Materials

So here's the deal. We're not really big on the technical stuff. If you are one of those people who need to know everything right down to the atomic particles - and certainly we encourage you to be that thorough - here are some links to the manufacturers of the various materials we use. They will tell you what it's all about, because really, you should know. We should know too. And really, we actually do, but because we're not so hot at giving those kinds of technical explanations - I mean not a single one of us is any good at this stuff - we thought that it might save you some time. So go ahead and click on any of the links at the bottom. Go on. Don't be shy.

One more thing: some of the Web sites below have samples of floors. We don't do those kinds of floors because, well, they're kind of boring. If you want what they have, go for it. When you get ready for some excitement under your feet, come back. We'll be here, and we won't even be mad that you looked somewhere else.

Oops!! Just kidding about some of that stuff above. We were just talking about the really technical and creepy formulation information. We really do know a lot about the history of these materials and their various applications during various eras. If you don't think this stuff will put you to sleep then read on. Here it is.

This material is great for contemporary installations, particularly as a substitute for hardwood. It is also a very traditional material that is frequently used in historic restorations. In Japan and elsewhere, cork is also used for its acoustic properties. Even when it is on your floor, it is reducing sound transmission and absorbing vibration. Cork can also act as insulation from both heat and cold. It is also a sustainable material. In other words, this year's trees are busy making next year's cork.

Typically, cork flooring comes as a 12" x 12" tile 3/16" thick. It comes in a variety of hues, from a honey tone to a very dark coffee color. Unfinished materials can also be color stained. The material can either be pre-finished or unfinished, but the unfinished material must be varnished on site. Regardless of color, the finishes can be high-gloss, waxed, satin or mat. Go take a look at our gallery, if you haven't already, to get an idea of the possibilities. They're endless. Here are a few things you should consider: cork does not do well in direct sunlight or moist environments like basements. It is a tricky material to install on a concrete slab. In this type of condition we strongly recommend extensive moisture testing, a two-layer moisture barrier and a plywood underlayment.

Linoleum

This material has been around for over 150 years. Consisting entirely of ingredients such as ground cork, wood flour, linseed oil, resins, pigments, and jute, this all natural flooring material is every bit as sustainable as cork. Linoleum comes in an infinite variety of colors ranging from the bold to the subtle. Possibly because nothing has changed about the way that Linoleum is manufactured, it is a material that evokes memory. It is timeless, historic and contemporary.

Owing to the fact that Linoleum comes mostly from Scotland, it comes to us in a metric size that measures 13" x 13". We follow the same installation guidelines for Linoleum that we apply to Cork.

Have fun figuring out the applications and origins of this one. It looks like linoleum with one huge difference. You can actually specify custom colors and multicolored marbling.

VCT

Vinyl Composition Tile is the stuff you see in the grocery store. The tiles are generally 12" x 12" x 1/8" format. This is not a natural material, but it relatively inexpensive. Available in hundreds of colors, it is the most affordable of all at $1 -$2 a square foot (without inlay). Like its more natural cousins, the design possibilities for VCT are without limit.

All the flooring we use is commercial grade. All of them can be used in either contemporary or traditional historic design schemes. Properly maintained, these are all highly durable materials. Yes, if you dance in stiletto heels or have the dog from Hell, your floor will pay. We just had to let you know. A couple of parting tidbits not necessarily related to one another: All of these floors are hypoallergenic. We don't send samples. The color palate is changed almost yearly, so I won't post them. Consult the Web for that. Here is a list of our favorite companies: