Over the past number of years, there has been some consumer confusion and concern about rumored radon or radiation levels occurring in natural granites used for residential countertops, floor tiles, etc. The origins of this concern are advertisements published by manufacturers of competing materials. Levels of radiation from granitic products, while technically measurable, are in…
Weighing-In On Purchasing Flooring From Internet Retailers I understand that things change and technology gives us wonderful tools for us to gain knowledge and insight, but I would caution that it does have its limits and drawbacks. I want to share my opinion and insight on buying floor coverings from Internet retailers. Stop and ask…
Have you ever gone to a house to do an estimate for new flooring and detected an odor of insecticide? And maybe the carpet doesn’t look all that worn or old? The combination of the 2 might mean there were bed bugs in the carpet. Some home owners (or hotel/motel/rental managers) may be embarrassed to mention it, but don’t hesitate to bring the subject up. (more…)
Jim McClain grew up in rural Plumas County, CA. After a short, but exciting stint in the US Army, where he dodged work in Germany and incoming rounds in Vietnam, he settled back into country living and took a part-time job as an installer’s helper to work his way through college. He fell in love with the business and turned it into a career. Retiring from sales & installations in 2006, he still carries on his love affair with the industry through the use of a computer, a digital camera and a little space in “teh Ether”.
Home-ownership comes with many decisions – flooring being one of the most important. Like roofing, flooring is a requirement for Western Living Standards. So many choices on the market make it a daunting task for the homeowner. Oftentimes choice is based on trends instead of what is needed. The aesthetics, or “look” of the floor outweigh the importance of the material chosen.
Flooring decisions need to be made based on several factors, not just “the look.” Too many times a homeowner’s disappointment with a floor has nothing to do with the flooring, but everything to do with personal expectations. (more…)
Stephanie has worked for Cancork Floor Inc in Canada since 2011. Stephanie grew up in a house full of guys talking about roofing, cabinetry, bricklaying and building materials. Flooring seemed a natural fit. Her interests in fashion, home decor trends and a talent for educating consumers and pros alike, make Stephanie a tremendous asset to her company and to The Floor Pro Community.
Although this may be the most comprehensive list of tile terminology you can find, it is by no means complete. Glossaries and tile articles from around the Internet have been researched to compile this list and it is an ongoing project. If you know a term related to ceramic or stone tile that is not listed here, please use the comment form to add it. In return, we will link to your professional flooring related website. You might also spot a mistake in our glossary, or feel additional information should be provided. Please use the comment form below to inform us so we can continue to make this the finest place for flooring information on the web. (more…)
Recently, a topic on The Floor Pro Community forums was started, seeking installation information and tips about a specific product sold by a popular flooring franchise. I searched several of the franchise websites and pages looking for actual installation instructions for the product. I found nothing more than marketspeak – no instructions. I called their corporate offices and, after being shuffled around a little, spoke to a woman who didn’t seem to understand the concept of a website that offers support to flooring professionals, consumers and DIYers. She seemed confused about our desire to provide links to installation instructions.
This is discouraging. I feel like I have totally failed in the mission of The Floor Pro Community. I understand that many people and organizations haven’t heard of us. To not even understand that vital information, like installation instructions, should be easily available just baffles me. (more…)
Jim McClain grew up in rural Plumas County, CA. After a short, but exciting stint in the US Army, where he dodged work in Germany and incoming rounds in Vietnam, he settled back into country living and took a part-time job as an installer’s helper to work his way through college. He fell in love with the business and turned it into a career. Retiring from sales & installations in 2006, he still carries on his love affair with the industry through the use of a computer, a digital camera and a little space in “teh Ether”.