Coles now carries Teragren flooring- a bamboo manufacturer known for its strict adherence to environmental standards & guidelines.
A powerful force in the development of eco-friendly building products, Teragren offers products with the highest quality of environmental & health standards, including LEED® certification, FloorScore® certification, and responsible harvesting & manufacturing processes.
We are proud to offer homeowners such an environmentally conscious, high-quality brand for their flooring needs. To learn more about bamboo flooring, click here.
Everyone’s joining the green movement, whether it’s purchasing a hybrid vehicle, reducing our water and energy use, or simply recycling, we should all be doing our part. When starting your next home design project, consider environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce your affect on the environment. Recycled materials typically cost less, and add the same charming decor to warm the spirits of your house.
Bamboo hard wood floors
When it comes to hardwood flooring, bamboo has become a popular option. A renewable resource that grows at exponential levels and has minimal affect on the environment. It’s a very popular hardwood flooring option because it can be stained or painted any color. You can make it look like traditional hardwood floors, or use the bamboo to highlight a unique appearance. Bamboo adds an innovative style to the possibilities of hardwood flooring.
Bamboo furniture or Wall Covers
Bamboo also makes for an affordable furniture material, perfect for kitchen tables, chairs, and bar stools. In addition, it can be used as a wall covering to compliment your furniture. Since it grows so prolifically, it’s cheap to use, and has the great qualities of hard wood. Bamboo is functionally strong, so you know your investment will be around for a long time to come.
Recycled Wall Paper
This is a hot trend in interior design, although you might want to avoid recycling the bright 70s yellow Brady Bunch wallpapers you remember from your childhood. Many companies take existing pieces of wallpaper and recycle them to make fresh new designs. Scraps of existing paper or broken paper are then added to make material that’s completely new. This saves wallpaper from ending up in a landfill and polluting the environment further.
Make Use of Distressed Wood
Distressed wood can come from broken furniture, torn down houses and even old sail boats. It’s much cheaper than new wood, but can still be reused to make quality products. The pieces are left as is, but can be sanded and stained to look new. It’s great for making wooden tables, pieces of decoration, or even a cheaper option for installing hardwood flooring.
Windshield Carpet Backing
Although you wouldn’t expect that you could make carpet from used windshields, they make excellent carpet backing. Tandus recently released Ethos, a modular carpet backing that uses waste from the manufacturers of windshields and safety glass to create a thermoplastic polymer. The non-chlorinated thermoplastic can be recycled repeatedly to divert it from landfills forever. How’s that for carpet excitement?
Redesign old drawers into furniture
Take a chest of drawers and build them into a new frame to create a charming but eco friendly new piece of furniture. This approach is retro and modern at the same time. Professional touches can range in the thousands of dollars, but find an innovative carpenter and you can probably work out a deal.
Wine Glass Furniture and Other Decorations
Some recycling companies refuse to recycle the green glass from which wine bottles are made of, leaving you with a nice collection if you save them from the landfill. These wine bottles can be cut and sanded into charming drinking glasses, lampshades, and candlestick holders. For a simpler approach, plant your wine bottles in the ground spout side down to create charming flower garden borders.
Natural stone can last for ages, if you take care of it properly. The day to day care isn’t hard, but it’s important if you want to maintain that fine finish you remember the day you bought it. A quality natural stone tile is made to last, so make it last with astute care that keeps it looking as good for your grandchildren as it looked when it was freshly installed.
Give it a once over
Clear any abrasive dirt, sand and other particles from the surface of the stone daily. Use only dust mops and gentle bristle brooms. A good once over a day will keep the floor shining perfectly. Plus, if you keep up on cleaning, it’s easy each time, taking merely seconds every morning to keep the cleaned-grittiness of natural stone.
If you prefer to use a vacuum cleaner, avoid one with a beater bar. You should only use one that has suction only, as any other may damage your floor and leave abrasive marks.
