How the Holidays Can Affect Flooring

The winter and holiday season ushers in a new era of decorating. Nutcrackers go up, along with all the lights, garland, and other various figurines. Lane Sales appreciates the hard work and dedication that go into preparing and then decorating a home to look wonderful for holiday parties and get-togethers.

One of the most overlooked aspects of holiday decorating is how it can affect the flooring of a home. The holiday color scheme will not necessarily match the flooring and furniture of the most frequented rooms in a home. If a real tree is used, it may shed on the carpet, posing a danger to the cleanliness and organization of the home. There could also be an unusually high amount of traffic across a home, posing a potential danger to wool carpet and other sensitive floors.

How to Ace the Holidays

Plan Color Schemes

One key aspect to remember during the winter months is that certain residential carpeting is going to be better for decorating purposes than others. Choosing a shade for the flooring color scheme that goes well with colors that are planned to be used during a holiday decorating extravaganza is always a good idea. Hardwood floors go well with all colors, so investing in hardwoods can pay off in the winter when the holidays roll around.

Consider Foot Traffic

Wool carpet is known for its elegance and comfort, but is also a more delicate flooring option that does not do as well with a lot of foot traffic as some other more durable flooring does. When investing in wool carpet, it is best to install it away from areas where folks may gather in the home, as well as away from any fir trees, as the shedding of the tree would require more cleaning and vacuuming of the delicate wool carpets.

Keep the Floors Clean

A benefit of hardwood floors is, unless they are very dark, they do a great job of hiding dirt and dust that may be hiding along the surface. But they not only hide dirt well, they are easier to clean than a lot of carpet as well. That is a definite advantage of hardwoods and stone and tile flooring options, their durability means they will last, but they also clean up quite easily after a gathering. The business of the holiday season means that the floor will be getting dirtier regardless of what type it is, so it is important to keep them thoroughly swept or vacuumed.

Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, even when it comes to flooring and decorating the home. Keep these tips in mind when venturing into the holiday season, and for flooring needs in New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey get in contact with Lane Sales today at (800) 731-3483!

How Hardwood Flooring Can Increase a Home’s Value

hardwood flooringHardwood floors are known for being luxurious and being beautiful in any home. But many people aren’t aware of just how much a hardwood floor is capable of increasing the value of a home. Adding hardwood floors increases the value of a home because generally those in search of a new home are willing to pay more for a home with a kitchen or living room with hardwood flooring.

While some people do prefer residential carpet or tile for various reasons, hardwood floor is definitely appealing to homeowners, homebuyers, and even real estate agents. The best part about having hardwood floors is that even if a house isn’t going on the market anytime soon, they will still add enormous aesthetic appeal to a home, especially here in New Jersey and NYC.

Benefits of Hardwood Floors

Add Elegance to a Home

Hardwood flooring adds a degree of elegance and prestige to a home or kitchen, especially when paired nicely with granite countertops and the color of the cabinetry.

Easy to Clean

These floors are easy to clean, one of the favorite benefits of homeowners with small children. Spills and messes are also cleaned up easily on these durable floors, and it can be easier to walk upon than stone or tile.

Allow for Use of Area Rugs

Hardwood floors go marvelously with area rugs that contrast with the rustic color and feel of the hardwood floors and can be placed to add color. Many are unaware that area rugs actually help a hardwood floor by reducing the amount of sound that echoes around the room, as the rug will absorb some of the sound. Pairing an area rug with hardwood floors also

Are Expected in Certain Areas

In certain areas in New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York City hardwood floors are going to be expected because they are the norm for an area. This means that while having hardwood floors is going to be what a buyer is looking for, not having hardwood floors can decrease a home’s value. If the market-value is a concern or a factor, then upgraded a part of the house to hardwoods may be a necessity.

Whether installing hardwood floors adds value to a home can depend on the home’s location, other aspects of the home, and many other factors. However, installing beautiful new hardwood floors will definitely add appeal to any home, and increase the amount of people interested in it if it is on the market. Even if a house isn’t going on the market anytime soon, hardwood flooring adds appeal to a home that is going to last.

Lane Sales Inc. represents quality flooring manufacturers in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York City. For residential and commercial flooring needs get in contact with Lane Sales at (800) 731-3483!

What Type of Carpet is Right for You?

squarecarpetAs a premier commercial carpets manufacturers representative, Lane Sales knows a thing or two about quality carpets.Today we’ll be going over a few differences between the types of fibers that are used to make carpet. There are many other types of floors to choose from like laminate and hardwood flooring, but today we’ll focus specifically on the differences between wool and synthetic carpeting, and also a couple of the main differences between residential carpet and commercial carpet and what to expect in those.

