Spring 2015 Home Renovation Trends

Spring is here, and along with cleaning homeowners are doing renovations. Recently Hardwood Floor Magazine reported a sizable increase in spring renovation for homeowners across the country. There is no better time than now to start your home project or remodel and we at Chicagoland Pro thought we can help by offering some information on current trends in the hardwood flooring industry.

Spring time is a great time to do home remodeling projects. So what are some of the things that people are investing in this year?

Here are a few that we found to be popular requests this year for hardwood flooring.
Other home renovations and investments that are popular this year include outdoor living areas, outdoor lighting and landscape changes.

When it comes to hardwood floors one of the most popular additions for homeowners this year is hardwood in bathrooms and kitchens. With the advancement of engineered wood, the possibilities are endless. These new types of wood are safer to use in areas that have higher humidity levels, and are much easier to clean. One creative way to mix things up and create a new look in your kitchen without a complete renovation is refreshing kitchen cabinetry and adding hardwood flooring to match.

Recycled or up cycled wood is another new trend that is on a lot of peoples minds as homeowners try to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Not only does salvaged wood save trees, but it also tells a story.

Many people are choosing to do some simple refinishing to their current hardwood flooring and creating dark ebony colors to make their space more modern looking. On the flip side, others are choosing to go with a normal natural look and limiting the amount of shine for a matte finish. Both of these options create a modern and clean feel, offering the benefits of hardwood floors, without the traditional look or a major renovation to your home.

Looking for more tips or help with your remodel? Get in touch with Wayne, from Chicagoland Pro to learn more about our current specials. We offer FREE estimates and can install or refinish your hardwood floors. Our service areas north and northwest of Chicago including Palatine, Arlington Heights, Long Grove, Lincolnshire and Northbrook.

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Spring Clean Your Hardwood Floor

Chicagoland Pro- Hardwood Floor Installation & Finishing 

When the snow is melting, the life is coming back to nature, temperatures are rising, and people are getting happier, you know that spring is here. Sure, there is still some snow on the ground in much of the midwest but we know that spring is this close to being here and the age old concept of "spring cleaning" is knocking at our doors. 

Now, no matter what kind of floors you have, it is important that you get them clean and looking good for all those fun times you are about to have now that the roads aren't impassable due to the weather.

Hardwood flooring is definitely one of the simplest floors to clean and takes the least amount of work. Typically, to keep them in good shape means just having to sweep and vacuum them; you just want to keep all the dirt and dust (and other junk) from making your floors home and ruining them. Now, if you have spills or stains, you may have to use a mop or a wet mop device (the ones that have the spray and you attach the tissue to the base). If you use either one of these, make sure you do not soak your floor with too much of the liquid; use enough to get it clean but not to flood the place. Too much moisture can get in between the seems in the floors and ruin them; this can ruin the backing on the floors and perhaps ruin the finish.

If you are one to prefer carpeting, then what you have to do is vacuum and make sure that the vacuum filter is clean (this will give you a real good job at cleaning your carpet). If you have more aggressive cleanings to do, like for stains, then use a proper cleaning solution and blot the stain, don't wipe or rub.

If you have ceramic floors, then you have a pretty easy cleaning job as well, much like with hardwood flooring, your cleaning job is going to be a lot of vacuuming and easy mopping. However, you may have to do cleaning more regularly, daily almost. You have to do regular cleaning to avoid the buildup of things like mold, mildew, grime, etc. Use clean water and then wipe them dry. Make sure your grout is clean and good to go as well. If you have grout to clean, then mix some mild detergent (1/4 cup) with a gallon of water.

They say April showers bring May flowers, should there be April showers (or any other spring month), then try to keep the water out of the house and off your floors. If you have any questions, then contact Chicagoland Pro - a hardwood flooring company. 

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