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Learn More About Adding The Beauty Of Tile And Hardwood Flooring To Your Home By Visiting These Links

There’s a reason why tile and wood are two of the most popular flooring choices in America. Take a look at these web pages, resources, and news articles to find out more about these durable surface materials.

• If you’re considering having ceramic tile installed in your house, check out this article from This Old House to find out how to maintain it.

• Choose the right species of wood for your hardwood flooring. Check out this ultimate guide to hardwood flooring from TLC.

• Not only are ceramic and porcelain tiles practical and durable, they’re environmentally friendly too. Find out why by reading this article from Elle.

• Clean and maintain your hardwood floors to keep them looking great for years to come. Here’s some advice on maintaining hardwood floors from Fox News.

• Learn why stability and durability are key factors to consider when choosing a hardwood floor with this article from The Illinois Times.

Hicks has been in the flooring business for 70 years. Our quality workmanship and honest pricing set us apart from the rest. Call us today at (210) 775-6878 for more information. 

Hardwood Flooring Tips and Tricks

Having hardwood flooring installed in your home is a great investment. However, it is important to choose the right species of wood and to maintain the flooring properly. While solid hardwood is a great option for many homes, engineered wood may be better depending on the foundation of your home and the amounts of moisture present. 

You can learn about the best ways to maintain and clean hardwood floors with this short clip. The video highlights the importance of having a professional install your hardwood floors and of using cleaning products made specifically for wood flooring. Watch this clip to learn more.

Hicks is one of San Antonio’s most reliable hardwood, carpet, tile, and laminate surface installers. Call us today at (210) 775-6878 for more information.

Ideal Places around the Home to Incorporate Tile

Tile is one of the oldest forms of man-made surfaces. Today, homeowners still appreciate tile for its versatile appearance and water resistant qualities. Continue reading to learn about the areas where you should consider having tile installed in your home.

Bathroom

Tile is resistant to water damage and can easily be sanitized, making it a natural choice for bathroom surfaces. You can use tile as bathroom flooring, add a backsplash to your bathroom wall, or create a beautiful shower. Ceramic and porcelain tile are both popular material choices for bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are more cost effective than porcelain, but porcelain tiles are made from clay which is fired at high temperatures. This gives porcelain tile a denser surface that is more resistant to water.

Kitchen

You can use tile in the kitchen to create a durable floor with decorative borders and designs. Additional areas in the kitchen where tile can be used include countertops and backsplashes. Tile is perfect for backsplashes because it can easily be cleaned, while it performs well on countertops due to its high level of water-resistance.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Tile can easily withstand forces of nature, making it perfect for a number of uses in the backyard. Consider adding a decorative border or intricate design to your pool. If you enjoy outdoor dinner parties, you can use tile to create the perfect countertop for an outdoor kitchen area or a unique floor for your patio. Retaining walls that hold flowerbeds are also ideal surfaces for tile.

For more information about porcelain and ceramic tiles which can be used throughout your kitchen, bathrooms, and backyard, contact Hicks. We have experts who can provide helpful advice and a variety of tile options and styles to choose from, making it easy for you to select the perfect tile for your home. Call us today at (210) 775-6878 to learn more.

4 Things that Should Impact Your Hardwood Flooring Choice

Hardwood flooring is an easy to maintain, durable surface that can increase a home’s resale value. Take a moment to check out these four factors to consider if you’re looking at hardwood flooring for your home.

1. Wood Species

It is important to carefully consider the species of wood you choose, as different varieties offer specific looks and levels of durability. Red oak, for example, has a light reddish tone, is water resistant, and is perfect for family homes with high-traffic areas. Hickory, on the other hand, is a strong wood species with a straight grain that is available in shades that range from light reddish brown to off-white.

2. Gloss Level

The gloss level you choose will have an important impact on the flooring’s appearance and maintenance requirements. High-gloss is the most dazzling level of gloss and has an unmatched shine. Semi-gloss has slightly less shine than high-gloss and does a better job of reducing the appearance of dirt and scratches. A satin sheen is a popular choice for families with kids or pets, as it protects well and requires less maintenance.

3. Material

Solid hardwood flooring is made entirely of wood. It must be nailed into a wooden sub-floor and cannot be installed directly on top of concrete. It can be re-sanded several times to eliminate scratches, expanding its lifespan by decades. Engineered wood flooring looks like solid wood on the surface, but has a large amount of plywood underneath. Unlike hardwood flooring, it can be used in areas with moisture, like basements, and can be installed directly onto concrete slabs. However, engineered wood flooring does not stand up well to sanding.

4. Color

An unfinished hardwood floor has a color of its own, but wood finishing gives you the option of darkening or otherwise enhancing that color. You should consider what shade and color will best match your home’s style before making your purchase.

If you would like to learn more about wood flooring options, call Hicks today at (210) 775-6878. Our employees are trained to perform carpet, hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring installations quickly and correctly.

Get The Facts Before Making Your Flooring Purchase By Visiting These Links!

New floors are a great investment and will make your home look beautiful, but they are typically a home improvement project that is best left to the professionals. Contact Hicks at (210) 775-6878 for over 70 years of flooring installation experience.

• Log on to the World Floor Covering Association homepage for wood floor cleaning strategies.
   
• Visit AshiReporter.org for tile tips from the American Society of Home Inspectors
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• DIYLife.com assists homeowners with this comprehensive guide to wood floor maintenance.
   
• Learn the benefits of professional carpet installation with this HowStuffWorks.com article.
   
• This guide from the National Wood Flooring Association simplifies hardwood floor care.