Carpet is made of up very small individual fibers that come together to make a whole. What makes carpets different is the type of fiber used. Some are long and provide a lot of cushion, others are short and provide a firm surface that does not wear down and is good for withstanding lots of traffic. Carpets come in all colors and patterns that can be made to fit any room or setting. Let’s look at a couple different types of fibers.

Wool Carpet

This is the most luxurious and premier option when it comes to carpet choices. It has a soft, elegant vibe and feel. A couple drawbacks of wool carpeting are that bald spots can sometimes occur in spots where it sees heavy foot traffic, so put wool carpeting in a den or a more quiet location where it will be seen but not treaded on constantly. Also, wool carpeting is less resistant to sunlight than nylon and other synthetic carpets, making it a poor choice for a spot right next to a window or an area that receives heavy sun during the day.

Nylon Carpet

A very popular choice because of its balance between durability and beauty, nylon carpeting is the strongest fiber and an excellent choice for commercial flooring or for areas in a home that receive heavy foot traffic. Nylon fiber is also very stain resistant, especially when it is coated with stain treatment. 65% of the carpet in the United States is made of nylon fiber, and it is so popular because this material does a wonderful job of blending elegance, durability, and is able to fit into many people’s price range.

Commercial Carpet

Commercial carpeting is used mostly in environments that are going to be very busy and have a lot of floor traffic. For this reason, commercial carpeting’s biggest strength is its durability. This style of flooring is designed to withstand the heavy footsteps of a hectic atmosphere.

Another strength of commercial carpeting is its affordability. Generally, commercial carpeting can be obtained at a reasonable price and be a good investment because of its durability and how long this style of carpet tends to last.

 Residential Carpet

Unlike commercial carpets, residential carpeting focuses on and has its greatest strength in its aesthetic appeal. There are very professional looking commercial choices, but this is what to look into when elegance and style are your biggest concern.  Residential flooring also tends to be more comfortable to walk on. With more cushion and padding in these styles, it makes for a softer landing for your feet and for a nicer walk from the den to the kitchen. It may not have the durability of commercial flooring, but that won’t be a major issue in a home or another place that is going to get less traffic.

Is It Possible To Repair My Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors easily become damaged. Moisture, heat, shoes and pets quickly alter a floor’s surface. They cause scuff marks, scratches, buckling, and more. You may worry that your floors will never be the same after this damage occurs. It is actually possible to repair hardwood floors though. It just takes some time and maintenance.

Repairing a Buckled Floor

Buckled floors occur when water damage happens. Floods are a common culprit of this. The first step to repairing a buckled floor is to make sure all water gets removed from the area and the floor is dried completely. A moisture reading may prove necessary if the floor shows signs of buckling, yet no moisture is visible. You can then lay the board back in place. A board with minor signs of buckling should return to normal. A second option is to place a box on top of the board once it gets put back in. This can help flatten the board back to normal. Heavily damaged boards need replacing.

Removing Scratches and Scuffs

Scratches and scuffs fill many wood floors. Pets living in the home can scratch a floor easily with their nails. Shoes even scuff up floors, leaving unsightly black streaks. You can remove these marks with a few simple steps. Your first job is to wash the floor using a wood floor cleaner. This removes most scuff marks and spots. The floor then needs wax. The wax will keep the wood from getting marked so easily in the future. Using a steel wool pad to apply the wax can help buff out scratches.

Fixing Cupped Floorboards

Cupped floorboards also develop from excess water getting absorbed into the wood. Rather than the entire piece buckling, the board only rises at the ends. It has a cupped look with the middle of the board remaining in place and the ends raised. Fixing this cup happens when the water gets removed and the board can settle back down. The ends of the board should get sanded down, but only after it is dried completely.

You do not have to worry that your hardwoods floors will never look the same again. Most floors return to normal after a few simple fixes are applied. If a larger problem develops, the entire floor may need replacing instead. You just have to keep it better maintained in the future.

Rugs Find Their Place on the Wall

Via houzz.com

wallrug

There are many reasons to hang a rug on the wall — including the need for large art, preservation (rare rugs are for places where you do not dare to tread) and texture (there’s nothing two dimensional about a rug). Whatever the motivation, relocating a rug from floor to wall can add a lot to an interior.

