blog.360flooring.com

Carver Bathubs - Whirlpool, Soaking, Air Massage

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:53:00 +0000

Caring for your Hardwood Floors

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:38:00 +0000

We know your hardwood floors are an investment. Our commitment to making your hardwood floors last doesn't stop when your materials are delivered. By following these few simple suggestions you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of your wood flooring for years to come.

WHAT TO DO....

CLEAN regularly by vacuuming, sweeping, or dust mopping to maintain the floor finish. General cleaning once every week is recommended. Always use cleaners specifically made for urethane treated floors. (We recommend Bona hardwood floor cleaning products)

REMOVE spills promptly with a soft damp or dry cloth. Sweep or vacuum for dry spills.

RUGS & MATS extend the life of your new wood floor. Use at entryways, the end of steps, bathroom exits or other high traffic or moisture areas. All rugs should allow floor to breathe. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated rugs. Shake out, wash or vacuum mats and area rugs frequently. Wait 2-3 weeks after floor has been finished before using area rugs or mats. This will allow the floor to get the proper air to cure. Air flow helps the curing process.

FURNITURE should not be put back in place until 36 - 48 hours after floor is finished. Attach felt pad floor protectors to the bottom of furniture. Floor protectors must be kept clean of grit and periodically replaced. Carry furniture to its place and lightly set down. Do not slide or scoot furniture across flooring.

MAINTAIN the relative humidity in your home between 35% and 55% using a humidifier during the winter months. Excessive swings in humidity levels will cause wood floors to swell, shrink, cup, crack and show excessive expansion cracks between boards. Since the wood is susceptible to the humidity in the air, natural wood fibers will pull in moisture, causing the wood to expand in the spring and summer months. During the winter months when the house is dry, there will be a shrinking effect in the width of the boards. A humidifier will help stabilize this condition. Wood floors need to be able to expand and contract with temperature and humidity. Expansion cracks from summer to winter are a natural trait of wood floors.

WHAT NOT TO DO...

DO NOT let sand, dirt, or grit build up on your floor. They can act like a sand paper, abrading and dulling your floor finish.

DO NOT walk on your wood floors with high heels. They can severely damage your finish.

DO NOT let your pets claws go untrimmed. Proper claw trimming helps avoid scratches and gouges.

DO NOT use wax, oil soap or other harsh household cleaners on finished wood floors. They can dull the floor finish and make refinishing difficult.

DO NOT mop floors too much water can cause the floor to swell or warp.

Backsplashes Aren't Just for Kitchens!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Long) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:37:00 +0000

I've talked a lot about backsplashes in the kitchen, but they are also a practical fixture in the bathroom. Like kitchen backsplashes, bathroom backsplashes are both functional and decorative. Bathroom backsplashes were originally installed to protect surfaces in the sink area from water, but they are also a very aesthetic feature.

Backsplashes should not be a separate element, but should enhance the look you already have. Mix up size, material, shape, color and finish for a look that is custom and unique.

Improvements in sealants have made it possible to use just about any material in the bathroom.

There are a large variety of options when it comes to choosing a backsplash, so take the time to explore and find the style that suits your area the best.

1978 Airstream Before & After Remodel

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:21:00 +0000

I just had to share this project... Check out the effort that Hoffman Architecture put into this 1978 Airstream.

http://www.hofarc.com/category/portfolio/projects/airstream/

By using contemporary finishes like bamboo, glass mosaic tiles, vessel sinks and more this old beauty was transformed into one of the finest versions Airstream owners have ever created. I can't say enough about how well thought out the storage, finishes and overall style of this project compliment the nostalgic heritage of the Airstream we know and love. Who's ready to go camping?!?

Pebble Tile Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Long) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 21:07:00 +0000

If you're looking for a way to update the look of your bathroom, installing pebble tile to your shower floor is a simple way to accomplish that. Pebble tiles come in a variety of colors, so you're likely to find something that matches the decor already in your bathroom.

