Heritage Floors

Your Carpet and Flooring Brand Headquarters

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Tile floors are versatile and easy to keep clean, always a plus for a busy kitchen. In addition, they provide solid grounding for a light and airy room.

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Does carpeting work on a stairway? You bet; as you can see here on this carpeted stairway leading upstairs from a beautifully finished lower level.

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This wood floor gives a warm and inviting welcome and complements the adjoining carpeted living room.

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Wood floors in this dining area give warmth to the space while tile in the kitchen area adds to the aesthetics and is also utilitarian.

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Armstrong's Alterna Reserve tile in this new kitchen creates an inviting atmosphere and pulls together the colors from the cabinets and countertops. The nature-inspired colors and patterns reproduce the look found in actual stone quarried from the earth.

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Buying Tip for Flooring: Don't Judge Quality by Feel Alone

Determine the performance you want and the conditions affecting your floors. When choosing carpet, a tighter twisted fiber doesn't feel as soft, but it will generally give you better performance over the life of the carpet. A tightly twisted yarn will resist soiling, matting and crushing. When a yarn is not tightly twisted it may feel more luxurious, but it will tend to crush and flatten out more quickly. Visit the Heritage Floors Showroom this weekend.

Friday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

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Carpet Making a Comeback!

For years the design trend in new home construction and remodels alike has been hardwood flooring. Available in different styles and shades, it was a safe bet as it offended practically no one. Today’s housing market is a different beast than that of years past, and trends are responding as a result. One of the main reasons that carpet went out of fashion in the first place was due to personal taste. Homeowners feared choosing carpets that might not fit everyone’s style, as maintaining a home’s value was a top priority. Since the housing market slump, homeowners are seeing their homes as a place of stability rather than a short-term investment and are responding by making their homes more comfortable. Few people would argue that a plush carpeted floor is less comfortable than hardwoods!

Why Carpet Is Making a Comeback Carpet’s “ comeback kid” status  is due to more than just personal style and comfort. Technology has made leaps and bounds in the care and longevity of carpet, which in turn makes carpeting a better investment than it was previously. Leading carpet manufacturers have developed a new fiber that has a natural stain resisting property. Some of these new carpets are so stain resistant that you can pour bleach or grape juice directly on the floor without staining. For the green focused family, carpets can be an eco-friendly choice. Many of the nation’s leading carpeting companies are using recycled plastics and other materials in their carpet manufacturing process. Corn fibers are also a popular choice in green carpeting, although they are commonly mixed with more traditional fibers for durability purposes. Carpet requires less chemical laden cleaners to maintain than hardwoods as well. Carpeting can be an exciting way to spruce up a home’s interior. Many interior designers are finding that clients want bold colors or patterns in their carpets. While traditionally statements were made with art, today’s budget conscious homeowners often find carpeting to be a long lasting way of redecorating without the risk or expense of more drastic means of interior design and décor. Carpet does not have to cost a fortune. There are stylish, quality carpet options for nearly every budget. Before you rule out carpet as a flooring option, consider browsing online or at local carpet outlets to see what modern carpeting can do for your home’s comfort and interior design.

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Buying Tip for Carpeting: Read the Label

Generally speaking, you can review the stain resistance, anti-static claims and wear warranties right on the back of the sample. You will also see the type of fiber (nylon, polyester, polypropylene, etc.), the face weight, density, and twist when considering carpet.

If the labels are confusing, check with your knowledgeable sales person. Visit www.heritage-floors.net for all of your carpeting needs.

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How To: Decorate Your Home With Area Rugs

Area rugs make a wonderful addition to nearly every type of room in your home.  Regardless of the type of flooring or carpet you have, the addition of an area rug can spice up the decor as an accent feature or become the focal point of a room. Area rugs come in many shapes, styles and colors to match nearly any decorator's taste.

Benefits of Decorating With Area Rugs Aside from being a great decorating tool, these rugs have quite a few uses you may not have considered. One of the best features is that an area rug can protect high traffic areas of the home. Placing an area rug on a hardwood or laminate floor can help prevent wear and tear and protect the floor’s surface from scratches and gouges that may happen due to chair legs scraping the surface under normal circumstances. Large rooms can be a challenge to decorate, especially rooms in the home designed to serve multiple purposes. Many people love open floor plans and living rooms with sitting rooms or sunrooms attached, but a real challenge is found with laying out furniture in these types of rooms. With a lack of wall space comes the difficulty of blending one room into the next. An area rug can easily divide a large room into functional parts by drawing attention to the rug itself, with furniture placed strategically around the rug. This set-up can make furniture in the room without a wall appear to be in place, rather than out of place. In contrast, area rugs can do the opposite of dividing a room if multiple sizes of the same patterned rug are used throughout the home. For example, a living room with a dining room attached can feel like a cohesive space with the use of matching rugs in both rooms. Tips for Choosing a Rug Size