To read more, visit: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32263410/list/rugs-find-their-place-on-the-wall

 

Lane Sales Inc. is a high caliber wholesale flooring sales agency, focused on commercial, hospitality and residential floor coverings. http://www.lanesalesinc.com/

How to Use Area Rugs and Wool Carpets to Spice Up Your Home

Decorating with RugsArea Rug Decorating

Adding an area rug or wool carpet to wood flooring can add flavor to your house and spur a personal touch, transforming it into a home. You should realize that you cannot simply place area rugs and wool carpets randomly. By learning some basic guidelines, you can discover how to completely change the atmosphere of where you live and do it in a way that makes sense and looks stylish.

Use Area Rugs and Wool Carpets Correctly

Check for size

The last thing you want to do when creating a space is to either make the room look too small or too big.  As a general rule, bigger is usually better. If you’re adding a rug underneath living room furniture, the rug should be large enough to be placed under the first leg of the couch and extend beyond the coffee table. For a dining room, match the shape of the rug to your table, and get a rug large enough to extend about 2-3 feet beyond the chairs.

Configure placement

Proper placement of pieces will ensure an inviting space for you and your guests. As a general rule, runners in hallways should not have any part of a piece of furniture touching them. A home office rug placed underneath a desk and completely covering the space, including the chair, will create a cozy work environment. Remember, an area rug should be the focal point of any room. Don’t be afraid to use two area rugs in larger rooms! This creates a complexity that will make the room stand out.

Choosing a style

It may be a challenge for you to identify what specific pattern or color area rug or wool carpet goes with the furniture, wall color or paper, and overall theme of the room that you already have set up. Take small steps to tie the room to the tone and get a feel for it.  If it is a classic feel, go for an elegant look.  You may even feel that sticking to solid-colored area rugs gives off more of a professional look while patterns with assorted colors provide a funky feel.

Remember to consider size when adding area rugs and wool carpets. Be meticulous in your choosing of the material, and take your time looking at the color schemes.  Area rugs and wool carpets, when utilized correctly, add flair and comfort to any room. Don’t think of them as a detail, they are the focal point!

For information on purchasing wholesale carpets, area rugs and hard-surface flooring on the East Coast, visit LaneSalesInc.com.

Best Flooring Options for Allergy Sufferers

allergiesKeeping your interior as allergen free as possible is important for businesses and residences alike. Nobody wants to suffer through sneezing, nasal congestion, or a runny nose. The type of flooring you have is one of the biggest factors in allergy prevention and luckily, choosing the right type of flooring can eliminate a majority of allergens found inside a home or business. Let’s go over some options.

Carpet

Allergy sufferers should not fear carpets or stereotype them for a ground that catches onto dust. If you want to go with carpeting, it’s not bad news. Synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester repel water and are easy to clean. Vacuuming with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum to ensure proper removal of dust and dirt will greatly diminish the presence of allergy causing materials. Not to mention, wool is an exceptional type of flooring option! Wool provides a healthier indoor environment by removing contaminants in the air that roam around and can trigger allergies. It doesn’t help in the development of dirt, grime, or toxins.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is an excellent choice for those trying to avoid allergens. Besides being aesthetically pleasing for any space, wood flooring is very easy to clean and does not trap dust or dirt.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is exceptionally easy to clean, so maintaining a low level of allergens is definitely feasible. However, you should keep in mind that laminate flooring is manufactured with adhesives which may contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs may trigger allergy symptoms in some people, but you can always check the emission ratings of a laminate floor and choose one with low levels.

Cork Flooring

One of the most ideal flooring materials for allergy sufferers, cork is naturally resistant to allergy causing materials due to the presence of antimicrobial suberin. You might think that since cork is a porous material, dust and dander would have a place to hide, but that’s not the case. The finish on a cork floor will prevent this.

If you’re in the market for new floors, our Lane Sales representatives are ready and willing to answer any questions you have. We are here to help guide you to the floor that suites all your needs, so contact us today by giving us a call at (800) 731 3483 or write us a message and we’ll get right back to you.

How to Measure a Room for Hardwood Flooring

Chances are if you are reading this, you are shopping online looking for new hardwood flooring. If you are looking for an estimate, one of the first things you will need is the total square footage of the area you are looking to have done.

Measuring for Floor Installation

Below is a quick method you can use to find an estimate for total square footage. Of course if you are going to have the job done, a qualified contractor will come to your home and measure first. This method is only to get a rough estimate during the sales process.