As an added bonus, the stones give you the feeling of a foot massage everytime you step in there.

You, too, can have a pebble tile shower floor in just a few simple steps!

How to Install:

Apply stone cement to the surface
Lay the sheets next to each other and press firmly into the cement
After that has dried, apply sealer (so stones don't unncessarily absorb the grout), then grout over the top of the stones including open spaces and edge of rows
Wait 30 minutes and rub off excess grout with a stiff-bristled brush. Then sponge off the grout from the top of the stones
After the grout has dried, seal with the sealer of your choice

And you're done! Let it all dry for at least 24 hours, then enjoy your foot massage with every shower!

Pebble tile sheets are not only easy to install--there are many other advantages to this route. The sheets are interlocking to create a smooth and seamless appearance. The mesh backing makes installing a breeze because the pebbles are already in place and won't be rolling around everywhere.

Some people are hesitant to install a pebble tile floor because they are afraid of slipping or it feeling too uneven. In reality, the texture actually gives you more traction and will reduce the chance of slippage and the stones are hand selected to provide uniform height and create a smooth surface to walk on.

Finally, here are some helpful tips to make your project a bit easier!

Remember, the sheets can be cut to fit the area you need
Follow manufacturer's directions and warnings when applying sealants
By varying the amount of grout you use, you are able to control how much of a massage you are getting (less grout = more massage)
Once sealed, they are easily cleaned with any mild deteregent.

(Title credit: Ryan LeCluyse)

Backsplashes!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Long) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 22:30:00 +0000

I'm always amazed at how one small change can really make a difference in the look of a room. A backsplash is one of those changes. The kitchen is one of the most obvious and popular rooms for a backsplash. The kitchen backsplash is placed on the wall between the wall cabinets and countertop. A backsplash is a way to spice up your kitchen without doing any major remodeling.

Adding a backsplash is a simple way to really change the look of a room. Even the most basic style can change the look of the room dramatically. You have the choice of many different types of tile, depending on the look you want. Natural stone, ceramic, stainless steel and glass are some of your more basic options. From there, you have a variety of colors, sizes and patterns to choose from. This is a really easy way to give your room a custom and unique look.

Stainless steel backsplashes are becoming more and more popular in kitchens today. The stainless steel gives the kitchen a clean, modern look and is very low maintenance. Glass is also very popular because it's easy to clean and mostly scratch resistant. Glass tiles are also available in a variety of different colors and sizes.

A backsplash is more than just decorative--it also acts as a protective shield for your wall, and the kitchen is probably the place you need that the most! Cooking can get messy- splattered water, sauces, oil and other liquids are common in day to day kitchen activities. A bare wall could easily get stained or, worse, damaged by abrasive cleaners.

Check out the difference a simple porcelain subway tile backsplash made in this kitchen:

SunTouch Radiant Featured on Oprah.com!

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:48:00 +0000

If you ever needed convincing that SunTouch Radiant Floor Heat is the best option for your interior or exterior floor heating needs - look no further... Oprah.com features SunTouch for the bathroom remodel that Simran Sethi's has recently completed.

Here's a little blurp from the article on Oprah.com:
"According to the Department of Energy, radiant floor heating is "more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts." Radiant heat usually involves the use of electric mats or a series of pipes that circulate heated water. My house wouldn't easily allow for a liquid system, but it's great for new construction. Ian's incredible builder, Dustin, installed a Suntouch mat just under my aluminum tile flooring."

Not only did this customer choose radiant as an efficient way to heat his bathroom, he chose SunTouch as they are the #1 rated radiant heating manufacturer and made in the USA. Get yours today!

How to polish granite tile edges

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:38:00 +0000

Everyday I get the question - How do I bullnose the edge of granite tile? Because of our awesome selection of granite tiles and the popularity granite has for countertop applications we have taught hundreds of you how to do this over the years. Not everyone can afford solid slabs of granite, so granite tiles are the next best thing if you want great color variation, durability and style in your kitchen or bathroom countertop. I figured it was time to go ahead and publish a helpful how-to guide that I've repeated hundreds of times over the years...

