Reclaimed, Regional and Zero-VOC

May 9, 2013

Demand for plant-based oil finish grows, along with regional and reclaimed hardwood flooring options

Not too long ago, customer inquiries in Greater Cincinnati about natural oil hardwood finishes were few and far between.

But today, Schumacher & Co. Custom Hardwood Floors seems to be using its zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) plant- based oil finish every week.  And interestingly, many applications are in large commercial projects like the new Boca Restaurant in downtown Cincinnati.

The project features regionally manufactured Cherry and reclaimed oak flooring. While the people and planet-friendly attributes of the products are a given, there is another reason contractors are opting for the natural oil finish, says Roy Young, Schumacher’s quality control manager. (more…)

A New Generation of Tile

May 1, 2013

Specifiers and consumers increasingly look for people- and planet-friendly verification

Traditionally, tile has been considered nontoxic and indoor-air friendly. Tile is fired at very high temperatures, which should burn off any organics that might be present in clays or binders.

But architects, designers and an increasing number of homeowners clearly want verification that these products are people- and planet-friendly.  The recent introduction of Aventis – a new line of porcelain tile from Florida Tile — is among the daily examples: “Aventis is composed of 40 percent post-industrial recycled content, and it is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality-certified,” the announcement stresses.

“It’s clear that knowing a product’s people- and planet-friendly attributes is becoming an important part of our business,” says Ben Lanich, regional manager for Carpetland Carpet One Floor & Home in Cincinnati, OH. “So we are making this information available for our customers, and not just for flooring products traditionally considered ‘green,’ but rather, for all of the products we carry.” (more…)

Kitchen Design Winners Focus on Glass

April 29, 2013

2013 National Kitchen and Bath Association finalists have this in common

Creative use in glass in everything from mosaic tiles to light fixtures and sinks underscore a trend in 2013. Recycled counter tops, contain glass, quartz and corn-based polymers are also hot.

You can see all the finalists’ designs here.

Like the looks, but not sure how to get started? (more…)

Certified Wood Available Here

March 4, 2013

Schumacher & Co. Custom Hardwood Floors achieves Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certification

Schumacher & Co. Custom Hardwood Floors in Milford, OH, has become the only flooring retailer in southwestern Ohio to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) to supply hardwood flooring that qualifies as certified wood under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system.

FSC is the only certification accepted for sustainably certified wood under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rules. Meeting these rules governs whether a commercial or residential building project achieves LEED certification, which can qualify the owner for tax abatements.

In order for FSC wood to qualify for LEED credit, the retailer who sells the wood also must be certified, said Bobby Ammerman, Chain-of-Custody (CoC) administrator for the Center for Forest and Wood Certification, based in Lexington, KY.

“FSC certification ensures that the chain of custody, from the forest to the jobsite, is not broken,” Ammerman said. “Schumacher’s certification means it has procedures in place to order and receive FSC-certified goods, and get them to the jobsite and installed, in a manner that guarantees the goods have not been altered or mixed with non-FSC products.” (more…)

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Old, or Aged to Perfection?

Why flooring from torn down barns is all the rage

Superior dimensional stability and a rich patina are just a few reasons more people are seeking reclaimed flooring. This video offers a first-hand look at why this is a great flooring choice, and one of the most sound building practices on the planet.

May 16, 2013 See All Videos

A Question of Cork Comfort

April 3, 2013

What do ceramic nano beads mean for softness underfoot?

 Q. I am puzzled about the ceramic bead layers advertised as being part of the finish on Wicanders Cork Flooring. Does this add considerable hardness to the cork surface?  I’m seeing the comfort aspect of cork, and am actually replacing ceramic tile with the cork – so I don’t want to replace hard ceramic with hard ceramic!

A. The ceramic beads are crystals that are embedded in the layers of the UV- cured urethane finish that is topically applied at the plant during the final stages of the manufacturing process. These tiny microscopic particles do not add to the hardness of the cork, but rather to the long-term wear-ability of the finish. (more…)

Let’s Call It a Trend

February 4, 2013

Natural oil finishes gain popularity as consumers get more familiar with product benefits

Some would say that using plant-based oils to finish a hardwood floor is unique. Not the norm, the road less-traveled and, possibly not suited for standing up to high traffic.

But with the number of customers who are beginning to ask about oil or low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) floor finishes, I would have to say that a trend is emerging.

And floors that are standing up to customers and spilled drinks in a downtown Cincinnati bar where the floor was finished with plant-based oil last fall is debunking doubt about durability. (more…)

A Natural Look

January 28, 2013

Luxury Vinyl Tile’s realistic patterning and glue-less installation boost demand despite uncertain “green” product attributes

A floor does not have to be natural to look natural. And the new natural looks of a number of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) brands – coupled with glue-less installation options — are noticeably boosting LVT sales.

Newer, self-locking installation systems do not require adhesives for installation, and replication improvements mean fabulous imitations of wood, ceramic and other patterns.

“Gone are the days of needing adhesive,” says Ben Lanich, manager of Carpetland Carpet One in Cincinnati. “This enables the products to be more versatile, both in their installation and repair processes. Not to mention they are 100% waterproof.” (more…)

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