Top Myths About Wood Flooring DEBUNKED!

If you dream of adding a wood floor, you often come across many misconceptions during the decision making process. Here is our attempt to give you the facts so you can make an educated decision.

  1. Wood floors scratch easily. Reality: the wood itself is actually quite durable, which comes in a variety of hardnesses, depending on where it is harvested from. When a floor appears scratched it’s usually only the upper layer of finish that is damaged. This can be quickly and easily fixed with a light sanding and refinish.
  2. Wood floors make a room cold and look dusty. Reality: wood is actually an excellent retainer of heat and can help warm the room both physically and aesthetically. While dirt and dust may appear more visible on your wood floors, that’s because they aren’t absorbed into the floor, making it easier to spot and keep clean.
  3. Installing wood flooring depletes forests. Reality: trees are a renewable resource and hardwood forests have actually increased. According to the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, for every cubic foot of hardwood harvested in the US, 1.66 cubic feet is planted in its place, resulting in 90% more than in the 1950s.
  4. Wood flooring is harmful to the environment. Reality: because it absorbs carbon dioxide, wood is considered a carbon neutral material. A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison showed harvesting wood releases none of the gases connected to climate change.
  5. Wood flooring is too expensive. Reality: depending on the type of wood, the price of installing a floor can vary greatly and fit nearly every budget. In addition, a low-cost engineered wood floor is still made from wood and looks exactly the same as hardwood once installed.

A properly installed and maintained wood floor can last over a hundred years! Have we inspired you to consider a wood floor for your Orlando home or business? Contact AB Flooring & Restoration for a free consultation today.

A.B. Floors & Restoration Announces Availability of Wood and Laminate Flooring Restoration and Repair Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2013

A.B. Floors & Restoration Announces Availability of Wood and Laminate Flooring Restoration and Repair Services in Orlando

A.B. Floors & Restoration is pleased to announce professional hardwood and laminate floor repair services in the greater Orlando area

ORLANDO, FL—July 12, 2013—A.B. Floors & Restoration, Orlando’s leading provider of full service water damage restoration, is pleased to announce the availability of repair services for hardwood and laminate floors.

A.B. Floors & Restoration maintains an outstanding record in the Orlando area for providing top-notch service and professionalism, and the company is excited to deliver a full range of valuable services to community residents.

Water damaged wood and laminate flooring is one of the most difficult materials to dry and repair following water damage of any scope. A.B. Floors has years of experience and expertise in dealing with this specific and challenging problem. The company has been trained in not only state-of-the-art drying techniques, but also repair and restoration methods. As well as floor drying and repair, A.B. Floors also offers partial replacement of damaged floors and direct insurance billing.

“We understand that when water damage occurs it’s a trying time for homeowners, and we want to make the process of repairing and restoring our customers’ homes as simple and worry-free as possible,” said Marco Bueno, of A.B. Floors & Restoration. “We are truly a full-service restoration company, from start-to-finish. We’ll work with you each step of the way, from assessing the damage and developing a comprehensive plan of action, all the way to direct insurance billing. Our goal is to give our customers peace of mind, and a sense that they’re well taken care of.”

A.B. Floors & Restoration is trained and licensed to deal with the specific issues that surround the repair of hardwood and laminate flooring, including permanent structural damage and the potential for mold growth. Every precaution is taken to prevent these circumstances from occurring during the repair process, and the restoration services are always completed with the utmost consideration for the safety of a home’s residents.

“When our customers come to us, they often feel their lives have been turned upside down by the disaster that’s occurred in their home, but when we’re finished, they tell us we’ve not only restored their wood and laminate floors to their previous condition, but have actually made them even better,” said Bueno.

A.B. Floors offers 24/7 and emergency service, and all water damage technicians are certified by the Clean Trust, formerly known as IICRC.

About A.B. Floors & Restoration

A.B. Floors & Restoration, based in Orlando, FL, is a provider of flooring services, including hardwood floor refinishing, carpet, tile and laminate installation, as well as remodeling and restoration services. A.B. Floors has operated for over 10 years, and has become the premier name in flooring, restoration and remodeling services in the Central Florida area. The team of flooring experts at the company is certified by Mohawk University, and the company consistently maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). To contact A.B. Floors, visit their website at www.abfloors.com or call (407) 513-4787.