Please note that this also can be accomplished if you purchase a stone polisher and a number of pads - from coarse (50 to 3000+) to fine as detailed below with the sandpaper. I chose to write about the sandpaper method as a cheaper option for most home owners and more readily available materials in your area.

The process:
1. Use a handheld belt sander with a coarse sand paper (40 grit or so) and wet the sandpaper to grind down the tile edge to a bull nose contour. This will take a good number of passes, so be patient. Some of you might prefer to grind the tile before you install them on the counter to prevent accidental damage to the thinset through excessive vibration. The rest of you will install the tile and then bull nose it to ensure that each adjacent tile has a flush bull nose with the other and looks uniform. Belt sanders can be rented for $18-$25 per day in most metropolitan areas. Just click here to view a Google search for "belt sander rentals".

2. Progressively move up to finer grit sandpaper - always keeping it wet - until you reach a 400-600 grit level and are happy with the smoothness of each bull nosed edge. I would suggest that you go from 40 to 80 to 150 to 240 to 400 and if necessary finish up with the 600 grit sandpaper. This step can also be done with a disc grinder, bu the it is even more time consuming that with the recommended belt sander.

3. Use a coarse cotton buffer and Tripoli compound readily available at most hardware stores. The cotton buffer can be attached to most common drills for easy use. Work from coarse to fine compounds such as brown to white to red as with the sanding portion previously mentioned. Jewelers may be a good source for the white and red compounds if you're having a tough time finding them elsewhere. Again patience is the virtue, but this step is very rewarding as you'll begin to see a finished product that looks amazing when compared to what it was before you started the project.

4. Finally you're able to seal the granite with a natural stone sealant. After you have double checked your polished edges for rough spots or other imperfections use the sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions and enjoy your new countertops.

While this is a "difficult" DIY project the difficulty really lies in the tedious process and repetition required to get a good end result. Take your time and follow the steps above and you'll get the look you want and enjoy the satisfaction of the sweat equity you'll get from all of your hard work. Go for it!

Please note: this process can also be applied to other natural stones such as marble limestone and onyx, but may not require as coarse of sandpaper due to less dense material composition.

Get The Look: 3 Dreamy Bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I've been in a bathroom state of mind ever since my husband and I laid radiant floor heating in our soon-to-be master bath last week. The truth is, I'm a bit of a bathroom snob and am a firm believer that you can embrace high style with a low price tag --- even in the more "functional" spaces of a home.

Care for a few examples? Take a cue from these three dreamy bathrooms and see how a room can shine with little more than an affordable tile transformation!:

For a French-inspired, glamorous statement bathroom, let the bathtub be a focal point with light, natural finishes. Tile a half-wall with textured limestone tile and enjoy a concrete-inspired marble floor underfoot. You'll be bubble-soaked and singing opera in no time!

For a masculine his-and-hers hotelier bathroom suite, opt for travertine (with similarly-colored grout) on the floors and luxurious polished marble subway tiles. Accent the look with plenty of symmetry for a serene experience worthy of a king!

To get this equal parts masculine and feminine (and so cozy!) bathroom, try pairing oak planks with subway tile and charcoal grout. Keep the accessories at a minimum and let the natural elements sing uninterrupted.

Happy decorating!

Image Credits: The Inside Stoop

Design of the Month - Latest Project!

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Take a look at the latest addition to our Design of the Month page! This is such a simple design concept that applies to so many products and the outcome is gorgeous. Here you see 2x4 slate tile used on the left and right sides of each 12x12 travertine. Then they decided to use a split brick pattern for the 12x12's - making the 2x4 slate the center line to work off. The dramatic effect this has on enlongating the space is beautiful. The visual interest added to this floor by using the colorful slate tile as the accent was the perfect compliment to the more subtle travertine tiles.

