How To Choose The Best Flooring For Your Space

Chicagoland Pro- Hardwood Installation, Repair and Refinishing 

Are you getting ready to do a renovation and not sure what type of flooring is best for your space. Let us help you make the best choice. 


Obviously, being a hardwood flooring company we are partial to hardwood floors. After 25 years serving the Chicagoland area we have never heard a client tell us that they hate their hardwood floors. In fact, when was the last time you walked into a home or space and thought "I hate these hardwood floors"? Probably never, and that is why we think installing hardwood floors is a good idea and a good investment. We realize that not everyone agrees so we want to help inform you on all the choices so that you can make the best choice for your home or space. 

The number one factor when trying to decide on the type of flooring you should install or add to a space is function. The way the space will be used, the amount of foot traffic, as well as the floors location in a space all play an important role in what type of flooring your choose. While many focus on the design of the space we encourage to first consider function and then narrow down design options based on what floor will perform better for it's designated space. 


1. Hardwood flooring is great because it can provide both functional and beautiful elements to a renovation. Not only will this floor look good and be easy to keep clean, but it is a great investment. Hardwood flooring can outlast the homeowners by many years and adds a significant value to a home. Not only will the floors last but when you are ready to sell your home, buyers will be more interested because of the hardwood flooring. 

Currently, there are many varieties and or types of hardwood flooring options for consumers. Engineered wood is a great option for those not interested in traditional hardwood floor. It not only is more affordable but also is better suited to kitchen and bathroom spaces, or those that have high levels of humidity.

People looking for GREEN Flooring options should consider bamboo or salvaged wood, and realize that traditional hardwood flooring is considered environmentally friendly. Not only does can hardwood flooring last for over a century, but you can make sure that it is certifiably green by contacting the Forest Stewardship Council. The FCS ensures that wood flooring products are grown and farmed responsibly. There are also Green floor finishes like the BONA finish we use at Chicagoland Pro that is guaranteed to have low amounts of VOC's. These options make wood flooring the best choice for those going to "GREEN".

2. Stone flooring can add a modern and upscale look to a home or space but is not considered environmentally friendly and comes at a high cost. Stone flooring can be a great choice for entrance ways and other spaces that are compact. We would not recommend stone flooring for large rooms such as living or dining areas unless you are ready to spend.
Stone flooring comes in many styles and options, but again, it's not always functional for every type of room.  

3. Vinyl & Laminate flooring is good option for people who have high traffic areas or the functionality of the space includes pets, kids and or constant cleaning. These types of floors are easy to clean and will function well in an area that will receive a lot of foot traffic. While it is not an investment or major improvement that will help sell a space, it can a fresh and clean look, if you are doing a remodel or sick of cleaning a carpeted area. There are many varieties to choose from, including some that look and feel like hardwood floors. For those that are interested in hardwood but do not want to spend the money on traditional hardwood, these types of floors are a great option. They will not last as long, but will enhance a space and offer easier cleaning, and less allergens. 

Have a question for our Hardwood Flooring Professionals? 

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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.

You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter for more tips, tricks and hardwood flooring news.

What You Need to Know About Different Kinds of Hardwood Floors

When doing research for future hardwood flooring projects, make sure you know what each kind of flooring is and how it will affect your project. Typically, when we think of hardwood floors, we think of the traditional are a medium brown that have panels that are a few inches wide. Well, while that is one kind, there are many others. 

Laminate floors. These are less expensive than genuine hardwood floors but they are not necessarily inferior quality. Most laminate floors are made with great quality nowadays and look and feel just like real hardwood. Laminate floors are made up of composite wood with a picture placed on top of the traditional hardwood look. Some kinds are glued into place while newer models are able to be placed and locked with no glue. One lure to this kind of floor is that is more suitable for those with pets.

Some people argue that it is better to use real hardwood that can be sanded down and refinished if there is any damage; while this is a good point, if you want laminate hardwood flooring, go for laminate. However, we will still explore real hardwood types.

Select red oak – this is a top grade hardwood floor. The select red oak is 2-3/4 inches wide. The knots in this type are often very tight and your color options are more limited. You do have the choice of the width as you can get wide choices of species of this kind of floor; you can get other species than the oak as well. For the select red oak, you are looking at a cost of approximately $5 per square foot.

Natural maple is another higher grade. This kind has more color variations than the select red oak. The width for the maple is 3-1/4 inches wide and also comes in widths of 4, 5, or even 6 inch widths. This type of wood floor is a bit more dense than the select red oak as well. How dense is it? Well, this is the kind of wood used for basketball courts and bowling alleys. For the natural maple, you’re looking at an approximate cost of $4 per square foot.   

 Rustic ash is the third kind. This kind has larger knots than the others and still has good color variation. This one is a bit less pricey than the other two kinds and costs approximately $3 per square foot. It is indeed a less classy style of wood and suited more for leisure rooms and lodges.

If you are looking to install hardwood floors in your home, then contact ChicagolandPro – a Palatine Hardwood flooring installation company. 

