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Benefits of Eco-friendly Home Furnishing and Floor Covering Products

Many of us are trying to find ways to make our homes greener and more energy efficient. Here are some eco-friendly flooring options and what they can offer your home.

Natural Wool Carpet

Wool is a sustainable material that can provide a warmer feeling to your floor and home. A throw rug or room sized rug can help protect your floor, and you can choose from many different designs and styles. Natural wool is a classic material for carpets that will offer you many years of durability, warmth, and style.

Synthetic Carpets

Many synthetic carpets are made of nylon or plastic water bottles that have been recycled. These rugs can be stunning while making a positive impact on the environment. Synthetic carpets are easier to keep clean because they don’t have natural fibers that can harbor mold and other allergens. Best of all, synthetic carpets are easy to clean.

Vinyl

Don’t think that just because you have seen vinyl that is cracked and peeling that there is not a better vinyl option. Luxury vinyl tile offers homeowners the convenience of easy to clean vinyl in a variety of patterns. Vinyl is easier to install than some forms of floor covering and the durable finishes available today make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications.

More Efficient Heating and Cooling Costs

High-quality green furnishings can help reduce the environmental impact your home has. In fact, it is proven that energy efficient blinds and curtains can help reduce your heating and cooling bill so that over time they save you money. Carpeting can help your home feel warmer.

High Value

If you are invested in real estate and want to up the value of your property then green and eco-friendly furnishings and floor coverings can help you achieve this. Green homes rent and sell for more than average homes.

Designing A Greener Home

Lane Sales, Inc. can help you determine what floor covering will offer you the look you want while making your home or business a more environmentally friendly place to live and work. Contact us today to discuss all of our many eco-friendly floor covering options or take a look at our online gallery to start thinking about if you prefer carpet, vinyl, or tile for your living space.

Sheet Vinyl vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile

luxury vinyl tileWhen choosing between different the different choices of vinyl flooring, it is essential that we weigh the pro’s and con’s of sheet tile and luxury vinyl tile. There are many choices when it comes to flooring these days, and the more research you do, the more you set yourself up for success by getting the type of flooring best suited for your home and for your specific needs. When designing a home along the East coast, especially somewhere like New York City, pricing can be competitive and you want to be sure that you’re making the right investment for your money.

In the vinyl flooring world, this is the big question when it comes to shopping around and figuring out which type of floor is best. While there may be no right answer to this question, there is a right answer to the question of which one is right for you. Today we’ll do our best to simplify this seemingly complicated and convoluted debate so that you can make an educated decision on the type of vinyl that is right for your home.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl has several qualities that separate it from Luxury Vinyl Tile, or LVT.  One of the main differences is that sheet vinyl comes in one large piece, which the installer will have measured to fit into the specific measurements of your home.

Less Expensive

One major advantage of sheet vinyl is that it is less expensive. If you are on a budget then the sheet route could be the way to go for you. Sheet vinyl is cheaper because it is easier to produce in big quantities since it is produced in big rolls without having to make individual pieces.

Tightly Sealed

Because sheet vinyl is laid down in one solid piece, another benefit of it is that it is sealed, meaning there are no spaces or gaps between the individual pieces. That means that moisture and water is going to have a much harder time seeping through to and damaging the subfloor.

Less Durable

Due to the process of how they are made, sheet vinyl is much less hard and therefore less durable than luxury vinyl tile. Because sheet vinyl is produced at such a fast and economical rate, less care goes into producing it at a level that would make it harder and resistant to damage. Also, if sheet vinyl is damaged, the options are to replace the entire floor, or cut out the damaged section and fit a new piece in. Either way, replacing damaged sheet vinyl is much more difficult than replacing an individual piece of luxury vinyl tile.

Less Customization

While sheet vinyl does allow the buyer to customize the color and design of the sheet, and choose from a few different colors and styles, the overall amount of what you are able to customize is much less than it is when the user is able to customize each individual piece as is the case with vinyl tiles.