The addition of the oval bathtub in the corner was a great compliment to the arched entrance to the shower. By using the 12x12 slate that matches the 2x4 for the top of the tub deck and countertops a consistentant theme of materials makes this bathroom look like that of a spa resort you would pay big bucks to enjoy for the weekend.

PRODUCTS USED:

Yurak 12x12 Travertine - only $5.66/sqft

Indian Autumn 2x4 slate - only $5.38/sqft

SOD6941 - The Blue Ribbon oval Bathtub - starting at $699.00 - Free Shipping!

SunTouch ProMelt Review

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:21:00 +0000

Check out this review from a customer of ours that is enjoying his SunTouch ProMelt purchase just in the knick of time for winter.

"This ProMelt Mat is fantastic! We recently replaced our sidewalk with a large patio, and laid out this radiant heat mat in a pathway from the driveway to the front door.

Just got our first significant snow (late for this season, 1/10/2011), and there is NO SNOW OR ICE on the heated pathway!! Exactly what I expected, but it was great to see it in action. I was like a little kid, staring out the window, watching the snow melt as it fell from the sky. :-)

I don't yet have the controller installed (I'm operating it manually with the circuit breaker) but one thing I noticed is that this thing works even at 0ºF. There is an optional low temp cutoff on the controller that kicks in at 15ºF -- this led me to believe that it would not work in lower temperatures -- but it does!

The total price, including controller and wiring, and all installation (done myself), was about $1700, more than twice the cost of the mat itself. While that amount of $$$ would pay for a lot of snow removal service, there's no service that I know of that does such a superb job as this mat. And besides that, it uses no salt/chemicals that would otherwise get tracked into the house.

Electricity cost for operation is about $0.20/hr based on stated VA rating. That part is "cheap"!

- Joe Denison"

Take a look at the entire SunTouch ProMelt line of Mats and Cables on our website. In my experience the only tricky part about this product is choosing the correct controller to operate the heating element. Of course we've done this a number of times over the years - so if you have any questions about this don't hesitate to give us a call to match the proper controller to your snow melting needs.

Fireplace Design Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:39:00 +0000

It's cold outside, so let's talk a little about fireplaces and the endless design options that are sure to add some interest to any home. Personally, I love the look of natural stone on fireplaces. My wife and I used 16x16 slate shown below and we still get comments on how unique and cool it looks when people come by for a visit.

We've considered adding a wooden mantel to our fireplace to give it a little more pop and give us a place to hang stockings for our growing family. What do you think of this look?

Other homes may have a more traditional design that focuses on the use of a classic wood toned or white mantle and porcelain and polished natural stone surrounding the actual fireplace unit. This look will always give you the opportunity to add some color to your room and is an affordable option because your material costs are generally less due to the limited use of stone and/or wood in the design.

More contemporary designs focus on high-tech fireplace units and seem to be doing away with the mantle all together and opting for a sleek consistent material that has dramatic vertical or horizontal linear elements for visual appeal.

Here's a nice glass mosaic option:

And then a cool rectangular slate tile design:

So, what's your favorite fireplace design? There are hundreds of options and thousands of materials that work great for a fireplace surround. Stay warm during the winter months and give us a call if you have some design questions about how to make your fireplace stand out even during the summer months...

How to Protect Your Hardwood Flooring

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:26:00 +0000

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORING FINISH

General information on protecting the surface finish of your hardwood floors. There are basic steps that can be taken to insure that your wood floors will never need repaired, saving time and money!

PROTECTING THE FINISH
Penetrating Sealer. For the final touch of beauty and to protect the sealer, apply a coat of good wax. Use either a liquid buffing wax or paste wax. Use only brands that are designated for hardwood floors. If a liquid, be sure it has a solvent base (has the odor of mineral spirits) and does not contain water. The wax will give a lustrous sheen to the floor and form a protective film that prevents dirt from penetrating the finish and will help prevent scratches.

Be sure the finish coat is thoroughly dry before applying wax. Apply a thin coat of wax, let dry and buff with a #1 steel wool pad. For increased luster follow by buffing with a polishing pad or a thick pile wool carpet remnant.