We have many hardwood flooring specials and other hardwood floor services.

A Few Good Good Reasons To Refinish Your Hardwood Floor

Refinishing Hardwood Floors with Chicagoland Prowww.chicagolandpro.co 

Hardwood floor is a great investment and an asset to any home. Wood flooring, when properly taken care, can last as many as 100 years.

Hardwood flooring should be refinished at least one time in their time lifetime. There are many reasons to do this, but mainly it is a proactive step in protecting your investment. Often people decide to refinish their wood floors to eliminate scratches, stains and dents. Some of these minor issues can be fixed individually but over time the floor will not be able to withstand damage from traffic. At this point refinishing and protecting the floor is a good idea. 

Refinished hardwood floor can also help update the look of a home, allowing for changes in color and style to any room. It does not matter if your goal is to update a space for the purpose of selling or a redecorating project, refinishing your floor can create a completely different look and feel in a room. 

Refinishing do it yourself projects can be a big undertaking for people. It is always advised to get assistance from a professional to insure that the floor is not damaged. When it comes to sanding and staining, it takes a professional with years of experience to do the job right and when done incorrectly can destroy even the best hardwood floor.  

There are tools available and new advancements in refinishing products in recent years.  Time spent away from your home has drastically reduced with some of the new products, and they are also safer; allowing residents to have peace of mind knowing the quality of air after a refinishing project is much better for them and their families. When you start refinishing your hardwood floors ask the contractor working on the project what type of products they use and do some extra research about the options of available to you. Take advantage of the VOC Free and LOW VOC products on the market and get informed. 

Here at Chicagoland Pro we use a Bona refinishing products that has a LOW VOC count and has almost half the drying time compared to traditional products. We are proud to use Bona, as it not only is healthier for our clients but also safer for our staff.

Refinishing floors in your home can be done for a number of reasons. Updating the style or redecorating, protecting your hardwood flooring or simply getting ready to sell your home. Before starting this project it is always important to get in touch with your local hardwood floor professional and get their help in deciding how best to proceed. Some people may find that they may be able to complete the project on their own, but could use some assistance working out a plan and getting a professional opinion. Other people may benefit from having an experienced professional refinish their floor. Either way there is help our there. 

Most flooring professionals,  including Chicagoland Pro offer consolations for free and will help you make a plan based on your needs, wants, home and property. This will help you not only save time and money, but make sure that your are getting the result you want in the end.

Have a question for Chicagoland Pro? Tweet us @ChicagolandPro or stop by our Facebook and post a comment.  

What is Reclaimed Wood and How It Is Used For Flooring

One of the biggest trends in hardwood flooring this year is the use of reclaimed wood or recycled wood. Some people also refer to this as salvaging or re purposing but the main idea is to take old wood and use this wood for flooring, and other purposes. The salvaging of old wood has been happening for some time now, but in recent years and with new focus on sustainability, this trend is one that is not going to go away anytime soon.

We thought it would help to break down the process and facts about this trend, to help our readers and clients understand more about reclaimed wood trend and how they can use reclaimed wood for their next remodel project. 

One of the most common places where people find reclaimed wood is a farm. The wood used in old barns or stables, is usually great for this purpose. Other places that wood can be recycled from include old decks, warehouses, and excavation sites. To find wood to reclaim, one can choose to contact one of many providers focusing on reclaimed wood or contact farms, excavation and remodel sites. These places often will offer the wood for no charge if you are able to pick it up from them.

Many people look for old farm barns to reclaim wood from, which were built with old growth trees. The wood from older trees is a “tight grain wood” and will be naturally stronger and more durable. This type wood is ideal for re purposing as it is stronger than then wood available today.  There are some common types of wood found and reused. Long leaf Heart Pine, a slow growing pine tree comely found across North America in the past was often a source for pioneers. There is also Redwood, White Pine, Chestnut, Hickory and Oak. Oak was another popular choice by Europeans when they first came to North America because they were familiar with it, as it is also found and used across Europe.

Re purposed wood can be used in many different ways. Wood flooring is just one option but you can also use recycled wood for siding, cabinetry and furniture. There are many creative ways to recycle and reuse wood. 

Hardwood that is re-used does not loose value, because of its strength. With this practice becoming a trend, an increase in prices for consumers looking to use salvaged wood should be expected. While the cost is generally higher than traditional choices of hardwood, the value in the investment is considerably greater. This wood, when properly sourced, reclaimed and maintained can last well past 100 years. The floor or project that the wood is used for will outlast its owners and add value to any space.

Reclaimed hardwood flooring is one of the “greenest” options for those looking to take an “eco-friendly” route when installing floors. There is limited impact on the environment because the wood is not going to be harvested. By following other Eco-friendly flooring practices, recycled wood and VOC FREE finishes the floor can be almost 100% green and offer credit toward LEED certification for a building or space.

As with any addition of hardwood floor, the investment is real and of value. Hardwood flooring can add not only warmth to a space, but add significant value when considering buying or selling. The Green aspect of this type of flooring can also add to healthier spaces and a healthier environment.  The greatest thing about reclaimed hardwood floors is that they tell a story and have a history.