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A.B. Floors & Restoration Now Offering Luster-Lock Engineered Flooring from Anderson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2013

A.B. Floors & Restoration, of Orlando, Offering New Engineered Flooring Products 

Leading provider of flooring products and services pleased to announce availability of high-quality, uniquely engineered flooring with unparalleled durability

ORLANDO, FL—July 12, 2013—A.B. Floors & Restoration is now offering a new line of engineered flooring products from the Shaw and Anderson companies—Luster-Lock Ultra Flooring with ScufResistant Platinum finish, at the most competitive prices available in the greater Orlando area. The products have gained significant recognition in the flooring industry because they are six times more resistant to scuffs and abrasions than other similar products.

The American-made products were tested using heavy-duty 3M scouring pads and ten pounds of applied pressure, and were able to withstand the tests significantly better than leading competitors.

Due to the innovative technology used in the creation of these flooring products, Shaw has extended the finish wear warranties on 3/8” engineered and smooth ¾” solid planks and strips to 30 years. For ½” engineered flooring and handcrafted ¾” solid planks and strips, the warranty has been extended to 50 years.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to take advantage of the beauty, durability, and reliability of this outstanding new product,” said Marco Bueno, of A.B. Floors. “We’re constantly seeking the best products on the market to deliver unparalleled satisfaction to our customers. This engineered flooring provides unbeatable advantages, and we’re offering these products at the best possible prices.”

A.B. Floors & Restoration brings over 10 years of experience in the flooring industry to each job, and the company’s name has become synonymous with the utmost in quality, service and professionalism.

“When you make the decision to have new flooring installed, you want to be sure you’re going to enjoy longevity, and durability, even in the face of extreme wear and tear, and that’s what you’re getting with the Luster-Lock Ultra flooring,” said Bueno. “This flooring is remarkably tough and made to withstand daily use while maintaining its original beauty and integrity.”

About A.B. Floors & Restoration

A.B. Floors & Restoration, based in Orlando, FL, is a provider of flooring services, including hardwood floor refinishing, carpet, tile and laminate installation, as well as remodeling and restoration services. A.B. Floors has operated for over 10 years, and has become the premier name in flooring, restoration and remodeling services in the Central Florida area. The team of flooring experts at the company is certified by Mohawk University, and the company consistently maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). To contact A.B. Floors, visit their website at www.abfloors.com or call (407) 513-4787.

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A.B. Floors & Restoration Announces Availability of Katie’s Choice Carpet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 2013

Orlando-Based A.B. Floors & Restoration Announces Availability of Katie’s Choice Carpet

A.B. Floors is pleased to now offer durable, high-quality Katie’s Choice carpeting products to Orlando-area customers

ORLANDO, FL—July 12, 2013—A.B. Floors & Restoration, the leading name in flooring products and home remodeling services, is pleased to announce the availability of a new, advanced carpeting product: Katie’s Choice, exclusively made in America.

Katie’s Choice carpeting is revolutionary because of its durability and stain resistance. The carpet is solution-dyed into the depth of the fiber, allowing it to be more stain-resistant than competitive products. In addition, Katie’s Choice is bleach-resistant, simplifying the cleaning process.

A.B. Floors & Restoration is offering Katie’s Choice products at prices that are up to 30% lower than what’s found at box store retailers.

“The Katie’s Choice carpet line is a great, versatile flooring option for anyone, whether you have children, pets, or just want to make an investment that’s going to last you well into the future,” said Marco Bueno, of A.B. Floors. “As leading experts in our industry, we’re always looking for new products and technologies that are going to deliver the best possible results for our customers, and Katie’s Choice bleach-resistant carpeting does just that.”

A.B. Floors & Restoration is a full-service carpet company that prides itself not just on offering top-of-the-line products, but also handling each step of the service process, from recommending flooring options to providing professional installation. A.B. Floors can provide comprehensive carpeting services whether a customer would like to replace existing carpeting, or install carpeting over another flooring surface.

The company employees a team of highly-trained courteous professionals, and boasts over ten years of experience in the industry. A.B. Floors also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free consultations.

“We continue to expand our offerings to our customers here in Orlando, and it’s always our goal to provide products that are standouts in the flooring industry,” said Bueno. “Katie’s Carpet offers functionality and beauty, all at a great value.”

