Flooring

[Paper Boy]

The latest in flooring.
Source: REMODELING Magazine
Publication date: January 1, 2007

By Lauren Hunter

BHK. The company's SoundGuard line of glueless laminate flooring now has three new colors. Featuring exotic wood species, the new colors are jacaranda, a golden-tonewith a swirling grain, and kempas and morado, two darker brown patterns. SoundGuardflooring features a sound-deadening system that includes aninsulation backer affixed directly to the back of the flooring panel. Inaddition to minimizing the sounds of footsteps, the insulation system improvesacoustics in the home and offers increased heat insulation. 800.663.4176.

Lam-Hammer. Using pry bars or pull bars to fit laminate floor edge pieces can damage drywall, toekicks, and the flooring itself. Instead, try the Lam-Hammer, which uses a sliding weight to pull flooring planks tightly into place. Apolypropylene stabilizer ring keeps the heavy powder-coated steel tool frommarring flooring materials. Five-, 6-, and 7-pound models are available foruse with different types of flooring. 888.687.2421.

Pergo. Pergo Hardwood is an engineered wood floor offering strength and stability to resist splits, cracks, andbowing. A seven-step finishing process incorporates two layersof wood for a smooth look, plus a satin stain for uniformity, and a UV coatingfor wear resistance. The 3-inch planks are ideal for traditional spacesand formal living areas, while 5-inch planks create a more casual and eclecticfeel. Microbeveled sides add visual interest and sophistication. 800.337.3746.


Armstrong Flooring. Designed for easy, quick installation, the Locking Hardwood line offers domestic and exotic species in three collections: Hand-scraped, GlobalSpecies, and oak. The 5-inch-wide planks install similarly to “click” laminatefloors, no nails, staples, or glue required. The engineeredconstruction controls natural expansion and contraction, so the hardwoodflooring can be installed at any grade, including below-ground. 800.527.5903.

Amtico. Featuring a subtle, abstract surface pattern, Amtico Linear flooring comes in two natural tones to provide a neutral floor for many applications. Thepremium vinyl tile incorporates the maker's Multi Performance System, usinga surface urethane treatment for scuff resistance and low maintenance, aceramic-impregnated top performance layer for slip resistance, and a high-densitysecond performance layer for dent resistance. 404.267.1900.


Domco. Available in three collections at competitive price points, FiberFloor is a family of fiberglass-reinforced products offering a range of flooringlooks from wood to tile. The vinyl-backed, dimensionally stable material willnot expand or contract and offers tear and indent resistance. A gluelessinstallation option means that, should the area become wet, panels can belifted to dry and then replaced. Six- and 12-foot widths provide for seamlessinstallations and minimal waste. 888.639.8275.

Tarkett. Featuring deep, earthy tones and the character of hand-scraped wood, the Nafco Luxury Tile line goes through a proprietary manufacturing process to make each piece unique. Tilesmeasure 36 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 1/8 inch deep, and arolled edge treatment gives a realistic look of natural wood fibers. Finishingwith ceramic technology means a high-wear, scratch-and-scuff resistantsurface, as well as tiles that are impermeable to moisture. 800.227.4662.


Signature Innovations. Made from flexible rubber and cork, FlexiKork underlayment is designed to inhibit sound transfer through floor-ceiling assemblies, absorbshock, and relieve stress. Available in 4-foot-wide rolls, the materialcomes in two thicknesses: 3mm in 100- or 300-square-foot rolls and 6mm in 120-square-footrolls. Compatible with all floor finishes and all radiant floorheating products, installers can thinset tile and stone directly to FlexiKork. 888.647.4600.

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