and your guests. From stairs and handrails to accent walls and beams, Ward Hardwood has all of the options you need to personalize and customize your home. Call us at 303-674-6966 to get started or visit our local showroom! We are located at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, Colorado and are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on Saturday. Wed, 14 Sep 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7232/Accentuate-Your-Hardwood-Floor-Installation-in-Denver-with-These-Wooden-Accents http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7102/Adding-Elegance-and-Character-to-Your-Home-with-Reclaimed-Antique-Hardwood blog As you move forward with plans to renovate your home, there is a great way to give it so much character. Antique hardwood! Homeowners all over the country are choosing this solution for their floors to impress guests and create a very welcoming appearance. When trying to decide on the best type of hardwood for you and your family, here are some reasons to consider this solution and the benefits it has. Recycling Material and Saving the Planet: When using antique flooring, you are saving wood that may not have been used otherwise. Even better, you are saving the environment! With millions of trees being wasted each year, recycling hardwood has several environmental benefits. For starters, it gives this wood a home. Second, it helps to keep it out of landfills and lying out in other areas where it is taking up space, rotting and attracting pests and animals. By using antique wood for your floors, it helps to slow the need to cut down more trees for new flooring and all the work that goes into it. Learn more about environmental benefits from purchasing and installing antique floors in The Guardian’s “Recycled Wood: The Truly Green Key to a Sustainable Built Environment.” Look and Feel: Antique flooring has a look and feel unlike anything else! With each plank coming from potentially centuries of history, you can add that history to your home. Also, because of age and uniqueness, it will be exclusive to your home. Plus, when shopping, there are all types of styles of antique floors. This allows you to find the right look or feel for you. Older oak, heart pine and ranch house blend are darker colors to add depth and soul into the floors. For lighter and brighter options, look at hickory, wormy chestnut and tobacco pine. For the best of both worlds, the old world blend is fantastic. Over years, it will maintain its quality and can easily be refinished if it becomes dull. Durability: The quality and durability of antique floors is outstanding. Being some of the highest of quality available, you can rest easy that your investment will last for many years to come. Why? The trees grew for hundreds of years allowing them so much time to strengthen. They grew during a different time where they did not need to grow and be cut down quickly. For the best antique hardwood for your home renovation project, choose Ward Hardwood Flooring! You will fall in love with any of our styles to create the perfect vintage and rustic feel in your home. Our reclaimed flooring is sourced from mills of the highest standards. You can use it for floors, beams, siding and more. Plus, you have your choice of wide planking and long lengths in oak, heart pine, tobacco pine, wormy chestnut, ranch house blend, hickory or old world blend. Find the best prices with our current specials and 2016 inventory and wood installation. Visit our showroom at 29390 Industrial Way #100 in Evergreen, Colorado or give us a call at 303-674-6966. We are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday. Wed, 07 Sep 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7102/Adding-Elegance-and-Character-to-Your-Home-with-Reclaimed-Antique-Hardwood http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7019/The-Importance-of-Finishing-Treatments-for-your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado blog Whether you have existing hardwood floors, or are adding them to your home, adding a finish to your hardwood flooring in Colorado can keep your floors looking new. There are various types of treatments that are a great addition to your home. Below are the benefits of including this into your new or existing flooring.  Protection: Finishing treatments can protect your hardwood floors from staining, discoloration and water. It can also help protect your floors from UV rays that come inside. So to keep all of these elements to seeping into the pores of your floors, finishing treatments will keep your floors lasting longer and looking great too. This top feature also helps prevent against chemical damage and scratches, so if you have a many people walking around in the home or pets, this will help prevent them from wearing down. Check out various styles of hardwood floor finishing to get ideas for your own upgrade. Appearance: Finishing treatments can change the look of your hardwood flooring. This will allow you to give your floors a sleek or shiny look or a more natural or simple one. This enhancement in the appearance will also add value to your home. So keep this in mind and work with your local hardwood floor installation company to find the finish style that you like and will give you the best return on investment when you sell your home. Also, if your floors have imperfections, a finishing treatment is a way to hide some of those imperfections. Last, you can also choose handscraping