Leave 18 to 24 inches of border between the rug and wall on all sides in rooms used as living or family rooms

Leave 2 to 4 inches between the walls and the rug in hallways. Hallway rugs should also be roughly two feet shorter than the hallway

In the dining room, make sure that the rug is large enough that all chairs can be pulled out from the table without falling off the edges of the rug

For more information on carpet and rugs, visit www.heritage-floors.net.

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Spruce Up Your Hardwood Floors with Dust-Free Sanding

Are you looking for ways to bring your house up to date? Do your hardwoods make you cringe? There's not need to panic! Instead of trying to refinish your hardwood floors yourself, consider the benefits of hiring a reputable floor company with a dust-free system to make old floors look brand new.

If your hardwood floors have deep scratches, gouges or just look worn out, it's probably time to consider refinishing or replacing them. One of the main reasons old hardwoods were covered by carpet was due to the fact that sanding and finishing wood flooring can be a nightmare if done by hand. In addition to being an exhausting process, do-it-yourself sanding can be a dusty mess.

Sanding Releases Harmful Particles Into the Air

What many people do not stop to consider is that hand sanding your hardwood floors can actually pose a significant threat to the health and wellness of you, your family and your pets. Some types of hardwoods, such as oak, contain potential carcinogens that can wreak havoc on the lungs.

The History of Dust Containment Systems

In the early 1990s, dust containment systems were introduced. These containment systems have a very powerful vacuum built onto the electrical sander. The vacuum pulls the sand from the surface of the wood as it comes loose from the wood, and safely contains it in a canister before it enters the air.

As technology continued to improve throughout the 2000s, dust containment systems have made refinishing hardwood floors almost completely dust free. The benefits of dust-free sanding include:

No messy clean-up

Virtually no harmful dust particles transferred to the air

Time saving, as you do not have to protect surfaces and fabrics with plastic

Healthier working conditions for professionals that refinish floors daily

Higher quality shine to the finished floor, as airborne dust tends to settle into the finish when wet

If it is time for your hardwood floors to be refinished, consider dust-free sanding as an option. While obtaining a dust containment system may be out of the financial reach of the do-it-yourself homeowner, consider the cost of hiring a professional to be an investment into the quality of the floors, and more importantly, the health of your family members.

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Buying Tip for Flooring: There's no substitute for a knowledgeable sales person

As I'm sure you know, there are a wide variety of issues to resolve in buying the best floor for your needs. The performance and quality characteristics of floors vary widely and a knowledgeable sales person will help you match up your performance needs.

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Kitchen Tile Ideas

Planning Your New Kitchen Tile

Tile continues to be a very popular choice when it comes to kitchen flooring, and with good reason. You can’t beat the color and size options of tile, and its durable surface is hard to beat. Below are some highlights from Better Homes & Gardens’ kitchen tile guide:

 Consider your tile style

There are many sizes of tile – from 1x1-inch mosaics to large 36x36-inch pieces. You can even find tile in a circular format, but square and rectangle are most common.

Square – most commonly 4x4-inch. You can use a single color or mix it up with a pattern of different-colored tiles.

Rectangular – most commonly 4x6-inches, also called subway tiles. They can be very versatile in both the kitchen and bathroom.

Mosaic – these are very small tiles ranging 1/2x1/2-inch to 2x2 inches. They’re often available on mesh-backed sheets for easy installation, and can be used as a backsplash.

Mural – these are individual tiles that come together to create one large picture. A mural design will add a unique personality to any kitchen.

Listellos – also known as border tiles. They are typically used as accent pieces, as they are more ornate (and more expensive) than other tile.

 Consider your tile material

Just as there are many style options to pick from, the same goes for the material that tile can be made from. Here are few of the most popular materials:

Ceramic – a very popular type of tile that can be glazed to help prevent stains and scratches. Ceramic tile also cleans up very easily with water, making it a great choice for the kitchen.

Porcelain – slightly harder than ceramic, making it a good choice for higher-traffic areas. Porcelain tiles are also frost-resistant, making them a good choice for any outdoor project that incorporates flooring.