About A.B. Floors & Restoration

A.B. Floors & Restoration, based in Orlando, FL, is a provider of flooring services, including hardwood floor refinishing, carpet, tile and laminate installation, as well as remodeling and restoration services. A.B. Floors has operated for over 10 years, and has become the premier name in flooring, restoration and remodeling services in the Central Florida area. The team of flooring experts at the company is certified by Mohawk University, and the company consistently maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). To contact A.B. Floors, visit their website at www.abfloors.com or call (407) 513-4787.

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What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate is a type of flooring made with multiple layers of material. Laminate flooring has many advantages: it is durable, easy to care for, environmentally-friendly, and less expensive than other flooring materials. Laminate has changed a great deal over time and now offers options that look like stone or tile instead of just the old hardwood floor styles. Laminate flooring in the Orlando area is a smart and stylish choice for any home or business.

There are four layers in laminate flooring: a top layer made of melamine plastic, a core board that improves moisture resistance, a print layer that gives the laminate its appearance, and another melamine plastic layer for protection. This combination of layers gives the laminate durability and stain resistance. The creation process gives the laminate its close resemblance to stone, hardwood, and ceramic. The four layers are assembled in large sheets on an assembly line.

After the layers are stacked on top of each other, they go through a pressure treatment process. The stacked layers are pressed together at temperatures of up to 400 degrees and nearly 600 pounds per each square inch of pressure. This process lasts for 20 to 30 seconds.

After they cool down, the boards are cut into sections called planks and groove edges are cut into the planks using profiling saws. The cuts from these saws are what enable the flooring to lock together. Then the planks are inspected to make sure that their color, finish, texture, size, and interlocking capability are correct before they are sent out to retailers.

There are a lot of good qualities to laminate flooring. The combination of the variety of styles and low maintenance make it ideal flooring for your home. If you want laminate flooring in Orlando, A.B. Floors is the best in the business. We have installed laminate flooring in Orlando homes for over 10 years and our technicians are licensed, trained, and certified. Call us at 407-513-4787 and speak with one of our flooring experts today.

The Importance of Dustless Sanding and Water Based Finishes

 

Dustless Sanding and Water Based Finishes Mean Better Health

Traditional methods of sanding a hardwood floor are a huge hassle. It is an exceptionally dusty process that causes massive dust storms and potential health risks. If you want to get hardwood floor refinishing in Orlando but have hesitated because of the mess or health hazard, there is good news. Now there is a way to refinish your hardwood floor using a cleaner, healthier process that leaves your home virtually dust free and your floors looking better than ever.

Unlike traditional methods of hardwood floor sanding, our advanced dust containment system warranties an almost dustless sanding service. Your air ducts and the interior of your home stay clean and dust free, leaving you with clean air. There is no chance of dust particles settling down into your floor as the final coat dries, which means your floor will be smoother and shinier.

A.B. Floors & Restoration uses this new technology to provide clean air and smooth floors in all our hardwood floor refinishing. Orlando residents have counted on us for over 10 years to help with all their flooring needs. Our expert technicians are trained by Bona and we employ the best dust containment systems available anywhere in the industry. A.B. Floors & Restoration ensures that every hardwood floor refinishing is low on dust and big on beauty.

In addition to using dustless sanding, we recommend our clients use only water based finishes. Water based finishes mean very low VOCs and not formaldehyde in your new finish. Water based finishes also mean faster drying times. The color of your finish will not change when water based finishes are used either, so no matter what color you choose for your floor, it will remain that way with no discoloration.

Call A.B. Floors & Restoration at 407-513-4787 and speak with one of our friendly professionals about hardwood floor refinishing in Orlando today.

The Environmental Benefits of Wood Floors

 

Wood Floors: Beautiful and Better for the Environment

When it comes to quality flooring, few options are more beautiful, and durable, than hardwood flooring. Orlando residents rely on A.B. Floors to handle all of their hardwood flooring needs. If you have wanted a new hardwood floor for your home or business but were concerned about the impact on the environment, these facts about wood floors may surprise you.

 

  • According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services, the average annual net growth for hardwood trees is greater than the number of annual removals.
  • The indoor air quality with wood floors is better than other types of flooring (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
  • Wood is carbon neutral. Oxygen is produced during the growth cycle and carbon is stored during the service life (University of Wisconsin Wood Products Program Solid Wood Flooring Life Cycle Analysis).
  • Wooden floors use less energy and water to produce than other types of flooring options (University of Wisconsin Wood Products Program Solid Wood Flooring Life Cycle Analysis).
  • Wood floors will last hundreds of years and won’t require replacing as often as other options for flooring (National Association of Home Builders).
  • Most hardwood trees need 40-60 years to reach maturity, but the inventory planted now won’t need to be used for more than 100 years (National Wood Flooring Association).