treatments for your floors to provide an authentic look. Various styles include pillowing, edge scraping, digs and chatter, distressing, circle saw marking, French bleed and scraping, level and intensity scraping and wire brushing. Ease of Maintenance: By adding a finish to your floors, you can make them easier to maintain. Spills and stains will come up more easily which saves time too for sweeping or vacuuming! Even though maintenance is easier, be sure you are keeping up with cleaning your hardwood floors by sweeping and mopping them with a mild wood cleaner on a regular basis. When to Add Finishes: While you can add a finishing treatment to your hardwood floors later down the road after they have been installed, it is ideal to have it added immediately after the floors are installed. This also will protect your floors longer preventing imperfections from happening early on and they will maintain their flawless look. You can also choose to purchase pre-finished hardwood flooring. So while this may not be as authentic, it is a great option and you can see exactly what the finish looks like in real time. Ward Hardwood Flooring is your go-to company for all of your hardwood flooring needs! Learn more about hardwood floor finishing treatments and see what various styles look like by visiting our selection. Fill out this form to get a free estimate on hardwood floor services or give us a call at 303-674-6966.   Wed, 24 Aug 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/7019/The-Importance-of-Finishing-Treatments-for-your-Hardwood-Flooring-in-Colorado http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/6908/Hardwood-Flooring-Colorado-and-Unique-Uses-for-Beams--Timbers-and-Siding blog A great way to make your home or space unique is to add beams, timbers or siding to your hardwood flooring Colorado project. Reclaimed wood especially adds a charm as it has its own history and a story to tell within each of its fibers! Coming from barns, factories or other industrial buildings, it is guaranteed to completely transform a space. Learn how you can create character in your own with the use of these three techniques. Ceiling Beams: Exposed beams along the length of ceilings are gaining in popularity and have always been admired by homeowners and architects. They are also a great way to change the contrast of a room when you use dark beams in a light living space or vice versa. Beam’s linear design can create a clean space that aligns with hardwood floors. It can even look great going against the lines of the ceilings. They can go in other shapes too, for instance a few single beams that create an area such a living room, or can lead someone’s eye to look into a certain area. Better Homes and Gardens has several great ideas if you are looking for unique uses of beams in your home renovation that will wow you and your guests. Each have a classis look that make a statement and change the entire atmosphere.   Timber Walls: Transform your home or even just areas of your home with timber walls. You can choose to outfit the entire space with wood, but an accent wall is great too. So whether it is your main wall in the living room or the wall behind the headboard of your bed. When adding timber walls into your home, it is important to work with your local contractor, especially if you have hardwood floors. You do not want to have too similar of colors that clash. Houzz has several great examples of wood walls to help you envision what you can do with your own renovation. Antique Siding: This type of material can come from old barns or other outdoor storage units that has experienced the elements of the outdoors. This character shares a story of its long history and will add that history to your home. It can come in a variety of colors, from silver gray, gray and white or gray with reds and browns. By using reclaimed wood, you are also recycling and helping the environment. This type of siding is perfect for the homeowner that wants to transform the exterior of their home or outdoor storage unit to have a rustic appearance. We at Ward Hardwood Flooring are your go-to local hardwood floor installation company! From hardwood floors to other unique reclaimed wood solutions, such as ceiling beams, timber walls and antique siding, use our 20 years of experience to your advantage to create the space that you have always wanted. Our climate-controlled warehouse keeps our inventory in premium condition until it is installed in your home. Learn more about our beam, timber and siding services and give us a call at 303-674-6966 to get started with your project. Wed, 17 Aug 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/6908/Hardwood-Flooring-Colorado-and-Unique-Uses-for-Beams--Timbers-and-Siding http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/6861/Understanding-the-Differences-in-Denver-Hardwood-Floor-Finishes blog Hardwood floors have become the floor of choice for homeowners everywhere. They are preferred for their durability, ease of care, and versatility when decorating. It wasn’t long ago that having a hardwood floor meant having a traditional light oak floor. Today floors come in every color of the rainbow, custom hand scraping can create any ambiance you are seeking, and many different types of wood are being used with the focus on not only looks but sustainability. Ward Hardwood Flooring also has a large selection of the most sustainable and eco-friendly choice of all, reclaimed wood, not only for