Terracotta – clay tiles that are unglazed have a natural red/brown color. Terracotta tiles are great if you’re looking to add a rustic, old-world style to your kitchen. When a sealant is applied, this tile can be used on floors, backsplashes, and even countertops.

Glass – one of the priciest tiles, but it will add depth and luminescent wherever it’s used! Glass tile is not recommended for high-traffic floors but works great on kitchen backsplashes.

Stone – granite, marble, and limestone are three popular choices that can be used in many places – from floors and walls to countertops. The surface of a stone tile should be occasionally sealed to keep out water and stains.

To learn about other factors that play an important role when buying ceramic tile, visit our website.

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Bathroom Tile Ideas

7 Unique Ideas for Bathroom Floors

Bathroom floors have come a long way since good ‘ol laminate and vinyl tile. There are so many options available today. As long as you pick a flooring material that’s non-slip, repels water, and is easy to clean, you’re good to go.

Let’s look at 7 materials that can add a distinctive look to your bathroom floor:

1.    Ceramic – one of the best materials to choose if you’re watching your budget. As far as colors and styles go, your options are never-ending.

2.    Marble – this material is quite strong and adds a luxurious style to any bathroom. However, it’s porous and can stain so proper sealing and treatment is required.

3.    Concrete – a nice alternative if you’re looking to create a smooth, consistent look.

4.   Cork – soft on the feet and resistant to moisture and humidity. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a “green” alternative.

5.    Bamboo – like cork, bamboo is an environmental-friendly option that provides a look similar to a hardwood floor, but with more durability.

6.    Slate – if you’re considering a stone tile, slate will provide a rougher, textured surface that will help prevent slipping.

7.     Recycled Rubber – another “green” option that’s slip resistant and sound absorbent. It’s also comfy on the feet and easy to install.

If you plan to use one of these materials for your bathroom flooring, remember that each material has its own set of rules when it comes to installation, prepping/sealing, cleaning, and maintenance. Make sure your flooring specialist is knowledgeable in these areas (we are!)

Stop by the Heritage showroom to see samples and to get some great ideas for your bathroom. We’re open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm; Friday from 8 am to 8 pm; Sat 8 am to 1 pm.

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Tile Style - Pick the Perfect Tile for You

Welcome to our third and final (at least for now!) post about tile and style. Our two previous posts talked about specific tile styles (Mexican and Italian) and the unique design characteristics and uses for each. In this post, we’ll shift gears a bit and talk about glazing, which is a finish that can be applied to ceramic tile.

What is a glazed tile?

Glazed ceramic tile has been finished with a protective topcoat, which gives the tile a matte, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. This finish prevents the tile surface from scratching, staining, and fading.

Here are the top reasons why glazed ceramic tile can be a smart choice for your home:

Slip resistant – even though it has a glossy look, it’s safe

Easy to clean – glazed tile seals out stains, making any type of clean-up simple and fast

Water resistant – its ability to repel water makes it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms

Long lasting – because of the durable glaze topcoat, the tile lasts a very long time and resists scratches and stains. It also holds its shine and won’t fade over time.

Choosing the right surface glaze is an important step when selecting tile. There are also other factors to consider, and you can get the details on our website by checking out the ceramic tile products page.

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Tile Style - Is This One Right For You?

Time for our second of three posts about tile and style! Today’s stop – Italian tile.

According to the Ceramics of Italy association, which represents over 150 manufacturers of Italian tiles, Italy is the world’s leading manufacturer of ceramic tile, producing 43% of the tile in international commerce. Use of Italian tile began in the Middle Ages when it became a popular medium for walls and floors in religious and other public buildings.

Italian tile has evolved greatly since its beginnings. A style which once focused on large, decorative historical and Biblical scenes shifted to the use of repetitive, geometric patterns. This style is still very prevalent in today’s Italian tile.

 Characteristics of modern-day Italian tile include:

Elegant, polished looks that convey a level of sophistication and “high-style”

Available in variety of materials like porcelain, ceramic, marble, and glass

Popular in both commercial and residential spaces

Very versatile – use indoor and outdoor on floors and walls. Italian tile is also popular in the creation of wall murals.

The Ceramics of Italy association just unveiled the latest trends in Italian tile at Coverings 2012, the industry’s largest expo for ceramic tile and natural stone:

Monolithic tiles – these are perfectly squared tiles that are frost and skid-resistant and easy to clean. They can also be easily dry laid over dirt, pebbles, grass, or gravel and without the need of specialized installers.