As you can see, hardwood floors are actually an environmentally friendly option. And if you want , there are many colors and textures of wood to choose from. A hardwood floor will add beauty and value to your home in addition to being strong and long-lasting. To get the best service and quality for your new floor, you need A.B. Floors.

A.B. Floors has been in business for over 10 years. We carry most of the major brands of flooring. Our trained technicians are experts at installing and maintaining hardwood floors. We put our clients first and guarantee your satisfaction with our service. Call us today at 407-513-4787 to speak with one of our flooring professionals about your hardwood flooring needs.

 

 

How to Clean Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is inexpensive and available in a wide variety of styles, which makes it an excellent flooring choice.  If you are considering laminate flooring in Orlando, you may wonder exactly what is involved in cleaning it and if it is time-consuming.  Laminate is very easy to clean; however, there are a few points to remember about caring for laminate.  Follow these tips and your laminate flooring will look beautiful with minimal effort for years.

  • Dust mop the floor on a regular basis using a micro fiber dust mop.  Brooms and vacuums leave behind small particles that a micro fiber mop will catch.  Debris from sand or rocks cause small scratches that, over time, cause laminate to look dull.  Micro fiber dust mops help make sure this doesn’t happen.  It is also a good idea to use welcome mats or throw rugs outside door entrances to catch debris before it enters your home.
  • For a more in-depth cleaning a lightly dampened (nearly dry) mop is best.  It is important to remember that damp does not mean soaking wet.  If a laminate floor gets too wet, the flooring pieces will swell and suffer water damage.  To clean laminate, mix ¼ cup of vinegar and 32 ounces of water.  Spray this over the floor using a clean spray bottle and damp mop the floor.  You may also use Bona Laminate floor cleaner.  Never use polish or wax on a laminate floor.
  • To spot clean stains such as fruit juice, blood, beer, or wine, use warm water.  Tougher stains such as permanent marker or paint may require alcohol or nail polish remover dabbed on a clean, neutral-colored cloth.  Be sure to wipe spills up immediately before the liquid can seep into the cracks and cause the floor to become weak and damaged.

If you are ready to get laminate flooring in Orlando, A.B. Floors can help.  We are a fully licensed and insured business and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.  Our team of experts is trained and certified in working with laminate flooring.  Orlando residents trust A.B. Floors for all their flooring needs and our clients are our number one priority.  Call us today at 407-513-4787 and speak with one of our knowledgeable laminate flooring professionals.

Caring For Your Hardwood Floor

hardwood flooring Orlando

Hardwood flooring in Orlando is easier to care for than you may think.  While many people believe hardwood floors require a lot of expensive special cleaning products, the opposite is true.  Hardwood floors are simple to maintain and clean.  A little effort with your hardwood floor will keep it looking as good as new.  To help get the most out of your hardwood floor, follow these cleaning suggestions.

  • Polyurethane and other surface finishes only need easy cleaning.  Sweep or vacuum them regularly or use a dust mop.  Never use tile or vinyl floor cleaning products on a wood floor.
  • Never use a self-polishing acrylic wax on your wood floor.  These waxes will cause your floor to become slippery and dull.  When this occurs, the floor has to be sanded and refinished.  You should also never use cleaning products such as Windex, furniture polish, or Murphy’s Oil on a wood floor.
  • Do not damp mop a wood floor.  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning any surface-finished floor.  Excessive moisture and standing water may damage the wood, dull the finish, and cause discoloration.  Use only a lightly dampened (nearly dry) mop on a wood floor.  If water is spilled on a wood floor, wipe it up immediately with a clean cloth.
  • To prevent scratches and scuff marks on a wood floor, place throws rugs or floor mats at doorways to help protect the floor from dirt, grit, and sand.  Place felt pads underneath the legs of furniture and vacuum and dust your wood floor on a regular basis.
  • For cleaning, we recommend Bona hardwood floor cleaners or Bruce hardwood floor cleaner.

Hardwood flooring in Orlando is easy to clean and adds value and beauty to your home.  We have helped clients with their hardwood floors for over 10 years and are a fully licensed and insured flooring company.  Our clients are our number one priority.  If you are interested in getting new hardwood flooring in Orlando, call A.B. Floors at 407-513-4787 and speak with one of our friendly flooring professionals today.