flooring, but beams and accents as well. For your particular home it is not only important to choose the correct type of wood but Wood Flooring Finishes Make a Difference as well. Custom Hand Scraping is Different From Distressing Our artisans can apply a variety of hand scraping techniques to your floors to add an element of country chic or urban edginess to your space. Distressed floors merely look like they have additional wear and tear, whereas truly hand crafted, scraped floors can have band saw, wire brush chatter, and sander markings, giving your loft an industrial vibe. Pillowing and edge scraping can add some texture and distinction giving our space the look of a 100 year old farmhouse. If you’re going for more of a unique, European Provincial look, we can apply custom stenciling as well. We can even add some wormholes if you’re so inclined! Finishing Treatments One of the reasons that hardwood floors have become so popular is that they are easy to take care of and don’t need harsh chemicals or special equipment to clean them. For longevity and to eliminate the need for re-coating, it is important that the correct type of finish is applied. There are basically three types of finishing coats: oil based, water based, and wax based. Wax was the most popular coating 50 or 60 years ago. It is used today but not as often. It gives the look of uncoated wood and is very quick to absorb. We don’t find this is the best option for most of our customers today. There are other choices that last longer and are easier to maintain. Water based coating is quick drying, allowing customers to walk on their floors in a short time. They are also low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and are considered extremely environmentally safe. They are extremely durable but periodic recoating may be necessary, especially in high traffic areas. Our recommendation to most of our customers is the hardy oil based finishes. They give wood a hand rubbed look and really allow the depth of texture and color of the wood to show through. They are also more water tight for maximum durability and ease of care. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices of hardwood finishes, wood types, and hand scraping options available, don’t be. Call us at 303-674-6966 today. We will come out and assess your space and make suggestions about how to create just the look you’re after whether it’s having new floors installed or refinishing your existing floors. Wed, 10 Aug 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/6861/Understanding-the-Differences-in-Denver-Hardwood-Floor-Finishes http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/5243/Sustainable-Hardwood-Floors-for-Your-Colorado-Home blog The beauty of hardwood floors is timeless! Wood building materials are some of the most environmentally friendly resources available. Any hardwood floor showroom will offer a wide variety of sustainable woods. Many of the most sustainable and eco-friendly, such as bamboo have become very popular in recent years with growing concern over climate change and our disappearing rainforests. Any hardwood floor showroom is likely to carry a wide variety of these green materials. We also carry several wood flooring options that don’t just have a small environmental footprint, they have no footprint because they are reclaimed from structures that were torn down or remodeled with other materials. Our hardwood experts at Ward Hardwood Flooring can go over many options with you including using reclaimed wood for floors and wood accents. Environmental Benefits According to the Arbor Day Foundation, the Values of Trees to a Community cannot be overstated. The U.S. Department of agriculture estimates that one acre of trees can absorb 6 tons of carbon dioxide and produce 4 tons of oxygen annually. This is enough oxygen for 18 people. Trees also help regulate climate and water usage as well as provide homes for a wide array of birds, animals, insects, and other plants. Diminishing natural resources and deforestation are two of the most important environmental concerns today. Builders are moving to using more sustainable materials, but nothing is more environmentally friendly than keeping building supplies out of the landfill and giving them renewed life in a new structure. Wood from mature trees is often required for flooring or other building projects. The more mature trees we can leave in the ground, the greater the long-term environmental benefits. Building Benefits Reclaimed wood is often more durable than recently harvested stock. It has likely been in used for decades, if not centuries, allowing it to expand, contract, and fully dry out. This makes it less prone to splitting or warping. As wood ages, its grain also becomes denser, making it more stable. Wood harvested from antique buildings was likely obtained from virgin timber of a quality that is no longer available today. Not only is it beautiful, this is also some of the most cost effective flooring on the market today. Style Benefits Reclaimed wood is likely to give your home or business a distinct flavor that is both old world and chic at the same time. Many materials are no longer available today because they have been over-harvested and take too long to grow to be sustainable. Each plank has its own character and story to tell with depth and character unlike any you would be able to find in a lumber yard today. Our inventory of reclaimed wood is some of the finest in the state. Our