Mixed materials – many companies are mixing materials to create brilliant tiles that incorporate alabaster, marble, metal, and wood. Advancements in the technology used by tile manufacturers make it possible.

Concrete, resin & terracotta – Italian tile companies are incorporating other new materials into their designs, like smooth resins and industrial-style cements. Terracotta, a popular tile material from Italy’s past, is making a comeback and being reintroduced in modern sizes, colors, and finishes.

If you’re looking to add a modern, sleek, sophisticated look to your home then Italian tile may be the style for you. Give the Heritage Floors team a call at 717-687-7906 and we’ll get you started!

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Tile Style - Which One is Right for You?

Welcome to the first of three posts about tile and style! We’ll highlight different styles of tile and briefly explore their history, unique characteristics, and how they’re used not only in today’s flooring designs, but in other areas of the home as well.

Our first stop – Mexican tile.

Bold and bright, Mexican tile is rooted in the cultural heritage of its country. The practice of making the handcrafted ceramic tiles dates back to the late sixteenth century, when the Spanish brought their knowledge of pottery and tile making to Mexico. For anyone who has visited the country, it’s clear that their distinctive tiles have played a pivotal role in Mexican architecture – from their public fountains and churches to private hacienda home exteriors and interiors.

Characteristics of Mexican tile include:

They’re hand-painted, so no two tiles are the same

They have a concave shape and are not perfectly flat

High level of design detail and intricacies

Bold, vibrant colors with a rustic beauty

If the style of Mexican tile suits your taste, there are many ways to incorporate it into your home:

Bathrooms – use on your floor or walls to create ornate designs. The vibrant colors add variety and make it fun to coordinate with other bathroom accessories.

Kitchens – Mexican tile offers lots of versatility in the kitchen. According to Karen Gosnell, president of Mexican Tile Company, tiles can be used almost anywhere – floors, countertops, backsplash, tabletops, and wainscoting.

Fireplaces and more – add a bold statement to a fireplace or other unique area of your home, like stair risers and door and window surrounds.

As far as color goes, the options are many. Mexican tiles were traditionally made in blues, yellow and greens but are now offered in endless amounts of colors. So if you’re ready to make a bold statement that’s reflective of Spain, Latin America, or the Mediterranean, think about incorporating Mexican tile into your homescape! Contact us for more information and tile inspiration!

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Why Wood Floors Are Always A Good Choice

It’s the perfect time to talk about wood floors, because last week was the 2012 Wood Flooring Expo sponsored by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Packed with speakers, demos and industry seminars, the NWFA Wood Flooring Expo is the only trade show in the world that’s dedicated to wood flooring.

 During the expo, the NWFA handed out their Wood Floor of the Year awards, which recognize innovative craftsmanship and design in wood flooring installations. The award-winning projects are a great representation of the most inspiring, top quality products currently on the market. Click here to see photos of the 2011 winners (pics of this year’s winners are coming soon!)

When considering a new flooring option for their home or office, customers sometimes shy away from wood floors, thinking it’s too expensive or difficult to maintain. Not so! Take a look at these myths about wood flooring and you’ll see that you really can’t go wrong with wood.

Wood Floor Myths

They easily damage and are hard to maintain.

Not true! Unlike some other types of floor coverings, you can keep wood floors looking like new with little effort. Just dust mop regularly and use a suitable floor cleaner. Many wood floor options are manufactured with stains and finishes that make them more durable, and new products like Performance Plus™ hardwood floors from Armstrong are designed with a superior level of hardness that makes them more scratch and stain resistant.

They can’t be used in a kitchen.

Another myth. In fact, wood flooring can be a smart choice for kitchen floors and is becoming increasingly popular as more and more options make their way to the showroom. Now is a better time than ever to consider wood flooring for your kitchen.

They're cold.

Nope! Wood is an excellent natural insulator, so wood floors will do a nice job of keeping the cold out and the warmth in. The look of wood floors also brings a warm, comfortable feel to any home or office.

They’re expensive.

Wood floors are an investment that pays off in the long run, and they can greatly increase the value of your home. Wood floors offer durability that lasts for decades (even over 100 years) and they should not need to be replaced. Other flooring coverings such as carpet will need to be replaced about every 10-20 years.

Another great feature of wood flooring is that it’s hypoallergenic and cleaner than other flooring options. It won’t trap pet hair, dust, pollens and other allergens. 

Now that you know the facts, don’t forget to consider wood floors as a viable option for you! We offer over 20 quality brands of wood flooring so stop in or give us a call to learn more.