Flooring

Round Braided Rugs: A Look Into the Past

Posted in Flooring on October 2nd, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

There is much more to round braided rugs than it just being a delightful and practical covering for the floor. Braided rugs are also a work of art. Its origins are similar to patchwork quilting, although you may have never thought about an ordinary rug in that way. Each product is made by talented and skilled hands, and each one being distinctive and unique with the profound influence of its creator woven into each strand. Despite today’s technology and trends, these round rugs have managed to hold on to their identity and originality that made them so popular. They have maintained their status as one of the top-selling styles of all time.

A Look into the Past

Rug braiding was a way of conserving material by reusing old clothing while still creating something useful and necessary for the home. They were cheap to make, usually created by the ladies in the home, colorful, decorative and added a touch of warmth to cold wooden floors. The method in which the round braided rugs may have changed, but everything else has managed to remain the same. Braided rugs serve to add a constant comfort, a look into the past, homespun colors in a world full of cookie cutter machine products and practicality for homes across America.

Uses Explored

Two recognizable names that offer discount area rugs are Capel and Colonial Mills. They have choices varying from small rugs that are ideal for doormats, in hallways or by a small table on up through rugs that will cover entire floor spaces. These rugs are constructed for durability, strength and resilience making them perfect for high traffic zones. Many individuals prefer such rugs in front of the fireplace, under pet bowls, next to beds and in the kitchen. They have a reputation for being tough enough to withstand even the roughest of uses.

Pondering Points

There are many things to think about when trying to decide on a floor covering. If your style tastes run more elegant, these simple braided rugs may be too handcrafted for your design theme. Some of the smaller rugs are machine washable, but bear in mind that you should think about how you will care and maintain large, room-sized rugs. You will also have to consider how you can move the rug to clean underneath of it as well. The premium braided rug is made from wool which makes it extremely durable but much more heavy and cumbersome to move or clean. Cotton rugs are lighter and are much easier to maintain but not as sturdy. Braided rugs offer the unique ability to incorporate a bevy of beautiful colors into a single rug which allows you to enjoy all your favorite shades of color.

It is easy to make your house a home with delightful braided round rugs. They are a look and a tie into the past, as well as a beautiful accent piece for your home.

Distinctive White Oak Floors

Posted in Flooring on September 23rd, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

White oak floors are a type of wood plank flooring that has a distinctive character that only this particular type of wood can provide. Known for its defined grain containing a unique pattern of knots and splits, they are a popular choice of flooring for homeowners all over the country.

Wood plank flooring manufacturers maintain a variety of designs to meet various installation specifications. While the way these manufacturers prepare and machine  white oak flooring may differ, the wood grades of these flooring materials are built to the standards specified by the National Wood Flooring Association. The wood grades are Clear Oak, Select Oak, No. 1 Common Oak and No. 2 Common Oak.

The highest grade of white oak flooring is Clear Oak or in some circles called Classic Oak. They are machined from the heartwood which is located at the center of the tree trunk. This type of wood plank flooring is known for possessing a uniform shade of color throughout the length of the plank as well as lacks any imperfections like burls and cracks.

The second highest grade of white oak flooring is Select Oak an also called Natural Grade. This particular grade of wood plank flooring is usually composed of a mix of heartwood and sapwood of the tree trunk. The grain of these boards are usually composed of knots, some holes made by wood boring insects as well as the occasional streaking and character marks.

The last two grades of white oak flooring are No.1 and No. 2 Common Oak. No. 1 Common Oak is sometimes called Country Oak due to the open knots and the open holes made by wood pests as well as the dark streaks and some burn marks due to machining. No. 2 Common Oak on the other hand is a type of wood plank flooring that is sometimes referred to as Rustic. This is the lowest grade of all the oaks and has the most imperfections like vivid dark streaks, unbroken knots and holes and some damage due to too much machining.

Contemporary 9X12 Area Rugs Are More than Protection of Uncarpeted Floors

Posted in Flooring on September 19th, 2010 by Jim – Comments Off

Kitchen and bathroom floors are normally finished with vinyl, as these areas are expected to be subjected to more moisture, but many homes today have hardwood or tile floor covering in living rooms, dining rooms and even bedrooms.  The popularity of this trend may stem from the expense of replacing worn out or stained wall to wall carpeting, or the abundant selection of newer and more stylish materials available for this type of flooring.  But uncarpeted floors open exciting possibilities in home decorating with the use of contemporary 9×12 area rugs.  These rugs are much less expensive than traditional carpeting, protect the floors from scratches and other damage, add either warmth of a bright touch of color to a room, are very durable and are available in a wide variety of materials, styles, designs and colors.  The 9×12 size is perfect for most rooms, especially bedrooms and should even be considered for use under the dining room table.

When choosing the 9×12 area rug, different styles, designs and colors will give the desired effect you wish to achieve.  If warmth and protection is the intended end result, a casual area rug may be the best option, as they have simple designs that blend in with existing décor. On the other hand, if a change is what you are looking for, area rugs are perfect for your purpose. Purple area rugs, for example, can easily change the entire appearance of any room that they are used in. If the room needs a focal point, a more traditional style, with bold colors and floral or geometric patterns would be an excellent choice. The living room is the perfect place to display a classic oriental style 9×12 area rug.  A good rule of thumb is to remember that lighter colors will make the room appear larger, while darker colors exude a feeling of warmth and security.

Another point that deserves consideration is the type of material used in the construction of the 9×12 rug.  Choices include Berber, wool, various blends, braided, and even polypropylene rugs that are suitable for outdoor use to brighten a patio or porch.  Personal preference will determine whether the rug construction or eye appeal is first priority, but it is hard to go wrong with these versatile beauties.

So for any room in your house that could use a little decoration consider 9×12 area rugs. In any room that needs a little protection for the floor, a rug is all you need. Whether you want to complement the existing decoration of a room or change the appearance of the room completely, area rugs are a perfect choice.