woods score very highly on the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) scale and are guaranteed to last a lifetime as well as turn heads. We have flooring and wood accents to add charm and distinction to any home or work space. Call us at 303-674-6966 to set up a design consultation today! Wed, 27 Jul 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/5243/Sustainable-Hardwood-Floors-for-Your-Colorado-Home http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/4834/Environmentally-Conscious-Denver-Hardwood-Flooring blog Do you love the look of hardwood floors but worry about the effects the lumber industry has on the environment? There is a unique, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly option available to people who would like hardwood flooring in Colorado. The flooring we’re thinking of comes in a unique hue, with splashes of blue and red throughout the wood. Beetle Kill Blue Pine provides a rustic look, with unique coloring and natural knots. There are several reasons Beetle Kill Pine is a great choice for those who are thinking about hardwood floor installation. For one thing, Beetle Kill Pine flooring comes from trees that were dead prior to harvesting. The beetles and subsequent fungal infections caused the trees to die naturally. Choosing this type of wood is a good alternative to other pines if you are against the waste of natural resources like forest trees. Using Beetle Kill Pine in home furnishings has been seen as a rebirth for the dead wood, inspiring homeowners and craftsmen to liven up their furnishings with a wood that stands out more than your typical white pine does. The blue hue provides a unique look for your home that can’t be manufactured. It is a great way to introduce color into your home without needing paint or artificial stains. Beetle Kill Blue Pine is just as durable as any other pine, because it is only the outer layers of the tree that are damaged by the beetles. The fungus that causes the blue coloring does not damage the wood itself. If you choose Beetle Kill Pine, you do not have to worry about poor quality simply because the tree was dead prior to harvesting. Not only does Beetle Kill Pine make fantastic flooring, but it also makes great furniture. Get a coordinated look throughout your home by buying home furnishings that will compliment your new floor. Items made from this wood usually have a more shabby chic look, and it is perfect for all kinds of homes that want a more quaint and creative living space. There are several different finishing options for Beetle Kill Blue Pine that will enhance the natural color of the wood rather than cover it up. This will allow you to really showcase the beauty of your new wood flooring. Ward Hardwood Flooring offers a variety of finishing treatments that will give you the glowing, rustic look that you have always dreamed of. At Ward Hardwood Flooring, we want to make sure that you can clearly see all of the different options you have for your new home. Stop by our hardwood floor showroom to see samples of all the different types of wood that we offer, including the rustic Beetle Kill Blue Pine, which is extremely popular in Colorado. We are located in Evergreen, Colorado, and our beautiful showroom is open from 8-4:30 M-F, and on Saturdays by appointment. If you would like to contact us regarding your options before visiting our showroom, or if you live out of state, please do not hesitate to call us toll-free at (855) 674-6966, or email info@wardhardwoodflooring.com. Wed, 20 Jul 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/4834/Environmentally-Conscious-Denver-Hardwood-Flooring http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/4756/2016-Denver-Hardwood-Flooring-Trends blog Everywhere we go lately, we’ve seen beautiful hardwood flooring in Denver; new restaurants, model homes, even new offices are installing hardwood floors. Many people are partial to wood flooring because it is elegant, versatile with any decor, and easy to clean and maintain.  It seems as though everyone has caught on to the many great benefits of hardwood flooring.  Now more than ever we have more opportunities to be creative with the variety of styles available for builders and consumers.  If you are considering installing or refinishing your hardwood floors, here are some exciting new trends to consider: 1.  Color.  It used to be that wood stain was mainly available in varying shades of brown. but stains with other color pigments are becoming more widely available.  Varying shades of grays and ebony have recently become a popular option with consumers.  We also have even been starting to see other colors as well such as greens, yellows, blues, and violets.  There's more variety than ever before to express your unique personal design style.  For tips on how to decide on color, read this educational guide. 2. Reclaimed Wood.  With the growing need to reduce our carbon footprints, many hardwood companies are offering reclaimed wood.  This is a great way to have style and the peace of mind that you’re being "green."  The reclaimed wood is salvaged from old buildings that have been renovated or torn down and the finished product preserves the historical essence.   3. Beetle Kill Pine.  In the last decade many have seen the devastating effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic, especially here in Denver.  Fortunately, the wood can still be used for consumers.  