At Sound Builders, we strive to keep up with current trends. Our newsletter this quarter features different ideas on flooring.

~ Elegance of tile
~ Comfort of carpet
~ Practicality of vinyl and laminate
~ Warmth of hardwood
~ Sophistication of stone
~ Environmentally consciousness of cork and bamboo

Remember when carpet covered all the floor srufaces except the bathroom and kitchen where vinyl was the dominant choice?

We've come a long way from those days! There are now many choices to choose from to complement our homes and lifestyles.

Vinyl is still a popular choice. Higher-quality grades are durable. It is soft, quiet underfoot and easy to clean and maintain. Vinyl is available in many colors and patterns. You can even get vinyl that looks like tile or granite!

This is becoming very popular for kitchens and bathrooms.

Tile is durable, easy to maintain and glazed tiles don't allow liquids to soak in. There are unlimited design choices that can lend a stylish and elegant feel to any room.

Carpet is comfortable and welcoming. It adds warmth and texture to a room. It is also available in a wide range of colors and textures.

Hardwood is making a comeback. It is often the flooring of choice in all rooms of the house. There are many selections of hardwood (oak, cherry, pine, ash, maple etc.).

Hardwood adds warmth to a room and is comfortable underfoot. It is durable and resistant to spills and scratches when sealed. Hardwood also complements any decorating style and color scheme. Hint: Use area rugs to add texture and protect high traffic areas.

Laminate has made its way into many homes because of its hardwood look and easy maintenance. It also comes in patterns that mimic tile, stone and other materials.

Stone adds a sophisticated look. It is durable and easy to clean when sealed. Stone requires a little more maintenance. Some stone floors need to be sealed frequently or require regular waxing and polishing to maintain their sheen.

Both cork and bamboo are environmentally friendly. Cork comes from the bark of a Cork Oak tree and can be harvested without harming the tree. Bamboo is a type of grass that is plentiful and grows quickly.

Cork is naturally hypo-allergenic and sound absorbing. It is warm and easy to clean. Bamboo is hard, beautiful and has a unique distinctive pattern.

As we examine options to traditional carpet, we are finding that our rooms (and our feet!) are a little chillier.

One solution is radiant heating. Radiant heating has many advantages over forced air heating systems. Radiant heating is quiet, comfortable, eliminates drafts and most dust problems. The system is "invisible," adding to the aesthetic of a home.

Over time, radiant heating is also cost-effective. It heats a room evenly, from the bottom up, warming the feet and body first and also adding warmth to furniture. The thermostat can be set six to eight degrees lower and still maintain the same level of comfort.

If you are considering a remodel or an addition, Sound Builders can help open new possibilities that become realities.

"Vision is something that you have in your mind."

- Ray Charles

Sound Builders wishes you a blessed holiday season.