Waxing a commercial installation creates a slipperiness hazard. Gymnasium and roller rink floors should never be waxed. They require special maintenance procedures and products.

Surface Finishes. If you wax a polyurethane finish it can not be re-coated, but must be sanded and refinished when wear patterns become prominent.

NOTE: Most manufacturers of surface finishes do not recommend waxing. Check manufacturers recommendations.

MAINTENANCE
Wood floors, properly finished, are the easiest of all floor surfaces to keep clean and new looking. Unlike carpeted or resilient floors that show age regardless of care, wood floors can be kept looking like new, year after year, with minimum care.

What is minimum care? A good rule of thumb is to vacuum or dust mop weekly. Always check with the manufacturer for their recommendations on cleaning and maintenance. If the floor is waxed, occasional buffing helps remove scuff marks that may appear in the wax coating. A waxed floor need only be re-waxed once or twice a year, or as often as needed in heavily traveled lanes using a paste wax, liquid buffing wax, or wax/cleaner combination. Wax-coated finishes should never be cleaned with water, not even with a damp mop. Read the label.

For surface finished floors (polyurethane and the like), before you use any cleaner, check with the manufacturer of the finish used on that floor for their recommendations.

Do not generally wet a floor with water or any cleaner which requires mixing with water. A cloth or mop wetted with water and squeezed dry may be used to wipe up food and other spills, provided the area is buffed dry immediately.

Never intentionally pour water onto a floor. Excessive amounts of water may find a way to seep between the boards or into scratches causing wood fibers to swell and affect the finish.

GYM AND ROLLER RINK FLOORS
The procedures for sanding and finishing a wood sports floor are similar to those described for other wood flooring installations. Type of finish(es) and number of coats are generally established within contract and plan specifications.

Use only products approved for such applications. Follow the specific finishing instructions provided with each product. Deviations from the recommended procedure may affect quality and performance of the finish.

How To Order Flooring Online

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:31:00 +0000

Erin and Ken are making progress and have just released another video with some great tips for ordering hardwood flooring online and their overall experience with 360flooring.com so far! Great stuff Erin! Keep up the good work and get that reno done!

Give us a call if you'd like some more info on the materials Erin and Ken used for their home. Click here for a link to the hickory flooring you see in the above video.

$99 Shipping Special!

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:29:00 +0000

For a limited time we are offering a $99 shipping special on your entire order! Take advantage of the savings and get your project(s) completed during the cold winter months so you can enjoy spring that much more in 2011.

www.360flooring.com

Happy Holidays!

Design for Mankind - Making Progress

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:12:00 +0000

Erin and Ken are hard at work on their home renovation project and after a long winded debate about what technique will look best for the Scandinavian inspired ceiling they have settled on a stunning concept yet again!

Here is a brief recap of just how they are pulling off this awesome method for dressing the ceiling of their new (old) home.

Step 1: Leveling the Ceiling

Step 2: Nailing the Planks

Step 3: Cut Your Angles

Step 4: Admire Your Handiwork!

To learn more about how they pulled off this method click here and read all about it.

Stay tuned as the Hickory hardwood flooring gets installed later this month! They plan on using a natural water based finish that will let the beauty of each board shine without all of the harmful chemicals that can be involved with other types of finish.

Laying and Fastening Hardwood Flooring

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:56:00 +0000

Just in case you need a little refresher on Laying and Fastening Hardwood Flooring we thought this post might be right up your alley!

The following instructions apply to strip flooring laid on plywood-on-slab, on screeds, and plywood or board subfloors.

(NOTE: Flooring "SHORTS" - 1 1/4' or 2' bundles of flooring strips are "Strip Flooring" and should be installed as such.)