Best of all, the use of the wood is considered an eco-friendly product because it is wood that is already dead that would otherwise be left in the forest causing an extremely dangerous fire hazard.  Interestingly, the beetle leaves behind a fungus that stains the wood, so the finished product you receive still contains a beautiful array of blue-grays among the existing blondes, reds, and browns in the grain of the wood.  Some of the wood may even still have burrow marks from the beetle, which result in a unique branch-like pattern not found in any other hardwoods.   4. Wide Plank.  The standard width of wood boards is between 2-3 inches.  In the last several years wider boards have been milled, from 4 inches up to about 10 inches.  The wider planks can make the room appear to be larger and give a rustic impression.  However, widest planks bring a modernized touch to any room.   5. Walls & Ceilings.  Believe it or not, we have seen a comeback in wood paneled walls.  The new colorful array of hardwood stains has brought back this look. Stained wide hardwood planks create an interesting accent wall.  Get creative with colors and wall accents; it’s a versatile design element that can change with the decor trends. Unlike tile, vinyl, or carpet flooring that seems to go in and out of style, hardwood flooring remains a classic staple in home and business decor. Whether you are installing new or refinishing hardwood floors in Denver, and the increased availability and varieties of wood and stain, there are many options to create a uniquely classic space.  Contact Ward Hardwood Flooring today for a free estimate or stop by our showroom and browse our collection of samples for ideas.   Wed, 13 Jul 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/4756/2016-Denver-Hardwood-Flooring-Trends http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/4609/The-Top-5-Reasons-Hardwood-Flooring-Is-Better-Than-Carpeting-for-Colorado-Homes blog If you’re thinking about making any home renovations, it can be tough to make decisions because of the many products and services out there.  Here’s a case for wood floors that will hopefully help narrow down your choices in flooring. 1. Wood floors are always in style- There was a short time in the 1950’s when wall-to-wall carpet was invented and everyone wanted it, simply because it was new and interesting.  However, since then, most homeowners and renters, alike, seem to prefer homes with wood floors.  It is a style that is classic and looks great no matter what era we are in.  Interior décor changes over time, trends come and go. Contemporary, shabby chic, modern, rustic, traditional, industrial; wood floors seem to fit in to every trend and give a home a luxurious appearance.   2. Wood floors are more hygienic- Sure you can vacuum carpet, but it never seems to get everything.  And if you spill liquids, forget it; you’ll never get it all because carpeting is a porous weave that traps both liquid and solid particles.  Wood floors have a smooth finished surface, so dirt and spills will mostly rest on top and can easily be swept or soaked up.  Cleaning carpet often requires toxic chemicals and hiring a carpet cleaning service.  However, hardwood floors can easily be cleaned with a few drops of dawn in warm water and can be done without paying for professional service. 3. Wood floors look great no matter what condition they are in- There is no flooring more beautiful than a brand new hardwood floor.  The wood grain has a beautiful natural design, the color is dynamic and varies from board to board, and the finish seems to gleam and sparkle.  But even old, worn wood floors have a beauty to it too.  It looks shabby chic, like it has been well worn and well loved.  It appears to have a history behind it; it’s nostalgic for many people, but still functions well.  Carpet on the other hand, is nice when it’s new, but over time it starts to look grimy.  Stains have settled in that are impossible to get out.  In areas with high foot traffic, it will begin to look worn and matted.  Eventually, tears occur and nylon strings unravel, leaving a trip hazard.   4. Wood floors rarely need to be completely replaced- The life expectancy of carpeting is much shorter than wood floors.  If you are lucky, you may get 10 years out of it, tops.  But wood floors can get twice that much.  Even after decades, there is a chance it just needs to be sanded and refinished rather than replacing the boards.  The cost is a little more, but that is because the product lasts so much longer.   5. Wood floors have a better resale value- For all of the reasons above, homes with hardwood floors sell for more than homes with mostly carpeting.  Real estate agents love to highlight wood flooring in their listing amenities.  Home buyers typically find wood floors more appealing.  Renters prefer wood floors because they know carpeting is a trap for germs and grime from previous renters. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of just some of the many benefits of hardwood floors versus carpeting. If you’re considering new flooring in your home, rule out the tacky carpet.  For additional information about hardwood floors- the different products, styles and services available, contact Ward Hardwood Flooring.  We can give you a free estimate and have a great selection of wood flooring to choose from.   Wed, 06 Jul 2016 06:00:00 GMT http://wardhardwoodflooring.com/blog/4609/The-Top-5-Reasons-Hardwood-Flooring-Is-Better-Than-Carpeting-for-Colorado-Homes