Frequently Asked Questions on Hardwood Flooring and Installation
Office Remodel Update
Recently our office and some areas of our showroom have been remodeled. After a long 2-month process of feeling like we don’t even know where to find a pencil around here…we are finally putting the pieces back together! We’re excited to show off the details…
In our office, we extended the size and added a second front counter. Brand new office furniture was designed by Hyphn and we chose a modern directionally patterned nylon carpet plank: J&J Stria. It will wear excellent in our office with rolling chairs, and heavy traffic. You can see more information on this product here: https://www.jjflooringgroup.com/product/stria/.
In the office we also added beautiful new window coverings. The top down/ bottom up Applause Honeycombs by Hunter Douglas work great for us to let in lots of light, see outside during the day, close them for privacy at night and they are efficient at keeping the heat or cool in. We love operating them with PowerView motorization. We can move our shades with a remote, wall controller, app on our phones, AND Amazon Alexa! We have more on the way including a couple roller shades that will fit the style of our office wonderfully.
Then in the showroom we added:
Marmoleum (an all-natural, durable hard surface) installed in our back hallway to the warehouse. This area needed a tough enough floor to withstand equipment and tools being dropped as well as furniture moving & rolling. https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-us/products/marmoleum/cfctp7 It looks great against our new office carpet!
Cascade Prime Sand Castle. It’s no secret LVT has taken over. This beautiful grey
& beige mixed LVT floor is great for homes with pets, kids, and high traffic. It’s also waterproof. This one goes excellent with our new carpet right next to it..
Anderson/ Tuftex Carpet: Furever- Yes you guessed it by the name, it is a pet friendly carpet! It’s a durable nylon with subtle cut and loop pattern. Soft enough under foot for bedrooms and tough enough for your hallways and steps. https://andersontuftex.com/rugs/details/fur-ever-zz218/avon-00342
Brand-new waterproof hardwood. This is new to the flooring industry and we’re loving it! Real wood with the price tag of an LVT? We’re all in! See the other colors and style options here: https://raintreefloors.com/products/
So, what do you think of the new products? Let us know your favorite part of the office & showroom remodel!
2020 Trends Forecast
The start of a new decade is right around the corner! A new year inspires the need for a fresh start or new look. In your home this could mean anything from new throw pillows or fresh coat of paint to a full remodel with flooring, furniture and all! Here are 6 top trends you’ll see take off in 2020…
1. Customization: Out with the “click to buy”, same as your neighbor styles. Readymade, mass manufactured furniture pieces have become more popular over the last few years and they’re are a dime a dozen. In 2020 people want handmade, personalized designs that are unique and show off their style. At Koebers we specialize in custom made furniture at a variety of price points! Everything from the style, fabric and cushions can be customized. Start Designing your personalized piece HERE.
2. Vintage: As the decade comes to a close, styles are filtering back around. Vintage, antique pieces are expected to be mixed in with modern and contemporary styles in 2020. Using your grandma’s antique chest in a room full of modern furniture will be a unique personal design we’ll begin to see more of.
3. Dark Floors: Midnight brown or charcoal flooring colors are coming back. This trend is popular among homes with no pets or kids since maintenance is more extensive. Dark toned floors offer a sophisticated look and relaxing feel.
4. Natural Floors: Aside from dark floors that have been a hit, cooler natural wood tones are starting to take over White Oak floors are light but rich in tone and texture. It’s the perfect look for any farmhouse style or coastal beach home. Light natural colors allow the space to look lighter and brighter.
5. Curves: Regular boxy sofa? No way! In the upcoming year we’ll see more curved furniture. From sofas to chairs and ottomans, curves are in. Check out these new pieces from Norwalk that represent this style.
6. Dusty Colors: Pale pinks, blush, and grays are what we’re seeing more and more of. These muted neutrals are trending from everything warm to cool. Check out Sherwin William’s Mantra Collection for ideas.
Hardwood Care and Maintenance Guide
So you’ve just invested in new Hardwood flooring for your home. Maintaining your floor the properly will keep it looking new, for longer! Follow this simple care and cleaning guide for hardwood floors.
Cleaning:
Sweep or use a soft microfiber dust mop 1-2 times per week.
Avoid dust mops that have been pretreated such as Swiffer brand which can leave a film on your floor.
If a food, soft drink, sticky or greasy spill occurs, use a hardwood floor cleaning spray as recommended by Koebers and your manufacturer. Always try a damp but well-wrung cloth before using a cleaner.
If a deep surface scratch occurs use a hardwood touch up pen (Lowes or Home Depot will have several stain options to match your floor).
Floor Protection:
Attach felt pads under furniture legs.
Protect high traffic areas (ex: hallways, flooring in front of sinks, and rooms with high usage like a family room) with an area rug from Koebers. If we installed your hardwood, you will receive a 30% OFF discount on area rugs!
Protect the floor when moving heavy furniture by using a mat turned upside down.
Watch for high heels or certain types of footwear that may dent your hardwood.
Place door mats at exterior doorways.
Temperature & Humidity:
Keep room temperature a consistent 67°F -72°F.
Maintain a relative humidity between 30-50%. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to if needed to prevent wood from splits, cracks, cupping, gapping, etc. due to moisture absorption.
Do not allow the floor to exceed 80°F.
Water or Liquid on Hardwood:
Never allow water or other liquids to stand on hardwood.
Do not mop or steam hardwood floor.
Quickly wipe up any spilled liquid from your floor.
Intense Light:
Natural changes in color due to normal aging of wood and normal UV exposure is expected.
Move your rugs occasionally to keep color changes uniform.
Avoid letting hardwood sit in direct sunlight for long periods of time with blinds from Koebers.
This guide is not for oil finished hardwood floors.