Throw rugs in well traveled spaces
Entrance rugs at the entrance to well traveled areas help keep the dirt to a minimum. Place rugs in hall ways and the entrances of rooms. With the right rugs, the floor will look richer and warmer, giving the toes a soft graceful feeling if you like to pad around in your bare feet.
Control the slide
Stone floors are naturally slick. Use small furniture covers on the feet of all your furniture for safety. A cozy chair can easily go crashing in the event of wrestling children, which could result in accidents. Placing sticky edges on your furniture keeps it in place, as well as protects the surface of your floor.
Clean up spills quickly
It’s important to wipe spills up as soon as they happen, especially in the kitchen. This is especially true if the spill is acidic such as orange, tomato, or lime juice, which will tend to disrupt the surface of your floor for a short time after exposure. Stains that are left to fester gather up extra dirt which sticks to the surface and mars the floor. The longer stains are ignored, the more noticeable and permanent they can be.
It really doesn’t hurt to mop your floor regularly, even several times a day with a lightly wet mop. When you keep up on the floor cleanliness, you don’t have to break out a big bucket of sud water each time. Simply get the mop wet, and go over the surface. If you do this often enough, cleanliness is simple and easy. You hardly even realize you are doing it.
Keep it ecological
Always clean your floor with a biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solution, especially if you have small children or pets. Babies get everywhere, and dogs will lick anything. You don’t want your child or your pets contaminated with toxic chemicals. A good vinegar and biodegradable dish soap solution will work, giving the floors a nice lemony, vinegar scent.
As a basic rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use any cleaning product from the grocery store on your stone, unless it is completely natural and biodegradable. Avoid chemical bubbles that claim to eat dirt. They may just eat the finish of your floor too.
A little bleach
Bleach works great at eradicating algae from pool and patio areas, but it’s important to rinse the areas well so the bleach isn’t left sitting in pools. It’s a great way to get rid of the dirt, but be sure you’ve also gotten rid of the bleach when you are done.
Get your floors professionally sealed
It’s also a good idea to have your floors sealed by a professional so they can keep their natural quality for years to come.
Natural stone tiles, and the ceramic alternatives that mimic them, can boast displays of vast color range and variation, which can be very exciting for the eye, and your home. Tile floors that feature color movement in them can sometimes seem like a bold statement, but they don’t have to be overwhelming- in fact, they can look quite natural because of that range in hue.
Here are some other reasons to consider tile with color or range:
Dirt, hair, and scratches are much easier to hide, because the inconsistency of color creates a camouflage effect.
The flooring appears to have more ‘depth’ & richness.
More colors present makes designing easier- there are more color choices for you to pull for accents into your decorating scheme.
It looks less ‘grid-like’ and mathematical. When there is no pattern or color interest, the eye falls onto the grout lines, which are emphasized and give a very geometric, sharp feeling.
Tile flooring is filled with options, and with the right choice, it can dictate a design scheme, bringing life and versatility into your décor. The best advice if you’re hesitant is to take home samples, and look at them laid on the floor, not up to your face (as this is the height you’d see the tiles from every day).
Coles Fine Flooring has been selected for the 2009 Best of San Marcos Award in the Ceramic Tile category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA):
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
Tile floors have a lot of advantages. They are easy to maintain, and they have an appealing appearance. Yet with anything else that is beautiful, tile floors require care and special maintenance to ensure they keep looking good for a long time. Luckily, they are some of the easiest floors to take care of. Here are a few tips for maintaining your tile floors.
Prevention is worth an ounce of attention
Tile floors are going to get dirty from time, no matter what you do. You don’t live in a continual plastic bubble, so dirt is going to get tracked across them. Stains happen. Food gets stuck and sometimes fossilized. Pay attention to the little details of your floor. As marks develop, deal with each one immediately. It will result in a cleaner floor that shines through the test of time.