It is NOT recommended to glue Shorts directly to a slab.
With plywood or board subfloors, start by re-nailing any loose areas and sweeping the subfloor clean. Mark location of joists on perimeter walls so that starting runs and finishing runs, which require face nailing, can be nailed into joists. Then cover subfloor with a good grade of 15 lb. asphalt felt/building paper, lapped 2"-4" along the edge seams. This helps keep out dust, retards moisture movement from below, and helps prevent squeaks in dry seasons.

Direction of finish flooring. Direction of finish flooring should be at right angles to the joists as shown in Fig. 4. This is generally the longest dimension of the room or building and gives best appearance.

Begin flooring installation along the longest continuous wall parallel to the flooring direction of most rooms. (i.e. Down a long hallway wall.) Work from there into the room. Use a slip-tongue to reverse direction and complete the rooms. Glue and blind nail the slip tongue. At any change of direction, always provide tongue and groove engagement either with a slip tongue, or factory edge or end.

Starting to lay the floor. Location and straight alignment of the first course is important. Place a mark 3/4" plus the width of flooring (3" for 2 1/4" flooring) on the end wall near a corner of starting wall. (Figure 5.) Place similar mark at opposite corner and insert nails into each mark. Pull string line between nails. Nail the first strip with its leading edge on this line.

The gap between that strip and the wall is needed for expansion space and will be hidden by the shoe mold (Fig. 1).

If you're working with screeds on slab make the same measurements and stretch a line between nails. Remove line after you get the starter board in place.

Lay the first strip along the starting string line, tongue out, and drive 6d or 8d flooring nails or casing nails (galvanized or screw shank hold best) 1" from the grooved edge. Nails should be driven into the top surface of strips and counter sunk (face nailing). Position nails over supporting joists, and near ends of strips or into each screed crossed. Keep the starter strip aligned with the string line. (Pre-drilling nail holes will prevent splits.) Also, blind nail starting strip through the tongue according to nailing schedule.

Rack the floor. Lay out seven or eight rows of flooring end to end in a staggered pattern with end joints at least 6" apart. Find or cut pieces to fit within 1/2" of the end wall. Watch your pattern for even distribution of long and short pieces and to avoid clusters of short boards (Fig. 6).

Nailing the floor. With plywood on slab construction the face nails should be cut to slightly less than 1 1/2". After the starter run fit each run of successive strips snug, groove-to-tongue. Blind nail through the tongue along the length of the strip according to the schedule shown in the nailing schedule table. Countersink all nails. After the second or third run is in place you can change from a hammer to a floor nailing machine which drives nails mechanically or pneumatically, and does not require additional countersinking. Various floor nailing machines use either a barbed cleat or staples, fed into the machine in clips. The nailing machine drives fasteners through the tongue of the flooring at the proper angle.

When using the floor nailing machine to fasten 3/4" thick strip or plank flooring to plywood laid on a slab, be sure to use a 1 1/2" cleat, not the usual 2" cleat which may come out the back of the plywood and prevent nails from countersinking properly and tearing the vapor retarder. In all other applications the 2" cleat is preferred.

Continue installing across the room, ending up on the far wall with the same 3/4" expansion space as on the beginning wall. It may be necessary to rip a strip to fit. Avoid nailing into a subfloor joint. Position flooring strips so that they do not meet over subfloor joints. Blind nail by hand where the nailing machine can not be used. Face nail the last runs when unable to blind nail by hand. With 2 1/4" strip face-nailing is required the last 2 or 3 runs and in a ripped piece of a strip if one has been used. Use an offset pry bar or lever device to tighten these last face nailed runs all at once before face-nailing.

Nailing to screeds. When nailing direct to screeds (no solid subfloor), nail at all screed intersections and to both screeds where a strip passes over a lapped screed joint. Since flooring ends are tongue and grooved, all end joints do not need to meet over screeds but end joints of adjacent rows should not break over the same void between screeds.

Some boards may not be straight. A large screwdriver, sharpened pry bar, or wedges can force such boards into position or pull two or three runs together.

Shoe molding. Nail this to the baseboard, not the flooring, after the entire floor is in place.