For the purpose of this post, let’s imagine an area that looks like this:

how to measure a room

In this illustration, you have a main room area, a closet and a hallway. This is sometimes referred to an “L shaped room.” Instead of trying to measure the “L” itself you want to block off each section into its own square.

  1. Begin by “squaring off” each room, hallway or closet. Imagine each room is a square or rectangle. When measuring for flooring do not go outside the boundary of the room, closet or hallway.
  2. Measure each area length x width and write it down. For a room similar to the illustration, you will have 3 numbers: e.g. – 48×128, 24×48 and 60×128 for example
  3. Add all numbers together: 48×128 (plus) 24×48 (plus) 60×128 (equals) 132 x 304 or about 278 square feet.
  4. We recommend adding another 5% for extra pieces

Also make sure you don’t mix up the length and the width. Be sure to always keep the numbers in the same column.

calculate measure a room
Example calculation, always be sure to keep the lengths and widths in the same column (don’t mix them up)

Once you have this number you are ready to get a flooring estimate. When measuring always remember to measure in a straight line. If your tape measure slides to the left or right you are going to get an inaccurate measurement.

Please keep in mind that the number you came up with might vary depending on the type of room you have, baseboards, and any other room features you might have.

Flooring is also sold in different widths. So if you have 278sq ft room and boxes are sold in 100 sq ft you might have to order 300 sq ft. Remember it is always better to over order than to under order.

Also a lot of families and businesses order an extra box or case of flooring in case something happens to the floor or it gets damaged. For instance if there is water damage, something heavy drops on it or some other floor damage happens it is always good to have a few extra pieces on hand just in case.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to give Lane Sales, Inc. a call at 800-731-3483, or visit us on our website.

How to Choose the Right Commercial or Residential Flooring

Choosing the right flooring can be tricky because there are many considerations. Are you purchasing flooring for commercial use or will you require it for your residence? Knowing about durability, high-traffic versus low-traffic areas and more will help you make a more informed decision on flooring.

If you are in the market for residential flooring, consider the type of room you will be covering.  Is it your living room, dining room, bedroom, office space, kid’s play room, etc? Even though each of these areas is located in one space, your home, they can require a different type of flooring to maximize your return on investment through budget and wear and tear. Because there are varying flooring options that can correspond with a room, we have outlined a few guidelines to help you determine the best flooring for you and your family’s needs.

Step 1: Determine whether an area is high-traffic or low-traffic.

Residential Low-Traffic Flooring Options

Low-traffic areas are any places where foot traffic is light and includes traffic that is mostly sedentary as well. For example, while you may spend most of your time in the living room, chances are it is still a low traffic area since most of your time is spent sitting.  

Other areas that are low-traffic include kitchens, dens, dining rooms and bedrooms. In low-traffic areas you can get away with flooring that is less resilient and more comfort-based. High-quality carpet is perfect in low-traffic rooms for this reason. However, carpet in kitchens and bathrooms is not practical from a cleanliness standpoint. For those areas, laminate, tile or sealed-wood flooring is generally resilient enough to handle food and water spillage, while remaining cost-effective and durable.

Residential High-Traffic Flooring Options

Watch any home improvement show and you will notice that the area with the most worn flooring is always located in the home’s hallways or entryways. In a commercial unit, common areas like public restrooms, elevators or stairs qualify as high-traffic areas.

To sustain flooring over time in high-traffic areas, select flooring made from harder materials. Tile, wood, and bamboo are a few examples of great high-traffic flooring options. While hard surface flooring can be more expensive, in many cases you can tailor your options to meet your budget without sacrificing quality or durability in the long run. Industrial strength carpet exists for commercial units as well. We do not recommend this flooring type for residential use because the feel and texture of commercial carpet is much rougher and less desirable for the function of a home.

Commercial Heavy-Traffic Flooring Options

If you are exclusively in the commercial market then there is an additional category: heavy-traffic. Heavy-traffic areas in commercial units include office “war rooms”, break rooms, cafeterias, and lobbies.

This type of flooring requires a unique approach and can often include a bit of customization. For example, for a room with multiple office spaces, the flooring will need to withstand the wear and tear of stationary objects that can settle in one area as well as mobile objects like roller chairs. To better maintain flooring in a commercial unit, consider carpet tiles instead of traditionally installed carpet. This options lowers replacement costs, as you can replace a few squares at a time in areas that are more worn than others.

There are many other kinds of commercial and residential flooring options for you to choose from. If you are ready to make your flooring selection, feel free to speak to one of the specialists at Lane Sales. Our team would be happy to walk you through your options to help you settle on the one perfect for you.