Clean spills right away
Stains only get worse when they are ignored. By cleaning up spills immediately, you’ll minimize them and protect your floor. Don’t let them dry on the floor. They may leave a permanent stain, made all the worse by collecting dirt that sticks like fly tape. Sweep and mop the floor often. Dirt that’s quickly removed is kept from being ground up on the surface of your tile. Be consistent and thorough. The more you sweep and mop, the easier the job will be because dirt won’t want to stick around.
Use mats to catch the dirt
Mats placed in strategic locations can work wonders. They are good at catching the dirt in well-trafficked areas, protecting your floor from grunge as well as wear and tear. Choose a mat that’s easy to clean. You can focus your cleaning more easily on the mat if it catches the majority of the dirt.
Elbow grease works wonders
When it comes down to it, you just have to get down and dirty with the dirt and scrub. Check with the floor manufacturer for recommendations on what kind of cleaner to use. There are many all-purpose cleaners available, but test them on a small surface before hitting the entire floor. Some seem to do their job by burning through the dirt, but can damage your floor in the process. You may want to choose a brand that’s environmentally conscious. You can probably find a natural solution that can get rid of the dirt without contaminating your kitchen.
A hot water lemon and vinegar solution is a nice natural cleanser that won’t pollute your home and it leaves a nice smell. You get the fresh smell of lemons without wondering where the chemicals have been.
Sweep before you wash
Always sweep or vacuum your floor before you start scrubbing. Washing an un-swept floor can encourage the dirt to stick and stain, creating more damage than it’s worth. Clean all dirt with a broom and dustpan or a vacuum if you prefer the electrical approach. It saves the dirt from being kicked back and forth, as well as prevents it from being caked on to stand the memories of time.
Do a final towel dry
You may want to dry off your tile floor at the end to keep dirt from re-sticking to it. It may also help to wear a pair of old socks when you are washing the floor, so you can move freely on the washed areas without leaving dirt stains.
Tile floors are beautiful and easy to maintain. All it takes is regular cleaning and sweeping to keep stains at bay and keep your home looking beautiful. Keeping up on it and running a broom across every day or two saves time at the end of the week. Don’t let the job pile up. Keep it clean and down to size with regular care and maintenance.
In terms of durability, no other natural stone flooring options can compare to quartz or granite. The densest and hardest members of the stone tile family, both options resist scratching and staining better than any of the other stone alternatives- which makes them especially ideal choices for kitchens, though they are durable enough to be utilized in almost any application in the home. Both are great stone flooring options, but many customers tend to become torn over which is the best choice for them.
Stone can be a beautiful addition to a home, adding elegance reminiscent of castles or the ancient architecture of Greece or Rome. It’s classical as well as classy, improving the intrinsic value of your home as well as the comfortable relaxing atmosphere to unwind and enjoy with the whole family. It’s a perfect way to add a custom touch of originality to your home, creating a texture that’s as uniquely ornamental as the iconic past. Stone adds a touch of personality that’s been shared for centuries, adding a noble touch of comfort and elegance. With so many colors, styles and patterns to choose from, you can choose from classical designs to more contemporary constructions that have all the taste of modern art and sculpture.
Stone Tile in the Kitchen
Considering how many times you drop things, leaving dribbles of spaghetti sauce here, grape juice spills there; putting stone in the kitchen is a natural step. There’s no reason to cry over spilled milk when all it takes is a paper towel to clean the damage. Natural stone has the capabilities to handle any stain in the kitchen, plus its classical, sound structure makes it feel like you’re cooking a medieval feast.
Making a Monumental Backyard
Stone is a perfect addition to the scenery in a backyard, creating structures that are monolithic in shape and influence. You can add stone to create a scenic backyard waterfall, build seating areas or places for plants to catch their rays. Stone is a perfect way to sculpt walking areas, separate flower beds, and tie the backyard together in a shape of wonder and nostalgic classicalism. You can add birdbaths and sundials for more scope in an outdoor garden.