USST Engines are Firing Once Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Long) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:17:00 +0000

The United States Super Trucks National Championship Series will be racing this weekend in at the Milwaukee Mile. Saturday's race is a very special one because it is the first annual Russ Chapman Memorial. Russ, a former ARCA Series driver, was a friend to many in the racing community. He passed away unexpectedly last December after suffering a heart attack. The Russ Chapman Memorial Race will be run in honor of Russ and his passion for racing. The green flag flies for this 50 lap feature at 4:15 on Saturday, Septemper 11!

Practices are currently underway as drivers prepare to take on The Milwaukee Mile tomorrow afternoon. Points leader Larry "Tow Mater" Fitzsimmons hopes to extend his lead, but Camden Murphy and Scott Sigman (2nd and 3rd in points) have other plans! Check out www.usstracing.com for more information on the drivers, series and event details!

SunTouch ProMelt - Which experience do you want your customer to have?

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:51:00 +0000

SunTouch ProMelt offers a solution to an age old problem. Icy steps...

Which experience do you want your customer to have when they visit you..? Check out our entire line of SunTouch ProMelt mats and cables at www.360flooring.com.

Underfloor Heating for Year Round Comfort

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Underfloor heating is one of the best kept secrets in the remodel and new construction industry. Something that was once considered an all too expensive luxury has now become an affordable way to maintain a constant level of comfort in your entire home, or in just a particular space that needs a little more warmth. As we all know heat rises and that's the fundamental principle behind the success of electric radiant floor heating options for your home. SunTouch, the electric radiant branch of the Watts Radiant family, is the leader in the industry in terms of high quality underfloor heating products. All of the their floor heating products come with a 25 year limited warranty to give you piece of mind that other companies can not offer. Watts-SunTouch is proudly manufactured and distributed in the heart of the USA - Springfield, MO.

The extra steps SunTouch takes to provide zero EMF (electromagnetic field) with fully armored and grounded power leads and twin wire design. SunTouch's electric floor heating system is the only product manufactured in America that is designed to cancel EMF. Want to learn more about EMF and what you can do to limit your exposure? Click here.

For those of you that need some help choosing the right underfloor heating system for your home give us a call at 1-866-592-8169 or email us at sales@360flooring.com.

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:53:00 +0000

Before and after contest coming next month! Make sure you take some before pictures of your project(s) and then we'll post your after pictures once the project is complete for your chance to win!

Moisture in your hardwood flooring?

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:54:00 +0000

The first step in removing moisture in any hardwood flooring is to understand where the moisture is coming from. In most cases the moisture is due to a leak in a door seal, flooding of some kind, dishwasher leaks, plumbing lines that lead to water sources or some kind of seasonal variation. The problem needs to be isolated and solved before any constructive reconstruction can happen. From here the area needs to be completely dried.

With excessive moisture, a call to a water extraction professional should be given high priority. Not only will these professionals remove water but install industrial fans that will speed up the drying out process. Dehumidifiers are also helpful and should be used below the sub-floor in basements if applicable. This will help facilitate drying of the sub-floor if the amount of water is excessive. Properly drying of a hardwood floor may take a few weeks to two months. The longer drying period is necessary to remove moisture from underneath the flooring. In some cases, with proper drying, the floor will return to its original state with no signs of damage. In other cases, moisture from underneath is the primary reason for the rippling effect you may see, or what is often termed cupping. If “cupping” is still present after a few weeks of drying it is time to begin the tear out process. It is best to consult with an experienced floor finisher who can better asses your issue on a visit.

Moisture in hardwood flooring is not something to take lightly and it’s not recommended that you attempt to DIY. You will spend far less money by fixing the problem the first time. In most cases moisture has spread beneath your flooring over several linear feet. If any moisture is left behind, you will have molding along with cupping problems down the road. Water extraction professionals have special tools to measure the moisture content in the wood flooring which gives a better idea of how much flooring you will need to replace.

Does granite emit radon?

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?