Luxury Vinyl Tile

The obvious difference between the two styles is that LVT is made up of individual pieces, rather than a large sheet. This means the manufacturer has paid more attention to detail, and producing each piece one by one means that it is going to be of better quality, albeit more expensive.

More Costly

Vinyl tile is going to be more expensive per square foot than is vinyl tile, because each piece has to be produced individually. However, this does mean that the quality of each piece is going to be much higher. Continue reading to see the advantages of giving more attention to the details.

More Durable

Luxury vinyl tile is harder and more compact because instead of being rolled out in large sheets, it is more durable and resistant to damage. Not only are the individual pieces of luxury vinyl tile harder and more difficult to damage, they are also easier to replace if anything does happen to them. Many times LVT comes in bulk and you may end up having a few pieces leftover. In the event of a scratch or scruff, just remove the damaged piece and install a new one in its place.

Easier to Install

Vinyl tile can be installed relatively easily compared to vinyl sheets. The sheets will come in a 6’ roll, and the entire floor would need to be cleared and measured out, with the sheet cut perfectly to tailor it to the floor. Vinyl tile, on the other hand, can be installed one at a time, and they come in boxes which are much easier to handle and transport.

More Customization

More quality tile means more options for customization. That means more fun for you as the buyer to tailor the style of floor to your home, which as all homeowners know is usually the most fun part of designing a home.

 

We hope this has shed a little light on the benefits and negatives of the two types of vinyl floors. If you have more questions about flooring here in New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York City, feel free to give us a call here at Lane Sales. You can reach us today at (800) 731 3483!

What is Hand-Scraped Hardwood Flooring?

handscraped floorHandscraped hardwood floors are becoming more and more popular. Adding this sort of texture to flooring increases its warmth and vibrancy, giving the home a more rustic atmosphere. Some say that handscraping hardwood floors is a fad that is not going to stay in style, but this texture for flooring has been around for decades now and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

In New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey, there are lots of style and textures to choose from when considering hardwood flooring. One negative aspect of handscraped floors is that they are harder to finish because of the ridges placed into the wood. However, there are many benefits to texturing hardwood floors.

5 Benefits of Handscraped Hardwood Flooring

Rustic and Traditional Qualities

Handscraping offers a flavor that is rustic and cabin-like, for homes that are going for a more Western or Southwest vibe. This is a tool that can be used to spice up a room or an entire home. Some also believe that these floors are more real and authentic looking than a smooth hardwood floor, and it is also more obvious that the handscraped floors are not laminate but are actual wood.

The Level of Scraping Can Vary

Hardwood floor installers are great at tailoring to the needs of the customer. Some buyers prefer to have their hardwood floors only light-hand-scraped. This is a great way to add texture to hardwood floors without risking them seeming dated or too rustic. A light-scrape can be more contemporary for a home going for a newer style. This provides a level of customization when trying to decide how heavy a texture is desired in the floors.

Great for Pets and Kids

Believe it or not, hand-scraped hardwood floors are great for pets and kids. They provide better traction than smooth flooring that can be slippery for children that are not accustomed to walking on such smooth surfaces. This is actually one of the more popular benefits of having this texturing done to hardwood floors.

Hides Scratches Well

Because handscraped floors have the added depth of ridges along the surface, they are able to hide potential scratches and scuffs very well. New scratches will be practically unnoticeable because the surface of handscraped hardwood flooring already has this sort of texture, which it wears so well.

Is More Durable

The irregular surface level of this type of residential flooring makes it harder to wear down, meaning better durability. Long-term that means this type of hardwood floor will last longer and retain its quality for a longer period of time.

When choosing residential flooring there are many options to choose from. The best part about designing a home and choosing between flooring options is the ability to use one’s imagination and put their own flavor and signature into the design of a home.

Lane Sales Inc. is the exclusive authorized agent for Provenza Floors and Home Legend, LLC. Both of these great vendors feature beautiful hardwood floors that can be used to add flavor to homes here in New York and New Jersey. To get in touch with Lane Sales call 800-731-3483!

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.