If you create your own cement blocks, you can get creative and submerge items of interest for decoration. This could include other ornamental stones, statuary or rubber balls for a fun approach to style. Children’s toys make a nice addition, as do figurines or plants that leave fossil like impressions.
Fireplaces as good as a classical novel
Nothing creates classical beauty like a hearth made of impressive granite, marble or other solid stone. It’s perfect for gathering in front of the fire to tell stories like the days of yesteryear, a romantic evening in front of the glow of a fire, or just cuddling up to a hot cup of chocolate and a good book. Stone fireplaces can take a home back to life’s basic meanings with a solid goodness that’s been fashionable for centuries.
Stone for Bathrooms
Absorbing dampness yet following the suggestion of classical beauty, stone is perfect for the bathroom setting. It’s easy to cover up the surface of most bathrooms, yet suggests a classical feel that’s feels good on your feet coming out of the bath. It adds a decorative touch to meet the designs of most bathrooms. There’s something solid about stone that’s as functional as it is decorative.
Proper Installation a Plus
As equal as choosing which type of stone to use, proper installation is integral to the job looking great. Make sure you hire a professional as it means all the difference. If you are going to make the investment, be sure to do the job right. Stone lasts a long time, so be happy with the job because it may have a longevity that outlasts even you.
Solidness that lasts
When properly cared for, natural stone lasts virtually forever. It’s the stuff of castles and Greek monuments, surviving through the years to tell the legacy of the tale. Stone is classic because it is so enduring. Choose what you want wisely and carefully. What you create out of stone will definitely stand the test of time.
When planning to use tile or stone in your home, you may find yourself considering accent tiles, decorative tiles, border pieces, etc. These designer tile pieces are an easy way to enhance a larger tile pattern, incorporate a color scheme, or define an area as a focal point.
Here are some quick tips on how to integrate these accent tiles into your decorating scheme:
Create a decorative band in a shower, or as a tub surround.
Backsplashes and sink splashes are great opportunities to use these decorative options.
Wainscoting border- install a tile border about wainscoting level to create a divide along the wall.
Tile-framed mirrors are fun and unique- you can build a tile border and have it installed directly to the wall, surrounding the mirror
Hard surface area rug- create the look of a rug with a tile border or inlay, used to set off an area like a dining room or a foyer.
Line the perimeter of a countertop, and create the effect of an outline or border.
Trace the base of a kitchen island, using a border to set off the island within the kitchen.
Remember, there are no real “rules” to using decorative tiles & accent tiles- your design opportunities are a endless as your imagination!
Cork flooring is rapidly becoming more popular, mostly because of an increasing demand for eco-friendly flooring options. Cork is truly a green material; since cork itself is a derivative of the bark of the tree, the success of cork harvesting lies in keeping the trees alive and promoting forest health, rather than cutting them down. A healthy tree means a profitable tree, so these forests are sustained and observed, encouraging growth for decades. These are just some of the reasons you should consider switching to cork flooring in your home.
Did you know…
A law was passed in the 30’s called “The 9-Year Law”, which dictates that cork cannot be harvested any more frequently than every 9 years. The tree must meet other qualifications as well, such as having a circumference of at least 60cm, and being at least 25 years of age.
The average cork tree lives to be between 150-200 years old.
As a tree ages, the better its quality of cork becomes.
Dom Perignon was one of the first to use cork for stoppers in his sparkling wines, making it a significant discovery that would lead to many other uses of cork.
Cork flooring is a recycled product- cork floors are made from the “waste” cork that is left from the production of wine stoppers.
Cork floors are a popular choice to be used in libraries, churches, and nurseries because of its sound absorption qualities.
Because of cork’s structure (millions of tiny, encapsulated air cells), it greatly reduces heat loss in rooms. Unlike other flooring materials, it maintains an even temperature through these tiny prisms- a temperature that feels comfortable underfoot, and is neither too warm, nor too cold.