You’ve probably seen the Geico commercial and if you haven’t click on the image. Long story short…Yes, it is fact that granite does emit radon. However, the amount emitted is very small.

The Environmentally Protection Agency (EPA) has stated, “You are far more likely to have a fatal fall from bed than to develop a health problem related to radon in granite countertops.” In most cases, studies have shown that high concentrations of radon found in kitchens has been due to extra high levels of radon gas being found in the basement, the leading place radon is found.

In reality, excess radon gas is seeping from the foundation and soil underneath of the home, not the countertops. To test for radon gasses you can buy a test kit at most box stores for less that $30.00. It is always wise to have your home tested for radon. If you find high levels you can have radon extracted from your home at a reasonable cost. 360 stands behind all of our granite materials, helping customers with any problems, and claiming harmful levels of radon gasses will not be emitted for the granite alone.

Get rid of the mold in your tile shower

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:23:00 +0000

Have you ever looked at your shower and noticed that some of the grout looks discolored and dirty, like mildew has taken over? Well Grout is no different than a sponge.

The Grout has microscopic pores that dirty shampoo and body oils like to embed themselves into. This is the kind of stuff that mold can feed on!

The first step in sealing your tile shower is to thoroughly clean and re-open the pores of the Grout/tile. I recommend hiring a professional to do the cleaning and sealing but if you are a DIYer then we will outline some tips for you below:

Cleaning The Tile & Grout
Go to your local tile store and purchase a good tile and Grout cleaner/degreaser. Follow the instructions carefully to thoroughly clean the tile and Grout. Be sure to rinse off all the cleaner from the surface. It is very important to thoroughly clean the grout. You would not want to trap in the dirt and mold.

Apply a Clear Seal on the Grout
There are sealers that are solvent-based and water-based. Check out this article on the sealers. If you use a solvent-based sealer you must wait 24 hours for the grout to completely dry before applying. If you go with a water-based sealer, the grout can be wet when applied. Both sealers are very good and neither one is better than the other. We prefer to use the water-based sealers and have very good results with them. The clear sealers come in a bottle usually with a wheel or brush on top. Simply brush or roll over the top of the grout line extracting the sealer on the grout. Allow the sealer to sit for up to 5 minutes to completely work it’s way into the pores of the grout.

Now, if you use a solvent-based sealer, you must NOT allow it to dry on the tile or it will leave a haze. Should this happen, simply put more sealer on to reactivate it and wipe it off. Water-based sealers will evaporate off the tile surface. And lastly, buff the entire surface to a shine.

Prevention
In order to protect your newly cleaned and sealed grout in your shower, there are a couple of tips you should follow.
1. Keep a squeegee in the shower and be sure to remove all water off the walls and glass before exiting.
2. Leave the shower doors or curtain open to ensure proper ventilation and reduce the opportunity for mold and mildew growth.
3. Reseal the grout every year to keep your shower looking it’s best (repeat if necessary)

Your project meets your expectations...

noreply@blogger.com (360flooring.com) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Working with 360 Flooring.com is what your project deserves...

•You have a project that needs something more than what you always find at the big box stores around town.

•You want the convenience of ordering samples online and having a reputable delivery service bring the materials of your choice right to your door.

•You have a budget that cannot afford the retail markups that local retailers are forced to offer you.

•You have a solution with 360 Flooring.com.

Here's the test...
Find a better delivered price for the same top quality products without the hassle or expense of transporting the materials on your own or purchasing odd lot closeouts with your fingers crossed for the results you expect out of your project.

Hint: You will not find a more consistent provider of top quality products with convenient delivery options to your home or job site for less than 360 Flooring.com. Apples to apples we offer what you want at a price you deserve.

Use the drop down menus from at the top of our website for each product category OR use the left sidebar to navigate to the product line of your choice. Ordering samples is recommended on virtually all of our products to ensure the material offers you the color and texture you desire. If at anytime during the shopping process you feel like the shipping charges are simply to expensive just contact us and we will be happy to look into any other options to save you money on the delivery of your order.