If you are interested in using reclaimed wood for your next flooring project or want to learn more about our professional services you can contact us Chicagoland Pro for a free evaluation or consult. We will gladly answer any questions you have and help you to determine if these types of flooring options are a good fit for you and your space.

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The Pro's of Laminate Flooring

Chicagoland Pro Laminate & Veneer Flooring Options

We often find that our clients have many questions about Laminate Flooring. While there are many options people are unsure of the benefits and differences between regular hardwood floor and laminate options. Chicagoland Pro offers both services and the right choice depends on the function and client. Both options are great additions to a home or office space but many don't realize that laminates can be a great option for their upgrade or remodel. 

Here are the Pro's of Laminate Flooring:

• There are substantial health and ecological benefits to laminate flooring. 
• It is incredibly versatile, offering many options for colors, styles and texture.
• Laminates are easy to clean and maintain. 
• Laminates are wonderful for high traffic areas and won't be scratched easily. 
• Laminate floor installation is easier and faster than traditional hardwood floor. 

Laminate flooring is made of "multi-layer synthetic flooring products." The floor itself is fused together through lamination. The floor is made of a combination of fiber board and melamine resin. It was first invented in 1977 by a Swedish company and then improved on again in Sweden by another company where they created a glue-less option. 

There are many styles and options with laminates. Color and style range from stone, wood and tile. Most people think of tile when they think of laminates but there is an incredible amount of wood options, from gray's, brown and exotic cherry.  

For those thinking about installing hardwood but worried about high traffic, pets, kids and want to avoid scratches, laminate is the perfect option. It is durable and hard to damage. This type is flooring is also easy to clean, with out the need special products, cleaners or home remedies. It will not absorb water as hardwood does and can be easily cleaned with a mop.  Recently, BONA the same product we use to finish hardwood floors is started offering disposable cleaning pads for laminates to make cleaning even easier. 

Installation is also much faster than traditional wood floors. We recommend that clients purchase their own supplies for these installs but fortunately for them this is easy as laminates are smaller in size. Most people who purchase laminates find that they can transfer them form the store in just car one load. 

For the eco-concious consumer  laminates are also a win. They are commonly used in LEED homes. Laminates have potential health benefits and produce less emissions providing a better product for your family and the enviornment. 

If you are interested in laminates and are in the Chicagoland area get in touch with @ChicagolandPro.

We offer FREE Estimates and will answer any questions you may have regarding laminates, hardwood and veneer flooring to help you make the best investment for your home. 

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Spring Cleaning Your Floors

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. 

6 Great Ways to Destroy Your Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is often installed in homes to make the home look more beautiful, elegant, classy, and have floors that are just a whole lot easier to keep clean than carpeting. However, there are certain ways that you can really ruin you hardwood; many of these methods are things that seem like they would be good for the floors or just wouldn't be bad for them.

1. Using a vacuum that has a rotating brush. Why is this a bad thing for your floors? Well, for a pretty big reason; the brush can be very abrasive on you hardwood floors. When you vacuum, it is better to avoid using the rotating brush and instead go for something like a floor attachment, a brush roll will still be good to use. This is a bigger deal when you realize that vacuuming your floors is an important thing because leaving dirt on your floors can scratch them as well. 
2. Using a wet-cleaning device too frequently. This can become a source of water damage if you use a wet-cleaning device with a lot of frequency, especially if your floors are not in need of the heavy cleaning. This way to clean your floors is something you only need to do once or maybe twice a month. Day-to-day cleaning is kept to vacuuming and spot cleaning. This can also be a problem if you drench your floors in cleaner. Yes, the finishes on today's hardwood are stronger and much more resistant to water but that is not a reason to dump an ocean of cleaner on your floors. Instead, use a damp cloth with some cleaner and do what you need to. Hardwood flooring maintenance is not necessarily an all day chore, unless your floors are just that bad. 
3. Using a steam-cleaner. Do not use a steam cleaner if your floors have a wax finish or if your finish is real old; the steam will ruin the finish. If your floor can handle the steam cleaning, then go for a light touch on the steam. Also, don't let it sit in one spot for too long or this can create a problem area. 
4. Using the wrong rug pad. If you use a rug pad that has a rubber backing or mesh, this will dull the shine on your floors; if your floors are matte finish, then the rubber can still cause some discoloration. You want your floors to be that healthy, elegant color they had upon installation, don't you? 
5. Allowing your floors to sunbathe. Your floors are just like you, too much time in the sun can become a problem for coloration. Now, when you spend time in the sun, you get darker (or more red) but your floors get paler. You have seen the sun's effects on other things and you notice over time that those things got paler the longer they sat in the sun. 
6. Not being careful with sharp objects. You like to rearrange rooms, which means moving furniture. Sometimes we forget the leggings on furniture can scratch the floors and lead to hardwood flooring restoration. We also have to remember things like pet claws can also do damage.